The New York based Generation 2000 (G2K) hailed the 11-medal haul as both impressive and historic, noting that the total team effort has placed Jamaica at the forefront of sport globally.

The statement, over the signature of President Kevin Sangster, “congratulated the Jamaica Olympic team on its impressive and historic record-breaking performances in the just concluded 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China”.

The world class excellence of our Olympic athletes – especially the two individual women sprint events, Melaine Walker’s Olympic record 400m hurdles golden run, Usain Bolt’s two record-breaking individual gold medals, and the world record men’s 4×100m relay gold medal - has allowed us to eclipse the United States as the new track and field superpower of the world.

“Our athletes demonstrated in Beijing, quite convincingly, the capacity of the Jamaican people for exceptional greatness when we are provided with opportunities to exercise our talents as a people,” said Kevin K.O. Sangster, G2K USA president.

“That the majority of our athletes who shone brilliantly in the Olympics actually live and train locally in Jamaica, with several of them having roots in some of the country’s inner-city or poor rural communities, further highlights and exhibits the magnitude of our Olympic success,” added Sangster, a Jamaican-born attorney in Philadelphia.

The performances of our athletes have accentuated the need for us to develop a nursery to hone the athletic talents of our people so that we can become a true sports mecca. To this end, we support the government’s decision to explore the establishment of a Centre of International Sporting Excellence in Jamaica. We too share the sentiments of potentially using the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium as such a centre and making greater use of the GC Foster College to develop the sporting talents of our people and to act as an outlet to those overseas who wish to avail themselves of the training facilities and opportunities in Jamaica.

The great national pride among us Jamaicans, both at home and across the Diaspora, that resulted from our athlete’s historic performances should serve as a means of fostering greater love, respect, and co-operation among us as a people. With love and unity, we are capable of doing and achieving so much more as a people.

All Jamaicans can be justly proud of our athletes’ unprecedented and splendid achievements at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which have given Brand Jamaica worldwide recognition on which we can further capitalize as a people and a nation.

Police claim the teen was carrying a pistol, and they had to give chase. Upset residents refute that claim. Whether or not he was carrying a weapon, or initially ran away from the police, once he surrendered, (stopped running, wasn’t firing) he should  not have been killed in their custody. He was driven to the hospital by police, and pronounced dead on arrival.

Spragga Benz, whose real name is Carlton Grant Sr., partnered with soca star Kevin Lyttle with the dancehall remix of Lyttle’s track, “Turn Me On”. Turn Me On reached #1 on the Billboard Single Chart on August 12th, 2004. Spragga Benz was in New York at the time of his son was murdered.

My most sincere condolences to Spragga Benz and his family.

Addressing scores of Jamaicans at the annual City Hall celebrations marking Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of Independence at City Hall, Manhattan on Thursday, August 21, 2008, Yvonne J. Graham, now a special assistant to Brooklyn’s Borough President Marty Markowitz, challenged the audience to explore the concept of Diaspora Philanthropy.

Noting that the government alone cannot bear the burden of the national development agenda, Ms. Graham said that such a commitment would help to raise a new generation of citizens who will gain the skills necessary to meet the country’s many challenges.

“I encourage the many individuals and organizations present to explore the concept of Diaspora philanthropy, engaging donors and investors directly in the development of towns and parishes and building beneficial relationships between home and Diaspora communities,” Ms. Graham said.

Ms. Graham, who is challenging for the Brooklyn Borough President’s job later this year, further noted that such partnerships can provide opportunities for Jamaicans in the Diaspora to contribute financially to a worthwhile effort or to return home to perform short or long term public service, bringing specialized knowledge and resources to the tasks of economic and social development.

In thanking the many individuals, organizations and associations for their extraordinary work, spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership and activism, Ms. Graham invited the audience to, “think about how you or your organization can help Jamaica deal with the challenges of today and pursue the possibilities of tomorrow, rising to the moment and the greatness we were destined for”.

She paid tribute to the national heroes who started the march for freedom and Independence as well as the heroics of the athletes at the Games of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.

“I know that wherever Jamaicans are they are filled with national pride and celebrating big time,” she said.

Consul General Geneive Brown Metzger who accepted a proclamation from the New York City Council, recognizing Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of Independence and the contribution of Jamaicans to the social and economic life of the city, encouraged the audience to, “seize the moment as there is no time like the present, to harness and channel this potential into our every day deliberations and endeavours”.

“We must act now to draw on the tremendous sense of nationalism that will stretch from Beijing to Buff Bay,” she said.

The annual ceremony also paid tribute to eight outstanding Jamaicans whose work continue to have a positive impact on the city. They are; Evangelist Eleanor Riley (Gospel Ministry), wife of Bishop Cecil G. Riley of the Freedom Hall Church of God, Brooklyn; Chandra Maria Young – Education; Rev. G. Earl Knight – Religion; George Pitter – Entrepreneurship/Insurance Brokerage; Ruschelle Boone – TV Journalism; Mr. Millicent A. Comrie – Medicine; Mary Ann Reid – Entertainment; Xamayla Rose – Youth Leadership/Mentorship.

This year’s recognition to a non-Jamaican (honourary Jamaican) working in the community went radio host (WTNY, KISS-FM, WBLS), Dr. Bob Lee for 25 years of contribution in the Media Arts. He was presented with a certificate of merit and a lapel pin of the Jamaica Flag by Consul General Brown Metzger.

Prayers were said and a moment of silence observed for the families of the dearly departed this year including, Esmin Green, Brian HoSang and Inez Veronica St. John.

This year’s celebration was presented with the help of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus of the New York City Council.

–end—
Contact:
Aubrey L. Campbell
JIS/NY.
T: 212-935-7506

Saturday, August 16, 2008 in Yokohama, Japan was far from an ordinary day for Irish and Chin, Inc. clients, top-of-the line sound system and entertainment outfit Mighty Crown, phenomenal Dancehall artist Mr. Vegas and the stimulating dance crew High Energy. Impressively, this day commemorated the 17th anniversary of Mighty Crown in a colossal way, with a record-breaking 40,000 birthday guests in tow to share the experience.

Mighty Crown, who is fresh off the heels of a sold-out European tour, celebrated their birthday in style, spinning hits for their fans and well wishers. At any given moment during the show, they blasted the sounds of top Dancehall selections, which rippled through the packed arena. From start to finish, Mighty Crown’s performance consistently evoked a roaring crowd. In addition to Mighty Crown dropping Reggae favorites, ace selector Sami T also donned the role of artist, lacing the venue with some of his latest music.

“We are more than pleased with the outcome of Yokohama Reggae SAI,”declares Sami T of Mighty Crown. “We never imagined that the event would evolve from 150 in attendance to 40,000……….over the years, we actually focused on the quality of the event rather than quantity.”

But Mighty Crown couldn’t rightfully take center stage for the full night because there were many acts to follow, including those from their Lifestyle Records imprint like Papa B (20 year music veteran) and a number of high profile Japanese Reggae artists. And of course, there were the special guest artists from Jamaica, who were kept a secret until that night.

The excited crowd erupted in applause when none other than Mr. Vegas took center stage. He rocked the swollen venue for his entire energetic set, capturing the undivided attention of his Japanese fans. Mr. Vegas consistently delivered flawless selections of timeless classics, new gems and his smash hits in Japan “Do You Know?” and “Up and Live.” Mr. Vegas was last in Japan on a Mighty Crown tour in 2006.

“This is indisputably the largest audience that I have performed before in my career,” says Mr. Vegas enthusiastically. “Japanese fans have a committed love of Reggae/Dancehall music, making this opportunity more than worthwhile.”

A climactic moment of Mr. Vegas’ stage show was a performance of High Energy, his background dancers that constantly bring the fire with pulsating dance moves and acrobatic feats. Throughout their segment, they received monstrous forwards. Led by Boricia Anthony Brown and Tishana Ellis, High Energy is blossoming in recognition, with requests for appearances through out the world.

“As this is our first time in Japan, the experience has been quite rewarding,” says Tishana. “Clearly, Japanese fans hold the ‘dance’ element of Dancehall culture with high regard, as evidenced by the outpour of appreciation we are receiving,” added Boricia.

Other Jamaican artists on the Yokohama Reggae SAI line up include top crooner Wayne Wonder and the wildly popular Bugle. In past years, the festival has boasted the likes of Beenie Man, TOK, Tony Matterhorn and Daville. Each year, the special guest artists from Jamaica are not formally billed for the event, rather they are a surprise.

Yokohama Reggae SAI was conceived in 1995 by Mighty Crown as a means of celebrating their anniversary in the business and highlighting Reggae/Dancehall entertainment in Japan. The festival continues to grow in magnitude and visibility. Plans for next year’s Yokohama Reggae SAI are already under way.

The newly crowned double Olympic sprint champ and double world record holder Usain Bolt, professes to disliking vegetables and says his first food memory is his grandmother’s cornmeal dumpling.

His mother, Jennifer Bolt, in whose arms he quickly ran after the race, says her son cannot go a week without his favourite dish of lean pork and cornmeal dumplings. “Whenever he’s coming home, he always calls to say he wants pork for dinner. I don’t eat it but I prepare it for him.”  

Get the scoop in the latest issue of JamaicanEats magazine on what gives Bolt a jolt. Plus, we dish the dirt on why Jamaicans, like the women who swept the medals in the Olympic 100m finals on Sunday, are running away from the rest of the field.

In our feature – Five reasons why Jamaicans run so fast – some experts point to high octane food like yellow yam that grows in abundance deep in the earth of the north western parish of Trelawny which has also produced Bolt and two-time 200m gold medalist (2004 and 2008) Veronica Campbell-Brown. Others think there’s something to be said for power-packed breakfasts of green banana, liver, saltfish and porridges, as well as the passion for sprinting that resides in the culture.

JamaicanEats magazine was launched in the summer of 2006 and is sold in Europe; the U.S. (Barnes and Nobel, Borders, Books-A-Million, Towers and Hastings books and other bookstores and newsstands); Canada (Chapters bookstores); and the Caribbean and has subscribers from around the world.

            In the premiere issue we exposed the “hijacking” of jerk and carried a bellyful of recipes, how-to tips, and lifestyle stories about Caribbean food, culture and personalities. Each issue highlights traditional Jamaican dishes, such as fried dumplings, stew peas and breadfruit and includes the flavours of other Caribbean islands with everything from Trini street food to Bajan (Barbados) flying fish.

We also dish the dirt on celebrities and personalities like (in our debut issue – Summer/Fall 2006) London-born Ainsley Harriott who reminisces about his mama’s stew peas and rice; and popular dancehall musicians such as Capelton and Chuck Fenda who give readers a taste of how they stick to their vegetarian lifestyle on the road.

Still, JamaicanEats isn’t just for Jamaican and Caribbean people. This magazine is for people who’ve been to the islands, those interested in things Caribbean, and foodies everywhere.

Readers rave about JamaicanEats magazine:

Delicious is your Summer/Fall 2006, edition of JamaicanEats.

Luscious is your photography.

Tasty is the editorial content and you have whet our appetite for your next edition.

Yummy!

Karen Neita, Montego Bay

This has got to be THE most beautiful magazine about any type of cooking/food I’ve ever seen. … I’m not a cook, don’t like to cook at all. I AM going to actually give 2 recipes a try!  That’s enormous for me, but I can’t help it because the pictures of the food make a person want to lick the pages!

-Kaye Townsend, Florida

Although the title refers to Jamaica, the inclusion and reflection of the diverse Caribbean food culture is what makes the magazine so appealing. I always feel that the locals know the best places for experiencing the local cuisine. This has been my experience when I have revisited Jamaica and family members take me out for a meal, and it’s the same when I visit Barbados and Trinidad.

Pearline from the UK

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For interviews and more information, please contact:

LaToya Byfield: 646-528-5531, latoya@jamaicaneats.com

Chris Daley, 866-896-1816, cdaley56@yahoo.com

Editor-in-Chief: Grace, 876-922-5296

or VOIP 786-623-0534 (US); 604-484-1389 (Canada), info@jamaicaneats.com

Web site: www.jamaicaneats.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1875

Kingston 8

Jamaica

Recipes and excerpts from the magazine can be used, with permission from the editor with appropriate credit. We would also be happy to provide other recipes as well as high quality digital photographs for use in your publication.