With one more week remaining for the Jamzone ‘summer’ break, dubbed the “biggest event of the summer,” preparations are moving at a frenzied pace to ensure that fans are treated to a day (and night) that will be in their memories until next year’s event.
Organisers of the August 17 event which has been on the calendar for several years, have promised fans a bigger and better event than the one last year as special efforts are being made to improve and add to the events for the day’s programme. The event is intended to be a springboard to Carifesta and as such only local artistes will perform as coordinators. They want the limelight to fall on local talent, and for Guyanese ability to be spotted by international producers and others in the music industry who are expected to visit the country during Carifesta.
The event for the last six years has had the blessings of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and this year is no different.
At a recent press conference Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad said that the ministry supports Jamzone because ecotourism, adventure and nature are promoted through the event. He said that Jamzone brings awareness to the type of tourism Guyana has to offer.
Prashad also said that they had no problems with Jamzone in the past since the organisers “operate like a well oiled machine.” In addition, the tourism ministry plans to continue the association for several years to come. And repeat sponsorship by GT&T, DDL and Ansa McAl attests to the success associated with the event, a fact that was emphasised by representatives of the sponsoring companies at the recent press conference.
Other sponsors include H&J TV 72, BK Lights, Platinum Inn, Giftland Office Max, Kings Jewellery World, Jamrock Boutique and Fusion Express. Following the pattern of previous years, some half million dollars in cash will be given away in prizes for a number of games to be featured at the event.
The highlight of the event is the Miss Jamzone pageant, which will conclude the day’s activities. Pageant coordinator, former Miss Guyana World Decia Braithwaite said that the seven contestants who were chosen from some sixty applicants are currently undergoing vigorous training, in an effort to put on the best pageant of the year. The pageant will be held under the theme ‘Cultural Kaleidoscope,’ in keeping with the spirit of Carifesta.
The queen will walk away with the customary brand new motor car,while the first and second runners-p will take home a motor scooter compliments of Platinum Inn and a laptop computer from Giftland Office Max, respectively. In addition the other delegates will receive gift certificates valued at $25,000 each from Kings Jewellery World along with $40,000 each.
Today The Scene gives readers some insight into who the seven contestants are.
First up is Lisa Brown, who is a 22-year-old currently studying dentistry at the Cheddi Jagan Dentistry School. She says she is a part of this pageant because she believes she is intelligent, confident and willing to try new things.
Francine Chase, 18, is a GT&T contract worker who says that her mother is her role model. She admires her courage, strength and wisdom. Her entry into the pageant came about because she believes she has the ability and potential to represent Guyana at the Miss Tourism pageant. Francine says that she believes she is ambitious, hardworking and educated enough and is prepared to put her best foot forward.
Computer student, 19-year-old Milcah Lynch ,says she admires Jada Pinkett-Smith as she sees the movie star as a classic example of good parenting, balancing the roles of mother, wife and a career. She feels she could be a good ambassador for her country, hence her entry into the pageant. Milcah believes that she processes beauty, intelligence, inner strength and a positive attitude that will help her to make a positive contribution to society.
Lavonia Springer 21 was the first runner-up in the Miss Guyana Universe pageant several years ago. This Classique Dance troupe dancer works at the tourism ministry and says she admires her grandmother who has been for a long time the sole breadwinner for her family. Lavonia thinks she is bold, beautiful and possesses a vast knowledge of the local tourism sector that puts her in a prime position to represent Guyana at the Miss Tourism pageant.
Alana Thorne 27, says that Laila Ali the daughter of Mohamed Ali, is her role model because she possesses strength both physically and mentally, which are qualities Alana believes all women should have. She is a part of this pageant because she believes she is capable of selling and promoting Guyana simply because it is her place of birth.
Ebanese King 22, says she is a part of the pageant because she loves to explore new paths and try new things. She says that her f1amily background has equipped her with what she needs to win a pageant. Ebanese says that her dad is her role model because he is very ambitious and is able to reach all the goals he sets for himself.
Latoya Maraj 18, says she is a part of this pageant because she wants to offer herself as an ambassador for her country to highlight tourism in Guyana. (melc_131@yahoo.com)
