OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica)

The OAaSIS Family can have updates through tevelised broadcast, courtesy of the increasingly popular YouTube.com services.
Currently, OAaSIS International Foundation networks members of the creative industry and relating fields in empowering the creative mind of youth; advancing their development in all areas.
Official videographer is Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realism Films, who produces and edits films, and official photographer is Simon Thompson also from Enhanced Realism Films.

On YouTube.com, the foundation’s televised productions are shown under the name OAaSISintTV, abbreviated from OAaSIS International TV.

Here’s the first recording done. The occasion was at the Allman Town Primary, where the Foundation hosted its first in the Creative Workshop Series.

Those featured on the 9:23 clip are:
Kamal Hinds who gave a workshop on his GSAT Games, which enables children to prepare for GSAT examinations while having ‘fun’
Cordel Green (Attorney-at-Law, also executive director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica) who endorsed the event
Patrick James who is a graphic designer
Farenheit (singer, actor, graphic designer, musician, dancer, motivator) who is a patron of the Foundation. He along with OAaSIS founder Anthea McGibbon attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts

Now visitors to the OAaSIS International Foundation website can have a quick glance at the latest happenings of the organisation through special promotion areas on the front page.
As of today, Sunday, February 28, there are three promotion boxes giving a quick summary of the latest and ongoing features of the OAaSIS International Foundation. These exist to compliment the existing list of latest articles, and categories already on the site. These are located in the column at right, and under the advertising slots.
They are as follows:
1. Ongoing project with links
2. Ongoing fundraiser with links
3. Feature of the week (This area will either feature an article on a skilled person, who is either featured here on this site or on any other media house website including that of founder Anthea McGibbon)
3. Feature jots (which will promote articles from the

Come Tuesday, February 16th, from 7:00a.m OAaSIS International representatives will be guests on Jamaica’s televison prograsmme “Smile Jamaica, It’s morning time!”
The arrangement was confirmed on Thursday, February 12.

The opportunity is being provided to expose the Foundation’s objectives, missions and projects and those already accomplished.
Principal of Allman Town Primary Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith, whose school was the first to be visited in the creative workshop series for schools, communities and churches will also be present. She will speak on the impact the series has left on the school, the next stage that the school will take, and her involvement with the Foundation.

The series came in direct response to an appeal she made for assistance with the Arts, reiterating that at one time classes had to be held under a tree.
It is hoped that along with the growing number of volunteers, sponsors will be secured as a result of the interview.

SPONSORS AT ALLMAN TOWN PRIMARY SERIES 1:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary

Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

Public bodies are responsible for billions of pounds of public expenditure and affect the interests of all groups in society. It is therefore important that the best people are appointed to the boards of these public bodies and that they reflect the society that they serve.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates the appointments to the boards of around 1,000 specified UK and Welsh public bodies such as the BBC, the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, the Health and Safety Executive, the National Gallery, the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and particular NHS bodies. The appointments processes are the responsibility of individual government departments or, in the case of NHS bodies, the Appointments Commission. Further information on the Commissioner’s role and the bodies within her jurisdiction are on her website: www.publicappointmentscommissioner.org

More information on public appointments, including information on the skills and experience needed, on the benefits of holding a public appointment and on the application process, can be viewed at www.direct.gov.uk/publicappointments

The Commissioner has been granted a new power to promote diversity in the procedures for public appointments and has launched a new “Targeting Talent” strategy. As part of this, in order to assist Government departments with their responsibilities for appointments processes, the Commissioner has recognised the need to gather information on diverse networks whose members might wish to apply for public appointments and on specialist organisations which can provide advice and/or research on particular diversity issues. The Commissioner is focusing at this time on gender issues.

Benefits to individuals of serving on public body boards include:

giving them an opportunity to “give something back” to the community and making a real difference to how public services are designed and delivered;

helping them improve their abilities and skills in areas such as interpreting and communicating information, challenging constructively, seeing the wider perspective and in team working skills;

using and passing on their specialist skills;

using their knowledge of diverse communities to enhance board decisions;

learning from other board members;

becoming familiar with the public sector and its operation; and

enhancing their CVs.

To participate please provide brief details of your organisation on our website together with the email address of a named individual whom departments can contact to publicise public appointments vacancies and/or information on links to your guidance/ research on gender issues.

Any information received will be held on our secure website and made available only to government departments and other public sector organisations with appointments functions, and not to commercial companies such as recruitment consultants.

If you would like to participate contact Elaine McNaughton, Policy and Learning and Development Manager by email on: Elaine.Mcnaughton@ocpa.x.gsi.gov.uk or call: 0207 276 2627

You see him often enough with Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques, and as a spokesperson he does very well in underlining the tunes and messages of “Sean Paul.” He is, however so much more than a back up singer.

Terrence “Farenheit” Harold has agreed to fill the role of second patron, and OAaSIS is thankful. As a singer, musician, actor, dancer, graphic artist, writer, he understands well about the Arts and the need for children to be exposed. As one who travels immensely, he is also passionate that music classes should be properly returned and maintained in the classroom.
At the first project held, he was one who made a remarkable impact and his indellible marks are still being spoken of. The first project, a creative workshop series titled “The critical role and impact of the Arts” was held at the Allman Town Primary School, and five other areas are slated for similar visits.

Through BRAND NEW MACHINE at Fiction, he also exposes new artists and artistes weekly. Events such as fashion shows, exhibitions are facilitated.

The multiskilled artist attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual asnd Performing Arts (EMSCVPA), at the same time as OAaSIS founder, and two have remained friends since. Formerly the Jamaica School of Art, past students of the EMSCVPA students are usually bonded in one way or another, most times by the similarities of challenges in the quest to become artists(es).
In the OAaSIS Farenheit will share his expertise on varied expressions, and relating, especially when events are being planned. All his skills are expressed with equal passion as those who know him and watch his career can testifiy.

So thank you Farenheit.. more creative power from another generation!

 Barrington Watson, Jamaica’s master painter, who has produced 1st and 2nd generations of visual artist is the first patron.

READ MORE:
Click to read “Terrence Farenheit Harold holds at the right degree”

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series

MORE REPORTS ON FARENHEIT

Feature on Terrence Farenheit Harold

JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary

Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
Terrence Harold is OAaSIS patron 2
Read more on Farenheit’s artistic productions

He achieved the three score years and ten promised by the Bible, but just 4 hours before his 77th birthday, Professor Alston Miller “Rex Nettleford” died in the Washington Hospital where he lay.

His vision though of Jamaicans being free from mental slavery and realising their identity to live on through instituions such as the OAaSIS International Foundation. After all, his discussions with its founder was one influence of its creation.

OAaSIS Founder remembers the culture icon always reiterating that a country’s progress is mirrored by how it treats its artirtist(es).

She was once a creative writing’ student ofthe Professor, and remembers he always being warm even when he would extol disciplinary measures to the unsettled. She also will never forget his words etched in her heart that artists(es) should be among the leaders of society as they are the ones who can observe, interpret, translate, mirror what’s happening in society. Only then do some persons actually understand what is going on.
These words should present challenge to any member of the creative industry, especially as they were among the many last warning-filled words of one so greatly honoured as a Caribbean National.
His life, no matter what he did as both a culture icon and as a colourful intellect was dedicated to exposing Jamaicans and challenging them to realise their own identity and setting internationally.
Many are his writings which will be sought out, published and circulated. Even if its in capsulated forms, these well researched, and put together messages of encouraging wisdom will be useful.

The Vice-chancellor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford died late Tuesday evening at the George Washington Hospital in the United States six days after collapsing in a US hotel. He was there at the Hospital on visit for a fundraising gala for the UWI.

The Jamaica Observer reported through its webpage that “Nettleford, who reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit, never regained consciousness and finally passed at 8:00 pm.”

The achievements of Rex Nettleford in the arts, culture and academia are innumerable and well revered.
His greatest achievement so far is his co-founding of the National Dance Theatre Company(NDTC), along with several others including Bert Rose. Added to that his work and contributions to the Company, which include director, dancer, co-director.
Professor Nettleford is the recipient of Jamaica’s third highest honour – the Order of Merit, and, is a cultural advisor to the prime minister. He graduated from the University of the West Indies with History (honors).
He is a Rhode Scholar who attended Oxford University with postgraduate studies in Politics. Ironically, he also has a created word which he has contributed to the Oxford dictionary.

He’s also the author of several publications including, “Manley and the New Jamaica”, “The African Connexion”, and “In Our Heritage”. His latest published book is “Caribbean Cultural Identity, the case of Jamaica”.

Professor Nettleford is also a member of the Inter-American Committee on Culture, founding governor of the Canada-based International Development Research Centre, and had acted as expert/consultant to the government of Ghana, FESTAC, CARIFESTA and UNESCO. Professor Nettleford is a radio and television commentator and has lectured in many countries including India, the Phillipines and Israel.

Up to his death he remained prolific in his expressions – visual, performing, literary and as a highly respected intellect. All Jamaica will be affected by his death in one way or another. Still although he will no longer be physically seen nor heard, his visions will live on, as many will strive to carry on the baton.

JAMAICA LEADERS REACT

See “Icon lost – Golding, Simpson Miller mourn Nettleford”:

PRIME MINISTER BRUCE GOLDING said he was deeply saddened at the news of Nettleford’s death.

“Jamaica and the entire world have lost an intellectual and creative genius, a man whose contribution to shaping and projecting the cultural landscape of the entire Caribbean region is unquestionable,” Golding said.

“Rex Nettleford was an international icon, a quintessential Caribbean man, the professor, writer, dancer, manager, orator, critic and mentor. He has left a void in our world that will be a challenge to fill.”

MINISTER OLIVIA GRANGE (minister of youth, sports and culture): Nettleford, who had been in the intensive care unit at the hospital since last Wednesday with catastrophic brain injury following a cardiac arrest, died at 8 p.m., four hours before his birthday.

“The nation, the wider Caribbean and beyond mourn the loss of this great Caribbean icon,” Grange said.

OPPOSITION LEADER PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER (president of the People’s National Party and opposition leader): expressed con-dolences to Nettleford’s family, friends and colleagues.

“I am very deeply saddened by the news of Professor Nettleford’s passing. This is a national loss and one that I feel personally. Words are inadequate to capture the extent of the grief I feel,” Simpson Miller said.

Simpson Miller hailed Nettleford as a son of rural Jamaica whose life’s trajectory testifies to the success that is possible through grit, determination, resilience and ’smadification’ – local parlance for self-actualisation – within the Jamaican cultural environment, of which he wrote so eloquently.

AMBASSADOR ANTHONY JOHNSON (Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States): Nettleford never regained consciousness.

FORMER JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER, EDWARD SEAGA (who first met Nettleford in the early 1960s): Nettleford was the “quintessential Caribbean man”.

“There was a strong willingness on his part to absorb Jamaican culture, which I believe is his greatest contribution. It’s on that basis that the NDTC became such a force,” Seaga said.

THE PEOPLE:
Many tributes have come in for the Trelawny-born Nettleford, who excelled as an academic, cultural activist, historian and remained an unapologetic regionalist.

ART COMMUNITY:
More on Professor Rex Nettleford can be seen in the Alexander Cooper Gallery and Museum, Coopers Hill Kingston. Both master painter Alexander Cooper and the Rex Nettleford were close and culture icons together.

CREATIVE WORKSHOP SERIES AT ALLMAN TOWN PRIMARY

On behalf of the staff

By Cadena Lumsden-Walcott, Teacher
The OaASIS International Foundation Creative Workshop Series began on Wednesday, January13, 2010 with an opening ceremony hosed by our Principal Mrs. Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith. The day was well executed and supported by the students and parents alike. As teachers, we enjoyed the encouraging speeches and performances of the varied local celebrities. The first workshop was extremely beneficial to the older students, as Kamal Hines introduced the GSAT Games to the students. A number of teachers have since expressed an interest in securing these cds to be used in lesson delivery. One lucky student was ecstatic to receive a copy of the games for herself.

On the following day, the students were enthused. They were motivated by the likes of Donald Oliver, Malesia Frazer and Emma Lewis. Ms. Lewis encouraged the students to write, something that we the teachers have been encouraging in our classrooms. When she encouraged the students to write about interesting things they see, and places they visit, she touched our heart. She was ‘right on our page!’
On the day the students were privy to listening to the Shaggy Parrot Story, they were taken to a whole new world where reading is concerned. They found the story extremely exciting. Simply put, they loved it! Their eyes lit up as they sang throughout the story. Already the Grade four teachers have found a way to incorporate the story into their Science lessons. Both teachers and students were herd humming and singing excerpts from the story. I still hear “Do you wanna be in my Reggae Band” in my head. It is so contagious!
On Friday, we were privileged to have Mr. Oscar Derby with us. He did a fantastic job of motivating and encouraging the students. His mantra: hard work and determination and propel them towards being successful, was exactly what many of the students needed to hear. He spent the time to find out the various careers the students were interested in, reminding the students that they can be anything they want to be, they just had to work hard at it. From this, we discovered that Cleshede Williams, a Grade 5 student was a gifted singer. She bravely got up and did a rendition of the song ”Gotta believe in me I, if I have self esteem, I can be anything I wanna be, respect me…” She awed those present, particularly Mr. Peter Lloyd.
Mr. Lloyds presentation was exceptional. He encouraged the students by outlining their worth as kings and queens, being strong and mighty. As teachers, we are grateful for this, as a large number of our students battle with a low self esteem.
The magician has a special place not only in the hearts of our students, but also our parents. The students absolutely adore him. He always pointed out that what he was doing is an illusion, and always emphasized that he does not practice witch craft. What he was doing were tricks he had practiced over the years. My personal favorite was how he had the drinking glasses standing in mid air He forced the students to pay attention to what he was doing. This was an interesting way to hold the students attention, even those with a short attention span. Amazing! He always used the opportunity to encourage the students by telling them that whatsoever the mind can conceive, they can achieve.
The following week found the students equally excited. The first motivational speaker was well received by the students. Mr. Leighton Levy was genuinely excited to be a part of the programme, and he took the time to speak with various staff members about the changes in the school system, making a comparison to when he attended school and now.
Mr. Jerico Hanson, being totally inspired by the responses the students gave when he questioned them, made a contribution to begin a project in our school we are already in discussion as to the project we will d, and have the seed he planted to make our school’s dream a reality flourish.
Mr. Jermaine Gordon presented with all his heart. His catchy phrase of “yes I can do it” made immediate believers of our students. The Bookophilia Team spoke to the students about the career options in the area of books. She reiterated the mission of all teachers in the school-to have students reading for enjoyment. This will broaden their horizons and vocabulary.
Ms. Melhani Spence was extra special to us. She assisted the students to leave a memorable impression not only on the lives of those in the project, but on the Central Bank of Jamaica. The painting done by the students was presented to the Bank of Jamaica. What an accomplishment! We are encouraged as a staff, and many teachers have been overheard talking about going to ‘art school’ and ‘trying their hand at painting’ Of a truth, I can say that the OaASIS International Foundations Arts Intervention Project was meaningful not only o the students , but to us as teachers- and I have a certificate to prove it!
Thank you Ms. McGibbon.

Principal’s Report

By Mrs Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith, Principal
My heart is full.. and running over with gratitude to the OaASIS International Foundation. When I made the appeal for more arts in our school, I did not expect anything of this magnitude. The outpouring of time, energy and support was encouraging. Interestingly, the Creative Arts Intervention Series began a day after the major earthquake hit Haiti. The response to assist the Haitians from our Jamaican brothers and sisters was overwhelming; likewise the response to share in our programme. Various motivators and entertainers, our own Jamaican kinsmen and women came out in full support. I am honoured to have Mr. Barrington Watson-live and in living colour attending the function in the capacity of patron. To have Mr. Cordel Green present to endorse the event is a great start to the programme.
The fact that the Founadtion found it apt to honour individuals from the very community in which th school is locted is definitely an encouraging step in the right direction. It brought home the fact that it does not matter the genesis of persons, but rather their vision for movement and nation building that really counted.

The variety of expressions and the exposure for the one hundred and one students who participated are priceless. I cannot thank Ms. Anthea McGibbon and her team enough for the six amazing days we had. My students are more aware of the varied career options available to them in the arts field. My teachers are so inspired to manifest the latent talent, also known as potential that lay within them for so long. The culinary arts displayed by our own Guidance Counsellor and her team was of the highest standard. Teachers are ready to paint, draw, sing, write, and play an instrument….and the list goes on. My students now realize that you do not choose to become and artist because there is nothing else you can do, but rather because it is one of the many things you want to do! It goes to show how far reaching the project was, and by all means the objective of was achieved. So, let me officially announce that all participants in the intervention are now a part of the Allman Town Primary School family…by default. Their citizenship is not optional, it is mandatory! Thanks to all participants for the seed you have planted, the investment you have made in the development of the Allman Town Primary School. May God continue to guide and bless the OaASIS International Foundation, as you move on to your other projects.

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

Jamaica’s culture icon, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Ralston Miller “Rex” Nettleford now lay unconscious in a hospital bed in Washington DC as of late Wednesday.
He who in 2006, told the founder of OAaSIS that “the progress of any country is reflected in the way the artists are treated!” has been among those that influenced the beginnings of the Foundation.

Pivitol to the development of Jamaica’s arts (literary, performing, visual), and culture, the icon who believes, and often states “creative people should be among the leaders of any society” collapsed at the hospital on Wednesday evening.

Ironically, a statement from the UWI yesterday said Nettleford went to Washington, DC, to attend a fund-raising gala for the institution.

After collapsing at the hospital on Wednesday, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Rex Nettleford, was admitted.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to Washington, DC, Anthony Johnson says Nettleford was unconscious when he visited the hospital yesterday. He also spoke of it being a “major concern for his doctors.”

All Jamaica is being affected by the news, and the Government and the Opposition People’s National Party issued statements, wishing the renowned Jamaican a speedy recovery.

Through his strides internationally, he is among the Caribbean’s most honoured nationals, who has earned the respect of many for his success in the areas of Arts culture and as an intellect.  Nettleford boasts over 50 years’ involvement in academia and the arts (performing, visual and literary).

Numbered Jamaicans are already reminiscing on the hey days of Caribbean theatre, when they scurried to the locations to watch him dance. His greatest achievement is the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), which he co-founded in 1962, with others including Bert Rose and Eddy Thomas.  (Read also Jamaica celebrates – Formation of NDTC). Back in 2007 he told the Caribbean’s leading newspaper, The Gleaner that with Jamaica gaining Independence from Britain in 1962, he felt it was critical for the nation to make a cultural statement. It was the marking the NDTC’s 45th season. “You have to remember we were coming at the end of the self-government movement, and we had to find self-expression on our own terms,” he said.

Chester Francis-Jackson describes the Rex Nettleford NDTC “as a tower of strength in a nation still searching for its cultural identity and soul, due to the emergence of the all-pervasive influence of cable television and global marketing strategies dominated by conglomerates fuelled by the culture of cash and immediacy.” (Read The NDTC at 47)

Nettleford, for over twenty years, has also been the artistic director for the University Singers of the University of the West Indies, Mona campus in Jamaica. The combination of Nettleford as artistic director and Noel Dexter as musical director with the University Singers has seen the creation of what is referred to as “choral theatre”.

Nettleford is a prolific writer, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. 1957 Rhodes scholar to Oriel College, Oxford, he is perhaps the only Jamaican who can claim to have an insertion of his creation into the Oxford Dictionary in modern times, making Jamaica proud.

Additionally, he has written several books, noted essays and papers on social issues, including race relations and the trade-union movement in the Caribbean. Beginning with a collection of essays titled Mirror Mirror (1969), he also edited and compiled speeches and writings of Norman Manley. Eventually, he established himself as a serious public historian and social critic. Among his books are Manley and The New Jamaica, Mirror Mirror and Caribbean Cultural Identity: The Case of Jamaica.

He has received several awards, including the Order of Merit (1975), Jamaica’s third-highest civic award, for his scholarly, cultural and artistic achievements.

Born in Falmouth, Trelawny, he is a graduate of Cornwall College and Oxford University and served as UWI vice-chancellor from 1996 to 2004. Currently, Nettleford is professor of extra mural studies at the UWI and also heads its Trade Union Education Institution.

He remains a pivotal part of the creative dance group as dancer, artistic director and choreographer, and prolific in his writings.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE @ January 5:
♥ Wednesday, January 13: OPENING CEREMONY: Special presentations include by Winston “Bello” Bell(actor, I am the change founder), Barrington Watson(master painter and patron), Patrick James
♥ January 14: “Expressions” Special presentations include by Donald Oliver(PM Award recipient for excellence), Farenheit(actor, singer, musician), Emma Lewis(US Embassy), Shaggy Parrot book reading
♥ January 15: “Careers in Art”:Special presentations include by Peter Lloyd (actor, singer);
♥ Wednesday, January 20: “Linking Art to arts”:Special presentations include by Jermaine Gordon(motivator, composer,author, musician), Leighton Levy (journalist, media personality), Jerico Hanson (retired educator)
♥ January 21: “Building a a nation through a better understanding of the Arts”: Special presentation include by Anthony Henry(journalist, photographer), Bookophilia,JookyJam
♥ Friday, January 22: CLOSING CEREMONY
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary

Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

Written By Lloyd Stanbury: RETREIVED FROM THE WEBSITE OF LLOYD STANBURY

The recently published newspaper articles that disclosed the dramatic decline in sales of Reggae and Dancehall music CDs in North America have sent some shock waves through the Jamaican music fraternity. Comments and responses following these publications have reflected a range of emotions – from serious cause for concern, to no surprise. I do think there is definitely need for deeper and more critical analysis of the situation.

I think the articles failed to point out that all music genres suffered from dramatic reductions in CD sales in 2009, which is a mere reflection of the trend in recent years, as the music industry transforms itself from one based on the sale of physical products to one based on digital delivery of music via downloads, ringtones and online streaming. One of the questions we should ask is whether the local and international Reggae music communities are doing enough to make the necessary adjustment to the new delivery mechanisms to offset the inevitable demise of the CD format.

See full list of arts and communications services

The second issue we should confront is whether or not the Reggae and Dancehall music genres are losing their global market appeal. Reggae music has built a massive level of global respect over many decades due primarily to the work of artists who project images and messages of unity, peace, justice and “ONE LOVE”. While Bob Marley spoke about “Bombing a Church” and Peter Tosh said “I am coming in hot firing shot shot shot” there is no doubt with regard to the intent and purpose of their messages advocating love and unity, and their stance against injustice and discrimination.

In recent years the Jamaican media and many younger Reggae and Dancehall fans have propelled a slew of artists and recordings into so called “star” status, with musical works based on lyrics advocating violence, murder, tribalism and the pursuit of material gain by any means necessary. In a world where the majority of people still wants peace and unity, and reject violence and murder, where gays now advocate for rights, and where urban gangs and black-on-black crime has grown to epidemic proportions, is there the possibility that there is a rejection of the current perception of Jamaica and Jamaican music?

I think a serious study needs to be done sooner than later to ascertain the views of global music fans regarding the quality of Reggae and Dancehall music today. My own personal experience from conversations with persons in many countries around the world is that a lot of Reggae and Dancehall fans are disappointed and turned off. We can’t afford to continue to listen only to the self-serving views of the artists and media persons who benefit financially from the promotion of war, tribalism, murder, violence and the pursuit of material gain through music.

Lloyd Stanbury has been providing entertainment law and cultural industries consultancy services in the Caribbean, Latin America, and North America since 1983.