Connect with us

Community News

Titillating all your senses; Summer fun in Jamaica; Event Listing 2023

Published

on

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The weather: mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-33 Celsius).

The beaches: white sand, crystal-clear water, with that gorgeous turquoise hue.

Hiking, rafting, zip-lining, lush forests, and waterfalls for outdoor lovers.

Mangoes, pineapples, ackee, picked fresh and served to you…

Oh yes, we all know what island I am talking about; JAMAICA, JAMAICA!

Summertime is right around the corner, and Jamaica remains a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, reggae music, and vibrant culture. The summer months, from June to August, are a great time to visit Jamaica, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.

If you’re interested in water sports, Jamaica offers a range of options, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. You can also take a catamaran cruise or go deep-sea fishing. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and exploring the island’s many natural attractions, such as Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Mountains.

Jamaica also has a rich history and culture that you can explore through its museums, galleries, and historic sites. You can visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, the birthplace of reggae music, or explore the colonial architecture of Montego Bay.

This year’s events in Jamaica are jam packed with excitement that will tantalize all your senses. Yes, of course there are a lot of: concerts, festivals, and music events, but there is so much more to get into whether you’re the life of the party, a runner, foodie, golfer, or culture connoisseur.

Jamaica’s beloved art, music and food festivals bring a unique energy to the island during the summer months. Here are four sizzling summertime events that are worth travelling for:

Mochafest (May 25th-30th): Thousands of partygoers will flock to the sandy shores of Negril this May to take part in five days of free-spirited festivities. With eight thematic events to offer over the long weekend, this year’s party lineup includes a retro 90’s-themed throw-back, a sultry lingerie party, and a ‘bare-as-you-dare’ bikini booze cruise. Rapper 2Chainz and R&B superstar Mario are also slated to perform.

Calabash Literary Festival (May 26th-28th): Hosted every two years, Jamaica’s signature island-style literary festival spotlights BIPOC authors during a weekend of: readings, panel discussions, film screenings and musical performances designed to foster a spirit of community among book lovers. The Calabash Literary Festival is hosted at Jake’s Hotel, a picturesque jumping-off point from which to explore Jamaica’s rugged South Coast. This year’s author lineup features dozens of literary stars from the Caribbean and beyond, including Joyce Carol Oates, Kei Miller, Jeremy Poynting, Kwame Dawes and Padma Lakshmi.

Reggae Sumfest (July 16th-22nd): First launched in 1993, the Caribbean’s largest summer music festival attracts music fans from across the globe. Damian Marley, Ziggy Marley, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Kanye West, Usher, Sean Paul and Nicki Minaj are just some of the big-name artists who have graced the Sumfest stage over the years. Reggae and dancehall performances, nightly parties, and a high-energy spirit make this iconic Montego Bay festival a can’t-miss annual event.

Dream Wknd (July 28th-August 1st): Youthful crowds descend upon the sleepy resort town of Negril each summer for a five-day VIP experience with partygoers enjoying all-inclusive food and drink throughout the four-day weekend. The festival lineup includes top international artists and DJs performing a wide variety of musical genres ranging from dancehall, pop and house to hip hop, rap and soca.

Unforgettable dining experiences on Jamaica’s riverbanks

In the Land of Wood and Water, Jamaica’s scenic riverbanks are a picturesque spot for adventurous diners looking to tuck into authentic Caribbean cuisine. At these outdoor eateries, traditional Jamaican dishes are prepared in woodfire ovens and atop coal stoves. Heaping plates of meat, seafood and fresh vegetable dishes are served on the riverside while the sound of rushing waters provides a soothing mealtime soundtrack.

Pretty Close 876: Located on the Flora River in Gordon Town, St. Andrew, this 60-seat riverside restaurant is indeed pretty close to Kingston’s urban center but feels a world away thanks to its tranquil outdoor setting. Owner and chef Omar ‘Ramo’ Edwards specializes in an ital style of cooking, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from his own organic farm.

The eco-conscious menu includes steamed fish, rice and peas, ackee, roasted breadfruit and plantain served in calabash bowls with bamboo utensils. After the meal, visitors can hike along the nearby trails to uncover hidden waterfalls, take a dip in the rushing waters, or simply stretch out in a hammock.

Belinda’s Riverside Restaurant: Perched on the banks of Jamaica’s Rio Grande in Port Antonio, this waterfront eatery has been in operation for decades. Owner Belinda Gray is following in her mother’s footsteps, preparing home cooked meals of curried crayfish, spicy stewed pork, crispy fried chicken and other flavorful Jamaican staples. Belinda’s is the perfect pit-stop during a bamboo rafting excursion on the Rio Grande, though reservations are recommended. The scenic cookshop is a favorite destination for in-the-know visitors and VIP celebrities like Beyoncé and Johnny Depp.

Street Food Saturdays: Hosted on select Saturdays each month, this riverside picnic is a true local secret. Tucked away in the hills of Mount James in St. Andrew Parish, the pop-up restaurant is helmed by Chef Walker-Barrett. Seated at picnic tables with their feet submerged underwater, patrons can sample an ever-changing seasonal menu of meat and seafood dishes like jerked shrimp, charcoal pork tenderloin and escovitch lobster tails.

Looks like it is time to take a trip back to Jamaica.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community News

Record entries for JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition

Published

on

Winner of the 2023 staging of the JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition ,Joel Miller, (third from left), shares a moment with representatives of the Jamaica Cultural |Development Commission (JCDC), organizers of the event. From left are Shaun Drysdale – Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist, Andrew Brodber – Director, Arts Development and Training and Executive Director, Lenford Salmon.

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

Continue Reading

Community News

York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement

Published

on

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which administers the Grade 3, 6 and 9 assessments across Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), recently released the 2024 results. For many schools across the province, EQAO results are a snapshot of how students are doing compared to their peers in other schools at the same grade level.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has maintained a high level of consistency with respect to the outstanding performance of its students on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, details were revealed about the positive achievements and exemplary accomplishments of its students.

EQAO results were released on September 26th, 2024. The focus was, “Mathematics Achievement Remains an Area of Focus but Sees Gradual Growth Over Time with Some School Boards Showing Significant Increases; Literacy Achievement Remains High but Shows Some Decline.” The data was based on the 2023-2024 school year during which over 570,000 students wrote the EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels on the English and French-language school systems.

For students who wrote the Grade 3 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 71% met the provincial standard in reading compared to 73% in 2022-2023, and 73% in 2021-2022.
  • 64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 65% in 2022-2023 and 65% in 2021-2022.
  • 61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 60% in 2022-2023 and 59% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 82% met the provincial standard in reading, compared to 84% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.
  • 80% met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 84% in 2022-2023, and 84% in 2021-2022.
  • 50% met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 50% in 2022-2023 and 47 % in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 9 Assessment in Mathematics:

  • 54% met the provincial standard, compared to 54% in 2022-2023 and 52% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

  • 85% of first-time eligible students were successful, compared to 85% in 2022-23 and 82% in 2021-2022.
  • 52% of previously eligible students were successful in 2023-2024, compared to 63% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.

John De Faveri, Interim Director of Education of the YCDSB writes, “We are always looking for ways to provide a better school experience, but today is a time to celebrate our students and staff for their excellent academic achievement. I want to particularly highlight the incredible work that is being done in mathematics, which we see in these results. Mathematical literacy is such an important life skill and we are happy to share a love of numbers with our students.”

Results from the Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO Mathematics results show improvement in Mathematics compared to 2023. In addition, with respect to reading and writing results for Grade 6 there has been a consistent steady upward rise in the performance of students as 89% and 90% of students met or exceeded provincial standards when compared to the province’s average of 82% and 89%.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees for YCDSB states, “EQAO results are just one of the ways we see how York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement. As a Catholic learning community, we want to see every child succeed and EQAO results help us measure our progress toward that noble goal.”

Overall, the percentage of students who participated from YCDSB in Grade 3 and 6 EQAO were 97% and 98%, respectively. For Grade 9 Math assessment there were 93% of eligible students and 97% in the OSSLT.

Any parents or guardians interested in learning about the 2024 EQAO and OSSLT results and individual school results for their children can check the EQAO’s website: https://www.eqao.com/results/.

Continue Reading

Community News

York Catholic District School Board plans open house for future high school students

Published

on

Credits: Pch.Vector

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca

Continue Reading

Trending