I was in Nassau, Bahamas for four days last week and I had the time of my life. I didn’t do much culturally as I wanted but still the trip was fun. I attended the annual conference for PANCAP. PANCAP is the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP). Its main objective is to become a regional umbrella organisation that brings together national HIV programmes with international and regional organisations involved in the fight against AIDS in the Caribbean.
That conference was very enlightening. I thought I’d share some of my notes as I observed the proceedings as an official Observer.
Dr Robert Carr
Later that evening, I attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference where I had an amazing time. There were some emotional moments but all in all, the evening went well. At the opening ceremony they presented Dr. Robert Carr with a PANCAP award. Dr. Carr, a former Executive Director of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life and founder of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities dedicated his live to human rights and HIV. Dr. Carr was not able to accept his award, he died earlier this year. It’s his story and many other activists who have inspired me not to remain silent. We have one life to live and we ought to use this opportunity to make our world a better place.
And this is a perfect transition to introduce the video below. It features Sheryl Lee Ralph who delivered an emotional, entertaining and inspiring speech at the conference. The biggest take away is that we can’t remain silent on ‘this thing’ called HIV. It’s not a gay issue, its our issue and people are hurting. Watch the video when you have some time.
Sheryl Lee Ralph at HIV Conference in Bahamas
Music – Junkanoo Band
During my stay in Nassau, I kept saying I would like to see the communities. I had the chance to drive through one of their wealthy – upper class communities. Think Florida, that’s how it looked. No gates, luxury cars parked in front of the homes, modern designs and opulence everywhere. I would love to return to the Bahamas. I don’t know if I could live there though – that’s another discussion. I enjoyed every bit of my time and when you have the option, spend some time in the Bahamas.
Driving in Bahamas
I will be blogging on other aspects of my time in the Bahamas. I can’t wait.
There are fashion brands and then there are ‘fashion brands.’ Versace is known for being innovative and fashion forward with their collections each season. When I heard Versace was partnering with H&M for a collection I was excited. Now, I am even more excited about the line, watching the launch and seeing people in the clothes. The fact that the line will be for H&M means, in their opinion it will be more affordable. Sure, for others, it’s still breaking the bank but for others, it’s a little more affordable.
Men in the collection
Kanye West in Versace jacket, belt and pants (looks like it) at the Victoria Secret show
Mark Ronson in Versace
Another take:
This is a suit from the collection that I liked on the model but seeing a ‘real man’ in the suit, it does look different. Take a look at the suit on the model.
He's looking smart, isn't he? 
I prefer the suit on the model, which means you have to be really thin to pull this off. This suit could be a big risk. I can hear Shebada in my head shouting Pepto Bismol. Ignoring all the negatives and concerns about this fuchsia suit – you’ll be making a bold statement with this and the paparazzi will be out.
Another look that I like from the collection is this black and white ensemble.
I am a big fan of black and white. I have considered only wearing black and white before. What I like most about this Versace collection is that all pieces are statement pieces. They aint ordinary.
Alan Cumming
This black and white ensemble I find is easier to pull off if you are this brave. You can wear it without the jacket. Under the jacket is a long sleeve shirt. This is my fav from the collection.
If you prefer something a bit more formal, then this is for you. The classic Versace suit, beautifully designed with a sleeveless top under the jacket. This should be cool to wear to any function. I love this suit for its simplicity. You are not screaming LOOK AT ME with this but you will definitely be a stand out.
Other items:
We wear everything in the tropics
We wear everything in the tropics
Now to do the fundraising to get one of these items. Wish me luck. For those who have dreamed of wearing something Versace, this is a great opportunity.
Shop from H&M when they hot the online store.
I have been on a Jason Derulo – It Girl diet. The song is not only catchy but it has this absolutely feel good vibe that I love. What is interesting about Jason Derulo who is doing a worldwide tour promoting his new album Future History is that his on stage style generally remains the same. He is rocking t-shirts, jackets, good pair of jeans and hi-tops. He represents the cool-swag which is in. It’s easy to copy but you have to have the right elements to make it work.
Here we go!
T-Shirt
Stripes are always flattering on a young guy. The smaller the stripes the bigger lusts and stares you get. Stripes have a way of making everything look good. It hides your flaws and highlight what should be noted – your shoulders and masculine frame.
Jeans/Pants
Pants are an important element. Invest in pants that can double up in purpose. They can be worn to church, Friday on the job, a supermarket run etc. Consider the wash of the jeans when you purchase. Another important key in choosing pants is going for chinos.
They come in a variety of colours. You dress em UP or dress them DOWN and they work like a piece a cake. Looking good on a dime.
Jackets
Jason Derulo loves jackets and based on the times he has worn them, it could become a big fashion trend.
Hi-Tops – shoes
Hi-tops are the coolest thing to wear. I always say women have heels, men have hi-tops. Invest in a cool hi-top and watch how it easily transform your outfit in a chic and cool-swag way.
Fillers:
Be a star with a shades of your liking. Aviators make a huge statement.
Your belt may not show when you are out but wearing a crummy belt is not cool and could take away the attention from what people should be focusing on when they pass/look at the star you are.
Jason Derulo’s easy, quick chic-style is so relevant in today’s harsh economy and sure we don’t want to look like the recession or the stock market crashed on us.
Look good effortlessly. #OccupyFASHION
Photos from:
http://int.youheshe.com/ http://www.tobi.com/
Back in 2007 when the Jamaica Labour Party won the national election by a slim majority, they dominated traditional media with advertisements. They (JLP) appeared to have booked more ads both on radio and television combined. While there is still some controversy about the funding of political parties to energise their budgets; we may see a paradigm shift in how political parties advertise in the run-up to elect the JLP President which will be the Prime Minister of Jamaica. With traditional media pinched hard by the advent of social media in the populace, could this represent the alternative platform for them to promote their cause?
One cannot ignore the slew of Jamaican politicians currently using social media to update their followers. We live in a Follower-Fan Generation (FFG), where everyone has something to say – we want to share our thoughts and opinions and have them respected.
This upcoming election for the Jamaica Labour Party and the nation at large could spur more politicians creating Twitter and Facebook accounts, even some venturing into YouTube and blogs. I am excited about both elections because if you’re observant about how Jamaican use the internet- politicians could be shaking things up in the coming months.
If you are wondering which politicians and political groups are on Twitter – I listed some below, some I even follow. If there are others, please leave me the link in the comment area below.
Click on the image to view their Twitter page.
Jamaica Labour Party Facebook Page
Portia Simpson-Miller’s Facebook Page
The People’s National Party Facebook Page
Andrew Holness Facebook Page created on September 27, 2011
Andre Hylton Facebook Page & Andre Hylton’s Official Website
Dr. Hon. Christopher Tufton’s Facebook Page
When I started the Jamaica YouTuber series, Mamachel immediately came to mind. She is among the top Jamaican bloggers that have embraced video blogging and have been successful at it. Her YouTube channel offers frank discussions on various topics but is still able to remain relevant and entertaining. I caught up with her as she talks about her life online. Read her interview below.
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Corve DaCosta: Why did you start the YouTube channel?
Chelan: It was out of boredom. I had originally started it not really knowing what it was all about. I just wanted to have a YouTube account. I fiddled around with couple concepts then I stuck with reviews. Now I do commentary. It’s honestly just there for what’s on my mind.
Corve DaCosta: What’s the response like to your videos?
Chelan: It depends. People love the man and woman argument. And if something is current they like to see what I have to say about that. What I have found out though is that every topic hits at least one person. There have been times when I’m discussing something and I’m like “Oh God this is boring” and then someone leaves a comment ” Thank you”.
CD: Who is Mamachel and where did the name come from?
Chelan: You only have to check the about section of my blog www.mamachel.com to find out who I am: Odd. Peculiar. Never one to back down from a challenge, I dare to distinguish myself as different in this adventure called life.
The name came from friends just always saying it and it just stuck. It was between Mamachel and Chelfani (I think I made the right choice) lol.
Chelan known as 'Mamachel'
CD: What benefits have you gained while uploading videos to YouTube?
Chelan: As a blogger it has added a new dimension to reaching my core audience. It has also opened doors for me. Many people knew I could write. However, with the YouTube channel they were like you should be on T.V. and it was a point of reference when I auditioned for the Host of The Emix. They liked what they saw.
CD: Since you are the new co-host to the E-Mix, is there a bigger purpose you want to achieve with your YouTube channel?
Chelan: I have so many ideas in mind. It takes time and I definitely want to do something bigger.
CD: Have you experienced any drawbacks from uploading videos to YouTube?
Chelan: People aren’t always as open minded. I have also heard that I’m a potty mouth. But in the end I haven’t heard anything that I didn’t know. I mean we all know I curse every f*cking now and then.
CD: Would you encourage other Jamaicans to use video blogging?
Chelan: I sure would. I have actually seen quite a few people taking it up. I had to work out the kinks at the beginning and as it went on I developed tricks to make it easier for me. I do think that just like T.V. or acting there needs to be a natural talent for things. But hey if you want to then go for it.
CD: How do you decide on which topics to explore?
Chelan: I’ll be driving and hear something on the radio and I begin cursing then I save it for the videos. It really is just what is current. Sometimes my viewers or readers might say something and I think this is a good topic to explore. One good place to get ideas is Twitter. Nowhere else right now has such uninhibited public opinion.
CD: Normally, I use this opportunity to compliment the interviewee by saying the person could be on television hosting but you have done that. How different is it?
Chelan: It is a world of difference. On my YouTube channel I say and do what I want. I flash my hair, I roll my eyes, I twist I turn. On T.V. you better keep your ass still. I also have to be more careful how I say certain things about public figures. And of course the audience larger so criticism comes in droves. But I deal with it.
CD: You are popular on Twitter, how do you use social media?
Chelan: I use social media not just for fun but definitely for networking. It makes no sense to be on something so often and not make it work for you. I have met people and connected with so many. I also use it as a research tool. You can tell what topics are hot, how people feel. I’ve even figured out what topics to post and what time of the day to post them based on response. You have to be very keen when using social media. From day one I’ve used it as a brand development tool.
Some of Mamachel’s videos
Contact Mamchel:
Chelan on the set of EMix
I’m back with the Magazine Mountain the June 2011 Edition.
The magazine on the left is Made In Brazil, they cover Brazilian models in the fashion industry. It is interesting to see how a brand can be at the forefront of promoting their own models. However, it’s more than promoting models they (models) have to bring something different to the table and the Brazilians models do.
Could Jamaica do something like this? Sure.
Here are my favourite editorials from the magazine.
Vogue US
American GQ
Based on the magazine stand for the month of July it seems competitive. Essence has Beyonce on the cover with an editorial from our own Jaunel McKenzie inside. It should be interesting if I get any this month.
What did you buy?
Photo credits:
We continue the series Jamaican YouTuber and this week we shine the spotlight on Nigel from Linstead, St. Catherine. Nigel with his YouTube Channel – NigelSpeaks discusses popular international issues, mixed with his opinion on Jamaican issues along with poetry. I found his channel a few weeks ago and was impressed that he had quite an extensive work. He’s now at 49 videos. He started a year ago and continues to share his thoughts by vblogging.
Read his interview below and check out some of his videos.
Corve DaCosta: Why did you start the YouTube channel?
Nigel Speaks: I started my YouTube channel to express myself about my conditions of reality and what I stand for. After seeing and learning from other video bloggers on YouTube, I realised it can be useful for the present, past and future. Many other’s didn’t approve of it.
Corve DaCosta: What has been the response like?
Nigel Speaks:The response has been low, but last year in 2010 I received response in the form of comments from a few of viewers about the middle east leader. Also I realised that my views went down on one video, rather then going up last year on a video I did on Master Fard.
Corve DaCosta: Who is Ismail Al Shabazz?
Nigel Speaks: I am Ismail Al Shabazz; a person with understanding in a civilized way. An independent thinker who became in the view of the nation, it is an Arabic name in Islam. I have been a striver for a better way of life but had been neglected through odds between politics, religions, a dilemma when neither sides help.I like to write on international and locals issues, also I am a poet and I’m writing a book hoping it will keep me a financially stable, a gain to better my life.
CD: You share your views on various international issues many focus on Arab/muslims relation, and what do you think about extremist in Islam?
NS: I find the Middle East conflict interesting because of the Palestine cause for independence for the colonizer Israel for many years and the right for Middle East nations to be advance the way Israel is advanced. My view of Islam extremism is based on the west interfering in the Islam nations even they had to fight for independence from Euro nations. It’s all politics, when they support Israel illegal settlement on Muslim land. The west politics in tricky and cannot be trusted so these kinds of things help breed extremism. Till extremist breeds itself; it is not good and not all Muslim groups are extremists to how the west label them as Hamas and Hizbollah.
CD: What benefits you think you have gained while uploading videos to your YouTube channel? Any personal benefits?
NS: I got a few subscribers, but the gain isn’t personal to give me benefits and I didn’t start it to get benefits but to simply express myself, to open the eyes of people to reality of the truth making a video history for myself.
CD: Is there a bigger purpose you want to achieve with your YouTube channel?
NS: I cannot think of a bigger purpose other than showing the truth to my perspective of things,and you have been one purpose for me to write me to communicate and I hope others will do the same and hope I can achieve from it in the near future.
CD: Would you encourage other Jamaicans to start video blogging?
NS: Yes I would encourage them to start video blogging. I have started telling them about my YouTube channel but many do not find it interesting, some feel it is for prominent persons who are well known nationwide, for entertainers and others.
Obama One Term President, is expected
Ismail Al Shabazz on Jamaican Politics
Check out his YouTube channel by clicking here
Photography: Green Lizard sighting
When last have you seen a green lizard?
Don’t be scared, it’s only a photograph but these certainly capture a green lizard and many can see why people are so scared of them.
Scoliodentosaurophobia – that is the word for the fear of lizards.
Photo Credits: Craig Bloomfield
Tags: blogging, green, green lizard, Jamaica, lizards, Love & Relationships, Photography: Green Lizard sighting, Photos, Scoliodentosaurophobia, social media, Thoughts & Commentary
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