...Year in Review 2007

Look out for the Cee Bee year in review 2007

CWC 2007
Book Launch
Jazz
Brand Jamaica
Love
Locks
...and More

Talk soon

New Chapter...in 2008

As we approach 2008 (a leap year)...let us look closely at renewing our lives in a way that will impact on people in a positive way.

2008 is expected to be a great year for sport as it is the hosting of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China from August 8 - 28.

Qualifiers for World Cup 2010 (football) will begin...and lots more.

Let us support sport in a more serious way in the upcoming year and show our athletes that we care.

More time

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Sport Stars and facilities to drive Sport Tourism in Jamaica

By Carole Beckford

Between August 8 and 24, 2008, lots of attention will be focused on Beijing, China for the Summer Olympic Games. Jamaica’s representation will come from a number of sporting areas, but track and field will remain the most watched.

How will Jamaica use its preparation in the upcoming year to capitalise on sport tourists to come to Jamaica? Sport tourists are becoming some of the most high-spending tourists around the world and major or well planned events are just what they want to attend.

Apart from the Summer Olympic Games, there is the World Track and Field Championship in 2009 and then the World Cup Football in 2010.

Are there any major sporting events on the calendar for 2008 to be held at the Independence Park Limited Complex; Sabina Park, Trelawny Multi Purpose Complex?
I know of Gibson Relays on February 23; Boys and Girls Championships – March 12 – 15; International Track & Field – May 3 and host of international football friendlies.

Jamaica should use its great sporting stars and institutions to lure visitors to the island, so the country can capitalise on the ever-growing sport tourism market. There must be collaboration with the agencies and personnel with the expertise to attract the visitors to watch, play and experience sport in Jamaica.

How the stars can help?

The world’s fastest man, Asafa Powell and some of his colleagues will be in Australia undergoing preparation for upcoming events. He along with other athletes should be asked to promote Jamaica as a sport tourist destination. Two hours a week should be enough for starters.

They should be given a sport map, outlining where the major facilities are, where the accommodation spaces are and important dates on the calendar, so they are armed with enough information to distribute. Some other information could include capacity of the facilities. Any other teams traveling could be brought in under this programme.

The Ministry of Tourism along with the Ministry of Sport should merge efforts to launch this programme; a good push for sport for the New Year.

Advertising at other major events

Just up north, our neighbours in the U.S.A. will as always as usual host a variety of events. The NBA All-star game will be in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 17 that should be a glorious opportunity which would require creative marketing. Then there is the US Open Tennis in New York in August another great chance.

Planning will be key to these endeavours and we ought to be very vigilant but smart in how we approach these efforts to improve our figures for tourist arrivals in Jamaica.

Sport Management Course

A ten week comprehensive course will be launched in February 2008 to look at Sport Management. The course will look at the functional areas of sport management; while identifying cultural and historical features of sport. The course will help to prepare persons who have been and are interested in planning major sporting events, in line with Jamaica’s hope to stamp a mark in this aspect of sport.

Watch this space for more information.

Note: My condolence to Herb McKenley’s family and friends. Herb lived a great life, he contributed a lot to the development of track & field and sport in Jamaica. We will miss him, but his legacy will live on.

Happy Holidays! ©

Audio Check...one, two

Women in sport, rocked the Deck in Kingston on December 1

Women in Sport rocked the Deck on Saturday, December 1 when they put on their "deejay" hats for a charity event.

Patrons were apprehensive at first, but from the first deejay on stage, the Deck was 'humming' from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

Olympian, Juliet Cuthbert opened the show with hits from Chaka Demus, major Mackerel, the late Garnett Silk, Capleton and Beenie Man. Cuthbert, with a hard set to follow, made way for swimming's technical Director, Jackie Walter.

In her introduction, Walter reminded the folks "I have an English side and a Jamaican side…tonight; I am showing you my Jamaican side." She opened with Tina Turner's 'Simply the best' and had hits from Shaggy, Soulja boy and Destra.

Hockey's Myrtle Weir turned up the heat with her soca and dancehall mix with high tempo tunes from Alison Hinds, Movado, Beenie Man and Red Plastic Bag.

Miss Caymanas Park , Milli Lynch worked the vibe with a mix of old and new and "brought sexy back"; featured Burning Spear, Peter Tosh and a range of other local hits.

Pat Garel walked down memory lane with hits from John Holt, Ben. E. King; but it was special guest deejay from Montego Bay, Janet Silvera who had the crowd rocking with her special dub plate and 30-minutes mix of new and old dancehall selections. Janet rocked from start to finish and chanted slangs in between her performance to appease the big crowd gathered.

Netball and basketball star, Oberon Pitterson charmed her way into the hearts of the people with a little bit of everything, hits from Tina Charles, Donna Summer's Hot Stuff; Barbara Streisand's Guilty; but went current with Cham, Beenie Man, Buju and Beres.

Co-host Carole Beckford, also provided a variety with hits from Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, and ended with Assassin. Dorraine Samuels Binger shared emceeing duties and handed over give-a-ways from Wray & Nephew.

Some of those who were out included, Vilma Charlton, Eleanor Jones, Wayne Smith, Del Crooks, Carole Fullerton, Judy Douglas, Sunshine girl, Nadine Bryan, Mario Pottinger out of New York and Courtney Sergeant.

The event was courtesy of Jamaica Women in Sport Society (JWISS) in association with Jamaica Observer, HOT 102 FM, KLAS Sport Radio and the Deck.

JWISS) is a team aimed at improving opportunities for women in sport and physical education. The team is committed to promoting and increasing opportunities and roles for women at all levels. The team will campaign for change in the approach to how we approach information, education, research and training to support increased opportunities for women in sport.

Next event on the Society's agenda is a conference in April 2008.

Women’s view on Physical Education and Sport ©

Women’s view on Physical Education and Sport ©
By Carole Beckford
October 28, 2007



With the call I have made for greater emphasis to be placed on Physical Education (PE) in the schools system in Jamaica; I did a survey a few months ago and found some startling results.

The results of the survey suggested that women over 30 years of age in Jamaica went to primary and high schools in a time when there was some amount of emphasis on PE in schools across the island.

Although the question was not asked directly, it was almost even the percentage between those who went to co-educational versus a single sex school.

PE should be done at least twice a week

Women in the age group up to 26 years of age only did physical education (PE) once a week in both primary and high schools; while women over 30 did twice a week in primary schools. The women up to 30 years are satisfied that once a week for children up to 12 (primary schools) and children up to 19 (high schools) is good enough.

The results have indicated that the women in the over 30 age group see the importance of PE/organized activities in the primary and high school systems and think there should be sessions for at least twice a week.

Some of these same women in the over 30 category did PE three times a week in high school, but it included swimming. Those women went to school in Kingston and/or boarding institutions.

When asked how often they think children should do PE in school up to 12 years old; 50 per cent said once a week; while 44 per cent of the sample thought children should do PE at least twice a week in high school up to 19 years of age.

Start organized activities from 0 – 4 years

Of the women sampled, 56 per cent suggested that children start organized activities from as early as they can walk; 38 per cent said children should start at four years, while a small six per cent said organized activities should start at nine years old.

Marilyn Wellymeyer wrote in a 1986 article for CNN that “The fitness boom has bypassed America's children. Most are fatter, many weaker and slower than they used to be, according to government surveys over the past two years. While their parents work out in record numbers, half the nation's 26 million fifth- through 12th-graders probably do not get enough exercise to develop sound hearts and lungs.”

I do not have enough evidence to say there is obesity among children problem in Jamaica, but from observation, we could do better.

In 2006, Dr. Eva Lewis Fuller of the Ministry of Health made a plea for mandatory physical activity in schools. "The recommendation really is to have the full impact of at least half an hour of physical activity three times a week at least, to have an impact in making you healthier and to increase your feeling of well being." She went on to say that “physical education is very important and should be included in the curriculum as an essential and mandatory subject.” Echoing my sentiments that PE is not extra curricular, but instead should be treated as part of the every day curriculum.
More survey findings
Of the sample of women who were questioned, 40 per cent of the women who were in the 36 to 40 years of age watch television for an average of three hours a day; only 18 per cent of that group watch for just an hour. They are in the under 30 years age group. 40 per cent of the women over 40 also watch television for more than three hours a week.
What kinds of programmes so they watch on TV? 44 per of the overall sample preferred drama while 34 per cent preferred sporting programmes, 19 per cent action and three per cent indicated they liked the soaps.
Half of the women went to three or more major sporting events a year; 31 per cent go to two 10 per cent went to one and the nine per cent does not go to any at all.
The sample was 320. The equivalent amount of men was surveyed and those findings will be submitted in my next update.

Jamaica Women in Sport Society (JWISS)

Well I am up to my old tricks...I have started yet another project, one which I think will work wonders. I have a great team of advisors, from sporting areas and marketing & communications.

Jamaica Women in Sport Society (JWISS) aims to improve opportunities for women in sport and physical education. The team is committed to promoting and increasing opportunities and roles for women at all levels. The team will campaign for change in the way we approach information, education, research and training to support increased opportunities for women in sport.

The JWISS will consist of a small team of women with experience in administration, competition, research, marketing and promotion of sport at all levels.

Main activities

• Influence and lead national, regional and international groups to ensure equity in policies, strategies and programmes in sport development
• Inform and design educational programmes to bring about a greater awareness for initiatives aimed at improving the status of women in sport
• Motivate women to pursue careers in sport
• Undertake research activities to set reference points for best practices in the sector
• Raise funds to assist women in sport

This is a fully registered BUSINESS.

SPORT TOURISM AS A NICHE MARKET FOR JAMAICA

September 14

As Jamaica and the rest of the world prepare for the Summer Olympic Games scheduled for August 8 – 24, 2008 in Beijing, China, it seems that the sporting tourists will be coming to Jamaica a lot next year.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) has given permission for one of Jamaica’s premier event to be used as Olympic Qualifier, the Gibson Relays. That is exciting news!

The Jamaican athletes are not just the most sought after athletes to compete, but our facilities and events are being positioned to attract the best of the world. So the track and field calendar which from as early as December 2007 will have premier events with top-class athletes. Watch out for the Gibson Relays, scheduled for February 23, 2008. Also, Saturday, May 3 is the date where the Jamaica International Invitational is expected to be held.

Those events are just for track and field, but world cup football qualifier will get cracking soon and so the “office” will also be hosting additional international tournaments which will again, test our ability to host major events.

So Kingston will be buzzing soon; but what of the golf courses and the other facilities in and around the island? The community groups, agencies and other noted promoters of major sporting events should by now have dates for other major sporting events for 2008. Let’s roll them out now, if you haven’t done so already.

Use of training facilities

We have seen where athletes and their management teams have come here in the off season to prepare themselves and that is an additional plug for Jamaica. Let’s encourage them to return. The climate, clean air and the warmth of the Jamaican people are just three things why these athletes should come here to train.

Trends for 2008

Randall Travel Marketing in a 2007 publication indicated that Youth Sports Travel is a market to watch. The report indicated that 52 million Americans attended a sporting event either as a spectator or a participant in 2006. These youth also had their parents/guardians with them.

The publication has also reported that reunions do have a sport element to it and can be seen as a market to tap into. The Travel Industry Association (2007) states that “more travelers are taking two vacations per year and a sporting event is one of the many reasons.”

Jamaica therefore is well positioned to capitalize on the sport tourism market and we have the facilities, trained professionals, accommodation and other accessories for users from near and far.

Research and Development

I am asking the University of Technology (UTECH) and University of the West Indies to focus a little more attention on Sport Tourism as a course offering so the interest can be heightened. It will inform us as a nation even more.

New Sport Minister

Welcome to Ms. Olivia Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport. Let’s keep the focus on infrastructure, funding and development plans to keep Jamaica’s sport on Track. Congrats also to Neville “Teddy” McCook on being elected North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC) Chairman in addition to being IAAF area representative.
Please provide feedback to cubeckford@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Andre

ANDRE is 13 today, Saturday, September 22

A - active
N - neat
D - detailed (trying hard to be)
R - responsible
E - energetic

My son, Andre P. Helps

No Sun Shone for Jamaica's netball team

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls suffered the biggest defeat by England in over 15 years, when they went down 52 - 32 in game one of a three test series on Monday, September 17.

The venue of the National Indoor Sport Centre, where Jamaica beat England 46 - 42 in 2003 for third place, saw England leading at the end of each quarter of the game; 10 -8: 24 - 14; 38 - 25;

As Jamaica prepares for the 12th WOrld Netball Championship scheduled for New Zealand in November 2007, they will be hard pressed to maintain the number three spot in the world. In the meantime, England has had encouraging series against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Only time will tell!

On the tip of my tongue...with DICKEY

Well dears,

It is right on the tip of my tongue...to tell you that Eric Jerome Dickey was in town, yes Kingston and I was there to see him live and direct.

LA, CJT and ROR...three of Dickey's greatest fans encouraged me to attend the launch of Dickey's latest "Waking with Enemies" another riveting piece from the master himself.
Well as I am sure you can well imagine, there were scores of women and men lined up to have their copies autographed. Nonetheless I never got in the line (I hate lines), but needless to say "I wuz very happy to be dere"

If you haven't read Sleeping with Strangers yet, you should...cause then you will the whole picture.

Hail to the Dickey fans!

Selah!

Course Changed...and much more

Well I am sure you all know there is a new government in Jamaica. Orrett Bruce Golding becomes the island's eighth Prime Minister and will be sworn in on September 11 at 4:00 p.m.

Bruce also says if current members of the Civil Service were performing up to standard, there will be no major changes. What of the non-performers? I wait to see...

He is to announce his Cabinet soon. Let's see how they deal with sports.

Speaking of sports...Asafa Powell tried to erase the disappointment of the World Championships (Osaka); when he erased his own time to run a blistering 9:74 seconds in Reiti, Italy on Sunday, September 9. WOW! It is another world record...performance.

Singapore beat T&T in Netball - what is that all about?

England's netball team will be here in Kingston (September 16 to 21) to play against the Sunshine girls. World Netball Championship is in New Zealand in November.

Captain Horace Burrell will head JFF (again) as of November 4, 2007

Essence of Jamaican Sports

Essence of Jamaican Sport
by Carole Beckford


As we watch the 2007 IAAF World Championship in Osaka, Japan, we see the best athletes in track and field in the world on show. Jamaica, a major force to reckon, has set Japan on fire with its bold energy and spark which is commonplace wherever Jamaicans go.

I heard Ludlow Watts in a radio interview state that at the training camp up to a week before the start of the championships, people journeyed up to three hours to watch the Jamaican athletes in training. That says a lot about the brand.

The essence of our sport should not only transcend what happens on the track or field of play, but also in the changing rooms and every where that athlete goes.

The question is what is the essence of Jamaican Sport? I know a lot of us have never thought about it, but I have a few suggestions.

Responsibility: taking control for one’s action and being a role model at all times under any circumstance

Respect: Recognising the contribution one makes to sport treating them with dignity and consideration, as well as caring for property and equipment; hence ensuring safety to all

Fairness: making the most honourable decisions at all times operating within the rules and regulations and not to use any unfair advantage/tactics

These can be some bases with which we carry out the practice of physical education in schools and should also be three areas of focus for athletes (at all levels), coaches, officials, administrators, management and the general public at large.

A lot of what we practice and INVEST in as a people will have great returns. Some of the returns include:
- (more) top class athletes
- positive stories on the success of Jamaican athletes
- ability to attract more major events to Jamaica
- economic growth and development

I think if we adopt and apply the factors of responsibility, respect and fairness across the board with all the stakeholders involved then we will be able to, over a period of time, feel the positive effects in sport development in Jamaica.

The governing bodies for sport in Jamaica should seek to adopt this positive initiative as we seek to pursue our nation as a place where sport and physical education is available to all.

Jamaica has to unite on this decision as we go forward to propel sport as a sector which requires greater effort and support from all those involved.

For feedback, write to cubeckford@gmail.com


Note: Beijing will be the place to be for all elite athletes, August 8 – 24, 2008; another great year for sport on the horizon. Look out for Jamaica!

Hurricane Dean (recovery)

Well Hurricane Dean has come and gone
Leaving a lot of damage, while it carried on
It missed Cayman by miles
But flashed Mexico, and left a lot of people with no smile

People came and people went
Media was here in their numbers
CNN, Weather Channel, NBC, CBS, ABC, AP, Reuters
You name them, they were here...
Carrying the news, without any CARE.

SOUTH COAST TOUR - Day one

Nestled in the hills of Manchester is a town called Christiana...resting at Hotel Villa Bella...driving to Black River thru Junction, Newell, Southfield was a glorifying experience.

Fruits of allkind, melon, coconut, oranges, ripe banana...

Far from the 'hustle and bustle' of the HOT city of Kingston...it is a good get-a-way

Even a trip to Lovers Leap....Andre loved it

I will tell you more.

CB

I AM RED

I did a colour profile recently and was amazed to find out that I am a red…among the blue, yellow and white. Now here is the interesting summary of who is a Red…
Disclaimer: DO NOT USE ANYTHING IN THIS AGAINST ME! The mood may change without prior notice 

You are a RED personality. The Core Motivation that drives you through life is "Power". Power means the ability to get things done, to go from A to B as quickly and directly as possible. The word power was derived from the Old French poeir meaning "to be able." Often what is perceived by the other colors as insensitive is simply a pragmatic sense of urgency to accomplish a given task.

As a RED you naturally seek productivity and want others to see you as intellectually strong. As REDS want their own way, you like to be in the driver's seat and are willing to pay the price to be in a leadership role even in an intimate relationship. However, you can get frustrated when your partner cannot think for himself or make intelligent decisions on his own.

As a RED, you tend to value whatever gets you ahead in life, whether it is at work, school, or in your personal relationships. What you value, you get done. You may be a workaholic and enjoy it!. You will, however, resist being forced to do anything that doesn't interest you.

As a RED, you like to be right. You value approval from others for your intelligence and solution-based, pragmatic style. You want to be respected even more than you want to be loved, and you appreciate admiration for your logical, practical mind.


Reds Are:
…Action oriented, independent, confident, logical, and disciplined among other things.

I want your feedback

NDTC's 45th year - celebration

Jamaica's list of unmistakable talent is one which any small developing country would desire. However, since 1962, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) under the guidance of Prof. Rex Nettleford, has taken dance to a "new level"

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this talented group of dancers on August 3 and they displayed an impressive arrangement of dances. The season with its usual opening in the Emancipendence period (August 1), highlights stories which are international but told in a uniquely Jamaican way. Prof Nettleford and his team of choreographers, dancers, singers and production team, lightens ones heart with song and dance.

I particularly like the "Crossing"; "Out of Many" and of course "Hill and Gully Ride"

The Crossing
It depicts the challenges of an American family with suffering, survival and separation; features music from one of America's greatest - Quincy Jones. The dancers inspired the set through dance-drama and the lighting was simply fabulous!

Out of Many
This piece was based on a quote from Nelson Mandela "Never again shall it be that this beautiful land shall ever experience oppression of one by another" - exhilarating it was and it will tease the minds of the young and free spirited (even at heart).

You know we can depend on the professor to end with a BANG and "Hill and Gully" shows the real Jamaican flavour. Choreographed by Chris Walker and accompanied by Marjorie Whylie and team...identified with taste, look and feel of the Jamaican.

So until August 12, if you are in Kingston, Jamaica and you wanna see the NDTC, it is at the little theatre, Tom Redcam Drive. Showtime is generally at 8:00 p.m.

"I will return as a dancer..."

Augus' mawning

As Augus mawning approaches, we feel emancipated...from mental slavery
We will be independent. But will we?

Forty five years after
What have we really achived?

Old pirates, yes they rob I
Sold I to the marchant ships
Minutes after they took I
from ...........................

Bob's Redemption Song
Album, "Coming in from the Cold"

Excerpt from "Keeping Jamaica's Sport on Track"

My Perspective

Some of those who came to the launch - from the young at heart, the curious, the influencers, those who are tried and proven and those who just wanted to be there.

Book Launch: Keeping Jamaica's Sport on Track

By Lesley-Ann Thompson

Journalist, lecturer, devoted mother and ardent sport activist, Carole Beckford, added the title “author” to her growing list of accomplishments on Monday, June 25, when she launched her first book - Keeping Jamaica’s Sport on Track. This timely publication is a strong call to action for Jamaica to create a national sport strategy that will help maximize the performance of our athletes and craft a blueprint for future generations.

Attended by an enthusiastic and supportive audience, the launch was an intimate wine and cheese affair, which included the author’s family, friends and colleagues, members of the media, key principals in national sporting organizations and Olympians.

In her overview, Miss Beckford first paid homage to key individuals who helped influence her initial love for sport and named others that impacted on her subsequent activism. She then shared her reasons for deciding to write this book, stating that she felt investing in sport as a business was crucial to the country’s long-term development. In her view, sport can be used as a multi-faceted approach to solve complex social issues, encourage active citizenship and improve the general quality of life.

The Book

The day is almost here
June 25 is near
That is the day I step out
Oh boy will it be a big shout...

I am EXCITED

Amazing

Moms are amazing...aren't they? Well Mom hung out with us at a Brunch at My Secret Closet...Eden Garden in Kingston on Sunday, May 13. A good time was had by all

Caption: (l-r) Coleen, Andre, Mom

Mothers

To all the Mothers in this world....and to my special Mom (Averline Beckford)

Mothers are the place where love
Emerges from the earth,
And happiness rings out like bells
In honor of our birth.

Mothers are the sun that lights
For life our inner sky,
So we may know that we are loved
And need not question why.

Mothers are the moon that shines
Upon our black despair,
So even when we weep, we know
That someone's always there.

Whatever fear, or stress, or pain
Might them to anger move,
We know that underneath the storm
We have, always, their love.

Sports for social development

When we think about a social programme, reference can be made to a group that at some point will try to secure itself a privileged position over another. Experts refer to that as social exclusion. My argument today will focus on social inclusion.

One activity that has the greatest potential to create social inclusion is sports. Sports unify people of all races, colour, creed and political persuasion (or it should) as in the thrill of victory all celebrate; or even in the agony of defeat all mourn the loss from varied perspectives.

For more, click on http://www.hospitalityjamaica.com/sports1.html

HISTORICAL WIN (JA over USA)

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) now has history at its finger tips if it can have the second under 17 team (boys) qualify for the world cup, scheduled for South Korea. Jamaica edged USA three goals to two...coming from a 2 - 0 deficit at half time.

Jamaica scored the first goal in the 78th minute...again in the 82nd and from a penalty in time added on. What an unbelievable win that was which saw the first time a Jamaican team beating the USA in any age group in football.

Jamaica beats the USA in netball frequently.

South Korea here we come

Soca by the falls - Somerset

A good time was had by all

As the soca season came to an end for 2007, I was encouraged to experience and soak up some of the soca passion. I went! Had a great time! If you know the term drop legs, that is what I did.

Caption: Carole and Arlene (my stylist)

That is another legacy which has been left behind.

Lara goes out....

April 22, 2007

It is a guy you love to hate. He has made cricket over the last 15 years exciting to even anticipate. However, like all good things, they must come to an end. I wish Brian all the luck in the world. After he takes his break, I hope to see him with our youngsters, motivating them on to greatness.

West Indies has work to do to maintain some credibility and pride with its cricket. C'mom men...let us make some tough decision and get our cricket back on the pitch.

Honoured by Caymanas Track Limited

April 21, 2007

Talk about timing; as I am about to launch my latest project, things are falling into place nicely. Caymanas Track Limited (CTL), home of horseracing in Jamaica honoured women in sport - those in administration who have given yeoman service to respective sporting disciplines.

The areas represented were Track and field, netball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, volunteering, hockey, table tennis, women's football and women's cricket.

See some photo highlights.

It was a real honour

well on my way

Friends

Lend me your ears...I am on my way, well on my way. The editor and designer are now in possession of the masterpiece - now keep your eyes and ears to the ground. As soon as that process is complete you will all know.

Stay tuned!

Things to ponder

Oh boy, what a month it has been!

Records fell at Boys and Girls Championships and then at the Junior Carifta Games. Yohan Blake continues to impress all of us. He wants to compete with the big "boys" in June to test his speed for the Osaka team (that is in Japan). Well June 28 is just around the corner.

We have a lot of talent on this little rock, however it does not stretch to the rest of the West Indies for cricket. Answer this question...how can we be hosting and we not even give ourselves an opportunity to be in the top four?

I tell ya!
More time

Do or die for the Windies

We are in the super eight round of the ICC CWC 2007, and the Windies are faced with the team from South Africa. If WI win this match it may take them to the semis, one of which will be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
Can we get a glimpse of the real West Indies team?
Can the team players for the 2007 team show up?
Can the so-called Big Man, be a big man this time around?

Chris Gayle needs to show his true self this time...

Bangladesh discombobulates South Africa

Talk about cricket being a game of glorious uncertainties...well on Saturday, April 7, Bangladesh whipped the ICC number one ranked team for One-days, South Africa (RSA) by 67 runs. Seems the so-called minnows are stepping up to "bat" and so...ICC CWC 2007, must go down in history as being the world cup with the most surprises.

I wish not to comment about the West Indies at this time...still thinking about it!

Fern"ace" birthday party

What a night this was in February 2007, as we celebrated with the Proctor on her birthday. A few us groovy gals posed up for a photo.
(l-r:) Tara, Arlene, Lesley Ann, Carole and Delaine.

It could be called "Girls night out"

Batch 151 - Mico College Reunion

Mico College Batch 151 had Founder's Day celebration on Friday, March 30 on the campus.After almost 20 years of entering the Mico, we returned to the Marescaux Road location for a grand day. In trur traditional style, we were hosted by current students and staff and we handed out a few awards.
That was not enough for some of us and we had brunch at Terra Nova on Sunday morning and walked in Emancipation Park in the afternnon.

l - r: Barbara and Grace

A good time was had by all!!!

Champs 2K7

Boys and Girls Champs 2007 was a great event and the Jamaican athletes continue to exhibit themselves as some of the greatest junior athletes in the world. Yohan Blake from St. Jago (Spanish Town, St. Catherine) was the best performing athlete of the four-day event. He broke the record in the individual 100 and 200 metres event; while he anchored his 4 X 100 metres and 4 X 400 metres relay teams to record times respectively.

Caption: A Calabar High school fan dons a wig in support of the green and black

Branding and Country

Branding and Country
by Carole Beckford


Last time we spoke I looked at Branding and Sport and in the real spirit of country; this week it is all about Branding and Country.

What does Jamaica represent? Well some may think rum, track and field, ackee, beaches etc. However I toyed with an interesting concept and I want to get your feedback. Lots of us make comparisons to animals in terms of style, size and ability to survive.

Well I asked the question of some of my friends, “If you were to describe Jamaica as an animal, which would it be and why?

See some of the responses:

A friend who has lived in New York for over 18 years says “A tiger … because of our people are smart, playful/fun-loving, while also being aggressive and fiercely competitive.”

A friend who is a communications specialists thinks “a mongrel dog…here is why he thought so “loyal and faithful to family and friends, ferocious against 'bad mind'; creature of habit, but can surprise; diversity in one body; easy to feel ashamed, but is quite boastful when the going is good.”

Jamaica Trade and Invest (JAMPRO) recently launched a campaign on Business Brand Jamaica which focused on creativity, reliability, supportiveness, excellence and integrity as qualities we ought to establish to make Jamaica a better destination for doing business.

Lesley-Ann Thompson, a marketing specialist says, “a lioness...Jamaica is proud and strong...enjoys hot climates and although smaller than its first world neighbours, it’s still a force to be reckoned with. Like lionesses, Jamaica is a ferocious fighter and this can be a positive or a negative thing, depending on the circumstances.”

A wild tiger, a piranha, a cow and a bull were among the answers I also got which focused on qualities like supportiveness.

Project Manager speaks

However a project manager I spoke to had a different view. He had a lot to say. He thinks Jamaica is like a rabbit and he tells why; “jumping here and there as it relates to policy directive, changing strategies as soon as they prop up globally, always affected by external shocks, have been able to mitigate against external shocks on the financial perspective but only just. Jamaica is very aware of current trends, current affairs; always in the thick of things, negatively and positively impacting change. Frisky but delicate at times having an acute awareness for nature and its environment. Having many offshoots, the Jamaican Diaspora is far and widely dispersed.”

My sister thought Jamaica is like a dog- because dogs can be friendly, fierce (violent), man's best friend, some are interesting looking cute even diverse looks. Then it moves to a research analyst who thinks Jamaica is like a “croaking lizard…Able to change its skin to match its environment and escape trouble. With qualities that can make your blood run cold but a creature that is a household name and not going anywhere for a while.”

A promoter thinks Jamaica is a “Donkey (Jack Ass)…these animals are known for bearing heavy loads without complaining, while a HR specialist says “a young colt...energetic, frisky, daring even in the face of inexperience.”

One thing I know Jamaica is a beautiful place to live and certainly to do business – we all should make it the best animal in the world.


Please send me your feedback to
cubeckford@gmail.com

Taking bold steps

This is the year for taking bold steps in life and I am attempting a major project for which I will need all your support. It is something I have always wanted to do and this year is better than ever to do it. Guess what? It is a book. Won't tell you what will be in there yet, but if you know me, you would know what is likely to be in it.

I have been down this blog road before and was a late non starter, however I am all set this time. Look out for new exciting information for 2007. The year got off to a flying start and lots of things have happened with Jamaica's preparation for Cricket World Cup. A total of nine countries (should have been three) in the Caribbean is playing host to the rest of the world. West Indies does not even have the pride and place to do well.

The Reggae Boys are back on the hunt for a place in World Cup football - Back to Africa - 2010 - where the next football world cup will be. Seems like yesterday we were glued to our television sets in June to July 2006 for six weeks of glorious football. My team bombed out too early. More anon.

I will update as often as I can, as I hope to make all my 'peeps' happy' this year.

Take care, until
Carole