In addition to being BLACK HISTORY MONTH, February is also REGGAE MONTH.

I know this calendar isn’t so easy to read so here’s the link to the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) site with all the activities listed there too REGGAE MONTH.

So be sure to support REGGAE MONTH by checking out some of these events!

Support the Rootz Underground Releaf Program!

Check out how you can become a part of the Rootz Underground’s ‘Rootz Releaf’ Program.

Rootz conceptualized this program to give back to Mother Earth and keep the environment in good condition for our children and their children to come.

Rootz is planting and growing trees as well as cultivating a higher consciousness of the very world we live in!

And DON’T FORGET THE SHOW THIS SAT!

SEE MORE INFO HERE – The Rootz Underground Garden Concert Series 

Here’s a link to a very cool website and travel blog about Jamaica called Jamaica My Way which is worth checking out.

It’s full of interesting things to do and places to see in Jamaica.

Jamaica My Way is also working on a documentary about Jamaica – worth supporting!

SUPPORT BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

Saturday, 4 February starting at 8pm, Rootz Underground and La Reserva Foundation in association with The Hope Gardens Preservation Society present A ROOTZ GARDEN CONCERT to be held at the Sunken Garden, Hope Gardens, Hope Road, Kingston.

“ITS GROWING” will feature performances from Toots & The Maytals, Ra Deal, Prophecy & The Band of Reggae, Dubtonic Kru, and of course Rootz Underground.

This concert is to build awareness and raise money for The Hope Gardens Preservation Society, The McCam Child Development Center, The Rootz Releaf Project – School Planting Program, The Jamaica School for The Deaf, and The Toots Foundation.

You really don’t wanna miss this!

TICKETS: $1500JAD pre-sold, $2000JAD at the gate

VIP – $3000 (advance only)

OUTLETS: Spartan Health Club, Bookophillia, Nature Preservation Society (HOPE GARDENS)

Great Huts, Boston Beach, Jamaica

Here are some photos I took while visiting Great Huts recently. Photos contributed by my niece Sydney Wilson (age 12).

Great Huts is an eco-tourism resort in Boston Beach, Portland.

As described on its website, Great Huts is “built upon a 4 plus acre plateau atop the north east point of the Jamaican coast, (an) intimate vacation village of comfortably furnished dwellings, Wi-Fi communal areas, expansive cliff side views with dining areas, hammocks everywhere, lovely beach and sea pool, offer(ing) an Afro-Caribbean “roots” alternative to the traditional hotel or Villa”.

I would definitely call Great Huts rustic, but nice rustic. The place was booked solid with mainly European guests who I figure go for the “rustic chic” kind of vibe.  We didn’t stay the night so I can’t comment on the accommodations or the food really but here are some pix which will give you an idea of the layout of the place.

They have a great little infinity type pool perched on the edge of the cliffs and a quaint rocky beach which is quite unique.

The staff was friendly and there were lots of dogs! So I’d say “must love dogs” if you’re going to stay there…

Steve Urchin in the Great Huts wading pool, Great Huts beach

The rocky coastline, Great Huts, Boston Beach, Jamaica

Great Huts beach complete with benches and hammocks

One of the villas at Great Huts

The Great Huts pooch gave us a tour of the property too...

Amazing views of Boston Beach from Great Huts

Boston Bay and the Portland countryside as seen from Great Huts

The Mona Dam - Birds at the Bar, Kingston, Jamaica

Thanks to Steve Urchin for this beautiful shot of the Mona Dam, which he named appropriately “Birds at the Bar”.

The dam is located in Mona, Kingston, near the University of the West Indies and is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and the serious runners!

In addition to being a lovely place to exercise, the Mona Dam is home to a large variety of Jamaican birds including herons and pelicans and many others that I don’t know the names of…

Thanks Steve for this “Photo from the Edge”.

The Mona Dam, Kingston, Jamaica

Edna Manley's Negro Aroused

This year, Jamaicans all over the world will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence from Britain. 

The year promises to be full of myriad cultural events celebrating our 50 years of independence.

Here’s the official Jamaica 50 website with a calendar of some of the events planned for the year so far.

And here is a post from Island Buzz Jamaica on some of the great Jamaican artists who have shaped “Jamaican art” over the years.

Some of these greats include Edna Manley, Albert Huie, Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, David Pottinger, Barrington Watson, among many others.

Read more here at Islandbuzzjamaica.

Are you a Caribbean entrepreneur? Do you know a small business that wants to grow? Or someone with a great business idea, that needs an extra boost?

The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship wants to help.

The Branson Centre is a not-for-profit hub for aspiring entrepreneurs. The Centre offers practical business skills training and support the growth and development of small and medium businesses with the aim to help stimulate economic growth and benefit disadvantaged communities in Jamaica.

For more information please contact:

The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship-Caribbean

Unit 14, Bogue City Centre

Montego Bay

Jamaica

Office: 876 632-5134

Website: bransoncentre.org

This Saturday, Redbones presents it’s “foreign film” night.

This week’s film is the latest film from the Spanish master film-maker, Pedro Almodovar, who tells the story of a brilliant plastic surgeon who has developed his craft to the point of obsession as he attempts to create the perfect skin.

His experiments involve the beautifully crafted Vera who has benefited from the best of plastic surgery in exchange for the loss of freedom.

Vera’s continued quest for freedom threatens to destroy the haven of perfection built by the mad scientist.

Starring the Spanish heartthrob Antonio Banderas who first appeared in an Almodóvar film 30 years ago.

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, 115 minutes, in Spanish w/subtitles, 2011.

Showtime: 8pm

Contribution: $400