Simone Grant (left), public relations officer for Supreme Ventures, Byron Lee and Heather Shiels, head of marketing at Digicel Jamaica, pose for the camera at the launch of Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival '06 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, last Friday. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
SUPREME VENTURES' Jamaica Carnival has landed a new sponsor, Digicel. This announcement was made at the launch of 'Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival 2006'.
The launch was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Knutsford Boulevard last Friday.
So, Digicel will now be balancing three carnival baskets. These are Downtown, Bacchanal and Jamaica Carnival.
"Digicel is ecstatic to be a part of Jamaica Carnival 2006 - Ocean Fix.
We at Digicel are looking forward to putting the Digicel 'flava' on a bigger and better Carnival season, one that pulls the country together as only music and dance can," said Heather Shields, head of marketing at Digicel Jamaica.
The 17th anniversary of Jamaica Carnival this year coincides with Byron Lee's 50th year in music. Jamaica Carnival will continue its presentation of rural carnival events.
THE LEGS
The Portland Cricket Association will co-ordinate the Portland leg; Ray Porter Events will do the May Pen and Junction leg and Denroy 'Daddy' Morgan will man the St. Thomas leg.
"Portland people love carnival. If yuh really want to see carnival, yuh haffi come ah Portland. We can assure you on that day there will be no rain," said Hugh Perry, president of the Portland Cricket Association.
Digicel, with their excitement, frolic and fun, will be parading with the Rising Stars and the Digi Girls on the Digicel truck through Portland and other parishes across the island.
There will also be special themes for different locations. These are: Jungle Club in Negril - Ocean Blue; The Pines Centre in Junction - Mermaids in Green; Colonel Cove in St. Thomas - Three Finger Jack; New Kingston - Blast ... Sailors in White; Folly Ground Port Antonio - Sinking Sands; Jamalco Sports Club in May Pen -May Day; Montego Bay - Bay Watch ... Beach Skimpy & Hot; Chukka Cove in St. Ann - Tidal Wave; and, Pegasus poolside in Kingston Vintage vs. Soca.
Jamaica Carnival will climax on April 23 with the Kingston Road Parade and Grand Finale at the National Stadium.
Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie, gave the city's commitment to the carnival. "This year the KSAC (Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation) is committing itself to come on board as a sponsor of the event by providing all the necessary support needed, in terms of waivers and permits to ensure that it continues to be a success and grows even bigger," said Mayor McKenzie.
The mayor also commended Byron Lee for his longevity in the music business. "For any artiste or musician to survive for 50 years, as a top act and continually in demand for performances, as Byron Lee has, is a very remarkable achievement," said Desmond McKenzie.
Artistes performing for this year's carnival include Destra, Rupee, Allison Hinds, Machel Montano and Sherwin Winchester.
