Jamaica boasts an abundance of talent that surpasses mere description. What every Jamaican seeks is a chance to showcase their abilities, whether it leads to prosperity or adversity. In both scenarios, we rise to the occasion.
I speak from a position of authority, having overseen the Tastee talent contest for nearly 30 years. This project, while not necessarily financially lucrative, was undeniably one of the most gratifying endeavours of my life. The immeasurable satisfaction it provided came from unearthing remarkable talents who continue to shine even today. Since the cessation of the production, I can hardly recall any performer of equal stature.
Names like King Yellowman, Nadine Sutherland, Beenie Man, Papa San, Mr. Vegas, Dwight Richards, Yrneh, Glacia Robinson, Eileen Moscoll, Lubert Levy, Kevin Downswell — these individuals, among others, owe their recognition to the Tastee talent contest. If not for the decision to hand over the reins to the son of the owner, who took charge and regrettably disrupted everything, I might still be collaborating with the dedicated team that stood by us throughout all those years.
I've always maintained that if something isn't broken, there's no need to fix it. The Tastee Talent Contest wasn't broken; it simply required an upgrade. Unfortunately, rebranding it as the Tastee Talent Trail under an agency disconnected from the masses was not the solution. Had the company embraced my suggestion to take it to television, it could have elevated the contest to another level. Instead, the gate was opened for another sponsor to take my proposal and run with it.
Nonetheless, the past is behind me, and my journey led me to another level—returning to my roots as a communications consultant for the highest office in the land, the Office of the Prime Minister.
On Sunday night (January 21), I attended the Jazz in the Gardens presentation at the Pegasus. While unfamiliar with most of the young performers, their awe-inspiring performances left a lasting impression. Tammy T's powerful voice, Andre Shepherd, Sabrina, Everton Pesoa, and Rojah, alongside Maria Myrie, continue to captivate. It was a refreshing night of clean entertainment, thanks to producer Ken Nelson and his team for resurrecting an event where seniors can don their finest attire and revel without concern for violence or disturbances.
Adding to the evening's delight was the reunion with old faces not seen for ages. As usual, I couldn't resist capturing the moments in photographs. Take a look.
PICTURES
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| Sarina |
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| Lois Grant and Vernon Derby |
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| Sarina |
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| Sarina |
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| Andre Shepherd |
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| Maria Myrie |
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| Maria Myrie |
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| Oliver Samuels |
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| Producer Lorna Gordon with her daughter |
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| Minna Israel and Dwight Richards |
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| Jaque Daley |
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| The Birthday People |
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| Marcia Griffiths being recognized |
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| Tammy T |
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| Rojjah |
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| Rojjah |
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| Lois Grant and Dwight Richards |
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| Rojjah and Vernon |
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| Lois Grant and Beverly Duncan |
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| Vernon and Beverly Duncan |
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| Lorna Gordon, Lois Grant and Vernon Derby |
Writer, Lois Grant
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| Lois Grant |
Lois Grant - JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a distinguished communications professional with a legacy of groundbreaking achievements. From her early days at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) to leading the Public Relations unit at Grimax Advertising. She co-founded Innercity Promotions, celebrated for pioneering live dance hall concerts. In the '90s, Grant established her agency, Corporate Image Communications and Productions, creating innovative events for brands like Tastee Limited, COK Credit Union, and the Jamaica National Building Society. Her impact extends to shaping the political landscape of three Caribbean islands., Jamaica included. She was a former Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica (2007-2013). Grant continues to contribute as a consultant working for prestigious entities such as the US Network, NBC Sports and more recently as a travel influencer.
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