Dr Carey Wallace Keynote at Global Villa Hotel Launch

Last Friday, March 31, 2023, Global Villa Boutique Hotel made history when the dream of its Managing Director, Gloria Spence, came true with the launch of its successful Upgrades of Rooms, the Conference Centre and the installation of a New Pool.

Ms. Gloria Spence surrounded by five generations of Grant and Spence family members welcomed her special guests, community associates, and patrons of Global Village in a joyful and professionally staged Launch Event in front of the state-of-the-art conference room, which was prepared to host her VIP guests. She cordially and energetically shared her vision, achievements in the UK, in Jamaica. She said this “Incredible Milestone was achieved through persistent hard work, commitment, support and love.”

The event host, Sharon Parris-Chambers, Broadcast Journalist and PR Consultant, created an “easy breezy” ambiance to match the breezy climate by the seaside. Representatives of the Tourism and Business sectors in attendance were: Dr Carey Wallace (Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund); Ms Sandra Bellinfantie, Product Quality Manager -Western Region (Tourism Product Development Company); Mr Dwayne Hunter, Development Manager (EXIM Bank); Ms Andrea Dehaney-Grant (Deputy Mayor of Lucea). Dr Carey Wallace, Keynote, gave a stirring speech and charged the audience to press forward with their entrepreneurial goals as this was the time to make their mark. He later cut the ribbon to officially open the pool for use by the hotel guests.

Ms Spence was very pleased to welcome Dr Beverley Anderson, Past Dean of Art & Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, who hosted all their Professors at Global Villa Hotel for 11 years to help Hanoverian Teachers to obtain their first B.A. degree.

The Launch was not without exciting entertainment produced by Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Shiyan Williams, Parish Manager; Green Island High School and Frenchie Production Limited. The Green Island High School performances were arranged by Shauna Miller, Dramatist, with participation by the following performers: Karlia performed a Monologue; followed by a Drum Ensemble and another humor-filled Monologue by Demario Malcolm. Ozarii, a shooting star & multi-genre artiste, managed by Frenchie Production performed three singles entitled “Protest”, “Whine Slow” “A You mi Really Love”.

The Ribbon was cut to Showcase the Pool immediately after all the presentations were completed. Dr Carey Wallace did the honours assisted by Ms Andria Dehaney-Grant and Ms Gloria Spence.

Alora Entertainment & Business Centre

Hanover, Jamaica, W.I. April 5, 2023. Alora Entertainment & Business Centre, located in Bull’s Bay, Lucea, Hanover invites you to their official launch on April 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Manager Keneisha Walker says "the entertainment and business centre are much more than meets the eye. The entity is a restaurant, entertainment and conference centre that opens its doors to Hanoverians to experience its multiple offerings."

The exciting Launch event will present a Family Fun Day with fun for the whole family. Ice Cream and Kiddies Bounce About & Trampoline for the children. Gift shop with alluring gifts; disco lounge, Conference for business meetings. Dine indoors at the upstairs bar and restaurant patio. Sample our menu of delicious Jamaican foods with Trinidadian curry dishes & roti.

MELLO FM OUTSIDE BROADCAST begins from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Radio Host: Keleine 'Kelz' Maye. Before and after the Broadcast (OB) Special Entertainment will be provided by Vybz Sound. Meals by Harry Potter & Capachi. There will be fun Games of Dominos, Bingo, and more.

Join us for the Official Launch of Lucea’s only first-class Restaurant & Entertainment Complex on Saturday. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

For more information contact 876-997-7918 Instagram (IG) Alorajamaica.

Contact:
Sharon Parris-Chambers
CARIBNEWSROOM.COM
876-275-3169

Omega Medical Hospital, Negril

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, March 27, 2023: [As a resident of Negril over a period of 10 years, I have seen the  private sector advocate and compete to build a hospital that would be subsidized to accommodate residents and visitors alike. This dream has not yet materialized, instead we have accepted privitized medical care in Negril, Jamaica's most complete resort. Those without medical coverage would be shuttled to overcrowded hospitals which sometimes have no space for the sick and dying. What is Jamaica's Health Ministry going to do about this as Jamaica continues towards its goal of Vision 2030 (Jamaica will become a place to live, do business and raise families.) as it races towards becoming a First World Caribbean nation. The following question begs for an in-depth response: How can a "first world" Caribbean nation not afford to care for its people, the most valuable commodity,  in modern, affordable-care hospitals or urgent-care facilities?
In regard  to Lucea, Hanover becoming a resort, does a Bypass, alone prepare this bypassed parish for the glory that it could become as a Thriving Marina with an active Town Centre, Tours and Reinactments at Fort Charlotte? Why has it taken so long Honourable Edmund Bartlett and Prime Minister Holeness? ]
Caribnewsroom commentary
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Both the Hanover parish capital, Lucea, and the popular resort of Negril are being earmarked for major development to enhance them as tourist towns.

With key hotel developments currently underway east and west of Lucea, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says much is in store that will make this area rival other existing resorts.

Construction is underway on the 950-room expansion of Grand Palladium Resorts as well as the new 2000-room Princess Jamaica Resort. Also, work is expected to commence shortly on construction of the Viva Wyndham Resort in Hanover.

Further details on these developments will be known when Minister Bartlett makes his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament on April 18. Meanwhile, he has also signalled that one of Lucea’s historical treasures, Fort Charlotte, is to receive attention and play an important role in marine life in the west.

Eighteen Dynasty Egyptian Royalty

Rootsology & Queenology returns with another exciting collaboration between the Temple of Inner Peace, founders Sharon and Theo Chambers and ICAN Company, founding directors Denise Isis Miller and Cover ‘Jah Steve’ Palmer dubbed “The Sage Within Stimulates Queen Healing” during an International Women’s Month Programme scheduled for Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. at the Temple of Inner Peace in West Cliff Estate, Mt. Airy, Negril.

Queenology is the study and science of a Queen. In harmony with the 2023 International Women’s Day theme of “Gender Equality in the Digital World,” this event is building on the theme Digitization and Inclusivity.

Parris-Chambers said, “Women have entered the Board Room and have no intention of giving up their forward trajectory to the top and Digitization is another area for the Sacred Feminine to express her Shakti power.”

The Iconic Queens to be honoured on Sunday are:
*Dr Sherrill Chong, Researcher in Clinical Therapy and SOAD Minister of Family & Social
Economy;
*SntDr. Chenzira Davis Kahina, Consultant, Griot, Smai Tawi Kemetic Priestess, and 2nd APG/HCG in
the UNIA-ACL RC2020;
*Kathie Lennon, CEO, KML Agroconsulting Ltd. & Cannabis Consultant.
*Jackie Lewis, Founder, Operator of Jackie’s on the Reef Day Spa in Negril.
*Keteis Oyonde, Edutainer, Educator, Entrepreneur, Enabler.

Mt Kailash Rejuvenation Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

All Roads Lead to Mt. Kailash Rejuvenation Center in St Lucia

Montego Bay, Jamaica July19, 2022. Rastafari from around the world will converge on Mt. Kailash Rejuvenation Center in St. Lucea, the Eastern Caribbean, beginning July 21, 2022 through August 25, 2022.

The fruit cancer also known as soursop

DESPITE ongoing efforts to tackle cancer, the disease remains one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Several therapies, including chemotherapy, have improved survival rates. One fruit has demonstrated comparable effects to the drug in animal studies.

The effects of diet on cancer remain largely understudied, but early research has shown that one fruit, purported to have medicinal qualities, can slow the spread of the disease. Other research suggests it may enhance the performance of traditional therapies, or selectively kill several types of cancer cells. Doctors, however, have advised against its use in cancer prevention due to a lack of research on humans.

Graviola comes from the trees of rainforests in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia, where it is commonly consumed.

The fruit’s pulp is used widely in juices, and smoothies, but can be bought in its organic form from certain tropical fruit suppliers in the UK.

Variety of Jamaican Black Castor Oil on the market

Castor oil is a name that is encored throughout the world, especially in the global black hair community. However, what differentiates regular clear castor oil from Jamaica Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is the unique roasting process that gives it a distinct dark color and smell. The castor beans possess ricinolein.

Ricinolein is the chief constituent of castor oil and is the active principle in the use of castor oil as a purgative and solvent for several medically useful alkaloids.

Jamaican black castor oil consists of Ricinoleic acid (a hydroxy monounsaturated fatty acid) that is the primary component of this amazing oil that helps detoxify the skin by promoting blood flow and assisting in collagen production. There are several other uses and benefits of castor oil which are listed below:

1. Probably the most well-known benefit of JBCO is its contribution to hair growth. It is known to be quickly absorbed into the scalp to soothe itchiness and dryness.
   
   
2. JBCO helps to treat dandruff and hair breakage.
   
   
3. As several users can attest, JBCO strengthens and moisturizes the hair shaft, contributing to thicker hair.
4. JBCO may be used to treat acne and chapped lips.
   
   
5. JBCO can also be used to improve beard, eyebrows, and eyelash growth.
   
   
6. Known to be quite effective when heated, JBCO can be used as a massage oil to soothe the skin and relieve muscle tension.
   
   
7. It can be used as a laxative. Simply take a teaspoon of JBCO with a splash of lime juice for almost immediate bowel relief. *

*This is not encouraged. Please contact a doctor for verified laxatives and bowel treatment.   

castor oil, castor bean and the castor bean plant

Ricinus Communis popularly known as castor oil is one of the world's oldest and most valuable herbal remedies. The oil has been around for centuries and has been used by ancient civilizations to improve health and wellness. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant that is native to India and East Africa and has been in use for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, ranging from health to skincare to haircare. It was so popular that evidence of it was found in almost every ancient civilization. The Egyptians are the pioneers of the oil, first using it as lamp fuel before they realized its healing properties. Now in the 21st century, castor is mostly identified with the beauty industry, but the product is versatile and can do much more. Here are six benefits of castor oil. 

• Heal Scar, Wounds, and Skin Conditions 

Massaging castor oil into the skin can soothe dryness, psoriasis, and eczema and fade the appearance of scars. The ricinoleic that is present in the oil acts to reduce inflammation and irritations, while its bioactive compounds stimulate cell regrowth to heal wounds.

• Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Castor can be applied topically to the skin via a castor oil pack. Used as a natural healing method, a cloth can be soaked in the oil and then placed onto the affected area and left to absorb into the skin. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil soothe muscular pain, and joint pain and even improve digestion. 

The cycle of procrastination

We have all struggled with procrastination in one way or another, whether it is putting off important work or delaying simple tasks around the house. We are all guilty of it, we even try to compensate for it by saying everybody does it. Procrastination can get to the point where it can pigeonhole someone into a very unsuccessful life. This can happen because people are unmotivated to move forward, and they eventually give up on their dreams. Here are five ways procrastination ruins your quality of life and some hacks on how to stop procrastinating.

Goals Become Hard to Achieve.

The human body prefers a state of comfort, that is why every time someone sets out to achieve a task whether personally or professionally there is a feeling to remain neutral. Procrastination makes it hard to achieve short-term and long-term goals, which reduces the possibility of people getting a better life for themselves.

• First, find out the reason you procrastinate.
• Then break down goals into achievable objectives which are easier to complete.

Procrastination causes you to lose time.

“Herbology Meets Rootsology” was coined, during the COVID Pandemic, by veteran broadcaster Denise Isis Miller, Host of Rootsology, a lively award-winning radio show heard on Roots 96.1FM 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Isis Miller indicated that while listening to a colleague journalist, Ka’bu Ma’at Kheru, speak on Jamaican herbs and their medicinal value in Jamaica, she realized, that Jamaicans were losing the knowledge and use of our indigenous herbs. Espousing the philosophy "Health, Wealth and Prosperity Are Our Natural Birthright!" she invited Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers and her partner husband Theo Chambers, founders of the annual Caribbean Health Tourism & Spa Conference series, to join the Initiative and Herbology Meets Rootsology was born. Isis Miller also invited Nature Ellis who is scheduled to begin a tour of his new Album Revolution Choice (Ambassador of Choice Records) to join the Herbology team in search of the herbalists, producers of Natural herbal products and services across the island for the healing of the nation. 

The Herbology Meets Rootsology showcase, is produced by Denise Isis-Miller and Cover "Jah Stephen" Palmer representing their partnership ICAN Company in Association with Temple of Inner Peace, which is managed by Sharon and Theo Chambers. The Herbology showcase will feature well-known traditional herbalists such as Bongo Roche, Mama Lily; Dr Diane Robertson, Phytotherapist and Author; Dr Sherrill Chong, Minister of Family & Social Economy, The State of the African Diaspora and founder of Kingdom Shift Now; Chef Raymond Hansen, Sea Moss Specialist from London and others. 

The Showcase runs from February 4 through February 27, 2022. 

Herbology meets Rootsology was conceptualised to merge Denise Isis  Miller's  Rootsology program with the Indigenous healing plant culture of Jamaica.  With this in mind, a tour was born, to raise the  awareness of the populace, to holistic health, wellness and transformation. 

On Saturday, Feb 19, 2022 one leg of the tour merged beautifully with the launch of The Temple of Inner Peace Retreat conceptualised by Sharon Parris-Chambers and Theo Chambers, owner/operators. This Temple is a serene space in the woods of Mt. Airy, a little district on the tip of The Negril West End.

 Founded by Theo and Sharon Chambers, this place is designed to allow nature to assist in one's healing. So, there you can unwind and reconnect with your true self. It's a place where a food forest is being created within the natural flora of a rain forest Melodious birdsong and wind chimes serenade all day long in this tranquil space, dotted with hammocks  for relaxation. The earth is welcoming of your bare feet to ground and balance yourself. Steps built amidst rocks and greenery, lead  downwards to a large  firepit at the centre of the space. Beyond that  are more  trees and nooks to slip away and find your quietness in.

Saturday’s launch saw a lit firepit, to encourage one to burn away the sorrows, woes, and heavy energies that may assail. Saging of  guests by a  gracious hostess, Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers. Drumming  by master drummers from the Indigenous Rasta Village. Entrepreneurs who use herbs, earth and roots  to offer healing products,  displayed  their wares. There were body treatments made from castor oil, charcoal and clay. Roots tonics from master herbalists. Vegan and raw vegan foods and fresh pressed juices  to nourish and delight.

The production team of Herbology Meets Rootsology & Queenology returns with an exciting collaboration between the Temple of Inner Peace, founders Sharon and Theo Chambers and ICAN Company, founding directors Denise Isis Miller and Cover Palmer dubbed "Herbology Meets Rootsology Greets Queenology”. Queenology is the study and Science of a Queen. The focus is “Queen Healing,” which is being staged during International Women’s Month building on the theme “Break the Bias”. Parris-Chambers said “We aim to shatter the Glass Ceiling with the showcase of seven phenomenal women and their unique experiences and contribution to Health and Wellness.” The programme is staged on March 27, 2022 at the Temple of Inner Peace in West Cliff Estate, Mt Airy, Negril.

Denise Isis Miller, the conceptualizer of the Herbology Meets Rootsology Meets Queenology showcase staged the first production Herbology Meets Rootsology Tour from February 4 to February 27, 2022 in association with Temple of Inner Peace Launch and Nature Ellis Revolution Choice Live Album Launch in an island-wide showcase.  

Seven Words Sounds tells the story of what will unfold when the seven women take to the stage: Passion, Healing, Cleansing, Clearing, Faith, Grounding and Transformation. It will be Magical, with the fire blazing & purifying everything in its path, when Seven women of Worth takes the stage on March 27^th the likes of: Nadia Brown, Tourism Stalwart & General Manager Zoetry Hotel Resort & Spa; Jackie Cohen-Hope, International Buyer of Ethnic Arts & Artifacts and Designer of Mutamba Fashions; Mama Fiyah, Nyabinghi Warrioress; Nadia Brown, Tourism Stalwart & General Manager Zoetry Hotel Resort & Spa; Mama RZion, Founder of RZion Foundation Camp; Claudette Kemp, Manager for Recording Reggae Artisté Capelton and Promoter; and Angella Whitter, CEO Whitter Group of Companies & Philanthropist.

Electrifying speakers will be on hand to stimulate and empower guests during the Queen Healing Showcase: Hope Heaven (Queen Healing In Mind Body & Spirit); SherIne Gayle (Healing with Food as Your Medicine); Mama Lily (Healing from Cancer), Sharon Oshun Chambers (Womb Healing). The programme will be hosted by Denise Isis Miller presenting opening remarks with Theo Chambers. The ambiance will be mystical with Saging for positive energetic flow, Drumming, Wholistic Massage and Reflexology. Delicious Vegan food will be available for sale and Vendors with Herbal and Wellness products, books, ceramics, wood carvings and more will be available to make this showcase truly memorable.

The first showcase entitled Herbology Meets Rootsology Tour was a tremendous success. The event was a novel approach in fusing a trilogy:  knowledge of herbs, grounding with nature and music. Herbology Meets Rootsology Tour showcased the Herbalists, the Herbs & Botanicals endemic to Jamaica and asked Jamaicans to return to using their traditional herbs and herbaceuticals particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Keynote Dr Sherrill Chong, played a pivotal and grounding role as anchor in most of the four sessions held at various venues from Temple of Inner Peace (Negril Hills); Kamila’s Kitchen & Skyline Levels (Jacks Hills); Countryfarm House (Kingston); with the finale at Bob Marley Beach (Kingston). Speakers comprised Moses Chybar, Diana McIntyre-Pike, Arlene McKenzie, Bongo Roach and others.

Eliminate A.N.T. Brain Fog

Do you sometimes too often choose to act on the negative thoughts surfing in your mind? You can eliminate Automatic Negative Thoughts (A.N.T.) through Cognitive Behavior Therapy, an effective therapeutic intervention developed by Psychiatrist Aaron Beck.

You can learn how to cancel negative thoughts and reset with more meaningful, purposeful and life-enhancing thoughts within 21 days. Begin to practice now to be alert, pay attention to your thoughts, cancel negative ones and reset with new thoughts. This is a powerful tool to rewire the brain’s neuronal network by forging new pathways. It can be done in 21 days according to research; you will create more positive changes in your brain as well as your life.

Strategies for Eliminating A.N.T.:

List your recurring A.N.T. thoughts.

The Caribbean countries of Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have gathered 3,500 kg of medical supplies to be sent to the largest country in the Caribbean, Cuba.

The news was announced this Friday by the regional integration bank on its Twitter account, where it acknowledged the role of the four English-speaking Caribbean nations in organizing the much-needed medical aid to the Cuban people in coordination with Conviasa.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba has sent international medical brigades to every country in the Caribbean to help the island nations confront and control the deadly virus; now, with Cuba facing one of its sharpest outbreaks in the 18 months since the novel coronavirus reached the nation's shores, it will humbly receive the donations from its brother nations through an international air bridges established through the ALBA regional integration mechanism.

Due to the United States' economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed against Cuba for more than sixty years, the largest of the Antilles had struggled to obtain crucial medical, food and sanitary inputs to meet the growing needs of the population. The generous donation from its Caribbean bretheren adds to those originating over the past months from numerous countries worldwide, such as Nicaragua, Russia, Italy, Japan and Bolivia.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

BY Theo Chambers

I have had the opportunity to live a disease-free, sickness-free, headache-free life, for the last 72 years, except for my Quadruple Heart Bypass, which I had in 2015, due to the fact that my body seems to manufacture extra cholesterol in spite of the fact I am a vegetarian for over 50 years.

Please come with me on this Wellness Destructive Behavior I find my family, friends, and associates living:

Two or more individuals cannot come to a common understanding unless they have a common definition on the subject matter they are speaking about.

By: Alyssa Newcomb

From engaging outside experts to interviewing shoppers, Sephora hopes its team effort to tackle racial bias will have an impact on the wider retail industry.

Months before the killing of George Floyd sparked racial justice demonstrations, and before the coronavirus pandemic changed the way people shop, Sephora decided to confront an ugly truth.

“Bias is wired into our brains and shows up in every institution, from policing to real estate to online media, and so we wanted to understand the implications for retail, guided by our commitment to creating a more inclusive retail experience,” Deborah Yeh, Sephora’s chief marketing officer, tells Fortune. 

The beauty retailer recruited a team of experts from both inside and outside the company who could report on racial bias in retail and come up with actionable steps that Sephora and ideally other retailers could take to make the shopping experience more inclusive. The task force worked for more than a year to study the issue and earlier this month released its findings in the company’s first-ever “Racial Bias in Retail” report.

“The study was really intended to better understand the issue, and understand how commonplace racial bias is in retail settings, as well as similarities and differences across different racial groups, and ultimately measure the problem,” Yeh says. “But we also wanted to identify tactics and actions that could help mitigate bias treatments from the shopper experience.”

Que Pasa con el Caribe y Africa? By Felipe Noguera, Deputy Coordinator of the Caribbean Regional Coordinating Committee of the Pan Africanist and Indigenous Movement.

"Love gives and forgives. Selfishness gets and forgets."

In which category do we, the people of Africa and the Caribbean fall? Can we express loving appreciation or do we consign ourselves to selfish ingratitude?

Has any country in modern history, outside of the continent of Africa, sacrificed more in life, time, blood, and resources for the liberation of Africa from the shackles of apartheid and domestic settler colonialism than Cuba?

Dr. Sherrill Chong

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA- March 12, 2021 – The illustrious Dr. Sherrill Chong, an esteemed researcher in clinical therapy and SOAD Minister of Family & Social Economy will present at the Sistas of D Ankh & Ma'at Sisterhood Circle on the topic: ‘Physical Health and Wellness of the Family & Community.’ The virtual event will take place via Zoom on March 14, 2021 and can be accessed with the link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3898417079. Meeting ID: 389 841 7079.

Dr. Sherrill Chong, who is described as a coach extraordinaire has worked in various capacities. Her main goal through her association with E & S Chong Health Ministries is to ‘empower Caribbean people world-wide through Motivation, Training, and Implementation Strategies to regain and sustain Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual health.’ With her expertise in Holistic Health where she provides assistance in lifestyle transformation for individuals, families, communities and nations, there is much assurance that she will be an excellent speaker that will have all the attendees engrossed in her presentation.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 (Montego Bay, Jamaica, W.I.)  In honour of Women’s Month, Sistas of D Ankh and Ma’at Sisterhood Circle welcomed healing directions from guest speakers Sa ‘Enya McBean and Dr Sherrill Chong. The speakers gave virtual blessings on Zoom at the Sisterhood Circle’s programme on Sunday, March 14, 2021. 

The programme captured its regular drumming, prayer and affirmations and introductions followed by guest speaker, Sa ‘Enya McBean, who spoke on ‘How to Safeguard Your Physical Well-being with Healing Interventions and Energy Medicines During Covid 19 Pandemic.’ Ms. McBean who considers herself as a medical intuitive, highlighted the genesis of that becoming to 25 years ago where she was diagnosed with stage four (4) ovarian cancer. Despite all efforts having done all the doctors recommended, the speaker revealed that her cancer was still in progression. As such, her search for healing and purification through natural remedies, emerged. This journey facilitated the creation of her book, ‘Pursuit of the Soul.’

Three herbs were offered as substitutes for those who may feel skeptical about the Covid - 19 vaccine or just the need to keep the body purified. The herbs she mentioned that can be used together during this health crisis are: Neem, (which has over 101 properties and help to purify the blood), Moringa and Guinea Hen, together they fortify the body and remove toxins. 

Sa ‘Enya informed the audience of the healing being done not only from a physical basis with herbs, but also the mental which takes into account daily affirmations like: “I am healed, healthy, I have a sound mind.” Healing in its entirety also incorporates the spiritual, which reminds us that what God has created, no man can destroy.

To those who have attended a very modern wedding, particularly one of the latter parts of the last decade, you may agree that weddings have truly been revolutionized, allowing guests to have an even grander time. These weddings are mirroring closely to international events like the BET Awards or the shenanigans of the Grammy Awards (I might be exaggerating, but I hope you get the point). From the fog and sparklers that adorn the dance floor, to the gleeful release of sky lanterns, in an attempt to add flare to an evening that some hope to be the beginning of forever and their happily ever after. Interestingly, even the very first dance of the couple bears a different face, one far from the conventional waltz, to fully choreographed moves. Admittedly, it is quite a spectacle to behold.

However, after that spectacle has ended, what’s next? Recent reports from family boards and media houses about the deterioration of some marriages, have confirmed that the fairy-tale captured in some wedding ceremonies, will one day pause or come to an end. Lately, the mettle of many marriages has been severely tested. Judging by the reports, the ‘test’ has been attributed to the increase in the time couples are compelled to stay in the same space, coupled with the unforeseen ‘dent in pockets’ that Covid -19 has brought on, all of which can lead to emotional distress.

To get through these challenging times, it necessitates use of olive branch. Therefore, it dawned on me that careful consideration must be given in the selection of wedding guests. Do you choose from a place of guilt and belief of obligation to relatives and childhood friends, or do you choose from the premise of those who love and support the longevity and joy of the relationship? This selection is an important responsibility for those who will be ‘tying the knot’ because guests must be cognizant that as there is a privilege to witness a start of a marriage, there must be some responsibility on them as the witnesses.

My point is, when you are creating your wedding list, choose wisely. These persons are not only to be witnesses of the wedding, but also supporters of the marriage. How practical is it to hold guests to this responsibility when the invitation was borne out of a sense of obligation to persons with whom no bond really still exists? How willing will these guests be to support the marriage, knowing that they only acted on the invitation they received? To the weds, choose wisely, to the guests, support the marriage.