Seet deh

Ackee Money?

US$1 = J$100! - J$ plunges to lowest value ever!
The Jamaican dollar plunged to its lowest value ever on 6/7/13, trading at an average $100.08 to its US counterpart. The Canadian dollar also gained 81 cents to trade at J$97.90 while the British pound traded at J$155.44.
Early in May the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signed off on a funding arrangement with Jamaica to loan the island US$2 billion over the next four years. Jamaica's decision to decimalize its currency in 1969, replaced the pound with new coins and bank notes. At the time of the introduction the Jamaican dollar was stronger than the US$ and valued at J$0.77 to US $1.00. So de Ackee money caan buy de Sallfish.  Seet deh now . . .

=========================================


Did you know that Chris Blackwell made a fortune on the charms of his beloved Jamaica?  In 1959 he started Island Records with about 3,000 British Pounds ($4,672) and was instrumental in bringing Reggae music and Bob Marley to the worldwide stage. He opened shop in Kingston in 1960 and in 1964 he produced "My Boy Lollipop" by a 15 yr old girl named Millie and the music business grew. About 30 years later Blackwell sold Island Records to Polygram for a mere $300 million. What a great investment that was. He then turned his attention to hotels & resorts under his Island Outpost management and never looked back. Blackwell now owns - The Marlin Hotel on South Beach, Miami Florida;  Bahamas Pink Sands;  The Caves in Negril;  Golden Eye & Ian Fleming Villas in Oracabessa and Strawberry Hill in Blue Mountains. I am sure there are more investments to this story, but I thought this much was interesting enough!

Psst. . . it was said that his mother Blanche was Ian Fleming's (creator of James Bond) longtime matey.

=========================================


Port Antonio Recording Studios

Though it has been around almost 10 years, the Illmatic Studio in Port Antonio does not have the lofty profile of Gee Jam, its more established rival in that seaside town.

Owner Marlon Minott admits it does not look like much, but points out that in this case, size does not matter. The studio, which has been active for eight years, was originally a clothes store.  "When I returned from the US I started to juggle, selling clothes. Then came (Hurricane) Ivan which blew away everything and blew in a wind of change. . .the studio," he said. Among the artistes who have recorded at the Illmatic Studio which is equipped with a pro tools system are; Michael Rose, Cobra, Mr.Pepper and Carl Dawkins. American singer Steve Wynn and the miracle 3 also recorded there.

Gee Jam Studio

Gee Jam

While blending all the creature comforts of home, it's very much a portal into authentic Jamaican culture nestled in the heart of the bush. The property's seven double rooms consist of three deluxe cabins, one suite and a self contained three bedroom villa and the more prestigious state of the art recording studio in Port Antonio. As "one of the top ten most fascinating places to hang out", no wonder local and foreign recording artistes not only record their music there but just hang out and claim privacy at the gym, bushbar, swimming pool and healing spa located on the grounds. Did you know 'bout these places?  Seet deh.

 

=========================================