Powerful women and men prepare for charity show

Sunday, June 10, is the day Jamaicans will get to see some of its most powerful men and women in action at the National Indoor Sports Centre, Arthur Wint Drive, St Andrew.

Founder of the annual event Powerful Women & Men Perform for Charity, Thyra Heaven, said last year's show was one of the most memorable as it returned to the National Indoor Sports Centre with one of the largest crowds in recent years. There was an increased number of the island's influencers at the highest levels of government, business, the diplomatic corps and civil society on stage, while a number of new corporations came on board as sponsors. However, as impressive as 2017 was, the organisers believe this year will be even better. "Loyal and first-time patrons can look forward to the inaugural appearances by many of Jamaica's influencers," said Cordel Green, chairman of the planning committee.

Approximately 50 of Jamaica's well-known leaders have already been confirmed. They include Juliet Holness, wife of the prime minister and MP for East Rural St Andrew; Marlene Malahoo Forte, QC, MP, attorney general; broadcaster Emily Crooks-Shields; Norman Grant, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS); Dr Michael Abrahams, stage personality, obstetrician and gynaecologist; Carmen Rives Ruiz-Tapiador, deputy head of mission, Embassy of Spain; Allie McNab, former sport star and businessman; Cordel Green, executive director of the Broadcasting Commission; Dr Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson, principal, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts; Ingrid Christian-Baker, general manager, Jamaica Private Power Company; Stephen Shaw, communications manager, National Works Agency; and Christopher Barnes, COO, RJRGLEANER Communications Group. A special item will be the return to the Powerful Women & Men stage of Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, who will perform a comedic piece, Since Mi Did Gawn.

Michael Holgate, co-founder of Ashe, is this year's production director. Other members of the production team are Weston Haughton, creative director; Ewan Simpson, musical director; and Worrel King, stage manager, as well as Kimalea Campbell and Camille Hutchinson, production assistants Starlight Production will provide light and sound, while Kevin Reittie will be in charge of graphics and stage design.