Spot Valley High gets IT boost

MORE than 1,000 students of Spot Valley High School are beneficiaries of a now fully functional e-learning facility, complete with 23 computers and Internet connectivity, courtesy of Flow.

The firm collaborated with the school's administration to help implement an integrated approach to learning, which has seen eight of the computers donated to two control groups of students facing challenges in mathematics and English language.

In these groups, teachers will introduce new strategies, including the use of technology, in their day-to-day curriculum. The entire process, including students' performance, will be monitored and compared to other groups to measure effectiveness.

The presentation of computers, which took place last on December 1, is a new initiative spearheaded by Flow in partnership with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay Sunrise and Jamaica Labour Party candidate for East Central St James Edmund Bartlett. It is intended to provide an opportunity for students to hone their research skills and expand their educational capacity.

Doreth Chambers, principal of Spot Valley High, who received the computers, said the donation was timely.
"The existence of Internet and computers in our schools will open a whole range of bright and dynamic opportunities for both our students and our teachers," she said in a release to the media.

"I expect that the students will independently seek knowledge and understand it in new ways and that the teachers will experiment with learning and (as such), garner better results," Chambers added.
Bartlett agreed.

"This initiative by Flow to provide Internet connection and the appropriate hardware to facilitate e-learning is a most commendable and far-reaching input in our education process. The Spot Valley High School community, which is both fledging and impressionable, will be indelibly impacted by this technological input in their development," said the man who, up to recently, was Jamaica's minister of tourism.

"... I am acutely aware of the invaluable support that this gesture means to the students and faculty, as not only will their learning methods be enhanced, but the tools available to the teachers will be sharpened to achieve the quality education the community so richly needs," Bartlett added.

Although in existence for only five years, Spot Valley High boasts several achievements which include current enrolment of the first group of sixth-form students at the institution -- the only one of its kind in the area with a sixth-form programme. In recent months, the school has also made significant strides in its performance, excelling in the areas of culture and music.

However, Spot Valley High was considered for the donation after experiencing some significant challenges with resources for their new e-learning room.

The school is a beneficiary of Flow's flagship corporate social responsibility programme Building Leaders Through Technology, which facilitates the installation of complimentary high-speed Internet and educational cable TV throughout schools islandwide. The services are donated to schools free of cost in an effort to aid the teaching and learning process with technology.

"We live in a time where technology plays a key role in every area of our lives. Flow is committed to providing students and teachers with the best learning experience available, with access to advanced technologies. We are doing our part to ensure that each student has a fair opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams by providing these services," said Nicole Campbell, Flow's public relations executive.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/Spot-Valley-High-gets-IT-boost_10425615#ixzz1iNYSZ7NF

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Flow, in partnership with The Gleaner and the Acts of the Holy Spirit Ministries International, fed over 40 homeless persons in Montego Bay on Sunday. This forms apart of Flow's mandate this festive season to help persons who are in need.- Photo by Sheena Gayle

In spreading the gift of benevolence in this festive season, telecommunications provider Flow partnered with Acts of the Holy Spirit Ministries International to feed some 40 homeless people in Montego Bay on Sunday.

Public relations manager at Flow, Jeanette Lewis, said the initiative was part of a greater effort to spread the Christmas cheer to those who are less fortunate and to ensure the indigents are cared for.

"It is not very often that our homeless persons are provided with the spiritual nutrition and receive the actual nutrition for the body," she outlined.

"We wanted it to be done right and we were told that Sam Sharpe Square is the place they worship on a Sunday, and we set up something nice in their natural environment and treated them with the care they deserve."

Pastor Doreth Blake of Acts of the Holy Spirit Ministries International, which does an outreach church service with the homeless persons in Montego Bay, welcomed the effort.

"Every Sunday, we have a church service with the street persons and then we give them a nice Sunday meal after service, and we are always looking for persons to partner with us," the pastor said.

"Drummond Catering is one of our consistent partners, and so we are happy that Flow came and did something like this for the homeless. Many of them are not insane, they are just homeless, and it is our duty to care for those in need."

Grateful for charity

Norris Beckford, who has seen worse days, is grateful for his life and the work of charities in helping him to get his life back on track.

"I was living on the street on drugs and being kicked around. I even lost one of my eyes," he shared. "It was Mr (Paul) and Mrs Blake who showed us that there is a better way to live. There is a better way through Christ. It's not only about feeding us, they have done so much more for us."

He further added that the pastors did not only seek to spread the gospel but actively played a role in ensuring that they were properly fed each Sunday.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111217/news/news5.html

Spot Valley High School and Flow Introduces Integrated Learning Pilot to Boost Performance

In these groups, teachers will introduce new strategies including the use of technology in their day to day curriculum.   The entire process, including students' performance will be monitored and compared to other groups to measure effectiveness.

The presentation of computers, which took place last Thursday, December 1, is a new initiative spearheaded by Flow in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay Sunrise and Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Member of Parliament for East Central St. James, provides an opportunity for students to hone their research skills and expand their educational capacity.

Ms. Doreth Chambers, Principal at Spot Valley High School who received the computers, expressed excitement and gratitude for the timely donation.

“The existence of internet and computers in our schools will open a whole range of bright and dynamic opportunities for both our students and our teachers,” she said. “I expect that the students will independently seek knowledge and understand it in new ways and that the teachers will experiment with learning and [as such,] garner better results,” she continued.

Minister Edmund Bartlett who was an integral part of the efforts to complete the e-learning facilities at Spot Valley High School was also on hand to show his support.  “This initiative by Flow to provide internet connection and the appropriate hardware to facilitate e-learning, is a most commendable and far reaching input in our education process.  The Spot Valley High school community which is both fledging and impressionable will be indelibly impacted by this technological input in their development.”

Though just in existence for five-years Spot Valley High boasts several achievements, which include current enrollment of the first group of sixth form students at the institution, the only one of its kind in the area with a sixth, form programme. In recent months, the school has also made significant strides in its performance, excelling in the areas of culture and music.

However, the school was considered for the donation after experiencing some significant challenges with resources for their new e-learning room.

Minister Bartlett also emphasized the use of the new technology as a teaching tool, saying “As Member of Parliament, I am acutely aware of the invaluable support that this gesture means to the students and faculty, as not only will their learning methods be enhanced, but the tools available to the teachers will be sharpened to achieve the quality education the community so richly needs.”

The school is a beneficiary of Flow’s flagship corporate social responsibility programme, Building Leaders Through Technology, which facilitates the installation of complimentary high-speed Internet and educational cable TV throughout schools island-wide. The services are donated to schools free of cost in an effort to aid the teaching and learning process with technology.

Additionally, through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay Sunrise earlier, the company was able to ship approximately 500 refurbished computers, in a bid to further enhance the education process for many children and young adults in the area.

Nicole Campbell, Flow’s Public Relations Executive, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to education during the handing over ceremony, commenting that, “We live in a time where technology plays a key role in every area of our lives. Flow is committed to providing students and teachers with the best learning experience available, with access to advanced technologies.  We are doing our part to ensure that each student has a fair opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams by providing these services, " she said.

About Flow


With just about five years since its entry into Jamaica, Flow has already made an indelible impact on the local telecommunications industry placing Jamaica as a regional industry leader for data connectivity and innovative digital products. With its dynamic triple play of services – digital cable TV, landline phone service and blazing speed Internet, Flow is helping to build a tech savvy, digital, knowledge-based society as Jamaicans forges ahead in keeping apace with the latest global technological trends.

Flow has made a significant commitment to Jamaica, investing over US$250 million to date; in developing human resources, building an island wide all digital infrastructure and enhancing digital education in schools as part of the company’s social development programme.  Jamaica is now the only country in the region with a direct undersea fibre-optic connection to the United States and South America as Flow via its express, direct, network system to Boca in Florida and Cartenhaga in Colombia.  The record investment in the undersea system also provides Jamaica with unprecedented capacity, resiliency, redundancy and reliability for broadband data communications.

Flow is also demonstrating excellence in corporate social responsibility by supporting enhanced learning in schools via free internet and educational cable programmes, mentoring and youth development activities with the Service clubs in communities across Jamaica and investments to athletic developments in Jamaica via a partnership with the JAAA.  Flow is also a major supporter of sports in Jamaica via its title sponsorship of the Flow Champions Cup, the national basketball team and basketball league.  The company also supports the development of local cultural by partnering with various groups including CALABASH and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festivals.


For further information please contact:
Jeanette Lewis (Ms.)
Public Relations Manager-Flow
876-620-3633(SL)
jlewis@flowjamaica.com

FLOW and HBO repeat partnership to Boost exposure for Jazz and Blues Festival

Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism talks with Michele English, COO at Flow after the Flow/HBO On Demand Launch at the 2011 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival

Jamaica and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will once again receive another boost as Flow leverages its broadband technology and partnership with international content provider HBO to help create multiple avenues for exposure.  With the partnership with HBO, viewers across the Caribbean and Latin America will be treated to another Special feature showcasing Jamaica and the 2012 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, a repeat of the highly successful initiative that was such a key element of the previous year's festival.  Flow's technology will also facilitate live streaming to various countries across the globe, OnDemand programmes on its Flow OnDemand platform, and a local feature on Flow TV.

Michele English, President and Chief Operating Officer for Flow, speaking at the launch for the 2012 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, announced the repeat of the partnership with HBO and highlighted the significance of the Festival as being the first major event of the year in which Jamaica celebrates the 50th anniversary of independence. "This was an extremely important motivator for us at Flow as we welcome the opportunity to support and celebrate such a significant milestone in Jamaica's history." English also announced that in addition to the HBO Special, FLOW TV would produce a feature to showcase the festival and also work with the Festival team to develop programmes for Flow's OnDemand platform, enabling viewers to see what they want to see, when they want to see it. "We are delighted that the festival is placing such a strong focus on highlighting the best of Jamaican music and talent over the years. As part of our commitment to support local culture, we continue to seek out avenues to help develop and showcase the rich talent, both on and off the stage, in Jamaica."

"HBO is delighted to be back on board to support the Jamaica Jazz Festival at this very significant time in the island's history during the 50th anniversary celebrations.  We continue to show our commitment by investing and partnering with Flow and the Ministry of Tourism to produce an HBO Special that will be featured throughout the Caribbean and the rest of Latin America." said Miguel Angel Oliva, Vice president of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs for HBO Latin America.  "Our viewers will enjoy this relevant program showcasing the rich culture and beauty of Jamaica."

The Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism reiterated the importance of the Flow/HBO partnership to Jamaica's tourism. "HBO's presentation on the last Jazz Festival was an absolute success. HBO brought real images and the power of the product to the world which greatly benefitted Jamaica," he said. "I believe that it is HBO that has assisted us in getting the major acts that are headlining the Festival this year. When major acts see that large networks are interested, it invites them to participate." Minister Barlett confirmed that the HBO/FLOW initiative would have a positive impact on efforts to increase tourism arrivals from new markets in the region when he said "Latin and South America are the next frontier for visitors to Jamaica and we are greatly excited that the HBO feature will help us in conveying some of Jamaica's key values which will assist us in our strategic efforts."

The festival this year will also focus on technology for greater avenues for exposure.  English revealed that Flow will leverage its state-of-the art broadband network to provide 100 MBps high speed internet service for the event, enabling live streams and updates from the event. "With this kind of power, the team will be able to stream live all the action to anywhere in the world at the best quality. Local and international media, business partners and patrons will be able to file reports, blog, tweet and post commentary and photos of everything that is happening as part of their Jazz and Blues Festival experience sharing instantly in real time with those who are not able to be there to enjoy it in person," she said.

The 2012 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will open on January 26th with first night dedicated to highlighting the best of Jamaican music and talent over the years. Headliner for the festival will be multi-platinum, 5-time Grammy award winning songstress, Celine Dion.  

Teach our children to innovate, urges SRC boss

PROFESSOR Ronald Young, chairman of the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and pro-vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), has called for changes in the education system that promote innovation among students, as a path to securing Jamaica's future development.

Speaking recently at the SRC's public forum "Innovate or Die", Young suggested that a significant factor in a nation's competitiveness is the development of a mindset of innovation among the population, and that this must occur as part of the education process in the schools.


"We start our lives with enormous curiosity, enormous resourcefulness, and with a drive toward innovation. Then, we teach our children answers to questions they have never asked," he said, making the point that Jamaican schools seem to be educating the natural innovative streak out of Jamaican children rather than encouraging that characteristic.

"We do not teach them how to ask questions, how to identify problems and how to find workable, logical solutions to problems. We must teach them to take risks; not be afraid of failure, but to learn from it and do what seems logical even if no one has done it before," he added.

The educator argued that changes in teaching methods and the integration of technology at all academic levels could promote the creativity needed to develop a cadre of business leaders who think outside the box.
Young agreed that initiatives such as Flow's Building Leaders Through Technology programme lays the groundwork for changing teaching methods and challenging students. At the same time, he noted that the earlier students are exposed to technology, the more they will embrace innovation.

Flow, Jamaica's triple-play service provider, introduced the Building Leaders Through Technology initiative in 2006 to enable teachers and their students to embrace technology in education. Through the Building Leaders programme, Flow has provided more than 100 primary and secondary schools with free Internet and cable service, thereby enabling students, teachers as well as parents and community groups to enjoy the real benefits and value of technology as part of the learning process.

Dr Chadwick Anderson, executive director of the SRC, agreed that access to technology is an important part of the education process. He, too, hailed Flow's Building Leaders programme as an important step in bridging the digital divide.

In addition to its support of activities such as the "Innovate or Die" public forum, Flow is involved in several other initiatives aimed at promoting the use of technology as a part of the education process. The broadband service provider also participated in the Ministry of Education's EduVision 2012 at the Jamaica Conference Centre.


Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/Teach-our-children-to-innovate--urges-SRC-boss_10331237#ixzz1hpL6ydg1

Professor Calls for Education Reforms to Improve Innovation Skills among Jamaican Students

(SRC)  and  Pro-vice  Chancellor  of  the  University  of  the  West  Indies  (UWI)  has  called  for
fundamental  changes  in  the  education  system  in  order  to  increase  the  innovation  ability of  Jamaican  students  as  a  path  to  securing  the  country’s  future  growth  and  economic development.

Speaking  at  the  Scientific  Research  Council’s  public  forum  “Innovate  or  Die”  recently, Young of a mind-set of innovation among the population, and that this must occur as part of the education  process  in  the  schools.  “We  start  our  lives  with  enormous  curiosity,  enormous resourcefulness, and with a drive toward innovation. Then, we teach our children answers to  questions  they  have  never  asked,”  he  said  making  the  point  that  Jamaican  schools
seem  to  be  educating  the  natural  innovative  streak  out  of  Jamaican  children  rather  than encouraging  that  characteristic.  “We  do  not  teach  them  how  to  ask  questions,  how  to identify problems and how to find workable, logical solutions to problems. We must teach them even if no one has done it before.”

The  educator  argued  that  changes  in  teaching  methods  and  the  integration  of  technology at all academic levels could promote the creativity needed to develop a cadre of business leaders  who  think  outside  the  box.  He  agreed  that  initiatives  such  as  Flow’s  Building Leaders  Through  Technology  programme  lays  the  groundwork  for  changing  teaching methods  and  challenging  students.  He  said  that  the  earlier  students  are  exposed  to
technology, the more they will embrace innovation.

Flow,  Jamaica’s  triple-play  service  provider,  introduced  the  Building  Leaders  Through Technology in  education.  Through  the  Building  Leaders  programme,  Flow  has  provided  over  100 primary  and  secondary  schools  with  free  internet  and  cable  service,  thereby  enabling students, teachers as well as parents and community groups to enjoy the real benefits and value of technology as part of the learning process.

Dr.  Chadwick  Anderson,  Executive  Director  of  the  Scientific  Research  Council  agreed  that access  to  technology  is  an  important  part of  the education  process.  Anderson also hailed Flow’s Building Leaders programme as an important step in bridging the digital divide.

In addition to its support of activities such as the “Innovate or Die” public forum, Flow is involved in several other initiatives aimed at promoting the use of technology as a part of the education process. The broadband service provider also participated in the Ministry of Education’s  EduVision 2012 at the Jamaica Conference Centre


Jeanette Lewis (Ms.)
Public Relations Manager-Flow
876-620-3633(SL)
jlewis@flowjamaica.com

Local Animators Urged to Hone Skills for the Trillion Dollar International Industry

James Parris (left) Visual Effects Artist on the Oscar Award Winning  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button speaks with Jeanette Lewis  PR Manager of Flow about the progress of Jamaican animation.  The animator was  a specially invited guest at the Flow sponsored Anime Caribe Festival held at JAMPRO on Saturday November 19.

Jamaican animators have been encouraged to take steps to increase the capacity and capabilities of the local industry and to explore opportunities in international film markets. This suggestion came from James Parris and Kirstin Solid, two award winning animators, as part of discussions on Jamaica’s potential as a major animation outsourcing locale.  Parris and Solid were special guest presenters at the Flow sponsored Animae Caribe Film Festival which took place recently at JAMPRO in Kingston.

James Parris, a member of the Academy Award winning visual effects team for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button believes that building a body of skilled professionals is very important for the development of the local industry. “Small studios can build their repertoire by bidding on small segments of major films and other smaller projects,” he said, highlighting the opportunity for Jamaican animators in international markets.

Kristin Solid, Animation Supervisor at the Academy Award winning Rhythm and Hues has worked as a Senior Animator on popular and award winning feature films such as King Kong, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and the upcoming Snow White and the Huntsman. She confirms that there are possibilities for the local industry to benefit from the trillion dollar animation market in North America. Citing the example of the Summer 2012 release, she said that animations for Snow White and the Huntsman, were created equally between Kuala Lumpur, Vancouver and Los Angeles. “While there may still be the same number of jobs available, they’re not all in L.A., which might be a good thing for Jamaica,” Ms. Solid said, remarking that the island’s proximity to the U.S. is an advantage. Though Hollywood remains the epicenter of the film industry, much work is being outsourced to other countries such as Korea, India, and Vancouver.                                                             

Having amassed extensive experience in the animation industry, Parris and Solid urged Jamaican animators to use their individual development as the driving force for the overall growth of the local industry. Parris explained that to be successful, the learning processes must be continual, “I am still an aspiring animator. I am still a student of life. To me, animation is nothing but regurgitating the stuff that you see all the time,” he said. “You have to absorb life, see how everything around you moves and demonstrate the meaning of a movement.” The visual expert explained that understanding the meaning behind movement separates professionals from amateurs.

Solid complemented this advice encouraging those seeking employment from major studios to create a show-reel featuring their best work “All we care about is that one minute that you show us on your demo-reel,” she said, explaining that performance is valued even over academic references in the elite sector.

Both presenters underscored that entry into a major studio would more than likely mean starting from the bottom with internships being a main entry route. The suggested that aspiring animators must learn even from rejection, and seek to improve skills and maximize opportunities to work with other professionals.

Michael Look Tong, Media Services Director at Flow reiterated his company’s commitment to helping to enhance the performance of the industry. “This partnership with Anime Caribe is very important to us at Flow as it provides another opportunity for us to assist the development of the local production sector,” he said.

Look Tong said that Flow had heeded the call from local producers for additional platforms to showcase local content. The result has been two-fold with the development of FlowTV, which is almost solely dedicated to local content, and Flow OnDemand, which currently airs Jamaica’s first animated series, Cabbie Chronicles, one of its most successful local programmes.

Jamaicans have already made their mark on the international animation scene. At other Animae Caribe festivals in Trinidad, Adrian Lopez of Liquid Light won the BWIA Award for most Outstanding Animation while Allison Latchman was the winner of the DEW Best Caribbean Animation Award for Cabbie Chronicles in 2010. The work of Ian Gooding as Art Director on the Walt Disney feature The Princess and the Frog was nominated for an Annie (the Oscars of Animation). Craig Lyn is an Emmy award winning visual effects specialist whose work has been seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

The Animae Caribe Jamaica event was a satellite festival to the 10th anniversary Animae Caribe held in Trinidad in October. Anime Caribe Jamaica was sponsored by Flow and JAMPRO.


For further information please contact:
Jeanette Lewis (Ms.)
FLOW
876-620-3633(SL)
jlewis@flowjamaica.com

Jamaica's Film Industry to Benefit from Local Production Fund

Alison Latchman (center)  organiser of the Animae Caribe Festival, Kim Marie Spence (second left)  Film Commissioner at JAMPRO , and Michael Look Tong (second right) Director of Media Services at Flow, are flanked by  Kristin Solid (left) Senior Animator on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and James Parris (right) Oscar Award Winning     animator on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  The animators were specially invited guests at the Animae Caribe Festival held at JAMPRO on Saturday November 19.

Jamaica’s film production industry stands to benefit from increased funding for local productions if the recommendation of the Broadcasting Commission for the establishment of a local Content Production Fund is accepted and the new regulations are implemented.  This facility, complemented by government support, could play an important role in the further development of the industry by generating additional employment and creating other opportunities to increase the capacity and capabilities of the sector.

These points were reiterated by presenters at the recent Anime Caribe Film Festival which was held in Kingston. James Parris, a member of the Academy Award winning visual effects team for feature film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button believes that Government support can play an important role in the development of the industry. Pointing to Vancouver in Canada he said  “Vancouver currently rivals Los Angeles in film production.  That city’s film industry was built largely through extensive government grant support.”  Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, is part of what is referred to as Hollywood North. The Government of British Columbia started providing direct assistance to the industry in 1985. Today total direct and indirect full time equivalent jobs generated by film and TV production in B.C. are estimated at over 36,000.

Michael Look Tong, Director of Media Services at Flow, highlighted the importance of a local production fund for the film industry.  “Flow recognizes the immense challenge that local film and television producers face in bringing their creative ideas for productions to the screen due to the lack of financing,” he said. “This challenge could be overcome with the implementation of the new broadcasting regulations which calls for the establishment of a well needed local production fund that would be financed by the new revenue streams that would be generated once local cable companies are able to sell advertising to local businesses on the international cable channels that we carry.”

Since the announcement by Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission Dr. Hopeton Dunn of the recommendation to set up the local production fund, filmmakers are yet to enjoy the advantages of this facility. The delay in the introduction of the new Jamaica Broadcast Media Policy is a major factor in this regard. The recommendations call for the introduction of new revenue streams for the Broadcasting Commission, a percentage of which would be used to finance the local production fund.  Without the implementation of the recommendations, the revenues and the resulting fund continue to elude the key stakeholders.

The revenues intended to support the local production fund include earnings from substituted advertising by cable operators, the annual license fees collected by the Broadcasting Commission from all broadcasters and fines collected from proposed new financial sanctions. Currently substituted advertising by cable operators is not permitted and free-to-air broadcasters are not required to pay the same license fees for broadcasting as are required from the cable operators. This is a presents an imbalance since cable operators are unable to accept paid advertising yet are required to pay license fees, while free-to-air broadcasters can accept advertising revenue and do not pay the same  license fees.

Despite the difficulties faced by local producers, Flow, Jamaica’s triple-play service provider since 2005, continues to provide another option for local content producers to broadcast their creative materials in a manner that is cost effective and profitable to them.

In August, Flow changed their information Channel 100 to Flow TV which is now a content driven channel featuring a variety of  local programming such as the Lauren O Lauren Show, Pree Dis, Glamour Zone, Vibes Cuisine and Business Suite. In 2010, Flow also launched Jamaica’s first video onDemand service which provides not only a broadcast channel for local programming but significantly,  opportunity for local producers to earn revenue from their productions.  Cabbie Chronicles Jamaica’s biggest success story in the animated film production sector,  is currently one of the most popular local features on Flow onDemand.  The producers of that programme earn a share of the revenue generated from onDemand viewership.

Animation takes flight in Jamaica

IT costs up to US$350,000 ($30 million) per half hour of animated programming in the US compared to less than US$75,000 for similar production work in India.

This competitive advantage helps India earn US$739 million annually from animation outsourcing — despite accounting for less than 10 per cent of the market — and is one of the dynamics of a growing global industry into which Jamaica is trying to tap.


Industry data reveal that the animation industry was valued at approximately US$115 billion at the end of 2009, with an average annual growth rate of 12 per cent. Against this background, the Jamaica Film Commission, which forms part of Jampro, has identified animation as part of its medium-term strategy to encourage non-traditional exports.

"It's us moving in a new direction," Jamaica's Film Commissioner, Kim Marie Spence, told the Business Observer yesterday. "The fact is that the animation industry is booming; they don't have the capacity to deal with the demand because it's no longer just a children thing."

Indeed, the marketplace for animation is now a diversified one — from 30-second commercials and five-minute cartoons to feature-length Hollywood films — that stretches across all demographics.

According to Spence, the prospects for Jamaica are encouraging, given that most animation is done through business process outsourcing, with smaller studios all over the world providing animation services to big studios. The upshot is a robust prospect for job creation comparable to that of the booming informations and communication technology sector.

"Animation provides a number of benefits, besides the entertainment content, as it is labour intensive and requires a high level of skills. It promises jobs with transferable skills for Jamaicans and it also provides another avenue for us to tell our stories," Spence said last week.

Alison Latchman, head of the 10-member Jamaica Animation Network, describes the local industry as a "fledgling" one right now.
"You have people starting to come out of the woodwork as there are more opportunities on the world stage," she said.

Latchman is co-founder and CEO of Alcyone Animation, the company behind the popular Cabbie Chronicles animated series on local cable television. She and her husband started doing animation while offering advertising services, and received their big break after winning a Best Caribbean Animation award in Trinidad & Tobago in 2010.

"We have been in advertising for about 10 years and there has always been some sort of animation," Latchman said, noting that the couple began character animation just two years ago.

"Cabbie basically saw the light of day because we got the attention of the animators in Trinidad," she acknowledged.

Corretta Singer, one of the more recognisable local animators, who produces the popular Kina Sky animated series, admitted that "It's fairly early in the game to say we have an industry" but noted that there is undeniable talent in the country.

"What we do have is a pool of unsung, talented animators and individuals with the spark of imagination and drive of ideas who need guidance and most of all, support," Singer said.

"There is still a lot of ground work to do in terms of training and the creation of a national 'body of animation work'. However, the potential for a thriving industry is irrefutable," she said.

According to Spence, Jamaica has innate competitive advantages in that it is an English-speaking country and is close to the lucrative North American market.

"In the same way with BPOs (business process operators), where you see a movement from being really far away to being closer to the core market, there is also a wish to be closer to the North Amercan market," she said.

However, Spence and other industry stakeholders say that, before any other initiative right now, training is the priority.
The latest initiative from the Film Commission on November 19 was the hosting of Animae Caribe Jamaica, the 10-year-old Trinidadian animation festival that, for the first time, had a satellite staging of the event to complement the main festival held from October 30 to November 6 in Port of Spain. Held at Jampro's New Kingston head office, Animae Caribe Jamaica involved workshops by experienced international animators James Parris and Kristin Solid.

Parris, a visual effects artist and animator, was a part of the award-winning visual effect
s team that worked on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He is head of his own production firm, Paper Tiger Films, and has worked on movies such as X-Men, I Robot and Transformers.

Solid is a senior animator at the Academy-Award winning studio Rhythm and Hues, and has supervised animation teams on the films Yogi Bear and Alvin & The Chipmunks, among others.

Through the Animae Caribe Jamaica workshops, Jamaican animators were introduced to the variety of contemporary 2D and 3D animation styles that are widely used in the animation industry.

They also had got to see the line animation short The Muscular Princesses by Julia Farkas.

Animae Caribe Jamaica was organised by the Jamaica Animation Network and sponsored by Flow. Latcman lauded both organisations for the valuable support.

SOurce: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Animation-takes-flight-in-Jamaica_4114803#ixzz1fdNA8TAs

Watson Triumphs at Extreme Table Tennis Flow sponsored Men's Open

Kane Watson, who recently returned from representing Jamaica at the Caribbean Senior
Championships in Guyana, receives a  powerful serve from club mate Kareem Flowers in the Flow sponsored Men's Open at the eXtreme Table Tennis Tournament. The duo battled spiritedly in the  final match which saw Watson walking away with the title, trophy and a cash prize of $60,000.00.

National Table Tennis Player Kane Watson put in one of the most spirited performances ever witnessed in a local table tennis match, as he came from behind to beat UTech Knights club mate Kareem Flowers to take the 2011 Flow sponsored Extreme Spin Men’s Open table tennis final at the YMCA Auditorium.

It was Flowers who got off to a hot start claiming the first two sets 11-9, 11-8, however, the former Kingston College player, Watson, who recently returned from representing Jamaica at the Caribbean Senior Championship in Guyana, dug deep to claw his way back into the match with an 11-4 third set win.

As the seventh and deciding match got underway, Flowers took an injury time out after trailing 3-4.  Watson capitalized on Flowers injury and topped the set with an 11-5 score to claim the Flow Men’s Open trophy and the $60,000 winner’s cheque.

“I must say this is one of the hardest victories for me, going 0-2 down I had to dig deep, I knew I could come back and beat him so I adjusted my game and closed him down and it paid off for me in the end,” said Watson.

For his effort Flowers took home the second prize cheque of $30,000.  Both Flowers and Watson are coached by Collin McNeish.

Witnessing the exciting final was Nicole Campbell Public Relations Executive at Flow who praised the efforts of the organizers.

“What a final, I could not find a better way to bring down the curtain on an excellent tournament.  Flow was extremely pleased to have supported the Extreme Spin Table Tennis Championship for the second year in a row. The tournament facilitated a display of great passion for the sport by participants,” said Campbell.

 The sponsorship is part of Flow's continued investment in sports and sports development which seeks to provide opportunities for all Jamaicans.

The Extreme Spin Table Tennis tournament was held at the YMCA on November 12-13 with over 147 participants in over 18 events.

Big Name Animators booked for FLOW sponsored Film Festival

The local animation industry is set to get a major boost from international experts at the tenth staging of the Flow sponsored Animae Caribe Film Festival.

Headline presenters include award winning animator, James Parris whose work includes  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Lion King, Spiderman, X-men, I Robot and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; and Kirstin Davis, Senior Animator who has worked on films such as Alvin and the Chipmunks, Yogi Bear, Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Night at the Museum.

The event, which is slated to be held at JAMPRO on Trafalgar Road on Saturday, November 19, will provide a forum for local producers and international animation professionals to discuss the best ways to boost the development of animated productions locally.  The festival will also feature screenings of over 24 award winning short films.

The international animation sector is a trillion dollar industry, and though Jamaican animation is at its inception, the island has great potential for development especially as major players such as Disney look to outsource work.  Over the years however, Jamaicans have made an indelible mark on the film industry.  In 2001, Adrian Lopez earned the BWIA award for Best Animation for his short film Roots.  Coretta Singer nabbed two awards for her animation work when she ran away with the People’s Choice Award for Voyajah in 2006 and later earned the award for Most Outstanding Animation in 2007 with Deeper: Shadow Song.

Through the Jamaican-leg of the festival, young animators will have an opportunity to examine the gap between Jamaica and other film industries across the world.

According to Alison Latchman, Co-creator of Cabbie Chronicles and Festival Director of Anime Caribe “The festival will undoubtedly provide local animators with a unique opportunity.” She also added that “When you have an Oscar Award winning film maker imparting knowledge, its invaluable especially as their presence also provides local animators with great networking possibilities.” The opportunity is even greater as the festival is free.

Title sponsor Flow, through its brand Flow TV, did not hesitate to jump on-board for this year’s event.   Michael Look Tong, Director, Media Services at Flow and a presenter at the festival expressed his Company’s commitment to the local film industry. “Flow is always looking for platforms to improve and diversify the content available to Jamaicans through innovation and creativity,” said Look Tong. “The company remains committed to investing in the development of a dynamic film and television sector in Jamaica,” he added.

Latchman also expressed her sentiments on Flow’s endorsement of the Festival.  She pointed out that Flow has provided great support for both the festival and the television series Cabbie Chronicles. “Flow has really been ultra-supportive from day one,” she explains. “I’m very glad that they have come on board with this project as well.”

The main Anime Caribe film festival takes place annually in Trinidad and Tobago. The festival seeks to promote the development of animation in the Caribbean. Anime Caribe Jamaica is being staged in commemoration of Anime Caribe’s 10th anniversary and the organizers hope to have an even larger event in 2012 as a part of the celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of independence.

AISK/FLOW partnership brings together regional schools in sports competition

Michele English (L) President & COO of Flow presents a donation to Brian Horvath, Principal of the American International School in Kingston (AISK) to host the SportsFeva Invitational Tournament on November 11-12 and 18-19. The presentation was made at a press conference at the school on Tuesday November 1, 2011.

Three hundred (300) students and parents representing schools from Jamaica, Aruba, The Cayman Islands, The Bahamas and Curacao will compete in a series of sports competitions as part of the AISK hosted 2011 SportsFeva Invitational Tournament to be held in Kingston on November 11-12 and 18-19.  The teams will compete in football, tennis, golf and sporting clays events over the 4 days of the tournament.  The American International School of Kingston (AISK) has partnered with FLOW, Jamaica’s triple play service provider, to stage the tournament. Local schools Campion College, Immaculate Conception High School, Hillel Academy, St. Hugh’s Prep and host AISK, will compete against intramural teams from other member schools of the Caribbean Area International School Sports Association (CAISSA).

The initiative, whilst unusual at this level of competition, provides great opportunities for participating teams.  Jeanette Lewis, Public Relations Manager of Flow believes the move will provide a valuable competitive experience for secondary and preparatory school students that will assist in their athletic development.

“We believe that healthy competition at an early age builds a strong, focused and successful athlete. This is evidenced by in the many successful national athletes whose journey began very early in their development. This event provides an opportunity for Jamaican students to field competition from students at their level from different cultures, it’s a tactic used by senior athletes to compare their skills and gain insights into their sport,” she said.

Dr. Brian Horvath Head of School of AISK sees the initiative as a tactical approach to providing a wholesome education.  "AISK is becoming the premier K-12 school in the Caribbean and Central America.  So it makes sense that we've created the most ambitious high school sports event in the region.  Keep in mind that we have a one-to-one laptop program, the IB Diploma Program, and the absolutely best teachers in the Caribbean.  SportsFeva is just another example of who we are.  We want to blow everyone away with this event.  And that's the way we approach learning in general - we're not resting on our reputation or some tradition.  We are here every day, offering great experiences to not only our students, but the entire community."
AISK’s SportsFeva Invitational includes the sport of Sporting Clays among the events, giving sports enthusiasts in Jamaica exposure to a new and dynamic event. Sporting Clays, a marksman challenge, is an individual event in which clay pigeons are presented to a gunner in ways that mirror the flight pattern of game birds, or occasionally rabbits, in their natural habitats.

Lewis commented on the decision to include sporting clays, as being consistent with the move to expand the national capacity to compete at international games. “This presents our young athletes with another opportunity to represent our country in a non-traditional sport. We already have a bit of history of outstanding performances in sports where we are least expected to participate. I am pleased that AISK is actively enabling our youth in this regard,” Lewis explained.

Flow continues to demonstrate strong support for sports at the school and national levels; investing in several programmes to boost the development of young athletes. The three year partnership with the National Basketball League as has also seen a remarkable improvement in the national tournament with players benefitting significantly in addition to increasing the public’s interest in the local competition. Flow’s support of football’s National Champions’ Cup tournament marks two years of solid growth of the competition.

The triple play service provider also continues to support grass-roots football. Through collaboration with international sports cable giants ESPN, Flow kick started Whole Life Ministry’s football clinic in Jamaica, the second staging of which takes place on November 3-5 at the Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny. The event will see football greats Robbie Earl and Shaka Heslop hosting the two-day clinic to assist in strengthening the football skills of coaches and young players.

Flow/ESPN Football Clinic: Embracing growth through technology

Last November 19 and 20, a team of retired football professionals including World Cup-winning Frank Leboeuf of France, and Jamaica's Robbie Earle were led by Bernard Stewart, vice-president of ESPN Caribbean & Maritime Media to Jamaica.

The purpose of the trip was to initiate a two-day training programme for coaches and youth footballers that would allow them to develop their overall skills and facilitate a football transformation within the island. This initiative was the Flow/ESPN Football Clinic which was held at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.


The venture was the brainchild of a gathering of corporate executives, including Flow's vice-president of marketing Sharon Roper and ESPN's Totlyn Mason, director of business operations and development — both of whom have Jamaican roots and a desire to give back to the country.

With the overwhelming success of last year's event, main sponsors, telecommunications giant Flow, and the world leaders in sports coverage, ESPN Inc battled financial constraints to ensure a second staging which was held last Friday and Saturday. Totlyn explained: "The plan was to make the project a long-term investment as too often ventures like this lose the drive after a year, so we never gave up on it."

Back to support the venture was Whole Life Ministries through executive director Andre Virtue and the Western Football Confederation, who organised the technical workings of the event.

The Western Confederation, which constitutes the parishes of Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny, had each of these parishes providing 10 coaches and 25 youth footballers, the same format of last year's clinic. This year the training sessions were conducted by ESPN analysts Robbie Earle, Shaka Hislop and Verron Haynes, as well as Ballaz International directors Paul Alexander and Sherrick Williams.
Shaka Hislop said: "We felt it was very important to have a grassroots programme to develop the game of football. As a region we are progressing slowly, so we are just playing our part." In direct reference to this year's venture he added: "They (coaches and children alike) seem to be very excited about the clinic. The reception is much better than last year."

There was a distinct difference between last year and this year's running order and that was the introduction of the iSoccer/iFootball development programme. The programme has been around for some time, but was incorporated into the clinic by Robbie Earle following its successful execution in his youth academy in Orange County.

The programme tests players on 16 basic football skills that they participate in within a 5X5 grid before logging the results into the website online. From there, individuals and coaches can track not only their skill level and their progress, but also the statistics of persons around the world who use the programme so as to make comparisons and drive their desire to improve.

Director of sales, Steven Shows, during the demonstration session last Friday, said: "The 'i' in iSoccer stands for the individual. So the onus is upon the individual to enhance his skills (through discipline and dedication) by extracting his full potential with the use of the website."
These sentiments were backed up by Andre Virtue, who in speaking to the philosophy of the project, declared: "We are not coaching a sport, but we are developing a life through sports."

Earle, the scorer of Jamaica's first World Cup Finals goal in France in 1998, summed up the two-day event. "The second year is definitely another big step towards helping and supporting the growth of football within the island. The introduction of the iFootball element is key, as it sits perfectly between the practical football sessions and the ability to utilise the internet and technology."

As the clinic grows from strength to strength each year, these two elements will be of critical importance.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/Flow-ESPN-Football-Clinic--Embracing-growth-through-technology_10097459

ESPN, Flow Partner For Two-Day Football Clinic

More than 40 local coaches and 100 young footballers will benefit from this year's ESPN/Flow Football Clinic at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium over the next two days, with a number of the US-based sports network's on-screen personalities expected to take part.

This marks the second time that the multi-platform media outlet Flow is partnering with the globally recognised sports broadcasting giants in a football clinic, and everything is said to be in place for what is expected to be another successful staging.

Robbie Earle, the man who scored Jamaica's first goal at the FIFA World Cup Finals, when he rose highest to head a Ricardo Gardner cross in a 1-3 loss against Croatia during the 1998 finals in France; former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop and fellow ESPN commentator and Super Bowl champion Verron Hayes, will all be on hand to lend their expertise to the group today and tomorrow.

This year, the coaches and ballers will have the added benefit of the latest in I-Football technology - an Internet-based assessment tool used to measure a player's overall technical ability and identify areas of improvement.

Support Development

The clinics, presented for the first time last year by Flow and ESPN in association with Whole Life Ministries, are designed to support the development of football in Jamaica. Some of the 40 coaches and 100 young footballers who participated in 2010 will also be involved in this year's programme, as Flow and ESPN seek to build on the foundation laid in year one.

Today's clinic will focus on the coaches and will run for some five and a half hours. Also on the slate today is a demonstration of the I-Football platform, while the youngsters, age 12-15 years, will bring the weekend activities to a close tomorrow with a two-hour session.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111104/sports/sports6.html

Red Cross/Flow Give More to Central Kingston Youths

30 children from communities of Arnold, Anderson and Rousseau Roads were feted by The Jamaica Red Cross in partnership with Flow on Saturday October 22. As part of the National Red Cross month of activities, the Kingston and St. Andrew branch created an environment of safety, security and integration at Arnold Road for children age 5-14.

The one-day Fun Camp, held under the theme "Let the Book Bugs Bite" focused on encouraging a love for reading among children. A team of Flow employees spent the day with the youths and assisted the Red Cross by providing care and entertaining them for the day. The volunteers bonded with kids through group activities as well as one-on-one interactions. Hyacinth Smith, Vice Chairman of the Jamaica Red Cross Kingston and St Andrew Branch says the event was in keeping with the mission of the Jamaica Red Cross. "In Jamaica October is celebrated as Red Cross Month, it is the month we were recognised by the Government as a national society. Today we have taken some children from inner city communities to give them a treat. This is the first time we are hosting this event, "she explained.

Employees of Flow and the Jamaica Red Cross spent quality time with children of Arnold, Anderson and Rousseau Roads communities on Saturday October 22. The Youths spent the day socialising with each other, playing games, reading books and  bonded with the Flow volunteers as well as representatives of the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Volunteers connected with the youths by reading to them and engaging in other team building games. The day's programme which was designed to encourage social interactions and an appreciation for reading resulted in many new friendships being forged through meaningful interactions.

Jeanette Lewis, Public Relations Manager of Flow praised the Red Cross on their rich culture of volunteerism and community support. "The Jamaica Red Cross has been doing good work with children of inner-city communities. We are humbled to have had the opportunity to interact with the children in this way. They received us with such warmth and connected with us immediately. It was a meaningful experience for our team members and the children who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the activities and each other," she explained.

Annette Campbell, Coordinator of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the Jamaica Red Cross Kingston and St Andrew Branch expressed pleasure at Flow's support. "I am very happy that Flow came on board with us. Our van which we use for the meals on wheels programme was stolen and Flow willingly loaned us a van indefinitely. We wanted Flow to come onboard and see what it is we are doing and get involved and I am so happy today they got to interact with the children. It is a worthwhile cause because at the end of the day you feel satisfied knowing you have reached out to the less fortunate and that's what it is all about, Volunteerism," she noted.

Jamaica Red Cross, a member of the International Movement of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, has helped those most vulnerable since 1948. The organization undertakes a range of activities aimed at the development of youth, building communities and civil awareness. The organisation also has Red Cross clubs in schools and youth groups for youth no longer in school, a youth out-of-school education program (Uplifting Adolescents Programme), parenting courses and workshops, conflict resolution and mediation training, mentoring program and anti-violence work.

Customers Win Millions with Flow this Christmas

Consumers are set to win big this holiday season, as Flow officially launches their Christmas campaign that affords opportunities for greater savings and more than $5 million in prizes for new and existing customers with the promotion “Upgrade with Flow, this Christmas.”

The customer focused promotion encourages consumers to upgrade how they watch, talk and click, this Christmas; rewards customers for their loyalty, and gives price breaks and more value to those signing up for new Flow service. All Flow customers have a chance to win a wide range of electronics items such as the coveted iPAD2, 32” LCD televisions, netbook computers and digital cameras for the duration of the promotion, October 14 to December 31, 2011.  Also, every week one lucky winner will receive a Grand Prize of a Flow home entertainment electronics make-over valued at over $150,000. The makeover will consist of a full suite of electronic products and services including a home entertainment system complete with a 32” LCD television and HD digital personal video recorder set-top box, a netbook computer and a cordless telephone.

Sharon Roper, Vice President of Marketing, says that Flow is extending these exciting offers for the holiday season to ensure that consumers can consistently get the value they seek from Flow and also to show appreciation for their loyalty.  “We know that consumers are always looking for real value and for ways to enhance and enjoy their lives. We believe that these special offers provide exactly that  for this holiday season,” Roper said. “It is also important to us that we always show appreciation to our customers, and these amazing prizes are our way of saying thank you for choosing Flow.”

New customers will receive savings of as much as $5,000 when they sign up for any Flow service during the promotion, Roper announced. Every new customer will get free installation for any standard service. In addition, customers who sign up for Flow’s Watch service get a free uprade to one premium package and will have the opportunity to enjoy viewing premium cable channels such as HBO, Watch Movies and Watch Sports for free up to January 31, 2012. New Talk customers will receive a free Caller-ID telephone and will enjoy free Flow to Flow calling plus the lowest rates in the market to call another landline.  New CLICK customers get a free wireless upgrade so that they can enjoy the freedom of being able to experience the fastest high speed internet rates from any location within the home.

“ In the spirit of the holiday season we are giving our customers the opportunity to enjoy experiences that will change their lives,”  remarked Roper. “We continuously aim to offer services that enhance the lives of Jamaicans in the ways they play, work and learn. With this Christmas offer we are also giving our customers more value, more benefits and more choices.”

For further information please contact:
Jeanette Lewis (Ms.)
FLOW
876-620-3633 (SL)
876-282-5030 (Mobile)
jlewis@flowjamaica.com

More Students to access on-line learning tool with GoGSAT, Flow Partnership

GoGSAT is an education phenomenon in Jamaica that is helping students to achieve greater success in the GSAT examination. Since its inception in 2005, over 95 of its subscribers have been awarded national scholarships, including the Top Girl and Top Boy awards. Now, through a special partnership with Flow, even more students, teachers and parents will have greater access to this home grown, Harvard backed on-line learning technology.

Through this collaboration, Flow Internet customers who sign up to GoGSAT or Caribbeanexams.com from September 9 to November 30, will receive significant discounts to GoGSAT's educational packages including three month's free access to any GoGSAT package they purchase. Existing Customers will also benefit from this partnership.

This is important news for students as GoGSAT has been rated of the best on-line examination preparation tool for students in grades one to six. In addition to test preparation materials, GoGSAT also provides access to live tutorials facilitated by Jamaican and Harvard University Tutors, essay grading, eMentoring, 24/7 help, as well as daily homework and research assistance. GoGSAT also provides educational materials such as handouts, worksheets, practice tests etc. for teachers. Currently Macmillan Publishers and Nelson Thornes provide teaching material while Harvard University tutors provide mentorship to students via the system's study room.

This is the second year of collaboration for the two organizations and Shalette A. East Vice President Operations at GoGSAT Ltd anticipates another great year with Flow. "GoGSAT is pleased to partner with Flow on this initiative. This partnership came about as a result of our collective desire to assist students with their GSAT, CSEC and CAPE preparation," she said.   Last year through the Flow promotion, many persons upgraded from basic usage of GoGSAT thus maximizing access to support and opportunities. Ms. East explained.

Speaking on the benefits of the partnership,   Sharon Roper, Vice President of Marketing at Flow said, "We are very pleased to offer this added benefits to our customers. GoGSAT is a dynamic approach to on-line learning, it is relevant and constantly growing. The GoGSAT team is doing an excellent job and we are proud to facilitate greater access to our students," she said.

The response to the six year old GoGSAT programme has been tremendous, resulting in GoGSAT winning four national awards for education. In 2011, subscribers won 50% of the Government Scholarship places. One Flow customer who began using the service in 2010 also won a scholarship in 2011.

FlowTV expands options for Local content providers

Local content providers, television viewers and advertisers welcomed new option for local producers as Flow, Jamaica’s triple play service provider, unveiled the expansion of its repertoire with the launch of its revamped channel, FlowTV on Tuesday August 30 at the Terra Nova Hotel.

Judith Fallon Reid, producer of Gospel Rhythms, which airs on FlowTV sees the latest development as good news for the local industry.  “My team and I have been working with Flow for the past two years, we think FlowTV offers a very viable opportunity to producers to get local content on the air.”

Fallon Reid lauded Flow’s vision for industry development and acknowledged the benefit to young producers. “FlowTV provides an affordable option to local producers, without access to large funding, to get their programmes aired. Young producers with great ideas will be able to benefit from this alternative outlet. I love Flow, they have brought international standards to local cable television,. Flow has brought a visionary approach to local programming,” she said.

Directors, producers and other creative minds have already found FlowTV to be a real alternative for locally produced content, with the Network picking up shows such as “Pree Dis,” the immensely popular lifestyle current affairs show and the topical talk show “Lauren o Lauren,”.

Anieph Latchman, creator of the animated feature, Cabbie Chronicles which is available on Flow OnDemand sees this as a bold move that will boost the industry. “Flow's continuous diversification of its services and opportunities is exceptional. The newest revamp of Channel 100, now FlowTV, is significant to local producers as it provides an outlet for their content, new opportunities for income and increased visibility in the Jamaican market. This can only increase opportunities available to producers that will ultimately boost the local industry, he said.”

The newly re-launched channel will now support an upgraded format focusing on business, entertainment and lifestyle related subject matter. This initiative reinforces Flow’s commitment to ensuring more local content reaches the Jamaican market and that viewers can continue to have a wide variety of choice when it comes to general programming.

Vice President of Marketing for Flow Sharon Roper comments, “We are very excited to support the Jamaican film fraternity with this newly revamped platform to put out their creative talent.” Flow TV is part of our wider investment in local content.  With over 22 local channels already available on the Flow network, FlowTV, along with Flow OnDemand and our recently launched Public Access Community channels, provides a diverse range of broadcasting outlets offering everything from free community content, a library of popular Jamaican plays to Internationally acclaimed shows such as Cabbie Chronicles.

From their new offices, FlowTV, the broadcasting outlet of Flow, offers a sound platform for local content including footage of public events, concerts, and music videos,” Michael Look Tong, Head of Media Services for Flow comments, “With our new facilities, we have added some capacity and can therefore allot space for increased programming.  Local content providers have the option to lease “on air space” or choose from a variety of commercial options to air their production.

FlowTV will feature regularly scheduled broadcasts seven days a week with Daily News content from the Associated Press. The channel also features new as well as previously syndicated shows from 5:30am to 11:00pm nightly.
The event was attended by members of the Jamaican creative industry, as well as the who’s who in stage, film, and music, from directors and producers to actors and entertainers.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Campbell
PR Executive
1-876-365-7773
ntcampbell@flowjamaica.com

Local Box Office Giant Third World Cop on Demand!

Chris Browne

Almost on the eve of the arrival of the Chris Browne's eagerly awaited drama Ghett'a Life on Friday, July 29, his debut feature film, Third World Cop has been added to the roster of available local content from Flow OnDemand. The result is that Jamaicans can enjoy a Chris Browne double dose, ingesting the drama and excitement of Ghett'a Life at the cinemas then top up with an action fix with box office smash Third World Cop when they go home.

Michael Look Tong, Media Services Director at Flow says that Third World Cop, which holds the record for Jamaica's highest grossing box office, is doing very well in the OnDemand category. Look Tong also pointed out that on the first night of Third World Cop's introduction to the line-up, the amount of buys, stands up very well against other titles. He also explained that OnDemand content sale is driven by familiarity and so he has high expectations for Third World Cop's success. "People know Third World Cop," he said. "I expect it to do very well."

Flow's OnDemand service allows viewers to select content from a library of movies, music and television shows and watch at their own leisure over a 48-hour "viewing window". Mr. Look Tong explained that local content, which includes plays and concerts, currently accounts for approximately 30% of the revenue derived from Flow OnDemand. "It's growing very, very fast," he said.

The continued popularity of Third World Cop highlights that Browne is keyed into what local audiences are looking for. Although the former is very different from his new project Ghett'a Life, it is expected that he will once again produce a film that Jamaicans can truly delve into. Ghett'a Life mixes the twin adrenaline fueled engines of political and gang related violence and sports, in this case boxing.

Ghett'a Life is a gripping tale of life in Kingston's ghettos. The film does not attempt to make the violence sexy, but instead gives a realistic, yet entrancing portrayal. Ghett'a Life is already being touted for its high production values as well as the social implications of the film. The feature stars newcomers Kevoy Burton and Kadeem Wilson, as well as stalwarts Carl Davis (Dancehall Queen, Almost Heaven, and Royal Palm Estate), Teddy Price (Small Island, Glory to Gloriana, and Royal Palm Estate), and Winston 'Bello' Bell (Third World Cop, Royal Palm Estate). The talented cast is rounded out by Karen Robinson and Actor Boy Awardee Christopher McFarlane.

Flow increases support to Y.U.T.E with J$1 Million Donation

Sandra Glasgow, Chief Executive Officer, Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) accepts a cheque for the Y.U.T.E programme valued at J$ 1 Million from Sharon Roper, Flow’s Vice President, Marketing. The cheque was presented at Flow’s 5th Anniversary Celebration on the East Lawns of Devon House, last Thursday. The donation signifies Flow’s on-going commitment to the development of the nation’s youth.

Last Thursday July 21, the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica’s (PSOJ) Youth Upliftment through Employment (Y.U.T.E) project welcomed a J$1M cash donation from Flow; a symbolic move to further cement the organization’s commitment to the participants of the Y.U.T.E programme.

Sandra Glasgow, Chief Executive Officer, PSOJ who accepted the donation on behalf of Y.U.T.E, said that she was “Ecstatic about [the] partnership with Flow, a valued member of the PSOJ.” She also continued by saying that, “The support already received from Flow by airing Y.U.T.E ads on its cable channels is helping to spread the word about this important project.

The staff of Flow is also ‘stepping up’ to act as Mentors for Y.U.T.E. participants and we expect further support for our training programmes as we roll out the project over the next eighteen months. Flow is demonstrating, in an unequivocal manner, its strong commitment to helping to make the future brighter for young people in Kingston’s inner-cities.”

Flow celebrates fifth anniversary in Jamaica — Part I

THIS week, telecoms service provider Flow celebrates its fifth anniversary in Jamaica. During that time, Flow has managed to redefine the way Jamaicans employ digital broadband technology. The company has introduced high speed Internet and delivered cable television packages that to date can not be equalled.

Back in 2004, just after Hurricane Ivan, lead principals of Flow's parent company, Columbus Communications, Brendan Paddick and Michael Lee Chin flew into Jamaica to evaluate investing in the country. They were confronted by uprooted infrastructure, chaos and devastation. They made their way to Gordon House to inform then Minister of Commerce and Technology Philip Paulwell that they wanted to build a triple-play fibre optic network and the first objective was to lay a subsea link offshore Jamaica that would hook into a greater subsea network that services the Caribbean. They vowed that never again would Jamaica's telecommunications capabilities be incapacitated in such a manner.



They proceeded to put together an RFP that would have people bid on building that subsea network off the island. Two licenses were awarded and the network was delivered expeditiously, in fact, in less than 12 months and was in service in March 2006. In April of that year, Flow had its official launch.

Building a network

It started offering its services to just around 25 customers in the New Kingston area. When Michele English, who is now the President and Chief Operating Officer of Flow, arrived in Jamaica, in April 2006 she was the 92nd employee. By then, many construction professionals were engaged in building the network. Initially she was the general manager and was mandated to build a new business with less than a hundred employees. Today Flow has 550 employees comprising specialised expertise.

English points to the number of returning residents who have joined Flow, lending it their considerable expertise garnered from First World telecoms companies like Comcast, Time Warner and Rogers. She adds that many of these overseas professionals were impressed with what Flow was attempting to accomplish and got on board.


Carlton Baxter returned to Jamaica to visit his mother back in 2006. He recognised the infrastructure going up around Kingston and was curious. He went to visit Flow's offices, knocked on Michele English's door and told her he was an engineer with Comcast and was impressed with what he saw in Jamaica. He expressed an interest in returning home and started with Flow as a design manager. Today he is VP of Engineering at Flow responsible for its infrastructure roll out across the island.

Great efforts were made to train the local contractors. Today, English proudly proclaims they work full time for Flow and are very successful as a result of being equipped with the right tools. She credits the team of local contractors with Flow's ability to deliver a good product.

"We spent the first couple of years in construction mode and I had to do practically everything. One minute I was recruiting customer service representatives, the next, designing the products and coming up with how we were going to sell them. Then hub sites had to be built. There was a phenomenal amount of activity in those first couple of years, but five years on that hasn't really stopped but is now more focused on operational practices.

"We delivered to our first residential customers in the summer of 2006. Back then we only had a licence to deliver Internet and voice services both locally and internationally. We did apply for a cable license but we began with a double-play offering," recalls Flow's chief operating officer.

Delivering a stellar service

This goes some way in explaining why Flow went into acquisition mode, snapping up cable operators aggressively. The first company Flow acquired was Sauce in the Kingston area thus allowing it to offer a triple-play service (Internet, voice and cable). Flow had arrived, and the question was could it manage expectations?

Today Flow has about 5000 kilometres of fibre in its network, then another 4000 kilometres of cable, a 1000 kilometres of subsea cable and a dozen hub sites built. When Flow first got started it could only deliver its service to 10,000 homes. Five years later it can deliver to 50 per cent of the homes in the country and almost 100 per cent of all businesses operating in Jamaica in terms of an enterprise level fibre service.




Full Article: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/VIDEO--Flow-celebrates-fifth-anniversary-in-Jamaica---Part-I_9272577#ixzz1T8PASPXw

Majesty down Tivoli in Game One of Flow final

Title-hungry Majesty Legends outmuscled Tivoli Wizards, 88-83, in Game One of the Flow/National Basketball League best-of-three final at the National Stadium Courts on Thursday night.

Majesty led by as much as 21 points near the end of the third quarter and it appeared they were trying to kill the clock in the last quarter which worked, but in favour of the defending champions Tivoli.

After trailing Majesty by 14 points (76-62) with under five minutes to go, Omar Barnes put metal to pedal to close the gap, 76-68, with Anthony Farquharson pushing the score 76-70.

According to Majesty coach Ludlow Barker, the team was showing complacency at that time.

A three-pointer from Baldon Todd of Majesty and two free throws from Barnes pushed the score to 79-73.

Tivoli Wizards’ Anthony Farquharson (left) moves in to challenge Majesty Legends’ Baldon Todd during third quarter action in the Flow NBL at the Stadium Courts on Thursday night. (Photo: Jermaine Barnaby)

Majesty eventually held on for victory, with Todd finishing with a game-high 29 points and Kemar McLeish contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds.

For Tivoli, Farquharson led with 24 points and 15 assists, supported by Andrew Whilby 16 points.
The first quarter ended 19-19, before Majesty pulled away for 39-32 in the second quarter and 64-46 in the third quarter.

Majesty coach Barker said the team had been working on "some things", including rebounding and working the ball. "We matched the tempo of Tivoli and took care of business," he said.

Tivoli coach Edward Marshall, in his post-match analysis, said: "Basically we missed a lot of free throws, but big up to Majesty because they really fought. They had a big lead and it was going to be hard to catch up," said Marshall.

Game Two will take place at the National Indoor Sports Complex tomorrow at 7:00 pm, after Urban Knights and the Jamaica Defence Force battle for the third place at 5:00 pm.


Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Majesty-down-Tivoli-in-Game-One-of-Flow-final_9119906#ixzz1R7IaLIfV

Majesty, Tivoli in NBL showdown

Kemar McLeish of Majesty Gardens (left) tries to dribble past Javon Bailey of Urban Knights during their Flow/NBL semi-final match at the National Stadium Courts on Tuesday. Majesty won, 73-68. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

MAJESTY Gardens Legends marched into the final of the FLOW/National Basketball League (NBL) final on Tuesday after beating Urban Knights, 73-68, in Game Two of their best-of-three semi-final series at the National Stadium Courts for a 2-0 win.

Majesty will now face Tivoli Gardens Wizards in the best-of-three play-off decider, starting at the same venue tomorrow, in a repeat of last season's finale.

Majesty Gardens, with 19 points from Damion Young and 17 points and 11 rebounds from Boldon Todd, kept on top of their opponents for most of the match and came out deserved winners.

Hovando Dunn and Kemar McLeish gave good support, with Dunn posting 13 points and McLeish 12 points and five assists.

Javon Bailey was the Knights' topscorer with a game-high 20 points. His best support came from Dave Blackwood with 18 points and eight rebounds.

Winning coach Ludlow Barker said he had promised there would not be a Game Three in the series.

"This one was a lot harder to work for... as after a good first-half we got very sloppy... but we are on a mission and now we are ready for Tivoli," he said.

He said the Legends will now have to try to correct some of their errors and put their previous meeting with the defending champions in the past.

"Whatever happened in the Southern Conference is gone; this is the All-Island, the big one, and this is the one we want," he said.

Majesty started brilliantly, scoring freely to take a 28-13 lead after the end of the first quarter. They continued into the second, stretching their lead to over 20 points at one stage, and led 44-27 at half-time.

However, many who had written off the former champions watched as the Calvin Martin-coached Knights, led by former St Catherine High School star Bailey, clawed their way back into the match in the third quarter.

Bailey was in scintillating form, producing some magical moments to constantly get on the scoreboard to keep the Knights within touching distance.

Urban Knights eventually claimed the period, 18-10, to close the gap to 10 points (55-45) entering the last quarter.

But Majesty held their nerve and played intelligently to keep their opponents at bay, preserving a seven-point advantage at the end, despite losing the period, 23-18.

"Majesty Gardens came out as if they really wanted it... We dug ourselves in a hole in the first half and we weren't running our systems...," said Urban Knights' assistant coach Kevin Alexander.

Meanwhile, Tivoli's coach Ted Marshall anticipates a competitive final from their arch-rivals, but believes his team is stronger defensively.


Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Majesty--Tivoli-in-NBL-showdown_9097782#ixzz1R7LIiyHk

THIS IS HOW I FLOW…THIS SUMMER!

WATCH
New or existing customers who sign up for Flow Watch service between June 15, 2011 and August 31, 2011 will get one month free with sign-up to any Watch package. The ‘one month free service’ is awarded as a credit on their 3^rd bill after installation of their service. Customers will pay no fee for standard installations.

TALK
New or existing customers who sign up for the Flow Unlimited service between June 15, 2011 and August 31, 2011 will get a free phone and pay no fee for standard installations.

CLICK
New or existing customers who sign up for Click service between June 15, 2011 and August 31, 2011 will receive ‘free wireless’ with their service. Flow will waive the wireless upgrade fee for the wireless router modem upgrade. Customers will pay no fee for standard installations. If an integrated wireless router modem unit is not available, Flow will provide a wireless router, free of cost to customer.Wireless router is property of Flow.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This offer is available to new or existing residential customers in areas where Flow’s service is available,who sign-up for Flow’s service between June 15, 2011 and August 31, 2011
2. A ‘sign up’ is defined as the customer having paid any applicable fees and the services being installed.
3. New customers signing up for Flow service are required to pay the 1st months service fees (inclusive of G.C.T.) for the service (s) ordered and where applicable the subsidized purchase price (inclusive of G.C.T.) for any additional equipment ordered in advance before their service (s) can be installed. New customers will only be scheduled for installation when their ‘sign-up payment’ is received by Flow.
4. Customers who sign up for any Watch package will receive a ‘one month credit’ on their third bill after installation of their service. Offer only applies to new Watch subs.
5. The one (1) month credit is applicable to the base and optional package option for new Watch customers under this promotionat time of sign-up.
6. If the customer becomes delinquent or is disconnected during the first two month’s then they will no longer be eligible for the one month credit on their thirdbill.
7. Flow will waive the wireless upgrade fee for all Flow Click sign-ups during the promotional period. Customers will receive an integrated wireless router modem. If an integrated wireless router modem is not available, customer will be ‘wireless’ through a wireless router provided by Flow.
8. This wireless router remains the property of Flow.
9. Customers will pay no fee for standard installation during this promotion
10. The free phone offered for Flow Unlimited signups is provided on a promotional basis and has no warranty.
11. Customers who sign up agree to pay the rates (inclusive of G.C.T.) applicable to that service.
12. This promotional offer of a ‘one month credit’ in the 3rd month to Watch customers does not apply to Flow OnDemand purchases.
13. This Special offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer
14. Existing customer’s account must be current to be eligible for this offer.
15. Existing Residential customers whose Flow service has been disconnected within the last ninety (90) days are not eligible to sign-up for this offer.
16. This offer is not transferable to any other person.
17. Flows standard residential Terms &Conditions apply.