Queertego Art and Wellness Fair

 Date: April 18, 2025 

Location:  Montego Bay, St. James

On April 18, 2025, I had the pleasure of attending and participating in the Queertego Art and Wellness Fair, held at the scenic  spot in Montego Bay, St. James. The event, though intimate in scale, was a meaningful and affirming celebration of queer identity, creativity, and wellness in Jamaica.

Organizers & Hosts

The fair was organized by a dedicated team of three individuals. I had the opportunity to meet two of them — Amarillo (aka Yellow) and Julie — who served as gracious and welcoming hosts throughout the day. Their warmth and intentionality helped set the tone for what was a truly beautiful experience.

My Role

I discovered Queertego through an Instagram advertisement and registered as a Dance Teacher for the event. I’m happy to report that my expectations were not only met but exceeded. Though attendance wasn’t massive, the energy of the space more than made up for it — the atmosphere was supportive, creative, and refreshingly open.

The Setup & Visuals

The venue itself was thoughtfully arranged. A vibrant "QUEERTEGO" sign greeted patrons at the villa's entrance, positioned beside a sparkling waterfall that caught the sunlight like diamonds — a visual metaphor, perhaps, for the community it welcomed.

Artwork was mounted on the wall below the terrace, displaying a range of styles and mediums including digital, acrylic, and pencil art. Though the presentation of the pieces could benefit from improved mounting, the quality of the art itself was exceptional. One piece in particular — a cow surrounded by hands, ropes, and weapons — stood out for its emotive power and layered symbolism.

Around the terrace, three to four tents hosted additional displays and vendors. Belle Sante Massage, run by Karlene, was stationed just past the entrance. Offering head, hand, and back massages at reasonable rates, her presence brought a calming balance to the space. You can find her on Instagram at @bellesante.massage.

Sound & Entertainment

A couple who generously provided speakers and a mixer helped set up the sound equipment. Watching them work was endearing — carefully navigating the layout to remain unobtrusive while still creating the best auditory experience.

DJ Felix Morrison, a British-Jamaican whose joyful, bopping and twerking energy kept the crowd entertained, curated the musical backdrop. His lightheartedness added a unique charm to the atmosphere.

Performances & Workshops

The formal program began with "ThatsRicaG", a poet who performed spoken word pieces steeped in political consciousness and personal reflection. Her work, particularly touching on motherhood and the reframing of information to nurture her child, resonated deeply.

I unfortunately missed a meditation session. However, I was able to participate in Abii Paris' Art Therapy session, which turned out to be a highlight of the day. With her gentle, approachable energy, Abii drew attendees into a peaceful crafting experience that included needlework and hand embroidery. I chose to color my name and reflect on my emotional state. Before the session I felt anxious — afterward, I was relaxed and mentally refreshed, ready for my dance workshop.

My Dance Session

The dance session that followed was invigorating. The participants were eager and engaged, and within 30 minutes we were all breathless but smiling. It was a moment of shared joy, movement, and expression — a true testament to the power of community as Dom Bancey had previously voiced in the second spoken words presentation.

Final Thoughts

Though not widely attended, Queertego was a powerful event. It stands as a reflection of the strides the LGBTQ+ community is making in Jamaica — creating spaces that are no longer confined to underground venues or exclusive gatherings, but open, affirming, safe and proudly visible.

I’m proud to have partnered with the Queertego team and grateful to have contributed. I extend my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the organizers and all who participated. Here's to more events like this — where art, healing, and queer identity converge to create something truly special.

 

 

 A Sneak Peak of Queertego Art & Wellness Fair

 

 

 

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 Call: +1(876) 405-2800 * Email: airpaasa@gmail.com 
or click on this link to register.

**Gratitude and God's Blessings: A Heartfelt Message to My Loved Ones**

Dear Family, Friends, and Brethren, 

As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with overwhelming gratitude and a deep sense of awe for the countless blessings that God has bestowed upon me. Each day that dawns is a reminder of His unfailing love, and I find myself compelled to share my sentiments with all of you who have journeyed with me through life's ups and downs. 

 "O love of God, so rich and pure all measureless and strong..." The words of this hymn resonate in my soul as a testament to the boundless love that our Creator showers upon us. The fact that I am able to pen down these thoughts is a testament to His enduring grace. Life is a journey, marked by joys and challenges, and it is in embracing both that we truly experience the richness of God's blessings. 

 

 

I am profoundly thankful for the gift of life. To wake up each morning, to breathe in the air, and to witness the beauty of the world around us is a miracle in itself. Life is a precious treasure, and as I navigate its pathways, I am reminded that each moment is a gift to be cherished. 

My Grand-Daughter Kasheta Burgess & Friend!

Through the highs and lows, my family has been my anchor. Your unwavering support, boundless love, and shared laughter have illuminated my days. In moments of uncertainty, it is the warmth of your presence that provides solace. To my dearest friends, you are the threads that weave the tapestry of my life. Your companionship and shared experiences have enriched my journey beyond words.

To my brethren, those souls who walk the path of faith alongside me, your fellowship has been a source of strength. Together, we have weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, finding solace in the knowledge that we are never truly alone on this voyage. 

Gratitude extends beyond those who are near. It encompasses all those whose lives have touched mine, whether through brief encounters or lasting connections. To those who remember me with love, your thoughts and prayers have reached my heart. And even to those who I may not know yet, my arms are open, and my heart brims with gratitude for the potential connections that lie ahead. 

 

Life's journey is marked by growth, change, and the ebb and flow of experiences. As I reflect upon my own journey, I find myself both humbled and empowered by the love and blessings that have enveloped me. To each of you who have been a part of this voyage, I offer my sincerest love and gratitude. 

May we continue to embrace each day with open hearts, finding joy in the simple blessings that surround us. And as we walk this path, let us remember that gratitude is a light that can brighten even the darkest of days. 

With all my love and heartfelt gratitude, 

 Mrs. Sibblis

 (AKA Miss Lynch)

Kofi Walker Profile

Kirk Randall 
Castleton Primary School Best Dancer 2023

 My personal journey as a dance teacher has been filled with various experiences and opportunities. After graduating from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance at Leeds University, I had the privilege of working with Ludus Dance Company as a community dance artist. Additionally, I achieved significant milestones in Newbury, United Kingdom, where I established ACE Dance Company as an advanced group to complement the existing West Berkshire Youth Dance Program. Before my involvement, Sue Llewellyn had set up the West Berkshire Youth Dance Program. I also created a junior dance group that provided training for

Sharon Brissett
Dance Host - Dance in the park 23.2

children aged three to twelve (3 - 12) years. These youth groups continue to thrive at the Sports College to this day.

Upon returning to the Caribbean, I ventured to St. Maarten Netherlands Antilles, where I established my dance studio while serving as the Creative Arts Formation Teacher at St. Martin Academy. I also taught at Motiance Dance Studio and founded the Independent Artists Foundation, which engaged

Dance In The Park 23.2
@ Hope Zoo July 27, 2023

local talents in teaching and performing. My passion for community dance development further led me back home to Jamaica, where I have been involved in numerous dance initiatives across the island. I established an "Artists' in Residence - Performing Arts After-School Activities" program for several early childhood institutions. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) recognized my contributions to community dance, appointing me as a dance facilitator and adjudicator for workshops over several years, until the pandemic hit. Moreover, I've had the privilege of working as a lecturer at the Edna Manley College, the Excelsior Community College, and the Women's Centre of Jamaica, where I engaged pregnant teens in dance, sign language, and speech and drama.

My motivation to study Early Childhood Development emerged during the pandemic when I completed the NCTVET (National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Early Childhood Development Program Levels 2 and 3. This has provided me with increased knowledge and confidence to work in Early Childhood programs, enhancing my interactions with children and their parents beyond the scope of dance.

Despite achieving both small and significant triumphs throughout my dance career, my ultimate desire is to acquire a Master's in Dance Education or Movement Therapy. While I hold a BA in Dance from NSCD (Northern School of Contemporary Dance) in Leed U.K., my time at the University of St. Martin was brief, during which I managed to achieve six (6) credits in Foundations in Education and Curriculum Development. This experience inspired me to develop my first Theatre Arts Syllabus for the Creative Arts Formation subjects at St. Martin Academy.

Looking to the future, my ambitions in teaching dance revolve around inspiring more young people to embrace dance and culture as educators and advocates. Through my initiatives, I have witnessed the positive impact that dance can have on individuals, institutions, and communities, fostering connections between trained and untrained artists. My goal is to remain a conduit for people to experience happiness through the art of dance.

As we emerge from the pandemic, I aim to enhance my employment potential. As a Jamaican male dancer and dance educator, I understand the increasing competitiveness in the field, where institutions may sometimes prioritize skill over certification. I find assurance in being certified and qualified to deliver my work with utmost efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, I believe there is still untapped potential within me that I am eager to explore and maximize in the world of dance.

ASL Number Exercise 6 - 10

Numbers 6-10 ASL

AIR-PAASA @ Stony Hill Community Centre

 

Press Release

 

Introducing – “Artists’ In Residence – Performing Arts After School Activities”

Starting Monday, April 4, 2022 the Stony Hill Community Centre will reopen its doors to the community with a series of activities for its citizens and children. Parents can now register to be a part of this new initiative facilitated by AIR-PAASA in the following activities:

·        Homework & Extra Lessons: Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Sciences.

·        Performing Arts: Dance, Speech & Drama, Sign Language and Music.

·        Sports: Swimming & Tae-Kwan-do

·        Internet Café: – Open to the public

Since the pandemic, the centre has been closed, just over two years. “It has the capacity to engage hundreds of children and youths per week,” one parent lament. This newly devised program is the brain child of Kofi Walker, a resident of west rural St. Andrew and artistic director of AIR-PAASA Foundation (Artists’ in residence – Performing Arts After School Activities) have engaged hundreds of children over the years supporting schools and community groups through the arts and with experienced artists. 

The performing arts program will be facilitated by Mr. Walker, swimming will be every Tuesdays at the Constant Spring Golf Club with Mr. Campbell and our Tae-Kwan-do will be held at the community centre once per week with Masters Lindo or Webb. Classes are structured to accommodate varying learning styles for children 3 – 15 years and will follow the national curriculum from early childhood to primary education.

Mrs. Trudy-Ann Jones has been instrumental in helping to establishing this initiative and have engaged a number of participants who have already registered for the dance program. Please note that due to the current Covid -19 pandemic class groups are limited to 12 or 15 depending on your chosen activity. I would also like to thank our MP. Mrs. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn and her team Mrs. Keniesha Thomas and Councillor Miss Tosha Shwapp for their approval of the project proposal and support.

The program runs Monday – Fridays from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Parents and guardians of participants 3 – 15 years are encouraged to register on line via this link or at the Stony Hill Community Centre during the opening hours. At the end of the term participants will display a talent show at a venue to be confirmed. For details please contact program facilitator Kofi Walker on 1 (876) 405-2800 or email: airpaasa@gmail.com

AIR-PAASA @  Stony Hill Community Centre

 

 

Many Performing Artists Will Survive This Pandemic! Some Won't!!!

Kofi Walker

As informative as this article is "Will Covid Shots Drive Mutated Variants?" Which I am reposting! We (Jamaicans and 3rd world countries) are powerless to the decision to take the vaccine. It is now the new policy for many companies including major government agencies requiring proof of vaccination to maintain your state of employment or to be employed! It is becoming as common as the requirement for a food handlers permit to serve food and beverages to the public. Teachers can not go back to the classroom come September unvaccinated! Pharmaceutical lobbyists as well as other invested parties are doing quite well!

My Mom is adamant she will not take Moderna nor Pfizer! She wants the Johnson & Johnson 1 shot! I have not taken any vaccines also! Admittedly I’m sceptic. Even if we were eager to take the vaccines sooner, the challenges to do so are exhausterbating. Though I have signed up online for the vaccine, we have not been contacted. Though I have consulted with our local clinic, we have been referred to go online, the number of calls to the "Covid help line" is a waste of phone credit. Majority of persons would rather save the phone credit to call their loved ones in the diaspora for help, to aid them with food, utility bills, medications for the sick, and elderly or for the dead!

I have been out of work; since March 12, 2020 and there are NO social programs for many Jamaicans who have been affected by this pandemic. Somehow, though there are serious social and economical challenges, Jamaicans in charge of governing this nation (am unsure if it is) an attempt to be strong in the face of adversity, but our political advocates seem to be ignoring a significant part of the nation that is seriously struggling and even social organizations such as churches are overwhelmed with the demands for help.

Our Finance Minister in a recent presentation on National TV expressed to the nation, 'once they are over 60 years old, have been vaccinated they can apply for a grant of $10,000.00 JA dollars!' That is not even enough for a week supply of food for many families in Jamaica. You would also have to apply online! How many poor rural families can afford to; let alone have the resources to do so? This highlights the level of disconnect between our political representatives and the common people. Dr. Clarke $10,000.00 JA dollars can't feed 50 'day ole' chickens for the layman market!

I’m anti-politics, but tonight I reached out to a ambitious politician who jumped ship from PNP – JLP, I offered my services to support her campaign because I am hoping to get some well needed support! Even though she is not campaigning in my area! But one has to find a way to become relevant or even more so, in this new climate, seek to find new purpose in life to ascertain acknowledgment and or maintain survival.

Today some people allegedly, spent more than 6 hours at the local clinic waiting on the dispensation of free medication. I got 5 of 9 meds! That took lots of patience… I gave in the prescription from yesterday! Others were complaining that they gave theirs in since Monday! So I was blessed, I waited less than 3 hours. I take my hat off to our frontline workers, these pharmacist at our local clinics sometimes dispenses up to 300 prescriptions per day and with accuracy (allegedly)!!!

Our PM is about to shut down the country again!!! That will without a doubt affect our DITP (Dance In the Park) activities. His security details has stepped up since the assassination of the Haitian PM also. So this region is on the verge of new realities.

I am just wondering how many more inflations, lockdowns, ZOSO's and inequality we can take before we explode? I'm trying to survive it all. And I hope you do the same!

Love, light, guidance and respect!