New Year, New Me plans everywhere were shattered with the sudden worldwide appearance of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. To the Caribbean, it seemed like a problem exclusive to the eastern hemisphere but early March saw the virus and the risks it posed becoming a very real issue with its local arrival. As businesses and schools closed indefinitely to curb the growing number of cases within the Caribbean’s islands, we adjusted to the safer but numbing life restricted to home. Naturally, persons had different reactions to our new (and hopefully) a temporary way of life. Some were efficient and commendable and some… not so much. The following is a list of the most noteworthy moments since the outbreak of coronavirus.
The Emergence of Online Parties
Servers are ready guys?10.00 PM #bigonlinepar #BIGPARONLINE https://t.co/llVSEBeZ0j
— Radiolize (@_radiolize) March 29, 2020
Rolling out to #BIGPARONLINE but still nah take nuh check. Thank you @WrayRum pic.twitter.com/Go52eInnYu
— Floyd Green (@floydgreenja) March 23, 2020
Imagine the disappointment when all fetes, pars and parties were all either cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Innovatively, promoters across the island started utilizing online streaming platforms along with the live DJs, to deliver to us in real-time the vibes we so longed for. Most notably, Forever Entertainment’s Big Par. The event streamed through Turkish streaming platform Radiolize has since garnered 30,000 in virtual patronage from over thirty countries since its debut. Entertainment companies galore have followed in its footsteps having online parties via social media lives and virtual radio streaming services alike. The phenomena, which has been caught on by government officials and celebrities as well as regular partygoers, promises to leave its mark even post-pandemic based on its popularity.
#WIGamesNightCaribbean
Dis Bingo run better than Guyana elections. ? Audit and such. #WiGamesNightCaribbean https://t.co/gNkH6sWq5k
— The Lord’s Anointed ? (@Queen_and_Stars) March 19, 2020
@marlonmusique on Twitter probably didn’t foresee the success of his arbitrary game of nostalgia tugging ABC Fast or Slow. As it turns out, a small random game amongst him and his followers soon became the first of many installments. He has become game master to games such as Bingo, Household Scavenger Hunt as well as the infamous game which started it all. Be sure to follow him to see what he has in store next!
Spice Debacle
Jah know mooma…u haffi go disguise yuh self as All Spice cause a ongle products a enter di place ??
— ??Jmac – #bringjasminehome??©️ (@Jason_Mcpherson) March 21, 2020
Queen of the Dancehall Spice whisked off her children decked out in masks and gloves, with her to Atlanta shortly after the first whisperings of the coronavirus in Jamaica. Her decision sparked criticism on whether or not this was the best decision as the US was even then considered to be one of the most infected countries. The situation was made worse after she took to Twitter bemoaning how she would return home after the Jamaican government restricted incoming travellers. This was met with enraged comments from her followers asking why she would have put not only herself but her children as well in that situation, to begin with. Spice quickly clapped back at one user, in particular, defending herself saying she works in Atlanta and wouldn’t want to leave her children alone in such an unstable time.
Elephant Man Avoids Quarantine
On the topic of celebrities dealing with COVID-19, Jamaica was disappointed when popular entertainer Elephant Man, upon returning from business abroad neglected to declare to immigration personnel the countries he had recently visited. One of these countries was found to be Germany which had been placed under travel restrictions due to the high concentration of the virus within its borders. Elephant Man later released a statement via his social media expressing apologies for potentially endangering the people of Jamaica and that he would now be observing the quarantine period. To observe his stipulated isolation, he is currently in a government facility.
UWI Carnival?
We all have that one friend ??♂️ #UWICarnival2020 pic.twitter.com/EIPoLGQXWR
— TIE ? (@onekacique) March 14, 2020
Happening now #UWICarnival2020 pic.twitter.com/GD4tTHj1xP
— Dexroy Martin (@Joshua1v8) March 14, 2020
Stoped by the #UWICarnival2020 Beach setup…. later will be greater! pic.twitter.com/rMlKgTvcFA
— Bad Boy for life (@NaviiNav1) March 15, 2020
University students and the wider soca loving population of Jamaica collectively were saddened by the sudden cancellation of the much looked forward to UWI Ring Road event and its after party. It came as no surprise that when the day in question rolled around, would-be patrons took tweeted selfies and videos from their experience the year before in an attempt to celebrate anyway. What began as an innocent way for persons to poke fun at their disappointment quickly turned to a mass inside joke. This ultimately resulted in persons not knowing the difference in getting ready and arriving on campus only to find it empty and quiet. The joke ended up lasting the entire weekend with people ‘attending’ the rest of the events on the UWI Carnival roster and posting about their experiences.
Companies and Celebrities Aiding Relief Efforts
The only way to efficiently get through this pandemic is to do it together and celebrities and companies alike are stepping up to the plate and donating towards necessary causes and efforts. PATH families have benefitted from food corporations such as KFC and Burger King supplying meals and the Ministry of Health received donations of pure alcohol from rum giant Wray and Nephew has significantly aided sanitizer stores needed by the Ministry of Health. Celebrity artist manager and business mogul, Romeich, has blessed many families with supplies that will relieve strain on parents in the coming weeks with their children at home. Also giving back is dancehall artist Alkaline through his charity organization.
Live Night
Vybz Kartel on Rvssian live was really the best thing pic.twitter.com/xUVr7pckEx
— A Pimp Named Slickback?? (@kxng_phill) March 27, 2020
popcaan and drake a fuckry enu?? pic.twitter.com/cOaf9xenQE
— O’Jay (@jaayo_) March 27, 2020
In the early morning of March 27th, the World Boss allegedly made an appearance on international producer Rvssian’s live. The cameo lasted barely five seconds and Kartel’s face didn’t show but what sounded like his voice, was enough. After hailing up viewers with the signature laugh, the live ended with an “am out!” but it was enough to get him trending on Twitter within a few seconds. The warden had probably caught up to him by then. Also going live was Popcaan in the studio with Protoje with a special appearance by Canadian Hip Hop artist Drake. It was certainly a star-studded night on Instagram.
This can be a trying time for everyone. Be sure to wash your hands and stay indoors. Do your part in minimising the spread of germs and be safe out there!
