Welcome to another episode of "On Deck with Throp," where we have meaningful conversations about Jamaica with people from all over the world. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Valerie Oliver-Durrah, a passionate philanthropist, non-profit management expert, life coach, and writer. As the President and CEO of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), Dr. Oliver-Durrah has dedicated her career to supporting organizations and leaders addressing the needs of underserved communities. In this episode, we explore her deep love for Jamaica, the reasons why she keeps coming back, and her impactful work in the non-profit sector. Join us for an inspiring and heartwarming conversation about the power of community, connection, and the beautiful island of Jamaica.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

2:20 Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic

3:40 Helping Jamaica through N.E.E.T.

4:20 Carib News Business Conference

7:00 Meeting Winston Wellington

10:38 Winston and his 3 sons

13:18 A Home Away From Home

15:49 Brooklyn Historical Society

17:05 An Ambassador for The Caribbeann Community

17:37 Why Visit Jamaica?

17:12 Traveling Alone to Jamaica

22:20 Where to Stay in Jamaica

24:35 Traveling with Family

26:20 Recommended Restaurants in Negril

27:20 Restaurant at Travellers Beach Resort

28:08 Best Place to Get a Massage in Negril

29:59 Jackies on The Reef

29:20 Bluehole Mineral Spring Attraction in Negril

42:18 Milk River

44:45 Volunteering in Negril

50:00 My Chillout Place in Jamaica

50:30 A Safe Beach Experience

53:17 Soon Come!

Welcome to this episode of "On Deck with Throp". I sat down with Noel Phillips, a Kingston-based real estate expert with a decade of realtor experience, to discuss the factors driving demand in Kingston's real estate boom. From infrastructure improvements to the increasing interest of local and international investors, learn how the market is transforming and how you can seize this opportunity. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation as we explore the shift towards high-density developments, the role of the growing middle class, and the potential for long-term investment in Jamaica's property market.

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Gloria's Seafood City

A big thank you to Gloria's Restaurant for allowing us to shoot the podcast at their downtown Kingston location. The fish we had there was exceptional. Two thumbs up from me.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

2:21 Biggest Changes in Jamaican Real Estate

3:47 Jamaica’s Road Improvements

5:57 Why Developers are so Confident in the Market

10:10 Who are the Buyers in this Market?

13:08 Areas in Kingston that are still considered “early” to invest in

14:21 Breakdown of Kingston Neighborhoods

19:04 The Industries Kingston is Attracting

20:14 Gloria’s Restaurant

22:13 Downtown Kingston Development

28:45 The Gentrification of Kingston

30:52 Kingston Waterfront Development

33:40 Port Royal Development

34:56 Residential Development in Downtown Kingston

36:53 Who are the developers?

38:01 Can You Invest in Jamaica’s Real Estate Industry as Foreigner?

39:18 Chinese Contractors in Jamaica

40:33 Finding a Development Team in Jamaica

41:49 Is it Still a Good Time to Invest in Jamaica?

43:46 New Developments in Kingston

48:11 Contact Information

Welcome to another episode of "On Deck with Throt" podcast, where we have meaningful discussions with people from around the world, all about Jamaica. Moving to Jamaica has always been a dream for Jessica. As a former national karate champion, Jessica was able to make that dream a reality 9 years ago. She made the decision to jump two feet in, sell everything she owned in Switzerland, and move to Jamaica! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Cargill, a fellow Jamaican YouTuber, to hear her story. In this inspiring video podcast episode, Jessica shares her journey of leaving Europe behind to start a new life in Jamaica, discovering a different sense of freedom, and learning about her Jamaican heritage while adapting to a new way of living.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

2:24 Jessica’s Origin Story

11:41 Deciding to Move to Jamaica

17:00 Transitioning to Jamaica from Switzerland

23:26 Kingston is too Dangerous 🙄

26:56 Visiting Other Parishes

28:30 Starting Youtube in Jamaica

36:34 Jessica’s Vision for her Channel

39:48 The Current State of Youtube Jamaica

48:08 Stay in Touch!

Welcome to another episode of "On Deck with Throp", where we engage in meaningful conversations with people from all over the world, all about Jamaica. In this episode, join us as we explore why Jamaicans are traveling the world now more than ever with Kimmie, a young entrepreneur from Montego Bay, Jamaica. She founded Travel with Kimmie in 2018 to fill a gap in the market for affordable travel packages, allowing her fellow Jamaicans to experience life-altering journeys across the globe. Kimmie's story showcases ambition and perseverance, as she has managed to provide incredible value and pricing for her clients. We discuss her journey from identifying a unique business opportunity to turning it into a successful venture. Additionally, we talk about her favorite travel destinations and some of the challenges she faced along the way. Join us for an insightful conversation with Kimmie as she shares her passion for making international travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

3:24 Starting a Travel Agency in Jamaica

6:27 First Post Pandemic Trip

7:41 Being a Jamaican Entrepreneur

9:40 Best Advice for a Young Jamaican Entrepreneur

10:36 Best Places to Travel

12:30 Where She Wouldn’t Travel Again

15:32 Affordable Travel for All Jamaicans

19:50 Countries of the Past and of the Future

22:26 Trip Itineraries

23:53 The Cost to Travel the World

28:03 From Solo-Preneur to Hiring a Team

29:14 Joining Trips from Anywhere in the World

30:50 Forming Life Long Friendships

33:25 Contact Information

In today’s episode, we explore what's driving Jamaica's real estate investment market. Jamaica's real estate industry has seen a massive boom in recent years, especially in the capital city of Kingston. As you drive through the city, it's hard to miss the many cranes in the air and the numerous residential developments underway.

To investigate this trend, I teamed up with Valerie Levy and Associates and in this first episode of our series, I'm joined by expert realtor Noel Phillips as we tour the construction site of The Vineyards at Deanery in Vineyard Town, Kingston. Noel provides a breakdown of the property, including costs and the target market, as well as an understanding of the surrounding community.

So, if you're curious about what's driving Jamaica's real estate market and want to learn more, sit back, relax, and join us on this informative journey.

Please enjoy this first episode of my Kingston real estate series

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

2:14 The History of Vineyard Town

3:30 What is Driving the Real Estate Boom in Kingston?

5:05 Who is Buying the Real Estate in Jamaica?

7:25 Property Breakdown

9:08 How the Community Feels About High Density Development

10:12 Increasing Property Value in Surrounding Areas

11:01 Architectural Model Video

12:53 The Vineyards Position in Jamaica’s Real Estate Market

15:48 Pre-Construction Pricing

17:00 Rooftop Views

18:43 Driving the Development of Jamaica

21:19 Noel’s Contact Information

22:02 Next Episode | 20 South Tour

In this thought-provoking episode of On Deck with Throp, we explore the incredible story of Niesha-Yen, a native Jamaican who moved to the UK as a child and later returned to her homeland to raise her young daughter. Her passion for the performing arts led her to travel the world, and now she's contributing to the vibrant creative scene in Jamaica. Discover how her experiences have shaped her perspective on the importance of embracing one's identity and how her work aligns with Vision 2030 Jamaica, the country's long-term development plan. Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation as Niesha-Yen shares her journey, challenges, and successes in balancing family, career, and cultural identity while making a difference in the Jamaican performing arts and entertainment industry.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

4:26 Starting a Career in Theater

7:45 The Importance

13:33 Why move back to Jamaica?

16:52 Career Opportunities in Jamaica

20:37 Opportunities in the Jamaican Entertainment Industry

27:37 Career Direction in Jamaica

34:21 Finding Happiness in Moving to Jamaica

45:58 Best Advice for an Aspiring Jamaican Performer

47:52 Opportunities for Jamaicans Abroad here in Jamaica

53:35 Jamaican Talent Being Exploited

56:28 Contact Info

Welcome to another episode of On Deck with Throp, where we have meaningful conversations with people from all around the world, all about Jamaica. In this episode, we're joined by a power couple, Claudius England and Iman Stewart, who are planning to move their family of three young daughters from Canada to Jamaica. Claudius is a musician, while Iman is a designer and entrepreneur, and together they share their thought process and reasons behind this life-changing decision.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Claudius is passionate about his homeland and its culture. Iman, of Jamaican descent, has a strong connection to her roots as well. Through their inspiring journey, they're taking a leap of faith to provide their children with the opportunity to grow up in the land of their ancestors, surrounded by family and a rich cultural heritage.

In this heartfelt conversation, Claudius and Iman open up about their plans, the challenges they face, and their aspirations for their family's future. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Claudius and Iman, as well as special moments featuring their lovely children later in the interview.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

3:04 How Iman Became a Designer

4:40 Jamaican Dad 1/2 German 1/2 French Mom

6:09 Being an International Reggae Musician

11:45 Giving Back Through Reggae

16:16 Becoming a Power Couple

19:54 Why Move to Jamaica

23:39 Major Opportunities in Jamaica

30:29 Banking in Jamaica vs Banking in NY

34:52 Jamaica Being Pro-Entrepreneurial Not Just Pro-Business

37:58 Pursuing a Career as a Creative in Jamaica

40:55 Music Education in Jamaica

41:51 When Will the Move to Jamaica Happen?

44:31 Their Family

45:48 Having a Baby By Themselves?!

53:35 Cute Babies Crash the Podcast

58:10 Contact Info

59:16 Closing with a Bang

In this episode, you'll meet Luddy and Jan Samms, a couple who made the bold decision to leave their lives in the UK behind and move to Negril, Jamaica 12 years ago. Since then, they've been enjoying the vibrant culture, warm weather, and laid-back lifestyle the island has to offer.

Luddy, born in Jamaica and raised in the US, has had a fascinating life journey, serving in the US armed forces before joining the band The Drifters as a drifter. Meanwhile, Jan was an educator in Scotland. Their paths crossed when Jan booked a gig with The Drifters, and their connection soon blossomed into a loving partnership. Together, they made their way to Jamaica and started the iconic Drifters Bar in Negril, a popular destination for both locals and tourists that embodies their shared passion for music, good company, and the beauty of island life.

Luddy and Jan's story is a powerful reminder of how following your heart and embracing change can lead to a fulfilling and exciting life.

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Phone: (876) 826-2116

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

2:15 Their Backgrounds

3:50 Joining the Drifters

7:19 How They Met

9:52 Being an Educator in Scotland

10:46 Coming to Jamaica for the First Time

13:50 The Process of Moving to Jamaica

16:23 Starting a Business in Jamaica

24:07 Getting Involved in the Negril Community

32:47 Negril Vision 2030

35:33 The Biggest Challenges Facing Negril Today

40:17 Developing Musical Talent in Negril

43:28 What Can We Look Forward to in Negril

46:06 Being an Outsider in Negril Jamaica

47:37 What Are Your Favorite Things About Living in Negril

48:40 Developing Negril 

54:20 Love for Negril

55:13 Negril Jazz and Blues Festival

1:01:36 Being in the Entertainment Business All Over the World

1:04:28 Drifters Bar Negril Schedule

1:07:17 Drifters Contact and Info 

Welcome to another episode of "On Deck with Throp," the podcast where we have meaningful conversations with people from all around the world, all about Jamaica. In this episode, we are excited to have Michelle Kenny, the founder of Diva's Take Negril, as our special guest. Michelle shares her love for the island and her passion for bringing groups of African American women to experience Jamaica's beauty and culture.

Having organized numerous trips to Negril, Michelle has not only decided to make it her future home but has also witnessed the formation of life-changing connections. Many of her group members have found love during these trips and have gotten married to local Jamaicans. Michelle also discusses the deep emotional connections she has formed through these trips, including honoring her Jamaican heritage and the memory of her late mother. Join us as we learn more about Michelle's journey and the incredible impact of the Diva group.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

2:25 How the Diva’s Take Negril was Founded

8:03 How Group Members are Recruited

11:08 Where do Divas go & What They Do

16:38 Finding Love in Jamaica 

21:05 Advice for People Coming to Jamaica

23:20 Moving to Jamaica

26:53 Contact Information

28:01 Staying at Travellers Beach Resort

In today's episode, I spoke with Terry Edwards, co-owner of Patsy's Coffeeshop on Negril's West End. Patsy's Coffeeshop is located on the West End's rocky shoreline, almost in the sea, with a spectacular view of the entire Negril 7 Mile Beach, which I was able to enjoy during this interview.

Terry and I discussed a variety of topics, including why he and his business partner opened Patsy's, the various items they offer, such as ganja-infused ice cream and freshly made waffle cones, what makes their coffee exceptional, how the pandemic has affected business and future plans for the coffee shop.

We had a post-interview chat about Negril, his biggest fears and challenges as a business owner, the business community cohesiveness, not having Jet skies anymore, and some of the needed infrastructural development.

This podcast was recorded on the seaside deck of Patsy's Coffee Shop. As a result, if you hear the waves crashing, the sea breeze, people talking, or vehicles, it's because we were in an active environment. Despite this, I hope you enjoy my interview with Terry.

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Chapters

0:00 Intro

02:01 Starting a Coffeeshop in Jamaica

07:13 Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee - What makes it so Special

08:40 Jamaica Coffee Farmer

10:20 Best Desserts Jamaica

11:26 All Day Jamaican Breakfast

12:52 The Team

16:13 Plans for Expansion

18:18 The Geography of Negril

19:28 Contact Information

20:42 Marajuana Infused Ice Cream

22:33 Where do you see Negril in 5 years?

23:56 Biggest Fear as a Business Owner

24:52 Working Better Together as a Negril Community

30:46 No Jet Skis in Negril

34:37 The Problem with Negril Roundabout

37:42 Downtown Negril

39:36 Crafts in Jamaica

42:04 Appreciating Jamaica