2008 Marlin Award Nominations

2008 Marlin Nominees by Category

2008 Marlin Nominees by Artist

2008 Marlin Industry Nominees

Kevin Harris has worked in the music business for over twenty years, getting his start in 1987 when he launched a Bahamian rap duo named PD Rappers. Kevin wrote and produced the group’s debut single “True Christmas” which was released in December 1987. Several months later in 1988, PD Rappers disbanded and Kevin formed another hip/hop group named System 3. As the leader of System 3, Kevin traveled throughout The United States, The Caribbean and throughout The Bahamas Family of Islands ministering the gospel in song. The trio recorded and released several singles and albums and was featured on the first gospel album ever recorded by the historic Motown Records label called, “Motown Comes Home”.

The “Motown Comes Home” album also featured legendary singers like Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Boyz II Men. Bahamian gospel history was made when the album was nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award in 1996, making System 3 the first Bahamian gospel group to ever receive such a nomination.

Also In 1996, Kevin launched another successful project, The Bahamian Gospel Music Marlin Awards, a locally based award ceremony designed to honor outstanding achievement in Bahamian gospel music. In the year 2000 the Marlin Awards expanded to include other Caribbean styles of gospel music and in 2002 after fully integrating all Bahamian and Caribbean styles of gospel music, the award was officially renamed The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards of which Kevin currently serves as President.

From 1996-1998 he served as Marketing Assistant for Western Union and British American Bank and in May of 1997 he was ordained a Minister of the gospel and served as a full time Assistant Youth Pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries from 1998-2002.

Through his production company Harris Communications he has had the opportunity to produce, coordinate and promote events featuring many local and international gospel music artists and personalities including civil rights icon the late Rosa Parks; television personality Oprah Winfrey; Grammy Award winners Be Be Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole, Michael Jackson, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Byron Cage, Natalie Cole and Pastor Shirley Caesar.

He is the CEO of the Harris Group of Companies which includes Harris Communications, a Christian entertainment and production company which produces The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards and Creative Soul Entertainment, a recording and distribution label.

Kevin launched a career in radio in 1995 as a radio announcer with the Bahamas top secular radio station 100 Jamz, where he hosted the gospel morning show “100 Gospel Jamz” every Sunday from 6am-10am. In 2003 he joined the team at one of The Bahamas’ newest radio stations, 101.9 Joy FM as the host of the morning drive show “Joy in the Morning”, where thousands wake up every day to the music and words of inspiration from Kevin or better known to his listeners as “Minister K”.

As a radio announcer he has interviewed many local, regional and international artists and personalities including Ce Ce Winans, Fred Hammond, Ben Tankard, Be Be Winans, Dr. Myles Munroe, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Stitchie, Commissioned, Byron Cage, Dr. Richard Roberts and the Rt. Hon Perry G. Christie, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Theology and is currently working towards his Masters. He and his wife, Quetell, reside in The Bahamas with their two sons Kevin Joshua and Jonathon Micah.

The Marlin Awards recognize and honor outstanding achievement in Caribbean Gospel Music. The awards seek to reward excellence in Caribbean Gospel recordings and are neither designed to foster a competitive or envious spirit among participants nor is it designed to place value on one artist above the other.

The Marlin Awards is an original concept and was inspired by the Blue Marlin, the national fish of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Additionally, the Blue Marlin graces the one hundred dollar note, the highest Bahamian currency which serves as the spirit behind the awards-the highest honor globally-for outstanding achievement in Caribbean Gospel music.

The Marlin Awards are produced by Harris Communications, a subsidiary of the Harris Group of Companies based in Nassau, Bahamas. The awards are governed by an executive board and executed by an executive committee.

Vision

The vision of the Marlin Awards is to create a platform for the advancement of Caribbean Gospel Music globally. The Marin Awards intend to utilize all entertainment channels and opportunities to advance the music and ministry of Caribbean Gospel artists.

Mission Statement

To Encourage Excellence and Growth in Caribbean Gospel Music (Romans 12:10)

]]> http://www.marlinawards.com/about-us/feed/ 0 http://www.marlinawards.com/contact-us/ http://www.marlinawards.com/contact-us/#comments Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:45:15 +0000 Editor http://www.marlinawards.com/new/?p=206

Street Address

The Marlin Awards

Harris Communications

Suite #2

Olde Towne Mall

Sandy Port

West Bay Street

Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: 242-327-1251

Fax: 242-327-1249

Postal Address

The Marlin Awards

Harris Communications

P.O.BOX SP-63808

Nassau, Bahamas

email: marlinawards@gmail.com | info@www.marlinawards.com

web: www.marlinawards.com

myspace: www.myspace.com/marlinawards

Winslow Johnson-Vice President & Director

Winslow is an Ordained Minister and for several years served as the Youth Coordinator in the Department of Education, Youth and Sports for the Northern Bahamas District. He has served the Bahamas in many aspects of community life and has poured his heart into the development of young people. He has played a direct role in the resurgence of the Junior Achievement program on the Island of Grand Bahama and has organized countless youth groups, trained youth leaders and implemented other programs as it relates to youth development. He has also served as Youth Pastor for Calvary Temple Freeport for many years and for a short time, Youth Pastor of St. John’s Cathedral also in Freeport

He is a past Vice-President of Public Relations of Toastmasters Club 1425 on Grand Bahama and served as a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Freeport. In 2003-2005 he hosted a weekly radio call-in talk show for youth on a local radio station on the Island of Grand Bahama. He is the recipient of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultures’ Youth Leaders Award for Grand Bahama in 2003. Winslow also served as Chairman of the Board of the Susan J. Wallace, Teen Centers formally Syntex Teen Centers. He has motivated young people and young adults through the power of speech in The Bahamas and The United States for many years.

Winslow has chosen the path of an entrepreneur; he is the principle owner of Johnson Publishing and Signature Graphics design studios a fully licensed Visual Communications company with concentrations on, Computer Graphic Design, Publishing and Web Design. Along with his wife Diana, they are the founders of a non- denominational movement called the 228 Generation which is dedicated to seeing young adults throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean return to the heart of worship. Winslow serves as the Vice-President of The Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.

Beryn G. Neeley- CFO & Director

Beryn is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed by the Washington State Board of Accountancy (1997). He is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, and has been listed in the 2001/2002 edition of the International WHO’s WHO of Professionals Directory. Adding to his credentials, he served for four years as a member of the Executive Council of The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services in the capacity of Treasurer.

He has four years of senior management experience and six years as an Assistant Manager, all at offshore and retail financial institutions. Prior to this, he spent six years at a premier Swiss Bank where he served as a Senior Accountant. His roles over the years ranged from Accounting and Finance to Wealth Management. He also contributed significantly to a number of system development projects and has played a vital role in their implementation

Beryn holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from the College of The Bahamas (1986) and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Commerce and Economics from The University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada (1991). In 2005, the Institute of Canadian Bankers issued Beryn a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Counseling after nine months of studies. Beryn is currently the Senior Program Manager of First Caribbean International Bank’s Northern Caribbean Operations. He enjoys spending time with his wife Shannel and also enjoys traveling, dining out, watching movies, cooking, walks on the beach, swimming, fishing and nature hikes. Beryn serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.

Edison L. Sumner -Director

Edison is a Director and Chief Operations Officer of The Montaque Group, a Bahamian Corporate and Financial Services Provider (CFSP) which includes Montaque Securities International, Montaque Capital Partners and Montaque Corporate Partners. His responsibilities at Montaque include the oversight and management of the Capital Markets and Securities Departments, Portfolio and Asset Management, Client Relations, Brokers Relations, and liaison with Supervisory and Regulatory agencies. Prior to joining Montaque Securities International in 1999 Edison served in the local general insurance industry for over ten years; subsequently, he tenured as Assistant Accountant at The Bahamas Maritime Authority in London, England.

Edison received his education and training at London Guildhall University and City University, London England. He is a Certified Financial Consultant (CFC®), a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Consultants, an Associate of the Institute of Financial Planning, an Affiliate of the Securities Institute of London and a member of the Insurance Institute of London, a division of the Chartered Insurance Institute. He also holds numerous professional qualifications in the areas of legal studies, international finance and investments.

Edison was the first Bahamian to graduate from the Institute of SME Finance, a subsidiary of the Multi-Lateral Investment Fund with a concentration on Venture Capitalism for SME’s. He is also a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Analyst. Edison has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bahamas Panasonic Ltd., and is a founding Director of The Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund Ltd. and The Bahamas Domestic Investments Board. He currently serves as Deputy Chairman of The Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Fund. Edison is a music producer, songwriter and arranger and is the Founder and Director of Voices of Praise chorale. He also serves as Director of Worship and Fine Arts and Director of WIRED! Youth Movement at Word of Truth Ministries International. He is married to Darleen Knowles-Sumner and they have one son Avery Darson. Edison serves as a Director of the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.

Quetell L.Harris- Executive Secretary & Director

Quetell is a graduate of Oral Roberts University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in International Business and Finance. She serves as a Senior Manager at Genesis Fund Services, an offshore mutual funds and investment company based in the Bahamas. Quetell and her husband Kevin reside in The Bahamas with their two sons Kevin Joshua and Jonathon Micah. Quetell serves as the Executive Secretary of the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.

]]> http://www.marlinawards.com/executive-board-profiles/feed/ 0 http://www.marlinawards.com/sponsors/ http://www.marlinawards.com/sponsors/#comments Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:55:04 +0000 Editor http://www.marlinawards.com/new/?p=166 Media Partners

Harris Communications

Creative Soul

How to Become a Sponsor?

If you would like to become one of our sponsors for the 2008 Marlin Awards or place an ad in our souvenir booklet please contact us at 242.327.1251 or email us at marlinawards@gmail.com

Hotel Information

Host Hotel

The primary hotel for Marlin Weekend 2008 is The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort located on West Bay Street Cable Beach New Providence, The Bahamas.

Hotel Registration Information

To reserve a room at the resort fill out the Registration Form (Hotel Booking Form Link) and fax it to the resort to the attention of Mr. David S. Strachan, who is the Revenue Manager. You can also contact his office directly by calling 242-677-6032.

Hotel Rates

If one (1) person plans to book a room, the rate for the first night will be $131.58 which includes $99 for the room, $15 for a resort fee, $11.88 (which covers a 12% room tax ) and $5.70 for a one time bellman fee. For each additional night the rate will be $125.88.

If two (2) persons plan to share a room the rate for the first night will be $76.14 per person and $70.44 for each additional night per person.

If three (3) persons plan to share a room the rate for the first night will be $70.77 per person and $65.07 for each additional night per person.

If four (4) persons plan to share a room the rate for the first night will be $68.04 per person and $62.32 for each additional night per person.

Telephone

You can contact David Strachan office directly by calling 242-677-6032. Please indicate when you call that you would like to book your room for the Marlin Weekend 2008.

Fax

The fax number to the resort is 242-327-5968. Please indicate on your fax at the top “Marlin Awards 2008″ attention Mr. David S.Strachan.

Email

You can email your booking form directly to the resort to the attention of Mr. David S. Strachan at David.Strachan@sheraton.com or you can also email Ruthnell Ferguson, who is our Marlin Executive with responsibility for hotel and airline coordination at marlinbookings@gmail.com.

Online Booking

If you would like to book your room online you can by clicking this link http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/marlin. Simply follow the instructions to book your room online.

Questions

If you have any further questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 242-327-1251 or email us at marlinawards@gmail.com.

Other Hotels

If you would like to consider staying at other hotels we have provided a list below for you to consider. Please note that the Marlin Awards does not have any arrangements with any of these resorts and you will therefore have to check with them for their rates and availability.

Palm Bay Beach Resort 242-336-2787

Orange Hill Beach Inn 242-327-7157

Red Carpet Inn 242-393-8681

Comfort Suites (Paradise Island) 242-363-3680

Super Clubs Breezes 242-327-5356

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa 242-327-6400

British Colonial Hilton-(Down Town) 242-322-3301/242-302-9000

Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino 242-327-6200

Dr. Sherelle Ferguson

Sherelle has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry and Pre-Med from King’s College in Wilkesbarre PA. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (Trinidad) with a Medical Degree (MBBS). She is presently employed with The Princess Margaret Hospital in The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a member of Delta, Sigma, Theta Sorority and Alpha Epsilon Delta Medical Honors Society. Sherelle attends Bethel Baptist Church and enjoys singing, reading and aerobics.

Anya McKenzie

Anya is presently the Executive Secretary of the Assemblies of God in The Bahamas including The Turks & Caicos Islands.  She has served as an Advisory Board Member of The Bahamas Baptist Community College ‘BBCC Women of Destiny’ and is a member of Living Waters Kingdom Ministries. Anya recently served for two consecutive years as Miss Gospel Bahamas (2006-2008) giving up her crown this past August during the 2008 Pageant.  A multi-talented and gifted individual, Anya has also received numerous awards and realized achievements in the area of speaking and customer relations, and holds degrees in Mass Communications and Journalism.

Ruthnell Ferguson

Ruthnell is a graduate of Sojourner Douglass College with a Bachelors Degree in Administration and Management. She is presently employed with RBC Finco as an Administrative Assistant. Ruthnell is a member of Final Hour Global Ministries and serves as the public relations director for her church. She is also a member of Healing Communicators Toastmasters Club 7178. Her hobbies include reading, travelling and speaking.

Shenique Ferguson

Shenique holds a Bachelor’s Degree in CIS and Business Administration from King’s College in Wilkesbarre PA and a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in E-Commerce and Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. She is an alumni of the Holy Cross Association and is a member of Delta Sigma, Theta Sorority. Shenique is a member of Bethel Baptist Church and is presently employed as a Cardio Vascular Representative with Merck Sharp & Dohme. She enjoys singing, tennis, traveling and spending time with family & friends.

Heidi Sweeting

Heidi holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Secretarial Studies from The College of The Bahamas and also possess a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Heidi loves music especially singing and is actively involved in the Praise & Worship ministry at her church, Final Hour Global Ministries. She is the recipient of the P. Adderley Award for Leadership and the Professional Secretaries Award for Excellence in Business Studies. She is presently the Senior Legal Administrator at the law firm Glinton | Sweeting | O’Brien. Heidi is the proud mother 1 daughter, Brunique Bowe-Sweeting and 1 son, Emile Ramon Sweeting, Jr.

Leonardo Burrows

Leonardo has been a police officer for the past nine (9) years and holds the rank of corporal with The Royal Bahamas Police Force. He is presently working towards his Associates Degree in Marketing Management at Success Training College. He is a Deacon and worship leader at World Outreach Christian Center and is also a member of Toastmasters Club 3956. Leonardo’s hobbies include public speaking, singing, acting and poetry. He is the founder and president of Yahweh Productions, a Christian entertainment and drama production company. He is also the President of KYA (Kingdom Youth Ambassadors), a youth organization that specializes in outreach to young people.

Joy Mullings

Joy is a talented vocalist and a professional recording artist and has been singing for over 20 years. She got her start as a member of the Praise & Worship team at her local church, Bahamas Faith Ministries which led to many solo performance opportunities. As a student at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in 1982, she sang with “Souls A’ Fire” Choir and traveled the West Coast of The United States with Soul’s A’ Fire Group. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Savannah State University and did her graduate work at Georgia Southern University. Joy has sung on numerous recordings and is now in the process of completing her debut solo project. Some of her mentors in the music business that she respects and that have influenced her musical style are The Clarke Sisters, Kim Burrell, Kim Stratton, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, to name a few.

Vernita Bain

Vernita is a graduate of the College of The Bahamas with an Associate of Arts Degree in Technical Drawing and holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems
with a minor in Education. She is presently pursuing a degree in Law and is a High School Teacher at the A.F. Adderley Junior High School. Vernita is also a business woman and the proprietor of the Fabulous Feet, a women’s shoe and attire store. She attends Bahamas Faith Ministries and her hobbies include worshipping, traveling and meeting people.

Monique Pratt

Monique is a Graduate of The College Of The Bahamas with an Associates of Arts Degree in Management. Monique is presently a personal banking officer at Commonwealth Bank in the Bahamas and made local history recently when she served as the 46^th and first female President of Kiwanis Club of Nassau. Monique is a member of First Baptist Church and is also an officer of The Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches young women’s department. She has one son Amallie and her hobbies include singing and writing. She is the author of a book “Empowered By Faith” and is presently recording material for her soon to be released debut album.

Emily Clarke

Emily is a graduate of The Bahamas Baptist College and is a Certified Registered Central Service technician in the health care profession of The Bahamas where she currently serves as the Supervisor of Central Sterile Supplies at Doctors Hospital. She is a Parent Coordinator for the Gentlemen’s Club and is the mother of one son Antonio. Emily is also a member of The New Bethlehem Baptist Church and her hobbies include travelling, meeting people and reading.

Tamischa Ambrister

Tamischa serves as the Director of LevCap Systems Ltd., an offshore investment company in Nassau, Bahamas. Her educational background includes graduating with Honors from St. Augustine’s College, with Distinction from the College of the Bahamas in the Associates of Arts Degree Programme in Accounting and Cum Laude from Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota with a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Political Science. Alongside her career success, Tamischa has made numerous contributions to her local community having served as a volunteer with Prison Fellowship Bahamas and the Boys Industrial School (now named the Simpson Penn Center for Boys) and as the Vice President of the Bahamas SWIFT User Group. She is a committed member of the Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church and her hobbies include traveling, writing, reading and serving her community.

Other committee members include:

Torrell Glinton/Keith Rolle/Corey Hanna