With the rebranding of Jamaica’s popular television drama as The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate, the producers have introduced a generation of new actors to co-mingle with the stalwarts who have carried the series since 1994. This fusion has given the programme a buzz with new themes that reflect concerns of the younger generation. What is the genesis of this show?

When Mediamix, Videomax and Community Television Systems combined to form CVM-TV, they promised new and entertaining local programmes. It was this commitment which inspired Lennie Little-White to write the first script for the Caribbean’s longest running television drama. When Lennie decided to produce the pilot, he turned to ace actor, the late Reggie Carter to head the great cast which included Beth Hyde, the late Cyrene Tomlinson, Ronald Goshop, Paul Issa, and Billy Wilmot.

Since then, almost everyone who is counted among the best of Jamaica’s acting community has played a role in Royal Palm Estate. Acting stalwarts like Oliver Samuels, Lois Kelly-Miller, the late John Jones, Karen Harriot, Margaret Newland, Munair Zacca and Lenford Salmon are just a few of those who have made the roll call. There have also been guest appearances by the likes of Mitzy Seaga and popular Reggae stars like Richie Stephens, JC Lodge, and Tanya Stephens.

The new faces get backative from some of the long-established actors and crowd favourites like Carol Campbell, Bobby Smith, Teddy Price, Michael Nicholson and Adam Hyde who continue to light up Sunday night television with interesting plots. Across the Caribbean, they have become household names.

The show will not be broadcast this week because of a pre-emption by the station but will return on Sunday, August 1 at 9:00pm.