My Kingston – Adrian Allen
What’s your earliest memory of Kingston?
My earliest memory of Kingston is driving through the streets of Barbican, with vendors on the side selling fruits and vegetables, on the way to take my sisters to the train station that used to function at the time.
You’ve recently returned home… how did that feel?
It feels good being home; you see the folks you grew up with, the neighbours you were close to and the locals I used to interact with. The ice cream man still runs his route on my home street. The air feels different, the vibe and the food. In a nutshell, it just feels good. I’m always close to home, though, never lost touch.
What would you do if you were mayor (of Kingston) for a day?
If I were mayor for the day, I would spend the day putting in place new policies and ideas contributed by the younger generation to help reduce poverty, increase growth in our education, pay teachers more, and use technology to solve the spread of crime and any negative elements that affect the growth of our country.
Share with us the title of the last book you read.
The last book I read was The Kendal Train Crash.
What’s your middle name?
Morris Oneil.
And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?
The last bit of music that stirred my soul was Rootz Underground’s first album and Alicia Keys’ last album, The Element of Freedom.
Which cologne are you currently splashing?
Giorgio Armani — it’s been my favourite for a while.
Share with us your last bit of retail therapy.
My last bit of retail therapy was a much-needed trip to the mall. I picked up a bunch of new gear for the year, which certainly felt great.
What is your preferred beverage?
100 per cent self-blended natural carrot juice with apple and cucumber. If the need is for alcohol, I would try my hand on some Johnnie Walker with ginger ale or a cold Negra Modelo, a Mexican beer. I like German beers too.
What was your most memorable meal in Kingston?
Breakfast at Hot Pot or dinner at my house. My grandmother sure does throw down when she is ready, and Hot Pot’s food is always fresh and leaves you wanting more.
What are your current projects?
We are currently working on a few projects at the moment. There’s an Anansie cartoon series to be launched in Jamaica very soon.
I’m also finalising details for the release of our film, The Heart of Summer, Party Rocka DJ Reality TV Show and the rebranding of Islandstylee, Air Jamaica’s in-flight video and web presence. Of course the new Driven Models brand and I-nation will definitely make a significant presence this year. These two brands were created to further develop content for the Caribbean diaspora and also rebrand the positive images of our Caribbean women.
What upsets you?
Nothing really upsets me. I tend to step away from all situations that create animosity and issues that affect the next step. Getting upset is one of those speed bumps. I take it a day at a time and make my assessments as they come. What tickles my nerve is people who are not progressive and don’t try to make an effort to move things along. They sit and wait for the golden day and sometimes just don’t take the initiative. But yet they turn around and complain about nothing happening.
What are your favourite spots on the island?
My favourite spots on the island include Reach Falls, Hellshire Beach, Blue Mountain by the cabins, where my mind can be at peace; in the hills of Mandeville, Falmouth, and Montego Bay at the Half Moon Villas, or passing through the Hip Strip by the beach. Jus Foods in Cross Roads and Marketplace, where you can find a bunch of places to eat.
Share some places in your black book.
Sushi Stop in Turks and Caicos on the Glacier Bay strip is one of my favourite spots to eat some good fresh fish. Belize Mayan cave tubing is one of my special getaway spots… allows me to reflect on life and digest my new findings. Another black book spot is Truck Stop in Florida — the closest you can get to enjoying Jamaican jerk… an outside environment with a backyard feel.
Finally, what’s your philosophy?
My philosophy is: Spend time growing and educating yourself. Pass the knowledge on to those who can do better for others, learn to work as a team and give back and support your community, because it is the grass-roots efforts that help to get the positive things moving. Take the initiative to make a difference and don’t rely on others to do it for you. Support the efforts of children; help them help themselves, and always be kind and honest to people. We share a value we can’t afford and that must be cherished. LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH…

