Jeanille bonterre biography of michael

The now New York based Trini beauty, a natural in front of cameras, had a popular stint as MTV’s Tempo host and producer of her daily show Downtown Island as well as their concert series Live and Direct. She’s the host of BET J’s new Island Lime Saturday programming premiering in the fall season, and is hosting their Island Specials, a new documentary series called When the Walls Talk and a two part series The Top 20 Greatest Moments in Reggae.

1 Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Diego Martin and grew up in Carenage in what is now known as Glencoe.

2 Who were the people who have influenced you the most, in your career and in life in general and how did they?

My parents, Hu and Pamela Bonterre, definitely influenced me the most in life and still do. They come from a rich cultural background in the arts — my mother was an actress with the Little Carib Theatre and my father was a dancer at the Little Carib who toured the world with Beryl Mc Burnie’s dance troupe. My aunt and uncle (Penny and Richard Afong) also, who gave me the opportunity to work as the marketing director for their Carnival band Barbarossa which enabled me to learn the Carnival industry and the culture of Trinidad and Tobago on a different level. I love and respect my family tremendously for nurturing my creativity, individuality and entrepreneurial spirit.

3 Who was your hero or “idol” growing up and why?

Growing up definitely Oprah Winfrey. I identified with her racially, emotionally and personally as a woman with a purpose and a great sense of humour. She has been my mentor via television and still inspires me to this day.

4 At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?

Dunross Preparatory School in Westmoorings; St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain; Santa Monica College, Los Angeles, USA and Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.

5 If you could dine with anyone in history who would it be and why?

I’m intrigued and inspired by US presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama. Both he and his wife are so classy and charismatic; they’re breathing a fresh air of hope into American politics and culture. His public speaking skills are as brilliant as his writing so I’d definitely want some tips and advice from him. Then of course I’d also like to invite him and his family to Trinidad and Tobago for a great vacation, I’m sure they’d love a dose of steel pan, sun and soca to take the stress off!

6 If you could pick any singer and/or band to perform just for you, who would you choose?

Bob Marley and The Wailers for sure!

7 What is your greatest fear in life?

My greatest fear is God, or as we Rastafari say, Jah.

8 What daily motto/credo do you live by and in three words, your recipe for success?

“Dream Big and Big things will happen.” “Success is not measured by the heights to which you climb but from the depths from which you’ve risen.” In three words my recipe for success is Faith, Understanding, Love.

9 What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?

Leaving Trinidad to move to New York three years ago to take my career to the next level. It’s been a great sacrifice and a struggle at times, I often get homesick for family, friends and the beauty of TT but I’m very blessed to be able to live my dreams.

10 What are your most prized possessions: one tangible, one intangible?

My crown, the beautiful locks I’ve been blessed with; and my soul.

11 Your pet peeve? Your favourite form of relaxation?

When people say that you don’t eat “real food” if you don’t eat meat. What could be more real than nourishing food straight from the roots and trees of Mother Nature? Relaxation is to sit by the ocean, watching a beautiful sunset or under a full moon, listening to the waves and my music.

12 What is your favorite pastime/interest/hobby outside of your work?

I don’t get much free time but when I’m in New York, I like to chill out, catch up on my reading or watch movies. When I’m in the islands I visit the waterfalls, go sailing, snorkeling or jet skiing around the coastlines.

13 What are your favourite meal or dish/food and drink?

I love fruit and vegetables — plantain every time. I love to cook so I really enjoy food. My mother’s callaloo soup is my favourite dish, doubles running a close second. Favourite drink is fresh pineapple-passion juice.

14 Which is your favourite calypso/soca song of all time?

If I must choose one I’d have to say “Bahia Girl” by David Michael Rudder, excuse me, King David Rudder. My dad used to sing that to me and we’d dance whenever it played.

15 What would you say and what advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours?

I would advise they make sure that they are pursuing it for the right reason; that is, to make a positive difference in the world and their environment because that will keep you going when the going gets tough. Entertainment and media can be a very difficult, fickle industry to succeed in; if you want long term gains you have to know what you’re about, have strong faith and surround yourself with positive, productive people.

16 Being in the public eye what would you like people to know about you that they probably don’t know or are probably misinformed about?

Hmmm….I’m a straightforward person, what you see is what I am – a strong, loving, ambitious Trini woman who enjoys life and people. I was raised in a close-knit, fun-loving family where laughter often got us through negativity.

17 What advice would you give to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago?

Whatever your career dream is, visualise and go after it. Believe in yourself and trust your spirit to guide you towards the path of prosperity. Make good use of the good things and opportunities presented to you. Get involved with the issues of your school, community and country.

18 If you had to solve the ills that prevail in TT what would you do?

I would start with putting intense education and agricultural programmes in the communities that need it. We are too rich in natural resources and culture to have so many socio-economic problems. There must be accountability and responsibility to build a true nation.

19 Where does the nickname ‘Empress’ come from?

Popular question. An Empress is a Woman Warrior, a daughter of the Most High free from mental chains who loves herself as the Most High loves her, and is aware of the divine presence within her temple.

She views life through different eyes and sees beauty and potential in every thing. She’s in touch with all the aspects of her own personality, her intellect, her sensuality, her healing power, her humour and everything about her that makes her a woman. It’s not an easy title to live up to but it’s an ideal that keeps me centred, humble and focussed when I feel overwhelmed by life’s temptations and challenges.

20 What is your greatest accomplishment in show business/TV/carnival/acting?

Starting my own production company, Earthstrong Production, with my business partner. TV, working with BET Networks as their new Caribbean personality hosting their Caribbean specials and their Red Carpet special at the BET Awards recently. Playing Carnival Queen for Dimanche Gras once for Barbarossa’s presentation Jewel of the Nile, as “The Queen of Sheba”. My film debut last year in the movie Hit For Six! was a great achievement for me.