Cayman model enjoys first win on TV reality show
(CNS): In the second episode of this season’s Celebrity Apprentice, Selita Ebanks, Cayman’s own supermodel, basked in the glory of victory with her celebrity team mates when the women defeated the men in a Kodak Moments challenge. Led by Maria Kanellis, the former WWE Diva who took this episode’s project manager role, the ladies in team Tenacity impressed the Kodak Executives the most with their shop fronted campaign for the well known photographic firm. The win secures Cayman’s biggest celebrity at the very least another week on the show.
The third season of the hit show started last week when the women, under the stewardship of Cyndi Lauper, narrowly lost the challenge of running a diner. Carol Leifer was fired because she failed to win the respect of her team mates. In this week’s episode stand-up comedian Sinbad became the second comic to be given their marching orders by Donald Trump. Sinbad, who was project manager for Rock Solid, the men’s team, was sacked for being disorganised and not managing his team.
Though the women may have risen to the top on this episode, it was not without its challenges, not least the antics of Lauper, who was clearly increasingly annoying her cast members, including Ebanks.
Although currently ranked as an outsider to win the game, many TV and celebrity critics are warning that the other players could be underestimating Ebanks’ many talents. A former Columbia student and a survivor of one of the toughest industries, some say she is a lot more than a pretty face.
Category: Local News
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Arlene Ebanks and many of her family members on the East End of Grand Cayman Island last week. I spent most of the day listening to stories of her upbringing and her travels. She cooked Fish Tea and served homemade ice cream for dessert. She is the most wonderful, kindest person you could ever meet and very proud of her Granddaughter, Selita Ebanks.
WELL SAID RITA,THANK YOU!! – (08:59)
This is for all the critics not just ‘Box of Pandora’ but for all those who are so anxious to put Selita down because of where in Cayman she comes from, who she is for, or wheather she’s black or mixed! Her humble beginnings and ethnicity has nothing to do with anything, Selita was born in the Cayman Islands and is doing GREAT for herself and has never forgotten where she is from.
GET OVER YOUR EVIL, ENVIOUS, COVETOUS WAYS,………if you don’t have anything good to say, then SHUT-TO-THE-HELL UP!
This is a big part of what’s wrong in Cayman today, we Caymanians are our own GREATEST enemies.
Oh my my what have we got here? "Box of pandora" I only have a few words for you! Now that you have open up another canned of new worms you have got me started! First let me begin by saying that there is nothing wrong by me saying that a black woman as myself is a "Beautiful Outspoken Black Woman" and I will say it again and again, if she was a White Woman I would had said the same thing too. So please do keep your racial issues to yourself. I’m not going to argue or fuss about this issue, because I’m way too old for all this crap, so I will leave you with something for you to read when I define the definition of a BeautifulOutspoken Black woman….
We are loving and compassionate…
We are the matriarchs of our community.
We are harmonious with the world.
We are powerful beyond measure.
Our voices are melodic, soulful and strong.
We age like no other.
We are dedicated to living a blessed life.
We are resilient.
We can make something out of nothing, with ease.
We have a sense of style and confidence that’s all our own.
We stay fly, whether we’re rocking an afro, a bob, braids, a press n’ curl or a even a close crop.
We have strong muscle structure.
We have kissable lips.
From our cheek and collar bones to the shape of our calves–our contours are distinctive and remarkable.
We are fearless leaders, strong enough to hold the world on our shoulders.
When things are wrong, we do everything in our power to make them right.
We are brilliant and articulate.
We are strong yet feminine.
We play the game to win.
We love hard!
We’re tough, loyal caretakers…naturally maternal.
Our skin looks exquisite in vivid colors.
We’re the fiercest runway walkers.
We are creative.
We are always hopeful.
We’re mentors, ready to guide a young person.
We are driven.
We are creative beyond measure.
We are originators of style and class.
We are down-to-earth.
We are dependable as the sun.
We have the gift of understanding.
We have endurance under pressure.
We are straight-up.
We break barriers every day.
The old saying is true…good black don’t crack!
From Lil Kim to Oprah, we come in a zillion different flavors–and they’re all gorgeous.
We don’t leave the house with crazy hair.
We’ve always rejected "grunge chic" trends going for the fabulous and the glamour.
Our smiles light up the world.
Thank you, Rita!!!!
smart woman
…and who better to have on your side in a bar brawl?
Box of Pandora = EPIC FAIL
To Box of Pandora – Then it is suggested you seek Dr. Phil’s help for your issues. CNS is not the appropriate place for you to vent about what some black woman did to you.
I also have no control over where CNS posts my comments so the placement was not to seek special readership. I’m quite if I had read all of your comments I would be having more to say but you appear to be someone that feeds off of this subject and honestly, it would be a waste of time to keep replying.
And by the way, I am not black so your remarks are not offending me but, as a previous poster wrote, LET IT GO!!!
Click reply and your post will appear just below the post you are responding to.
Our Caymanian Girl, Do your thing. Proud of you keep that smile glowing the world…..Kiss Kiss. We’ll talk soon.
Thats the way to girl. Ionly saw you once and I said that you would do well. But in all things give the praise to God.
I’m not convinced that this is a picture of Selita. Has it been verified? I think it is more likely that this is a picture of a young Lucille Seymour.
Pandora, If the statement was "for a black girl she is beautiful and strong" I could see the need for your views. However, the statement "strong and beautiful black woman" is but a mere description. The only reason you do not hear people saying "beautiful and strong white women’ is because the reality is people already automatically associate beauty or success with white. Pandora, have you ever read the very popular published Essay by Langston Hughes called ‘The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain’? (essay can be googled in full for further read), here is a paragraph extracted from this essay.
"So I am ashamed for the black poet who says, "I want to be a poet, not a Negro poet," as though his own racial world were not as interesting as any other world. I am ashamed, too, for the colored artist who runs from painting of Negro faces to the painting of sunsets after the manner of the academicians because he fears the strange un-whiteness of his own features. An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid too what he might choose."
I loved this essay and I would strongly urge you to be a tad bit open minded and read the entire essay like I have done several times and maybe you may learn why you are so against Rita’s "black" labeling. I do not see why we should try to fade this label when our race is rarely praised and who are you Pandora to tell us to not praise our race?
I do not see myself having a problem if someone said "very beautiful and strong white women." Every race has the right to uplift themselves. Is this putting down another race? NO! To say that every person is viewed, judged or applauded without acknowledgment of their skin color and race in this age would be a lie.
Please note that my reason for sharing the Langston Hughes essay with you is to strongly oppose your statement "Wish more Black women (notably those in the dispora) would focus more on being simply "women" first and "black women" second. Wouldn’t you agree that, that is putting our culture/heritage second when in fact our culture is what makes us?
May I suggest that in future you create a blog for such debate and allow Selita to retain the highlight she deserves and refrain from passing ridiculous unnecessary judgment on commenters uplifting remarks.
I love Selita this strong black woman to bits! As well as all my successful strong black friends!!!
Where in Cayman she from? Who she for? and when she last live here?
Walkers road George Town. The Ebanks near the walker’s road texaco. Mrs. Arlene Ebanks is her grandmother. That’s where she grew up as a young girl. I think she was last home recently.
May I ask…what your reasons are for asking? Surely…you are not seeking to distant her from her home and people?
I could be wrong, but it looks to me like the post above is actually making fun of how hipocritical people in Cayman are.
Recently we had a young Caymanian man, who was born on this beloved Island of ours, representing Our beloved Island in the Winter Olympics and just because he doesn’t have 3 generations or more of Caymanians in his family, you all disregarded and disrespected him by saying he wasn’t Caymanian and who was he to call himself one.
Now here we have another young Cayman, who by the way has a Jamaican father (so how Caymanian does that make her – tee hee), who we are all praising.
as ‘thankful again’ has mentioned apparently the poster above is …"seeking to distant her from her home and people?" well what the hell were you all doing to Dow when he worked just as hard (if not harder) to get where he was.
Corgrats to all of our young Caymanians who work hard to achive their goals however big or small they are. They are all an example to these waifs and strays who are unfortunately going down the wrong paths.
Surely not. Just wondering, she appears to be a very talented lady. Obviously well brought up by proud parents. And worked very hard to get to where she is. Congrats.
You are correct – some Black woman did do me wrong … however, far more have done me right – so kindly pause with all of that.
This is not a vendetta – I, and many other Black men for that matter, have simply identified an area where many Black women are going wrong and I decided to forward my observations – problem?
Everything I have said is true – if some individuals get offended then perhaps it is because my words apply to them.
Re: "… you’ve come on here with your boring rants about this issue that no one really cares to read about … "
Ok then … is that why you read all of my posts, took the time to reply and made sure to post it at the top of the comment section in order to guarantee readership?
How odd …
To Box of Pandora…..Sounds as if some black woman did you wrong. Why are you getting all riled up about this black thing? The article is about Selita and her role on the show but yet you’ve come on here with your boring rants about this issue that no one really cares to read about.
Exactly!! What’s the big deal about her being referred to as a beautiful black woman? As a beautiful, black Caymanian woman, I am being outspoken now and saying I don’t see a d___n thing wrong with Rita’s comment. WAY TO GO, SELITA!
Congratulations Selita, you were great, & you were beautiful as always. Once again you did yourself and Cayman proud.
In these sometimes dark days you bring sunshine into our lives. You make me proud to be Caymanian.
Only watching for Selita. I detest The Donald. BTW what is wrong with stating what Selita is??? She has embracedher cultural heritage and made the most of it and in addition is proud of it. Wish more of us would do the same.
So happy to watch her shine…all the best girl.
Congratulations! May God continue to bless you!
I watched the show last week, and was super proud of Selita who handled the kitchen like a true chef. I can not wait to see the other episodes of the show. She is already a winner in my books. 🙂 love you Selita!
http://concreteloop.com/?attachment_id=405632
Where is the media coverage of this young Caymanian also doing a reality show????
I Think it’s time to chill!
I am sure once the show is launched CNS will be covering that story too. The show hasn’t even taken off as yet! Once it takes off the ground I will be routing for Erikka and I am confident that CNS will as well!
Selita, you are just so beautiful!
Congratulations and Best of Luck!
Congratulations on another week, Selita!
You are doing very well and my family and myself (some of us residing in Florida and Cayman) are very proud of you. I have never watched ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ before, but now I can’t wait to call and remind my friends here in the US to tune in and see "OUR CAYMANIAN GIRL."
You set the stage for our other ambitious young ladies, stay strong, focused, positive and continue to make us PROUD!
We are rooting for you all the way.
God Bless you and keep you safe!
Marry Me Selita 🙂
Great going Selita. You demonstrate poise, professionalism and beauty. I am so proud to see a young Caymanian star! No matter what the outcome we in Cayman say YOURE HIRED!!!!
p.s. I assume this is pre-taped but would love to see you in a few 345 tees!
Selita all the way!!!
Selita is a very beautiful outspoken black woman, I watch the show and her beauty out-shone them all. Her pesonality on the show made her stand out, at times. Donald Trump was very rude to the contestants but, that’s what has gotten him to where he’s at now. He’s a very smart man and he’s all business and uses his business sense wisely. To make it on this show you have to be strong, aggressive and everyman for themselves. Selita you make us very proud, my young son has a crush on you lol, but my advice to you is to be more aggressive, and don’t trust no one, they are all for themselves. Keep your chin up pretty woman and don’t look back!
(Cringes)
"Selita is a very beautiful outspoken black woman…"
Was that really necessary?
Are Cyndi Lauper and Sharon Stone "very beautiful and outspoken White women" – see, sounds odd doesn’t it?
Yes, she is doing very well on the show and has achieved a good level of personal success, however, I must say that I object to your particular description at this particular time.
I say this because the notion of the "strong and outspoken Black woman" is arguably doing far more harm than good in their relevant and applicable circles.
Many people today, Black men in particular, would be far more impressed by the mindset of a "good woman" – period. I am sure you are likely to disagree but this oft promoted notion of "strong, bold, outspoken etc. Black women" has truly morphed into a oft unwarranted and overly aggressive Black women (the "bad attitude" stereotype – let us be honest – most stereotypes exist for a reason).
A man, any man – Black, White, Asian or even Martian – simply wants a good, loyal and supportive woman by his side and in his corner.
(Hmmm…why did I open this can of worms? Lol!)
Please do not misunderstand me, as a conscious Black man I do understand where most Black women are coming from – I appreciate the struggle and the extreme hardships of yesteryear – however, as I said before – that "strength" has evolved into an entirely unintended beast.
Personally, I wish more Black women (notably those in the diaspora) would focus more on being simply "women" first and "Black women" second.
Please click on the following link for a clear example of what this notion is doing to young Black girls – do you consider this to be a good thing? I already feel sorry for her future boyfriend / husband! Then again, according to the philosophy in question – I would simply be labeled as a "weak" Black man. :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2vMqVQgGWM
Note: Rita, not all comments were directed at you personally as I will acknowledge that I did expand quite a bit – decided to seize the moment I guess.
Lastly, many readers will by now be utterly and completely confused by these posts – don’t worry about it – this isn’t meant for everyone.
(Keep it moving people … just keepit moving!)
Is Sharon Stone on the show? From a very beautiful and outspoken white woman….:o) Don’t appear to be a weak black man to me :o)
I thik your are way over analysing. If that is what the writer felt when she saw Selita then she should be able to epress that freely. Who gives a toss at the end of the day she is a successful balck woman. Why is that even hitting a nerve with you? just let it go, we black people need all the support and reminding we can get.
Re: "I thik your are way over analysing."
Good on you – however, I think I addressed that point towards the end of my post.
Re: "we black people need all the support and reminding we can get"
Speak for yourself please – I am in no need of a leg up in this life.
Anyway, did you go and watch the video clip? Would you describe that performance as "supportive" of "Black people / women"?
Furthermore, have you seen, for example, the U.S. statistics in regards to the low percentage of Black women that are actually getting married? Do you realize that Black women have a ridiculously high and disproportionate rate of incarceration? Have you noticed that statistically Black men are dating and marrying outside of the race in ever increasing numbers? (Some will put this down to the media; the affects of being a minority; white standards of beauty etc. – I beg to differ for who is a hotter woman on this earth than Naomi Campbell?)
Lastly, and perhaps most crucially – have you ever taken the time to listen to the general and most common grievances that Black men have in regards to their women today?
As I said earlier, this notion has morphed into a nasty and intolerable beast of a problem.
You say "just let it go" – ok – I hear you … however, I am trying to show folks that our Black women are the ones at risk of being "let go".
I am not going to bother looking up any clips cause if you google the flip side of your video there will be a video for that also. No one knows the right and wrong way in this crazy world. Just do what makes you happy.
When the rest of the world stops viewing black americans as african american and black caribbean as afro caribbean then we can talk on equality, not before. If they can label us like that we can label as well. D@MN!!!!!!!!!!!
Box of Pandora: I stumbled on this. And began reading comments posted later than yours. And, I’m not really sure at this point how we got here from congratulating Selita. I don’t know what it is exactly you’re trying to state. But by reading this post, the original I believe, I would say you have a little bit of a problem. For one let me point out that, couched in the sociological jargon, seems to be an underlying attitude of women as property.
A man, any man – Black, White, Asian or even Martian – simply wants a good, loyal and supportive woman by his side and in his corner.
And supposedly submissive? Is that what I read between the lines.
A pretty ancient viewpoint at this stage of our evolution my friend! And you are bound to be continually disappointed, as it seems.. unless black women conform to your ideas of what they should be like..and from your point of view you have done the research….they’re overly aggressive and "unsupportive". You’ll have to get over it sooner or later. Here’s a flash: black women, and white women aren’t always going to do what you want them to do. Sometimes…they’re going to do…..wait for it…..What they want to do! And they don’t give a *hit if they’re being supportive or not. Can you believe that? But don’t despair. If it’s any consolation
Red neck whitemen feel the same way about their wimmen.
Selita is indeed a beautiful woman, of mixed race, as most Caymanians are. If she wants to refer to herself as an "outspoken black woman" that is entirely up to her, but I see no need for you or I to place any lables on her.
Anon @ 12:09 do you think Donald Trump along with the rest of America view Selita as a mixed race person? well the answer is a big fat no,in there eyes Selita is a black woman like it or not…….Selita is a light skin negro as most Caymanians are(around 60%of population) do not try to pretty things up with this mixed race crap, i am not saying there are no mixed raced persons here in Cayman,what i am saying is that majority of Caymanians are light skinned negroes and not mixed race as you suggest!!
You seem to be lacking in comprehension since you readily admit that the "majority of Caymanians are light skinned negroes". I merely disagree with you defining them as negroes. Selita herself says she is of Irish, African and Indian descent. Using your logic she is also fully justified in calling herself a dark skinned Irish woman.
Your definition of negro comes from the Europeans who defined anyone with African blood as negro and even divided them into groups with Quadroons having one grandparent of african descent and three grandparents of European descent.
With the aforemention info, you can probably guess what an Octoroon, Quintroon, and even Hexadecaroon would be.
In university (back in the 80’s) I had a professor from Louisiana whose passport listed him as black. He was officially a Hexadecaroon and looked whiter that anyone I had ever seen, but the roots of racism go deep in many places.
If you want the colour of your skin to define who and what you are then I have no problem with that. I am simply saying that there is no need for you to apply that same rule to everyone that you look at.
For myself, I simply choose "other" as my race on the few occasions where I still have to. There is nothing wrong in being proud of your skin colour or ancestry, but just remember that nobody gets to choose their ancestors.
Thank you for putting that idiot in his place! Negro is only one part of her exotic blend.
Actually, this is how Selita describes herself:
PR.com: You have a very exotic look and I know you’re multiethnic. What is your background?
Selita Ebanks: My father is Jamaican and my mother is from The Cayman Islands. I think that’s where my exotic [look] comes from: Caymanians. They are Irish, African and Indian. It’s funny because when you go there and try to see what a Caymanian really looks like, you can never really pinpoint it, because we are all so different. But we all have the traditional big forehead (laughs).
Well done Selita!!! You make us proud and to think some "greenies" said you would never make it pass the first round. You go girl, you make us Caymanians PROUD!!!!
Well done Selita! You continue to make us proud! Good luck!
Sigh, and they say we Caymanians (natives that is) do not have talent or are not worthy to be praised.
Thank you Selita, thank you for taking your tiny country to the world and holding your own as well.
Who says that Happy Island People?
Selita, we are so proud of you!!!
Thanks for keeping your cool and representing us so well! You are a beautiful, elegant lady!