'Nothing is wrong with wanting to have two professions'

Ricardo Campbell, Youth Focus Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

As a 21-year-old college student, Orville Barnes has found that the business of entertainment is a viable option to explore his entrepreneurial skills and he is gradually developing his High Life Entertainment company.

The Negril, Westmoreland, native is currently pursuing a degree in surveying and geographical information science at the University of Technology (UTech).

Entertainment is nothing new to Barnes as he is the booking agent for recording artiste T'Nez, who is also his cousin.

"The experiences have been great so far with this venture, and the fact that I am in charge, it gives me an added sense of responsibility, which I am sure will go a far way as I continue my academic and professional endeavours," Barnes said.

His High Life Entertainment stages an annual party in Negril, which has been previously hosted by dancehall artistes Popcaan and Tommy Lee. He has also helped to promote the International Reggae Wine Festival.

"It is a continued learning process," according to Barnes. "I just want to give this my all - as much I do with my schoolwork - and see how well I can make this work, and get a job at a reputable entity that sees a steady flow of income. Nothing is wrong with wanting to have two professions, and I am trying to do that."

STRIKING A BALANCE

Manning the operations of High Life Entertainment and balancing his schoolwork is not an easy task, but Barnes says everything is done to ensure that they do not clash.

"What works for me is that at no time do I mix what I do at High Life Entertainment with my studies at UTech. They are independent of each other. When it's school time, it's school time.

"My mom always tell me school is a priority, and so I focus most of my attention on that," he stated.

In fact, when the pressures of school and work confront Barnes, he delves into listening to music, relaxes with friends, or plays football.

The ambitious party promoter wishes to take his business to the next level and envisions it being one of the heavyweights in the business, locally and internationally.