KIRK ANDREW JARDINE-Determined to turn his dreams into reality
Kirk Andrew ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine
Kirk Andrew ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine

KIRK ANDREW JARDINE-well known as Chow Pow, has big dreams. He believes that the opportunities to turn these dreams into realities are very much around, and hence is determined to work hard at achieving them.

He believes his standup comedy is responsible for a lot of his success.
He believes his standup comedy is responsible for a lot of his success.

Jardine, 48, has plans to produce local reality shows and he wants to be a permanent fixture on radio and television in Guyana. He also wants to play a greater role in producing major national cultural shows and even working with children in the school system.
“I have lots of ideas to share,” he told the Chronicle in a recent interview, “and we have so much to offer. We just need to be invited on board. Whoever is there…we are calling on you. Open the doors and let us in.”
Jardine, who grew up in South Ruimveldt Gardens describes himself as someone who will go over the edge to ensure that his audiences are well entertained. He does drama, and standup comedy, produces events and even hosts shows and other entertainment events.
After attending Sacred Heart Primary and Christ Church Secondary Schools, he had some training in accounting, marketing and events management and in care-giving to drug abusers.

Hooked on Drugs

Chow Pow during one of his plays.
Chow Pow during one of his plays.

All has not been well for Chow Pow, though. Out of curiosity, he dabbled with drugs as a child and became hooked on it for many years.
“I got hooked on drugs in the 1980s so I went haywire for a very long time. I started getting high at age 11 and didn’t stop until age 32. I had 21 years of drug abuse to the highest stage. I was someone walking down the road very dirty and smelly,” he explained.
But fortunate for him, he was afforded some time at the Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Centre. This helped him a lot. He then started to work at Banks DIH and then became a taxi driver.
Jardine believes that addiction is a disease and not a moral deficiency. “God helped me break free. It is God’s gift,” he said.
At some point in his life, he promoted parties and fashion shows but that was only for a time. However, when he was reintroduced to the stage, he found that there was nothing else that he wanted to do with his time.

Chow Pow wants to play a greater role in producing national events
Chow Pow wants to play a greater role in producing national events

“I was very fortunate to get to showcase my various talents. Mr. Yog Mahadeo allowed me to do my thing with a contract with GT&T. I later co-produced the Jingle and Song Competition in 2011 and 2012,” he recalled.
About two years ago, he started Yolo Entertainment. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to make it. We are indebted to a couple of people but are hoping to clear it up soon and move forward. I am yet to break into a point where a television or a radio station would say come on board with us because of your popularity and the way you do things. We will work with you. I still have not gotten that. I don’t know why it’s that way in Guyana. We have to pay these people to go on their radio and television stations. They are not hiring us. And I think that is very unfortunate for people in my field.”
Despite the setbacks, though, Chow Pow is now creeping into the Caribbean. He will begin a tour to several countries in the Caribbean on May 11.

The Older Heads
Jardine is encouraging those who have been around his field for a long time to ensure that they keep the industry alive for the sake of the industry and not for their personal egos.You (the older heads) are here to guide the younger ones. What you are not here to do is to stand as a block and deprive anyone with potential from going forward. If you are going to tell a joke about someone else, make sure you can take a joke. Don’t be upset if you get hit harder. We are here to live and let live. Please let’s get it right,” he advised.
Jardine is very grateful to Gem Madho, GT&T, Giftland Office Max, Terrence Sookhoo, Chris Gopaul, Nigel Worrell, and all of the other companies and individuals who helped him to get where he is at in his life.
She is also very thankful to his wife of 14 years, Zelpher, and their three children Javid, Aniyah, and Jaheim.
By Telesha Ramnarine

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