Empress Jeanille

Born and raised in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Jeanille Bonterre has been a popular face and voice of Trinidad and Tobago's broadcasting industry for years. Often described as the quintessential "Caribbean Queen," Jeanille began her media career in Trinidad as a teenager hosting the youth TV show, "Nettwork." She later hosted a daily radio program on FM 100 before moving to Los Angeles, California to pursue a degree in communications studies at Santa Monica College. After her stint in Los Angeles she continued her education by enrolling in the distinguished Radio and Television Arts Program at Ryerson University in Canada, where she became the entertainment news writer and host for the campus radio station ‘SPIRIT Live”. That paved the way for her return to Trinidad and Tobago for a position as the entertainment correspondent for the National Broadcasting Network CCN TV6 and host of ‘The Morning Talk Show’ on the island’s #1 radio station Ebony 104FM. This bold move eventually paid off as she was then selected to host the best selling Caribbean DVD series, "Inside Carnival." This opportunity gained her widespread exposure in the Caribbean entertainment industry and sealed Jeanille’s fate on the international broadcasting scene, soon MTV Networks came calling… Jeanille's perseverance and passion to promote and develop Caribbean culture has now brought her to MTV’s Tempo (www.gottempo.com) as the host and producer of her very own show ‘Downtown Island’ and their concert series ‘Live and Direct’. This groundbreaking channel which currently broadcasts in 24 countries throughout the region, is the first ever Pan- Caribbean network showcasing the vibrant culture, music, exotic locations and the brightest superstars of the region.As a result of the tremendous popularity she’s received from her broadcasting career Jeanille has now managed to expand her talents to the silver screen; making her debut film performance in the upcoming cricket movie “Hit For Six!”. The highly anticipated Caribbean film premiered in the region in April 2007 as part of the Cricket World Cup celebrations and will also premiere in other cricket countries around the globe including Australia, UK, South Africa, India and Pakistan.Always driven and motivated by her culture and love for her people, this self-professed 'workahoilc' knows how to keep it moving as she believes time, like the mind, is a terrible thing to waste.When she's not jet-setting around the region hosting her TV show on Tempo,flexing her acting skills on the big screen or making appearances in New York on behalf of the network, she's hosting live concert events and shows from the Caribbean to the US to Africa, spreading the message of Caribbean consciousness and culture to the masses.When asked about advice for other young people pursuing their passion in the Caribbean, she says, "Whatever your career dream is, focus and go after it. Believe in yourself and trust that your spirit will always guide you towards the path of prosperity."