The Story of Lloyd “BLACKSTONE” Leitch

Turning Pain Into Purpose: The Story of Lloyd “BLACKSTONE” Leitch

Written By Kendesi Mohammed

Lloyd “BLACKSTONE” Leitch, a Guyanese born immigrant, is redefining what it means to face life’s challenges with courage, resilience, and purpose. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, and raised in Buxton/Friendship Village, Leitch grew up in a loving, close knit family alongside six siblings. Guided by the steady hands of his parents, Estwick and Lynette Leitch, he was instilled early on with a deep sense of responsibility, curiosity, and determination to understand life in its entirety.

Leitch’s educational journey took him through J.E. Burnham Nursery School, F.E. Pollard Primary, St. Mary’s High School, and the Government Technical Institute in Guyana, later earning his GED in the United States. His professional career has been just as varied as his upbringing, including roles at Farfan and Mendez, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, the Guyana Defense Force, LSG Sky Chef, Green Oil Recycling, the U.S. Army, and G.M.S.C Security. Each experience shaped his understanding of work, discipline, and service, while preparing him for challenges that would test him in unimaginable ways.

That test came in 2021 when Leitch was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer just before his 32nd birthday. For many, such news would be devastating, yet Leitch saw the diagnosis as a turning point. “For the better,” he says, reflecting on how the illness reshaped his perspective on life. Instead of retreating, he chose to transform his struggle into a source of hope and education for others.

Through writing and sharing his journey, Leitch has become an advocate for men’s health and wellness. By openly confronting his vulnerability, he offers his audiences a rare gift: a message of love, hope, and positivity in the face of adversity. His story reminds the world that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act despite it.

In a society where discussions around men’s health remain limited, Lloyd “BLACKSTONE” Leitch’s voice is vital. He demonstrates that even life’s darkest moments can illuminate a path to greater awareness, empathy, and connection. His journey is not just a personal testament; it is a call to all of us to face life fully, embrace our struggles, and use them to inspire and uplift others.

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Written By Kendesi Mohammed 

Kaiya, born Keshia Thomas in Guyana, is rapidly establishing herself as a rising star in the international Reggae and Afro Pop music scene. Her passion for music began at an early age, singing hymns in her neighborhood church choir and performing in school concerts.

After completing high school in Guyana, Kaiya relocated to Bridgetown, Barbados, where she committed to a professional music career. There, she received formal vocal training and immersed herself in the music industry. She has since performed with local bands in Barbados and Guyana and earned recognition in several talent competitions.

Her debut single, “You Lost Me,” was written and recorded in Barbados and released in Guyana in March 2020. Her follow-up single, “So Nice,” written by Kaiya and produced by Paradigm Audio Lab, was recorded in Guyana. She is currently collaborating with Esan Benzy, one of Guyana’s top crossover performers, on her upcoming album.

Kaiya’s international acclaim is growing. She has received nominations for Best Female Reggae Artist at the DEM ROCK MUSIC Awards in the United States in both 2022 and recently, underscoring her impact in the genre.

As an emerging artist, Kaiya continues to release Reggae lovers rock and Afro-Caribbean music, recording with Paradigm Records Guyana and collaborating on singles with other studios, including AJ Legendary and Hardball Entertainment. During a recent tour in Ghana, she collaborated with Samini, the first MOBO Africa Dancehall Artist Award winner, on the song “Feel the Vibe,” which was recorded and mastered by renowned producer Possigee.

In addition to her music, Kaiya serves as a tourism ambassador for Guyana, promoting the country’s culture and heritage. She is preparing for an exhibition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which will include a full media tour and live performance. Back home, she is developing several projects in Guyana, including a documentary video for her song “Mama Guyana”, highlighting the nation’s tourism sector in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

With a combination of talent, ambition, and cultural advocacy, Kaiya is positioning herself as a significant figure in Caribbean music, bringing Guyanese sounds to the global stage.