We had the honor of having Attorney-at-law and singer Carol Gonzalez - DeCosta live on the Ever Blazing Friday show hosted by Empress Skortcher 10 April 2015. Their dialogue included the revelation of Ms. Gonzalez's involvement with Woman Incorporated (Woman Inc). Ms Gonzalez provides the legal services to person in need of legal counseling and representation. Further dialogue includes a discussion regarding President Obama's historic visit to Jamaica, necessary steps to apply for the exoneration of Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey and the controversy surrounding Reggae Artist Chronixx's comment on social media in which he labeled President Obama a waste man.

About Woman Incorporated - Kingston Jamaica

Woman Inc is a registered charitable non-governmental organization. It was established in 1984 and in February 1985 the Crisis Center for Women was opened, offering crisis counseling, referral services and a 24 hour hot line(876) 929-9038). The issues addressed by Women Inc. include rape, incest, domestic violence, domestic crisis and sexual harassment. The Crisis Shelter was opened in 1988 to offer short term shelter to battered women. There exists an established referral link between Woman Inc., Family Court, the Police Rape Crisis Units, Medical and Legal Advisers, as well as other related services.

Mini-Biography of Ms. Gonzalez-DaCosta as shared by her.

"I began singing professionally at the “Jonkanoo Lounge” nightclub, with the resident band at the Wyndham Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. During my sojourn with this band, we performed six nights per week. I was the lead female singer of the group. I stayed with this group for about eight months, after which, I was invited me to perform (cabaret) on the Jamaican hotel/resort circuit, by a booking agent. I accepted the invitation and performed as a cabaret artist until I migrated to Manhattan, New York, USA to pursue my career in the United States. In Manhattan, my managers commissioned Mr. Danny Holgate, of Broadway fame, to develop a voice and stagecraft training programme specific to my goals. My training lasted twelve months. During my period of training I performed in small nightclubs in Manhattan. Unfortunately at the completion of my training, a family emergency compelled me to return to Jamaica; subsequent to which I was unable to pick up where I had left off in New York.

I remained in Jamaica and returned to the hotel/resort circuit as a cabaret artist. I subsequently switched careers and read for a degree in law. In 1991 I passed the Jamaican Bar examinations and began to practice as an Attorney-at-Law. During the period 1986-1998, I continued my musical career, albeit to a lesser extent. In 1998, I was invited by the Chief Justice of Jamaica to preside as a Magistrate, (the Jamaican Lower Judiciary). I accepted hold this position; although it meant that I had to relinquish my musical career altogether(In Jamaica a Judge is not allowed to engage in any activity other than official duties). I am presently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of the West Indies, in the field of International Public Criminal Law.

I must say though that whereas being a Judge has its rewards, there is just no substituting the spiritual fulfillment of being a singer. As I noted earlier, prior to my being appointed to the Bench I had the luxury and pleasure of continuing my vocation as a professional singer; I also represented Jamaica at several international musical competitions. During these years I also recorded the lead vocals for a few songs, three of which became number one hits in Europe and Asia (“Spoilt by your love”, “Second Class”, “Personal Delivery” and “Ocho Rios”). Mr. Donovan Jermain, CEO of Penthouse Records Company and Mr. Peter Ashbourne, respectively, produced these songs.

One of the highlights of my career as a singer was my performance at “Reggae Sunsplash”, an annual international musical festival held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. On this occasion the audience numbered about sixty thousand. During these years I also performed the lead vocals for many Jamaican “jingles” (advertising musical soundtracks). During my years as a professional singer I performed with many great Jamaican artists, such as the internationally renowned DJ Buju Banton, the internationally renowned band “Chalice”, the internationally renowned singer Boris Gardner and Peter Ashbourne, lyricist and composer extraordinaire. I also had the pleasure of being the Jamaican performer on a jazz show at which one of the Marsalis brothers performed.

It is difficult to describe any one “most memorable” moment in my career as a professional singer. I would venture to say that each time I performed on stage was a memorable occasion. Over the years as a performer I received many standing ovations, commendations and expressions of gratitude from members of audiences; there were times when patrons would come up to me after a performance and thank me with tears; this was always particularly touching and spiritually uplifting and satisfying for me. I believe that as a singer I bring love, truth and upliftment to my audiences. I bear my heart and soul during every performance, my performances are never “affected”; indeed during every performance each member of my audience should feel as if I were singing only for them. I should and am able to lift the consciousness and the imagination of the audience out of their everyday world and troubles and take them to a wonderful place where their hearts and souls are soothed and comforted. I take them to a “wonderland” where only love resides. This is my objective each time I perform. I have a very distinct and unique voice, which is easily recognizable; a voice that is unlike any other and I am a “true” soprano. My album “The Music In Me” did very well at the outlets. I have begun my second album, Look out for it in stores!

I love and admire a myriad of fellow artists. Some of the great artists that I admire and love are: Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Cindy Lauper, Anita Baker, Steve Perry and Journey, Foreigner, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers, Chaka Khan, Barbara Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald. At this time I can truly say however, that I have found my own true voice, so that I when I interpret a song it is with my true voice, my spirit, my mind and my heart; so that notwithstanding my admiration of my fellow artists, when I perform, I am influenced by no one, nor do I emulate anyone.

I love to perform ballads, rock, pop, soft rock and R&B. I especially love ballads composed in minor keys. I love to perform songs that have positive and spiritually (secular and/or religious) uplifting lyrics, with beautiful and memorable melodic content, accompanied by excellent musicianship. I have come to realize that singing is the only endeavor that provides me with scintillating and spiritual satisfaction, upliftment and purpose. I have, since returned to music and executively produced my album: “The Music In Me”, which is doing very well and which is receiving excellent rotation on the local radio stations in my home country.

Besides singing I absolutely love to read, my preferred genre is anything horror and/or fantasy; especially anything by Stephen King, Anne Rice, Clive Barker and JRR Tolkien. I also love to swim, play lawn tennis and watch television and go to the movies. I love to watch West Wing, Sex and the City, Dead Like Me, Six Feet Under, The Ring, Lord of the Rings, Matrix among others. I have therefore truly thus far lived a full life. I have been a professional singer, a wife, a mother, a lawyer, a Judge(As well as a myriad of other stuff).
Oh and by the way I love junk food and I hate to exercise, hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

It is important to note Ms. Gonzalez-DaCosta has once again returned to practice law and not currently active with music professionally.

You can tune in to Empress Skortcher live show each Friday at 7 PM EST/12 AM EST on Global Linkz Radio with live simulcast on Dunoon Community Radio and Rock Da Box.