From what yardflex can glean the brawl occurred at the Mega Mart on Waterloo Road in Kingston yesterday evening. Corey is also the operator of "The Building" Night Club. We understand that the matter has been reported to the police.

But hot on the heels of this news comes the release from Ryno’s publicist. Check it out..we are taking the sidelines on this one.

Dancehall deejay Blak Ryno and his baby mother on Wednesday afternoon was attacked by a close business associate of Vybz Kartel and his female companion while shopping at the Kingston Mega-Mart on Upper Waterloo Road.

The incident unfolded when Blak Ryno was exiting the facility and was confronted by the man who immediately assumed an aggressive posture towards the artiste with the statement “Go S*ck Yuh Mada” and proceeded to shove him, further stating “Weh yuh ago do p*ssy, you know how we thing set pon the Gaza”. Ryno, forced to defend himself got into a physical altercation with the man but it was quickly brought under control by the store’s security detailing.

However the melee did not end there as the irate man and his female companion who were still inside the store then turned on Ryno’s baby mother inflicting several blows to her in the process. Thankfully the quick action of other shoppers and the security team quelled the hostile situation but not without her suffering some minor cut and bruises.

“Dem pull out mi hair, punch me, I got a cut in my face and several scratches” – Ryno’s baby mother exclaimed.

Blak Ryno and his female companion are now at the police station reporting the incident.

The artiste whose given name is Romane Anderson says he doesn’t know why the man and his companion attacked him and his baby mother.

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS ) says approximately 170, 000 customers are without power due to downed utility poles, broken conductors and faults on the electricity network resulting from heavy rains, lightening storms and winds associated with the weather system.

The parishes worst affected are Manchester, Portland, St. Mary and Clarendon while areas currently without power include Lionel Town, Milk River, Rocky Point, Salt River Road, Amity Hall, and surrounding communities in Clarendon, most communities in the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Portland as well as sections of other parishes.

Government officials say two persons are dead, and the count for those missing and feared dead has jumped to double digits, following two days of sustained rainfall islandwide.

A child and a farmer from Flagaman, in St. Elizabeth, have been listed among the dead.

Seven people were washed away early Wednesday morning, when floodwaters swept a house from its foundation, into the Sandy Gully, in St. Andrew.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, confirmed the numbers, at Wednesday afternoon's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, less than hour after an aerial tour of St. Catherine.

“The police are reporting that 12 persons are missing. We haven’t been able to confirm whether or not any of them have been located…efforts are still being made to locate them,” Mr. Golding said.

Prime Minister Golding said a number of communities have been cut off completely, mainly in the hills of St. Thomas.

He noted that there is a major breakaway in Sandy Ground, in St. Catherine.

Scores of residents are unable to travel out of the community, which is the main access route to Ginger Ridge and a number of other communities.

Mr. Golding says the Government stands ready to relocate displaced residents, at short notice.

“So we are monitoring the work that is being done to determine whether we will need to put in place arrangements to start moving in relief supplies into those areas where communication access has been disrupted.

We will take that decision at such time when we feel that it is necessary but a lot will depend on how successful the works agency is able to be in restoring those areas that have been cut off,” he said.

The state Department of Children and Families could have done more to protect a Riviera Beach family from an angry and violent man who killed his wife and four step-children and later killed himself Monday, according to the top agency official in Palm Beach County.


Perry Borman, DCF southeast regional director, told reporters Tuesday during a telephone conference that after investigating Patrick Alexander Dell, 41, in January for allegedly attacking his wife Natasha Whyte-Dell, 36, with a knife at a neighbor's house in December, the agency could have taken over a half dozen steps to guarantee the family's safety.


DCF officials could have followed up with the family's neighbors or relatives regarding Dell's aggressive behavior toward his wife, or could have inquired about another five domestic disturbance calls that were made from the Dell home to law enforcement before the December incident, Borman said.


Instead, the agency's investigation was closed after 30 days and concluded the children were not at "significant risk", Borman added.
"As a result of looking at this case and talking to folks involved and our management team, we have sort of uncovered some opportunities that we could have had in January that we think are missed opportunities," Borman said.


Borman also said the department's child protective investigator who looked into the abuse allegation at the Dell household in January has been placed on administrative leave, after he was arrested Sept. 14 in Plantation on charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant woman.


The investigator, George Allen Shahood, 43, who is the son of retired Fourth District Court of Appeal Chief Judge George A. Shahood, was first arrested in March on battery charges. DCF removed him from investigating cases, but reinstated him a week later after the charges were dropped, according to Borman.


But charges were re-filed this month, and Borman said Shahood was placed on administrative leave after his most recent arrest.
In his investigative report, Shahood said all seven children seemed to be well taken care of and happy to be living with their parents. Both parents said they would never harm the children, he said.
Borman said he did not want to speculate whether Shahood's domestic violence accusation interferred with his work as a child protective investigator.



"I think this case and what has transpired has given us a lot more to think about in terms of the actions that we take when in fact someone is arrested, irrespective of what the charge is," Borman said.


Dell shot and killed his wife and four step-children, and then shot himself, according to police. Whyte-Dell's 15-year-old son, Ryan Bartnett, was the only survivor of the attack, and is being treated for a gunshot wound to the neck. The couple's 1 and 3-year-old kids were unharmed.


According to Borman, Shahood's investigation in January, prompted by a call to the agency's abuse hotline, was the first time DCF had contact with the Dell family, even though Dell's violent behavior and conflicts with his wife had been chronicled in court records and police reports for the past three years.


Borman said he wonders why DCF was not notified of the restraining order issued by a judge to Whyte-Dell in May, and said the county's Domestic Violence Steering Committee was inquiring.


County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, who on Tuesday sat through Borman's presentation about DCF's yearly activities in the county, questioned whether extending the agency's investigating period from 30 to 60 days would have made a difference.


"If the kids maybe had been removed when this man came in May, the children might be alive today," she said.


Records show Whyte-Dell asked a county judge for a restraining order against Dell in April 2008, citing abusive behavior. She said Dell would yell and swear at her and that her son Ryan would try to intervene.


Whyte-Dell filed for divorce three times between 2007 and 2008, but voluntarily dismissed each case, according to court documents. In December, Dell was arrested after attacking his wife and another woman with a knife because he suspected Whyte-Dell was cheating on him.


Borman added that this tragedy has created an opportunity to establish a communcation procedure with the county's court system regarding domestic violence cases.

(Source: Palm Beach Post News)

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management have confirmed that three men died after a house collapsed in Norbrook, St Andrew last night.

Their deaths bring the total confirmed death toll to five persons killed following the impact of Tropical Storm Nicole on Jamaica.

Another day, another deadbeat dad…today it’s Jason’s Kidd’s turn.

The Dallas Maverick player’s daughter Cheyanne is putting him on blast via twitter for being a deadbeat dad.

Cheyanne is his eldest daughter and she’s claiming that Kidd has been an absentee father for most of her life.

Author Terry McMillan and her gay ex-husband were reunited on Oprah’s show yesterday, September 28.

Terry McMillan met her 20-year-old future husband Jonathan Plummer during her visit to Jamaica in 1995. She moved him into her multi-million dollar home in California three months later.

Three years later, when McMillan was 43, the two married. However, after six years of marriage, Jonathan revealed to Terry that he was gay.

The broken couple appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show almost 5 years ago. Their infamous daytime TV showdown resulted in a $40 million lawsuit being filed after.

However, the two have now reunited on Oprah, again. Terry McMillan, of “Waiting To Exhale” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” fame, has a new book to promote, titled “Getting To Happy.”

The Wobble is based off of rapper V.I.C.'s 2008 single and Beyonce sure knows how to perform it. Watch the Video Here
Video link on youtube

Beyonce sure knows how to liven up a block party. That was the case this month when she traveled to West Orange, NJ to visit husband Jay-Z's mother, as pointed out by our pals at Hello Beautiful.

Beyonce spotted the party on the same street as her mother-in-law and immediately joined in, leading the group gathered in 'The Wobble' dance (think the Electric Slide but much cooler).

The Ministry of Education has just announced that all schools will be closed today due to the inclement weather.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) had earlier advised that that schools should be closed amid reports of flooding and damage islandwide.

A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Jamaica. A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding has occurred or will take place very soon.

The Ministry of Education has just announced that all schools will be closed today due to the inclement weather.


Recorded at Banton's own Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Before The Dawn literally pierces the soul with traditional roots on the track Do Good, classic rock on the tune No Smoking At All, and heartfelt Reggae on the especially potent Battered & Bruised. The album's unofficial anthem, Innocent strikes a highly personal chord that will resonate deeply with longtime fans.



Despite his incarceration, Buju was heavily involved in putting together this latest offering - from choosing the final track listing and laboring over the phone with the producers and engineers to get the mixes just right, to conceptualizing the project's distinguished packaging.

Physical copies of the album contain a special note written from inside the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Florida, where he has been housed since January.

Gargamel Music Inc. has announces that Reggae superstar Buju Banton's prophetic new album, Before The Dawn is in stores and online in North America. While the release date for the UK and France is set for next Monday, October 4, the album will be available in the rest of Europe this Friday, October 1.


The ninth studio album by the international music icon, Before The Dawn boasts 10 powerful tracks that comprise some of the most powerful songs written by Banton since his professional entry into the music business over 20 years ago.

In an exclusive interview featured in the new issue of Hip-Hop Weekly magazine, Buju says, "All the songs on this album were written before I and I found I self in this current situation, yet they all speak profoundly to what I and I am going through right now... You might can lock the flesh but you can never lock the spirit of Rasta."


The album has already catapulted to the #2 position on iTunes' Top Reggae Albums Chart.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that at least one child was washed away when the house in which the child was living was swept away in Barbican, St Andrew in the vicinity of Burger King.

The age and sex of the child are not yet known.

There are also reports that several residents have been marooned in Nightingale Grove, St Catherine where a gully has overflowed its banks.

The situation in the St Catherine communities of Bushy Park and The Vineyards is also said to be serious.

Meanwhile, there have been several reports of flooding across the island due to the heavy rains associated with Tropical Depression # 16.

Kingston and St. Andrew

· August Town, Bedward Garden and Goldsmith Villas, homes have been flooded
· August Town Bridge has collapsed
· Red Hills- Sterling Castle homes have been flooded and it is reported two persons are trapped within their home
· Harbour View- Bridge has collapsed
· Marcus Garvey Drive Flooded
· Saddlers Avenue and Lanston Road of Mountain View has been flooded
· South Monterey Drive of Hope Pastures flooded
· Kyntire Close in Papine flooded
· Don Head Avenue, Liguanea reported flooding
·

Spanish Town

· Thompson Pen- homes have been flooded
· Bridge joining the communities of Simon District and Tredegar Park has collapsed

St. Catherine

· The Bog Walk Gorge is Closed
· Sunnyside Linstead flooding reported
· Serenity Park, between Spring Village and Nightingale Grove, the gully is reportedly overflowing

Clarendon

· Four Paths flooded
· Portland Cottage flooded

St. Elizabeth

· Burnt Savannah blocked
· Fullerswood Main road is inundated

St. Mary

· Junction road is blocked it is reported that persons are trapped in a car in the vicinity of Castleton

Westmoreland

· Savanna La Mar, four homes have been reportedly damaged
· Savanna La Mar Cooperative Credit Union and the Savanna La Mar Baptist Church has been damaged

The public is advised to continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:

1. Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now.

2. Avoid flooded waterways, i.e. Fords, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.

The ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that at least one child was washed away when the house in which the child was living was swept away in Barbican, St Andrew in the vicinity of Burger King.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management has advised that all schools be closed as Jamaica remains under a Flash Flood warning.
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica says the Flash Flood Warning will remain in effect for low-lying and flood prone areas of all parishes until 5:00 p.m. today.
A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.
At 4:00 a.m. the centre of Tropical Depression #16 was located near latitude 23.3 degrees north and longitude 84.4 degrees west, just north of Havana or about 160 kilometres south of Marathon Florida.
The Depression is moving toward the north-northeast near 22 km/h. a motion to the north-northeast accompanied by a gradual increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 to 36 hours. On this forecast track, the centre of the tropical cyclone will move over the Florida straits later this morning and be near or over southeastern Florida by this evening.
Maximum sustained winds are near 55 km/h, with higher gusts. Reports from an air force reserve reconnaissance aircraft indicate surface winds are very near tropical storm strength about midway between the Florida Keys and Cuba. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and the Depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today before merging with a frontal zone on Thursday.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that at least one child was washed away when the house in which the child was living was swept away in Barbican, St Andrew in the vicinity of Burger King.

Buju Banton will have to wait another week to know his fate as it related to spending the next two months incarcerated. Reports are that the hearing on the bail application filed by his lawyer has been scheduled for October 6, at 1:30p.m in Florida before Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli.
The prosecution in the case has also been granted until September 30, to file a response to Myrie's Motion for bail.
Buju’s lawyer filed the application on Tuesday after the judge, James Moody, declared a mistrial, when the 12-member jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision in the drug case.
The judge said a new trial is to be held in December on a date to be announced.
The lawyers are trying to secure special dispensation to allow Buju to be out on bail without facing deportation from the United States.
According to legal experts, it would be impossible for Buju to be granted bail as his US visa was cancelled and he has no legal immigration status.
The lawyer reportedly told Judge James Moodie, in giving notice of the bail request, that the Jamaican singer was not a flight risk and did not pose a threat to society.
The lawyer said the court could, if bail is granted, stipulate that the artiste wear a tracking device.
The four-time Grammy nominee, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was facing charges of conspiracy to traffic cocaine.
But after deliberating for 15 hours the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
Buju's lawyer said he hopes his client will not have to spend the next three months in county jail in the Tampa area while he awaits re-trial.

Buju Banton new album Before The Dawn will be released today.

Despite his incarceration the artiste was heavily involved in putting together this latest album. From choosing the final track listing and labouring over the phone with the producers and engineers to get the mixes just right, as well as to conceptualising the project's distinguished packaging, was the level of his involvement.

Hard copies of the album contain a special note written from inside the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Florida, where he has been housed for the past nine months

Before The Dawn will drop in North America and Japan today. The release date for the UK and France has been set for October 4, however, it will be available in the rest of Europe a few days earlier from October 1. Fans around the world may pre-order the album now on both iTunes and Amazon.com.


The ninth studio album by the international musician, Before The Dawn boasts 10 tracks that comprise some of the most powerful songs written by Banton since his professional entry into the music business over twenty years ago.


Recorded at Banton's own Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Before The Dawn is said to contain the traditional roots Reggae sound on the track Do Good, a little classic rock on the tune No Smoking At All, and deep reggae on Battered & Bruised.

Buju's handlers have named the track Innocent as the album's unofficial anthem, which they claim strikes a highly personal chord that is hoped will resonate deeply with the artiste's long-time fans.

We have to say that Bounty women all have one thing in common. When it comes on to suffering a beating at his hands and end up feeling sorry for him - they have that locked.


Yes, the latest victim Racquel Smith requested of the court through her lawyer that the matter be sent to mediation as she is interesting in resuming her relationship with the DJ.


What can we say, the next time she might not get the opportunity to request anything.


Bounty was granted $500,000 bail and was ordered to return to court on November 9.


This morning Smith indicated through her lawyer Terrence Ballentine, to the court that she wanted the matter to be sent to mediation.

Ballentine said his client and Pryce had been together for three years and he had never hit her until the incident earlier this month. He said Smith wanted to continue her relationship with the Deejay.

However, Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly Williams would have none of it and dismissed the request.

Oh boy, wonder who or what next

The jurors in the Buju Banton trial have just told US Judge Jim Moody that they have failed to come to a unanimous decision despite almost three days of deliberations.

A new trial date is to be set and will be announced today.

Banton's lawyer David Markus has applied for bail for his client and the judge is expected to address the application later today.

After about an hour of discussion on what has been their third day of deliberation, jurors sent a note to U.S. District Judge James Moody telling him about their difficulties, according to an update in the Tampa Bay Online this morning.


"Just for informational purposes," the note said, "we are still split on a decision and after reviewing evidence, nobody has changed their minds from our original vote on Thursday."


The case went to the jury Thursday after closing arguments in a four-day trial. Jurors were allowed to go home for the weekend.


Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been held without bail since his arrest in December on federal drug and weapons charges. The defense maintains Banton, 37, was entrapped. The government is using evidence of conversations Banton had with an informant.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

From the man who brought you “Whatever She Wants” and “The Maintenance Man” is bringing another steamy, star-studded drama to theaters.

Award-winning author and playwright Je’Caryous Johnson has put together one of the biggest drama-filled comedies of the year featuring Vivica A. Fox and Brian McKnight called “Cheaper to Keep Her.”

The national tour will kick off on the West Coast beginning Sept. 18, 2010, at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Then they make their way east, ending their 32-stop tour in Baltimore on January 30th.

In “Cheaper to Keep Her,” Raymond Mays (Brian McKnight) splits with his wife Morgan Mays (Vivica A. Fox), and they hire two competitive family members to represent them in their divorce.

While the battle in the court goes on, Raymond tries to get Morgan hitched so he can stop paying alimony, but finds out letting her go like that is not easy.

The play also stars Christian Keyes, from “Madea Goes to Jail, comedian Jonathan Slocumb, and comedian Gary “G-Thang” Johnson.

“Je’Caryous and I are honored to work again with Vivica A. Fox and Lita Richardson on a production,” Gary Guidry, executive producer and president of I’m Ready Productions said. “As co-producers, Vivica and Lita bring great ideas and creative innovation to the project.”

Bishop Eddie Long spoke at a press conference to reporters at a 10 a.m. news conference today at his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., after a scandal that has resulted from days of allegations that he coerced four young men into sex.


Long said his attorneys had advised him not to speak specifically about what he terms “the allegations and attack that has been levied upon me at this moment.”

He said he wanted the case to be tried in a court of justice and not in the court of public opinion.

Minister of Transport and Works, the Hon Mike Henry, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that Transport Authority (TA) personnel are using the agency's vehicles to chase and hit targeted vehicles on enforcement operations.


Mr. Henry, responding to another allegation of such an action Friday (September 24), has directed that if the practice has been taking place, "it should cease with immediate effect".

The Ministry, in a release on the issue, said that in furthering his desire to foster an improved method of engagement between TA personnel and public passenger vehicle (PPV) and commercial vehicle (CMC) operators, Mr. Henry has ordered a review of current methods of engagement.

He said he was aware of the awesome challenges which the TA personnel face daily in their bid to adequately regulate public passenger and commercial vehicle operations, including some elements bent on lawlessness, as was displayed on Wednesday night. However, he said he was also concerned about recent reports of the method allegedly being employed by members of the TA's operational teams.

"I am not here laying blame or passing any form of judgment, just seeking to establish the facts and being prepared to ensure that due respect is accorded both ways in any engagement by the Transport Authority, as would be appropriate for all the other agencies within my portfolio," the Minister said.

Honestly, we sick and tired fi read bout di kas kas inna di church.

It bad enough sey a lot of people blaming the church that they are not doing enough with it comes on to interventions without us reading about the carry ons of the members.


The Star reported a few days ago about a big kas kas in a Clarendon church where the argument got so loud it caught the attention of outsiders.


Now hot on the heals is another argument about bus money…yes from a Clarendon church. We wonder if it is the same church.


Stop it, haven’t you all got the memo yet…it’s time for the churches to unite.

Three illegal firearms, including the one which was stolen from the home of Karl Samuda, General Secretary of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, were seized by the police near Linstead in St. Catherine.

The drama which led to the seizure of the firearms started about 10 o'clock Saturday morning, when four gunmen reportedly went to a house in Ewarton where a 13 year old girl was at home.

While there, the men reportedly cooked food.

The girl's parents, who were away, returned and encountered the gunmen who robbed them.

After the robbery, the gunmen went to another house in Rosemount, Linstead about 11:30 Saturday night.

Police who were in the area saw men walking on the train line and they reportedly opened fired at the police.

They police returned the fire and the gunmen ran, leaving behind a bag, which when searched contained the three firearms.

They include the shotgun, belonging to Samuda and two homemade pistols.

Household items were also found in the bag.

The Meteorological Service has extended the Flash Flood Watch until 5 o'clock Monday afternoon.

The notice is for all parishes.

A Flash Flood Watch means flooding is possible and citizens are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further News Releases from the Met Service and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.

A broad area of low pressure across the western Caribbean and Jamaica has been producing unstable weather conditions across the country.

The forecast is for showers and thunderstorms to continue across most the country Sunday evening into Monday morning.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms could produce dangerous flash floods in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The cross, miserable, angry DJ will be returning to court this morning and we can’t wait to see what the outcome will be.

Since his arrest the streets has been buzzing with talk on how the Killer could afford to find himself back in this position again.


Yeah man, some people a sey him attack di girl because him stressed out big time as him nuh have him two vehicles dem and added to that him kinda soft pon di financial side.

But di one whey have wi a way still is di news sey him neva really mean fi beat di girl, but a true him come in early inna dim awning well frass from di whole heap a liquor whey him did a drink and ting and ready fi some action and di girl a hold hard end. Suh a dats why him lick har inna har knew fi she open up.


No star, seriously dem fi stop dem kinda rumour yap on di road, it nuh sound good at all.

The U.S. drug trial of reggae star Buju Banton is the talk of Jamaica, where islanders are debating his guilt or innocence on street corners, in offices, in letters to the editor and on social networking websites, The Associated Press reported in a story yesterday.


In the Jamaican capital, some people are dissecting every detail of Banton's case, a few even comparing him to the late reggae legend Bob Marley. For others the case is more of a curiosity, a media-fed sensation that distracts from weightier news.


His most ardent fans are talking of conspiracy theories - that he was framed by the U.S. government or gay activists who have protested violent, homophobic lyrics from early in Banton's career as a brash dancehall singer.


The husky-voiced Rastafarian singer has long been a star in his homeland with the brash reggae-rap hybrid of dancehall music and, more recently, a traditional reggae sound.


"He's a major, major figure here, so his trial has dominated the media and people's conversations," Jamaican musicologist and disc jockey Bunny Goodison said. "He's been extremely important through the years because he's represented Rastafari and black consciousness in a very focused way."


On Friday, a false story that Banton had been found innocent was broadcast on an island radio station. Tumultuous applause broke out at an elite prep school when the rumor was announced as fact on the public address system. People across Kingston spread the false bulletin on Facebook and Twitter.


Banton is charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and aiding two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution. He faces up to life in prison.


In closing statements Thursday, Banton's attorney argued that an undercover U.S. government informant managed to connect only the two other men, but not Banton, to the conspiracy. Banton's team of lawyers has tried to prove the singer was a victim of entrapment.


The singer testified that he talked a lot about cocaine with a U.S. government informant, but said he was just trying to impress the man, who claimed to have music industry connections.


Assistant U.S. Attorney James Preston argued that Banton's conversations with the informant put the conspiracy into motion. Prosecutors said Banton was an established drug trafficker by the time he met the informant and the singer was looking for "more, new and different money through a new conspiracy he was shopping for" in addition to drug deals he had already financed.



Banton's arrest derailed plans to tour Japan after a tumultuous U.S. tour for his Grammy-nominated 2009 album, "Rasta Got Soul." Shows in several U.S. cities were canceled because of protests over his early homophobic lyrics and unapologetic anti-gay stance through the years.

On Friday, Buju made history when he entered Twitter Trends and up to the time it was announced that the jury would reconvene today, he was trending at number six. He became the first reggae act to trend on Twitter.


There was a frenzy on Friday when one website announced erroneously that Banton had been freed. Consequently, from the time the jurors went to lunch at 12 noon, until they called it a day, there were thousands of tweets reporting that “Buju free!”


It is expected that fans and “so called fans” of Buju will again be on high alert today for any and every morsel of information coming out of the Florida courtroom.


Although the jury is still out, many persons are confident that the reggae artiste will indeed walk free.

Will he or won’t he? That’s the question that ought to be answered today when the 12-m3mb34 jury meets for the third time in a Tampa, Fl courtroom to decide the fate of reggae artiste, Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie.


The cocaine trial of the Grammy-nominated singer took place in Florida last week, and the jury has been deliberating sicne Thurday evening and into Friday without deciding the young man’s fate.


Myrie’s co-defendants in the cocaine conspiracy case have already pleaded guilty and ave co-opertaed with the prosecution. Buju, however, has maintained his innocence and his lawyers say he was entrapped and his only sing was “talking too much”.


The reggae artiste took the stand on Wednesday and declared that he was “scared and embarrassed” and was only trying to impress the man he met on a flight from Spain with talk of drugs runnings. That man turned out to be an informant, who was used to try and bring him down.

I live in the eternal now of Spirit.


Putting things off until tomorrow is simply putting them off all together.

When I delay in getting things done, it may be because I do not want to do them at all.

When I accept what is, I then have an opportunity to move forward without delay. All effort, work and accomplishment take place in the present, not in the future.

I release my tendency to put things off and I begin.

Much of the inclination to postpone projects and responsibilities lies in my need for order and organization in my thinking and in my life.

If I am slow in getting things done, I can map them out and approach them one by one. In the glorious now of Spirit there is no more delay or procrastination.

Do you not say, "Four months more, then comes the harvest"?

But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.--John 4:35

Ne-Yo’s mother Lorraine looked all but pleased when asked about her son’s relationship with baby mama Monyetta Shaw.

Lorraine sat in the audience during a recent taping of the Wendy Williams show and when asked by the talk show host if Ne-Yo would be marrying Shaw, Loraine (without giving a “yes” or “no” answer) remained tight-lipped and looked the other way.

She simply and very carfeullyexpressed that Ne-Yo is her “only son,” as if he belongs to her only. It seems she’d like to keep it that way.

Too funny.

What did wi a read sey Roundhead could be suing the Twin of Twins? Lawks it seems as if wi can enjoy peace and quiet inna di biz fi any length a time before yuh hear bout one nex’ squabble.

From what we a read in di Star it look like Roundhead could be suing di twins because dem imitate him on their CD Stir It Up Vol.8 which was released last year.

According to the report the twins say they recently received a lawsuit from representatives of Roundhead's management team, informing them that they are seeking compensation for intellectual property infringements, royalty and associated fees for their client.

Further claims in the letter are that there was "invasion of privacy through misappropriation of name and imitation of voice, and violation of the right of publicity, i.e. the right of having to control and making money from the commercial use of copyright/trademark owner." In addition, it said, no permission was granted to the twins to use the voice.

The letter also stated that according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, and the Intellectual Property laws "in lieu of actual damages the copyright holder is entitled to US$30,000 per infringement or a minimum of US$150,000 for wilful infringement."

Check out di Twins response to the lawsuit in the paper "We will remain undaunted by negative. We respect Roundhead as an elder, we wouldn't disrespect him. We forgive Roundhead fi him ignorance and others too for their selective understanding 'cause dem laugh at other people weh a seh di same thing.”.

"His claims are that we are ridiculing him and that's totally ridiculous. Our intention isn't to bring down. Our thing is depicted from reality.

We specialise in voice imitation. Is still our voice at the end of the day. Wi CD mek him more popular. Dem neva memba him. All him did haffi do is be intelligent and just work wid di flow."

However, when contacted, Roundhead said he could not give any details on the lawsuit as he did not speak to his management team about it.

But big and serious dough, if we neva did a read bout dis lawsuit wi wouldn’t memba sey one artiste name Roundhead. Talking bout dat a wha happening to Ghost and General B. Di group still a gwaan?

USA Today is reporting that KFC has a unique marketing strategy to promote their “Double Down” sandwich.

They are paying attractive college females $500 to wear sweatpants with “Double Down” and the KFC logo on the back where their butts are.

Women on college campuses are being paid $500 each to hand out coupons while wearing fitted sweatpants with “Double Down” in large letters across their rear ends.


The nation’s largest women’s group doesn’t like it one bit. “It’s so obnoxious to once again be using women’s bodies to sell fundamentally unhealthy products,” says Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women.

What’s more, she says, KFC has forgotten something important: Women make more than half the decisions about what to eat for dinner.

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is reporting that a third man has accused Bishop Eddie Long of sexual abuse.

The third suit was filed Wednesday afternoon in DeKalb County Superior Court, said a spokeswoman for attorney B.J. Bernstein.

Jamal Paris, a member of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, filed the suit against Long, the church and the Longfellows Youth Academy Inc.

Long was not immediately available Wednesday, but has scheduled a news conference for Thursday morning.

LeBron James alleged dad is back for more…Leicester Bryce Stovell, claims his original DNA test was a sham, according to tmz.com. The 55-year-old man now reportedly wants a new test to prove that he is, in fact, the father of the NBA star and a bunch of money for what he calls “loss of gifts.”

55-year-old Leicester Bryce Stovell filed new papers in his paternity case against LeBron and his mother Gloria — claiming the basketball superstar’s recent motion to dismiss the case is based on a “fraudulent” DNA test from 2007 … and should be tossed out.

International artiste Wyclef Jean, is the latest act to join the line-up for the Arthur Guinness Celebration event which will be held on Saturday, October 23 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Wyclef, along with rapper Busta Rhymes, joins Jamaica’s very own international stars Shaggy, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Bounty Killer along with Mavado and Wayne Wonder for the event.

Wyclef and Busta Rhymes are two iconic hip hop artistes whose unique styles have made an indelible impression on music.

Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds dazzled patrons at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival when he sang hit after hit during is memorable 90-minute performance. Come November 13 he is set to do it all again at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

The concert, which will be produced by Turnkey Productions, will be a signature event in the series of activities taking place during the United Way Week -- November 8-14 -- as they commemorate 25 years of service in Jamaica.

A prolific hit-maker, producer, superstar recording artiste, and revolutionary label owner, Edmonds is also a 10-time Grammy winner with 11 solo albums.

His music has crossed several boundaries and genres, as he has written and produced songs for many artistes including Prince, Al Green, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, Paula Abdul, Tevin Campbell, Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Mary J Blige, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Kenny G, and Lil Wayne, among others.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Yesterday, since the jury retired to deliberate in the drug case against Reggae artiste, Buju Banton Jamaicans and Buju’s fans all over have been holding their breaths for the outcome. Seems they still have a little longer to wait as the jurors will continue their deliberations this morning.

“Mercy di wait a kill mi. A really want him fi get whey, but mi memba sey a white people him a deal wid so anyting possible,” one ardent Buju fan told Yardflex.

Yardflex will keep you posted the minute a decision is made.

A bus belonging to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) was destroyed by fire in downtown, Kingston yesterday afternoon.
The cause of the fire is still not certain.


The incident happened sometime after 1:00 p.m at a bus park in North Parade.


Vanley Nelson, the bus driver, says he was attempting to park the bus when he heard shouts from onlookers that the bus was on fire.
Nelson says he then noticed flames with dark smoke coming from the bus.


He says he grabbed an extinguisher to tackle the blaze, but the strong winds made it difficult.


The JUTC is now assessing the damage to five other buses in different incidents between last night and this morning in the Barbican area.
JUTC Corporate Communication Manager, Reginald Allen, says three of the buses were stoned while the other two were damaged by fire.


Allen says preliminary indications are that the damage has run into millions of dollars.

Reggae star Gyptian crosses the pond to wow British fans for the annual BBC Radio 1Xtra Live, taking place at Wembley Arena in London on Saturday, September 25, a release from VP Recrds stated.

Gyptian joins a hotlist of international acts for the annual event that also includes B.O.B and Jason Derulo, in addition to local U.K. acts.


"BBC Radio continues to show me a lot of love," reveals Gyptian. "They've always supported my music and I'm looking forward to performing at 1Xtra Live."

Gyptian will be singing his tunes to even more U.K. fans during his upcoming European tour, which runs from October 13 to November 13.


Gyptian's popularity continues to skyrocket internationally, as the videos for his first smash hit, "Hold You," has now been added into rotation on MTV Base and its Major Lazer remix into play on MTV Dance, over in the UK.

He is also nominated for "Reggae Artist of the Year" at the 2010 MOBO Awards, which takes place in Liverpool on October 20. He will be competing with fellow VP Records artist, Gappy Ranks, for the honour.


Gyptian currently has two singles in rotation on U.S. radio with "Hold You" hitting Top 40 radio on Z100 in New York and his second single, "Nah Let Go" in rotation on New York's HOT97.

The "Nah Let Go" video recently premiered on BET 106 & Park as the "New Joint of the Day," fueling the buzz on this star.

Follow @YardFlex

I am renewed and ready to take the next step.


When my car needs gas, I refuel the tank. When my faith needs refueling, I pause and pray.

I sit in silent meditation, allowing the strength and peace of Spirit to fill me. Praying renews my faith and gives me the power to move forward.

I say a prayer of thanksgiving for the divine mystery of life. God is as near to me as my breath, and yet beyond understanding.

Communion with God through prayer and meditation is all the fuel I need. It fills me with the assurance that all is well.

Renewed and ready to set out in the right direction, I take the next step on my divine path.

But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, ... they shall run and not be weary.--Isaiah 40:31

WASHINGTON, United States - Drugmaker Abbott Laboratories said today that it is recalling millions of containers of its best-selling Similac infant formula that may be contaminated with insect parts.

The voluntary action affects up to 5 million Similac-brand powder formulas sold in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries. The company said the products may contain a small beetle or larvae, which could cause stomach ache and digestion problems.

The recall does not affect any liquid formulas or other Abbott-brand products.

A company spokeswoman said Abbott uncovered the insects last week in one section of a manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan.

"We immediately shut down that one area and began an investigation," said Abbott's Melissa Brotz. "We're in the process of resolving it now." Abbott manufactures Similac at several US sites.

Brotz said the company has been consulting with the Food and Drug Administration, which determined there was no "immediate health risk" from the contamination.

Consumers can enter the lot number on their containers online to determine if they are subject to the recall. The products should be returned to Abbott for a full refund.

"Delivering anything less than the highest quality infant formula is unacceptable to us," said Brotz. "We will do whatever is necessary to maintain the trust of parents in the coming weeks."

The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce (227-gram), 12.4-ounce (352-gram) and 12.9-ounce (366-gram).

Similac is the best-selling infant formula in the US Abbott's nutritional products - which include adult brands like Ensure - had sales of US$5.3 billion last year.

Abbott expects to lose US$100 million in connection with the recall. However, the North Chicago, Illinois, company confirmed its third-quarter earnings guidance between US$1.03 and US$1.05 per share.

Shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 16 cents to US$51.99.

Selecting the perfect location for the shooting of his newest video was a no-brainer, singer Anthony Cruz’ confesses. “The single is entitled Back Downtown, so where else would I shoot it but in the heart of Downtown Kingston?” he queried.


It was with gusto that Cruz set out to make his video, arriving Downtown with Asha and the crew from before dawn. However, as the the sun broke through the sky and Downtown awoke from its slumber, Anthony Cruz also awakened to a new revelation.


“Mi neva know say a so Downtown nice,” he said in awe. “Look at all those buildings by the waterfront! I didn’t even know that the Bank of Jamaica building was right there (on Nethersole Place),” Cruz added, explaining that “as a country boy” he only passed through downtown on his way to the airport.


“It was my first real opportunity to explore Downtown and meet the people and it was so inspiring. We really need to build back Downtown,” Cruz declared.


He spoke with pride about the resilience of the people. “Can you imagine a woman selling boil eggs in the early morning amidst the hustle and bustle of people going to work? How many people would think of that?” he asked rhetorically.


Then there was the senior citizen who said he was waiting for an opportunity like this to showcase his dancing skills in a music video and insisted on being transformed into a video vixen on the set of Back Downtown.


“Him baaaad!” Cruz exclaimed. “Asha says there’s no way he could edit him out.”


With Dean Frazer on top of Captain’s Bakery blowing his sax and the song blaring Downtown, it was a sing-along as people stopped what they were doing to absorb the events.


“The people dem endorse the song and everybody was singing it. The women were so affectionate … I sign autograph till my hand hurt,” Cruz declared.


He also had words of praise for the merchant who gave him bags of clothing from his store to give away to the people.


“This was the most memorable video shoot I have ever had,” Anthony Cruz stated, singing the chorus of the song -- People gone back downtown (Downtown nice again/Mi glad how the war ting done (Even though Mama lose her son).


A tribute to the creativity and the tirelessness of the people who live and work downtown, Back Downtown has a feel-good effect which Cruz says was deliberate, as he attempts to highlight the positives of Downtown in this post Tivoli incursion era.

With his recently released song Hot Girls To The Ring playing on all the major radio stations in Jamaica and with increasing radio play in the UK, Italy and Canada, On Time Music Group recording artiste, Razor B gets ‘Blazed’ for the video of his song.

Jae Blaze of the hugely popular television show, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, has agreed to put her special touch on this project by choreographing the dance routine of the video’s lead dancer.


Calling on all dancers, Razor B has set an audition date of October 3 for dancers and dance crews to put their spin to Hot Girls To The Ring.

The audition will be judged by Jae Blaze who will be on break from her tour with six-time Grammy winners and multi-platinum selling group, Black Eyed Peas.


Jae’s choreography has come to the forefront recently as she is recognized as one of the hottest choreographers to come out of Canada.

She has worked with several platinum selling artists from all genres including Nelly Furtado, Sean Paul, Kelis and Naughty by Nature to name a few.

Known to set the stage on fire, Jae consistently raises the bar and changes the way audiences perceive sound and movement whenever her choreograph hits the stage.


“When I heard Razor B’s single, I knew it was a song I had to get involved with through choreography,” said Jae from her dance studio.

“This is one of those songs that’s just made for dancers; one that will allow me to display the visual aspect of Razor B’s music,” she added.


About the choreography of the video, Razor B said, “I’m really excited to know that a person of Jae’s caliber likes the song, and wants to choreograph the dance routine. I know the video is going to be enjoyed by the fans, just like the song.”


The video will be shot and directed by Wayne Lowers of Burnt Facez. In addition to radio, sound system selectors and mixtape DJ’s have included the song in their set lists and the clubs have been heating up with Hot Girls To The Ring.

Rapper Busta Rhymes is heading to Jamaica. He set to unleash his slew of hits at the Arthur Guinness Celebrations set for Saturday, October 23 at the National Stadium.


The iconic rapper has been added to the already stellar line-up of dancehall and reggae pioneers which includes Grammy award-winning artiste Beenie Man, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Wayne Wonder and Lady Saw.


Rhymes is currently riding high in North America and Europe with his latest album Back on my BS for Universal Motown.


The 38-year-old will be unleashing some of his most recent and timeless hits such as Platinum Grammy-nominated single Whoo Hah, Got You all in Check, Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, as well as number-one hip hop and R&B and number-three pop single What's It Gonna Be, featuring Janet Jackson.


The trip to Jamaica will be Busta Rhymes' second, after his appearance here in the late 1990s at Sting.


Since debuting in 1996 with then group, Leaders of the New School, Rhymes has steadily risen to the top of the rap game with as many as 11 albums and countless television and film appearances dating back to 1993.


His latest album features collaborations with Common, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, TI, Akon, Estelle and T-Pain.

Reggae star Buju Banton said he's embarrassed about what he has done, afraid of losing his freedom but innocent of any involvement in drug trafficking, a story in the Tampa Bay Online stated.


"I'm just a humble musician," he testified on Wednesday in his trial on federal drug charges.


An informant's recordings capturing Banton talking about large-scale cocaine deals are all accurate, the Jamaican musician said, but they are just talk.


"I was just talking garbage with him," Banton said, referring to informant Alexander Johnson. "I was just talking straight-up garbage," Tampa Bay Online said in their report.


Banton, 37, testified that he thought Johnson, who introduced himself as "Junior," was funny and likable. Banton said he went to coach class during the flight to check on his band members and then encountered a flight attendant who blocked his return to business class.


He said he was allowed to return to his seat after Johnson interceded and vouched for him.


He said Johnson also told him he knew people in the music business in Los Angeles and might be able to help him.


"I thought I was going to see him because we were talking about my career," Banton said.


When he talked to Johnson about buying and selling cocaine, Banton said, "I was trying to impress this guy, and that's what got me in the hot seat I'm sitting in now."



Asked why he tasted cocaine when shown a kilo of the drug in a Sarasota warehouse, Banton said, "I don't know why I did that. If I could, I would rewind the hands of time."


Banton, a four-time, Grammy-nominee whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been held without bail since his arrest in December. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.


Two codefendants, James Mack and Ian Thomas, have pleaded guilty.

Stephen Marley, son of reggae icon Bob Marley, appeared in court to testify on behal of his friend and colleague, Buju Banton
He said he has known Banton for 19 years and has never known him to be involved with cocaine.


"He's a close friend of mine," Marley said. "I love him."
Marley said Banton is important to Jamaica. Referring to Banton's album "Voice of Jamaica," Marley said, "That really sums up who Buju is to us."
According to prosecutors, Banton introduced Johnson to Thomas, his friend and driver, and then allowed the deal to proceed, keeping himself "in the trenches," away from the action.



The defense contends that although Banton talked a lot and tasted cocaine when the informant surprised him by showing him the drug, he is not a drug trafficker; the deal that transpired among Thomas, Mack and Johnson had nothing to do with Banton.


The trial continues today.

You would think that Kat Stacks learned her lesson after Fab’s goons smacked her up but no–she’s back at it!

Kat Stacks and her friend Jennashea tweeted some interesting things about Fabolous, Bow Wow and Gucci Mane. According to them, Gucci Mane’s lips are like sand paper, Fabolous is well-endowed and Bow Wow likes vibrating eggs in his butt.

When the next season of Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall rolls around there will be a new face acting as host, as Emprezz Mullings has resigned as host of the show.

According to a report in yesterday’s Star Mullings said she thought about quitting the show months ago but the final decision was made recently.

"The final decision was after talking to the executive team on a couple things and realising that some things I wanted would not be accommodated. So three weeks ago I sent in my resignation. Also, I decided that it was time to start growing and there was no more growth for me on the show," she told the paper.

Mullings said she thought this was the best career choice at the time, after weighing her options.

"They were okay with it. And they said they will miss me as I will them, especially my viewers. Man I hate to leave them. That is the part that brings tears to my eyes.

The team was the greatest production team to work with. I will miss the interaction with the contestants and my fabulous Jamaican audience. I will miss the opportunity to create my version of couture dancehall fashion, the 'Empress' way, and rock it on the show. I will also miss the humour," she said.

"I think the show is a great entertainment avenue for youth to show their original writing and deejaying skills musically and get a voice in the business that is usually dominated by a few and payola."

Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean announced Tuesday he is officially ending his bid to become president of Haiti.


The Grammy-winning artist, who was born in the quake-ravaged country and raised in Brooklyn, will not challenge an electoral commission that deemed him unqualified to run in the Nov. 28 race.

”After weeks of quiet but painstaking reflection with my wife and daughter, I have chosen to end my bid for the presidency of Haiti,” Jean said in a statement.”

The New York Daily News is reporting that the sister of “Precious” director, Lee Daniels, Leah Daniel-Butler has been charged with obstruction of justice for sneaking out guns and cash from their house in California.

Daniels-Butler’s husband, Henry (Black) Butler, has been under investigation by the feds for alleged drug dealing.

He was arrested last month near his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and charged with transporting significant quantities of cocaine from Los Angeles to New York.

Shortly after his arrest, officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department placed his home under surveillance while federal prosecutor Todd Kaminsky tried to arrange a search of the premises.

That’s when officers saw his 44-year-old wife leave the home, carrying at least one bag, and drive away in a Mercedes-Benz.

They stopped the luxury sedan and she consented to a search, according to an affidavit filed by Drug Enforcement Administration agent Steven Miller.

A loaded 9-mm. handgun, an unloaded Intratec Tec-9 handgun, several loaded magazines and boxes of ammunition were found in the bag along with $39,500 in cash.

West Indies vice-captain Dwayne Bravo is one of two players who have turned down central retainer contracts from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

CMC Sports is reporting that the 26-year-old Bravo has joined fellow Trinidadian Kieron Pollard in not signing the contracts by the September 10 deadline as stipulated by the WICB.

Captain Chris Gayle also failed to sign the contract by the deadline but wrote the WICB asking for an extension which was granted.

However, the other 22 players offered contracts have all signed, paving the way for the cream of West Indies players to be available for international duty.

There is a new development in the case involving ousted St. Ann Member of Parliament, Shahine Robinson.

Plans by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party to have her run in an expected by-election for the North East St. Ann seat, are now in question.

According to a report on RJR news the attorneys for the petitioner, Manley Bowen, the man who successfully challenged her right to remain an MP, are in the process of filing a criminal complaint with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The attorneys will be recommending that criminal charges be brought against Mrs. Robinson for perjury, claiming she lied to the Supreme Court that she was not an American.

They also want criminal action against her for breaches of the Election Petition Act and for her to repay the salary she received during the years she sat in the House of Representatives when she was not qualified to do so.

The attorneys intend to point the DPP to an affidavit filed by Mrs. Robinson in June when she was temporarily booted from Parliament by the Supreme Court.

In that affidavit she insisted that there was no truth to the claim that she holds US citizenship.

However, in a reversal last week she admitted that she is a naturalised US citizen.

The issues of perjury and the repayment of Mrs. Robinson's salary are expected to be raised when the attorneys for both camps knock heads before Mr. Justice Roy Jones on October 4.

Information Minister Daryl Vaz disclosed last week that Mrs. Robinson was in the process of renouncing her US citizenship and would run on the party's ticket in a by-election in the constituency.

In the meantime, one of the attorneys for Mr. Bowen, Raymond Clough, says they will be applying to the court for the greenlight to send Mrs. Robinson a bill of costs, for her initial decision to fight the petition.

He said the judge found that she abused the process of the court, by her resistance to the claim that she holds US citizenship. Now, she must be made to pay.

“His lordship ordered that their defense and affidavits filed by her be struck out as an abuse of the process and he awarded costs to the claimant Mr. Manley Bowen,”

“Further the claimants are saying that they are entitled to costs on an indemnity basis, so although his lordship awarded costs on the normal basis, that is costs following the event to the successful party, we are saying that Mrs. Shahine Robinson must pay costs on an indemnity basis, because she did not behave in a proper manner, the courts should award costs on a stronger basis, that means they must pay whatever costs we expended in the matter and this will be dealt with also on the 4th of October,” Mr. Clough said.

Mr. Clough refused to confirm or deny reports, that Mrs. Robinson could be hit with a bill of 8 to 10 million dollars.

Mr. Clough explained that she is no longer an MP, and cannot sit in the parliament.

“Under the election petition at the moment she gave the notice, she’s out of parliament, in addition to which the judge will send a notice to the clerks of the House of Parliament to the Speaker advising him that this took place,”

“This will be done after the 4th of October but once she gave the notice that she did not intend to oppose the petition she cannot sit in parliament nor can se take part in the petition any further,” he said.

Yesterday Buju Banton took the witness stand in his cocaine trial and denied that he was a trafficker or a financier of any illicit drug activities.

He admitted two things: that he was naïve, and that he was only "talking crap" when he was recorded telling Government informant Alexander Johnson that he was a drug financier, who was in search of new drug ventures.

Like my mom always say, 'Mark, you talk a lot,' and that is the consequence of it," said the 37-year-old entertainer, whose given name is Mark Myrie, during cross-examination from prosecutor Jim Preston.

Banton said he was ashamed of himself for the things he had said, but told the attentive jurors that "talking crap" did not make him a dealer.

Banton had been eagerly awaiting this moment for the past several months following his arrest last December at his home in Florida. He was charged with conspiracy to distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine. If convicted, he could be sent to prison for life and fined several million dollars.

"Are you guilty of being a cocaine trafficker?" Markus wasted no time in asking.

"No, Sir, I'm not," Banton promptly responded as he went on to deny the charges against him.

"How do you feel?" Markus asked.

"I'm scared," Banton said, managing an awkward smile. "I'm nervous. I've been waiting 10 months."

He was, however, prevented from completing the statement due to an objection from lead prosecutor Jim Preston, which was sustained by Judge Jim Moody.

At Markus' prompting Banton proceeded to recall how he met Johnson on a flight from Madrid, Spain following a tour of the European continent in July 2009 and how he got to like Johnson's company.

He said he and Johnson spoke on a number of topics during the eight-hour flight to Florida, USA and that Johnson was the one who raised the issue of drugs after both men had had a few glasses of wine which Johnson ordered.

He said both men spoke about the entertainment business and Johnson told him that he had contacts within the industry.

Banton testified that before the argument of drugs came up, Johnson had told him that he had a seafood business but that he did "a little thing on the side", which the entertainer took to mean that the "side" enterprise may have been illegal. Banton said his suspicion was further heightened when Johnson pulled a wad of cash from his pocket and showed it to him.

Nonetheless, Banton said he was having a good time talking with Johnson and that he found him quite affable.

"He was a funny guy," said the entertainer with a smile.

Banton testified that he gave his number to Johnson, who gave his name as Junior, and that he received a call from him the following day, saying that he wanted to meet the next day, which they did at a restaurant.

He said he had no idea that Johnson had invited him to the restaurant to talk about drugs, and that he had left the restaurant and was meeting outside with his realtor when Johnson approached him and asked if he had talked to his friend about the cocaine venture.

Asked by his attorney about his drug discussions with Johnson, Banton said that he was just yapping to impress Johnson and that he was not a drug dealer and was not interested in making any drug deal.

"I was talking garbage. I was just talking straight up garbage! He was trying out-talk me," Banton said, a line he would maintain throughout his close to two hours in the witness box. "I was trying to impress him."

"I'm just a humble musician. I was just talking above my head. I was trying to impress this guy and that's what got me into this hot seat," the entertainer said in a contrite tone.

Johnson had been working undercover for the us Government since 1996, following his conviction on drug-trafficking charges. He has, over a three-year period, made US$3 million as a Government informant.

Also yesterday, Reggae artiste Stephen Marley, the son of late Reggae icon Bob Marley testified on Banton's behalf. He said he had been friends with Banton for more 19 years and did not know him to be a drug dealer.

Bounty Killer will have to cool his heels in jail – at least until his next trial date comes up. The Killer was yesterday remanded in custody when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court to answer an assault charge.

Accused of beating his girlfriend Bounty was denied bail by Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey, despite a plea from his attorney Christopher Townsend that his client was innocent.

In her statement, the woman said she visited the entertainer at his Oakland apartment in Kingston on September 15 at about 5:00 am, and while she was in his bedroom he attacked her.

She said he grabbed her by her hair and throat, pushed her on the bed and started to hit her in the head.

The complainant said the artist used his chain to hit her all over her body. However, she said she managed to escape and ran into the washroom but he followed her and used a mosquito zapper to hit her on her right wrist, causing bruises.

She said the artiste then grabbed her by her neck and said, "Like how u bleeding betta me jus kill u and done cause that is a sign that you should die."

She said he then left and went to the kitchen and returned with a hammer, which he used to hit her on her knees and in her head.

The complainant said after the artiste was done assaulting her, he asked for a massage and she complied, as she was fearful for her life. She said they later went to bed and she got up at about midday the next day and did some household chores.

However, she said when she was leaving the accused hugged her and gave her US$100 and Ja$2,000.

When the matter was called up in court yesterday the controversial artiste, who was clad in a white shirt and black pants, looked very calm and even smiled as he was being led into the courtroom.

Honestly, we have to wonder, why she remained until he went for the hammer why wasn’t she screaming her lungs out for murder.

Going back to bed, doing chores and then leaving the house...hmn, it is interesting to see what this trial will unfold.

And if Bounty did those things which she stated in court then he is on some real serious stuff! That behavior doesn’t sound normal at all.

My life is balanced and in order, and all is well.


Like the ebb and flow of the tides, my life is balanced and in order. Though at times storms may arise and waves may crash against my shore, I know they are temporary. The storm will pass.

Order will be restored. The challenge will be resolved. Again I will experience serenity like that of the rolling tides--gently washing in and out from the great ocean depths.

I am part of the grand design of the Universe, and even the difficulties in my life have purpose.

If I wonder why a particular challenge has shown up, I can instead ask myself, What is the best way to respond? What can I learn about myself from this? Every experience offers a lesson or a gift. My life has purpose and order.

The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good.--Luke 6:45

Reggae star Buju Banton said he's embarrassed about what he has done, afraid of losing his freedom but innocent of any involvement in drug trafficking, a story in the Tampa Bay Online stated.


"I'm just a humble musician," he testified on Wednesday in his trial on federal drug charges.


An informant's recordings capturing Banton talking about large-scale cocaine deals are all accurate, the Jamaican musician said, but they are just talk.


"I was just talking garbage with him," Banton said, referring to informant Alexander Johnson. "I was just talking straight-up garbage," Tampa Bay Online said in their report.


Banton, 37, testified that he thought Johnson, who introduced himself as "Junior," was funny and likable. Banton said he went to coach class during the flight to check on his band members and then encountered a flight attendant who blocked his return to business class.


He said he was allowed to return to his seat after Johnson interceded and vouched for him.


He said Johnson also told him he knew people in the music business in Los Angeles and might be able to help him.


"I thought I was going to see him because we were talking about my career," Banton said.


When he talked to Johnson about buying and selling cocaine, Banton said, "I was trying to impress this guy, and that's what got me in the hot seat I'm sitting in now."



Asked why he tasted cocaine when shown a kilo of the drug in a Sarasota warehouse, Banton said, "I don't know why I did that. If I could, I would rewind the hands of time."


Banton, a four-time, Grammy-nominee whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been held without bail since his arrest in December. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.


Two codefendants, James Mack and Ian Thomas, have pleaded guilty.

Troubled dancehall deejay Rodney Basil Price, more popularly known as Bounty Killer, on Wednesday morning entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ to allegedly assaulting yet another of his girlfriends.


The Killer faced Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate Court in Kingston.

His bail application was refused and the deejay spent his fifth night behind bars, perhaps in the same cell in which he was thrown in April, when a different girlfriend took his to court for assault.


Whereas the previous matter was thrown out, a speedy trial date has been set, and the young model, whose name is still being withheld, is adamant that the matter will be tried. September 27 has been selected as D-Day for Bounty.


Killer was arrested and charged with wounding last weekend after the complainant turned up at the Constant Spring Police Station and reported that the deejay used a hammer to beat her.


It was also revealed in court today that Killer allegedly used an electric mosquito zapper to hit the woman on her wrists.


It is reported that the woman had to be given 19 stitches and her body had marks associated with being beaten.

I pray in gratitude affirming good for all.


Fall is the time for planting tulip, crocus and daffodil bulbs.

As I do this work, I envision the glorious flower garden that will appear in the spring. I enjoy planting a garden and look forward to the blossoms to come.

Praying for others is like planting bulbs. I gently hold and bless the current circumstance, looking beyond to the possibilities.

If there is a health challenge, I pray affirming perfect health. If there is a financial concern, I pray seeing prosperity.

When there is a strained relationship, I affirm peace and harmony. Just as I envision the flower when I plant a bulb, I pray affirming the blossoming of good for all.

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.--Romans 8:18

CNN is reporting that two men have accused Bishop Eddie Long of sexual abuse.

Two Georgia men have filed suit claiming that prominent Atlanta pastor Eddie Long coerced them into sex.

The suits, filed Tuesday in DeKalb County, Georgia, allege that Long used his position as a spiritual authority and bishop to coerce young male members and employees of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into sex.

Long took one plaintiff, Anthony Flagg, 21, to overnight trips to a half dozen American cities, Flagg’s suit alleges.

“Long shared a bedroom and engaged in intimate sexual contact with plaintiff Flagg including kissing, massaging, masturbating of plaintiff Flagg by defendant Long and oral sexual contact,” the suit says.

While nothing has been confirmed, I’m hearing that Tiny and husband T.I. are making preparations to go to jail.

According to mediatakeout who has the scoop, their insider explained:

“At first I though they were just making plans ‘in case’ they both [got locked up]. But no, they’re acting like they’re both going away.”

The tipster continued, “Tiny’s already got a drug possession case in Georgia, and the lawyers told her that they hand out jail time in LA like it’s nothing, so she’s preparing herself.”

Who gets custody of the children if and when the couple get locked up?

The insider explains, “Tiny’s mom.”

This is just a sad situation all around.

Oh well the foolishness continues again. What’s wrong with these women, do they enjoy being beaten?

Bounty Killa is expected to go before the Half-Way-Tree court today to answer to charges of assault.

The trouble dancehall deejay is facing charges of assault after he allegedly used a hammer to beat his girlfriend.

According to a report on Music News the woman who has received 19 stitches and has bruises following the assault may drop the charges. It is still not clear which lawyer will represent Bounty Killa.

Yesterday, Music News reported that his lawyer Linda Wright will only represent the deejay in his cases involving tax and traffic violations.

This is not the first assault charge for Bounty Killa who has been behind bars since Saturday.

Last April, the trouble deejay spent several weeks in police lock-up after he was charged with beating his ex-girlfriend and threatening her while he was at the police station.

The Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all parishes effective until 5:00 am tomorrow.

A Flash Flood Watch means that flooding is possible and citizens are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by watching and listening for further bulletins from the Meteorological Service and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.

An area of low pressure is currently generating unstable weather over most of the Central Caribbean. The disturbance is expected to continue moving westward and should continue to affect the weather over Jamaica.

Currently, satellite imagery indicates a large area of showers with embedded thunderstorm across the central Caribbean. Radar imagery shows some outbreaks of showers and vigorous thunderstorms along and off the south east coast of Jamaica.

The forecast is for increasingly cloudy conditions with continued outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms particularly over eastern parishes this morning.

Shower and thunderstorm activity should spread to the west later today. This is expected to persist over the island into tomorrow morning as the system moves south of the island, then into the western Caribbean.

Fishers and other marine interests are being advised to exercise caution as strong, gusty winds are likely in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system.

Leighton "Livity" Coke, the brother of former Tivoli Gardens strongman, Christopher "Dudus" Coke, was refused bail when he appeared before the Gun Court Tuesday.

Defence attorneys for Livity were unable to convince the presiding judge to release him on bond.

The attorneys argued that he has a fixed address and would show up for his trial.

They also mentioned that Livity had surrendered to the police.

However, the police and prosecutors, strongly opposed bail.

Livity is charged with illegal possession of a firearm and shooting at members of the security forces, during the military incursion in Tivoli Gardens, in May.

The High Command had warned that if Livity is released, he could take over the leadership left by Christopher "Dudus" Coke and re-organise the gang.

Government prosecutors outlined the case on Tuesday, and reported that Livity had engaged members of the security forces in running battles, during the Tivoli Gardens operation.

They alleged that he twice shot at security members, during the operation to capture his brother.

The prosecutors also mentioned the threat level against members of the Constabulary Force since the incursion, and the fact that he had refused to go on an identification parade.

He was remanded until October 7.

So Fresh Fridays is out and now the Gaza team are pushing their own agenda. It will be replaced by Street Vybes Talent Search.

Hmm, makes you wonder, but then again we won’t say anything, if you are the manaher for the Building you can scrap what you want and replace it with whatever you want. We are just saying…

About the talent show it replaced Fresh Fridays, the weekly session hosted by broadcaster Arif Cooper. Now the talent show will be held at the Building every Friday where Kartel will judge to recruit for the Empire.

It is going to be very exciting especially for the upcoming artistes that will compete.

Every Friday a new talent will be chosen and if you are really, that good by the following week, you could get a contract, and a five hundred thousand dollar video and your song could be on radio, wow competitors’ “betta go hard or go home.

Reports out of Tampa, Florida, are that Drug Enforcement Agent Daniel McCeaffrey, testified that he had no evidence that reggae singer Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie, was involved in illicit drug dealing or received any money from any drug deal.


He also said even though he was investigating Banton for a year, he could find no evidence that the artiste had collected any money from drug dealing.


He made the revelation yesterday during cross-examination from Buju's attorney David Markus, who in his opening remarks told the jury that he would prove that his client was not a drug trafficker and had never invested in illicit drug dealing.


Buju, according to Markus, would waive his right not to testify.
He said his client's big mistake was that he loved to talk. Markus said Myrie met DEA informant Alexander Johnson, a Colombian national, on a flight from Madrid Spain to Florida last year and during conversation Johnson introduced the subject of drug dealing to him.


He said Myrie had in fact tasted cocaine but that did not qualify him as a drug dealer.


Markus also argued that Myrie did not know about the US$130,000 that his co-defendant James Mack had been held with. The money he said was given to Mack by two men identified as 'Ike' and 'Tike' from Atlanta, Georgia.


The attorney said Mack and Ian Thomas were the ones who were dealing drugs and said his client made a decision not to partake in any deal and went to his Tamarac home in Florida, where he was arrested in December last year.


Mack and Thomas have taken plea deals and have agreed to testify against the artiste. All three are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine.

The charge carries a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.


Prosecutor Jim Preston argued that he would prove that Myrie is a known drug dealer who invested in multi-million dollar drug enterprises and he was arrested because he was starting a new venture.


Forensic chemist Alexandra Gongra also gave evidence that the substance that Thomas and Mack were arrested with was cocaine.
Telephone records analyst Donnie Godshoal also gave evidence.


Dozens of Banton's supporters turned up outside the court to show their solidarity with the four-time Grammy nominee.


His former manager Donovan Germaine, VP Records President Chris Chin and Deejay Delly Ranks were also present for the trial.

TAMPA, Fla. — A U.S. government informant testified in a Florida court this morning that reggae star Buju Banton introduced him to a friend who the musician said had contacts to sell kilograms of cocaine, The Associated Press has reported.


Authorities say that Banton tried to buy cocaine from an undercover officer in Sarasota last year.


Recordings of phone calls and other conversations between Banton and the informant, Alexander Johnson, were played in court today.


Johnson testified that Banton introduced him to Ian Thomas. Thomas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. He faces up to life in prison.
Banton's attorney says Johnson entrapped his client.

With the plethora of nightly events around Kingston, Dancehall artiste Mavado feels that there is still something lacking.

As he prepares to launch his Guiness Stulla Wednesdays event inside the New Quad this week, he is confident that gap will be filled.


Guiness Stulla Wednesdays is taking partying to its roots, as an authentic Dancehall event in the fine tradition of Cactus, House of Leo and Mirage.


Since dropping the scorching "Stulla" single, the Stulla slang has spread like wildfire through the streets, with even ladies flipping it to call themselves "Stulliesha." The slang has been a topic of conversation all around town as everyone tags their own meaning to it.



"It seemed like the perfect name for the weekly event," explains Mavado. "Because its so fresh and full of energy! Its a cutting edge event that will redefine entertainment in Kingston."


Asked why he chose to partner up with the New Quad, Mavado said his manager and the new operators of the popular nightspot had been discussing it for some time.


"Its the ideal place for everyone to come and party," he explains.

"Its a club that is central and everyone is familiar with and knows is 100% safe.

Its a modern environment with several floors and Stulla Wednesdays will be catering to everyone. We can party right through without disturbance. We have hand-picked the best selectors every week so everybody will be happy."


With that in mind, ace selector Tony Matterhorn, Boom Boom and FAME FM's Arif "Supa" Cooper will be providing the musical highs.

The selection of a jury reportedly took place this morning for the trial of international reggae artiste Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie in the Middle District Court in Tampa, Florida, a report carried by RJR news stated.


The trial reportedly began at 9:00 o’clock this morning.


Buju and two co-accused, Ian Thomas and James Mack, were arrested in December last year in South Florida and charged with conspiracy to possess more than five kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute.


A grand jury indictment also charged him with carrying a firearm during the course of a drug trafficking crime.


Thomas and Mack have since entered into a plea deal with prosecutors.


Reports reaching Yardflex are that a prayer vigil was held in Florida last night and a number of persons from the entertainment fraternity had expressed a desire to be present at today’s session.


Buju, up to last evening, was reportedly in “good spirits”.

Between his career and being a dad, Usher has so much on his plate, he literally doesn't have time for women.


Usher admits that juggling his career with being a dad can be an "overwhelming" experience, and it doesn't leave time for him to become intimate with women.


He said: "I feel like a superhero. I don't know if I am, but in terms of the schedule I keep only a damn superhero would be able to keep it going. To be able to manager several households, children, all that stuff. It's a lot. It can become overwhelming."


He added that he's looking for someone to "complement" his life, but he's not sleeping around to find it.


Usher added to Live magazine: "I don't have a lot of time for a relationship. I'm looking for someone who would be a complement to my life, but it takes time. Do I date? Yes. I meet and greet, exchange and connect. So to speak.


"I don't have sex with everybody I date. Intimacy changes everything. When sex is part of the conversation then there is a sense of entitlement for that woman."


There you have it ladies, if you want in with Usher, don't expect too much too soon. And babysitting experience apparently helps.

A rep for Aretha Franklin says the singer’s son has been severely beaten at a gas station in Detroit.

Gwendolyn Quinn says in a statement that Eddie Franklin was assaulted Monday night and was undergoing surgery at a Detroit-area hospital. The statement says three people may have been involved in the beating.

Quinn says she didn’t have any additional information beyond the statement.

The Queen of Soul is one of the most honored musicians in American history, having won numerous Grammys; the National Medal of Arts; the Presidential Medal of Freedom and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Jay-Z & Beyonce are in the new 2011 edition of the Guinness Book of Records.

They were included in the book for being the top “Power Couple” through June 2009, pulling in a combined $122 million.

That’s big news that a black couple was named the top Power Couple in the world! Congrats Jay & Beyonce!

Chris Brown once rated Kim Kardashian a 7 out of 10, but that’s not stopping him from trying to hook up with the newly single reality star.

Fresh off her break-up with NFL’s Miles Austin, Kim Kardashian is supposedly dating Chris Brown.

Check out what mediatakeout is reporting:

Chris asked Kim’s brother Rob if he would pass his number over to his reality star sister.

The insider explained, “Rob hooked it up. He gave [Chris\'] number to Kim and they’ve been texting each other ever since.” And the texts get kind steamy too.

The snitch added, “Kim’s always had a crush on Chris, so she hasn’t been shy in telling him what she wants to do with him.”

More than two years after Cash Plus boss, Carlos Hill, was charged with fraud, government prosecutors are still having a tough time putting together the case for trial.

Hill, his brother Bertram, and former Cash Plus accountant, Peter Wilson, returned to the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Monday.

Government prosecutors were expected to enter a nolle prosequi on Monday, to send the case against Carlos Hill to the Home Circuit Court.

But that plan was delayed, Monday.

The senior prosecutor from the Director of Public Prosecutions office, Dihanne Harrison, told the court that they were not yet ready to move the case for Mr. Hill, because they were awaiting an outstanding statement.

She asked the court to give the Crown until November 16, to get the document.

The prosecutors say they intend to try Mr. Hill before a jury, for his role in the collapse of the multi-billion dollar, Cash Plus ponzi scheme.

The Hill brothers and Mr. Wilson were arrested, in April 2008, following investigations into the collapse of the alternative investment scheme.


Government prosecutors say the men conspired to defraud investors, of billions of dollars.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has been plunged into mourning, yet again, after a member was killed in a motor vehicle accident, on Monday afternoon.

The 19-year-old constable from the St. Elizabeth Division, was driving a Toyota Corolla motorcar, headed towards Old Harbour, St. Catherine, along the McCooks Pen main road.

He reportedly attempted to overtake a van belonging to a telecommunications company, but clipped its back, in the process.

The Toyota Corolla spun out of control into the middle of the road, and into the path of a Coaster bus filled with passengers, headed for Spanish Town.

The bus conductor gave his account of the incident.

“The bus that I was on was coming from Old Harbour going to Spanish Town, on reaching McCooks Pen, I see a car coming from Spanish Town and it hit a van on the left hand side and started to skid. My driver pressed the brake and almost came to a stop and his side crashed into my bus,” he said.

The young policeman died, on the spot.

At least five passengers along with the driver of the bus were injured, and taken to hospital.

Our news centre understands the Constable had spent less than a year, in the force.

Yes, LA a continue to enjoy the spotlight, thanks to the case he has against Beenie Man. The more it put off, the more him name will call up in the paper.

Their case was called up for mention yesterday in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court. Beenie along with selector Rolexx, are both accused of assaulting LA Lewis.

However, yesterday when the case was mentioned in court before Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the matter was set for trial.

Both Beenie Man and Rolexx had their bail extended for them to return for trial in November.

The king of the Dancehall is being represented by Roderick Gordon, while attorney-at-law Charles Ganga-Singh is representing Rolexx.

Well let us see what will happen next.

A wha dis wi a hear bout di real reason di Killa attack di girl. Doan quote wi or try mix wi up, but yuh done know sey as wi get it, a suh wi sell it. Suh if any one a unno out di have di full hundred, link wi and help meck wi talk up di tings dem.

Yup from whey one likkle birdie a tell wi, it look like di girl have di real good up good up. Yeah man, cause even dough she a nuh di Killa up front woman, wi hear sey him pass through and si vehicle park up and nuh amount a calling coulda meck she come out, cause yuh done know shi did lock down wid smady.

So when him finally get to har, yuh can imagine how him cross, angry and miserable by dat dey time.

Well, a suh wi get it a suh wi a sell it back to unno.. memba link wi if unno have any more info…cause dis ya one ya hot fi real.

Yesterday the Internet was abuzz with news that the ‘cool ruler’ Gregory Isaacs had passed on. Yup so much so that Brigadier Jerry had to take to his Facebook and wrote on the wall:

GREETINGS FB FAMILY.....THERE WAS A RUMOR GOING AROUND SINCE SUNDAY MORNING THAT OUR BROTHER GREGORY ISSACS DIED IN HOSPITAL
IN LONDON WHICH WAS REALLY STRESSFUL FOR ME. INSTEAD OF POSTING THAT NEWS TO YOU, I INSTEAD POSTED SOME OF HIS VIDEOS TO EASE THE TENSION I HAD. I DIDN'T FEEL THAT NEGATIVE VIBES BECAUSE I ALWAYS TRUST IN JAH WITH.

The Observer also carried a story with a quote from Copeland Forbes addressing the issue:

I've received e-mails from quite a lot of promoters and well-wishers from all over the world who are very concerned," he added.

"The facts are, he is in the UK doing some medical tests. As you all know, he had some problems with his legs from last year which resulted in cancellation of tours, and in the last 12 months he had a very hectic year travelling all over the globe doing performances," Forbes explained.

"We were suppose to go to Guadeloupe, French West Indies for a festival performance, but while we were in London the pain in his legs started again and it was swollen, and it caused him severe pains whenever he tried to walk on it.

The pains were so severe that we had to cancel him off the Guadeloupe festival and Marcia Griffiths was brought in to fill in for his absence," said Forbes.

"So since he was in London where he had started his medical tests from last year when the problems with his legs started, he decided that he would stay in London and get all his medical tests done... and contrary to what has been going around, he's not in a hospital, he's staying with Linda Smith, our UK representative," he added.

I am at peace with God, myself and all persons.


When I see images on television, in the newspaper or on the Internet that are violent or divisive, I may struggle to remain at peace. At such times, I rely on prayer to lead me to the centered, peaceful place within.

In prayer, I am comforted, for I know that God's love is at work in all situations. I don't dwell on negative appearances; instead, I hold a vision of peace--for myself, my loved ones and the world. I visualize the world and all its inhabitants enfolded in God's love.

Love is at work in the world, blessing and healing unhealthy influences, biases or ideas. Through the activity of God's love, peace prevails.

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus.--Romans 15:5

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

NEW YORK, United States — Their small church had lost its leader and five other members in a van wreck, and eight others lay in hospitals. But members of the Joy Fellowship Christian Assemblies rejoiced in their faith even as they mourned yesterday, a day after the crash.

All of the victims are believed to have been born in Jamaica.

Some members of the predominantly Jamaican congregation wiped away tears at an hours-long service. But many of the roughly 100 who gathered at the storefront church raised their voices in song, their arms in praise and their hope in prayer.

"I cried enough last night. There's no reason for me to cry anymore. I have to be strong for others," said Pearl Foster, who said she had known the church's bishop, Simon White, for 29 years.

White and 13 others were on the New York State Thruway, headed to a church event near Schenectady, when a rear tire ruptured and sent their 1997 van hurtling out of control on Saturday afternoon, state police said. The van rolled over into the grassy median, throwing some of the passengers to the ground.

The bishop; his wife, minister Zelda White; pastor Titus McGhie and three others — Avril Murray, Evelyn Ferguson and Elaine Reid — died at the crash scene in Woodbury, about 55 miles (90 kilometres) north of New York City, state police said. Eight others were hurt and remained hospitalised Sunday afternoon.

"It was a tragic, tragic scene," state police Troop T commander Major Robert Meyers said Saturday.

The driver and White, the front-seat passenger, were wearing seat belts; the other passengers weren't required to wear seat belts and apparently did not, state police Trooper Brian Kieckhafer said.

Pastors from other local churches led the Joy Fellowship congregation in worship Sunday, and song and cries of "God is a great God" rang out through the church and at times could be heard outside its doors in a shopping area.

White "was a man of integrity," Michael Bennett, the pastor of another Bronx church, said in an interview. The two had worked together on revivals and a radio show, he said.

"I know that he was a man that loved God," Bennett said. "We never knew he was going to go home like this."

Bishop White founded the church in 1998 with about 20 members, according to the church's website. The congregation now has affiliate congregations in Schenectady and elsewhere in the state.

He and Zelda White had eight children, the site said.

Busta Rhymes is facing more court action and has been sued for $250,000 by a woman who claims he threw a glass at her at Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills, California.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed earlier this week, a woman named Devin Cooper and a companion were eating at Mr. Chows at a table next to the rap star.

Trouble started when a woman with Busta Rhymes claimed Cooper and her companion were too close to the rapper’s table.

Cooper claims she tried to reposition her chair to calm the woman’s down, but the woman continued to instigate the situation.

The lawsuit claims that when Cooper attempted to further diffuse the situation by asking the woman to calm down, Busta Rhymes snapped and yelled at the woman.

Cooper claims that she attempted to carry on with her dinner, but Busta allegedly threw a drinking glass at her, missing her by “inches.”

Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star, was arrested on federal cocaine charges last year. Today, he is finally going to trial in Tampa, Florida a week before his album’s release in the States.

“I’ve been accused, wrongly convicted. Jah knows I’m innocent,” he sings in his gravelly voice, invoking the Rastafarian God. “I’ve been badly singled out by beloved friends … who sold me out.”

The star recorded his 10-song album last year before being arrested in his Miami-area home on conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine. A grand jury indictment also charged him with carrying a firearm during the course of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the indictment, Banton and an associate negotiated with an informant to buy the cocaine. Along with a third man, they allegedly met with an undercover officer in Sarasota in early December to buy the drugs.

The informant told Drug Enforcement Administration agents that he also saw the singer inspecting the cocaine. Banton wasn’t alone in all of this. Two other men plead guilty to drug conspiracy charges and a weapons charge on Wednesday. They face life in prison.

The Stephen's House hostel, which will provide temporary shelter while supporting the rehabilitation of deported women, was officially opened Thursday (September 16).

The hostel, located at 13 West Avenue in Kingston, comprises bedrooms, kitchen, living and dining quarters, and can accommodate up to eight individuals, including children.

The facility was built at a cost of $1.2 million and was funded by the Ministry of National Security in partnership with the Jamaica Reducing Reoffending Action Plan (JRRAP) and the British High Commission.

Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Executive Director of Hibiscus Jamaica Limited, St. Rachel Ustanny, said the facility seeks to offer temporary shelter to deported migrants who are in need of "emergency accommodation services."

"Thirty days is the maximum stay time, but they can reapply for additional stay if they have not been able to identify accommodation on their own," she said.

She added that if they are unable to locate housing solutions, after extensions have been granted, but have acquired lands, Hibiscus Jamaica Limited will assist in providing housing solutions.

"Through support from us, if they are able to identify family land (or acquire land as a gift or for lease) we would work with Food for the Poor, to see if assistance could be granted, through that organization, to meet those needs," she said.

The coroner has ruled that the two Jamaican farm workers who lost their lives recently on a Canadian farm, died as a result of "environmental suffocation".

Thirty-six-year old Ralston Whyte from Pike, Manchester, and 44-year-old Paul Roach from Preddie, Clarendon, were killed on Friday, September 10, when they were overcome by fumes in a tank which was processing cider vinegar on the Filsinger's Organic Foods farm where they were both employed.

In an interview with JIS News, one of the owners of the farm, Deb Becker, expressed deep sadness at what happened to the two workers.

"Ralston and Paul were good workers and very honest men. We have a small community here of about 400 persons and they were known by everyone," she said.

Mr. Roach started in the Farm Work Programme in 2004 and Mr. Whyte in 2003. From the beginning they have been working with Filsinger's Organic Foods, an orchard farm which produces sweet apple cider, apple cider vinegar, apple butter and apple sauce.

In recounting the accident, Ms. Becker said Mr. Roach, Mr. Whyte and a third Jamaican worker, Robert Samuels, were pumping about six inches of cider vinegar from one tank into another when the pump stopped working, possibly clogged by the "mother of vinegar" that had settled at the bottom. The "mother of vinegar" is a sludgy substance that develops on fermenting alcoholic liquids.

One of the workers climbed inside the tank, apparently to clear the blockage, and was overcome by fumes. The second worker went to assist and he too was overcome by the fumes.

"That smell is so strong. The first worker should not have gone inside the tank. I can understand the second one going in after seeing his friend collapse. They knew they should not go in the tank but just take out the pump, wash it off and put it back inside the tank," said Ms. Becker.

A memorial service was held on the farm for the two workers on Tuesday, September 14. It was attended by about 170 persons from the community. Ms. Becker and her two sons, Cory and Sean Becker, own the farm jointly with Brandon Weber.

She said the Jamaican men were well liked and Mr. Weber had visited Jamaica last winter and met their families. The other Jamaican worker, Mr. Samuels, will not be returning home until December.

Ms. Becker said members of the Victim Services Unit were brought in to counsel him, and he was the one who had asked that a memorial service be held.

Chief Liaison Officer at the Jamaica Liaison Service (JLS) in Ontario, Larkland Stone, said the bodies should be ready to be returned to Jamaica by next week Wednesday.

From what we at Yardflex can surmise the obeah business must be a very lucrative profession.

Yes, if you want to know one of those ‘mother’ woman hangout just look for the flags at the gate .

But what we have to question is the story that we read in yesterday’s Gleaner about mother women providing guard rings to clients.

Now, they can only guard you against spirits, ‘blows and obeah, but they can’t can’t offer protection against gunshot and knife wound.

Just look at the picture, what’s the use of spending your money, why are these people buying into the whole con game?

If they were as good as they claim then the guns and knife should be a part of the package.

Hmm, we are just amazed that people would much rather believe a lie than trust in the Creator.

Sad, really sad.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

I choose thoughts, words and actions that set me free.
Why does one driver smile and relax in traffic, while another is tense and irritable?

It is a matter of choice. Freedom of choice is an expression of our spiritual freedom, and it affects our attitudes and experiences.

Today I have a simple choice: I can be held captive by irritation and restrictive ways of thinking and being, or I can practice genuine spiritual freedom by expressing love in all I think, say and do.

I choose thoughts and words that are free of disapproval or the need to be right.

I choose activities that nurture my body and mind, expressing the freedom of my soul. I choose to treat others in ways that reflect an attitude and spirit of freedom and love.

You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.--John 8:32

I recognize and accept the good that awaits me.


In anticipation of an upcoming change, I may wonder what my life will look like.

Will it ever be the same? The truth is that every day is filled with change. Some changes are major turning points and others are small adjustments.

Instead of worrying about what may happen in the moments, days or weeks ahead, I choose to remain calm and confident. I know that good is always present, because God is always present. Attuned to God, I am aware of everlasting good.

I welcome the turning points in my life that bring new opportunities to recognize, accept and experience the good that awaits me.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.--James 1:17

Almost five months to the day of his highly-publicized visit to church after being finally granted bail on an assault charge, Bounty Killer is this Sunday morning again behind bars for the same charge – beating up a woman. This time with a hammer.


Reports are that yesterday, the light-handed deejay -- whose passion for beating up women is legendary – got into an altercation with a woman at his house in Oaklands Apartments and physically abused her.


After the incident, the woman, whose name is being withheld, visited the Constant Spring Police Station, a few minutes away from the apartment complex and made a report that Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Pryce beat her with a hammer.


The police say that Pryce was arrested and charged with wounding, and was not given bail, possibly because it was a weekend. Bounty will face the courts early this week.


In April, Bounty spent two weeks in jail when he was repeatedly denied bail on another assault charge. He was warned by the Resident Magistrate that he should not appear before her on yet another charge of beating up a woman.


His then girlfriend, Kadeem Baker, dropped the charges and Killer was set free.

Someone has to be responsible for the death of Kanye’s mom, Donda, and it wasn’t him. He recently said that if it weren’t for pesky Los Angeles culture, his mother would be living today.

Kanye West’s mother tragically died after complications from plastic surgery in 2007. He said if she were in New York, she would have been ok, living well, he told XXL magazine.

“When I moved to LA, she moved to LA,” West writes in the magazine. “And she wound up in a place that would eat her alive. “Even if I stayed in New York, it wouldn’t have been like that. If I had lived in New York, she’d still be here.”

Unassuming and crisply dressed in his St. George's College uniform, Bruce Walker beams with pride as he tells JIS News, how he overcame the odds to focus on his studies, and achieve the grades he has in the recently administered Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

All eyes were on West Kingston in late May, when the security forces carried out operations there, but the Tivoli Gardens resident says he stuck to his study schedule as much as he possibly could, as always in his mind, despite everything that was happening around him, was his father's mantra of the importance of education.

This determination resulted in the 18 year-old achieving Chemistry (Grade II), Caribbean Studies (Grade III) and Physics (Grade IV), with his only failure being in Mathematics, which ironically is his favourite subject.

Bruce says he plans to re-sit Mathematics as he moves on to Upper Sixth Form, where he will sit unit two in all his subjects.

"I tried hard to study when the security forces came in, because it was during the examination period. I wasn't really worried.I was a little afraid for my life and that of my family," he says.

On the days when he had to sit the examinations, Bruce says he was escorted by the police out of Tivoli Gardens, and he stayed with a school mate's family and from there, went to the sittings at Ardenne High School.

A lover of football, and with skills in that sport, Bruce says he may pursue a scholarship, as he has plans to attend university.

The young man speaks with pride and respect about his father, Melbourn Walker, describing him as a disciplinarian and the "backbone" of his family, which include three siblings, and his mother.

"He normally tells us about his past to motivate us to do better, because he didn't have an easy life growing up. He tells us that we have to work hard.we have to do our school work, as school work is the key; keep focused and don't get distracted. Mommy is cool, she deals with the nutritional part, and the nurturing, making sure that everybody is alright," Bruce explains.

Turning to his community, and its transformation, the student says a lot has changed since May. "You don't see people on the road as much. It's just different. If you live there you can feel the difference in the people. Probably after this, children will start to stay in more and do their schoolwork," he asserts.

Bruce believes that eventually Tivoli Gardens will be a better place, as the residents' eyes have been opened to a new reality, a new way of life.

"I don't think they chose to do it (disobey the law), it's just the way they grew up.now they will be able to reflect and see that it was wrong," he says.

He notes that businesses are back up and running, and that things appear to be returning to normal. The budding chemist and forensic scientist uses the opportunity to encourage other students and young persons to keep their heads above the water. "Just believe that you can do it, and do it," he urges.

In August, Education Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness expressed satisfaction with the results of the CXC exams sat by West Kingston students during the May unrest.

"I am satisfied, based on the explanations given that the (results) were statistically correct but, moreso that (CXC) was equitable in their application," he told a media briefing regarding the results of the exams, at the Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) in Kingston.

The Minister said he was further encouraged by the fact that CXC took the time to analyse each student's performance on a script-by-script basis.

Nicki Minaj is the latest celebrity to don the cover of gay and lesbian publication ‘Out’ Magazine, and in their cover story talks her gay-friendly lyrics.

The Barbie who once stated “I only stop for pedestrians or a real, real bad lesbian”, says she created her lyrics to “empower women” but at one time wondered if she took things too far.

“I started making it my business to say things that would empower women, like, ‘Where my bad bitches at?’ to let them know, ‘I’m here for you,’ ” she says.

“Then, when I started going to the shows and it was nothing but girls, it was like, Did I go too far with embracing my girls? Because now they want to kiss and hug me.”

She tells Out,

“So you can call yourself a female dog because that’s cool in our community. But if you call yourself a Barbie, that’s fake…Once I figure something is irritating people, I’m going to do it more,” she says, smiling, “because I like to get on your nerves until you realize how f*cking stupid you are.”

Nicki also stressed that she doesn’t want to be owned by “labels” with her sexuality. According to Minaj “she does what the f*ck she wants to do” and her fans who listen to her music know exactly who she is.

“People who like me — they’ll listen to my music, and they’ll know who I am. I just don’t like that people want you to say what you are, who you are. I just am.

I do what the fuck I want to do…The point is, everyone is not black and white. There are so many shades in the middle, and you’ve got to let people feel comfortable with saying what they want to say when they want to say it.

I don’t want to feel like I’ve got the gun pointed at my head and you’re about to pull the trigger if I don’t say what you want to hear. I just want to be me and do me.”

It has been confirmed that Barbados’ Prime Minister David Thompson is suffering from pancreatic cancer.

But his personal doctor, Richard Ishmael, has reported that the Barbadian leader is responding to treatment and is physically well enough to continue leading the country.

In a statement issued this morning Dr Ishmael, who has been Thompson’s doctor for the past 20 years, said the Prime Minister has been undergoing chemotherapy at the New York Presbyterian Hospital to shrink the tumour because it is too dangerous to remove it at this stage.

“After consultation with three world-renowned pancreatic surgeons, it was decided that the best course of action was for him to undergo intense chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumour first to enable its safe removal.

So far he has had four rounds of chemotherapy followed by a repeat abdominal CT scan which has shown a moderate shrinkage of the tumour with no new spread,” he said.

“Because of the intense chemotherapy the Prime Minister has lost a considerable amount of weight.

He also feels tired at times and needs to rest more than usual to regain his strength.

His mind, brain and intellect are as sharp as ever and from a medical standpoint there is no reason why he cannot continue to perform his duties as Prime Minister, albeit at a reduced pace,” Dr Ishmael added.

Dancehall deejay Mad Cobra, who is known for his graphic gun lyrics, is giving us the Other Side of the Coin.

The new album he says will feature his soulful side as it describes the pain he feels and will address social issues. During an interview on air, the deejay also used the opportunity to address his graphic delivery of gun lyrics.

Cobra was shot in the chest in his hometown of Portmore on May 1. The deejay who says he’s grateful for life, reflects on what took place the day of the shooting.

Mad Cobra is one of the many entertainers to experience gun violence since the start of the year. His perpetrators are scheduled to return to court on September 29.

The attorney representing reggae star Buju Banton is expressing optimism that he will be freed at the end of trial, which starts on Monday.

The 37-year-old artiste has been incarcerated in a US lock-up since December when he was arrested on drug trafficking charges.

Anxiety increased among Buju's fans this week when a second co accused turned state witness.

James Mack, 48, agreed to plead guilty to multiple drug charges and is expected to face a mandatory prison term.

He agreed to a deal which will see him serving 25 years in prison instead of the life imprisonment he would have received since he's a repeat offender.

The other co-defendant, 43-year-old Ian Thomas had already entered into a plea deal, which will see him serving seven years.

But on Thursday morning Mr. Markus asserted if the former co-accused men speak the truth the artiste will be vindicated.

“If they tell the truth, we believe that will happen. Thomas and Mack were at the deal and they did the deal,” he said.

Mr. Markus insisted that his client was nowhere near the scene when the alleged drug sale occurred.

He also confirmed reports that the Rastafarian DJ had lost weight after having a difficult time with his strict diet.

However, Mr. Markus said Buju, who recently released an album, remains in excellent spiritual and physical shape.

We wonder just how much more lies the Jamaican people will take before they start to protest and demand truth.

Case in point Shahine Robinson, wasn’t there a big case where they thought she should not contest the 2007, based on her appeal the court ruled that she remained the member of Parliament for the North East St Ann Constituency pending the outcome of a trial on October 4, which would determine whether she held United States citizenship at the time of her nomination to contest the September 3, 2007 general elections.

Can she be trusted? More importantly can the government be trusted. Didn’t they know the real status of her citizenship? It is a worrying trend with all these lies and deceptions coming out in the public.

Maybe we do need a new party. It is clear that we really don’t know who to trust anymore.

Well regarding her comment on the whole situation the public will have to wait as she is mum right now. The troubled Member of Parliament Shahine Robinson says she is withholding public comments on the latest developments.

I am graced by God.


From breakfast to dinner, meals are a time to bless and give thanks.

By saying grace, whether silently or aloud, I acknowledge that God is my source and that food is God's gift of vitality, energy and strength.

I am grateful for and aware of God's activity in my life, and I radiate this appreciation from my heart to the gifts before me. A blessing of gratitude makes the meal even more nourishing.

Whether grabbing a snack prepared by someone else's loving hands or serving a meal I have prepared, I recognize that I am graced by God.

Anytime I nourish my body today, I praise God for the goodness that is ever present. Thank you, God, for the gift before me today; I am blessed in every way.

He took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat.--Acts 27:35


Send this message to a friend

Borokeete US, the hottest band in the NY city had their portrayal of a 'Ball of Confusion'.

It was a great day of color, glitz and a whole lot of whinnin! Yardflex was right there up close and personal in the mix to capture all of the action.

Yardflex also interviewed the president and designer of Borokeete USA Mr. Anthony pollydoore who detailed the 10 sections of this year's mas.



For all of the great footage of the 2010 labor day parade, watch the clip

“Flavor Of Love” reality tv star Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander confirmed on Twitter over the weekend that she is engaged to be married to Shaquille O’Neal.

The tweet came on Saturday night in response to a fan’s inquiry whether or not she was engaged to the “Big Man.” She tweeted that she is.

Just when you thought the whole dual citizenship bombshell was over comes the news that papers have been filed challenging Shahine Robinson’s right to the seat as they have prove that she is a US citizen.

On Wednesday afternoon, lawyers representing former People’s National Party Member of Parliament Manley Bowen, who is challenging Mrs. Robinson’s right to remain as Member of Parliament for North East St.

The lawyers filed the new information before the Supreme Court last week and have asked Mrs. Robinson and her attorneys to respond.

Mr. Bowen's team of attorneys, led by Abe Dabdoub, has reportedly found information that Mrs. Robinson holds an US alien registration card; a certificate of naturalisation; and that she had sworn allegiance to the US government on January 21, 2006.

In the new documents filed in court, the attorneys have asked Mrs. Robinson to respond and to produce her alien registration card and the certificate of naturalisation issued to her.

The attorneys have also served a summons on journalist Cliff Hughes to be a witness at the trial, set for October 4.

The attorneys claim Mrs. Robinson admitted that she was an American during interviews with Mr. Hughes in August 2007 and have subpoenaed the recordings.

A pre-trial hearing into the case and of the new material is set for Thursday in the Supreme Court.

Ole time people always say that you must take sleep and mark death and apparently other dancehall artistes are taking no chances where their taxes are concerned.

News has surfaced that the tax departments lines are burning up with call from interested parties wanting to know where they stand.

Yes man, they don’t want to their vehicles to be seized by the tax department or to face that kind of embarrassment.

Well, we hope the Govt put the tax dollars to good use and do something for the entertainment industry.

Reggae artiste Mark Dyer aka Warrior King is on a musical high as he continues to take his conscious brand of reggae to the four corners of the earth.

The singer, who recently collected the Marcus Award for music, delivered a very exciting performance in front of a huge audience at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Suriname on Friday September 3.


During his performance the audience sang along with him word for word as he belted out hits such as Virtuous Woman, Can’t Get Me Down, Jah is Always There, Where Is The Love and A Breath Of Fresh Air.


Also on the bill were Biggaton and Ginjah who were performing in Suriname for the first time, they were also well received.


Such was the magnitude of Warrior King’s performance that the promoters have invited him back to perform in the island in December.


Warrior King is also slated to visit the African continent for a series of shows before the end of the year.

Today, September 16 is being celebrated globally as International Ozone Day.

The theme for this year's celebrations is, "Ozone layer protection: governance and compliance at their best", and highlights the role of good governance in enabling successful implementation and compliance with the Montreal Protocol.


The National Ozone Unit which co-ordinates all projects and activities geared towards the phase out of ozone depleting substances in Jamaica will observe the day with a public awareness campaign including a weeklong exhibition at the Tom Redcam Library, a publication, and radio commercials.


The Montreal Protocol is an environmentally legally binding agreement to reduce ozone depleting substances (ODS) and protect the ozone layer. It is ratified by over 192 countries, and is recognized around the world as the most effective environmental agreement ever implemented.

At the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 approximately 1.8 million tonnes of controlled ODS were being produced. In the twenty three years since the signing of the Montreal Protocol, production was reduced to about 83,000 tonnes. The ODS have been replaced with substitutes which do not deplete the ozone layer, such as hydro-fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons. Ozone friendly equipment has fewer leaks and is more energy efficient.

Since some ODS contribute to global warming and eventually climate change their reduction have benefited the earth's climate. Recovery of the ozone layer is expected within this century.


Jamaica ratified the Montreal Protocol in 1993, and has also ratified all the amendments.

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) which is the housed at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) co-ordinates all projects and activities geared towards the phase out of ODS.

Through the work of the NOU, the National Ozone Commission and other key stakeholders Jamaica has achieved all its obligations under the Montreal Protocol to date, including phasing out CFCs as at January 1, 2006, four years ahead of the Montreal Protocol's 2010 schedule.

The next ODS to be phased out is hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), for which the first reduction target has been set for 2013. HCFCs were initially used as an alternative to CFCs due to the unavailability of more suitable alternatives.

They can be found in some air-conditioning units, and refrigerators. Jamaica is currently preparing the HCFC phase out management plan which includes the planned activities and their implementation dates.

Seems as if Television Jamaica host Simon Croskill has incurred the wrath of Tanto Blacks manager.

Yup while a guest on his programme Blacks manager felt Simon did not treat him with any professional respect. He told the Star that Simon Crosskill was trying to belittle the artiste.

“Everybody deserves some level of respect but I didn't see the artiste getting any from him. I did not get that level of respect or appreciation that you would show to another person. I was very disgusted.”

"He was comparing him to L.A. Lewis and Shebada. There is a certain level that you don't cross.

So I would like an apology on behalf of the artiste or for him (Crosskill) to acknowledge that he overstepped his boundaries in terms of how he conducted the interview,” ranted Blacks manager.

Well, honestly we have seen some interviews done by Simon and to tell the truth he doesn’t hide his opinion when he is not impressed with the subject. He should remember that he is fishing out info for the public not imparting his opinion.

Buju Banton’s cocaine-related case hit another snag yesterday when it was reported in the Tampa Bay Online that the second of his two co-defendants has agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the US government.


James Mack, 48, will plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 or more kilos of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, according to a plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court.

Both charges carry up to life in federal prison. Mack previously signed an affidavit stating he never met Banton before his arrest, and that Banton had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in Mack's car.


His other co-defendant, Ian Thomas, 43, was scheduled to plead guilty yesterday afternoon to the conspiracy charge. He also has agreed to cooperate with the government.


Buju, after being jailed in Florida since December last year, goes on trial on federal drug charges Monday.


From day one, Florida-based, Jamaican attorney-at-law David Rowe had stated that he thought it was best that the Grammy-nominated Reggae artiste enter into a plea bargain in his cocaine-related case in the US.


Banton’s lawyers, however, say their client was entrapped. Now, with his two co-defendants turning State witnesses against him, Banton must be having bouts of diarrhea. The next couple of days will be crucial as Buju and his lawyers hunker down and prepare to tell previously untold stories.

I say "yes" to God and "yes" to my good.


My faith is a gift from God. It never leaves me. It is with me at all times, ready to be applied in right ways.

By exercising faith, I welcome all that I desire. I say "yes" to God and "yes" to my good.

When I am uncertain about which way to turn, I call upon faith to assist me. Faith surrounds me. It is love unwavering--like the arms of a dear friend embracing me, letting me know, "I am here for you always." My faith allows me to surrender outcomes to Spirit. When I use faith rightly, I actively draw my good to me, bringing forth the visible from the invisible.

I exercise faith and see clearly God's good in me and in my life. I allow the Holy Spirit to work through me, and I am richly blessed.

Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you."--Matthew 9:29

The man often credited with taking soca global, Arrow, has died after fighting cancer for some time.


Outside the Caribbean, many know soca music, a fast-paced cousin of calypso, through Arrow’s biggest hit Hot, Hot, Hot, recorded in 1982.

Fifty-five year-old Arrow, whose real name is Alphonsus Edmund Cassell, had been fighting brain cancer for over a year and had been back and forth for treatment in the US.

He was one of the forerunners to the advancement of soca – Veteran Calypsonian Sparrow

However, upon returning home to his native Montserrat, he fell ill recently with pneumonia and was hospitalised in neighbouring Antigua.

Businessman

Arrow was known locally as a businessman as well as an international soca star.

He set up his own record label in 1973 and ran a shop on the remaining habitable part of Montserrat after the volcano destroyed large parts of the island.

His song ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’ became the biggest selling soca hit of all time.

Arrow had always stated how much he loved calypso, the precursor for soca music.

And he had named himself Arrow in honour of calypso veteran Sparrow.

Born and raised in Montserrat, Arrow grew up in a musical family where both his older brothers had been Calypso Kings of Montserrat, Hero, Justin Cassell and Young Challenger, Lorenzo Castell.

He first performed at age 10 at a concert at the Montserrat Secondary School.

He started singing calypso in 1967 taking the junior monarch title and four times the Monserrat crown.

Arrow was a very popular performer at the Caribbean King of Kings Calypso Competition in Antigua.

He was the first soca artist to perform at Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash.

He recorded his first single in 1972, Dance With Me Woman.

He recorded his first album in 1974.

Another co-defendant in the federal drug case involving international reggae star Buju Banton has agreed to plead guilty and cooperate with the US Government.

The Tampa Tribune says the co-defendant, 48-year-old James Mack, will plead guilty to multiple drug charges, according to a plea agreement filed in a US District Court.

The newspaper report says that Buju will be the only defendant on the docket when the trial begins on Monday.

Another co-defendant, 43-year-old Ian Thomas, is scheduled to plead guilty on Wednesday afternoon to the conspiracy charge.

He also has agreed to cooperate with the US government.

Mr. Mack previously signed an affidavit stating he never met Buju before his arrest, and that the artiste had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in Mack's car.

The facts outlined in Mr. Mack's plea agreement include Buju, whose given name is Mark Myrie, as part of the drug conspiracy.

The document refers to a December 10 drug deal that was supposed to happen at a Sarasota warehouse, noting it was based upon earlier negotiations between a confidential source, Mark Myrie and Ian Thomas.

The 37-year-old reggae artiste has been held without bail since he was arrested last December on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting his co-defendants in possessing a firearm during the course of the cocaine distribution.

The reggae star maintains he was entrapped.

Leesa Wee Tom, the cutie who plays Milan in the reality show BET’s College Hill: South Beach, told Yardflex in an exclusive interview that contrary to Internet reports, she and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, are not engaged.

“Usain and I are very good friends,” the beauty queen reiterated, flashing her winning smile.

So how does she explain the engagement ring she was pictured wearing last weekend while partying with friends at Fiction night club in Kingston? Or the fact that her name has been called in relation to Usain’s troublesome back injury?

“You know sometimes you have a ring that fits only one finger, well, it’s like that.
It’s really a very nice ring so I was out with friends celebrating winning the Miss Jamzone contest in Guyana and I wore it,” Milan told Yardflex.

“I don’t know who took the photo and put it on the Internet,” she said, adding again, that Usain is her “very good friend”.

However, despite gushing over the ring and describing how exquisite it was, she ducked out of answering if it was Bolt who had bought her what appears to be an engagement ring.
And, interestingly, she wasn’t wearing the ring during the Yardflex interview.

With regards to the back injury suffered by the 100 and 200 metre world record holder, Milan says it had absolutely nothing to do with her.

“As I stepped off the plane in Guyana the other day, people were pushing microphones in my face asking me if I had anything to do with Usain injuring himself. I was so shocked,” she said.

Her reply then was a simple “no comment”.

The 21-year-old, who attended Stella Maris Prep and Immaculate Conception High schools in Jamaica is now in her final year at college in Florida, where she is majoring in journalism. Quite a professional at entering beauty contests, Milan copped the crown at the Miss Jamzone International in Guyana in August.

According to her updated bio, since 1993, she is the first beauty queen to represent Jamaican on an international stage and win.

“The contest was a great. The people of Guyana treated me with lots of affection and even though Miss Guyana was in the contest, they had no problem with me being the winner,” said Milan, who has been entering beauty contests professionally since she was 14.

In between finishing up her degree and entering more beauty contest, Milan is also writing a book, which should be launched early next year.

Authorities in the United States have removed Reggae singer Buju Banton to another holding facility following the revelation that one of his co-defendants has decided to testify against him.

Banton, James Mack and Ian Thomas are facing charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilos or more of cocaine.

The move was confirmed by Banton's lawyer David Markus.

Markus told the Observer that after news surfaced last week that Thomas had struck a deal to testify against Banton, the authorities removed Banton from the Pineolas County Jail to the Citrus County Jail which is situated north of Tampa, Florida.

He said Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, will be transported back to the Pineolas County Jail before his trial starts in Tampa on Monday.

"He was moved for a week as they wanted to keep him and Thomas in separate facilities," Markus told the Observer.

Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home in South Florida hours after Thomas and Mack were busted attempting to purchase cocaine from Drug Enforcement Agents in December last year.

Damian Marley, Mavado, Gyptian, Vybz Kartel and Gappy Ranks are all vying for the Best Reggae title in the 2010 MOBO Awards.

Gyptain who is nominated for the first time says he’s grateful for the nomination.

Celebrating its 15th year, the MOBO Awards will be held in Liverpool, on October 20.

The MOBO Awards was established in 1996 to recognize and celebrate artists of any race or nationality performing black music. The MOBO Awards is the first Black awards show in Europe.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Can someone tell us what’s the real deal where Fresh Fridays is concerned at the Building.

We have been hearing conflicting reports on why the event was ousted from that location. But to tell the truth it just doesn’t make any sense.

Arif Cooper will now have to find another venue to host the popular event and according to the Building Manager Cory Todd in a story in yesterday’s Star said “All that is happening is that Arif is trying to save himself from embarrassment.

He used my affiliation with my business partner Vybz Kartel to stir up trouble in the business. I'm disappointed with Arif, his acts were despicable and only served to stir up bad vibes."

But then in response Arif said he was informed of Matterhorn's inability to play at the club via a BlackBerry message sent by Todd while he was on air on Friday.

His response to the message, he said was a mere, 'OK, wow.' Minutes later, he said, he received another message stating that he was no longer welcome at the club-based on a decision by Todd and his partner.

What’s our take? Why can’t we all get along!

Jennifer Lopez has completed her negotiations with American Idol and signed a $12 million deal.

Reportedly, Jennifer Lopez initially asked for $15 million to join the panel of judges on American Idol.

It was also rumored that Jennifer Lopez wanted a motion picture deal and television pilots that were all refused. We reported on the earlier rumors of Jennifer Lopez's demands that allegedly stalled the negotiations before.

An industry insider close to the parties involved revealed, "She was angling for an overall deal at Fox, including a put picture, to keep her movie career going. But Fox said no."

TMZ is reporting that Montana Fishburne has checked into a facility that specialize in anger management and mental health issues.

Montana Fishburne — aspiring sex tape star and daughter of Laurence Fishburne — is checking herself into an inpatient facility that specializes in anger management, behavioral problems and mental illnesses … sources tell TMZ.

We’re told the facility is in Southern California and Montana will be there at least 30 days.

Sources say part of Montana’s stay will be devoted to anger issues, but she’ll also undergo diagnostic tests to determine if there are underlying behavioral or mental issues

Double world record holder Usain Bolt has arrived in Sydney, Australia on a promotional visit on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the 2000 Olympics.

While in Sydney, Bolt will participate in a coaching clinic with the fastest football players in Australia on Tuesday.

He hopes to run in a relay in an exhibition event at Sydney’s Olympic Park, but is not expected to be part of the official Sydney 2000 anniversary celebrations.

Bolt cut his competitive season short due to back injuries and has spent recent weeks promoting his book.

He is expects to resume training in Jamaica on October 4 to build up for next year’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Commodity prices continue to rise strengthening fears that Jamaicans will have to deal with another round of rapid food price increases, two years after the global food crisis.

On Monday, trading of food commodities such as wheat, corn and soybeans, ended with prices showing strong increases.

The three food commodities are crucial inputs in food in the Jamaican diet.

Corn rose to a 23 month high, while wheat prices jumped enough to bring its price up 59% in the past 12 months.

The increases have been driven by increased demand for some of the products and cuts in supplies for others.

A weakening US dollar has also contributed to the higher prices of the commodities.

It is not clear, as yet, if food price increases will push the Bank of Jamaica's revised inflation target of 5 to 7% off course for this fiscal year.

A 3-year-old girl died Sunday after being left in a car in a Tampa church’s parking lot for 90 minutes, police said Monday.

It appears to have been a tragic accident, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said. An investigation is ongoing.

Rozin Ruebensa of Tampa was found unconscious after being left in the car for 90 minutes outside the Ebenezer Baptist Haitian Church, 2706 9th St. N, according to police.

Parishioners rushed Rozin inside and attempted CPR before Tampa Fire Rescue transported the girl to Tampa General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Rozin’s cousin, Rodline Rigby, 25, had driven the toddler and two other children to church. A 12-year-old boy carried a 1-year-old into the church, but Rozin was left inside the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder.

Rigby also was taken to Tampa General Hospital due to the stress of the incident, according to police.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

I behold the beauty of God's creation.


If at times the circumstances of life seem harsh, I open myself to a different point of view. I look instead at the goodness and beauty that surround me.

A ray of moonlight on an overcast night reminds me that God's light is constant--no matter what is obstructing the view. Regardless of the situation, I can count on God's direction.

I may behold a field of wildflowers showering beauty on all who notice. These blossoms do not toil or struggle; they turn to the sun and absorb the light. My job is the same, to turn to the Light and absorb God's presence.

Observing my situation with a fresh outlook, I have renewed faith. I appreciate the beauty of life around me and know that right outcomes are unfolding.

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.--Genesis 1:31

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Russell Simmons is taking a Chinese clothing distributor to court for $55 million. The wholesaler allegedly failed to support his brands, American Classics By Russell Simmons and Russell Simmons Argyleculture.

Simmons states that Hong Kong-based apparel licensing company Li & Fung, USA was tasked with assisting him with marketing and promoting his Argyleculture flagship brand.

He goes on to allege that the company only, “expressed a false enthusiasm” in his Argyleculture collection in order to persuade the mogul into licensing them his mass market brand, American Classics by Russell Simmons.

“I have taken this action to protect my partnerships with retailers and recover millions in damages on behalf of my brands and to protect my name and reputation in the industry.

Over the last 30 years and with the help of numerous partners, I’ve built successful groundbreaking businesses in music, apparel, television, film, jewelry, games and multiple charities and causes.

Not once have I ever had to file a lawsuit. For the first time in my career I found myself with a partner in Li & Fung, which had executives who willfully and repeatedly put the integrity of my brands at risk.”

Singer/songwriter Duane Stephenson is set to hit the road with the legendary Wailers, this week.

As the tour opener for The Wailers, one of reggae music's most prized acts worldwide for decades, Stephenson will be placed in the spotlight to bring his blend of new-age reggae music to some of the genre's most avid lovers.

This U.S. tour will journey along the east coast, from Florida to Maine, and runs for two weeks.

It kicks off on Thursday, September 16 at the University of South Carolina, and concludes on Friday, October 1 at the prestigious House of Blues in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Stephenson's debut album, August Town, from VP Records in 2007 was lauded as one of that year's best Reggae albums.

This new 14-track studio effort sees Stephenson working with legendary reggae producer, Dean Fraser, the mastermind behind the majority of production on Black Gold.

Its first single, Rescue Me, features the soulful Gramps Morgan, who competes with Stephenson for a woman's affection on the country-tinged track. The two recently shot the video in New York City.

Heartless is the only word we can find to describe the brutal way in which a Seaview Gardens woman was attacked and killed in the St Andrew community yesterday morning.

Police have identified the woman as 39-year-old Jocelyn Cole, a mother of two.

From what Yardflex can glean a block was dropped in her head, and her throat slashed.

It is understand that she was raped in her own home – a one bedroom house which she shared with her two children – one nine and the other in her teens.

“Jah know star, a wicked act dem commit. Look how she go church and did real happy Sunday and now dis.

A hope di Father deal with dem wicked like how dem duh she,” one angry resident told Yardflex.

“A di pickey dem wi feel it fah, cause dem kill di fada bout one year now and look what dem come do to di madda,” one uttered in concern.

Oprah Winfrey is known for her grand gestures -- especially on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' where she continues to give away fabulous gifts to her audience.

And for the final season premiere of her syndicated talk show, she's gifting everyone in the audience with a trip to Australia.

"Because, after all, this really is my 25th season and this is really my last chance to do something really big," she explained, The New York Daily News reports.

There will be two episodes of 'Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure,' which will feature O's biggest fans down under, in places like the Sydney Opera House. The trip will happen this coming December.

"It's one of the places I've always wanted to visit, and who better to take with me on this trip of a lifetime than some of my most loyal viewers. My team has been planning this trip for almost a year and we are so excited," Oprah said in a statement.

After airing, Oprah tweeted that she was pleased no one let the news leak. "Audience -- it's unbelievable that you kept that secret all weekend!! Way to go mates," she wrote.

Meanwhile, she kicked off her first show with John Travolta, one of her favorite guests throughout the years. (Travolta showed up again at the end of the episode as the "pilot" of the plane to Australia.)

Don Johnson even made a special appearance. Oprah tried to get the formed 'Miami Vice' star on her first episode ever, even bribing him with rhinestone sunglasses to entice him to come.

Unfortunately he couldn't make it then. But this time, he gave the glasses back to Winfrey.

Producers managed to finally surprise Oprah herself with a performance by Paul Simon, which brought her to tears.

Don't worry, Oprah isn't leaving your TV for good -- despite abandoning 'Oprah' after 25 years. In 2011, OWN -- The Oprah Winfrey Network will feature a different kind of talk show from the queen of daytime television.

The big dream is over for Jermaine Michaels – the dream of taking the top prize any in the Digicel Rising Star competition.

Still he has no reason to feel bad as he walked away in third place Sunday night at the results show of the Digicel Rising Stars determined that the Jamaican audience had not seen the last of him.

Having faced off against Camaley and Dalton Harris, in a 'three the hard way' worthy musical competition, the man known for his catchphrase "so substantial" got a cheque worth $400,000, as well as a Digicel 4G broadband package with notebook and a Nokia C3 cellular phone.

I am one with God and with all life.


A beautiful tapestry begins with a single thread. That thread may be dyed many different colors and woven with others into a variety of textures. In the hands of the artist, they have beauty and order, each thread a part of the magnificent whole.

I see myself as one of God's threads with my own unique color and texture. I am not separate from people or creatures or life around me.

I am woven into the whole, and part of my family, my community and our planet. We are each a unique expression of the One Life and One Love.

I release the perception that any part of God's creation is less worthy than another. I am whole in mind, body and spirit. I see the wholeness of life of which I am a part.

From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth.--Acts 17:26

Where’s the tissue?!

If you missed it and you’re not tired of hearing about it, Fantasia appeared on the Wendy Williams show late last week to discuss her suicide attempt.

When Wendy asks, “Did you think about your daughter?” Fantasia loses it and breaks down in tears and says, “At the time, I wasn’t really thinking about anybody.”

Very interesting.

Check it out here:

Yes, all the speculations can now be put to rest. The mix up king Ragashanti will be heading to Nationwide 90FM to resume the ‘tamborine’ session.

On Wednesday, October 5 he will kick off his programme.

A release from Nationwide last evening stated that the programme will be aired weekdays from 1:00- 5:00 pm.

Executive Producer of Nationwide 90FM, Cliff Hughes says, "This marks a new era in the history of Nationwide 90FM. In a sense, it's like Kingsley is coming home. Many people don't realise that he first started on radio as a co-host of Nationwide at Five in 2002, when we were on another radio station."

Hughes continues, "Nationwide 90FM has always been daring in the formatting of its programmes. Our talk format will remain, as we continue to expand our reach to Jamaicans from all walks of life, both here and abroad. Kingsley is a welcomed addition to the Nationwide 90FM family. His addition to Nationwide 90FM will diversify our suite of products and programmes to reach every demographic group and grow our market share."

Commenting on the move Ragashanti says " I am excited to recommence Ragashanti Live with the team that first gave me the opportunity to be a presenter on radio. I look forward to growing and developing and being able to provide entertainment radio at its best."

As a result of the revamping of the schedule a number of programmes will be affected while new ones will be introduced.

A long touted proposal for prime ministerial term limits to be enacted into Jamaican law is to go before Parliament soon.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding says a bill which will prescribe term limits as well as to guide a sitting head of Government on a timetable for general elections is now ready.

"Cabinet and I have signed off on it and I hope that we have it in printed and in Parliament this month.

We're bringing a companion measure to limit the powers of the Prime Minister to call an election whenever it suits … that along with the term limit of the Prime Minister are coming soon," Mr. Golding said in a nationally pre-packaged interview titled "A Conversation with the Prime Minister" hosted by veteran journalist Ian Boyne.

The funeral service for outstanding Jamaican golfer, 17-year-old Isabelle Marley, a student of Immaculate Conception High School will take place this morning at 10:00 at St Peter and Paul Church, 120 Old Hope Road.

Marley's tragic, accidental death on Friday, September 3, devastated her family and shocked the golfing community.

A golf administrator, who wished to remain anonymous given the unfortunate and sensitive circumstance of her passing at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, said "Izzy's demise will definitely have a big emotional impact on the team".

Marley finished third in the Girls 16-17 age group at last month's Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship in The Bahamas.

The funeral service for outstanding Jamaican golfer, 17-year-old Isabelle Marley, a student of Immaculate Conception High School will take place this morning at 10:00 at St Peter and Paul Church, 120 Old Hope Road.

Marley's tragic, accidental death on Friday, September 3, devastated her family and shocked the golfing community.

A golf administrator, who wished to remain anonymous given the unfortunate and sensitive circumstance of her passing at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, said "Izzy's demise will definitely have a big emotional impact on the team".

Marley finished third in the Girls 16-17 age group at last month's Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship in The Bahamas.

NEW YORK – Bob Marley's family lost a lawsuit seeking the copyrights to several of the late Jamaican reggae singer's best-known recordings.

U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan said the UMG Recordings unit of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group is the rightful owner of copyrights to five albums that Marley had recorded between 1973 and 1977 for Island Records.

The albums "Catch a Fire," "Burnin'," "Natty Dread," "Rastaman Vibrations" and "Exodus" were recorded with Marley's band The Wailers. They include some of Marley's best-known songs, including "Get Up, Stand Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "No Woman, No Cry" and "One Love."

Marley died of cancer in 1981 at age 36.

Friday night's ruling is a defeat for Marley's widow Rita and nine children who had sought to recover millions of dollars in damages over UMG's effort to "exploit" what they called "the quintessential Bob Marley sound recordings."

L. Peter Parcher and Peter Shukat, who are lawyers for the family, did not immediately return calls seeking comment. UMG spokesman Peter LoFrumento said the company is pleased with Cote's ruling.

Marley's family accused UMG of intentionally withholding royalties from their company Fifty-Six Hope Road Music Ltd, and ignoring a 1995 agreement assigning them rights under the original recording agreements, court papers show.

It also accused UMG of failing as required to consult with them on key licensing decisions, including the use of Marley's music as "ringtones" on AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile phones, the papers show.

But Cote concluded that Marley's recordings were "works made for hire" as defined under U.S. copyright law, entitling UMG to be designated the owner of those recordings, for both the initial 28-year copyright terms and for renewals.

"Each of the agreements provided that the sound recordings were the 'absolute property' of Island," Cote wrote. "Whether Marley would have recorded his music even if he had not entered the recording agreements with Island is beside the point."

She added that it was irrelevant that Marley might have maintained artistic control over the recording process. What mattered, she said, was that Island had a contractual "right" to accept or reject what he produced.

Cote also denied the Marley family's request for a ruling upholding its claims over digital downloads, citing ambiguity in a 1992 royalties agreement.

She directed the parties to enter court-supervised settlement talks, and scheduled an October 29 conference.

The case is Fifth-Six Hope Road Music Ltd v. UMG Recordings Inc, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 08-06143. (Source: Reuters)

Jennifer Hudson’s nephew’s father, Gregory Hill, who is trying to pursue a career in music must be pretty desperate for attention.

He claims to be the father of Jennifer’s nephew Julian, who was murdered along with other members of her family.

Hill takes us back to the crime scene and talks a whole lot of ish about Jennifer:

I’m right here in front of the Hudson’s house. And I’m Jennifer Hudson’s nephew father.

The little guy. Julian King [was] my son.

But I just got a little something I need to get up off mu chest.

Cause I’ve been hearing a lot of nonsense and rumors . . .

I hear that Jennifer Hudson is supposed to be a Free Mason .. .

and she supposedly SACRIFICED SOME THINGS to get where she’s at . . . Whatever’s done in the dark, will come to the light

Two Jamaican farm workers lost their lives on a farm in Ontario, Canada, Friday (September 10).

Chief Liaison Officer in the Jamaica Liaison Service (JLS) in Toronto, Larkland Stone, would only describe it as a "job-related accident" on the Filsinger Farm in the Owen Sound area of Ontario.

The two men, 37-year-old Paul Roache of Clarendon and 43-year-old Ralston White, both regular farm workers on the Canadian Overseas Employment Programme, died in a work-related accident on the Filsinger Farm in the Owen Sound area of Ontario.

Mr. Stone added that the Canadian Ministry of Labour and police are conducting investigations, and the bodies have been removed to the morgue. Autopsies will be done on the bodies.

Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, Seth George Ramocan, has expressed shock at the sudden death of the Jamaican workers.

"We are very saddened by the untimely loss of our two Jamaican men. Our hearts go out to the families," he said. He added that the Consulate General will monitor all the news and keep in close touch with the Jamaica Liaison Service.

The Jamaican Farm Work Programme began in Canada in 1964, and this year more than 6,000 Jamaicans were employed on over 300 Canadian farms.

The funeral service for outstanding Jamaican golfer, 17-year-old Isabelle Marley, a student of Immaculate Conception High School will take place this morning at 10:00 at St Peter and Paul Church, 120 Old Hope Road.

Marley's tragic, accidental death on Friday, September 3, devastated her family and shocked the golfing community.

A golf administrator, who wished to remain anonymous given the unfortunate and sensitive circumstance of her passing at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay, said "Izzy's demise will definitely have a big emotional impact on the team".

Marley finished third in the Girls 16-17 age group at last month's Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship in The Bahamas.

The Meteorological Service has upgraded the Flash Flood watch to a Flash Flood Warning for the low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes until 5:00 pm today.

A Flash Flood Warning means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.

Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely.

Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

A broad area of Low Pressure now across the central Caribbean including Jamaica continues to produce moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms across the island.

Throughout last night, moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms affected sections of mainly eastern and central parishes.

As this Trough lingers across the central Caribbean, outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms are expected across the island today.

Stepping out in faith, I embark on an adventure.


Every time I step out in faith, I embark on a new adventure.

When I am invited to do more than I think I can do, I call upon the Christ of my being.

The Christ expresses as all the power, wisdom and courage I need to accomplish great things.

When I am invited to be a peacemaker in times of conflict, I call upon the Christ of my being.

The Christ expresses as the compassion and understanding I need to be a transformational presence in painful situations.

When I am invited to share more than I think I have, I call upon the Christ of my being.

The Christ expresses as new ideas, infinite supply and all the abundance I need to be a blessing to my world.

Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border ...."

And God granted what he asked.--1 Chronicles 4:10

I am inspired and guided by the light of God.


In ancient rituals, people rose in the morning and turned toward the sun, honoring the source of light and warmth that sustained all life.

Even on cloudy days they turned in the sun's direction and honored the source they knew to be present.

I turn within to find the light of God that is always there.

I close my eyes and remove my attention from any confusion. I place my focus on my breath and open my mind.

In the stillness, I receive the guidance I need. I am not in darkness, for God's light is ever shining, illuminating a path to my highest good.

With new awareness, I see possibilities for greater good in my relationships, health and finances. I keep my eyes turned toward the Light and trust the guidance I receive.

The Lord went in front of them ... in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light.--Exodus 13:21

Lady Gaga’s “Monster Ball” tour has been so huge that now she’s making a book about it! The singer is teaming up with famous photographer Terry Richardson for a coffee table book filled with snapshots from the worldwide tour.


“He wanted to do a book about the ‘Monster Ball.’ He wanted to shoot me backstage, not onstage, and look at who I am offstage. He is on the bus with me. He just follows me everywhere,” she says of Richardson.


“He’ll photograph me when I’m changing – those quick changes during the show. And sometimes I’ll have to pee during the show, and I’m always screaming, ‘Terry, get out!’”


She adds, “And he’ll be saying, ‘It’s so beautiful. You’re so punk!’ If only my fans knew I was peeing in a beer cup backstage,” she added.


Well we guess we know now!

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has some pretty strong opinions when it comes to who should portray her in an upcoming biopic film.

In Franklin's mind, only Halle Berry has what it takes to portray the younger version of the singing legend, according to the Associated Press.


Earlier this week, Franklin sent out a press release detailing her specific choices for the prominent roles in the film. In addition to Berry, she wants Denzel Washington to play her father C.L. Franklin, a civil rights leader and Baptist minister. And she would love Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard to portray Motown star Smokey Robinson.


In her press release, Franklin, 68, says the actors she names are "enthusiastic about the project and have agreed to take on these roles, subject to further negotiation."


The planned biopic will be based on Franklin's autobiography, 'Aretha: From These Roots,' which hit the bestseller list 10 years ago when it was published. The iconic singer says she'll begin reviewing scripts next week.


Franklin's biggest hits include '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,' 'Chain of Fools,' 'Freeway of Love' and her signature song, 'Respect.'

Leighton Coke, the CEO of Liv Up Records and the brother of Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, was again remanded in custody when he appeared in the Gun Court on Friday.


Livity, as he is more popularly known, has been charged with shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm. He returns to court on September 21, when a bail application is expected to be made.


It’s alleged that on May 25, while the security forces were on an operation in Tivoli Gardens, Livity fired at police and military personnel.


His name was on a list of alleged dons issued by the police in May.


In June, Livity surrendered to the police, in the company of well-known pastor, Reverend Al Miller.


‘Livity’ first appeared in court on July 30 where he was remanded.

Pastor Paul Lewis cried. And they certainly weren’t the tears of the redeemed as they enter the Promised Land.

The embattled reverend, who was last year slapped with carnal abuse charges, wept when he heard that he will have his day in court to answer to the charges.


According to reports, Lewis started crying even before the ruling was made in the Savannah-La-Mar Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, will face the Westmoreland Circuit Court on October 11.


Lewis, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, had his $300,000 bail has been extended.


The popular pastor, who baptized jailed dancehall artiste Ninjaman, years ago, has a massive following, both locally and overseas, through his The Messengers For Christ Ministries World Healing Centre.


His lawyers are reported as saying that they are “appalled and disappointed that the matter has been committed to trial".


Allegations against the pastor are that last June, he met the 15-year-old at a convention in Little London, Westmoreland, where he was a guest preacher.

He reportedly exchanged telephone numbers with the girl, and in a subsequent meeting, took her and her 14-year-old friend with him on a trip to Clarendon.


On their return to Westmoreland, the girls stayed with him at his Negril hotel. It was during that night that the alleged sexual encounter took place while her companion watched.

As it nears the September 20 trial date, it doesn’t look as if it’s going to be an easy road for reggae artiste, Mark Myrie, more popularly known as Buju Banton.

According to a report in the Tampa Bay online, a codefendant of the reggae artiste has agreed to cooperate with the government as part of a plea deal in his drug case.


Buju is set to stand trial along with another codefendant, James Mack, on charges they participated in a cocaine deal in Sarasota.


The third codefendant, Ian Thomas, will plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilos or more of cocaine, according to an agreement filed on Friday, the Tama Bay online reports. The charge carries up to life in federal prison.


The 37-year-old artiste has been held without bail since his arrest on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting his codefendants in possessing a firearm during the course of the cocaine distribution.


Buju claims he was entrapped. An informant involved with the case has been paid $3.3 million working with law enforcement over several years, including more than $35,000 in the case against Buju.


"Paying a convicted drug trafficker millions of dollars for setting up an innocent productive member of society is wrong," Banton's attorney, David Oscar Markus, said in an e-mail to The Tampa Tribune.

"The prosecution's star is laughing at all of us – he doesn't pay taxes, he stopped paying the mortgage on his million dollar house, he doesn't pay his credit cards, and he gets to stay in this country even though he committed crimes here as an illegal immigrant. We're hoping the jury will see through his charade."


Although Thomas, 43, may testify against Banton, codefendant Mack has signed an affidavit on behalf of the singer.


Mack, 48, says in the affidavit that he never met Banton before his arrest, and that Banton had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in Mack's car.

Earlier this week, rapper 50 Cent decided to take aim at the blogger Perez Hilton in an entirely unorthodox and upsetting way, after Hilton called him a d-bag.


50 tweeted the following: "Perez Hilton calld me d-----bag so I had my homie shoot up a gay wedding. wasnt his but still made me feel better.”


The tweet was accompanied by a photo of two men in suits running from an angry mob.


Perez Hilton responded on Twitter with the equally vitriolic but less biased remark.


"50 Cent joking about violence towards gays is about as expired as the days when he used to be musically relevant!"


Now the gay and lesbian community hopes to go after the rapper, not by having their homies shoot up anyone, but by attacking him on Twitter.



The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is calling on community members and allies to tweet back at 50 Cent asking folks to tweet:


The rapper has since deleted the Tweet but it still appears in his Twitpic feed.


It's not the first time 50 Cent has made remarks that have offended the LGBT community.


In a 2004 interview with Playboy magazine, the rapper said, "I don't like gay people around me, because I'm not comfortable with what their thoughts are. I'm not prejudiced. I just don't go with gay people and kick it - we don't have that much in common.

I'd rather hang out with a straight dude. But women who like women, that's cool."


50 Cent also revealed his mother had been bisexual in the same interview, and added to his earlier statements.
"It's OK to write that I'm prejudiced. This is as honest as I could possibly be with you.

When people become celebrities they change the way they speak. But my conversation with you is exactly the way I would have a conversation on the street. We refer to gay people as f--ts, as h–os. It could be disrespectful, but that's the facts."

One of Tiger Woods's ex mistresses is so trashy, she's no longer hooker material.


His 20th mistress Devon James, the one who claimed Tiger is her baby daddy, got fired from her gig as a hooker at the Bunny Ranch in Carson City because she's no longer ho material.


Bunny Ranch owner reportedly told website TMZ she got fired because she "broke the code -- which is privacy and discretion with all clients."

Hoff continues, "She is a disgusting excuse for a working girl ... she's a scumbag and a snitch."


So before she got canned how much would a night with Devon run you? "It's negotiable depending on what you want ... but it could get into the thousands."


Anyway, once a ho, always a ho. (Source: TMZ)

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Britney is confident she will be able to prove the allegations are false and force Fernando to pay the substantial legal bills she will incur defending herself. And her ex-husband Kevin Federline has her back too.

Sources say Kevin has been very supportive of Britney since Fernando Flores launched his lawsuit against her. Even Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said:

"He is satisfied the allegations are a product of economic motives. They are as baseless as they seem."

Fantasia continued her cry-fest on Wendy Williams today, talking about her overdose last month.


She was there to promote her album Back To Me, which is currently at #5 on the Billboard Top 200.


Fantasia started in on the tears right away when Wendy asked her, “Did you think about your daughter,” referring to what was going through her head before shoving a fistful of aspirin down her throat.


Fantasia asked for tissues, and responded, “At the time I wasn’t really thinking about anybody.”


She went on, “You see the glitz and the glamour, and you think, ‘They got it, they got it all,’ but a lot of times when you come into this industry, you have people who say they’re there for you, but a lot of times they’re just there to get what they can get.”

Reports are that Justin Bieber narrowly escaped arrest after throwing a water balloon at a US State Trooper.


He was almost cuffed by the officer, who was super pissed after being soaked by a water balloon thrown by the Biebs.


The incident happened right before a sold out performance, but luckily Biebs bodyguard managed to talk the trooper out of it.


Tweeting about the incident, Justin wrote: “Still laughing. Great Day."
He reportedly hid in his trailer while his bodyguard spoke to the trooper, who was at the show for crowd control.


Local news station WBALTV reported Justin was: "Horsing around with members of his staff outside a trailer, when one of the balloons hit a trooper's gun belt and burst, and the other brushed a trooper on the chest but didn't burst."


A spokesperson for the state police described Justin’s behavior as "inappropriate".

The Christ Presence within me is my comfort and strength.


How blessed I am to know that the Christ Presence is within me. I need only relax and turn my attention inward to feel the calming, comforting presence of divine love.

As I breathe deeply and release emotional and physical tension, I open my heart to an inpouring of support. I allow peace, like a welcome gentle breeze, to sweep over and through my being.

Comforted by love, infused with strength, I am a supportive presence for others. When offering help, I am guided in what to say and do. I behold the Christ in me and within all of God's children as our source of eternal comfort and strength.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father ... comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.--2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17

A special corporal from the St Andrew South Division was on Wednesday arrested by members of the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) on reasonable suspicion of breaching the Corruption Prevention Act.


According to a police press release allegations are that yesterday morning, a joint police/military task force carried out an operation in the Kingston 11 area and took four men into custody. The men, who are all related, were being processed.


Later that day, one of the policemen allegedly contacted family members and demanded a sum of $10,000 to release the men.



A report was made to the ACB, after which a sting operation was set up. During the sting operation the policeman was held after he collected the money.


The policeman is now in custody and a case file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a ruling.

Big Ship artiste Chino says his Japan sojourn couldn’t have gone better.


According to Chino, who recently returned from a tour in that reggae-loving land to promote his newly released album, Never Change, his visits to cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Fukuoka were educational.


"It was a great experience, especially the Yokohama Reggae Bash in Tokyo.

The venue was filled to capacity with thousands of fans and the Big Ship family really pulled out all the stops, and I think the fans enjoyed it.

Overall, the tour went well.

Most of the record shops there have the album, have been playing it and the fans have been supporting the album. So I have to say thanks to everyone for their support."


Chino, whose correct name is Daniel McGregor, released his sophomore Japan album to rave reviews and in less than 20 hours of its release on iTune's Reggae Japan chart, Never Change has already shot to second spot on the chart.

A special corporal assigned to the Darling Street Police Station in Kingston was killed last night in the community of Westchester, Portmore in St Catherine.



According to reports, the incident took place at about 10 o'clock lsat evening.


The details surrounding the murder are not immediately available and the name of the special corporal is being withheld at this time.


He is the 13th policeman to be killed since the start of the year.