The government of Jamaica has reportedly given the go-ahead for the late Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford, to be given an official funeral.


Professor Nettleford will be buried next week Tuesday and the government will be involved in the planning.


Details will be revealed at a meeting scheduled for later today.


Nettleford died on February 2 at the George Washington University Hospital in the United States, where he had been in a coma. He would have turned 77 on February 3.

Michael Jackson’s doctor was charged today with involuntary manslaughter, capping an exhaustive investigation into the pop star’s stunning death last summer and setting up the prospect of another sensational celebrity courtroom drama, the Associated Press has reported.


Dr Conrad Murray, a cardiologist who was with Jackson when he died June 25 at his rented Los Angeles mansion, is accused of acting “unlawfully and without malice” in bringing about Jackson’s death, according to a complaint filed by prosecutors.


The complaint said Murray acted “without the caution and circumspection required” when he administered a powerful sedative to Jackson in an effort to help him sleep.


The charge was expected, and Murray’s attorney, Ed Chernoff, said his client planned to surrender to authorities later Monday.
“We’ll make bail, we’ll plead not guilty and we’ll fight like hell,” Chernoff said before the charge was filed.


Jackson hired Murray to be his personal physician as he prepared for a series of strenuous comeback concerts in London. Officials say the singer died after Murray administered the powerful general anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get the chronic insomniac to sleep.


Los Angeles investigators were methodical in building a case against Murray, wary of repeating missteps that have plagued some other high-profile celebrity cases, most notably O.J. Simpson and actor Robert Blake, both of whom were acquitted of murder.


After reviewing toxicology findings, the coroner ruled Jackson’s death at age 50 a homicide caused by acute intoxication of the powerful anesthetic propofol, with other sedatives a contributing factor.


Propofol is only supposed to be administered by an anesthesia professional in a medical setting, because it depresses breathing and heart rate while lowering blood pressure.

YardFlex wishes reggae singer, Iley Dread, a speedy recovery. The singer was riding his motorcycle last week, when he crashed and suffered a broken leg.


We understand that he is resting and taking it easy, even as he tries to re-arrange some of his contracted show dates.


Iley Dread recently released the album, Unleashed, which has reportedly been doing very well.

After twenty years of entertaining partygoers, the Renaissance Disco continues to be dominant with the youth market.


This was evident in the sound system being named Favorite Sound System at the 2010 staging of the Youth View Awards (YVAs).


An elated Delano Thomas from Renaissance was lost for words when contacted on his way to the event that the sound had won. ‘It’s great to know that the youth appreciates us and enjoy our music’.


Known for their creative mixes, top class parties and events and intense juggling, the selectors aboard the Renaissance sound system have consistently raised the bar.


Said Thomas, ‘This award is important to us because the youth is the future and its good to connect with them’.


Renaissance is gearing for the staging of Beer it All. The date and venue will be announced shortly.

Yardflex understands that Mavado's publicist Julian Griffiths Jones was robbed in Canada. His laptop was taken. It is still unclear what the thieves hope to find on his notebook as from what we understand, that's only thing that was stolen.


Yardflex will remain on top of this one and will update you as soon as we have more details.

According to Deputy Superintendent Altermoth 'Parro' Campbell, crime chief for the St Andrew North police Kartel was not present at the time of the seizure.


According to police reports, about 4:40 a.m., police on patrol in the area saw a group of men exiting the premises.


Their actions reportedly aroused the suspicions of the lawmen.


The police tried to accost the men but they ran, leaving behind a bag containing two M-16 magazines, each loaded with thirty 5.56 cartridges.


The police are continuing their investigations but say the identity of the men who fled the scene are not known.


The premises was also raided earlier this week and a number of men were taken into custody. They were, however, subsequently released.

After thousands of votes were casted by viewers for over a month, the Etana/RETV music video competition came to a remarkable close recently. The competition, which featured Etana's three new videos "August Town," "Free" and "Happy Heart," was the first of it's kind. And from the overwhelming response, the competition went over with a bang. Impressively, votes from through out the Caribbean inundated RETV.


Votes are still being tallied, with no winner determined yet and excitement is building up for the live finale on February 27 at 5:00 PM, which will feature Etana announcing the winning video and calling the competition's winners. Etana's fans are on the edges of their seats as they wait to find out if they will be winners of any of the competition's coveted prizes. Several times a day, after viewing the three videos, fans were prompted to text in and vote for their favorite video. Their texts/votes were then entered into the respective video's pot. A lucky winner will be selected from each video pot.


The voter selected from the third favorite video pot will receive an Ipod loaded with Etana's music. Meanwhile, the voter selected from the second video pot will receive a chic Blackberry Curve. And finally, the voter selected from the first video pot will receive an ultra savvy 13" MacBook. In addition to fans supporting Etana's new videos and music, the prize incentive also played a major role in attracting voters.


"This video competition was one of Irish and Chin's unique vehicles of marketing Etana's Music," say Etana's manager Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin. "I am overjoyed by the response to the competition."


The results of the video competition will be hush hush until the live finale. Not even Etana will know of the winning video until it's announced on air -- that way one can catch her genuine, candid response.


"Although each of the videos is a #1 video to me, I am extremely anxious to see which one my fans chose as their favorite," says Etana.


Everyone who voted should keep their phones on between 5-7 PM on February 27, in case they are a lucky winner. If Etana calls a number and does not get an answer, she will move on and select another number. Viewers will be able to express their excitement live on air.

An annual concert that draws hundreds of tourists to celebrate Bob Marley's birthday has been canceled for the first time since its inception in 1992 over noise complaints, a report in the Associated Press stated.


Police denied promoter Clive Pringle an event permit because of several run-ins with police and residents in Negril, superintendent Dezeita Taylor said Thursday.


The Bob Marley Birthday Bash that Pringle organized every February 6, the birthday of Bob Marley regularly exceeded the 2 a.m. curfew established under the Noise Abatement Act, she said.


Last year Pringle was fined police said.


Pringle said he appealed, but doubts the concert will be held.


The show was launched in 1992 in Negril -- a seaside town west of Kingston -- and has attracted up to 3,500 people, Pringle said.


Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently called for a revision of the Noise Abatement Act to extend time for events popular with tourists.


Bob Marley birthday bashes are held worldwide in places including London, Hawaii and Miami.

Last night at the Gardens of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, a host of celebrities turned out for the sixth staging of the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards. It was a paparazzi event and the Red Stripe red carpet was the place to be as singer, deejays and a host of music industry personnel rubbed shoulders under the glare of the video lights.


There were some great performances from Toots Hibbert, International Friend of Reggae, India.Arie alongside Gramps Morgan, Marion ‘Lady Saw’ Hall, the Bonner Brothers and Nadine Sutherland, who was among the artistes paying tribute to Studio One. Most of the winners were on hand to collect their awards, or in the case of the Big Ship Family, Chino, Stephen and the entire crew from the ship made their way on stage. There were a few surprise winners but the night’s top winner was Vybz Kartel who copped three awards. See complete list of nominee and winners below:


1. DJ OF THE YEAR (MALE)
Vybz Kartel
Beenie Man
Bounty Killer
Elephant Man
Busy Signal
Ding Dong
Flippa Mafia
Kiprich
Winner — Vybz Kartel


2. DJ OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)
Macka Diamond
Stacious
Tifa
Lady Saw
Spice
Lady G
Pamputtae
Lisa Hyper
Winner — Spice


3) VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (MALE)
Romaine Virgo
Jah Cure
Tarrus Riley
Richie Spice
Stevie Face
Da’Ville
Hezron
Winner — Jah Cure


4) VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)
Etana
Sophia Brown
Cherine Anderson
Alaine
Tami Chin
Phyllisia
Bar-Bee
Winner — Cherine Anderson


5. PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (DANCE HALL)
Tariq ‘Russian’ Johnson - Chimney Records
Stephen McGregor - Big Ship
D&C Harrinsingh, C Marsh - Daseca
Linton ‘TJ’ White - TJ Records
Notnice - Ainsley Morris
Notice - Unga and Welch
Jason Henriques and Mr Shawn - Copper Shot
Arif Cooper - Fresh Ear
Winner — Stephen McGregor


6. PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor - No Doubt Records
Delmar ‘Della’ Drummond - Danger Zone
Donovan Bennett - Don Corleon
Sly and Robbie - Taxi
Donovan Germain - Penthouse Records
Lloyd James Jnr - Jam ii
Stephen McGregor - Big Ship
Winner — Donovan Germain


7. BEST NEW ARTISTE (MALE)
G Whizz
Ras Penco
Wasp
Romaine Virgo
Chase Cross
Chevaughn
Merital
Winner — G Whizz


8. BEST NEW ARTISTE (FEMALE)
Stream
Gaza Indu
Phyllisia
Raine Seville
Sophia Squire
Gaza Kim
Lisa Hyper
Timeka Marshall
Winner — Lisa Hyper


9. DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
RDX
LUST
TOK
Andrew and Wada Blood
Bonafide
Voicemail
Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal
Merital
Winner — Merital


10) BIGGEST COMEBACK ARTISTE
Chuckle Berry
Anthony Red Roze
Lloyd Lovindeer
Ruffian
Spanner Banner
Mikeylous
Winner — Spanner Banner


11. SONG OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)
Completely
Mocking Bird
I Am Blessed
Mind Pon Mi Money
Life
From Mawning
Holiday
Good Girl, Gone Bad
Winner — Holiday


12. SONG OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
So In Love - Hezron
Call On Me - Jah Cure/Phillisia
A Thousand Miles - Ras Penco
Caan Sleep - Romaine Virgo
Mama You Alone - I-Octane
Lioness On the Rise - Queen Ifrica
Tell It Like It Is - Stevie Face
One More Night - Busy Signal
Winner — Call On Me


13. ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Universal Cure - Jah Cure
Rasta Got Soul - Buju Banton
Mr Brooks A Better Tomorrow - Mavado
Contagious - Tarrus Riley
Montego Bay - Queen Ifrica
2 Sides of My Heart - Gramps Morgan
Made in Jamaica - Courtney ‘Yogi’ John
Imperial Blaze - Sean Paul
Winner — 2 Sides of My Heart


14. RECORDING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Vybz Kartel
Mavado
Elephant Man
Ding Dong
Konshens
Queen Ifrica
Winner — Vybz Kartel


15. CULTURAL /POSITIVE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Tarrus Riley
Queen Ifrica
Richie Spice
Jah Cure
I-Octane
Konshens
Lutan Fyah
Winner — Tarrus Riley


16. BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Chino
Charley Black
Black Ryno
Jahvinci
Ding Dong
Flexx
Bramma
Tyrical
Winners — Chino & Jahvinci (tie)


17. SONG WRITER/ LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
Vybz Kartel
Busy Signal
Mavado
Konshens
Assassin
Queen Ifrica
Wayne Marshall
Demarco
Winner — Vybz Kartel


18. SINGJAY OF THE YEAR (MALE)
Nesbeth
Mavado
Mr Vegas
Charley Black
I-Octane
Chino
Serani
Konshens
Winner — Mavado


19. SINGJAY OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)
CéCile
D’Angel
Queen Ifrica
Tanya Stephens
Black Queen
Ruffian
Ishawna
Winner — Queen Ifrica


20. COLLABO OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)
Completely - Vybz Kartel & Indu
Think Bout Mi - Macka & Unicorn
Ugly So - Kiprich & Blacker
Good Girl, Gone Bad - Tarrus Riley & Konshens
Dip Again - Elephant Man & Ding Dong
Holiday - Ding Dong & Chevaughn
Versitility - Vybz Kartel & Indu
Dance the Night Away - Voicemail & Busy Signal
Winner — Holiday


21. COLLABO OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
Call On Me — Jah Cure feat Phyllisia
Dumpling Shop — Lloyd Lovindeer & Mama Tia
Pressuring The Poor — Spryng I & Ras Shiloh
You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling — Noddy Virtue & Jodian Pantry
King and Queen - Richie Spice & Alison Hinds
Forevermore - Tarrus Riley/Alaine
Try Jah Love - Josie Mel & Smokey Ben
Jah Jah See Dem a Come - Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal
Winner — Call On Me


• 22. RHYTHM OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
Changes - Don Corleon Records
Automatic - Penthouse Records
Sweetness - Mac D Records
Good Love - Jam 2 Records
Sweet Rhythm - No Doubt Records
Karma Rhythm - Arrows Recording
Winner — Good Love (Producer: Baby G)


23. RHYTHM OF THE YEAR (DANCE HALL)
Set Me Free - Heart of Love Production
Movie Star - Chimney Records
Street Team - Fire Links Music
Good Life - Liv Up Records
National Pride - Fresh Ear Productions
Triple Bounce - Cr0203 Records
Fitness - Di Genius Music
Go Go Club - Chimney Records
Winner — Good Life (Producer: Liv Up Records)


24. REGGAE/DANCE HALL COMPILATION OF THE YEAR - VARIOUS ARTISTES


The Hit List - Various Artistes/Tads
Reggae Gold 2009 - Various Artistes/vp
The Ultimate Reggae/Dancehall X-perience - Various Artistes/ Tads
National Pride - Various Artistes/Tads
Good Life Riddim - Various Artistes
Greatest Reggae One Drop Anthems (2009) - Various Artistes/Greensleeves
Strictly The Best Vol 40/41 - Various Artistes/vp
Winner — Good Life Riddim - Various Artistes


25. MOST IMPROVED ARTISTE
Chino
Black Ryno
Jahvinchi
Wasp
Tifa
Romaine Virgo
Khago
Flexx
Winners — Tifa & Flexx (Tie)


26) GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Goddy Goddy
Prodigal Son
DJ Nicholas
Omari
Judith Gayle
Carlene Davis
Ryan Mark
Chevelle Franklin
Winner — DJ Nicholas


27) INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Sean Kingston
Mavado
Sean Paul
Serani
Vybz Kartel/Spice
Cherine Anderson
Winner — Sean Paul


28. BEST ROOTS PLAY
Bashment Granny
Bashment Granny 2
Diana
The Xtortionistz
Me and Mi Chapsie
Winner — Bashment Granny


PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS


29) VIDEO OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
Feels So Good by Bar-Bee
Director(s) Ras Tingle & Rupert Campbell


30. VIDEO OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)
Dance the Night Away by Voice Mail & Busy Signal director, Jeremy Whittaker; Producers Melissa Llewellyn & Conroy Forte


31. PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Bounty Killer at Reggae Sumfest 2k9


32. BEST DRESSED ARTISTE
Ce’Cile


33. SHOW OF THE YEAR
Shaggy & Friends 2K9


34. BEST ORIGINAL DANCE MOVE OF THE YEAR
Skip to Ma Luu by Ding Dong & Ravers Clavers


HONOUR AWARDS:
35 ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARDEES:
(Jamaican Artiste (s) of International Accclaim who’s led his/her life by example and have brought their offspring into the world of Reggae)


Toots Hibbert
Denroy Morgan


37 INTERNATIONAL FRIEND OF REGGAE AWARDEE
India.Arie

Sex in the movie theatre


I must confess that I am one of those people who enjoy getting away with things right under your noses. I am daring, love to take chances and have a don’t care attitude that has seen me winning some friends and losing others.


I have long accepted that as part of my life, so I really don’t give a damn if others want to judge me or what they have to say. Life is just for living and as long as I am alive, I will be living it to the fullest…and that’s why when I was in the movie theatre with this married friend of mine and urge took me there, I never hesitated to give in to my burning desires.


We had been playing around each other for a while, but nothing happened and it might not either, except the movie we were watching had some steamy love scenes. He started to put his hand under my mini skirt and fondle me the most way. By this time I was getting wet and very horning. I was sitting more to the back and there really weren’t a lot of occupied seats behind us.


What better opportunity did I need, I would not be blocking anyone’s view and the timing was perfect. I sat atop him and he immediately fly his zipper.


I must confess I had a hard time keeping the sounds in as he rammed me right there in the theatre. Don’t ask me how the movie ended because I was shooting my own scenes at the back. One of the time he got too vigourous and I noticed a few heads turned around to our direction and got a few sly snickers, but if they were minding their own business they wouldn’t have had anything to laugh about!


He had barely enough time to slide me out of his lap, and turning his penis to the floor. But even then I was kinda messy.


I excused myself went to the bathroom, got cleaned up and we made our way out of the cinema before the movie was through.


Yeah, it felt great! Would I do it again, you damn sure I would

But a wha dat wi a hear sey Kip Rich back out a di clash wid Merciless on the Settlement. Wi understand sey money pay over to him management aready and contract sign and all dese things and last minute Kip Rich sey him not doing the show.


Merciless sey Kip Rich a run like fowl cause him doan waan face off with him. But come to think of it, a remember watching Kip Rich pon Winford programme Onstage a sey him graduate now so him not clashing anybody whey nuh up inna him league. We think Merciless would make a very good opponent and we a wonder if a dats why him doan want the face off.


Bwoy this Settlement thing stay a way, plus Goofy and LA Lewis…well meck wi si now.

Damion Dash of Rockafella Records will be doing a documentary on Usain Bolt and other Jamaican runners entitled Yellow Yams.

It is no secret that the world is now sitting up and taking notice of the phenomenal talent coming out of Jamaica especially after their super performances in Beijing and Berlin.

The documentary will seek to explore things that motivates them and will be attempting to explain to the world just what contributes in making the athletes out of Jamaica so special.
Dash who says he has visited the island several times just fell in love with the culture and the people.
For now the documentary is in the groundwork stages according to Dash it will be something to see when it’s completed.

Bwoy what a way it look like sey India.Arie and Gramps Morgan have a ting going on. They seemed really in tune with each other, we couldn’t help but wonder if something is going on. Well she did say she considered herself a honourary member of the Morgan Heritage clan, so you never know.


Nuff people a wonder how Denroy Morgan suh strong. Di man come on stage wid him likkle youth when everybody did a check sey a him grandson! No star, people a wonda a whey him a drink and if him nah drink nutten den dem really rate him as good lover man and all a wonder if one next baby inna him back.


Alain and Chino deh? Cause Denise Hunt meck a comment pon stage a EME sey she si nuff beautiful pickney inna di future wid dem. And when dem sing Secret Lovers pon stage, wi all did a sey it nuh look like nutten secret bout dat!

If you want news on the latest regarding Buju Banton’s case, if you want to sound off on what you think about his aresst, if you just want to give words of encouragement to the artiste.


The blogspot is www.thisisbujubanton.wordpress.com.


The Gargamel Music family, comprising of close friends of jailed deejay Buju Banton, has set up an official blogspot for the artiste, where fans can keep in touch with Banton and his music.


Banton has been in detention in the United States since December 10 when he was held in Florida after a United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sting operation, during which his two co-defendants were arrested at a warehouse where they had allegedly gone to buy cocaine. The dancehall star was not at the warehouse at the time the others were arrested, but the DEA claims it has audio and video evidence of the artiste testing a package of cocaine. Banton is being represented by prominent US attorneys David Oscar Markus and Marc David Seitles. He is slated to return to court tomorrow for a status conference before the trial begins in March.

Well known medical practitioner and philanthropist, Dr. Lloyd Cole, was released on bond Wednesday in the Corporate Area Criminal Court.


The 71 year old who is on a charge of sexual assault, was offered $300,000 bail and is to return to court on Friday.


Dr. Cole, who operates a practice in Liguanea, St. Andrew, was taken into custody on Sunday following allegations that he molested a teenaged girl.


The 17-year old girl, who suffers from hypertension, reportedly went to Dr. Cole's office after she became ill.


While there, he reportedly performed other medical procedures unrelated to hypertension.


The cops say the girl rushed from the medical practice and reported the incident to her mother.


Her parents called in members of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and following an investigation, the 71-year old doctor was charged with one count of indecent assault.


Dr Cole through his attorney H. Charles Johnson strongly denied the accusation.

By the way what the hell is happening with the Ninja Man case. Wi stop count di weeks dem now how long him inna jail. Wha di case too strong or wha. No sah, wi caan believe dem lock dung di Don Gorgon suh long.


Di man dem inna di Gaza camp get dem marching order yet? By dis Kartel must do him investigation and find out a who drop di kick and box pon Kym and har brother, how wi nuh si nuh statement sey strong actions taken and he expects nothing more like that in the camp. Silence means consent doan?


How much more stage show a guh kip a Jamaica dis year, wi a hear some sounds like promoters fed up a di craven artistes dem whey waan meck up fi di recession inna one lick. A hope dem tink twice and rescue di business as well as demselves cause a nuh just local promoters a bawl di one dem a bawl tuh but di artistes dem unreasonable demands.

Jamaica's Usain bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown have been ranked fourth and sixth respectively in the respective athletes of the decade list produced by world renowned magazine, Track and Field News.


Bolt who won the sprint double at the Beijing Olympic and Berlin World Athletic Championships in world record times is ranked fourth behind Ethiopian long distance king Kenensia Bekele.


Campbell-Brown, the two time Olympic 200 metre champion and 2007 world 100 metre champion finds herself at number six behind many time Russian pole vault world record holder Yelena Isinbeyeva.


Bolt and Campbell Brown are the only Jamaican and Caribbean athletes who make the list.

Irvino English, long time captain of Waterhouse Football Club, has been recruited to play for the Tivoli Gardens Football Club.


English, an outstanding player who uses both feet, is highly regarded as an attacking utility player and an inspirational leader.


“The transfer was made last week with the full agreement of Waterhouse and Tivoli Gardens Football Clubs,” says President of the TGFC Edward Seaga, who added, “we are pleased to welcome Irvine English to our club as one of the valued players in the Digicel Premier League Competition.”

The highly-anticipated Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards gets underway this evening at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.


Now in its sixth staging, the interest has been beyond expectations and the release of the nominees triggered wild voting.


According to an EME Awards spokesperson, “We had such a mad rush to our website that we had to speedily upgrade the capacity of our server to accommodate the increased traffic. In fact, we had to upgrade our server’s capacity to terabytes in order to facilitate the existing and growing traffic.”


Internet votes represent 30% of final scores. The other 70% is based on Chart success and overall impact.


Tonight, awards will be handed out in over 30 categories including, DJ of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Album, Song, Producer, Singjay, Lyricist, Best New Artiste and Breakthrough Artiste of the Year among others. Additionally, music stalwarts Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan will each receive the award for ‘Role Model of the Year’, while special guest, Grammy winner India.Arie will be honoured with the Friend of Reggae Award.


India will also perform the hit single, Therapy, with her collaborator, Gramps Morgan.


Considering the number of A-Listers that will be attending the 6th Annual EME Awards, the world awaits the fashion statements that will be made on the Red Carpet which opens up at 7:00 pm. The Awards Ceremony gets underway at 8:00 pm. The EMEs will be aired on CVM TV, CVM Plus, Hot 102 FM and other local and international media affiliates.


Founded by popular radio personality Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess, the awards show was created to honour the players in the local music industry, both past and present. The non-profit venture has garnered unwavering support and popularity through the years and has attracted coverage from both the local and international media.


Last year, the presence of America’s BETJ TV provided quite a fillip for the EMEs and their repeat airings of the event has definitely added to the excitement both here and abroad. BET has confirmed its participation in this year’s event.

The 27th annual Bob Marley Charity Football Matches and Celebrity Olympics, scheduled for Ash Wednesday, February 17 will see a celebrity cast competing in friendly football matches and track events at the National Stadium. Among those already confirmed to participate are Cobra, Elephant Man, Sky Juice, Wayne Marshall, Chino, Chris Martin, Aidonia, Ding Dong, Jimmy Adams, Bruce Bicknell, Zachary Harding, Wolde Harris, Peter Prendegrast, Lenny Hyde, Ali Mcnab and Courtney Walsh.


The exciting roster of events includes the Celebrities vs. Entertainers football match, Corporate 100 metres dash, Female Artistes 100 metres dash and DREAM Promoters 4 x 100 metres relay, featuring promoters of the popular Negril DREAM Weekend parties.


This staging will mark the first time the event is being held at the National Stadium. “This venue facilitates the newly-added track element and gives the sponsors a wider arena to showcase their brands and allows for more persons to support the event”, explains Deane Shepherd, director of Blueprint , organizers of the event.
Proceeds from this event will be donated to select local children’s charities earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Rise Again, the song written by Grammy Award-winning artiste, Shaggy, to support the Haiti relief efforts following the devastating earthquake on January 12 is now available for download on iTunes. The purchase price is (US) 99 cents of which the artists and label donating all of the proceeds to the Digicel Haiti relief fund.


It is performed by Caribbean artists for the people of Haiti and with the New York Times hailing the song as “fast becoming a post-quake anthem”, Rise Again has had a fantastic reception and is already getting heavy rotation radio airplay and news coverage across the globe.


In addition, from mid-next week, the video will also be available on iTunes.


Directed by Jay Will, and filmed around Port Royal in Jamaica, the video’s central theme is of people from across the Caribbean coming together to rebuild Haiti and help the people of Haiti to rise again.
From red, white and blue balloons mirroring the colours of the Haitian flag being released to aid arriving on boats and planes and a mother being gently handed her new born baby by a nurse - the images portrayed are of hope for the future – and are interspersed with actual footage of the aftermath of the earthquake.
Artists featured on ‘Rise Again’ include Shaggy; Sean Paul; Sean Kingston; Barbadian Artists, Alison Hinds, Shontelle Layne and Edwin Yearwood; Trinidadian Soca Artists, Destra Garcia, David Rudder and Kes Dieffenthaller; Jamaican reggae artists, Tessanne Chin and Etana; and Haitian artiste, Belo. The track was produced by Christopher Birch.

There were more than 75 stars invited to take part in the taping at the Henson Recording studios -- the same place the original was done.


Among those taking part in the recording were Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Toni Braxton, Akon, Tony Bennett and the Jonas Brothers. Leading the way: Quincy Jones who produced the 1985 version of the song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.


The recording is to help Haiti, devastated by an earthquake three weeks ago today.

Dr. Conrad Murray will be meeting with his defense team today, in preparation for his surrender tomorrow in connection with the death of Michael Jackson.
We're told Murray will meet with his California lawyer, J. Michael Flanagan, who told TMZ just a few minutes ago, "I don't know what's going on." Dr. Murray is also meeting with Ed Chernoff, his Houston lawyer, and others on his team. Sources tell TMZ involuntary ...


We're told Murray will meet with his California lawyer, J. Michael Flanagan, who told TMZ just a few minutes ago, "I don't know what's going on."


Sources tell TMZ involuntary manslaughter charges will not be filed today but if Murray surrenders on schedule it appears the L.A. County District Attorney will file charges first thing in the morning and Dr. Murray would be arraigned in downtown L.A. criminal court.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

The Rev Paul Lewis who is accused of having sex with an underage girl is advised by his lawyers not to preach in Jamaica until the case is settled.


According to a story in Chat! the charismatic preacher, who prosecutors said had sex with a 15-year-old girl and assaulted a 14 year-old in an hotel room, has been advised by his lawyers not to preach here until the case against him has been disposed of.


That too depends on whether the case concludes in his favour, as there is the possibility of him facing jail time if convicted.


According to Michael Erskine, one of the lawyers representing Lewis, while it is not a court order that prevents the Jamaican-born, US-based evangelist from preaching in Jamaica, the legal team felt it is the thing to do.


“His lawyers have decided that he should not preach or anything like that in Jamaica until the case is over,” Erskine said. “We are not responsible for what happens overseas so if he goes and the people there want him to preach he is free to do so — as long as it does not affect Jamaica.”


Following Lewis’ arrest last year and eventual release on bail, his scheduled appearance to speak at an islandwide crusade created a stir, resulting in him having to withdraw himself.


The evangelist is set to re-appear in court on Friday, February 25, where the preliminary enquiry into the alleged assaults is set to continue. Lewis last appeared in court a Friday ago.

Yardflex express our condolence to the family of Professorrex Nettleford who died today.


Nettleford, 77, was the vice-chancellor emeritus of the University of the West Indies, having previously served as the vice-chancellor of the institution’s Mona Campus in Jamaica from 1996 to 2004.


He is widely recognised as one of the Caribbean’s leading intellectuals and was bestowed with the Order of the Caribbean Community in 2008.


He was also the recipient of Jamaica’s third highest honour, the order of Merit and is a cultural advisor to Prime Minister Bruce Golding.


The founder of the internally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company, Nettleford is also the author of several publications.

On the heels of the centennial staging of what has become Jamaica’s pride and joy (Boys & Girls Champs), it seems as if there are those among us who are determined to literally sabotage their own.


There is no doubt that discipline needs to be maintained, especially amongst our young men, but when the captain of the track team is being suspended on the grounds of his pants being too tight, and students who are preparing for CXC exams are being suspended for ten days for revealing white tank tops under their uniform shirts, and others are being taken out of class all day for issues that should be secondary when it comes to preparation for final exams, such behaviour have left parents fuming.


“Mr. Cross, (JC’s dean of discipline) is taking things out of proportion,” says one irate parent, “this is not about challenging his authority, but at the same time, the question that needs to be asked is, do we sacrifice the future of our young men based on frivolous issues?”


Your browser may not support display of this image. The grievances are mounting, and the parents are complaining. “We all respect what Mr. Ruel Reid (former JTA’s President and now JC’s Principal) is attempting to achieve,” states another mother, whose son was taken out of class for two days based upon an accusation that later proved to be futile. “But Mr. Cross’ actions are risky” she continues. “How can you suspend a student who is preparing for CXCs for ten days, for revealing a white tank top under his uniform shirt, how is he suppose to catch up, and how can you suspend the track team’s captain for his pants being too tight, couldn’t you have given him a warming?”


The track team captain of many-time boys' champions Jamaica College (JC) Waquar DaCosta, is not only a national junior representative, but is also a point man and middle-distance 'hero', (seen in photo above) was alleged suspended for his pants being too tight, an issue that many believe could have been resolved without being so detrimental.


“I am a disciplinarian myself,” states another parent, “but apart from the Dean being new, I think he is acting a little too draconian, without any thought when it comes to the bigger picture. I mean, Waquar could be the next Usain Bolt, and what, we sacrifice that, and at the same time, does JC not care, not only about a potential future track star, but also about the future of our young men?”


Similar sentiments resonate amongst all the parents who have had to deal with Jamaica College’s new dean of discipline, Mr. Cross, and some are even talking about taking the issue to the Ministry Of Education if they cannot get any justice at the schools administrative level, with the main undertone being; should the future of students be sacrificed under the guise of discipline, especially when the issues in question so far all seem to be frivolous?

Kingston, JA (Ms. RAINE INC): In light of the announcement that artist Kim Hamilton--formerly known as Gaza Kim, now known as Kym--has chosen to exit the Portmore Empire and Adidjahiem Records, Empire leader and record company CEO Adidja "Vybz Kartel" Palmer issues the following statement:


The Portmore Empire invested a substantial amount of money in the career of singer Kim Hamilton--filming music videos, printing promotional posters and clocking several hours in the studio honing her talent. We're disappointed that she felt the need to issue a press release to the media announcing her departure from the record label, Adidjaheim Records, without first notifying the company. This is particularly disturbing given the fact that she is still under contract and the record company has fulfilled its end of the agreement.


Nevertheless, we understand and respect her decision to leave even if we don't agree. We are prepared to negotiate the terms of her contract, to grant her creative freedom, while minimizing the impact on the company, as is customary in matters of business.


The Portmore Empire will continue to support and seek out young artistes in Dancehall. We believe that Jamaica has a never-ending reservoir of talent and the Empire will continue to develop and market young acts.


-Adidja Palmer-


This latest statement comes on the heels of a week-long firestorm of controversy surrounding an alleged attack on Kym at the hands of four men she claims to be affiliated with the Portmore Empire. Early this week, Vybz Kartel released a statement condemning the alleged attack on the 17-year old singer.

By Rootzgirl


Boy, I havd to big up a story I read in yesterday’s Chat! What struck me about it, is the fact that this policeman actually arrested his own mother! Some of the comments I’ve been hearing re the story is that the cop is cold to arrest her as she is his mother. They are saying he should warn her and give her a chance. But me, I say she should never have placed him in that position where he had to choose. He is sworn to do his job and if it means arresting his own mother or father, then that’s what he has to do. Now let me share a part of the story with you.


A policeman arrested his 40 year-old mother and took her to the police station and handed her over to investigators after she eluded them for four days following after she had stolen $52,000 from a betting shop in Bog Walk, St Catherine where she worked as a cashier and operator of the Supreme Venture's machine.


His mother was subsequently charged with larceny as a servant.
She pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared in the Spanish Town criminal court on Tuesday and was convicted by St Catherine resident magistrate Simone Maddix, who adjourned the matter to March, 23, when she will be sentenced.


The policeman's mother who was shrouded in a cloak of penitence in court, repaid $42,000 of the stolen money in court and the judge ordered her to bring the balance on her next court appearance.


What do you all think. Me, I say she should not have embarrassed her son like that.

Bwoy one a wi friend whey guh UWI meck wi know sey a big tings gwaan up deh di odda day. A cabinet minister grandson and him girlfriend put down a big fight inna di car park and nex' ting yuh know big rumour start fly sey a one kidnapping attempt. Everybody get bomby and some run from the facility forcing a lockdown, while security a run harum scarum. Bwoy it did dread cause fresh inna dem mind is the kidnapping attempt pon Dr Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart and how dem teck him and leave him in an open lot a August Town.

Dancehall DJ Munga Honorebel will return to court on March 22 to face charges of possession of ganja and possession of an offensive weapon.


Munga was arrested and charged in November last year following an incident with the police in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew.


It was reported that the artiste, who was riding a motorcycle at the time was stopped by the police but refused to coorporate and uttered an indecent language.


Munga was searched and an offensive weapon and small amount of ganja was reportedly taken from him.


The police also reported that the motorcycle was unlicensed and uninsured.


As a result the entertainer was arrested and charged for possession of offensive weapon, possession of ganja and using indecent language.
He was also charged for riding an unlicensed motorcycle, operating an uninsured motorcycle and riding without a helmet, which was for mentioned in the Traffic Court.

Jamaican musician -- and son of reggae legend Bob Marley -- Stephen Marley has won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for his acoustic version of the album 'Mind Control.' This original 'Mind Control' also won the same award back in 2008.


In taking the Grammy Stephen edged out Buju Banton with Rasta Got Soul, Gregory Isaacs Brand New Me, his brother Julian Marley with Awake and Sean Paul’s Imperial Blaze .


Yardflex takes the opportunity to congratulate Stephen.

Dancehall artiste Sizzla Kalonji whose real name is Miguel Collins, has bene released form jail.


Sizzla was taken into custody for questioning in relation to an alleged shooting incident in August Town, St. Andrew.


His manager, Phillip Burrell said that the artiste had not been charged.


Reports are that Sizzla was picked up on Wednesday night by the August Town Police after they received reports that men were firing guns in the area.


A senior officer at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station told RJR News that the artiste's hands have been swabbed and samples sent to the government laboratory to determine whether he had fired a weapon.

It was more than an ordinary performance. Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds delivered a soul-stirring, goose-bump raising, concert style show that can easily rival any performance the singer has given around the world – and it was clear that the night belonged to him.


Sharply dressed in an all-black ensemble, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds indelibly wrote his name in the annals of the history of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival. Making his triumphant entrance on the epic stage to the chords This Is For The Cool, and the stage lighting bounced off his skin magnificently.


“Whoo!” he said, to excite the thousands gathered at The Greenfield Stadium in Trewalany, and in complete sync with his band, he shouted “Good evening Jamaica!” Then it was official, Babyface had arrived and was ready to rock the Festival and its patrons.


He beckoned to the ladies to scream, before performing Close My Eyes, which he dedicated to his now fawning female fans. Babyface’s vocal chords are still in shape and well tunes, and he used every bit of his musical mastery to woo the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival for almost two hours, with a full set of the extensive repertoire of music the artiste has developed over the years, including a guitar showdown with his band’s lead guitarist.


Every now and then, the smooth-skinned and agile Babyface threw in a bit of comedy and his on-stage antics bolstered the crowd to show him even more love and the crowd seemed to have reached its capacity for screaming. That soon proved to be only temporary, as Mr Edmonds decided to go through a medley of songs he wrote and produced for other artistes including Day and Night, Every Step I Take, I Wanna Rock With You Baby, Can We Talk For A Minute, My My My, Mama, and To The End Of The Road – to which he added a spontaneous jump into the crowd. His set also included a tear-jerking tribute to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, with Gone Too Soon.


While Babyface’s performance was hands down the performance of the night, stagemate and UK-based singer Joss Stone also proved to be more than worth watching. Walking out by asking “are you ready to sing with me now”, the songbird jumped into the crowd who were lukewarm to the petite bombshell. The crowd now fully excited and engaged, Stone made her way back to the stage where her band struck the right note as she posed another question to the Festival’s patrons. This time, it was “are you digging on me?” The answer was simple and loud: “yes”, followed by emphatic exclamations from the multitudes ready to see her perform.


She breezed through her fast-building catalogue of music, and like most international acts do when the touch Jamaican stages, Stone sang the King of Reggae’s I Wanna Love You, and made the Marley melody all her own. Her performance reached a crescendo when she brought saxophonist to front of stage, and transformed the space into an onstage jazz café, and patrons didn’t mind in the least.


Local acts also rocked the stage well, including Romain Virgo and Cherine Anderson. The two, who performed early in the night, had persons rocking and rolling to their sweet songs and infectious music. So much so, that the two acts stayed locked in media interviews until wee hours of Friday morning, talking to persons who not only saw their stint on-stage, but heard raving and glowing comments about it.


Also of note were the Festival’s closing act, The Whispers. They go the beat going even as drizzles of rain damped the musically satisfied patrons, and when the energy-laced beat of When The Beat Goes On began to make familiar with jazzmaniacs, not even the showers could stop the dancing. Their mellow-mood set ended with patrons reaching a musical high that will not soon be forgotten.


The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival will continue today, Friday January 29 with Erykah Badu, Billy Ocean, Machel Montano HD, Robin Banks, Deborah Cox, Tamia, and Kelly Price. The latter three will be performing as The Queens Project. Friday night, nicknamed ‘Friday on Fire’ is sure to go down in history as one of the best ever concert nights of the Festival.

Following his impressive Rebel Salute performance Iley Dread flew back to the States where he again stamped his class at a top reggae event in North Carolina. Come Thursday he will again be making the trek to Jamaica where he is expected to be gracing the Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards stage in the Pegasus Gardens in Kingston.


There he will be treating Reggae music lovers with tracks from his latest album Unleashed driven by the lead single from it Are You Sure.


“I support Richie B’s vision. A lot of artistes out there are doing works and some are not recognized for it. The EME’s is all about acknowledging something good in the industry. I am particularly looking forward to making that connection with so many industry players in the house,” Iley stated.


Following his stint here in Jamaica, Iley will be heading back to the States where he has a Valentine’s show in Miami.


In between promoting his album the singer is now gearing up to shoot a music video for another single off his Unleashed album.

Popular dancehall artiste Miguel Collins popularly known as "Sizzla Kalonji" remains in police custody on Thursday.


He was picked up on Wednesday night by the August Town Police after they received reports that men were firing guns in the August Town area.


A senior officer at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station told RJR News that the artiste's hands have been swabbed and samples sent to the government laboratory to determine whether he had fired a weapon.


The senior cop declined to give any more details

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh has wished a speedy recovery for former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Chairman of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation, Professor Rex Nettleford who fell ill this morning (Thursday) in Washington.


Professor Nettleford was rushed to a hospital and placed in intensive care. Jamaica's Ambassador to the US, HE Anthony Johnson paid him a brief visit while Minister Baugh spoke with a member of the medical team assigned to him.


Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. the Hon. Ronald Robinson who chairs the Special Committee of Parliament on Diaspora Affairs, informed the Committee's sitting at Gordon House this morning (Thursday) of Professor Nettleford's illness.


In wishing him a speedy recovery, Dr. Baugh said Professor Nettleford will be foremost in our prayers at this time.

Yardflex has it on good grounds that Reneto Adams fans might just be seeing him in action once again on the frontline. According to our sources he is being considered for a top post in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. From what we understand he could be receive the post of a special deputy commission with the responsibility of crime under his belt.


Well we hear he has been in talks with the top personnel and all we can say is – it’s about time!

By Rootzgirl


Honestly I could hardly stop myself from flinching when I read the story in the Star about the 11-month old baby who fell into a pot of soup.


Apparently her mom had to go to shop and left the baby in care of her 8-year-old sibling who took the pot of soup off the stove and placed it on the ground.


She wasn’t monitoring the baby properly and she fell into the soup.


Now , we can’t get upset at the little girl cause it’s not her job to be monitoring a child, considering she is a child herself.


Check out the case below:


A St Catherine mother is now facing a possible jail sentence after her 11-month-old baby fell into a pot of hot soup.


The woman, who pleaded guilty to negligence in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court last week, will know her fate on March 22, when she returns for sentencing.


Allegations outlined in court are that in early January, the woman went on an errand and left an eight-year-old and a two-year-old to supervise the infant.


During her absence, the eight-year-old child is said to have removed a pot of soup from the stove and placed it on the floor.


The baby is reported to have fallen into the pot of soup and suffered burns to his hands, head and back. She was hospitalised after the incident.


Following an investigation by the Riversdale police, the mother was taken into custody and charged.


When she appeared before Resident Magistrate Simone Maddix last week, she was not represented by a lawyer.


The court has placed the other two children in the care of their grandmother.

We really don’t like what’s going on. We think that the government should listen to the Pilot Association’s plea and sell the national airline to them. It’s utter nonsense to think that they would be a burden on the country’s resources once again.


Once the sale is final there is no way the government can be help responsible for its upkeep. As a matter of national pride we should at least try to have one asset that bears the country’s name.


We have been selling off everything from left and right now we can’t say we own anything in our own country.


All respect to Trinidad, but they own more of the country’s assets than we do, selling them Air Jamaica will now be the last straw in the coffin.


The government should at least take an objective look at the pilot’s proposal and allow them the chance to bring in their investors. That way we can all fly with pride.


Speaking for ourselves we have never flown anything else but Air Jamaica, so now what will happen to the loyal Air J flyers?


It’s time the government start listening to its real assets – its people.

TAMPA, Florida (AP) — The attorney for Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton says the government entrapped his client in a drug deal.


In court documents filed Tuesday, David Markus says the government used a paid informant to convince his client to buy cocaine, the St. Petersburg Times reports. The defense is pushing to have the informant’s identity revealed.


To prove entrapment, Markus will have to show that Banton was not predisposed to engage in criminal behavior and that the government induced him.


Banton was arrested at his home Dec. 10. The 36-year-old, born Mark Myrie, pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in Tampa federal court. He’s being held without bail at Pinellas County Jail.


Banton’s trial is to begin in March. His latest album, “Rasta Got Soul,” has been nominated for a Grammy.

On Sunday, January 31 beginning at 12:00 noon and ending on Monday, February 1 at 2:00 AM, friends, fans and colleagues of the late great reggae superstar, Dennis Brown will gather on Orange Street between Charles and North Streets to have a festive time in celebrating the 53rd anniversary of Dennis’s birth.


Dennis was born on February 1, 1957 and is a product of downtown Kingston, living for many years at 135 Orange Street, commonly called Big Yard.


The festivity will take the form of a street fair, with vendors from the neighbourhood selling art, craft and food items. Music will be provided by the legendary Soultone sound system with selector Witty Henry, and guest selectors Roy Black, Bunny Goodison, Michael Barnett, Jimmy “Solo” Howard, and invited special guest selector Mayor Desmond McKenzie, who is reputed to have the most extensive collection of Dennis Brown records.


Live performances are expected from Ken Boothe, Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, George Nooks, Freddy McGregor and many others, with mc Tommy Cowan and backing band Lloyd Parkes and We the People. At midnight there will be a cake cutting ceremony with tributes paid to the Crown Prince’s musical contribution to the strength of Jamaican music. Invited guest speakers are the Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, and Mayor McKenzie. Also paying tributes are Junior Lincoln, chairman of the Dennis Brown Trust, Trevor “Leggo” Douglas of Leggo Recording Studio and a close friend of Dennis Brown, representing the music industry, and Julian “Jingles” Reynolds chairman of Sounds & Pressure.


The event will serve to kick-off Reggae Month, and is organised by the Dennis Brown Trust, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA), and Sounds & Pressure, an organisation committed to the restoration of downtown Kingston as a vibrant cultural centre, and in particular Orange Street also known as Beat Street, the music Mecca of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

Telecoms giant, Digicel, has sponsored a recording with diamond-selling artiste, Shaggy and a diverse Caribbean cast to raise money for earthquake survivors in Haiti.


The song is called Rise Again and was written by the Jamaican reggae rapper. It features fellow Jamaican reggae star Sean Paul, Haitian musician Belo and soca singers Alison Hinds of Barbados and Destra Garcia from Trinidad and Tobago.


Shaggy said Tuesday the song lets Haitians know that “we are here for them.”


It is part of a relief fund established by mobile phone company Digicel.


The 7.0-magnitude quake on January 12 killed an estimated 200,000 people in Haiti.


Shaggy recently hosted his second annual charity show in Kingston to raise funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.


A gala event, ticket prices ranged from $30,000.00 to $5,000.00 and the venue was sold out.

Ghetto Youth’s International, organisers of the annual Bob Marley concert Smile Jamaica, have announced that the 2010 staging of the celebration of the King of Reggae’s birth would have to be called off, due to numerous circumstances.


Smile Jamaica spokesperson Norman Bryan, said yesterday that while the organisation was looking forward to staging the concert after “there are some extenuating circumstances that just cannot be ignored, and there’s no way we could proceed with the concert bearing them in mind.”


He added that the Marley family will still be celebrating Bob’s birthday and honouring his legacy in private.


Bryan also said that the Ghetto Youth’s International would be redoubling its efforts to make a 2011 staging possible.


“Ghetto Youths International will continue spreading the message of the Hon Robert Nesta Marley, and we will be definitely putting our heads together to make 2011 the year Smile Jamaica returns from its hiatus.”


Smile Jamaica saw its historic birth in December of 1976, when it was held at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. The event took place a mere two days after gunmen almost ended Bob Marley’s life, and he was recuperating in the Blue Mountains. It was there that Marley magic reigned supreme yet again, as an injured Bob agreed to perform one song for the 80,000-strong throng of patrons. That one song turned into a magical 90 minute performance with Marley and the Wailers.

Word on the street, which is supported by video footage taken by a cell phone, is that the teenager in the controversial Gaza clan was disciplined with a Gaza beating ordered by leader Vybz Kartel and carried out by his minions who surround him.


This alleged hit took place on Friday at the studio, even as Kartel locked himself in a room to shut out the cries from Gaza Kim and her brother as the Gaza thugs rained blows all over their bodies.


Vybz Kartel, who has a fanatical following, formed a group of four girls, called the Gaza Princesses, who have sworn their total allegiance to the man they refer to lovingly as “Mi boss.” With Lisa Hype’s kick from the group, there remains three princesses --- Gaza Kim, Gaza Indu and Sheba – all of whom are driven by fear and respect for Kartel.


Reports are that Gaza Kim and the entire Portmore Empire crew, which is controlled by Kartel, were summoned to the Kirk Avenue, Havendale studio on Friday, at which time the severe punishment was meted out to Kim. The case was tried in Kartel’s kangaroo court and Kim was allegedly found guilty of being in the company of men who were discussing her boss in an unfavourable. For this action, she was kicked and boxed repeatedly by the men who have been described as “Kartel’s lapdogs who trip over themselves to carry out his every wish.”


All this is captured on the video. When Kim’s brother, who also acts as her guard tried to help, the thugs turned on him and also thrashed him soundly. Neither Gaza Kim nor her brother have since turned up to the Kirk Avenue studio.


Statement from Gaza Kim


“I will like to make it known that I've heard rumours about an incident that occurred over the weekend. I Kim Hamilton aka Gaza Kim will like to make it publicly known that I was indeed assaulted over the weekend. I've visited the doctor but I'm still tramatised but recuperating through my ordeal.


“I've taken the necessary actions to correct the wrong that was done against me and legal advise is been sought.I ask my fans, family and friends to not only sympathise but empathise with me in my time of need.Future comments will be made through my publicist and legal team.”

In response to allegations that Kim Hamilton, popularly known as Adidjahiem Records/Portmore Empire siren Gaza Kim, was physically assaulted over the weekend, Adidjahiem Records CEO Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer issues the following statement:


I, Adidja Palmer, condemn this alleged attack on Gaza Kim. And if these allegations are true, I urge her to contact the relevant authorities if she has not yet done so,to deal the matter swiftly .


I do not condone violence, especially any attacks against females and children. Gaza Kim is a very young and very talented singer who I hope will reach far in her musical endeavors whether or not she is a part of the Portmore Empire.


My deepest sentiments go out to her.


--Adidja Palmer--


Few details about the alleged assault have been released at this time, and the extent of her injuries are unknown. In a statement released earlier today, Gaza Kim confirmed that she was physically assaulted, and that she was recuperating from her injuries. She also stated that she is seeking legal advice.

Written by furtune News Jan 23, 2010


Rotimi Etumudon-Martins, a.k.a Alariwo of Africa, has made his mark on the Nigerian music scene. He tells CHUX OHAI why he is coming back to music after a long break.


You have been away from the music scene for a long time. What have you been doing?


I have been busy. I‘ve been busy in the studio working on my new project. I am almost done; the title of the album is ‘Back on Track‘. It is a 16-track album. When the time comes, people will understand why I have been away.


You recorded your first music album in 1998. Why has it taken so long to come back to the scene?


I released my second album titled ‘Boju Boju‘ in 2002 and since 2002, I have not another album. Now I am releasing my third album in 2010, eight years after, the noisemaker is back. I wanted to take my time and I have been busy all the while. I have been anchoring events as an MC and I am into event packaging. I run a music studio of my own and I am equally a broadcaster. I have been making noise here and there and positively too. Music is my calling and I felt I should take my time as the industry has become more competitive. I love competition and the competition is getting annoying, hence I have to do it right.


What do you mean by the competition getting annoying?


It is getting annoying in the sense that it is getting more interesting. Some people are playing trash, but they are selling. I think these days it is about singing nonsense to make money. That is not the kind of music I want to do, I am too mature for that. I would say with confidence and without apology that I am a veteran in this industry, in my own little way. I have to take my time to come up with something very creative and that is exactly what I am doing.


If some of your colleagues, I suppose younger colleagues, have been singing trash and smiling to the banks, don‘t you think you should toe the same line?


I am a godfather in the industry. I don‘t need to sing trash because people are singing trash and smiling to the banks. And I can tell you that 85 percent of them are doing well, it is only 15 percent that are singing trash. Most of them however are very creative and making sense with their music. I don‘t have to imitate them. When I released ‘Yawa go gaz‘, most of them were either in primary school or secondary school. I wanted to take my time; I didn‘t want to rush anything. When the time is right people will decide, I am a matured artist so I have to play mature music.


Since the Nigerian audience now appreciate trash, what do you think has happened to the psyche of the average Nigerian music lover?


Nigerians are mature music fans; we have the eccentric, classy and timid. It actually depends on the kind of music you make. You can make songs for different kinds of people. So my kind of music is a crossover. It appeals to the timid, primitive, childish, matured, elderly and classy audiences. It cuts across every class, the one you appreciate you listen to. I am a teacher when I sing my songs. I talk about the injustice in society. That is exactly what I am doing. I am not going to change it. There are some party tracks however for dance lovers, but I will not change my overall style. It is different from the others.


When you say your kind of music is crossover, what exactly do you mean?


Crossover is the fusion of different brands of music, with a little emphasis on African traditional rhythm. In my album I have Fuji, Afro Beat, highlife and other different kinds of music, as long as it is soothing to the soul. My friend Sunny Nneji said let‘s play music and let people appreciate it. When I first met Biodun Kupoluyi, he asked what I meant by crossing over. Was I crossing over to the wrong direction in music? I told him I was crossing over to make reasonable music and right now people are beginning to appreciate it. Apart from that, I act in the movies, anchor and do a bit of stand-up comedy. I am the cross over king. I didn‘t give myself the title. It was given to me 11 years ago and I have been doing it perfectly well.


Who gave you the title?


During an event I attended at the University of Lagos, the MC didn‘t show up and I was around as a guest artiste. I had to anchor the event. Two reggae and one high life artistes were invited. They couldn‘t make it. I did virtually everything and the award was given to me three weeks later as a cross over King for being able to handle different roles perfectly.


What year was this?


This was in 1996.


Before 1996, what were you doing?


I was a broadcaster, I was with Eko 89.75fm. I hung around them for a while until I was encouraged to learn broadcasting by Lekan Ogunbanwo. Tokunbo Ojekunle trained me in radio broadcasting; he is now with TV Continental and Radio Continental. While that was going on, I started a programme at the FRCN training school and have a diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. I am not really a graduate but I am educated in my own little way.


There was a very strong element of Afrobeat in ‘Yawa go gaz‘.


‘Yawa go gaz‘ was afro-beat. I was just mimicking Fela then. My producer Nelson Brown made a beat and said that I should listen to it. Immediately I heard the beat, I was flowing with lyrics. That was how ‘Yawa go gaz‘ came up.


If Yawa go gas was afro beat, then you didn‘t have a crossover.


Yawa go gas was the only afrobeat song in the album. There were 3 reggae tracks on the album, 3 high life tracks and one gospel track. It is a still a crossover.


What was it like growing up?


Growing up was interesting and inspiring. My dad is a strict disciplinarian. I was born 41 years ago in Fadeyi. My dad was a perfectionist; he wanted everything to be done properly. If you didn‘t get things done right, you were in trouble. He gave us the best education possible. I attended the same school with Sunday Oliseh and Eucharia Anunobi. Sunday was a goal keeper back then, not a footballer, and Eucharia had always had a flair for acting. We all grew up together in Ojota. I have always loved singing from birth. It was only my mum that encouraged me. My dad felt I should get the basics academically and I got the little I could before I quit for music. My mum gave me her blessing. She called me recently to say that my middle name had been changed. I am now Rotimi Chukwugoziem Martins, it is now my time to reap. Whatever my mum tells me is what I listen to.


You mean your dad never encouraged your music career?


No he didn‘t. But he indirectly introduced music to me. When he wakes in the morning, he would play Jim Reeves, Don Williams and some other African artistes like Osadebey. He didn‘t know he was inspiring me. Now he is so proud of me and I give God the glory. The only thing is one needs support from people from one‘s immediate vicinity. When you don‘t get that support, then you need to move further to another angle to seek assistance.


I have noticed that your younger brothers have also caught the bug. Is it that music runs in the family?


Yes and No. Yes, in the sense, that our father infused music in us. No, in the sense that they felt they could do music and when they experimented it was a big success for them. If you are not talented don‘t do music. For now, they are on a break. They want to study the industry and do the right thing. They are both coming back, they are called two one and am already working on their album right now with my producer. That is exactly what we are doing. I asked them to give me time to finish their album so I could concentrate on theirs and I am almost done with mine.


For a while, ‘Yawa go gaz‘ was the rave of the dance floors. Did you make money from the album?


I only made a name and not money. Till today, and by God‘s grace, it is still a national anthem. I was at a place with my manager and the DJ asked for the CD. I didn‘t have it on me then. When I brought it and played it, everybody stood up. In an interview with Kenny and D1, they asked for the CD too. I have given it to them. They even asked for the remix. It is a classic. The problem now that is Don Jazzy had asked to do the remix and I am still waiting on him. He heard the album when he was back in UK then.


Although you call your kind of music Crossover, your style and carriage suggests that you might be quite passionate about Afrobeat music.


If you listen to lyric of ‘Yawa go gaz‘ carefully, you will notice that I said, ‘We don come again; Afrobeat family and the original noise maker‘. I didn‘t say ‘All the Afrobeat musicians‘. Femi Kuti is playing Afrobeat and Lagbaja is playing Afrobeat. Lagbaja is even playing higher life music. Now between 80 percent and 90 percent of the present-day Nigerian music artistes are playing Afrobeat, but they don‘t want to admit it. I am defining the kind of music that I am playing. So I will tell you that I‘m playing what I call crossover music. Fela is the tree and we are the branches. I am using the present tense for Fela because his music still lives in our hearts and our souls. If he is the tree and we are the branches, it means that we can never do it the way he did. Even his own sons cannot do it better than he did.


But most of the new generation music artistes claim that they are playing hip hop. How do we tell the difference?


It is simple. They call it Afro hip hop. Now what is the ‘Afro‘ there all about? It is either it is African or it is Nigerian in content. The Nigerian character of the kind of music that they play is a fusion of highlife, juju, or some other local idiom. But they know that they are playing Afrobeat.


How would you describe the kind of music that is in vogue now?


The kind of music that rules now is dancehall, which consists of a fusion of Afrobeat and highlife. But they are serving it in bits. It is like they are offering music lovers the opportunity to cut one slice each from a giant loaf of bread and to decide if they want to eat the bread with butter or with stew. Like I said, they are honest about what they are doing. They are being mischievous and selfish. They are using a dancehall beat and singing in Pidgin English. What do you call that? Of course, it is dancehall music. I guess they are doing this because they want to penetrate the night clubs and make people dance.


So much time has passed between 1998 and 2010. Now how would you describe the changes that have occurred on the Nigerian music scene?


We are the change. We started the revolution. We struggled for the change to take place. For exampple, I am the first person in Nigeria to play Afrobeat with a touch of hip hop. Till this day, people tell me that they like ‘Yawa go gaz‘ because it was hip hop-oriented Afrobeat music. Back then, we set a standard and the people appreciated it. Right now, younger artistes are coming and they are experimenting on what people like me have created. Before now, our own experimentation was based on what the likes of Fela, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and others created. So music is about experiments and sharing of ideas. Also before now, nobody appreciated Yoruba music until 9ice came from nowhere and started singing hip hop with a traditional African beat and people started listening and buying his music. They call him the Kongo aso exponent, but I call him Mr. Proverbs. Could you believe that he won the MOBO awards with songs rendered in an African language? That is an innovation, I tell you. So you see that music has to evolve. Without change, noting works in this world.


A few years ago, you vied for the position of chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Performing Musicians‘ Association of Nigeria and failed. What happened?


It was obvious that some people didn‘t want good people to handle the affairs of Lagos PMAN. The political theatre is filled with miscreants and criminals and politics is not meant for good people who have something good to offer the society. In the case of Lagos PMAN, I told them what I planned to do if I became the chairman. But Charly Boy collected money form somebody and made him the chairman of the chapter. The man is late now. His name was Disu. Before then I had worked very hard to make sure that Charly oy was elected national presdent of PMAN. If it were possible to evaluate my contribution, I would say that I contributed about 65 percent to his success. I know what myself and several other people did to put him at the helm of the affairs of the association. But because he felt I was a radical like him and he knew I was intelleigent enough to spot wrong-doing on his part and to tell him to his face that it was wrong, he moved against me. He did that to Bolaji Rosiji and Tee Mac. At the end of the day they clashed with him and they left. We battled Charly Boy to ensure that Dele Abiodun emerged president of PMAN. I don‘t like to talk about PMAN because it is not moving forward. It needs young and vibrant crusaders like me to move forward. But since most of the mebers do not want that, Charly Boy has been able to play a few pranks and after siphoning all the money belonging to PMAN, he has moved from Lagos to Abuja. He has been trying to make a name for himself, but a thief will always remain a thief. He knows that I will say it to his face anytime. I am waiting for the day he will sue me in court. If he does, a lot of people will stand by me. But he knows he cannot do that. Everbody knows that exploied PMAN to his selfish advantage.


How come you did not speak out against Charly Boy‘s excesses when he was in charge?


That is a very good question. You want to speak out when the person that you want to talk to hardly gives you a chance to confront him and anytime you want to see him, his aides tell you he is not available and gives excuses. Then what do you do? If only Charly Boy will agree to sit down for a few minutes and let me ask him a few questions. But he cannot do that. We know he is a criminal and he siphoned monies belonging to PMAN. Also we know that he went to Alaba International Market once and set fire to fake CDs and collected a lot of money from the traders. There was a time he almost ganged up with a bunch of idiots and they tried to beat up one Alaba big boy because he requested money from him and tha latter refused. I was the person that saved the boy. The boy is still alive.


Now that Alariwo of Africa is back on the music scene, what should your fans expect from you?


They should expect positive results. I am back on track and for good. I am a winner and my best is yet to come.

This morning Gary Coleman finds himself caught up in the Utah criminal justice system, but details are kind of sketchy.


Police confirmed the actor, 41, was arrested in Santaquin, Utah on Sunday on a warrant for failing to appear in court.


However, police told the AP that they didn’t have details on the warrant or know if Coleman was still being held. More information would be released later in today.


The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County Jail records show Coleman was arrested after police received reports of a disturbance at his Santaquin home.


Coleman was also busted in Utah in 2008 after a man claimed Coleman tried to run over him in a parking lot when he tried to take a picture with the child star. The case was reportedly been settled out of court.

Rapper Apache, an original member of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, has died, according to Web site AllHipHop.com.


A cause of death has yet to be announced, but the Web site UnKut.com is reporting that Apache was living with a bruised heart and on permanent disability when he died.


Best known for his 1992 single “Gangsta B**ch,” which reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, Apache, born Anthony Teaks, worked with a number of his Flavor Unit cohorts, as well as Fat Joe and A Tribe Called Quest.


The Newark, New Jersey native followed his 1992 album with 1993’s “Apache Ain’t Sh*t.”


DJ Kid Capri said of Apache’s death via Twitter: “That’s my g, r.i.p in peace big homie, you will be missed, shout out to his family naughty by nature, I just did a show with them, god bless.”

Dubbed the bad gyal of the dancehall Ce’Cile has made an impact on the scene since she demanded attention with her fist big hit Changes. She started as she meant to go on – creating her own rules and dejaying on whatever topic she chooses. Whether it’s to generate debate as with her controversial Do It To Me Baby or she can get all lovey dovey check out her song I’m Waiting to see what we mean. This female artiste has effectively shown that she is quite versatile when it comes to holding her own on or off the stage.


Yardflex: Are you working on anything new now?
Ce’Cile: Currently working on a new album for the international side but asides from that I’m recording many singles for our base market.


Yardflex: What songs are "running the place" now for you?
Ce’Cile: "Anything" - Feminine Rhythm by Don Corleon, "Nah Stress over Man" - Street Bullies by Tony Kelly and Bigyard, "Mek Dem Know" - Big Yard, "Ansa" - Big Yard
"Let her Go"- Sankofa on the Ital Jockey Ridim and "Promise" on Ariff Cooper's Relationships Rhythm. Plus I have many more singles coming out look out for my song called "Home Tonight" on Don Corleon's New Feelings Rhythm.


Yardflex: Any upcoming shows?
Ce’Cile: Just came back from St Kitts, I go to Bahamas for Valentines, but I've purposely eased up off the traveling to get my recording back on and to show my face and sound back here in Jamaica, touring so much kinda takes you away, but I have to keep relevant so I'm concentrating on Jamaica and the releases right now before the touring season starts again, Because I am stil promoting my last album. I also have about four music videos to shoot.


What do you think of the current state of the music?
I think its very bad in some ways, but there are sparks of hope here n there, i can see the creativity coming back, some people are really doing garbage while some are doing great things, i like Stephen McGregor and Don Corleon, Big Yard as Usual, I love what Chino and Konshens are doing, TIFA and MAKEDA, i think Kartel and Mavado deserve to be on top cause they are working hard and both are being creative, I like WASP, I'm sure I'm forgetting some but the music is looking up.


Yardflex: If you could change anything in the music biz what would it be?
Ce’Cile: The business structure itself and there are no standards, like any one can produce an off key track and it gets played, I don't care how stupid or lacking in depth your lyrics is, if it’s on key and produced right there will be someone to like it, but I hate inferior production and mistakes in music.


Yardflex: What's your hope for 2010.
Ce’Cile: That we will have more dancehall artistes doing international stuff. That Ce'Cile can be the best Ce'Cile can be, and then get even better.


Yardflex: Tell us about the real Ce'Cile
Ce’Cile: I'm a workaholic, I'm very quiet, don't like to go out partying if I’m not making money, I read a lot, I watch News consistently, I play scrabble and Mario Go Kart, I go to the gym a lot, I love my fans, I have a mission and that’s to do music and make a lot of money, hopefully the latter part will come to fruition soon, lol, I enjoy life and try to enjoy my life without the public.


Yardflex: Are you planning on tying the knot anytime soon?
Ce’Cile: NO


Yardflex: What's your favourite meal
Ce’Cile: I love many things, fried breadfruit, ripe fried plantains, ackee and saltfish, rice n peas n chicken, yard country style lol.


Yardflex: Who do you admire in the biz (DJ/Singer)
Ce’Cile: Shabba, Super Cat.


Yardflex: What do your parents think about your choice of a career
Ce’Cile: They ok with it now.


Yardflex: Has it always been music for you?
Ce’Cile: Always.


Yardflex: If you could do it all over again, would you still choose music.
Ce’Cile: I think yes, and I would have done what I eventually did earlier.


Yardflex: What advice do you have to give those coming into the biz
Ce’Cile: Education counts, street smarts count, voice training and playing an instrument could add significantly to the appeal, image matters, being unique helps, being bilingual could be a plus as well.

Indie newcomer Capsicum Records, home of "roots on the
bottom, pop on the top" artists Mistreree, Sledge, Cuban
Cohiba, Mayyah Stuart, Burnie T, Sal Anthony and Natasha
Redding, will sponsor the 2010 Excellence in Music and
Entertainment (EME) Awards to be held Thursday night,
February 4, in the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston,
Jamaica.


Modeled after the famed annual Grammy Awards, with all the
pomp and pageantry characteristic of such a ceremony, and
now in its sixth year, the EME Awards are the brainchild of
renowned Hot 102-FM radio personality Richard "Richie B"
Burgess. They emerged out of a need for an authentic and
grass roots based recognition of achievement in Jamaican
music and entertainment.


Efforts are underway to make this year's event the best award
show ever staged on the shores of Jamaica. The overwhelming
support and popularity of the awards are why they were relocated
from the studios of Hot 102-FM to a venue that can accommodate
the large following the ceremonies have amassed over the years.
The EMEs have garnered the full backing of the CVM Group,
including CVM-TV, X-NEWS Newspaper as well as Hot 102-FM and many other local media entities, with coverage also provided by international media like BETJ, and an endorsement from the Jamaica Tourist Board


"We are so delighted to become a part of this," said Capsicum
CEO and A&R Director Roger Meltzer. "It has concerned me
for years that the winners of Grammy Awards in reggae and
dancehall music are never even televised accepting these coveted
awards. If we're lucky, there might be a 'crawl" at the bottom
of the screen announcing those winners. It's like achievements in
our genre aren't accepted as an authentic and legitimate music
worthy of recording industry recognition despite it's world-wide
following. People forget that Bob Marley’s songs are played all over
the world more frequenty than those of Elvis Presley’s”.


The Awards recognize achievements in approximately 30
categories including DJ of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of
the Year, Voclist of the Year, Producer of the year and Album
of the Year among others. Winners are determined based upon
performance in the Jamaica Music Countdown as compiled
weekly by Richie B from the island-wide contributions of sound
system selectors, night clubs, record shops and radio dj's,
as well as internet voting on the emeawards.com website.


This year, Role Model Awards will be presented to the Legendary Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan, while the Special International Friend or Reggae Awardeewill be India Arie, who will be honoured for her embrace of the reggae music genre.

Bwoy , after much guessing and spelling and digging up inna did bottom of the barrel, it look like Tifa good to go. The girl find a nice lickle song fi sing over and she do it bad like wow. Tifa girl, just gwaan do you ting because dem cyaan stop you this year. Nuff girl head a go hot up ova this one because everywhere we go we nuh stop hear it a play. A just one ting we a beg you: stay far from all the baby mada drama that a tek place inna did biz cause we know you don’t want certain gal fi a call up you name. And you know what we are talking about. Don’t mek we haffi spell it out.

Starting this and every Friday, Yardflex will be sharing a true confession story from one of our readers. You can share yours too by simply emailing yardflexinc@gmail.com


How I seduced my way out of trouble


I am not a bad person…at least I do not consider myself to be. But there are times in life when you just have to use whatever you have got as your assets and work your way out of an uncomfortable situation. I come from a good home, my parents are ardent Christians, and it for real they have really tried to instill some good values into me. But for some reason I have always liked the fast life and even while going to school when things were tough on my parents I found creative ways to get money without having to use my body.


I would know that a guy liked me and because I know I looked damned good, I would promise them the world and deliver nothing. Fools that they were, they always gave me whatever I needed.


After leaving high school, it was not so easy making my way to college. That’s why I found a sugar daddy who was contented to pay my way through and was satisfied with the rare occasions of me pleasuring him. I told him I had to concentrate on my studies, but I don’t have to tell you about those wild parties that throw at UWI and some of the things we students get up to. Yeah, we sure do get education, but there are lots of other out of classroom activities, I can’t even share in this confession. Anyway, it’s not about my stint at UWI, it’s about the trouble I got myself in and how I had to sleep my way out of it.


I eventually got me great job at a big company, nice pay and a lot of perks. Don’t ask me how I could have been so stupid to want more. But when the accountant pointed out a way I could make even more money, I allowed him to suck me into the scam he had to rip some money off the company. My main area was sales and all I had to do was make statements signifying we sold less that what was brought in…well I don’t want to go too much into how we tried to defraud the company, wouldn’t want to put any ideas in someone else’s head do we.


Suffice it to say we eventually got caught, but the heat was more on the accountant than myself. So my being the schemer that I was when they arrested me, I could not deal with my name being plastered over the media and the thought of my poor parents having to deal with the shame was enough to have me getting to my boss. I got a one on one with him and put down a royal crying session, begging him to have mercy as I didn’t think my parents could deal with it.


I started rubbing against him and when I felt his immediate hard on, I knew I was gaining grounds. He tried to move away but I started nibbling his ears and throat.


“Look here…” he never got to finish what he was saying as I started deep kissing him. Right there in his office, I went took off his clothes went down on him and gave him sex of his life. What he didn’t know was that I was taping the whole thing on my cell. He was so into what I was doing to him that he didn’t have a clue.


After I was through, he gave me a smug smile and said, “thanks for the sex, but I am still going to make you pay for trying to rip us off. Come here with your foxy self, thinking you can turn things around with your body…it was fun, but…you’re not that good sweetheart.”


I laughed and walked out the office, while the police carted me away, I emailed me a clip from the video and told him that would be reaching the web and I would be telling others we were partners in crime if he didn’t get me off. Considering he had a lot to lose if his wife found out, I was sure I would not be sleeping in jail.


I was right, he came all flustered and apologetic, saying they discovered I was a victim also in the scam and just like that I walked out and never looked back. They fired me of course but that I could live with as long as I had my freedom and he would be keeping his mouth shut about my role…who cares.


Yeah, sometimes a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do…don’t judge me too harshly

Bajan award-winning singer, Rihanna, is lending her voice to help the people of Haiti by trying her hand at a Bob Marley classic.


The singer this week used her performance on The Oprah Winfrey Show to perform Bob Marley`s `Redemption Song,` in order to raise money for Haiti that was struck by an earthquake on Tuesday, January 12, and again on Wednesday, Jan. 20th.


`This song for me, growing up, anytime there was a difficult situation, I always listened to this song because it was so liberating. Even now I listen to it when my back is up against the wall. I feel like the people of Haiti need to hear something inspiring,` Rihanna told Winfrey.


Source: Carib World News

Dancer Mystic Davis is taking her career to another level with the formation of her dance company Optimystic.


The dancer told Yardflex that observing the scene there is not real training outlet for bright upcoming dancers. According to her apart from Dance Xpressions dancers have very little options to perfect their craft.


That’s what her company is all about. As she says “It’s a dance/choreography company and the focus will be on young talents as well as working along with choreographers, directors and artistes,” the talented dancer pointed out.


Mystic shared with Yardflex that the formation of her company will in no wise affect her dedication to her dancing – in fact it can only enhance it. She says that when she is not in the streets dancing then she can be found at home always practicing ensuring that her moves stays fresh and creative.


The dancer’s dedication has been rewarding as last December she was awarded Stone Love Dancer of the Year and it is left to be seen how she will score in the Youth View Awards for which she has another nomination.

Lisa Hyper is pleased with the demand for her latest mixtape, 'Lisa Hyper: Go Hard or Go Home' which has hit the Corporate Area with gale force this week.


Reports are that her street team has distributed over 1000 CDs to a variety of selectors, mix tape artistes, taxi and bus drivers, and other entertainment insiders over the past three days.


"We haffi print up some more this week because the stock is running out fast," emcee Nuffy, who is Lisa Hyper's road manager, said.


The mixtape includes humourous little skits such as Nuffy interviewing men on the street asking them their opinions of Lisa Hype and even one skit which plays like a stirring endorsement from a young child, saying 'ah Lisa Hype mi say'.


The mixtape includes popular songs such as Trust, Prayer, I Did It So What, Bawl fi Bun the chart-burner Bills featuring Gaza Kim, and diss songs such as Barba Foot Chair, Death Sentence and the unapologetic demolishing of Spice called The Truth. There's even a freestyle Gaza track included, a naughty untitled 'girls song' featuring Jahvinci, Blak Ryno, Lisa and Vybz Kartel which was voiced for Stephen over 12 months ago.


"People love it, dem respond it, the first 1000 gone already, mi surprised," an elated Lisa Hype said. "Right now, my street team ah burn up some new ones fi distribute inna HWT and Portmore."


Lisa Hyper is confirmed to perform at The Settlement at the Linkz Entertainment Centre in Yallahs, St. Thomas, and at Shebada's Birthday Party I and II on February 14 and 16th, and Follow Di Arrow on February 27th at James Bond Beach, St. Mary.

It’s been almost five years since Noddy Virtue captured the imagination of an entire country during his brilliant run in the Digicel Rising Stars competition.


He has matured as a performer, won awards, scored number one hits and even grown his ‘covenant’. Yes, the Bed of Roses singer now sports long Rastafarian locks as part of a revamped new image.


“The girls love the locks, dem love the new image, things have really come together, promoters are calling for shows overseas, producers want me on their tracks. It’s great,” he said.


Now, Noddy has delivered yet another hit song, Mistaken Identity that is catching fire in the dancehalls this year.


“It’s really about a man being in a serious relationship with a girl and he is about to commit to her, because she looks like she could be Mrs. Right, and he’s been searching for her all his life and he is now asking himself, is she the one? Is she the right woman for him? And the song is hoping that this is not a case of mistaken identity with a woman pretending to be Mrs. Right, the one true love of his life,” Noddy explained.


The Moses Production single has been getting excellent rotation on IRIE, HITZ 92, and Bes FM.


Known for his rich, throaty and clear sound, Noddy Virtue’s stature as a singer has only grown over the past few years. His debut album, Just Believe, is a critical darling among music writers.


“The album was really a labour of love , and the disc jockeys have been very supportive of it. The songs have turned up on a number of charts, and it continues to sell overseas,” he said.


The album, Just Believe is distributed all over the world through VP Records.


Songs such as Lost That Loving Feel ing hit #5 on Linkage Radio and was simultaneously #1 on the South Florida and New York charts. The critically acclaimed cover song, Bed of Roses is now at #18 on the South Florida reggae charts, while Song to Me spent nine weeks at #1 on the New Style Radio charts, hit #1 on the RJR Radio charts and peaked at #2 on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts. Love Jah also hit #1 on Internet reggae charts in Italy and Japan.


Last year, Noddy Virtue won an EME award for Best Collaboration award for Bed of Roses featuring Jodiann Pantry. He’s nominated again this year for Lost That Loving Feeling.


He performed at the Pepsi Rebel Salute over the weekend, and wowed a huge audience at a Marcia Griffiths-produced concert in the US during November last year that showed that Noddy Virtue is one of the most energetic and charismatic singers in reggae music in the 21st century.


“I just love to perform, whether it is a small intimate audience of 200, or a huge crowd of thousands, Noddy Virtue always gives 100 per cent. I love to sing,” he said.


Virtue has also forged a relationship with Desi Jones and the Skool band, which has been backing the singer over the last few months.


“We have great chemistry, this band and me, and we’re looking to do a tour to support the album later this year,” Noddy said.

Garfield Phillips aka Zebra will be spending his time behind bars until March 27 when his case will again be called up. The DJ is charged for the rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter.


He is alleged to have sexually molested the juvenile on two occasions at his home in Bog Walk in April last year. The court was told by the police that the girl made a report to her mother who is Zebra’s common-law wife, but she didn’t do anything about it.


Other members of her family felt that the mother did not address the matter with the seriousness it deserved and took it upon themselves to make a report to the police.


According to reports the DJ got word that the matter was in the hands of the police and he fled the area and sought refuge in Westmoreland.


With his being on the police wanted list Zebra was held and captured in that parish and handed over to the Bog Walk Police who slapped him with the charge.

The two men convicted for the kidnapping and murder of Manchester businessman Richard Lyn and his wife Julia have been sentenced to death.


Lennox Swaby and Calvin Powell were sentenced to hang Wednesday during a hearing of the Home Circuit Court.


Government prosecutors had sought the death penalty, which was strongly opposed by the defence.


But in her summary, presiding judge, Mrs. Justice Marva McIntosh said the men had shown no remorse for their actions and were beyond reform.


Prosecutors had argued that there is serious concern about the rise in kidnappings and murders in Jamaica and the two were prime candidates for the death penalty.


Mr. Lyn, a well known figure in the Manchester business community and his wife were kidnapped from their home on December 9, 2006.


After killing the Lyns, the men contacted their family members demanding a ransom.


Investigators who had struggled to locate the couple for weeks testified that Powell, a garbage truck driver, was the man who led them to the bodies at the Martins Hill dump on December 29, where they had been hidden.


Powell denied this and tried to distance himself from the killing.


The two men testified that the Lyns were killed by a policeman they named as Nicholas Stewart.


Prosecutors dismissed the claims and argued that appliances stolen from the Lyns residence were found in the possession of the men.

* 18:32 15 January 2010 by Kate Ravilious


Earthquake experts are warning that the devastating quake that struck Haiti on Tuesday could be the first of several in the region. They say historical records suggest that not all the energy that has built up in the faults running through the Caribbean region was released in this week's tragedy.


Their fear is that enough energy remains in the fault system to trigger another earthquake of the same scale as Tuesday's.


The last time Haiti was struck by earthquakes of this scale was in 1751 and 1770, when three large earthquakes hit within the space of 20 years. They ruptured the same fault segment as the one that slipped on Tuesday, as well as segments lying further to the east, in Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic.


"Last time round there was a sequence of earthquakes," says Uri ten Brink, an expert on earthquakes in the region from the US Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. "I'm worried, as we might expect the eastern side of the fault to rupture next." Other geologists concur. "Stress transfer along the fault is likely to trigger a chain of quakes," says Bill McGuire from University College London.


Far-reaching effects


Another, larger earthquake could affect surrounding nations as well. The fault that was responsible for Tuesday's quake extends west through Jamaica. Another runs parallel to it in the north, along the southern edge of Cuba and the northern side of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Historical records suggest that both these faults produce large and destructive earthquakes every few centuries.


"They are dangerous especially when large population centres like Port-au-Prince, Kingston in Jamaica or Santiago in the Dominican Republic are so close to them," says Paul Mann from the University of Texas at Austin, who published a paper in 2008 that forecast a major quake in the region.


The region harbours a third fault to the east, which is a further cause for concern. Unlike the others it lies underwater, where the Atlantic Ocean plate dives underneath the Caribbean plate, creating the Caribbean island chain: it is a submarine thrust fault, like the one that caused the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on 26 December 2004.


Satellite measurements show that the Caribbean plate is moving east over the Atlantic plate at around 2 centimetres per year. Measurements over several decades show that the sum of all earthquakes that strike on "splinter faults" on the Caribbean plate, like Tuesday's, have accounted for around half of the energy associated with this movement, leaving the other half stored up in the system. Some of the remainder may be accommodated by slow creep along the region's faults, but McGuire and his colleagues are concerned that much of the stress may be accumulating on the undersea thrust fault to the east.


If that stress were to be released on the submarine fault, it could trigger a catastrophic tsunami of the scale of the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean disaster.
Tsunami threat


McGuire released a report warning of this danger in 2008 (PDF). Along with the entire Caribbean, Central America, the Gulf coast of the US and the north coast of South America would be at risk from such a tsunami.


In particular, geological measurements indicate that stress is building in the section of submarine fault between easternmost Dominican Republic and the island of Guadeloupe. Large earthquakes of magnitude 8.5 to 9.0 could rupture the entire 1000-kilometre length of the fault, McGuire and his colleagues wrote in their report.


From the amount of energy being accumulated by subduction, McGuire and his colleagues estimate that undersea thrust earthquakes could recur every 2000 years or so.


Unfortunately, high rates of natural erosion in the region have long since wiped away the geological signs of the last earthquake along this submarine fault. We know from historical records that there has not been a quake along the fault in 500 years, but the next one could be within the century, or within the next millennium.


"We don't want to scaremonger, but much larger quakes, of magnitude 8 or more, have occurred in this region and will do so again," says McGuire. "Where they are submarine they will present a major tsunami threat, especially as this is such a small area compared with the Indian Ocean."

The many artistes that donned the stage were fairly impressive with their delivery to establish audience participation. One of such artiste was Colin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy who gave a good account of himself on stage, flying in from Canada on short notice.


Iley who made it to the rehearsal but never got the chance to do so fit in quite well with the band performing both old favourites such as Picture on the Wall and Flowers In My Garden as well as tracks from his latest album Unleashed.


The producer, writer and singer from the Kings of Kings label last performance at Rebel Salute was in 2003 and for him performing thsis year was a fulfilling experience.


The minute he hit the stage he made a connection with the crowd. He truly unleashed as he went through his paces performing five tracks.
With Rebel Salute behind him now the conscious singer is now looking forward to his next big project and that’s his annual Unite the People show.


“We are still in the planning stages, but one thing I can say is that we want to add somethign enw to the mix,” the singer informed.
Iley says he is looking at bringing in a major surprise on the line-up, but for right now he is keeping the details under wraps.

Dominicans dancehall fans are bracing themselves for a major disappointment come month end when headline for an upcoming show Vybz Kartel might not show up.


Kartel is exected to perform on January 29 but according to a report on Dominica News Online that might not happen.


Quoting from the short article, “reliable sources have informed Dominica News Online that Kartel will not be performing because of personal reasons beyond his control.


The sources say the show may be postponed or canceled but the public will be kept up to date of any developments.”


Comments under the article indicate that many are not surprised by this move.

Jamaica has the most "churches" per square mile of any country in the world. Source-Guinness Book of World Records. Over 1,600 "churches" all over Jamaica. That number is growing.


·Jamaica was the first country in the Western world to construct a railway, even before the United States! This was only 18 years after Britain!


·Jamaica is the first Anglophone Caribbean Country to gain Independence.


·Jamaica is the first team from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for the Football (Soccer) World Cup. This was the 1998 championship.


·Jamaica stands strong in 3rd place on the list of countries to win the Miss World titles the most! [Hmmm!] The only countries to have won it more than Jamaica are India, Venezuela and the UK, but considering the size of Jamaica, you have to say that this achievement is monumental!


·On his second voyage to the New World in 1494, the tip of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica was the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus.


·Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the Western Hemisphere.


·Jamaica also was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum on a commercial basis..


·The Manchester Golf Club in Jamaica, established in 1868, is the oldest in the western hemisphere!.


·Apart from the United States, Jamaica has won the most world and olympic medals.


2009: The world’s fastest man and woman are Jamaicans: Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser.


·Jamaica has more multiple (two or more) live births than anywhere else in the world.


Jamaica was the first country to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa.


·Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean.


·Jamaica was the first Caribbean island to enact legislation, "The Motion Picture Industry (Encouragement) Act," to promote the making of films.


·Jamaica is the first country to sign a Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant agreement.


·Jamaica was the first tropical country to enter the IOC Winter Olympics. The bobsleigh team's efforts inspired the film ‘Cool Runnings’.


·Jamaica was the first colony England acquired by conquest. This was in the year 1655 when the Spanish were driven from the island.


·We have the second largest butterfly in the world. (The Giant Swallowtail)..


·Another of the interesting facts on Jamaica is that it was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service (in 1688).


·Jamaica was the first Caricom country to liberalize the telecommunications sector. Since then, other Caricom countries have opened up to competition.


·Another one of the most interesting facts on Jamaica is that Jamaica was the first country in the


·Port Royal in Jamaica was once labeled 'The wickedest city on Earth.'

The police are probing Sunday's gun salute at the funeral of alleged Clansman member 31-year-old Patrick Marcel McDonald, also known as Kingman, in Trelawny.


Two policemen are among seven persons who have had their hands swabbed since the incident took place and up to late Monday afternoon, were still in custody.


The incident sent a wave of panic through the usually quiet farming community of Bunkers Hills.


It is understood that when the shots rang out, the Wakefield Police were alerted and quickly went to the scene.


Searches were carried out and a gun was seized.


Two vehicles were also confiscated while several persons were taken into custody and had their hands swabbed.


Two of those in custody have since been slapped with gun and ammunition charges.


Four others are being held on reasonable suspicion of breaches of the Firearms Act and three have been slapped with ganja charges.


It has still not been established what charges will be laid against the cops.


Residents told our news team Monday that they cowered in fear, many claiming it was their first time hearing live gunshots.


Up to late Monday afternoon, the police were searching two vehicles including an Escalade which were both at the funeral.

Jamaica's Youth View Awards 2010 nominated Favourite New Artiste of 2009, Denyque is fresh and out with a new single produced by Equiknoxx Music on their Kamera Trick Riddim entitled "Oh So Good" which was released on January 10.


From overwhelming reviews thus far, the song is doing “oh so good”. The dancehall soca / pop flavored song is already in heavy rotation globally, yes to as far as Ethiopia they are saying that Denyque sounds "Oh So Good". Just in time for the Carnival 2010 season in Trinidad & Jamaica, we are expecting this single to do very well.


"Oh So Good" is just her third single in less than a year since her debut release "Can’t Breaqthe" in March of 2009 and then the Don Corleon (Sean Paul ft. Keyshia Cole - Give It Up To Me) produced “Pieces" later in the year, Denyque has already graced the stages of some of Jamaica's high profiled events such as Jamaica's Ministry of Health's World AIDS Day concert, Usain Bolt's Celebrity Party Reception, Asafa Powell Foundation's Night On The Track Concert and Sting 2009 to name a few. To everyone's amazement, Denyque's Sting 2009 Performance video on Youtube had reached 14,960 views in less than three days.


With her momentum growing progressively, Denyque goes on a month long tour of the United States in March of 2010.

Reliable YardFlex sources have confirmed that visa restrictions have been lifted from dancehall artiste Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer.


“He has been given a permit that allows him one entry to the United States,” the source said, adding that Kartel will be able to work on this visa.


Kartel, whose last performance in the US was nearly five years ago, has since been trying to renew his work permit for that North American country, without much success.


Interestingly, the reason for the US embassy’s refusal to grant the dancehall artiste a visa has never been fully disclosed and this has led to various speculations.


A prolific hitmaker, and the self-styled Gaza President, Kartel has a huge following and is in high demand for shows in the US.


Last year, an intense and much-hyped rivalry between himself and the Gully God, Mavado led to intervention by the Jamaican government.

The Jamaican government is trying desperately to contact Jamaicans who may be in Haiti.


Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Ken Baugh Thursday told RJR news that contact had been made with some seven or nine Jamaicans and plans were being made for them to be taken back to Jamaica on an Air Jamaica flight.


He says, however, that with new restrictions being placed on flights entering the country, that plan has had to be put on hold.


Dr. Baugh says his ministry has no details on the persons that have so far been contacted and he has no figures as to how many Jamaicans are living in Haiti.


With this limited information to work with Dr. Baugh is making an appeal for relatives of Jamaicans in Haiti to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


"The ministry has the names of seven or nine Jamaicans but we don't have any details. What we are making arrangements for is for when Air Jamaica goes across that persons will be going across to make contact with them. And hopefully to bring them home,"


"I would encourage anybody with family members that they are concerned about to call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Families have called in and that is how we got the names, we are maintaining contact with those people here in Jamaica and certainly we are working very closely with Jamaica so that when they go they have space and capacity to bring them back," Dr. Baugh said.


Meanwhile, The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is asking persons with Jamaican relatives in Haiti to call 886-1849.


The team is also trying to get Jamaicans home as soon as possible.

"My heart goes out to Wyclef and to the people of Haiti. I saw the devastation of the island on the news and I was moved, the hundreds of dead bodies piling up on the streets, the buildings destroyed by the earthquake, people working to rescue friends and family trapped in the rubble...and I want to make myself available to help in any way I can," Beenie Man said in a release.


"I hope that the Caribbean community will also organise quickly and help our brothers and sisters in every way possible, or else we will have an even bigger disaster on our hands. The schools are packed with dead people, the hospitals full of sick and dying, all communications cut off...it's a catastrophe."


Beenie Man and Wyclef Jean collaborated on the radio hit, Love Me Now and another song called Lie Detector several years ago.


"Wyclef Jean and I share a passion for improving communities throughout the world and he has always been very hands-on when it comes to looking after his home nation so I can't imagine what he is going through at this very difficult time," Beenie Man, who has also spearheaded social and environmental programmes in tough inner city areas such as Craig Town, Arnett Gardens and Waterhouse in his native Jamaica, said. Beenie Man has already contributed money to the Yele charity to aid humanitarian efforts.


Haiti is regarded as the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere and is home to 9 million people, four million of whom live in the capital city, Port-au-Prince and its environs. The quake's epicenter was only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. In 2008, Haiti was hit by four hurricanes. Wyclef, a Goodwill Ambassador to Haiti, started the Yele Haiti Foundation to raise relief funds for the area following Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

After a successful 2009, Chino's hard work still has him reaping its rewards in 2010. The Reggae/Dancehall artiste, whose name is Daniel McGregor has been nominated for a staggering six awards in this year's Youthview Awards and EME Awards.


For the YVA's he was nominated in the categories: 'Male Artiste of the Year', 'Young Hot & Hype Male Artiste of the Year' while for the EME's he was nominated for 'Breakthrough Artiste of the Year;, Singjay of the Year', 'Most Improved Artiste of the Year' and his mega-hit From Mawning was nominated for 'Song of the Year - Dancehall'.


Chino spoke of his striking accomplishments, saying, "Last year I worked exceptionally hard and even while on a three month tour in Europe and the USA I was still writing so when I got back to Jamaica I could record and get things kicking again. It has taken a lot of sacrifices to get to this point: non-stop travelling, performing, recording and sometimes when people see you they don't know what you have to go through to get to a point, so even that, I pour everything into my music. I feel really happy but humbled to see where the journey has taken me and once again I have to say bless up to everybody for the support."


Also in December of last year, Chino, alongside another artiste walked away with 'Best New Artiste(s) of the Year', and to kick-off 2010 with a bang, in addition to his numerous noms, he has released a humorous yet telling-tale called Telephone Gallis, (which he says he is a far cry from), on the Jukeboxx Label. Then this Saturday, Chino will share the stage with other superstars, namely Sean Kingston, Iyaz known for his Billboard chart-topper Replay, Elephant Man, Ding Dong, Etana, Alaine, G-Whizz, QQ and more at the Coke Zero Presents Sean Kingston in Concert at the LIME Golf Academy, St. Andrew.

Teddy Pendergrass, one of the most successful R&B singers of the 1970s and ’80s, passed away yesterday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 59. Pendergrass was diagnosed with cancer last year and had a difficult time recovering from surgery; he died at Bryn Mawr Hospital outside of his native Philadelphia, ABC News reports. The five-time Grammy-nominated singer had chart-topping hits in three different decades with 1978’s “Close the Door,” 1988’s “Joy” and 1991’s “It Should’ve Been You,” plus well-known songs like “Love TKO,” “Two Hearts” with Stephanie Mills and “Hold Me,” a duet with Whitney Houston that featured on Houston’s 1985 debut album.


Pendergrass’ rise to international fame was briefly halted after he was involved in a 1982 car crash that left him in the hospital for six months and paralyzed from the waist down, but he didn’t let the accident prevent him from making music. “He had about 10 platinum albums in a row, so he was a very, very successful recording artist and as a performing artist,” Pendergrass’ friend and collaborator Kenny Gamble, of Gamble & Huff, told the AP. “He had a tremendous career ahead of him, and the accident sort of got in the way of many of those plans.”


Pendergrass began his career as lead singer of the Philadelphia soul group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes — singing their Number One hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” — before embarking on his own solo career. He released his self-titled solo album in 1977 on Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records, the first of eight albums Pendergrass would record for the label before moving to Warner Music’s Asylum and Elektra. “To all his fans who loved his music, thank you,” his son Teddy Pendergrass II said. “He will live on through his music.”

Whooi if a laugh a pop up. Can you imagine that Sting come and gone and all now some people nuh si dime from di promoter. The latest saga now is wid di hardworking cop dem a Sting dem want dem money.


Mi a pree di Star yesterday and mi couldn’t help di but sey ah bwoy, a whey him do wid all a di money, cause Sting did get a decent crowd and nuff artiste whey go pon stage never get a cent..


Now according to the Star story several policemen who provided security at the show say they are yet to be paid.


The lawmen, who shared their frustration with the paper said they were told that they would be paid the following day, but two weeks later they have received nothing.


The policemen, who are all stationed in the St Catherine South Division, said they provided various services on December 26, from manning the gates, to patrolling the grounds and securing the backstage area. Though the promised rates of pay vary among officers and the service they provided that night, some were entitled to between $5,000 to $6,000 for the night, while others were entitled to more.


One lawman said, "Wi bleach di whole night till mawning and now we're calling about our money and can't hear anything. Everybody is tight-lipped. Nobody can say anything. Mi get mi holiday and shoulda go home to mi family, but seh mek mi go stand up inna di night dew and all now me or mi family cyaan see di night dew money."


He said the officers were becomingly increasingly frustrated and need to hear something soon. He said they heard through the grapevine that part of the money had been given to their superior, but not all of it.


When contacted, head of Supreme Promotions, Isaiah Laing, confirmed he had indeed paid over some of the money owed, and was looking to pay the rest soon. He said the security bill for the show was a whopping $900,000 and he had already paid over $550,000. He said he was in the process of securing the remaining funds and had all intentions of honouring his obligations.

*Reports have again surfaced claiming Tiger Woods has checked into a sex rehab center in Arizona.


Sources tell People that Woods entered The Meadows, a clinic in Wickenburg, Ariz., sometime around the holidays - a rumor that first made the rounds last month. The clinic specializes in substance abuse, as well as compulsive disorders such as gambling or sex addiction.


A sex-therapy expert who claims to be familiar with the situation says the 34-year-old golfer arrived in Wickenburg around New Year's and will likely stay for 4 to 5 weeks of treatment.


"He should be out by Valentine's Day or thereabouts," says the source.


*Meanwhile, cimedian Paul Mooney, like every comedian on the planet, has weighed in on Tiger's issues and is having a field day. Actually he's maintained for years that Woods would have a "Ni**a wake call" one day.


Here he is with Davy D having big fun at Cheatah's, er Tiger's expense.

Crime got a big blow when the police made a whopping gun find at the Adolph Levy Warehouse in Kingston.


The police eized 12 high-powered firearms and more than 700 rounds of ammunition from the warehouse


Operation Kingfish spokesman, Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, said the seizure was made during a joint effort by security personnel.


Reports are that the guns and ammunition, plus 28 magazines and a telescopic lens for a sniper rifle, were hidden in an air compressor.


The compressor was among a shipment declared as personal effects, which was coming from New York in the United States.


The Kingfish spokesman said that two women and a man, all of St Catherine, have been held in connection with the seizure. Llewellyn, however, would not reveal their identities or say whether they are linked to any of the criminal gangs operating from St Catherine.

HUNDREDS of people are feared dead in Haiti after the Carribean island was hit by a powerful earthquake last night.


The tremor hit just before 5pm local time about 10 miles southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Raymond Joseph, Haiti's envoy to the US, said it was a "catastrophe of major proportions".


A hospital and other buildings in the capital were reported to have collapsed. A visiting US official said the sky in the city was"grey with dust" and he could hear screaming.


Among the hundreds thought dead or buried under the rubble is a substantial number of United Nations personnel, after the UN headquarters on the island was flattened.


The United Nations has a 9,000-strong peacekeeping force in Haiti, which has been there since a rebellion in 2004.


Peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy said other UN installations in the Caribbean nation were also seriously damaged.


The quake was quickly followed by major aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reporter Joseph Guyler Delva said: "Everything started shaking, people were screaming, houses started collapsing ... it's total chaos.


"I saw people under the rubble, and people killed."


A tsunami watch was in effect last night for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Bahamas.


Henry Bahn, an official from the US Department of Agriculture, was walking to his hotel in Port-au-Prince when the ground began to shake. He said: "I just held on and bounced across the wall.


"Everybody is just totally, totally freaked out.

By Rootzgirl


I was really touched reading about Mr G’s dedication in ensuring that his son gets the best possible care in Monday’s All Woman.


According to the story when the DJ learnt that his two-year-old song Chad-Antonio was autistic, he hit the books, to learn as much as the disorder as he could. But it didn’t stop there he played an active role in ensuring his son got the best care possible and after two years Goofy is happy that through proper education and with a bit of understanding and support, the toddler is well on his way to leading a close to normal life.


In the interview he told the reporter “He had certain habits that really drew my attention for me to want to get him checked out. He has this rocking thing that he does and he has this sound that he makes," said the recording artiste. "He started withdrawing, not eating, only drinking, and I just thought that his behaviour wasn't normal."


Simpson said he brought his son to see the executive director of the Early Childhood Commission Dr Maureen Samms-Vaughn who made the devastating disclosure that his second to last child was autistic.


Goofy ended up putting his music on hold for a while to spend more time with his son. But with his son's progress, Simpson has gone back to doing performances, even appearing on the most recent staging of Sting.


I applaud fathers like that.


May the others follow his example as it is sad that other dads have normal kids and still can’t find time for them.

The 2010 staging of the Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards will unfold on Thursday February 4, at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Founded by popular radio personality Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess, the awards show was created to honour the players in the local music industry, both past and present.


The EME Awards, a non-profit venture, has garnered unwavering support and popularity through the years and has attracted coverage from both the local and international media. Last year, the presence of America’s BETJ Channel, provided quite a fillip for the EMEs and their repeat airings of the event has definitely added to the excitement both here and abroad.


The publication of the List of Nominees for this year, has triggered off wild voting well beyond the initial projection of the organizers. An EME Awards spokesman said, “We had such a mad rush to our website (www.emeawards.com) that we had to speedily upgrade the capacity of our server to accommodate the increased traffic. In fact, we had to upgrade our server’s capacity to terabytes in order to facilitate the existing and growing traffic.”
Internet votes represent 30% of final scores, the other 70% based on Chart success and overall impact.


Awards will be given out in over 30 categories including, DJ of the Year, Vocalist, Album, Song, Producer,Singjay, Lyricist, Best New Artist and Breakthru Artist of the Year among others. Additionally, the Award of ‘Role Model of the Year’ will be bestowed on Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan.


Considering the number of A-Listers that will be attending the 6th Annual EME Awards, the entertainment world awaits the fashion statements that will be made on the Red Carpet which opens up at 7:00 pm. The awards ceremony itself gets underway at 8:00 pm. The EMEs remain an invitation only event but will be aired on CVM TV, CVM Plus, Hot 102 FM and other local and international media affiliates.

THE SLOGAN, “because you’re worth it”, was once made famous, in part, by Beyonce’s participation in a series of advertisements for the cosmetics brand L’oreal. But taxpayers, trade unionists and artistes are now questioning whether the entertainer’s upcoming concert, for which the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) is to spend a minimum of about $10 million to stage, is worth it after all.


According to the president of the Communications Workers Union Joseph Remy, TSTT has informed the trade union that $5 million has already been spent by the company on the upcoming concert carded for February 18 at the Queen’s Park Savannah. He revealed that senior TSTT officials have also said that, excluding the costs of building infrastructure for the event, the total cost of paying Beyonce’s appearance fee and promoting the event will cross $10 million.


“That information was confirmed,” Remy said in an interview with Newsday yesterday. “Five million has already been spent and they are estimating spending between $5 million to $10 million on this promotion. But it can even go beyond $10 million. That’s for her appearance fee and part of the cost of promotion. You also have to remember the kind of infrastructure you will have to put up in the Savannah.”


The upcoming concert is being billed on Beyonce’s website as a part of her ‘I am…Sasha Fierce’ world tour, which has scheduled stops in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru before hitting Trinidad. Officials at TSTT yesterday remained tight-lipped about the cost of the event, citing confidentiality clauses in their contract arrangements.


“We can’t disclose anything. It will be in breach of our agreement to disclose any financial details,” said Graeme Suite, manager of media relations and corporate communications, when asked to comment on the report of the $10 million price tag.


Entertainment consultants with experience in bringing high-profile American artistes to perform in this country yesterday said Beyonce’s standard appearance fee per concert is US$1 million (TT$ 6.3 million). Beyonce recently billed a Manhattan nightclub US$200,000 (TT$1.3 million) to appear, according to E! Online. The singer did not, however appear, after the nightclub owner failed to pay the fee.


Remy yesterday criticised TSTT for what he described as “lavish expenditure” in the context of the current global economic slowdown.. Additionally, he called the move to stage the concert “contemptuous” in context of the bitter multi-million dollar battle the trade union and TSTT have been engaged in over the salaries of TSTT workers over the last months.


“This is scandalous to the extreme and we need the Government to intervene and to stop this promotion,” he said. “We want a full-scale investigation into this because this smacks of corruption. It is a wastage of taxpayers’ money and we are questioning the whole backdrop of the genesis of this concert.”


Remy added, “We are going to write to the Government calling on them to call the company into account for this type of expenditure, especially now when we are having economic troubles and we are lavishing this money on Beyonce. We are in 2010 and we still have employees working on 2005 salaries.” He queried why the company was investing significant sums in a non-core business. “A few years ago TSTT took a decision to get out of non-core business transactions, for example employee loans. But now that you’ve done that, you are now coming to promote a Beyonce concert that really adds no value to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago or your employees and is not a core transaction,” Remy said. The planned concert also came under fire from Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation executive member Karega Mandela who noted its timing in the middle of the Carnival season.


“I have no problem with Beyonce, but if you are using State funds in the middle of the Carnival celebrations I think it is gross disrespect,” Mandela said. “It is not a private person doing this, State funds are being used.” But don’t raise any questions over Beyoncé’s concert with any of her many local fans, judging from comments posted on an online forum by Trinidadians on her website at www.beyonceonline.com.


“I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this,” one forum member, identified as designerboi09, wrote. “Each day I think about it, I say thank you God for giving not just me but the many fans of Trinidad and Tobago and beyond of this amazing experience which is about to hit our shores.”

David Oscar Markus, the defense lawyer for embattled deejay Buju Banton is reported as saying that it made no sense to seek bail for his client, as immigration authorities had placed a detainer on Banton, who is in the United States on an entertainer’s work permit.


Markus told reporters on Thursday after Banton’s court appearance in Tampa, that he will first have to fight to get the detainer lifted, and then seek bail on the cocaine-related charges.


The lawyer said that the entertainer will fight the criminal charges, and will not enter into any plea deal with prosecutors.


Markus reportedly criticised the immigration detainer, saying that in Banton’s case there is a presumption of guilty until proven innocent by the United States immigration.

Lloyd Banks has been arrested on assault and robbery charges after allegedly attacking a promoter following a concert in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, on Friday night (Jan. 8).


The G-Unit member, born Christopher Lloyd, performed at Brantford’s Club N.V. before the altercation occurred. According to MTV News, the rapper and three associates, Nicklas Sloane, Shawn McGee, and Tyrell Cooper, got into an argument with the promoter over payment for his appearance and performance.


The promoter claimed that Banks and the three other men held him in his hotel room against his will before assaulting and robbing him on Saturday morning (Jan. 9). All four individuals were charged with forceful confinement, aggravated assault, and robbery.

A March trial date has tentatively been set for deejay Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie.


Following an appearance in court on Thursday, Buju’s drug conspiracy case was set for a status conference in February with the possibility of the actual trial starting on a day to be announced in March.


It is said that cases don’t often go to trial so quickly, but lawyer, David Oscar Markus is quoted as saying he would push for the case to proceed swiftly.


The four-time Grammy nominated artiste was arraigned Thursday on a charge of conspiring to buy more than five kilograms (11 pounds) of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last month.


Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home in Florida on December 10, two days after federal authorities say he met with a confidential informant to discuss the drug purchase.


Banton will likely miss the January 31 Grammy Awards, where he is nominated for his latest album, Rasta Got Soul.

Dancehall heavyweight flosser Owen Clarke aka Roy Fowl will be resuming his flossing in the dances soon. Word is that the British Link Up head honcho who was sentenced in 2004 is now ready to resume his link up.


According to reports in the media there could be a series of week-long celebration at street dances all over the corporate area to mark his return. Another speculation is that there could be a series of parties also to mark his presence back on the scene.


Well the danchall massive can look forward to giveaways, heavy profiling he takes back his place in the dancehall.

D & L Promotions, organizers of the annual Black & White Affair, emphasis that the shooting of a wanted man, Patrick McDonald, took place after the party was over. They emphasize that steps were taken in an effort to prevent persons with weapons from entering the venue.


At approximately after 6:15 am, McDonald who also called ‘Kingman’ was shot in the head four times and died on the spot.
Here is the statement by the promoters.


“D & L promotions, organisers of the annual Black and White Affair, wish to clear the air surrounding a shooting incident which occurred at the National Arena where the 11th renewal of the show was staged on Thursday December 31, 2009.


“In an effort to ensure a safe, fun filled and incident free event, the organizers put in place a major security plan which involved the services of a private security firm along with uniformed policemen and women. This security plan also involved the use of metal detectors, the frisking of male and female patrons entering or re-entering the venue, among other procedures aimed at preventing firearms and/or other illegal weapons from being brought into the venue undetected.


The plan worked extremely well with no reports of scuffles, clashes or disturbances up to the time of the successful and incident free conclusion of the event.


A fatal shooting incident occurred at one of the doors leading into the arena after the event had officially ended resulting in the death of man. The incident is regrettable and distressing. Our investigations have revealed that the victim was in no way connected to the organizers, sponsors, or any other individual associated with the event.


It has always been and continues to be the pledge of D & L promotions to abide by the laws governing the staging of public events, and we use this medium to apologize for any distress or inconvenience to members of the public as a result of the incident. In the meantime, we are cooperating fully with the police in their investigations of this incident.”

The Appeal Court is scheduled to hear the long awaited appeal of convicted Matthews Lane leader Donald "Zeeks" Phipps who is now serving life for murder.


Lawyers representing Phipps will be going to Court on Monday to challenge his 2006 murder conviction.


Phipps, former Matthews Lane strongman, is now serving life behind bars following his conviction for the 2005 murders of Rodney Farquharson and Dayton Williams.


Both men were beaten, tortured and shot in Matthews Lane and their bodies burnt in an open lot in downtown, Kingston.


Phipps will have to serve 30 years behind bars before becoming eligible for parole.


However, lawyers for Phipps have asked the Appeal Court to quash the conviction and sentence.


In his application, Phipps claims that his trial was unfair and amounted to an abuse of the process of the court and a violation of his constitutional rights as the judge erred in admitting hearsay evidence at the trial.

The Linstead Police are seeking the public’s assistance in finding the mother of a child who was abandoned at a bus stop along the Bog Walk Main Road in Linstead, St. Catherine on Tuesday, December 29.


The CCN is reporting that about 6:00 p.m.., residents found the child and contacted the police. The officers took the baby to the Linstead Hospital where she was medically examined and found to be in good health.


The mother of the child or anyone knowing her whereabouts is being asked to contact the Linstead Police at 985-2285, police 119 emergency numbers or the nearest police station.

The decision by the pilot of American Airlines Flight 331 to land the aircraft in weather conditions it was not capable of handling might have contributed to the December 22 accident, United States-based aviation expert Michael Slack, is quoted as saying.


Slack reportedly stated that it was “not just pilot error, but pilot recklessness.”


Responding to reports that the 737-800 aircraft was attempting to land in a tailwind of 14 knots, Slack pointed to a 2004 study which showed that the maximum tailwinds for take-offs and landings by this model plane was 10 knots in clear weather conditions. This number, he noted, was lower in bad weather.


Pointing out that all pilots have this information, a Met Service official present at yesterday's hearing, explained that data about the weather conditions

Reggae artiste Julian Marley has been nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category for his third studio record entitled, Awake.


The Ghetto Youths/Universal release hit streets on April 28, 2009 and was co-produced by Julian and his brothers Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley. Julian “Ju Ju” Marley drew inspiration for Awake from the spirit of Cedella Marley Booker, his grandmother (and Bob Marley’s mother), who passed away in 2008. The gifted singer-songwriter is in the running for the coveted award along-side Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Gregory Issacs and Sean Paul.


Julian notes, “I am honoured by the recognition and feel Blessed that Awake has made such a bright impression on the Recording Academy.”


Recorded at the Lion’s Den in Miami, Florida, and Tuff Gong in Kingston, Jamaica, the music presented throughout Awake is rife with the inspiration of all the family members who have come before.


The album features collaborations with brothers Stephen Marley on Little too Late and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on Violence in the Street and rapper Mr. Cheeks on Oh Girl.


Born in London in 1975, Julian Marley is a skillful veteran performer, producer and songwriter with numerous successful international tours and albums under his belt.


In 2009, Julian Marley and The Uprising spanned the globe in support of Awake. Having just finished a major European leg, Julian has extended his tour to include 2010 performance dates in Europe and in the United States beginning with co-headlining the 2010 Raggamuffin Music Festival in Australia.


The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the STAPLES Centre in Los Angeles on the CBS network beginning at 8:00 pm (ET) on Sunday, January 31.

Reggae/dancehall artiste Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie is scheduled to make his first appearance today in a Tampa courtroom, where he faces federal drug charges, according to a report carried in the Miami Herald.


Buju was recently moved to Tampa from a jail in Miami where he spent Christmas. He is accused, along with two others, of trying to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute in early December from an undercover law-enforcement officer in Sarasota.


Gargamel Music Inc., the artiste’s own record label, announced Wednesday that Buju has hired highly-regarded Miami criminal defense attorney David Oscar Markus to fight the drug charges.


Markus is reported as saying that Banton is innocent and was set up by "some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character."


The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Banton's most recent album, Rasta Got Soul, is nominated for the Grammy Reggae Album of the Year.

A group of promoters and entertainers say they plan to write the state-owned Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) asking it to withdraw its sponsorship of the February 18 concert featuring the American singer Beyoncé, Dominica News online reports.


Former chief executive officer of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation, Gregory Fernandes, who is among those involved in the effort to get TSTT to rescind its decision, said that they intended submitting the letter to the company’s CEO, Roberto Peon, on Wednesday.


Fernandes, according to the report, said on radio in Dominica that TSTT has already indicated that it would be reducing its funding to activities for the Carnival celebrations this year.


“Bringing Beyoncé at this time puts more pressure on the industry,” he said, adding “Carnival activity is a very high risk and a lot of bands suffer high losses”.


Fernandes also said according to media reports, the production cost for the Beyoncé concert is in the vicinity of TT$10 million (US$1.4 million).


Lisa Agard, executive head of Mobile and Legal Services at TSTT, said the company would be in breach of its contract with Beyoncé if it discloses the cost for the concert.


“I can’t give you exact numbers, particularly with regard to what she is costing. Not because we have any reluctance to disclose it, but there are confidentiality provisions in her contract with us,” Agard told a local newspaper. But she insisted that her company’s involvement in other activities for the Carnival would not suffer as a result of the show.


Meanwhile, it was confirmed that a company owned by West Indies cricket icon, Brian Lara, and star footballer Dwight Yorke, was one of the main contractors for the concert.


The promoters say the most expensive tickets for the show, valued at TT$1,600 (US$266) have already been sold out and the Trinidad Guardian newspaper reported Wednesday that fans of the singer in Suriname have been paying as much as US$860 to travel to Trinidad to attend the one day event which is part of Beyoncé Worldwide Tour.

The prestigious Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME)Awards is back and this years staging of the event will be on Thursday February 4, at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.


The EME Awards is the brain child of popular radio personality Richard 'Richie B' Burgess. He created this award show to honour the players in the local music industry, both past and present, for their hard work in creating and maintaining excellence within our rich musical culture. The EME Awards is a non-profit venture.
Since its humble beginnings back in 2005, as a small,
In-studio production, the Excellence In Music and Entertainment Awards has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the local entertainment calendar.


The EME Awards has garnered unwavering support and popularity through the years and has attracted coverage from both the local and international media. Last year, the presence of America’s BETJ Channel, provided quite a fillip for the EMEs and their repeat airings of the event has definitely added to the excitement both here and abroad.


Over 85% of the awardees were in attendance for both the 2008 and 2009 staging and the organizers hope to improve on that this year. This is a clear indication of the respect the industry has for this event. 2010 promises to be even bigger and better.

See it deh now, how people gwaan manage when gunmen not even afraid a di law. Cops in Old Harbour Bay were attacked by gunmen after responding to calls that shots were being fired in the Terminal area of the community.


According to police reports, shortly after 10 a.m., the cops were patrolling the area and upon reaching Terminal Road they came under heavy gunfire from a group of three armed men.


The men fired upon the vehicle and the policemen had to make a hasty retreat.


The gunmen reportedly ran to nearby bushes. One was later found hiding on the premises of a community centre before being taken into custody.


These policemen must realize that they have to step up their game if they are going to take on the gunmen.

Reports circulating is that Windalco will be closing operations in Jamaica at the end of March.


Windalco has not been producing since early last year after challenges in the global aluminum market forced it to scale back operations to three days per week and lay off some workers.


Windalco's parent company, the Russian based UC Rusal has been facing financial difficulties and problems with the Russian government.


However Mr. Morrison the President of the National Workers Union which represents the workers said with the situation improving with prices and slow but steady recovery in global economies, there was hope the operations could be saved.


Windalco has the capacity to produce about one million tonnes of alumina.


The shutdown of Windalco's Jamaican operations will affect its plants in Ewarton, and Kirkvine as well Port Esquivel.


Some 1,500 workers are expected to be made redundant in the process, but Mr. Morrison says the Union will be holding discussions on the way forward with management Thursday where it is hoped solutions can be found to prevent a shutdown of the company.

Greg Christie,Contractor General

The police have been called in to probe a death threat issued to a Senior Director within the Office of the Contractor General (OCG).


Contractor General, Greg Christie says Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Serious Crimes, Les Green is now investigating the origins of an anonymous telephone call to the Director, warning that he would be killed.


Both the Contractor General and ACP Green have declined to comment publicly on the death threat, but it is understood that high level security measures have been implemented following a meeting
Wednesday with officers from the Protective Services Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.


The OCG Director, who received the death threat, has been leading an intensive audit into a group of five irregular contractor re-registration applications.


The applications have linked five Government contractors in what is suspected to be a criminal conspiracy involving the award of Government contracts by the National Housing Trust (NHT).


The five contractors have, during the past four years, been awarded contracts from the NHT amounting to at least $87 million.


At the end of last year, the OCG issued a release pinpointing another threat to staff at the government entity.


That threat is related to the discovery of fraudulent applications submitted to the National Contracts Commission (NCC) between September and October 2009 by the Managing Director of one of the contracting firms.


That investigation has intensified over the past two weeks, with the OCG conducting several taped interviews with representatives of all five contractors as well as four employees of the NHT.


The threats have reportedly shaken up staff at the government watchdog agency whose mandate is to stamp out corruption in how contracts are awarded.


In the meantime, the OCG has fired one of its own Directors as the fallout over the awarding of government contracts to fake contractors continues.


Employees of the National Housing Trust, an Information Technology specialist and a high school teacher have also been fingered as being involved in the tangled web of alleged deceit.


The OCG says based on evidence it has uncovered, four of the contractors it is investigating for fraudulent registration applications are fakes.


The web of alleged corruption, according to an OCG release, extends to a former director who was fired on Monday.


The Director, who had 18 years of employment with the agency under his belt, allegedly confessed to internal investigators that he had falsified the Contractor Verification Forms for the four fake contractors.


The OCG says one of the four fake contractors is a full-time teacher at a prominent St. Andrew High School, while another is an Information Technology Specialist.


The probe suggests that the four fake contractors are utilized by the fifth to funnel contract awards from the NHT.


The OCG points to joint bank accounts in the name of the fifth contractor that are being maintained by at least two of the sham contractors allegedly to facilitate Government contract payments.


The Contractor General's office says it has also established that the Managing Director of the fifth contractor is a church brother of one of the sham contractors and a neighbour of another..


The office says the scam was set up at the prominent Kingston church where they worship.


Additionally, someone identified as a Project Manager of the NHT, has been formally listed as a full time employee of the fifth contractor for the past four years.


Two other full-time employees of the NHT are also listed as full time employees of two of the sham contractors.

Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce that top federal criminal defense attorney, David Oscar Markus, has officially been retained to defend four-time Grammy-nominated Reggae icon, Buju Banton, against the trumped-up drug charges currently being levied against him by the United States government.


"Buju is innocent - plain and simple," declares Markus. "He was set up from the jump by some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character. We are all looking forward to getting him out of prison so that he can move forward with his stellar music career."


David Oscar Markus


Mr. Markus is a Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law graduate who kicked off his high profile legal career as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Miami. His overwhelmingly successful private practice, Markus Law (www.markuslaw.com), focuses primarily on federal criminal cases at both the trial and appellate levels.


Prestigious attorney resource guide, Chambers and Partners, says David Oscar Markus "is a man who gets consistently great results... When he walks into a room the US Attorney's office winces as he puts them to the test every step of the way." The National Law Review says, "David is a reincarnation of the old time great criminal defense attorneys."


The nationally recognized litigator has also consistently been named one of the top lawyers in the country by Florida Super Lawyers (2006 - 2009); Florida Trend (2008 - 2009); Daily Business Review's 5th Annual Most Effective Lawyers (2009); Top Lawyers In South Florida (2002 - 2009); South Florida Legal Guide (2002 - 2008); Best Lawyers In America (2007 - 2008).


Early Tuesday morning, US Marshalls transferred Buju Banton to a jail facility in Tampa. He is scheduled to appear in US District Court for the Middle District Of Florida on Thursday. Meanwhile, sales of Banton's Grammy-nominated album, Rasta Got Soul, have continued to increase in the four weeks since his incarceration. A documentary-style music video for new single "Optimistic Soul" will begin circulating in the coming weeks.

We read a column in the Jamaica Observer on Monday and have to admit we were deeply touched. We can’t help but share it with you and implore you to send up prayers for Tarrus Riley back-up singer Connie Campbell.


Check out the story.


IT has been four long months since talented back-up singer for Tarrus Riley, Connie Campbell, has been languishing in a coma in a Maryland hospital. And with each passing day, the situation just seems to get more complex.


"It is just unreal... frightening," saxophonist Dean Fraser told us early September last year when we saw him at Irie Jamboree in New York. The incident had unfolded a few weeks earlier and Fraser, still shell-shocked, didn't want any media attention. As he related it then, the group had been on a tour stop in Maryland and while at rehearsals, the decision was taken, in the interest of time, not to go back to the hotel, but instead to freshen up on spot and wait for showtime.


"Connie went into the bathroom and shortly after another member of the group followed her. Then I heard a scream and when we ran to the bathroom, we realised that Connie had fainted. She soon revived and said she was feeling all right. However, I insisted that she go to the hospital, although in my head, she passed out because she probably wasn't eating right. And, on tour, we always tease each other about that kind of thing," Fraser recalled.


Fraser, Riley and the others performed without Connie and, right after the show, Fraser headed to the hospital to pick up the back-up singer..


"I was a bit surprised that she wasn't calling me every minute to come and get her, and I was prepared for a little tracing from her when I reached," Fraser said with a wry smile.


However, the sight that greeted him at the hospital made his knees buckle and his heart almost stop beating.


A semi-conscious Connie was lying in a hospital bed, hooked up with tubes to a machine. She was having what Fraser described as violent body spasms every 10 seconds.


"I couldn't believe my eyes. I started to tremble and everything all at once. The doctors say they didn't know what was causing shake like that so viciously and such


quick succession. They couldn't tell me what was wrong with Connie...it was just unreal... totally frightening," Fraser said.


He was then faced with the daunting task of reporting this mystery illness to the other members of the group and to Connie's immediate family, all of whom wanted answers that Fraser was in no position to give.


Fraser said that one of the hardest decisions the group had to make was to leave Connie at the hospital in Maryland and continue the tour, performing every night as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. At the end of the tour, they all returned to Maryland to look for Connie, but, unfortunately there was hardly any change. By this time, the doctors were reporting that Connie had suffered multiple strokes, leaving her with damage to the brain stem. And she was still comatose.


Subsequent visits by her musical and immediate family left them confused, but with just enough hope and inspiration.


"Connie is a strong girl with a lot of willpower," her significant other, George, told us late September, before he went off on tour. "We were just getting ready to put together some songs for an album and she was excited about it. Although she is supposedly in a coma, when I visit her I remind her of these things and I just talk about everyday things. I keep telling myself that this is just a temporary setback and that Connie will soon be well again," he said, doing his best to keep his composure.


George added that he had taken their young daughter to visit and she, too, did her best to talk to her mother as if she could hear. George was hoping for that miracle while he was on tour.


Not having heard anything from George since his return, last Tuesday night at the launch of Rebel Salute, we again asked Fraser about Connie. Immediately, his whole demeanour changed. He shook his head, looked as if tears were just seconds away and said softly, "No change. She is still in the coma, not recognising anybody. Her sister and daughter are there visiting her now, but nothing has changed."


"Don't you think it's time the entertainment fraternity knew about this?" we queried.


He agreed.


Ideally, they would like to bring Connie back home where family and friends can have easy access to visiting her in hospital. The Kingston Public Hospital is willing, but, "the ventilator is the problem. Nobody wants to take the risk of having her travel so far", it was explained.

Boy oh boy it's really something when the British are actually willing to pay Jamnaican prisoners 5,000 pounds for them to come back home. Yeah man dem sey di prison too full up wid di Jamaicans dem and dem willing fi do dat fi get rid a dem.


According to a story in the Jamaica Observer, permanent secretary in the National Security Ministry Major Richard Reece Thursday confirmed that the Jamaican Government was aware of the British Facilitated Returns Scheme under which the UK government is offering foreign nationals imprisoned in that country £5,000, (J$72,000) if they accept deportation before their sentences expire.


But the scheme was blasted by a high-ranking police officer, who accused the British government of offloading criminal elements created by their system on Jamaica..


Prisoners who qualify for the grant will receive a first payment of £500 in cash, of which £46 pounds will be paid upon departure from Britain. The remainder will be given in the form of an automated banking card which can be used to make withdrawals from financial institutions in the prisoner's home country.

Controversial dancehall deejay, Rodney “Bounti Killer” Pryce, after his actions at the Shaggy & Friends concert on Saturday night, issued the following statement:


After nearly 20 years at the top of the Jamaican music industry I
have been involved in many battles - sometimes with fellow artists, sometimes with outside forces and sometimes with the state and its politicians. I've learnt to choose my battles wisely and the grounds upon which to fight them.


I've also learnt when to admit I didnt choose my ground wisely andSaturday night's Shaggy & Friends' show was one of those occasions.


With so many politicians and members of the upper echelons of
corporate Jamaica present, an audience I rarely get the ears of, I
got caught up in the moment while expressing myself. I now realise it was inappropriate and extend my apologies to Shaggy, his sponsors, benefactors and all in attendance who were offended by my performance.


Alliance made a pledge to donate $250,000 to the cause and we will follow through on that promise and continue to support Shaggy and answer his call whenever he reaches out.

Looking back, Shaggy will ask himself again and again why he gave Bounti Killa the microphone to go on stage in the closing moments of the Shaggy & Friends concert at Jamaica House on Saturday.


If ever there was a Kanye moment in local entertainment, it happened when the cross, miserable, angry Warlord bounced on stage at the show at the dying moments of the concert and killed what, up until then, had been a very good thing.


Killa pounced upon the “battyman dem” at the show who didn’t “give enough” to the worthy cause, the Bustamante Hospital for children. It was a real Kodak moment to see the look on the faces of those in attendance at this concert where ticket prices ranged from a high of $30,000.00 to a low of $5,000.00.


Bounti finally got a chance to face his target audience and he cursed them off in the best way he knew how “oonu a battyman, oonu don’t give enough to charity ... all of oonu man who don’t have nuh pickney .. oonu a battyman.”


Poor Shaggy looked as if he jsut wanted to fold up himself and hide in on of the guitar cases, but instead he quickly exited the stage. Nobody was going to videotape him on stage during Bounti’s anti-gay tirade and make it look as if he was in support of Bounti’s statements.


Shaggy must have given some signal to the sound people, because as soon as Bounti and Mavado left, the sound system started playing music. Patrons just stood there, waiting for something to happen on stage ... anything except the return of Bounti with more venom. Finally, as the capapcity crowd made its way through the gates, MC Squeeze went on stage and formally brought the curtain down on Shaggy & Friends.


As for Bounti, he and Mavado pledged $250,000.00 to the cause.

Coming fresh from his Christmas day performance at Jagra GT Taylor Extravaganza, singer Colin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy is now looking forward to Pepsi Rebel Salute scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 16 at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St Elizabeth.


“I personally endorse what Rebel Salute stands for and I’m really looking forwarding to perorming on stage,” said Iley whose last performance on the show was in 2003.


The singer says he will be treating conscious music lovers to tracks for his lately released album entitled Unleash as well as some old favourite such as Flowers in My Garden and Picture On The Wall.


Colin Levy aka Iley Dread, singer, songwriter, producer hails from the parish of Hanover.. Like most artistes, he developed an early appreciation for music and honed his talent performing on community and school events. He migrated to Canada in 1992, where he continued to explore his love for reggae music in Montreal, Quebec.

The dancehall welcomed the New Year with a tragedy as a male patron was reportedly shot and killed this morning at the annual Black and White Affair held at the National Arena in Kingston.


Information is sketchy, but reports are that the gala New Year’s Eve session was winding down close to seven this morning when shots rang out and patrons ran for cover.


It was later revealed that a man had been shot dead at the venue.


So far, there has been no official statement from the police on the shooting.


Black and White Affair is one of the premium and most successful New Year’s Eve shows on the calendar. Each year, patrons fly in from the US, England and other parts of the world to attend this event known for its high rollers and fashionistas of every age and from all sections of society.

Look like the prison ting a work fi Gargamel. Last week him popularity just tek off cause everybody a look up pon him on the Internet, and now him album Rasta Go Soul gone back on the chart. Buju, just hope and pray say the people dem who a tune in to the drugs case also spend some more money pon you music, cause dem deh legal fee deh nah go pretty.

By Rootzgirl


Now there I was reading this press release from the Teacha Vybz Kartel and it says that Lisa is no longer with the Portmore Empire and all these things. It’s like her behavior is not conducive with goals of the team, and it’s better they part ways.


Now, come on this big thing about it, making the news item and all that, people hire and fire managers everyday, some walked out on those who have been grooming them since before nobody knew their names and we don’t hear a lot about it.


So what’s different with this one, Lisa thanks to the porno photos in the paper managed to make a name for herself, she should now put her mistakes behind her and take up the music mantle and go on to putting her talent to the right use – making good music.


Vybz stepped away from the Alliance camp and created his own ‘empire’ now Lisa can do the same, many are making it look as if it’s the end of her musical life now. No, talent can get you anywhere if you have the right drive to go with it.

Bwoy wi glad sey Flippa Mafia alright cause it could be worse. Yeah man him crash him vehicle pon Hagley Park Road inna di week. According to whey wi hear him did a drive him Porsche Cayenne when the vehicle reportedly got out of control and hit into a wall.


The deejay, who gave a well-received performance at the Boxing Day gala, Sting, was taken to the hospital, but was later discharged.


Well all well that ends well.

What a ting dough eeh, likkle most Ninja coulda meck it a Sting, but di judge whey did fi hear him case did inna di AA plane whey guh dung. Di odda judge sey him nah teck on dat deh case deh cause a nuh fi him. But wi a wonda if him eva guh si di light a day.. It look sticky fi true.

Usain Bolt was name ‘Person of the Year’ by United States-based Caribbean publication Everybody's.


Bolt, 23, superbly sustained his label in 2009 as the world's premier sprinter with awesome world record times in the 100 and 200 metres at the IAAF World Championship in Germany four months ago.


"People around the globe, who follow major sporting events, most likely will consider our choice a no-brainer," said the Brooklyn-based Everybody's Magazine, the oldest Caribbean magazine in the US, whose publisher is Grenadian Herman Hall.


"No other athlete in 2009, or, for that matter the last decade, impacted the world as Usain Bolt," it added.


"Perhaps, the closest is Tiger Woods, who had a remarkable year after major knee surgery in 2008."


The magazine said Bolt's record breaking times in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games when he ran the 100 metres in 9.69 seconds and the 200 in 19.30 seconds, are "still unbelievable".


"And, by shattering his own world records at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin, Germany in August this year in times of 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds, respectively, for the 100 and 200, Usain Bolt proved that he is out of this world," it said.


The magazine also said Bolt has done much off the track to further enhance his image as "an athlete with a conscience," adding that "he is helping Jamaica, the rest of the Caribbean and the world in benevolent causes".

Dancehall artiste, Spice has come out with all lyrical guns blazing at both the former Portmore Empire artiste, Lisa Hype and MC Nuffy following this week’s Sting concert, Jamworld, Portmore.


Lisa Hype who released a song entitled, Sting Aftermath, immediately following Sting, hurled insults at several female dancehall artistes, predominantly Spice. Spice says:


“Lisa Hype, I mean Lisa Swipe is in no position to utter the words she did from her mouth, but I honestly feel very sorry for her. She’s going through a shameful time in her life right now and is obviously looking for a dark hole to stick her head in. Lisa Swipe is calling names to keep her name out there; but my name? She ah play wid fire. She know say she nuh bad like mi likkle fingah. Di time she tek ah pick pon di female artiste dem, she need fi go clean off di discharge offah har stomach. She ah gwaan like ah me tek har pictuh an sen’ it out. And it’s such a pity. Outta every female artiste name whe she call, she ah di crawniest one. She feavah Geico lizard. I’ve been in the business for 10 years and I’ve never stooped so low, just to get highlighted. But Lisa doesn’t know when to stop stooping and get up off her knees. It’s tragic. Let me not bother to go there because she is not in my world. Lisa, as a woman-to-woman, I have never been as humiliated as you are in my life, so I have no idea what you are going through. I can only imagine. So I wish you a speedy recovery,” said Spice.


In addition, Spice also spoke of her inability to perform at Sting. “Nuffy sabotaged my thing. After Pamputae performed, he knew it should have been me, but he called up General B instead. When did he expect me to perform after that? During the clash with him and KipRich. It was unprofessional and it was done purposely because before that he was following the lineup and list. I just want to apologise to my fans for not performing. I didn’t get the chance to and I had a real end of year performance in store.”

TAXI and bus operators have expressed disappointment at the 20 per cent fare hike they have been granted, saying that it will not be enough to cover their operating costs even though the rate is 2.5 percentage points more than that recommended by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).


The gist of it is that they are planning on writing OUR to apply for a further increase. Now in light of the fact that the poor are dealing with this further setback in their finances, if they get another one from the OUR then the people should rise up and put pressure to dismantle the current team from the OUR body.


It’s time the people realize their own power and stop taking everything that’s shoved down our throats. If the government continues to pressure us like this then the revolution and unrest that anylysts are predicting for the coming year will surely come to pass.


It’s time to give us a break now…the poor can’t take no more!

It was only a matter of time before the Jamaican poor started feeling it. The government claimed to have given an ‘alternative’ tax package, but if you ask us nothing has changed. Come January 16 commuters will have to dig a little deeper in their pockets for bus and taxi fares. For those who have to take about three vehicles before they reach their destination it will be three times as hard.


The Ministry of Transport issued a release giving the thumbs up to the increase on Tuesday afternoon.


However, the Ministry also announced that this will be the last increase granted for the next two years.


Transport Minister, Mike Henry says this in keeping with the two year wage freeze recently announced in respect of the public sector work-force.


The hike in fares follows the recent recommendation by the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) for an 18% increase.


An additional two percent was added in recognition of the soon-to-be-effected surcharge on fuel sales.


The three official umbrella taxi associations, the National Council of Taxi Associations, the National Association of Taxi Operators and the Route Taxi Association of Jamaica had originally requested a 30%t adjustment.


In the meantime, in relation to the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) services, the company's application for a rate increase and the applicable OUR recommendation will be examined by the Cabinet early in the New Year, with a decision to be announced thereafter.

Portmore Empire Leader Vybz Kartel has officially announced that the Portmore Empire is parting ways with Dancehall deejay Lisa Hype. Kartel issues the following statement:


Lisa Hype is no longer a part of the Portmore Empire. The members of the Empire have unanimously agreed to end our professional relationship especially in light of certain 'developments' that have come to our attention regarding her overall conduct, conduct that is not consistent with the decorum expected of a member of the Portmore Empire. She is an incredible artist and we wish for her all the best in her future endeavors, but Lisa Hype will not play a future role in the Empire as she no longer fits in with our organizational goals as we move forward in 2010.


--Adidja "Vybz Kartel" Palmer--

What is it that Rev Al Miller, Merciless and Lisa Hype have in common? All three of them get boo at Sting. Now, we haffi address the Rev Miler Sting ting, because from the minute him come pon stage people did a wonder what him doing at Sting. Sorry Rev, but Sting is not your show. And if you feel say you haffi did eh, then you must come during the very early juggling, because a mostly demon deh a Sting and dem deh people deh don’t business bout nutten you haffi tell dem So, that’s why you get boo, Sir. Don’t mek Missa Laing trick you and tell you netten else. As to Leonard Bartley, we feel seh a di costume di people dem neva like mek dem boo you, cause since you and Kartel a friend, we know seh him nah carry people come fi boo you. Well Lisa Hype get the biggest forward fi night and the she go talk up some foolishness, and get her boo dem. But it neva last long and Lisa bring tings back pon a level. But a nuff artiste get boo and come back “stronger”.

The artistes put up a good showing at the recently held Teensplash which took place on Boxing Day at James Bond Beach in St Mary.


When Yardflex reach the venue, singing group One Third did a buss di place with some tough love songs, fi real they had the crowd mellow.
Apachie Chief and Sarge wreck the place with some funny jokes, bwoy wi couldn't keep a straight face after dem draw di Buju joke.
"Hello Buju, how you find youself inna dis ya position?


'Buju' reply: Bwoy yuh waan si mi tell di driver doan stop at all and him stop and di feds dem hold mi!"


Of course their impersonation of Vybz and Mavado sell off, they almost managed to steal the show with it.


Baby Tash, Stacious, Jah Vinci and Black Ryna held their own.
Other shiners for the night were Lady Saw who did a mean set, Mr Vegas made the connection with some tough tunes and Mavado and Kartel had the women huddling closer to the stage stretching out their hands to be touched, then of course Beenie Man who closed the show.


He was a first class act and he had the crowd going wild.

Bwoy it seems as if the church people have dem way sah. The Sunday racing which started off with high hopes has been squashed. The plug has been pulled on it.


According to CTL executive Chris Armond, his organisation had axed its plans to stage several Sunday race days in 2010 because government had failed to pass relevant legislation allowing for the opening of Off Track Betting (OTB) parlours on Sundays.
"Unless we can solve our off track situation, we're not going to have any (Sunday) racing in 2010," Armond said.


Sales from OTB's account for close to 70 per cent of all CTL's revenue from punters and bettors.


"Until we're able to sort out the situation with regards to our Off Track Betting parlours being open on a Sunday, it's not feasible to go ahead with Sunday racing," Armond was quoted as saying in a Jamaica Observer article.


Well guess the Advetists will have to pray a whole lot harder to see gambling on their Sabbath stop now.

After its staging at Jamworld on Boxing Day, Supreme Promoters, producers of Sting, can no longer claim the title “Greatest one-night show on earth”. There was nothing great about Sting; it was pop dung from start to finish ... and then some.


The promoters were riding on the peace bandwagon, but at no point was there any mention of the peace pact, and worse, former rival deejays Vybz Kartel and Mavado did not appear on stage together to perform even one song. As for the star attraction – headliners Goofy and LA Lewis --- they were not seen or heard from and no explanation was given for their absence.


Instead of entertainment, patrons were fed a steady diet of upcoming acts who had no business on the Sting stage, not even during early juggling, much more at 4:00 am prime time. This was clearly an act of disrespect for patrons who spent their hard-earned recession dollars in the hope of getting some kind of enjoyment.


Persons were led to believe that Stacious -- with whom the notorious Lisa Hype has a furious lyrical fued – would have performed, but although she was inside the venue, she never made it on stage. As for Spice, it’s possible that some of her fans are still at Jamworld waiting to see her performance, because she was ready and waiting in the wings for her time to shine, but as the sun shone brighter, all hope of Spice performing slowly faded.


Sting was just one long weary night that turned into an even wearier morning. The energy of the patrons was so sapped, that by the time two gun shots rang out sometime after seven Sunday morning, the crowd could hardly react to this well-known Sting signal that “the party is about to begin”. They didn’t even bother to pick up their feet in their hands and do their usual 20 laps around Jamworld, pushing and shoving and screaming, while the emcee begs until he’s hoarse for the restoration of calm and order. In fact, many persons didn’t even flinch.


The few acts, who did well (out of the 120 advertised) included Twins of Twins, whose biting, informed commentary was so on point and witty that they should have been given no less than one hour during prime time; Chino, who has two big tunes this year, Never Change and Woman Pon Your Head and really gave fans their money’s worth; Chuck Fender, now known as the Living Fire and I-Octane, who got a good reception but spent too much time cussing off the media.


The clash between Kip Rich and General B injected some energy into the event, but it was a given that General B would have met his lyrical death ... yet again. Merciless, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Vybz Kartel and Lisa Hype were all entertaining to varying degrees.


Note to Mr Laing: Red Bull cans filled with dirt make excellent missiles.

As the days in 2009 comes to a close, we can’t help but think of some of the news that rocked our world throughout the months. Yardflex now take you back on a reflective journey on some of the news that made our headlines for the year.


January


Jamaica was stunned by the news that gospel singer Moses was found dead near the Hope River. It’s still not clear how he died, some think he might have been pushed while others are speculating suicide.
Reggae singer Gramps Morgan made his solo debut at Jazz and Blues Festival and from all accounts he put up a good showing.
The romance that was brewing with Tarrus and Etana fizzled out. Speaking of Tarrus, his father Jimmy Riley found himself in trouble with the law after punching his wife.


February


Singer Luciana received a proper beating from Freckles


The weekly newspaper Sunday Herald changed ownership with the new owners being a group of investors led by the Rev Garnet Roper.


DJ Spice got engaged, but doesn’t seem ready to walk down the aisle, lets see what 2010 will bring.


Still on the music, Gyptian fired yet another manager…we never really found out what his grouse was.


March


Luciana was back in the news, this time he faced the charge or harbouring a criminal. And we don’t have to remind you about the drama that took place at his house involving shootout with the police and all that.


It was the end of an era for Radio Jamaica when they ceased operations of its RJR AM service.


Kirk Headley was found dead, the 31 year old international model’s lifeless body was found at the upscale Paddington Terrace residence of his parents in Kingston, Jamaica. He was found hanging outside the house.


Barcode promoter Ibrahim Konteh, was shot and injured in the Windward Road area of Kingston.


Past Digicel Rising Star contestant Laden found himself on the wrong end of the law when he was arrested by the Junction police for disorderly conduct and using indecent language. We hope this will be a lesson to him.


Vybz Kartel flop Freddie McGregor show big time by not showing up for it after Freddie acted on his suggestion to include Dancehall on the bill. Whew!


June


The biggest shocker of all pop king Michael Jackson died under questionable circumstances. The world has still not recovered from the loss…doubt if his fans ever will.


One Third called it quits with their manager Ray Alexander


July


The widow of Alexander Bustamante passed on


Kentucky Kid woes with the police started … such a sad ending to the saga, wonder what would have happened had the powers that be taken a little more interest in his plight. Guess we’ll never know now.


Selector Richie Feelings was hurt after a brawl at the weekly session on Constant Spring Road, Uptown Mondays.


August


The US government made the request for Dudus to be extradited.


The Jamaican athletes exploded on the Berlin stage, Usain Bolt broke his records, we copped a record number of medals and even now we are bursting with pride.


September


Conscious reggae singer, Etana has signed a management deal with Irish and Chin and is now being booked exclusively by Headline Entertainment.


Trilla U lost his daughter under tragic circumstances and six days later he was baptized. We pray for continued strength for him as he deals with the loss.


Selector Foota Hype was arrested by the Constant Spring Police regarding the beating of a Cassava Piece resident.


The music industry lost another stalwart when Steelie of Steelie and Clevie fame passed.


October


Kartel launches Street Vibes Rum
Prodigal Son’s wife launches book From Brokenness to Victory


Dancehall artiste Blak Ryno spent a night in jail for an alleged attack on his neighbour at his Winchester Estate apartment. Bounty Turned back from performing in Trinidad.


November


Oprah announces the curtains will come down on her show in 2011…Imagine one whole year away and a lot of people are already bemoaning the fact.


Munga Honourebel get a mention in the news but not about music. He was involved in a squabble with the police after riding an unlicensed bike and not wearing any protective gear it is alleged that when the police accosted him not only resisted but told them indecent language.


Sean Paul takes Soul Train award for Reggae


December


American Airline crash landed – thanks heavens there were no fatalities.


Buju Arrested on drug charge…the saga continues on this one.

The St. Catherine North Police have released the names of 10 men who have been fingered in several crimes including murder in the division. At the top of the list is a man known only as "Negus" or "Handsome" of a Waterloo Villa district in Spanish Town in St. Catherine.


He is wanted for the murder of two persons who were killed in June 2006.


Negus is said to be one of the architects behind last December's flare up of violence in the Tredegar Park and Gravel Heights communities.


Next on the list is Nordeen Andre Bryan otherwise called "Blackman" or "Blacks" of Jones Avenue in St. Catherine.


He is one of the suspects in the murder of former Jamaica Urban Transit Company Chairman, Douglas Chambers in June 2006.


The police are also searching for suspected cop killer, Avion Bailey also known as "Caveman" of Jones Avenue and St. John's Road in Spanish Town.


Bailey is of dark complexion, slim build and about 5 feet 7inches tall.


He is wanted for the murder of Corporal Lincoln Parker in De la Vega City on October 17, 2006.


Also wanted for murder and several shootings committed in the Linstead and Homestead areas is Andrew Hamilton otherwise called "Dibby" or "Da da".


Kevin Nicholas Blake otherwise called "Alcapone" is also wanted for shootings committed in the Lovelane area of Spanish Town.


Gladstone Robinson otherwise called "Jim Tree", Rolando Hall otherwise called "Jermaine" or "Ghetto" and Barrington Bernard otherwise called "Pig" are all wanted for murders.


Also wanted for questioning in connection with murders committed in Spanish Town are men known only as "Larry dog" and "Leo".

Sanchez is back! He does it with style with his newest album entitled Now and Forever which features 15 new tracks, produced by Donovan Germain of Penthouse Recordings. This is by far Sanchez’s best work to date. Along with delivering the sound that he is known for, the majority of this album contains original songs from Sanchez.


The first single from the album is “Longing To Come Home” on the Protect & Serve riddim, it is currently climbing the US world & reggae charts. “Won’t Surrender” touches on the controversial subject matter of infidelity and what an untrusting companion goes through in this situation. On the song “What Do I Have To Say,” Sanchez is trying to capture the attention of a woman that he is attracted to. “Release the Property” is about the elusive quality that the one you’re pursuing possesses. Sanchez goes on to explain the elements that draws him to a woman. The songs “Who Am I Without You,” “Extraordinary” and the title track ‘Now and Forever’ displays the loving and sensitivity that proves why Sanchez is one of the most beloved Lovers Rock Singers in Reggae Music.


Born Kevin Anthony Jackson, Sanchez grew up in the Stony Hill and Waterhouse sections of Kingston, Jamaica. Like many of the island's vocal legends, his first singing experience was in church; specifically St. Catherine parish's Rehobth Epostlic Church. Sanchez is a Reggae legend and is known for remaking various hit songs. His gift for crooning romantic lyrics over hard edged dancehall riddims has earned him numerous hits throughout his career. Spanning over two decades, 15 plus albums and legions fans; the veteran recording artist and consummate performer is back.

See we have been preaching for a long time about protecting the music and ensuring we maintain the high standards. Well since all the almshouse has been taking place, the writing was always on the wall for it to affect the music and the artistes themselves.


Check out Howard Campbell’s story in the Sunday Gleaner on what is happening now in the biz. It makes for real interesting reading.


Locked out - Jamaican acts finding it more and more difficult to get into some countries


The lengthening rap sheets of some Jamaican artistes may prevent them from touring countries including the United States and most of Europe.


Music industry analyst Clyde McKenzie, who helped fashion the careers of dancehall stars Beenie Man, Tanto Metro and Devonte, told a December 22 Editors' Forum at The Gleaner's North Street offices, that recent incidents involving dancehall acts in Europe and North America have hurt the genre's image.


Several Caribbean countries have also slammed their doors on Jamaican acts, including Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killa and Mavado.


Change in emphasis


"The business model for entertainment has changed dramatically and the emphasis is now on touring. That is the most lucrative segment on the value chain.


"But more and more doors are closing on our artistes, and that is a significant problem," McKenzie commented.


Dancehall acts have run afoul of the law in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in the past four years.


Protests by gay-rights groups against Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Sizzla resulted in the cancellation of some of their shows, but this has failed to satisfy the homosexual community, which wants a full ban on the artistes.


Banton's run-ins with gay groups in the US this summer, and his arrest on cocaine charges in Miami on December 10, have complicated matters.


"The doors are being closed as far as immigration is concerned, whether it is the perception about violence or homophobia. You find that some Caribbean territories are refusing to have artistes from Jamaica on their soil," McKenzie said.


With record sales taking a dive due to the growing digital market, touring has become invaluable for Jamaican performers.


Those prospects were dealt a big blow recently in the US, which remains the most lucrative live-show market for many dancehall and traditional reggae acts.


In November, the United States citizens and immigration services announced stringent requirements for visa approval.


The new policy calls for artistes to present the duration and itinerary in order to be granted an 'O' (for solo artiste) or 'P' (for group) visa to tour the US.


Previously, performers applied for a work visa which, if granted, would cover the artiste for as long as three years.


According to Billboard magazine, British rapper 'Speech Debelle' did not meet the requirements of the new regime and was refused a visa to perform in the US in November.


Stay clear of controversy


McKenzie is concerned that the Economic Partnership Agreement, signed by the European Union and Caribbean countries in April 2008, may have similar implications if dancehall artistes do not stay clear of controversy.


Under the agreement, Cariforum states will have duty-free and quota-free access to all goods exported to the EU market, except for sugar, rice and bananas.


It also opens 94 per cent of the EU's services (including leisure) sector to the Caribbean.


"The Europeans are finding a number of reasons and setting up a number of different structures to prevent our artistes from going there," McKenzie said.


"So the days when a guy (artiste) had some immigration issues but a promoter had money to spend (to get them in the country), those days are gone because they (promoters) now have to be licensed."

It’s anybody’s guess what is really going to take place over JamWorld in Portmore tonight at Sting. A whopping 120 acts will showcase their talent … or lack thereof … on the Sting stage but many are wondering if there will be value for money.


Of course, there is the so-called clash between wannabe deejay, the graffiti don LA Lewis and the ‘fudgie’ with the limping career, Mr G (aka Goofy). Naturally, this one is gonna be unadulterated drama … theatre … slapstick comedy which has nothing at all to do with music. Truth be told, these two characters would have a better fit on Ragashanti’s Mix Up and Blenda Christmas Day show.


Naturally, this will play out during prime time, but after this, then what?


In the early stages, the organizers looked like they were promoting a clash between the Gaza and the Gully/Alliance, but when the peace treaty was ordered by the President and officially signed at West Kingston Jamboree, war seemed like a dismal prospect.


Laing and company had no choice but to jump on the peace bandwagon.


Then the man who “lend out him mercy and no get it back” started some rumblings. Merciless is desperate for a clash, but right now it doesn’t look as if there is anybody willing to clash with him.


Bounty, in a recent article, dismissed Merciless as the “Worse-forless” and said he had no intention of clashing with him. Bounty, instead, would clash with Kartel, “if the people say so”, but Kartel in a recent statement noted that all those who are coming to Sting to see him clashing with Bounty Killer should stay home.


And since Kartel and Mavado are friends, then that clash won’t materialize either.


So who’s really going to clash at Sting. Perhaps Stacious and Lisa Hye?

To all our readers and supporters have a merry Christmas. We wish continued success for you all the year round in 2010 and beyond. May your dreams be realized and may it be a blessed year for you. In all you do remember one very important thing that Jesus is the real reason for the season.

Today, we celebrate the birth of Christ. Yardflex would like to give you a taste of Christmas celebration over the world.


Jamaica


In Jamaica we know it’s all about church service, sorrel, rice and peas, family dinners and the works. Following an exciting night of Grand Market, it’s now time to settle down to having our special time with family and friends.
China, Hong Kong and Macau


In Mainland China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. The small percentage of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians unofficially, and usually privately, observe Christmas. Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are very similar to Western celebrations.


Korea


South Korea recognizes Christmas as a national holiday. Christian and non-Christian Koreans engage in some holiday customs such as gift-giving, sending Christmas cards, and setting up decorated trees in their homes; children, especially, appear to have embraced Santa Claus, whom they call Santa Halabuji (Grandfather Santa) in Korean, Local radio stations play holiday music on Christmas Day and a few days before, while television stations are known to air Christmas films and cartoon specials popular in the Western countries. In addition, increasing numbers of stores and buildings are displaying Christmas decorations.


India


Being a British colony till 1947, many British traditions stayed on in India. Christmas is a state holiday in India, though only 2.3% of the population is actually Christian. Sincere devotees attend the church services. In many of the schools that are run by the Christian missionaries, the children actively participate in the programmes.


Israel and the Palestinian Territories


Israel is mainly a Jewish state, but with strong emphasis on religious freedom; thus, Jewish Israelis do not celebrate Christmas. The celebration of Hanukkah falls at approximately the same time, but it has not undergone the same osmosis of Christmas-like practices (such as exchange of gifts) that the holiday has in the United States. Israeli Arabs are chiefly Muslim, and thus do not celebrate Christmas, either, but there is a minority of Christian Israeli Arabs who do celebrate Christmas. Given the diversity of denominations among Christian Israeli Arabs, some celebrate with the Western Churches on the Gregorian 25 December, and others with the Eastern Churches on the Gregorian 7 January (Julian 25 December).
Japan


Encouraged by the commercial sector, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a national holiday. A unique feature of Christmas in Japan is the Japanese type of Christmas cake, often a white whipped cream cake with strawberries.


Labanon


Christmas is a state holiday in Lebanon. Most Lebanese Muslims celebrate Christmas with Christian friends. A poll showed that around two thirds of the population celebrate Christmas, while only 45% of the population is Christian. Commercialization and open markets are bringing a more secular celebration of Christmas to the public. Churches are open all night for praying and people go to visit friends and families, often to villages in the mountains. Christmas concerts are popular, not to forget to mention the wide popularity of both local and western Christmas Carols. Prayers and carols start to be said and sung around mid-December and continue till the New Year's Eve.


Pakistan


Christians are the second largest religious minority community in Pakistan after Hindus. The total number of Christians in Pakistan is approximately 2,800,000 in 2008, or 1.6% of the population. Of these, approximately half are Roman Catholic and half Protestant.


In Pakistan, Christmas Day is celebrated by Pakistan Christians as Big Day, or Great Day. The day is a public holiday, but it is in memory of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.. Pakistani Christians celebrates Christmas by singing carol and go from house to house and in return the family offers something to the choir. Mostly the money collected from such carols is used for charity works or is given to the church.


Malaysia


Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia, however, much of the public celebration is commercial in nature and has no overt religious overtones. Occasionally, Christian activist groups do buy newspaper advertorials on Christmas or Easter but this is largely only allowed in English newspapers and permission is not given every year. The advertorials themselves are usually indirect statements.


Singapore


In Singapore, Christmas is a public holiday celebrated by almost everyone (Christian or otherwise). Typically it is also the boom time for retailers as Christmas season is also the time most people get their year-end bonuses.


Taiwan


Christmas tree on the Taipei 101 building in Taipei.


In Taiwan, Christmas is not officially celebrated or legally recognized. However, coincidentally, December 25 is the date of the signing of the Constitution of the Republic of China in 1947, officially the Constitution Day


United States and Canada


Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday in the United States and Canada. Christmas traditions are essentially the same as most of Europe, except in Quebec and other French speaking areas, with its réveillon and the Père Noël ("Father Christmas" in French). The Celebration of Boxing Day on the day after Christmas Day is a tradition practiced in Canada, as it is in the Commonwealth. While 15% of Americans affiliate as non-religious, predominantly of Christian heritage.

The police force is on a clean up mission. Check out this latest report.


SEVEN more members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force have been booted for breaching the Force's regulations.


The reports on the cops, who are all constables, were carried in this week's Force Orders.


Among those dismissed are a woman constable, five regular male constables and a special constable.


One of the cops, who was assigned to the Motorised Patrol Division, was dismissed in November after he discharged his service pistol at a stage show at the James Bond Beach in July 2004.


The policewoman from St Andrew Central was sacked in August after she disobeyed an order from her senior officer to provide security to a councillor who had been shot and hospitalised.


A policeman from the St Thomas Police Division was dismissed effective August after he was observed acting in a manner which aroused his colleagues' suspicion at the Norman Manley International Airport.


He reportedly attempted to flee the scene when challenged by his colleagues.


Another, who was assigned to the Area One Headquarters, was implicated in a rape case and was dismissed in August, while one was sent home after he failed to obey an order from his senior officer to deal with a dispute in Morant Bay, St Thomas. He was assigned to the St Andrew South Division and was sent home on Tuesday.


Another policeman-- who was assigned to the Hanover Division -- was dismissed on December 4 for being disrespectful to his senior officers and failing to obey their instructions.


The JCF also said that another cop will be booted in February after he lost two cartridges from his service revolver.


Last week, 10 cops were sent home for disciplinary breaches.


Since the start of this year, more than 150 cops have been arrested and charged for breaches of the Anti-Corruption Act as the police high command moves to rid the force of corrupt members.

Singer's rep says she didn't hit husband, but was trying to stop fight between him and her brother


*The NY Daily News has spoken to Mary J. Blige's publicist and contrary to reports that the singer decked her husband, Kendu Isaacs, at a promotional event for her new CD, Karynne Tencer told the paper that Blige was trying to stop a brawl between Isaacs and her brother.


"Mary was not fighting with her husband," said Tencer. "Her husband and her brother got into an altercation that turned into a fight. Mary went to break up the fight."


But Tencer claims she doesn't know the name of Blige's brother or the reason for the row at the M2 Ultralounge.


Club security helped the Grammy Award winner pull the men apart, who also disputed reports that Isaacs' lip was bleeding.


"Nobody was bleeding," Tencer said.


Blige's camp also denied the singer screamed 'What are you gonna do, Chris Brown me?' at her husband.


"She never mentioned Chris Brown," Tencer said. "Mary and Kendu went home together."


The Daily News also reported that after sources claimed the no more drama singe had smacked Isaacs because he was supposedly flirting with a waitress, she decided to set the record straight.


However, it is interesting that Blige herself hasn't spoken directly herself to the media to refute the allegations.


Earlier we reported ...


Both the New York Daily News and the New York Post have reported that Mary J. Blige hauled off and socked her husband Kendu Isaacs in front of guests at her album release party Tuesday night after accusing him of flirting with a woman.


The reported punch in the face – which drew blood, according to the Post – went down at New York's M2 after Blige allegedly saw Kendu checking out one of the waitresses.


"[Blige] turned to him and was screaming, 'You're not going to ruin my night,'" a witness told the Post. "They got up in each other's faces before someone tried to separate them, at which point she shoved the guy aside, pulled back and popped [Isaacs] in the face."


The source said Blige, Isaacs and their entourage were whisked through a door to the attached club Pink, which was closed. The witness continued, "She was yelling at him, 'What are you gonna do, Chris Brown me?' Four of her bodyguards and two of the club's kept them apart.."


Isaacs, according to the Post, was tossed out of the venue, while Blige went to the ladies room to fix her hair and makeup. But she bounced soon after, leaving partygoers Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Busta Rhymes and others behind, according to the papers.


When asked to confirm the reports, Blige's rep, Karynne Tencer, told the Post, "People lie and don't know what they're talking about." When the Daily News asked for a comment, she referred to the incident as a "misunderstanding" and said Blige's marriage is as strong as ever.


"They're as happy as can be," said Tencer. "They're spending the holidays together with their three children. Everything's great."

Following the outcry from the Jamaican people, Prime Minister Bruce Golding announce a more poor people friendly tax package last night in a national broadcast.


In its place the following measures have now been implemented.


* There will no longer be any tax on ground provisions, fruits and meats


There will now be a hike in personal income tax rate from 25 per cent to 27.5 per cent on all income above the threshold for persons earning in excess of $5 million and 35 per cent for persons earning in excess of $10 million.


* an increase in motor vehicle licence fees for luxury vehicles with an engine capacity of 3000 cc and above by $4,000 per annum.


an additional tax rates ranging between 20 per cent and 25 per cent will be applied to certain luxury goods such as jewellery, television sets exceeding 32 inches, shotguns and shotgun cartridges, jet skis and pleasure boats


* The GCT increase will remain which moved from 16.5 to 17.5 %


In addition, fish, cornmeal, corned beef, pickled mackerel, herring, shad and dried salt fish, canned sardines, herrings and mackerel, bread, buns, bullas, biscuits and crackers, sugar, salt, eggs, patties, rolled oats and baking flour have also been taken off the tax base.


Other essential items such as cooking oil, syrup, fish, cock and noodle soups, corn, disposable diapers for the incontinent, sanitary towels and tampons and even children's picture books and painting books have also been removed.

The Narcotics Police are on Tuesday afternoon probing what they believe is a major drug network operating at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).


The probe was sparked by last week's arrest of four employees at the airport and the seizure of nearly one hundred pounds of ganja.


An Air Jamaica Customer Service agent and a Customer Service agent employed to Jamaica Dispatch Services Limited are among those charged.


The Narcotics Police reported that on December 14, a 16-year-old British girl was preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London when they intercepted two suitcases in her name.


The suitcases were each loaded with nearly 30 pounds of ganja.


The teen was taken into custody and questioned.


The cops then arrested three Customer Service Agents assigned to Jamaica Dispatch Services for questioning.


One of them, 21-year-old Crystal Marsh was subsequently charged.


The other two agents were released after their attorneys filed writs in court demanding their release.


The cops say the tags on the suitcases were generated by Ms Marsh's computer.


The cops say the suitcases were never checked in by the teen, but were already at the airport waiting on her to be placed on the flight.


Two other suitcases got through Norman Manley International, but were intercepted by the British police.


Ms Marsh and the British teen appeared in court Tuesday where Ms Marsh was offered bail in the sum of $500,000.


The investigators told the court that they are still conducting further investigations.


Ms Marsh and the British teen, who were remanded, are to return to court on January 22.


In the meantime, the Air Jamaica agent was arrested on Sunday after the cops seized 30 pounds of ganja in the possession of a woman who was about to board a flight at NMIA.


The woman was questioned and reportedly pointed the cops to the Air Jamaica agent.


The agent is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

Some might say he's Usain Bolt on skis. Not surprisingly, though, when Errol Kerr tells people he's a member of the Jamaican Winter Olympic team, most pull out the bobsled one-liners.


"When people hear of a Jamaican skier, they expect dreads hanging out the back of my helmet and a smoke stream following me down the mountain," Kerr said. This is no joke, though.


Less than two years since Bolt brought world records and world renown to the island nation with his sprinting, Jamaica's latest winter star is hoping to put his country on the map in the new Olympic sport of skicross.


"It's more than just a country," Kerr said. "It's in my blood, in my DNA."


Born to an American mother and a Jamaican father, Kerr grew up a dual citizen between Lake Tahoe in California, where he moved with his mother as a child, and Westmoreland, Jamaica's westernmost parish.


He has felt most at home on the slopes since he was a kid watching a ski race on TV.


He rolls with the jokes, most of which inevitably draw comparisons to the Jamaica bobsled team, a fan favourite in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary that inspired the comedy movie "Cool Runnings".


In fact, one of Kerr's sponsors is a beverage company called Cool Runnings.


"There's no running away from it," Kerr said of the bobsled team. "I embrace it. They laid the groundwork."


But while the bobsled team was initially a novelty, Kerr enters the Vancouver Olympics -- his first -- as a serious contender.


The hybrid style of skicross draws on Kerr's extensive background in Alpine skiing. It also makes good use of the rougher edge he picked up in motocross and BMX, and the 200-plus pounds (90-plus kilogrammes) he has to throw around, said American Jonny Moseley, an Olympic gold medallist who will be a TV commentator for the freestyle events -- moguls, aerials and skicross -- in Vancouver.


"Errol's got a good shot at the Olympics," Moseley said. "He's cut out for the sport."


Kerr's background helps in an event that is rowdier than Alpine ski racing, where one athlete races against the clock. In skicross, four competitors speed down a steep, winding course together, taking on banked turns, berms and each other along the way. The first one across the finish line wins.


"It's very pure, very simple that way," said Moseley. "But there's a lot of contact, a lot of strategy and jockeying."


To viewers, it is dynamic, and anyone who has raced friends down a mountain can relate to the scramble. Snowboardcross drew big crowds and good ratings when it made its Olympic debut at the 2006 Turin Games. Adding skicross will continue to draw younger athletes and fans, said Joseph Fitzgerald, the International Ski Federation's freestyle race director.


"You watch it on TV and it pops, there's so much activity," said Fitzgerald, speaking from San Candido, Italy, site of the skicross World Cup.


Kerr is taking nothing for granted. He spends his days training at Alpine Meadows, a resort at Lake Tahoe that has sponsored him, and in his mother's front yard, where he built a starting gate with the same specifications as the one in Vancouver and rigged up his own snowmaking machine.


His mother, Catherine Kerr, once a ski racer herself, stands behind the practice gate, counting down: "Racers ready... attention... "


She lets the gate fly. Errol Kerr springs out, strides. He plants his poles once, and crouches for the first tabletop jump, staying tight and close to the ground. Another stride, another jump. Then he circles back, and goes through it all again... and again... and again, shaving off the precious fractions of a second that could land him ahead of the pack in Vancouver.


Errol Kerr's late father never strapped on a pair of skis, Errol's mother said. It would have moved him to see how far his son has come, and to know that he is competing for the island, she said. Kerr said part of his dream was always to race for his father's country -- under the black, green and yellow flag of Jamaica.


"To be able to see Errol grab a hold of that and say, 'let's take it a step further, put Jamaica on the map of skiing', it's beautiful," she said. "He would just be so proud."

This morning a passenger was on TVJ's Morning Time talking about his experience on the American Airline flight.


according to him the plane touched down and passengers started clapping as they normally do, "but I don't do claps, I do prayers," he told Simon and Neville. He said while he was praying, he felt the plane jerked and then baggages started falling from the compartments above. he said one man who might not have been wearing his seatbelt fell on top of him.


When the plane stopped he took up his bag with his laptop and started running.


The flight attendant asked him where he was going and he said, "yuh nuh si mi a run, a whey yuh a ask mi sey?"


He said he made it outside and ran to the lighthouse then he remembered about a lady with a baby and his friends that needed help and turned back. He soon found out that they too were out.


He bemoaned the fact that the emergency team took too long to respond.


Yardflex is happy that no one was seriously hurt.

An American Airlines flight 331 from Miami with more than 150 aboard overshot a runway in Jamaica. Some 44 people were taken to nearby hospitals but American Airlines said only two were admitted to the hospital, and nobody suffered life-threatening injuries.


Some 44 people were taken to nearby hospitals with broken bones and back pains, Information Minister Daryl Vaz reported.
Four people were seriously injured, said Paul Hall, senior vice president of airport operations. But American Airlines said only two were admitted to the hospital and nobody suffered life-threatening injuries.


The plane’s fuselage was cracked, both engines broke off from the impact, and the left main landing gear collapsed, American Airline spokesman Tim Smith said. Most of the injuries were cuts and bruises, and none were life threatening, he said.


US federal investigators will analyze whether the plane should have been landing in such bad weather, Mr. Smith said, adding that other planes landed safely amid heavy rain.


Some passengers leaving the plane were seen with cuts on their faces or bloody lips. Some looked visibly shaken as they left the terminal wrapped in red blankets. Others ducked under umbrellas to escape the heavy downpour. Passenger Robert Mais told The Gleaner newspaper of Jamaica that he could hear the engine’s reverse throttle but that the plane didn’t seem to slow as it skittered down the runway.


He said he felt rain coming through the roof of the darkened jet after the impact and that baggage from the overhead compartments was scattered throughout the cabin. “Some (passengers) were shaken up badly,” he told the paper. The plane was about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) from the Caribbean Sea at that point, and passengers walked along the beach to be picked up by a bus, Mais said.


The Boeing 737-800, which originated at Reagan National Airport in Washington, had taken off from Miami International Airport at 8:52 p.m. and arrived in Kingston at 10:22 p.m. It was carrying 148 passengers and a crew of six, American said. The majority of those aboard were Jamaicans coming home for Christmas, Vaz said.


“All of a sudden, when it hit the ground, the plane was kind of bouncing, someone said the plane was skidding and there was panic,” Passenger Pilar Abaurrea of Keene, New Hampshire, said in a telephone interview.


As the crew opened the emergency exits and people scrambled to get off, Abaurrea, and her husband, Gary Wehrwein, noticed a number of people with injuries, including one person who had a cut on his head from falling baggage.


Abaurrea said the flight was very turbulent, with the crew being forced to halt the beverage service three times before finally giving it up. Just before landing, the pilot warned of more turbulence but said it likely wouldn’t be much worse than what they had experienced so far, she said.


Smith said there are two “significant cracks” in the fuselage but it is intact, and both engines came off the plane. He said the engines are designed to separate from the wings during an accident as a safety measure.

Maybe next year she'll be ready to post up Shaq. Not yet, though. After all, Marvadene Anderson needs to grow another inch before she can see eye-to-eye with a 7-footer.


For now, she will have to settle for being the world's tallest teenage girl and a 6-11 sophomore on the Rutgers Prep basketball team in Somerset, N.J.


"Everyone has come up to me and asked if I play college basketball. I told them I'm only a sophomore in high school. They gasped when I told them," Anderson, 16, told the New York Post.


Her basketball potential earned the Jamaican native a scholarship to the New Jersey prep school. Back home, Anderson played netball — a Jamaican variation of basketball — so she has spent the past few months adjusting to the American game.


Anderson's coach at Rutgers Prep, Mary Coyle-Klinger, said: "Of course, she is going to be a star. She's a natural. She's only been playing two months, and it's amazing how well she's adapted."


And if you want to ask her how the weather is up there, Anderson probably wouldn't even frown. Her outgoing personality has resulted in the nickname of "Bubbles."


"People are friendly with me because of my height and my personality," she said. "If I was tall and mean, I think I'd have a problem."


And speaking of problems …


"The rudest thing anybody ever said about my height is that I'm not going to be able to find a husband."

Date: November 25, 2009


Subject: Attempted Murder Suspect in Cape Coral Shooting Apprehended in Lehigh Acres


A suspect wanted for attempted murder in Cape Coral was apprehended this morning by the Fugitive Warrants Unit with Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Rohan Kamali Stanbury (DOB: 12/01/1980) was arrested and charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder in connection to an incident that occurred in August.


At 9:16 p.m. on August 19, Cape Police responded to several calls about multiple gunshots fired from a vehicle in the 1200 block of SE 24th Avenue. Police found 11 shell casings scattered along a one-block area in the roadway near the residence at 1216 SE 24th Avenue, indicating that shots were fired from a moving vehicle.


According to witnesses, a light-colored sedan had been parked in front of the residence at 1216 SE 24th Avenue. One witness heard multiple gunshots and immediately fell to the floor to avoid being struck by a stray bullet. The witness heard a man yell and a car door slam. Another witness saw a white male leaning inside the sedan, and shortly thereafter heard gunshots being fired from the vehicle as it sped south on SE 24th Avenue. The witness said the white male who was leaning inside the vehicle earlier immediately yelled that he had been shot and needed to go to the hospital. The victim entered a black vehicle and was driven from the area.


Cape Coral Detective John Howes arrived at Cape Coral Hospital to interview the victim, who was being treated for a gunshot wound. A black vehicle was located in the hospital parking lot, and Cape Police found two locations where the car had been struck by gunfire.


According to the victim, he was at the Circle K at Del Prado Boulevard and Pine Island Road with four friends when he was approached by two black males in a gold-colored vehicle who wanted to purchase marijuana. The victim agreed to take them to a supplier who lived on SE 24th Avenue. After arriving at the residence, an argument ensued between the supplier and the passenger, later identified as Stanbury. Stanbury pulled out a handgun and began to fire repeatedly as they drove away. One of the rounds hit the victim in the abdomen.


The driver of the gold-colored vehicle drove Stanbury to 9705 Blue Stone Circle in Lehigh Acres and dropped him off. He immediately drove to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and reported the incident. Cape Coral Detective Erica Cunningham responded to the location and interviewed the driver, who confirmed the details provided by the victim. He indicated that he had no inclination that Stanbury was carrying a gun.


As a result of his investigation, Det. Howes determined that probable cause existed to arrest Stanbury. However, Cape Police were unable to locate Stanbury, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.


At 5:15 a.m. today, the LCSO Fugitive Warrants Unit arrived at 9705 Blue Stone Circle in Lehigh. The unit conducted surveillance on the residence and observed Stanbury arrive in a crème-colored Kia. Stanbury was placed into custody and stated to deputies that his name was “Anthony” and not “Rohan.” A search of Stanbury was conducted, and a wallet containing identification with the names “Rohan” and “Anthony” were found. The deputies performed a check on Rohan Stanbury and found active arrest warrants out of Orange County and Brevard County. After running his name through Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the deputies discovered that Stanbury had an active Criminal Deportation Order and was to have returned to his home country of Jamaica in 2001. ICE officials advised that “Anthony” was listed as an alias used by Stanbury.


Cape Police were notified of Stanbury’s arrest this morning. He was transported to Lee County Jail for booking.


Arrested
Rohan Kamali Stanbury B/M


DOB: 12/01/1980


9705 Blue Stone Circle


Lehigh Acres, FL 33936


Charge: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder

By Rootzgirl


Today I was reading the Star and it confirmed what we know all along that the number one reason we find it so hard to fight crime is because the people we are paying from our tax dollars are the very ones putting up the roadblock.


According to the story in the today's paper a policeman from St Catherine north has found himself in trouble with the law for allegedly leaking information to criminals in and around the division.


The lawman was taken into custody last Thursday following intensive investigations by detectives from the Flying Squad department.


The Star reports that the policeman's colleagues tapped his cellular phone and detected a series of conversations he had with members of the criminal underworld. In many of these conversations, he was heard relaying information as to when police would conduct spot checks, raids and other operational activities.


Investigators, having been satisfied with their probe, arrested the constable who up to press time yesterday, remained in the custody of the Spanish Town police.


Now if this is really true it is terrible. How can we trust cops like these with sensitive information? No wonder no one is willing to come forward and give up any info, cause you won't really know who's with you and who's not.


It is hoped that the force steps up their activities in trying to get rid of these corrupt cops, maybe then, we will start to have the peace we are seeking.

According to an article in the Jamaica Observer, dancehall DJ Spragga Benz was featured in Billboard's Best One-Hit wonders of 2000s for Kevin Lyttle collaboration Turn Me On.


The finding is based on an artiste that hit the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100 singles chart without cracking the top 25 with subsequent hits in the decade.


The song Turn Me On was Lyttle's international hit on his self-titled album. It peaked at number four in August 2004 with Benz deejaying for 30 seconds mid-song whilst toasting the intro/outro.


Listed below are some of the other 'one hit wonders' as presented by Billboard


The top 10 One Hit Wonders included:


*Daniel Powter's Bad Day which peaked at number 1 for five weeks but subsequent songs have not entered the Hot 100;


*Terror Squad's Lean Back which peaked at number 1 in 2004 but subsequent hits peaked at number 62;


*Crazy Town's Butterfly peaked at number 1 for two weeks in 2001 but subsequent hits never entered Hot 100;


*Mims' This is why I'm Hot peaked at number 1 for two weeks in 2007 but subsequent hits peaked at 32;


*D4L's Laffy Taffy peaked at number one in 2006 but subsequent hits peaked at 72;


*James Blunt's You're Beautiful peaked at number 1 in 2006 but subsequent hits peaked at 66;


*Gnarls Barkley's Crazy peaked at number 1 with subsequent hits peaking at 88;


*Blu Cantrell's Hit Em Up Style (Oops!) peaked at number 1 in 2001 and subsequent songs peaked at 70;


*Bo Bice's Inside Your Heaven peaked at number 2 in 2005 and subsequent songs peaked at 56; and


*Dream's He Loves You Not peaked at number 2 in 2000 and subsequent songs peaked at 39.

American athlete, Tyson Gay, who has been having a quite a good season, was quoted earlier this year that world fastest man, Usain Bolt is a “beast… a monster, a freak” and he is “fearless”.


“This guy’s a beast," Gay said. "You can’t be sure of what he can do and the pressure doesn’t seem to be getting to him.


“He’s a monster, a freak. He’s doing something no one’s ever heard of. He’s in a class of his own, like LeBron James or David Beckham. It’s hard to study people like that." Gay said in July this year.


He reiterated this sentiment when he was in the island on the weekend to attend a charity concert hosted by Olympian and for 200m record holder, Asafa Powell.


“He is a monster, he can run in any conditions … rain, snow, anything,” Gay is quoted as saying last weekend.
In the July article, he noted that Bolt was “having fun and he’s fearless”.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brittany Murphy, who gained fame in such movies as “8 Mile” and “Just Married” before giving voice to popular animated characters, has died at age 32.


The Los Angeles County coroner’s office said her death Sunday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center appeared to be from natural causes but police were investigating.


Murphy was transported to the hospital after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at 8 a.m. at the home she shared with her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, in the Hollywood Hills.


Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said Murphy apparently collapsed in the bathroom, and authorities were looking into her medical history.


An official cause of death may not be determined for some time, since toxicology tests will be required, but “it appears to be natural,” Winter said. He said an autopsy was planned for Monday or Tuesday.


Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into Murphy’s death, Officer Norma Eisenman said. Detectives and coroner’s officials were at Murphy and Monjack’s home Sunday afternoon but did not talk to reporters. Paparazzi were camped outside the multistory home, located above the Sunset Strip.


Neighbor Clare Staples said she saw firefighters working to resuscitate the actress Sunday morning. She said Murphy was on a stretcher.


Murphy’s husband, wearing pajama bottoms and no shoes, appeared “dazed” as firefighters tried to save her, Staples said. “It’s just tragic,” she added.


TMZ.com first reported Murphy’s death Sunday morning.


Murphy’s publicist, Nicole Perna, said in a statement: “In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy.”


Messages left for Murphy’s manager and agent by The Associated Press were not immediately returned.


Murphy’s father, Angelo Bertolotti, said he learned of her death from his son, the actress’s brother, and was stunned.


“She was just an absolute doll since she was born,” Bertolotti said from his Florida home. “Her personality was always outward.


Everybody loved her — people that made movies with her, people on a cruise — they all loved her. She was just a regular gal.”

Embattled reggae dancehall artiste, Mark Anthony Myrie, better known as Buju Banton, is getting rid of lawyer Herbert E. Walker III and is seeking a top flight legal team to represent him on his conspiracy charges.


Buju Banton was charged with conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute and faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.


Walker, in an email to the Associated Press last week, has said he “looks forward to representing Buju Banton in court”.


However, Banton’s manager, Tracii McGregor is quoted over the weekend as saying that current attorney, Herbert Walker, III, was simply hired to represent Banton during his initial court appearance and will not be the trial attorney.


She also stated that the label will pursue the best legal team to prove his innocence and that she has been meeting with several top criminal attorneys to take over the case.

During the JLP’s campaign to win the election the popular slogan “wi haffi change course” was advertised. Many jumped on the bandwagon with glee as they couldn’t wait to get out the reigning PNP. But now they are probably cursing the luck that had them changing course to what now looks like from “bad to worse!”


At no time during the PNP’s reign was there a supplementary budget three times for the year, and things doesn’t look any better. With new taxes set to come on stream January 1 – an unpleasant start to the New Year.


A few months later in April a another Budget debate will take place which no doubt will mean more tax increase.


What the hell is happening in this country…below are some of the things that are now on the GCT tax list.


* GCT tax has moved from 16.5% to 17.5%


* customers will now be expected to pay GCT on electricity usage exceeding 200 kilowatt hours per month.


·Motorists will also once again be hard hit as the Special Consumption Tax on fuel will be increased by 15 per cent.


·Smokers will also be forced to pay more as the Special Consumption Tax on cigarettes is being increased from the current $8,500 per 1,000 sticks to $10,500 per 1,000 sticks


* GCT, consumers will now have to pay GCT on fresh fruit and vegetables, ground provision, legumes, onions and garlic, as well as on meat and poultry.


* In addition, fish, cornmeal, corned beef, pickled mackerel, herring, shad and dried salt fish, canned sardines, canned mackerel, bread, buns, bullas, biscuits and crackers, sugar, salt, eggs, patties, rolled oats and baking flour.


Cooking oil, syrup, fish, cock and noodle soups, corn, disposable diapers for the incontinent, sanitary towels and tampons and even children's picture books and painting books.


Even the dead will be spared as services rendered by an undertaker in relation to a burial or cremation, including the supply of coffins, will be taxed as well.


It will be interesting to see if those who are being pressured will sit back and allow this government to do whatever they will without crying out. This is a crying shame anyway you look at it. With the economy in the worst shape it’s been in it is not a comforting thought that the government has thrown those who are suffering the most to the wolves.

26-year-old NFL wide receiver Chris Henry died after falling from a truck driven by his fiancée.


According to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the accident occurred late Wednesday morning after Chris jumped into the back of a pickup truck driven by his fiancée. WCPO reports that, he was trying to stop her from leaving a domestic situation at his North Carolina home. No details on that situation, or what lead up to it, have been released at this time.




CMPD said he got in the bed of the truck as his fiancée, Lolieni Tonga, was driving off of his property, and he fell out of the back at some point. He’d sustained grave injuries by the time police arrived at the scene of the accident, and emergency crews rushed him to Carolina’s Medical Center.





Homicide detectives are trying to whether or not Chris was thrown from the truck by his fiancée’s driving. TMZ reports that Loleini, who was taken in for questioning and later released, did not suffer any visible injuries from the accident.


Below is the youtube link to the 911 call

Conscious reggae show, Rebel Salute, staged annually by singer Tony Rebel’s Flames Productions, will have Pepsi as its title sponsor come January 2010, reports reveal.


The event, held in St Elizabeth, is one of the premier and longest-running stage shows put on by a reggae artiste. Rebel Salute, which started out as a tribute to late singer Garnett Silk, is known as one of the few remaining “hortical Rastaman show” where the music, the food and the livity are in harmony.


Rebel Salute has always sought out that which is healthy for mind, body and spirit and does not promote the eating of animal flesh or the drinking of anything alcoholic or substances considered harmful to the body.


In the past, Tru Juice, a line of natural juices bottled by Jamiacan company, Tradewind Citrus, has been the sponsor for this wholesome reggae event, where clean music, mixed with the essence of marijuana, can be guaranteed to take patrons on a natural high.

The Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival has moved its main stage acts for the January 2010 festival to the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny, Minister in charge of Entertainment, Babsy Grange announced at the launch on Tuesday.


For the past three years, the festival has been housed temporarily at the Aqueduct at Rose Hall, Montego Bay,a venue which requires putting in major infrastructure for each staging, at significant cost to the festival, explained Turnkey Productions, producers of the annual festival. According to them it became unfeasible to host the event at the Rose Hall venue. Turnkey also noted that there would be serious parking issues, as they no longer had the use of a major car park


President of Turnkey Productions, Walter Elmore, noted that they had decide on “whether to risk not being able to effectively stage the festival, as well as forego the comfort and ease of movement of our patrons, or find a new venue that would solve our major problems,” said.


He explained that the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny is only 12 miles or 12 minutes away from the old venue and it was the most ideal option when all needs were considered.


Scheduled to perform on the festival, which will run from Sunday, to Saturday, January 30 are Empress Of Soul, multiple Grammy award-winning singer and former Motown icon, Gladys Knight, Billy Ocean, The Whispers, Maxi Priest, Machel Montano, Joe Roy Jackson, Joss Stone, Hall and Oats, Jon Secada, Robin Banks, Monty Alexander, Roy Ayers, Third World and the Max Klezmer Band.

Togetherness


I cherish my time with friends and family throughout the Christmas season.


Holiday celebrations with family and coworkers are meant to be joyful. But on occasion, I may feel anxious about them. I take a moment now to consciously release any tension I am experiencing, any unrealistic expectations I've placed upon myself or others. I become flexible and accepting. In so doing, I am better able to enjoy the spontaneity of each event.


I greet my dear ones with love, appreciating the unique qualities they bring to each gathering. Throughout the holiday season, I affirm silently, I behold the Christ in you, whether I am looking in the mirror or looking into the eyes of another. I cherish our times of togetherness this Christmas.


The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.--2 Corinthians 13:13

It seems as if the tide is rising against the dancehall artistes and their threatening and obscene lyrics that are said to be leading young people down a road of perdition.


Recently, the Government in Antigua made it clear that such artistes will not be welcomed there. In Jamaica, the home of dancehall, the Broadcasting Commission has banned from the airwaves all sexually explicit music, and so too lyrics which depict violence. Daggering—a dance which seeks to simulate the sexual act on the dance floor without any attempt at disguise—has been particularly disconcerting to the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission and to large segments of the population in that country. In addition to the sexually oriented lyrics of the music, the encouragement to violence by the dancehall artistes in their lyrics is also of deep concern to the Jamaican authorities and to those in Antigua and other parts of the Caribbean where the musical genre has become popular over the last decade and more. In T&T, dancehall artistes have been escorted off stage for obscene and offensive lyrics. Recently, Bounty Killa, a high priest of the form, was prevented from getting past the Immigration Department at Piarco—the officers at the port of entry deeming the Jamaican artist a subversive risk to the country and more precisely its young people.


A few years ago, shocked by the lyrical content of the dancehall music being played in maxi taxis that take teenaged students back and forth, laws and regulations were put in place to control the volume at which the music can be played in vehicles used for public transport. Notwithstanding lowering the volume of the music, the dancehall and other derivative forms are still being played here in public transport vehicles. And if the complaints heard from parents, teachers and parent-teacher groups are correct, the music and lyrics are still “licking-up” the youth and leading them into senseless violence and more. So too do those who complain claim that the dancehall music is being used to induce and seduce young females into promiscuous habits and eventually into dangerous lifestyles. Associated with the negatives of the musical genre is the spread of communicable diseases, HIV being the greatest threat. In this respect, professionals and agencies working in the field of HIV and Aids have attributed the increase in the spread of the virus amongst young females to some of them being engaged in sexual relations with older men who are part of the dancehall culture.


It would only be fair to say that dancehall is not singular in respect of the claims about it being obscene and capable of leading young people astray. Our own calypso and soca songs have been said to be responsible for initiating young people into dangerous lifestyles. There would be those locally who would point to the subtly of language of the calypsonian, his wit and easy facility with double entendre and say the two forms cannot be compared. Those who heap scorn on daggering may also have to answer questions as to the difference between what we see on Carnival days and the sex-simulation exercises of the dancehall artistes. In Jamaica, that contention raged for some time when the ban was imposed on the daggering lyrics, with segments of the Jamaican society saying that the soca lyrics were as negatively influential as anything that the dancehall artistes could sing.


Fact is that norms and values are changing, but society still has to maintain levels of acceptable behaviour to mitigate against the most negative of subcultures possible. T&T has to face the challenges of the subculture music and the ways in which it is eating away at the core.

Portmore Empire artistes, Jahvinci, Shawn Storm, Pop Caan and Dose of Medicine, have been in Guyana since last weekend for a reggae concert there, and it’s not certain if they will return to Jamaica in time for Christmas.


The show was billed as a peace concert with Gaza president, Vybz Kartel, as the headline act. Kartel, however, did not show up for the event, causing the show to be cancelled and the promoter to lose millions.


Reacting to reports first carried in YardFlex that the artistes and their manager Lenburgh “Len” McDonald (Not Supreme Promotions’ Laing as was first reported), were being held hostage, one newspaper in Guyana noted that the artiste were still in Guyana, but were comfortable. The hostage reports are said to be “lies and wicked rumours”.


Guyana’s Stabroek News, quoted the management of Conscious Minds Promotions as saying that the four artistes who arrived in Guyana last weekend for the Vybz Kartel peace concert are still there waiting to perform and were comfortable in a private hose provided by the promoter. .


The report quotes one of the artistes as saying, “We here in ah Guyana safe and sound and ready to entertain the fans.”


YardFlex had reported that the promoter had checked the artistes and their manager out of the hotel Sunday morning and had taken them to a private house at an undisclosed location where they were making dubplates on rapid. Other reports also noted that the promoter in Guyana and another in St Lucia – where Kartel was supposed to perform on Sunday but again did not show up – were angry over the looses they incurred as a result of Kartel’s no-show.


Conscious Minds had initially sent out a statement that ticket holders would be refunded their money, but the story now is that that “The promoters requested that ticket-holders hold on to their tickets. If all goes well the show will be held before Christmas or at a later date.”


Kartel’s manager, “ from the comfort of the house in Guyana said he is awaiting a call from Kartel and that if all goes well the show will be staged before Christmas,” Starbroek News quotes the promoters as saying..

‘I heard the news and wondered if someone else had my name,’ he says.


Can you imagine driving in your car, listening to your radio and hearing the breaking news that you are dead? That is indeed enough to send you to your grave.


That, however, was the experience reggae singer I-Octane had on Wednesday evening, after which, all hell broke loose. Fans and music industry players started calling around various media houses asking if the reports were really true; many were grief stricken and crying their eyes out.


Some media outlets were caught off guard, as they, at one point could neither confirm nor deny the rumours.


According to I-Octane’s management team, Arrows, led by Rose Linton, the office could not keep up with the number of calls from concerned people wanting to know if the story was true.


“I know that he was supposed to be at a show at Ward Theatre,” Linton, affectionately called Miss Rose, stated, sounding dazed by all that had transpired.


The so-called death of artistes by the hared-working rumour mill, is nothing new, however, and many acts, including Gregory Isaacs, John Holt and Beenie Man, to name a few, have been victims.


According to one music industry player, “Dem artiste deh going live till you sun dem.”


As for I-Octane, he is busy rehearsing for his hectic end-of-year concerts and says to his fans, “Life ova death we seh ... everytime.”

MIAMI (AP) — Grammy nominated Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton will fight a drug charge against him in Tampa instead of Miami.


Banton waived his bail hearing Wednesday in Miami federal court. His case is being prosecuted in Tampa, where he will be transferred.
U.S. Magistrate Judge William Turnoff issued a temporary order of detention for the 36-year-old singer, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie.


Banton did not speak at the hearing, except to reply, “Yes, sir,” to the judge’s questions. Like the other 10 jail inmates waiting in the courtroom, he wore a beige jail jumpsuit over a white T-shirt, with his long dreadlocks tied up off his neck and his hands shackled in front of him.


“He believes that because the indictment was filed out of Tampa, that’s where the case should be defended,” Banton’s attorney, Herbert E.. Walker III, said after the hearing.


Banton has been in federal custody since last Thursday. He is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.


Walker said the charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration affidavit, Banton and two others traveled to Sarasota last week to purchase a large amount of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer. The DEA was tipped off by a confidential informant who agreed to wear a recording device during the drug negotiation session.


Banton’s attorney said the singer is “completely innocent” of the charges against him.


“He’s a very spiritual person,” Walker said. “He has a lot of faith in God. He’s confident he’s going to be exonerated.”


The husky-voiced Banton has been a major star in his native Jamaica since the early 1990s with brash dancehall music and, more recently, a traditional reggae sound. His career has been stunted in the United States because of some song lyrics that advocated violence against gay men.


Earlier this month, Banton’s ninth album, “Rasta Got Soul,” was nominated for a Grammy for best reggae album. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation launched an online petition protesting the nomination.
Source AP

Remember September 2008? The month when the entire U.S. financial system almost collapsed? Ever since that pivotal moment, one person has been in the crosshairs, making decision after decision that has impacted nearly every American alive today.

That person is Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. Because of his monumental influence on the world’s most important economy, Bernanke has been named TIME magazine’s 2009 Person of the Year.

TIME Managing Editor Richard Stengel called the Federal Reserve “the most powerful, least understood government force shaping our lives” as he revealed his magazine’s choice live on TODAY Wednesday morning.

MIAMI – Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is set to appear in Miami federal court.


A bail hearing is scheduled Wednesday morning for the 36-year-old singer, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie.


Banton and two others allegedly attempted to buy a large amount of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last week. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was tipped off by a confidential informant.


Banton has been in federal custody since Thursday in Miami pending transfer to Tampa, where the case is being prosecuted.


He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.


Banton's attorney says the singer "vigorously denies" the charges.

Buju Banton's legal team is denying charges that he tried buying cocaine from undercover Drug Enforcement Agents in South Florida.


The DJ, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was arrested in Sarasota last Thursday in a DEA sting operation.


In an interview with the RJR news centre, Buju Banton's attorney Herbert Erving Walker III said his client "vigorously denies" the charges levelled against him.


Buju Banton was being held at Miami's downtown detention centre pending transfer to Tampa, where the case is being prosecuted.


He is due to face a Miami Federal Court Wednesday for a bail hearing.


His lawyer told our news centre he was looking forward to representing Buju at his second court appearance where he will be arguing strongly for bail.


Mr. Walker said he plans to argue that the DJ should be released on bond as he is not a threat to the community or a flight risk.


"It will be our contention that he is not a threat to the community and that based on all the factors that will be placed on the record tomorrow that he should be at least granted a bond because of his lack of involvement in prior criminal history and because of his outstanding ties to the world community by way of his music, by way of his humanitarian effort and the like," Mr. Walker said.


The attorney admitted that the charges against his client are indeed serious, but noted that the burden of proof as it relates to the allegations rests on the US government.


"Question is, is Mr. Myrie actually guilty of those things? Our contention is that he is not and this is a tragic misunderstanding. It is the position of Mr. Myrie that he is completely, totally, refutes these allegations as untrue and he has never wavered in that. And so it will be the burden of the government to establish that what they have accused him of is in fact true,"


Turning to the video evidence allegedly possessed by the State against his client Mr. Walker said he would wait to view and listen to the tapes before making a determination.


"Keep in mind that the charge here on the affidavit is conspiracy, which under the law is a inchoate crime which means you're going to have to determine what a person's state of mind is and a video tape recording does not speak to those issues," he said.


An affidavit from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent says the DJ and two others traveled to Sarasota last week to purchase over five kilograms of cocaine.


Buju is facing a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.


Buju Banton is a Grammy nominee in the Best Reggae Album category, for his critically acclaimed album, Rasta Got Soul.

ATLANTA – TIME Magazine will be selecting it’s Person Of The Year for 2009. Jamaica’s very own Triple Olympic Champion Usain “Lighting” Bolt is among the list of 7 finalists.


Fans can cast their Vote For Bolt! by visiting, http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34367161/ns/today-today_people/


The other finalists include: Steve Jobs, Ben Bernake, The Chinese Worker, Nancy Pelosi, Stanley McChrystal, and President Barack Obama.


TIME’s Person of the Year announcement will be made live on the TODAY Show on sometime this morning..

Dunn's River Falls in St. Ann has been voted "Best Tourist Attraction" by visitors to the island, in the "Best of Jamaica" annual survey for 2009.


The survey was conducted by Jamaicans.com, a premier online community for Jamaicans and visitors.


The annual online survey which started ten years ago, gives visitors to the island an opportunity to register their take on the best of the island based on previous travel experiences.


The 2009 survey gathered the views of over 40,000 participants who have previously visited the island and allowed for voting on Tourist Life, Food, Entertainment, Restaurants, Jamaica Online, and Recreation.


In the Tourist Life Category, visitors to Jamaica were asked to name their favourite tourist attraction, hotel, villa and wedding location among others.


Dunn's River Falls came out as the top attraction.

The well-known television evangelist Oral Roberts has died in California at the age of 91.


Oral Roberts was admitted to the hospital this past weekend after falling. Roberts’ spokesman said Oral died of complications from pneumonia.


Oral Roberts philosophy was the unity of mind, body and spirit, and many thought of him as a “faith healer”.


Oral wrote many books and founded Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.


Roberts conducted hundreds of what were considered “miracle healing crusades” for thousands of people in over 35 countries.

By Rootzgirl


A meeting was held in the esteemed office of the Prime Minister to squash the longstanding feud between Kartel and Mavado and comes report of another two women in the dancehall at lyrical conflict.


Stacious and Lisa Hype. Yardflex just want to say that the media should stop buying into these silly people attempt at getting attention.


Maybe they saw how well it worked to catapult Vybz and Mavado’s career so with those two at peace now, these women are trying a thing to take their career to another level.


The media doesn’t have to be their tool to do that. Haven’t we learned anything yet?


Ignore them, ignore their pathetic efforts at attention, ignore the silly so called conflicts and instead start bigging up the conscious soldiers out there who are doing their best to spread the love in the dancehall.


We are tired of the garbage that keeps coming out in the name of music. Real creativity finds issues and chants about them, music is not a tracing match and sadly that’s what dancehall is coming down to.

Popular dancehall artiste Desmond "Ninja Man" Ballentine, who is also facing his share of problems with the law, returned to the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Monday on a charge of murder.


More testimony was heard on Monday as the preliminary enquiry into the circumstances of the murder continued.


The entertainer and his 20-year-old son Janiel Ballentine along with Clayton Dennis and Seymour Samuels are charged with the murder of 20-year-old Ricardo Johnson, a resident of Olympic Gardens in St. Andrew.


Mr. Johnson was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on March 16.


Defence attorney Norma Linton argued that the evidence against Ninjaman is weak based on the testimony given by the witnesses.


She argued that none of the witnesses have identified Ninjaman as the shooter.


The hearing continues on December 23, when Ms Linton will apply for bail on behalf of the artiste..

Yardflex sends condolence to the family of Michael Pryce who died about 11:30 am yesterday in England. He was 48 years old.


Michael, who had been battling bone cancer for several years, passed away in England on Monday morning.


He last worked with the CVM Group and was also a reporter with the RJR News Centre.


Meanwhile the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed regret at the passing of Mr. Pryce.


President of the PAJ Byron Buckley says Michael's inimitable voice will be sorely missed from the airwaves.


"The Press Association of Jamaica wants to join the media fraternity in mourning the passing of our colleague Michael Pryce who fought a valiant battle with bone cancer. Michael was an active member of the PAJ, in fact he attended our monthly fete that was held at RJR Sports Club only days before he was hospitalized at the University Hospital earlier this year," Mr. Buckley said.


"His voice will be sorely missed from the airwaves but the camaraderie that he brought to association events will be fondly remembered. We just want to express condolences to his relatives and to his colleagues at CVM and Hot 102 in their moment of loss,"


In the meantime, the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) says it is with deep sadness that it learnt on Monday of the death of Mr. Pryce.


The MAJ says Michael was a proactive, inquisitive and persistent journalist, who never took no for an answer to anything he felt the public had a right to know.


And Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller also expressed regret and sorrow at the news of the journalist's passing.


Mrs. Simpson Miller said Michael made significant contributions to media and journalism in Jamaica over a relatively short career and was the consummate professional.


He is survived by his widow Maxine and two daughters.

By Gil Kaufman


The arrest of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton on Thursday in Florida on conspiracy to possess and intent to distribute cocaine followed an investigation that sounds like an episode of the 1980s cop drama "Miami Vice.."


According to the Tampa Tribune, the arrest of one of the most controversial modern reggae acts to come from the island nation in the post-Bob Marley era began with a meeting last Tuesday at a Sarasota, Florida, restaurant called La Tropicana de Havana. It was there that Banton (born Mark Anthony Myrie) allegedly pulled up in a silver Land Rover with the license plate "JAH ONE" with another man named Ian Thomas and an unidentified woman and allegedly attempted to arrange to buy several kilos of cocaine.


Police recorded the meeting, and according to the criminal complaint, a confidential source told the singer to go to a warehouse under surveillance, where they met with an undercover Sarasota police officer who showed him and the woman a car that had 20 kilos of cocaine stashed in secret compartments. Banton and Thomas allegedly sampled the drugs and negotiated the price for a few hours, then left, only to return the next day after Thomas called the source and expressed interest in buying 15 kilos of the drug.


Another meeting took place Wednesday at an Applebee's restaurant in Sarasota, where Thomas allegedly told the source his group wanted to purchase 5 kilos and possibly more at a later time. He also reportedly said another member of his crew was in the parking lot with about $125,000 in cash.


By late afternoon, Thomas and the source left the restaurant and met with a man named James Mack, who was in the driver's seat of the car and who returned to the Applebee's to continue negotiating the deal, according to the criminal complaint.


On Thursday morning, Thomas and Mack allegedly drove back to the warehouse, where an undercover Sarasota officer saw Mack pull large amounts of cash from a hidden panel in the rear driver's side of the Honda. After inspecting the cash, the undercover officer gave a bag with 7 kilos of cocaine to Thomas and Mack. Officers then gave the signal to arrest the two, while Banton was simultaneously apprehended in Miami.


All three were charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and are being held with no bond. Grammy nominee Banton — whose recent U.S. tour was plagued by calls for protest from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, who decry the homophobic lyrics to his 1992 song "Boom Bye Bye" — is expected to appear in a Miami courtroom later this week. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the charges. A spokesperson for the singer could not be reached for comment at press time.

Buju Banton is facing some serious drug charges in the US and the big question on everyone’s lips is “Will the PM intervene now?”


He set the trend when he made Mavado’s and Kartel’s feud a matter of national importance, using his office to engineer the meeting.


There is no doubt that Buju Banton’s rights have been seriously violated and we can’t erase the niggling thought that he was somehow “set up”.


With worldwide attention on Buju it would be hard to imagine him peddling that amount of cocaine. We are not his judge and jurors, but if it looks suspicious, then it probably is. It is too much of a coincidence that hot upon the heels of the gays hitting out against his Grammy nomination comes this huge charge.


The PM must now use whatever powers that be to intercede and ensure that the artiste gets fair representation.


What say you?

There is more opposition to the decision by the political executive to intervene in the conflict between dancehall artistes Vybes Kartel and Mavado.


Last week the two feuding DJ's were summoned to a meeting at Jamaica House by Prime Minister Bruce Golding and four of his senior ministers in a bid to quell the growing rivalry which have spilled over into schools.


Speaking on Sunday afternoon on RJR's News review programme, That's a Rap, Academic Manager at the University of Technology and Public Affairs Commentator, Martin Henry said the Prime Minister's intervention was premature.


Mr. Henry says he is against peace treaties which he asserts push criminal conduct and social deviation underground rather than resolve real difficulties.


And also speaking on That's A Rap Analyst Claude Robinson says he would have preferred if the Prime Minister never got involved in the simmering dispute between Vybes Kartel and Mavado.

Members of the Portmore Empire, along with Supreme Promotions’ Isaiah Laing, were reportedly held hostage at a house in Guyana following Saturday’s cancellation of a show headlined by Vybz Kartel, who was a no-show.


Reports are that on Sunday morning, the members of the Portmore Empire, and Laing, who had accompanied the entourage to the island, were moved from the Princess International Hotel in Guyana to a private house.


“The promoters took Jahvinci, Rhyno, Laing and the others out of the hotel to an unknown location. Laing was in Room 415 and Jahvinci was in Room 436,” the source stated.


Reports are that the promoter, who has reportedly lost thousands of dollars, was in negotiations with Vybz Kartel via telephone.


“The artistes were complaining that they were uncomfortable at first,” the source said, adding that all in the entourage were uncertain what to expect, following the move from the hotel to the unknown location.


However, after talks with the Gaza President, a deal was worked out whereby the artistes would do a number of dub plates for the promoter.


“They will have to sing until their throats hurt them,” the source said.

Reports out of Guyana are that Gaza President, Vybz Kartel was a no show at an event for which he and members of his Portmore Empire were booked for on Saturday.


According to a YardFlex source based in Guyana, Vybz Kartel and The Portmore Empire were booked for a show in the territory on 12th December, however, members of the Empire arrived in Guyana, without their leader , Vybz Kartel.


“Word around is that Di Teacha missed the flight with the other Empire artistes because of a prior commitment in Jamaica and was scheduled to come on a later flight. However the artiste never arrived. The show had to be cancelled at the last minute leaving many at a loss and leaving thousands disappointed,” the source stated.


He added, “It is rumoured that Kartel received threats on his life, if he came to Guyana to perform, so he refused to board any flights out of Jamaica.”


Up to late Saturday, it is alleged that arrangements were being made for a special charter flight with police escort to fly the artiste directly from Jamaica into Guyana, as he requested, since receiving the threats.


“But he still bailed at the last minute,” the source said.


The promoters are now reportedly calculating their huge loss, as the event had to be called off since the headline act whom many had wanted to see was a no-show.


“Many have lost major funds due to these unforeseen circumstances and many have been left disappointed,” the source stated.


It was only last month that Vybz Kartel reportedly missed two flights to a show in another Caribbean island, resulting in the promoter having to send a private jet for him on the night of the event, at an additional cost of US$8,000.00.


Calls to Vybz Kartel’s management went unanswered.

The Miami Herald online had as its breaking news this morning the headline ‘Reggae artist faces drug charges in Miami; Controversial Jamaican reggae star in jail after arrest, with a picture of Buju Banton on the page.


According to the article, “Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.”


The articles goes on to say that Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.


Banton, the story says, has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.


While legions of dancehall reggae enthusiasts view Banton as one of the most prolific voices of Jamaica's poor masses, critics say he's a gay basher whose lyrics incite violence by calling for attacking and torturing homosexuals. His song Boom Bye Bye, a dance-hall hit released in the 1990s, advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.


According to the writer, “As late as September, Banton's local management told The Miami Herald that the criticism of the star was unwarranted because he had stopped singing the song years ago.”


Still, such lyrics have made Banton one of the more controversial reggae artists, with angry gay activists this fall forcing the cancellation of a string of concerts by the artists during a U.S. tour that included a Halloween night concert in Miami.


Recently the firestorm ratched up after the Grammys announced that Baton's album Rasta Got Soul, released earlier this year, was up for an award.


Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition joined with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in a petition drive protesting the nomination.

Yardflex understands that Mark Myrie more popularly known an Buju Banton who has been under fire from the gay community for some time, is now in lock up in Miami.


Details are sketchy regarding his incarceration but we have confirmed that he has indeed been taken into custody.


Buju Banton’s recent album Rasta Got Soul has been nominated for a Grammy Award and in spite of the pressure the artiste has been coming under, he enjoyed successful tour dates.


It is left to be seen what this latest development will mean in his career.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) will not be supporting a ‘keep the peace’ campaign which was intended for the National Park today with Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel prior to a performance here this weekend.


Jamaican stars and their lyrics and the potential for negative influence, in this case, on schoolchildren.


The organizers of the event, Hits and Jams Promotions, held a meeting with the Education Ministry yesterday, with the former proposing an interactive forum for students with the artiste and other members of his band today at the venue for this weekend’s show, the National Park. The organizers were forced to cancel the forum following the meeting.


According to a release from the Education Ministry, the department has reaffirmed its commitment to moulding the minds of young people. While acknowledging that music plays an integral role in one’s daily life, the ministry stated that part of its mandate is to promote wholesome and healthy lifestyle choices.


The release from the Education Ministry stated that there is the need to maintain an enabling environment where acceptable and desirable activities are fostered and in this regard, extended a call to partners in education and edutainment to work with the ministry to achieve this goal.


The MoE appealed to parents, guardians and civic minded citizens “to join with us as we raise our voices toward a violence free school environment, and to maintain order and discipline on the last day of school.”


The artiste who was born Adidja Azim Palmer and a contingent called ‘the Portmore Empire’ is being brought to Guyana by Conscious Mind Promotions with Hits and Jams being the organizers of the show. The group which includes ‘Black Rhino’ and ‘Gaza Youth’, is expected to perform in Guyana tomorrow. Palmer’s visit to Guyana comes amid a perceived ‘Gully-Gaza’ feud with his arch-rival Mavado, who had a ban lifted here against him in September. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon later stated that the artiste was given a chance to redeem himself as some sections of society came out against the government’s decision.


Kerwyn Bollers of Hits and Jams promotion told Stabroek News yesterday that today’s intended forum was a good opportunity to have Vybz Kartel provide his fans, more so youths, with “what to be seen and what not to be seen as entertainment”. He said that Vybz Kartel and Mavado, the latter who was born David Constantine Brooks, both came to an agreement earlier this week in Jamaica, pledging to end their lyrical feud which has perturbed educators on the island because of the school violence it has fuelled.


Bollers said that the lengthy meeting held with Education Ministry officials was fruitful though a bit disappointing. He said that the planned interactive forum would have seen representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations such as the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) as well as members of the media participating in the event, adding that Vybz Kartel had given his commitment to participate in the event and he and his contingent would have been open to comments from those in attendance.


He said that Education Ministry officials felt that the forum was a good idea but were not in agreement with two aspects of the planned event, those being: that Vybz Kartel does not suit the image of someone who can be a good influence to school children and, that the Ministry has had several challenges dealing with the last day of school activities over the years.


However, all is not lost, Bollers stated, since according to him, the Ministry has given its commitment to participating in similar events in the future, once such events satisfy certain requirements and he noted that from January next year, Hits and Jams Promotions has a full calendar of activities where similar interactive activities are planned.


The two dancehall stars have given the Jamaican government their commitment to end the feud, which began in 2006 and which has spilled over into violent clashes on the island’s streets as well as in other parts of the Caribbean. “People need to realize that David and I have never had any personal animosity over the years. Sometimes people take things out of context, especially impressionable minds,” Vybz Kartel was quoted as saying in the Jamaican media following the meeting.


Both artistes issued public statements recently that their music was not intended to create negative influences. The Jamaica Gleaner reported that the two artistes met with three government officials on the island on December 8 to bring an end to the use of degrading lyrics they have traded with each other and to also issue a call to their respective supporters to end the fuss.

As the Tiger Woods scandal(s) head for a third week, the perhaps inevitable question is being asked: Is he a sex addict? .


But if these counselors and psychologists have never had a one-on-one (and here we mean a therapy session) with the golfer, what are they basing their diagnoses on? If you've been following the saga, you'll recognize some of the purported evidenc


He led a double life.


A week after details of Woods' extramarital affairs began to emerge, the Woods mistress count includes two porn stars, a lingerie model and a host of waitresses. Weiss told CBS' "The Early Show" that living very different public and private lives -- keeping covered a "hot bubble of secrets" -- is classic sex addict behavior.


He did it again -- and again.


So far, 13 women have been named, or named themselves, as alleged flings. Manhattan author and therapist Bonnie Eaker Weil said of Woods' situation that repetitive cheating is an addiction. "What begins with a desire to relieve stress or mute depression easily progresses to a preoccupation with where their next 'fix' will come from," she wrote in a news release. As Lustberg told ABC News, pro athletes, accustomed to the rush of celebrity, often look to sex for a similar high.



He liked it outside.


Woods reportedly had sex in a church parking lot with 33-year-old diner waitress Mindy Lawton. David Smallwood, addictions manager at London's Priory clinic, told Britain's News of the World that publicly chancy behavior signals an uncontrollable craving. "Outdoor sex is a way of creating excitement," he said. "The more sex he has, the more he will want, and the more outlandish he will try to make it.


He eschewed protection.


Us Weekly reported that during cocktail waitress Jaimie Grubbs' 31-month affair with the golfer, Woods never wanted to use protection. Lawton's sister, Lynn, concurred. "It's self-destructive behavior," psychotherapist Rhonda Findling, author of "Don't Call That Man!" told the magazine. "Sometimes it's just momentary stupidity, but this seems like sexual addiction."


He left documentation.


In a series of now-public text messages with Grubbs, Woods alluded to sex and asked for naked photos. Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of VH1's "Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew," told CBS News that addiction "has people doing things that don't make sense." Grubbs claims to have more than 300 text messages from Woods saved on her phone and has released a voicemail she says is from Woods, asking her to change the name on her caller ID, saying that "my wife may be calling you."


He seemed to almost want to get busted.


Along with his many far-flung rendezvous, Woods reportedly took at least one woman home with him. Lawton has said she slept with Woods at the Florida home he shares (shared?) with wife Elin Nordegren and their two young children. As Pinsky told CNN, "most of these guys want to get caught."


All the same, though, a sex addiction diagnosis might prove to be Woods' get-out-of-jail card; it's a defense that's allowed celebs like David Duchovny and Michael Douglas to maintain both their careers and their famous wives. "Once you medicalize it ... then the guy has an excuse," Columbia University psychologist Judy Kuriansky told ABC. At the very least, claiming sex addiction might work better than arguing that his indiscretions were just Tiger being Tiger, as Psychology Today writer Stanton Peele seems to have argued. "The same single-mindedness, skill set and gift for robotic calculation that make Tiger Woods the world's greatest golfer," Peele wrote, "make him an avatar of the bedroom." Meow!

Sound system selector Jason Goshine better known as DJ Shine, fourth place finisher in the 2009 Heineken Green Synergy competition, will reveal a different side to his artistic talent, in the upcoming television commercial for CY Clothing.


The commercial was recently completed at the Phase 3 studios in Kingston, under the direction of Doc Media Entertainment. It was produced by D Escoffrey for D’Empire Management.


“DJ Shine was brought in at last minute for the project and he did a really good job. Dancehall artiste Stacious and radio jock ZJ Bambino are the official faces for CY and they too were involved in the commercial. Its going to be off the chain,” an excited Escoffrey revealed.


CY Clothing is relatively new on the Jamaican market. Its offices are headquartered in Florida, USA where its T-shirt line is already creating an impact. There is also an office in Jamaica which is located at Unit 5, 37 Windsor Avenue in Kingston.


An elated DJ Shine expressed his pleasure at the opportunity that the television commercial will facilitate for him. “I’m really excited about this and the DJ Shine fans will see me in a different light. Wait until the commercial is out then you will see what I am talking about,” he confidently stated.


CY Clothing line will be expanding early next year to include dresses for females, dress shirts, polo shirts and jeans for men, as well as bags.

Bowy a caan tell unno how we feel it to wi heart when wi hear di news sey police shot Kentucky Kid and kill him. Now we find it funny dat him a have a long standing case wid dem, whey one a dem lick up inna him car and a gwaan like sey dem doan waan teck responsibility. Pon top of it, them turn around and arrest him and chump up all kina charges and the Kid all have dem pon video when dem a manhandle him.


Di powers dat be never do nutten bout all a dem allegations deh, but now we a get report sey dem a look fi gun man and when dem come upon kid, him open fire fus pon dem and di fire return and him dead. Dem all claim sey dem find gun pon him.


Now whey wi waan fi know is, how come dem always suh lucky fi smady a open fire fus pon dem and not even a scratch dem nuh get, plus mi and unno know sey when gunman open fire pon police dem dead like dawg cause dem always teck dem off guard.


Jackass sey di world nuh level and a really true. Cause unno ever wonda why dem a kill nuff a di police man dem…a fi know di story behind some a dem death. Cause mi sey di wife fig uh a Japanese embassy wid di video and create a big stink bout har husband death. Jah know man, dis thing gone too far. Rest in peace yah Kentucky Kid.

Singer Iley Dread has been added to the annual GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza scheduled to be held at Independence Park, Black River, St Elizabeth on Christmas Day, December 25.


According to Iley fans can expect to hear songs from his new album Unleashed as well as some old favourites.


“I am looking forward to coming home and performing on stage in St Elizabeth,” said the singer who has been busy promoting his latest album Unleashed on the North American circuit.


With that out of the way and the good vibes he has been receiving from his latest single Are You Sure he can’t wait to hit the Jamaican stage.


Other artistes that are scheduled to be on the show are Marcia Griffiths, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Mr Vegas, Khago, G-Whizz , Sophia Squire along with some top sound systems.

With her newly-formed band, Strong Roots, behind her, Reggae singer Etana delivered powerful performances before thousands of fans in St Vincent and Dominica recently. These shows formed part of Etana’s promotional tour, which kicked off in November.
In addition to performing in St Vincent and Dominica, Etana also visited Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia and St Marteen on what was a 10-day island excursion.


During these performances, Etana belted out spirited renditions of her hits including Not Afraid, Roots, Warrior Love, Wrong Address and Jah Love among others. And her 45-minute set wouldn’t have been complete without the performance her latest songs August Town, Free and Happy Heart, which are at the centre of her promotional efforts.


At both shows, the swollen audience rocked relentlessly to Etana’s soul-tinged Reggae vibes. Not only was Etana a hit, Strong Roots was also a crowd pleaser, as they provided Etana with an impressive musical backdrop. This is just the beginning of this union, as Etana and Strong Roots are billed on a number of upcoming events in December.


“Performing before my Caribbean fans has been a warm, rewarding experience for me,” says Etana. “I was especially happy that I could bring my new band with me, as they allow me to creatively entertain my fans without boundaries.”


Following the performances, Etana continued her media-heavy visits to other islands where she interviewed with leading DJs and TV personalities. Her visits sparked quite an interest among media and fans alike, including a number of politicians. “The Strong One” also landed coverage in popular Caribbean print publications. Based on the turnout wherever Etana touched down, one thing was clear — she has a massive Caribbean fan base. Over and over again, DJs and fans credited Etana with being one of Jamaica’s best new artistes.
“This recent leg of Etana’s promotional tour was very worthwhile,” says Etana’s manager Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne.


Etana returned to Jamaica for a number of performances during this season and the launch of her video contest on RETV, in which fans will be able to win top prizes including a lap top, blackberry and ipod, to name a few since November, Etana has been heavily marketing her three new songs. With videos set for release later this month, fans will have an opportunity to experience three distinct moods of the artiste. Etana is excited about her new music, which will help solidify her summer 2010 album release.

For those of you who are not text message savvy, BFF means Best Friends Forever.


And that’s what it looks like from here. All of a sudden former arch rivals Vybz Kartel and Mavado are touching each other, shaking hands and smiling at each other … even laughing at each other’s jokes. All in an effort to demonstrate that they are chums .. friends … BBF’s.
But all this happens when the cameras are focused on them and they know that the world is watching. But what will it be like when there are no cameras and each of them returns to their natural habitat – whether it is the Gullyside or the Gaza?


Will they be ringing off each other’s cellies as they want to keep the talk and the peace process active. Will Gaza supporters start listening to songs by Mavado and vice versa? Will they be seen hanging out together backstage at the various shows on which they are both billed?


And where exactly does Alliance CEO Bounty Killer stand in all of this? And Ambassador Usain Bolt? Will he include some Gully songs on his iPod, and not just Empire tunes as he was reported as saying recently in the media?
Remember that this peace thing has happened before when Kartel and Mavado met in 2007 with Mark Shields.


This time around, after meeting with three government ministers and the Herro Blair from the Peace Management Initiative, we are hearing about painting out graffiti (they should ask LA Lewis to assist with this chore), recording a song together, T-shirts with both their images and … oh yes.. a peace concert.


It would be truly wonderful if this time around the peace would last.

Despite reports that Jamaica is the most homophobic place on earth, an report carried by the Associated Press would indicate that the treatment meted out to gays in the African state of Uganda makes Jamaica looks like the people there are playing dolly house.


Recently, legislation has been proposed that would impose the death penalty for some gay Ugandans and it doesn’t stop there. Their family and friends could face up to seven years in jail if they fail to report them to authorities.


Even landlords could be imprisoned for renting to homosexuals.


The measure was proposed in Uganda following a visit by leaders of US conservative Christian ministries that promote therapy for gays to become heterosexual.


The bill is still being debated and could undergo changes before a vote, which has not yet been set.


The Ugandan legislation in its current form would mandate a death sentence for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape. "Serial offenders" also could face capital punishment, but the legislation does not define the term. Anyone convicted of a homosexual act faces life imprisonment.


Anyone who "aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage of acts of homosexuality" faces seven years in prison if convicted. Landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals also could get seven years and anyone with "religious, political, economic or social authority" who fails to report anyone violating the act faces three years.


Gay rights activists abroad are focusing on the legislation. A protest against the bill is planned for tomorrow in London; protests were held last month in New York and Washington.


David Bahati, the legislator sponsoring the bill, said he was encouraging "constructive criticism" to improve the law, but insisted strict measures were necessary to stop homosexuals from "recruiting" schoolchildren.


"The youths in secondary schools copy everything from the Western world and America," said high school teacher David Kisambira. "A good number of students have been converted into gays. We hear there are groups of people given money by some gay organisations in developed countries to recruit youth into gay activities."


"I feel that the bill is good and necessary, but I don't think gays should be killed. They should be imprisoned for about a year and warned never to do it again. The family is in danger in Uganda because the rate at which the vice is spreading is appalling," said shopkeeper John Muwanguzi.


Uganda is not the only country considering anti-gay laws. Nigeria, where homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment or death, is considering strengthening penalties for activities deemed to promote it. Burundi just banned same-sex relationships and Rwanda is considering it.

Former 100 metre world record holder, Asafa Powell, who is now in Singapore, says he can beat the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt.


In a story carried in the Associated Press (AP), Asafa is quoted as saying, “Usain is the target right now and I am shooting at him . I know that I can do it.”


Powell, who has run a personal best of 9.72 seconds in the 100 metres, will square off against Bolt and American Tyson Gay in the IAAF diamond League, a new circuit for the top tier of track and field starting in 2010, a year with no Olympics or World Cahmpionships on the schedule.


Bolt, the 100 and 200 metres world record holder and a three time Olympic champion, ran a record 9.58 seconds in Berlin in August, a mark Powell said can be beaten.


“I knew 9.5 was possible. I’m not sure 9.4 is possible, but I’m 100 per cent sure you will see some very fast times next year,” Powell is quoted as saying.


Tyson Gay ran 9.69 at Shanghai in September.


According to Powell, he has an advantage over Bolt because he’s “shorter than him.”


“So I can get out of the blocks faster. He’s taller so he’s stronger at the end,” Powell explained.

Minister with responsibility for information, Daryl Vaz has emphasized government's responsibility to intervene in the situation created by the Gully Gaza controversy which has resulted in tension between the fans of dancehall artistes Movado and Vybz Kartel.


Minister Vaz along with Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, Security Minister Dwight Nelson, representatives of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, head of the Peace Management Initiative, Hero Blaire, the National Transformation Programme, Rev Al Miller and others met at Jamaica House with dancehall artistes Movado and Vibes Kartel. Minister Vaz outlined the initiatives which were agreed on at this morning's meeting.


Dancehall artistes Movado and Vybz Kartel have made it clear that they are no enemies and it's just about the music.

Bwoy, wi nah tell nuh lie, wi feel it to wi heart and soul when some women came on the television station and demonstrated about the fact that Super Plus May Pen still caan honour di redundancy cheque whey dem meck out to di employee dem after dem close di Supermarket.


According to the owner fid at branch, they are awaiting the payment from the sale of the place to honour the cheques, so wouldn’t it have made more sense to wait till money in the bank before issuing the cheques?


Oooh boy…hus yah ladies, Life soon sort out.

Dancehall artiste, Okefe Aarons more popularly known as Laden appeared in the Santa Cruz Petty Sessions Court Tuesday to answer charges of indecent language and disorderly conduct.


Laden was arrested and charged on May 27 this year, after he verbally abused a police sergeant in Junction, St. Elizabeth.


However, the case was postponed several times, the latest being last month.


It is reported that the police sergeant was chiding a school girl in uniform who was in the company of a group of men including Laden long after school hours.


Laden allegedly intervened and verbally abused the policeman claiming that the girl was his sister and the men were his friends.


He was taken into custody and charged.


Laden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Internet reports are indicating that the Grammy Awards has been receiving quite a bit of backlash from the gay community for nominating Reggae singer Buju Banton’s Rasta Got Soul, in the Best Reggae Album category.


One such group, The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, notes that it is rather upset at what it calls, “the appalling Grammy nomination for Buju Banton, a performer whose music promotes the violent murder of LGBT people.” The Center further states that they, “hope the members of the Recording Academy will not bestow the prestigious honour of a Grammy on someone whose music promotes murder.”


“We’re shocked that Buju Banton, a singer with a long record of performing a song that glorifies the murder of gay people, would be honoured with a Grammy nomination, regardless of the artistic merit of any of his work,” said Jim Key, the Center’s Chief Public Affairs Officer.


In October, following the cancellation of a number of stops on his Rasta Got Soul tour of the US, the deejay met with GLBT equality advocates, who had asked him to stop performing the song and to speak out for gay rights in Jamaica, Buju did not agree to their stipulations.


The groups have also begun to appeal the Grammy voters not to support the nomination.


The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center states, “We certainly hope the members of the Recording Academy will not bestow the prestigious honour of a Grammy on someone whose music promotes murder.”

PepsiCo statement on anti-gay Uganda concert


I emailed the media folks at PepsiCo about their sponsorship of the anti-gay concert in Uganda. Here’s their response:


Dear Jennifer,
In response to your article, Did Pepsi sponsor an anti-gay concert in Uganda? (http://www.365gay.com/news/vanasco-did-pepsi-sponsor-an-anti-gay-concert-in-uganda/), I wanted to provide you with this official statement on behalf of PepsiCo:


“We are appalled by the performer’s lyrics and find them repugnant. Our bottling partner in Uganda was not aware of the performer’s views and never would have sponsored the concert with this knowledge. Moving forward, we will work closely with our bottling partners to be more vigilant about the events associated with our brands.”


Please let me know if you need anything further.

Mi sey from di news buss sey di PM a guh meet wid Vybz and Mavado bout dem long standing feud di whole Jamaica cuss. Nuff a dem sey dem lose offa di PM.


According to dem look how crime a rip di country apart and di govt caan find nuh solution but a two artiste whey shoulda know better dem a extend a whole heap a energy inna.


Fi real dough, it look like dem a validate di foolishness dat is dancehall. Why dem a meck dem feel more important dan whey dem tink dey be for.


Jah know hiya it dread cause di police force need help, dem fi call out di soldier dem fi deal wid di crime, big shoot out a Ocho Rios yesterday and all dese tings and di best dem can do is siddung with Gully/Gaza with peace initiative members…no wonder di country inna dis ya state.


Di meeting supposed to happen this morning so listen out.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding is to meet with dancehall artistes Vybz Kartel and Mavado tomorrow as part of ongoing efforts to put an end to the rift among supporters of the two performers.


The feud between Kartel’s Gaza and Mavado’s Gully alliances has spilled over into some schools with resulting violence among students.


Information Minister, Daryl Vaz said the meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.


He also said a peace concert; involving performances by the two artistes could be on the agenda.


The feud between the two groups is said to have started three years ago.


Only recently Mavado whose real name is David Brooks, extended an invitation to Kartel – Adija Palmer.


However, that invitation to appear at the same stage show was rejected until this morning when the two performed at a show in West Kingston.

Blazing on stage after this morning, Alliance CEO Bounty Killer set West Kingston Jamboree on fire as he dug into his repertoire from the good ole day of Dave Kelly and reeled off hit after hit.


Then the Killer took his lyrics into the present and turned his arsenal on “the bleach out face bwoy”, which everyone knows is his way of referring to his nemesis, Vybz Kartel.


For Killer, it was business as usual, and he saw no need to put a brakes on his attacking lyrics, even though deejays Vybz Kartel and Killer’s protégé, Mavado, had already signed a peace treaty backstage.


Unconfirmed reports are that Bounty Killer also refused to shake Kartel’s hand as a gesture of peace and goodwill.

Mavado, Kartel perform together at West Kingston Jamboree


In a groundbreaking move designed to ease the tension between supporters of Gully God Mavado and his arch rival Vybz Kartel the Gaza President, the two artistes this morning shook hands and performed together on stage.


All this unfolded about 6:00 am in Tivoli at the annual West Kingston Jamboree staged by Presidential Click.


“The promoters called Vybz and Mavado together before they went on stage and talked to them. They shook hands backstage and when it was time to perform they both went on stage and did songs together,” a YardFlex source disclosed.


Naturally, it was pandemonium as the excitement level reached fever pitch and fans loudly showed their wholehearted approval for this gesture.


Things intensified when Vybz Kartel looked at Mavado and called him “my brother”, after which they brought the curtain down in fine style.

Vybz Kartel and Mavado will be making a symbolic peace meeting under the Half-Way-Tree clock at noon on Wednesday.


According to Vybz “Let it be known that in a gesture of goodwill, faith and patriotism that I, Adidja Palmer, will be making myself available on Wednesday of next week, December 9 to stand with David Brooks, in HWT, at noon, under the famous clock to show Jamaica that we're patriotic Jamaicans and as such, are bound to secure the well-being of such. I am calling on the relevant authorities who also have a stake in resolving this public feud to endeavour to make it happen in a peaceful, organised manner.”


Reports in the media also indicate that it’s a possibility that neither Vybz nor Mavado will perform on Sting unless the so called feud between them is resolved.

Yardflex went to Richmond Estate in St Ann to check out the Super 9.58 party and we have to report that we were sadly let down. We were expecting something well organized and flowing but instead it seemed there was some more planning to be done.


Take for example the running order of the show, it was big name then, rising star, then dancer, then big name, then little name. It seemed as if they were just calling the performers at random.


Then to top it off the show kicked off over one hour and fifteen minutes late and then they are getting upset when police lock it off minutes after four.


Vybz Kartel didn’t work because he turned up at the venue minutes to four…well at least that’s when we noticed him backstage, so if he wanted to work, why didn’t he come about 2:00 am and do his thing? We can’t blame the police for doing their jobs in calling the show to a halt. They got until 2:00 am with two more hours grace period and made poor choices with it.


A tighter shift, artistes working in their slots and everyone would have been happy. 4:00 am was a good time for any show to be finished.


Inspite of all that there were some good performances coming from artistes like The Dream, Ludacris, Marcia Griffiths, dancer Mystic, Etana, Elephant Man and Christopher Martin.

Recordings by the Beach Boys, Bob Marley, the Doors, James Brown and Janis Joplin have been named as 2010 inductees to the Grammy Hall of Fame. Twenty-five recordings from a variety of genres will be added to the Grammy Hall, which currently includes 851 titles altogether (songs are eligible 25 years after release and the picks are approved by Recording Academy Trustees). The Doors’ L.A. Woman closer “Riders on the Storm,” Joplin’s final album Pearl and the Beach Boys’ classic “California Girls” will be among the recordings added to the collection.


“This year’s Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees highlight a diverse array of masterpiece recordings that have had a profound impact on our musical history,” Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement. “The selections are timeless staples that span six decades and represent a wide range of genres from comedy to rock, reggae, jazz and R&B. They all greatly deserve to be memorialized.”

When Far East Rulers Mighty Crown announced plans for their Dynasty World Tour in celebration of their latest Nike sneaker, the requests for clash dates came pouring in.


Anxious to ‘warr’ again, Mighty Crown accepted some clashes, along with a number of juggling dates. Notably, Mighty Crown’s recent holiday set of performances on the tour yielded two wins (in Canada and Atlanta) and a landmark juggling set in New York.


In Canada, Mighty Crown took on the likes of Roots Man and Lexxus Supreme in the heavily-promoted ‘Three the Hard Way’ clash. Despite some time out of the clash arena, Mighty Crown proved themselves capable against their competitors and the selectors showed the real meaning of the ‘mighty’ in Mighty Crown.


As a cushion between the two clashes on the line-up, the sound breezed through New York and left a lasting impression on dancehall fans at Steelie Bashment’s annual fete, which they totally sold out.
Mighty Crown continued their momentum on Thanksgiving night in Atlanta when they faced off against popular African sound Shashamane.


Mighty Crown’s Dynasty World Tour kicked off in October 2009.
“The Crown’s Nike sneaker was a hit, selling out quickly in every venue and online. The limited edition kicks are now a collector’s item,” said Crown’s manager Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne of Irish and Chin.
Recently, Mighty Crown has eyed competing against big local sounds. This choice is not without merit. “I like the concept of Mighty Crown clashing with local sounds, as it helps introduce Mighty Crown to the next generation of clash fans. Many top local sounds have strong fan bases of young people....I want Crown to appeal to them,” Chin said.


Mighty Crown still has tour dates lined up in Europe later this month and in February 2010. Meanwhile, March/April 2010 will land Mighty Crown in the Caribbean and select cities in the US.

With the release of one whole album full of photographs of recent rise to fame cross-dresser who goes by the name Barbee, JFlag has announced that there are up to 270,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people living in Jamaica


According to the representative from the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gays (JFlag) this figure represents between three to 10 per cent of the population. Of that figure a "smaller percentage" are transgendered persons which includes transvestites (cross-dressers) and transsexuals (surgical augmentation).


What JFlag didn’t say, however, was whether or not this whopping figure represents persons who are born Jamaican, or if it includes homosexuals of other nationalities who are residing in Jamaica.


JFlag added that transgendered persons are stepping out, but fear prevents them from fully expressing their gender identity.


Cross-dresser Barbie, who rose to fame when she was caught in a compromising situation and while at the police station it was revealed that the woman in the batty rider shorts, the close fitting blouse and the ‘Beyonce’ shoes was actually a man, has since circulated a slew of pictures in all different poses, dressed in fashionable, up-to-the-minute female garments.


The fashionable Barbie however was not alone and posed with two cross-dressing friends. All three were dressed for the spotlight with big hair and tiny skirts and tops. The photos made headlines because Jamaica is arguably the most homophobic country in the western hemisphere. Proponents of this view cite gay murders and attacks but opponents counter stating that most of these murders are committed by gays in crimes of passion.


JFlag added that transgendered persons have the right to freely exist in Jamaican society.

In what is certainly an unprecedented move, the lawyer for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, has come out in defence of his client and has tried to separate fact from fiction and the man from the myth.


According to prominent attorney Tom Tavares-Finson, who has worked on many extradition cases, Dudus -- who is facing extradition to the United States of America on drugs and weapons trafficking charges -- is “no idiot”, and is not in hiding. He is going about his everyday business, Tavares-Finson is reported as saying.


In an interview with a daily newspaper, Tavares-Finson said Dudus is busy planning his Christmas treat for the children in Tivoli Gardens, his headquarters. The treat is scheduled to take place today (Sunday).


The diminutive Dudus has been described as an “ordinary Jamaican” who wants the best for himself, his community and his family and who recognises and accepts the influence he has. He is credited with directing the transformation of western Kingston and a large part of the Corporate area.


Part of the 'law' of sections of the Kingston Western constituency is that no schoolchildren should be on the streets after 8:00 pm on weekdays, and loud music must not be played to disturb children or residents beyond certain times.


Dudus is the son of the late Lester Lloyd Coke, aka Jim Brown, reputed to be a political enforcer whose business empire was built from the proceeds of drugs and weapons trafficking. He was also a founding member of the infamous Shower Posse -- a ruthless criminal network which was headquartered in Tivoli Gardens in the 1980s and which United States authorities say may be responsible for as many as 1,000 drug-related deaths in its heyday.


Coke’s death during a mysterious fire at the island’s general penitentiary is still under debate, with some persons saying the fire was just a smokescreen to get the strongman out of Jamaica.


Dudus, who would have been an infant in 1980, inherited that legacy, which has seen the murder of his elder brother, Mark 'Jah T' Coke..


"I think the influence he has is borne out of a recognition that criminality and tribal politics take you and your community and your family nowhere," reasoned Tavares-Finson. "It serves the interest of someone; it does not serve the interest of persons in the inner city.”

Sandra 'Sandy' Supersad, late general manager of Xtra’s boutique was laid to rest at a solemn ceremony at the Stella Maris Church in St Andrew on Thursday.


The church was overflowing with family members and friends who had come to pay their final respects to the 42-year-old Supersad who was gunned down recently on Waterloo Close in Kingston while sitting in her motor vehicle..


Sandy, as she was affectionately called, was described as a kind and caring sister, mother and friend, "The lady was just different she was a lady who set an example for her children she always had a smile on her face," one friend said.


The service of thanksgiving was officiated by Reverend, Michael Lewis who told the congregation that while family members mourned, they could be comforted with the fact that Supersad had given her life to God.


He said that because of this selfless act he was confident that she was in heaven among angels.


He however went on to lash out at the lack of love that was in the society.


“It is full time people who have become too accustomed to nonsense," said the Lewis as he called on persons in society to make a stand.


And while the Reverend spoke many tried hard to hide their pain but it was when friend, Heather Cummings did her rendition of You Raised Me Up was when the tears started to flow.

Supporters of dancehall deejay Mavado armed themselves with placards and took to the streets on Thursday to protest against a decision by the security forces not to allow the artiste to keep his birthday party at Temple Hall on Saturday night.


Following weeks of advertisement about the December 5 bash, which should have seen the likes of international act Bobby Valentino as one of the special guests, the police made a final decision not to grant the promoters the permit.


Not even a letter by the culture minister could change the decision.
The protestors shouted ‘bias’ and ‘bad mine’ as they noted that the SuperParty being staged by Usain Bolt was not targeted, even though Mavado’s arch rival, Vybz Kartel will be in attendance.


According to unconfirmed reports, the police have said that Kartel and Mavado will not be allowed to perform at any shows during this period, while the Gully/Gaza strife is active.


Five men were reportedly detained following the demnstration, which was not given the green light by the artiste. Both Mavado and his publicist, Julian Jones-Griffiths say they were not aware of any plans for the demonstration and called on the protesters to go home.
The event has since been relocated to the Building in New Kingston, formerly Asylum.