School administrators have joined those expressing dismay at the growing feud among the student population over support for rival dance hall artistes Mavado and Vybz Kartel.


The rivalry has pitted Mavado's Gully supporters against Vybz Kartel's fans who describe themselves as Gaza.


According to Ruel Reid, Principal of Jamaica College, this has created a serious problem in schools and the matter must be urgently addressed before it gets out of hand.


"We don't have to bring it to this level ... we have this thing out there about sound and artistes clashing, always some confrontation. As a society, we've got to move away from that and if the artistes are projecting positive images, it must not lead to division.


Meanwhile, Guidance Counsellor Lameta Lugg said major players in the music industry should take some responsibility for what is happening in the schools.


"I think the music fraternity has to step up, acknowledge that that there is a problem, there is an issue with the music that the children are listening to. In my opinion, it is demoralising ... it is the same music that will be pulling us down and the music fraternity needs to step up and do something."

According to police statics made public by Children’s Advocate Mary Clarke police seized 15 guns and arrested 69 students for criminal offences at public schools throughout Jamaica during 2007/08 academic year.


Statistics for the present academic year were not immediately available, but stabbing and other violent incidents involving students continue to affect public schools. Among the most recent incidents was last month's fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old Grade 11 Fercourt High School student by a boy who attends another school in St Ann.


"Children live in communities where lawlessness abound," said Clarke. "Children pattern adult behaviour, and so when we are dealing with violence in schools we also have to treat with domestic violence. The home is the first school for a child and so we have to treat with community violence,” she was quoted as saying in the Observer.


What’s really happening in our schools. Are we sending our children into war zones instead of learning institutions? It makes a parent want to cocoon their child and not send them out into the big bad world.

LEWD, sexually explicit music and early exposure to pornography can have a lasting negative impact on children, psycopathalogist with Children First Camille Lemonious warns.


"Whatever we hear, that is what we become," Lemonious said, responding to a damning Observer investigation over a two-week period which showed schoolchildren and bus crews involved in explicit behaviour while exposed to lewd music in public passenger buses. "When children are in their formative years, music can seep into the subconscious without any effort. Children can't always distinguish what is right and wrong and so they will want to say, practice and experiment what they hear," she explained. "Without a doubt, these types of music will influence their behaviour."
She added that a number of these children will also underperform in school.


"For them to keep awake from 9:00 am 'til 3:00 pm is a big struggle. The interest is just not there," Lemonious said. "Yet if these same children hear a little music is 'pow! pow!' and hands up in the air! They just want to go home and party."


Some guidance counsellors agreed with Lemonious' theory.
"Some students are able to manage and focus on their schoolwork, but for the most part they are distracted," Courtney Thomas, guidance counsellor at St Andrew Technical High school, said. "It boils down to how well they can cope as individuals, but emotional distraction is a big thing for them. There is very little to frighten us anymore. They (children) live in a society where they are exposed to these things and so we have to deal with them in their individual way. In my view, we are an oversexed society in terms of our language, discussions, our music, in the communities - everything is just sex."


According to him once adolescents become exposed to sex, it will captivate and hold their focus.


Osbourne St Bernard Sutherland, guidance counsellor at Kingston Technical High school, has an interesting view. He said the students' behaviour on buses, particularly the girls', give them a sense of personal value and worth.


"It may seem strange, but some see this as giving them some sense of importance to be described in this way," he explained. This, he said, is especially true if they have no father figure.


"They feel a sense of worth if they can appeal to the boys in that way, to be able to make the boys feel a certain way. And what you find is that the music gives momentum to it."


Sutherland feels it is the responsibility of the society to bring children back to a sense of value and morality.


"It is the responsibility of the society - the church, school, media, community - all of us to give them a sense of value and to let them know they do not have to expose themselves to be appealing. It is going to require the effort of all of us."


Pauline Goulbourne and Garfield Jaddoo, guidance counsellors at the Jose Marti Technical High School in Spanish Town, said that some of the students involved in the bus escapades are the same students from the inner-city communities who will confess to going to all-night dances with their parents.


"Dances will keep right through the night and they tell you they went with their parents," Goulbourne said. "Sometimes you feel as if you can't quite reach them. Some of them feel they can't be anything in life, that they are worthless, and so we have to first build their self-esteem."


Jaddoo agrees that many students in and around Spanish Town who display these behaviours are in fact coming from communities where this type of culture is the norm.


"We engage them in group counselling, workshops with parents, community groups and things like that," Jaddoo said. "But sometimes it is being undermined because they go back into the community and see the same things. But you have to encourage them regarding what they want to accomplish. Music is a part of us, it does influence behaviour, but it is how and what you listen to," he said.

Sean Paul took home the award for Best Reggae Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards, held on Tuesday night in Atlanta.


The Best Reggae Artist catagory was a first this year for the award show. Nominees for the 2009 Soul Train Best Reggae Artist Award included Mavado, Serani, Tarrus Riley, and Ziggy Marley.


Yardflex would like to join in with those congratulating Sean Paul

After Michael Lohan released recorded tapes of his daughter Lindsay Lohan's cries for help, the 'Mean Girls' actress struck back at her father, branding him a "loser."


"My fathers [sic] such a loser & those recordings are from years ago," Lohan tweeted. "To release personal things is foul enough, but to edit them ..."


"I used to think ... that he needed the book for dummies on learning how to be a father. Haha-he's [sic] needs the book for dummies on HOW TO BE A MAN," she wrote in a second update.

‘WHY DO JAMAICANS RUN SO FAST’ the documentary film by Spanish/Jamaican company Nice Time Productions on the triumphs of Jamaica’s Beijing Olympic athletes, has triumphed over 120 entries from the world’s leading sports TV stations and film makers, to win the Garland of Honour in the category of “Olympic Spirit” at the 2009 Milan Movies, Sports & TV Film Festival in Milan, Italy.


Shirley Hanna, Executive Director of Nice Time Productions said the Award was presented on Wednesday, November 4 to producer Fernando Garcia and director Miguel Galofre, who attended the Festival in person and received the gold award. The Garland of Honour is one of three special categories of Festival awards. The Excellence Award was won by the official film of Olympic Games of Beijing “The Everlasting Flame: Beijing Olympics 2008” produced by CCTV - China Central Television – China and presented to the director of the film Gu Jun and to the General manager of the CCTV Dr. Guo Benming.


WHY DO JAMAICANS RUN SO FAST features footage of all the six Beijing Olympic Gold medal victories, as well as interviews with the medal winners at home in Jamaica, features of the communities in which they live and comments from leading Jamaicans. A reggae music soundtrack completes the joyous feel of the documentary.


The film received applause and acclaim when it was premiered in February 2009 at the CPTC as part of the scaled-down Reggae Film Festival, and it was later selected as the opening night feature of the Kingston On The Edge arts week. In September the film was one of the top three winners in the Best Documentary category of the American Black Film Festival held in Miami , Florida .


Nice Time Productions is currently in production of a documentary on dance hall “Hit Me With Music” and a second film on Jamaica ’s prison rehabilitation programmes.

VIEW TRAILER

ST. CATHERINE, JA (Ms. RAINE INC.): In response to current reports of 'Gaza buttons' and paraphernalia depicting the violent images of Dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel and the so-called Gaza/Gully feud being seized from vendors at several Corporate Area schools, Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer issues the following statement:


"Vybz Kartel does not sanction or condone the selling of Gaza buttons with violent images and statements, especially to children and teenagers. We do not own the Gaza name but recognize that unscrupulous and unethical persons may be seeking to profit from the popularity of the Gaza name by engaging in these terrible practices. We urge the relevant authorities to move quickly to protect innocent children from those who would seek to corrupt them.


Vybz Kartel is in the business of music, and through Vybz Rum Limited,the business of alcoholic beverages. We are not involved in the business of merchandising, nor do we benefit from the sale of clothing and other paraphernalia which may bear the Gaza name."

Sandra ‘Sandy’ Supersad, general manager of the popular Corporate Area chain of boutiques, Xtra’s, was gunned down Wednesday evening as she drove into her gated apartment complex on Waterloo Avenue in Kingston.


Supersad had reportedly driven her Suzuki SUV into the Waterloo Lawn complex when two men, who had been seen loitering around the complex, forced their way through the gate and approached the vehicle. She was shot three times at close range. Supersad was rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies in the same vehicle. She was pronounced dead.


Eyewitnesses say the gunmen fled the scene on a bike.
Shock, horror and disbelief was registered on the faces of friends and family members who quickly streamed into the hospital as news of the incident spread across the city.


Supersad’s murder follows sharply on the heels of the brutal killing of the general manager of Tools Hardware, Elva Mullings, who was gunned down in her driveway in Portmore St Catherine exactly one month ago — Monday October 5.

Check out this Star story…never a dull moment in mix up entertainment.


'Why?' is the response from singer Jah Vinci when asked about rumours circulating on the Internet, that he had been beaten and was planning to leave the Portmore Empire.


Rumours have been circulating on the streets for a while that the singer is unhappy in the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire, but got more intense when it was circulated on the Internet that the singer had been beaten. According to a popular entertainment website in an article that was released yesterday, Jah Vinci was allegedly beaten in his face after commenting that he was unhappy in the Portmore Empire.


denied the rumours


When contacted by THE STAR yesterday however, Jah Vinci whose real name is André Kirk Rhoden, categorically denied the rumours of his beating and about him leaving the Empire. The Portmore Empire has been credited for 'bussing' his career in music. "A lie dat, a rumour" said Jah Vinci, who is known for songs such as Watch Yuh Friends and Wipe Those Tears.


He further commented, "last week mi hear sey mi hand broke and all kinda ting. I've been getting all kinda calls from people sey mi lef Empire - it's not true. Everything is good."


Rumours also claimed that Vybz Kartel, who heads Jah Vinci's management team, was taking huge portions of the payments he received.


However, sources revealed that Jah Vinci complained about this, which led to his beating. There are also claims that photos were taken of the singer after his beating.

Christopher Palmer aka Mr Lexx case was put off for November 16 after he appeared in courton Monday of this week.


Mr Lexx was arrested and charged with rape in New York last month.


The DJ appeared in court in Queens, New York and his $US 2,500 bail was extended until his next court appearance.


Lexx was arrested after a woman reported to the police that he sexually molested her. It is alleged that the woman was in her room at a hotel in Queens, when the deejay forced himself on her. The police arrested the deejay the next morning.


The deejay, who is known for songs such as Full Hundred and Cook, is stuck in the United States until the matter is settled in court. He is reportedly working on some musical projects while there.

International singer, Bobby Valentino, will be one of the special guests at Gully god Mavado’s Mavado's Birthday Bash "Jagra - Real McKoy," on December 5th at Temple Hall Estate, St Andrew.


Mavado and Bobby Valentino worked on a remix of Bobby's Billboard smash "Hands on Me" together earlier this year, as well as collaborating on other yet-to-be released projects. The "Hands on Me" remix is a big hit on the local Dancehall scene and fans can definitely look forward to seeing Mavado and Bobby V sing the song
for the first time together anywhere.
"I cant wait to come back to Jamaica to see my ladies," said Bobby V, who has performed once before in the island. "Last time I was there it was crazy love and I'm thrilled to return and help Mavado celebrate his birthday in style. I'll be singing all the favourite hits for my females, we just gona do it up big for the Gangsta on his birthday!"


Also celebrating with the Gully god will be huge names
from the local artist and sound system scene like Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall, Flexxx, Chase Cross, Munga, Demarco, Vegas, Stacious, Spice, Lady Saw, the Gully Squad, Stone Love, Swatch, Sky Juice and Boom Boom/


Security is the prime concern of Mavado for his event as he is determined to have another incident-free party where his thousands of fans can come and enjoy the festivities in a safe and secure
environment. Police personnel and private security will be on site at all times to ensure the safety of patrons and their property.


Atlanta-native Bobby Valentino's first single, "Slow Down," became a top 10 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 R&B single Billboard R&B Singles. Lately he has seen huge success from his single "Beep" and for his unforgettable chorus on Lil Wayne's mega-
hit "Mrs Officer."

Rihanna finally breaks her silence on the Chris Brown beating. She admits to being strong, foolish and is now advocating that other young girls not be caught in the same trap...check out her interview below

As the musical war between the Mavado-led Gully and the Gaza, represented by Vybz Kartel, heats up, one T-shirt manufacturer is making money from the feud.


However, clothing brand Drenz Fashion is dismissing rumours in the street that they are the manufacturers of the controversial garments.
CEO Richie Drenz says he is not a Gaza or Gully fan, he’s a fan of music.


“I don’t believe there is no need for segregation in the music industry. I represent fashion, suh a fashion mi seh, pree we name Drenz Fashion. Mi no need fi put Gaza or Gully to promote my sales,” he is quoted as saying in one newspaper.


Word began circulating that Drenz was producing a line of Gully/Gaza T-shirts after products of similar style and print began to appear on the market.


Richie Drenz, In further clearing his brand, explained that his signature wrong sided stitch, is missing from the Gully/Gaza shirts on the market.


“It would not make any business sense to print Gaza or Gully on my T-shirts when I have spent years creating an independent brand,” he added.


So the question remains, Who is making the Gully/Gaza T-shirts?

To be young, gifted and black…is a song that a lot of Jamaican personalities will not be singing. The saddest thing about the whole deal is that they actually believe that it’s OK to bleach.


Where is the self love, where is the pride in the mahogany colour…Don’t real know, but check out this story on bleaching carried in the Star. It makes you wonder about the real progress of our people.


Skin bleaching has been a phenomenon, particularly in the poor inner cities, for many years now. Its association with the same socio-economic class as dancehall has manifested in the songs with multiple references to the practice.


One reference that is highly uncommon though is a deejay glorifying the use of bleaching. In steps Lisa Hype, an upcoming deejay who is affiliated with Vybz Kartel's Portmore Empire.


In the song Proud A Mi Bleaching, which was released last month, Lisa Hype explains that she isn't shameful of her skin bleaching practice. Since its release, she said the song has been a hit, especially among women who do it as well.


"Di girl dem seh mi a lock it fi dem this year. A me alone a talk fi dem. Mi nuh know which girl nowadays nah bleach, even fi use likkle Nadinola and rub on fi mek dem face cool.”


"A bleaching a run the place and it all right because dat fi show yuh seh yuh a tek care of yourself."


But not everyone loves it. Prior to her song, there were several artistes who lashed out against the act like Nardo Ranks in Dem A Bleach and Buju Banton in Black Woman.


More recently, Queen Ifrica recorded Mi Nah Rub, in which she sings "di person weh seh black nah wear again insecure wid demself, so nuh follow dem. Mi nah bleach mi nuh care if dat a di trend. Proud to be black."


she liked the look


Lisa Hype says from what she's been hearing, the song "gone".


"People a bun it (bleaching). Nuff a dem a bun it and dem gal a do it. Mi nuh hear nobody lash out against the song. Everybody see mi and seh it gone," Lisa Hype said, while noting that she has been bleaching for about two years because she liked the look.

The Jamaican drama continues with a story we saw in the Star. According to the paper an obeah woman was on Friday chased from her Portland community after being accused of casting spells on residents and preventing them from getting visas.


The Portland police yesterday confirmed the incident but noted that the woman is to speak with them later this week.


After telling everyone he was denied the document, the disappointed man was told by family members that he was the third resident recently, to come up empty-handed after visiting the embassy.


As word of the man's failure spread through the community, the other two residents, another man and a woman, came to visit the latest 'victim'.


As they spoke with each other they concluded that they were cursed.


"..For some stupid reason they came up with the idea that they were under obeah," the corporal said.


According to the corporal, information received from other residents also suggests that the three previously had verbal altercations with the woman.


THE STAR was further told that some time around 6 p.m. a group of about a dozen residents went to the obeah woman's house and ordered her to leave the community.


When the woman disobeyed the orders, her house was stoned and a section where she conducted her practice was set on fire.


The mob is also said to have threatened to light the whole house if she chose to remain inside.


It is reported that at that point she agreed to leave and was escorted to a bus stop just outside the community. She has not returned since leaving the area.


After the incident, other residents reportedly made contact with the police and told them of the situation.


The corporal said the police were yesterday contacted by a relative of the woman who requested help. The relative was told to urge the woman to come in and speak with the police in person.


Oh boy, honestly, in this day and age we didn’t think people were still buying into this obeah argument.

President Barack Obama's half brother has broken his media silence to discuss his new novel — the semi-autobiographical story of an abusive parent patterned on their late father, the mostly absent figure Obama wrote about in his own memoir.


In his first interview, Mark Ndesandjo told The Associated Press that he wrote "Nairobi to Shenzhen" in part to raise awareness of domestic violence.


"My father beat my mother and my father beat me, and you don't do that," said Ndesandjo, whose mother, Ruth Nidesand, was Barack Obama Sr.'s third wife. "It's something which I think affected me for a long time, and it's something that I've just recently come to terms with."


Like his novel's main character, Ndesandjo had an American mother who is Jewish and who divorced his Kenyan father. The novel, which goes on sale Wednesday by the self-publishing company Aventine Press, is one of several books in the works by relatives of the president.


President Obama's parents separated two years after he was born in Hawaii in 1961. The senior Obama, a Kenyan exchange student, divorced the president's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, in 1964 and had at least six other children in his native Kenya.


For the past seven years, Ndesandjo has been living in the booming southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong, and has refused all interview requests until now.

In addition to her sit down with Diane Sawyer this week, Rihanna also opens up in the new Glamour magazine about the leak of the infamous police evidence photo showing her face battered and bruised by then-boyfriend Chris Brown.


"It was humiliating; that is not a photo you would show to anybody," she told the publication. "I felt completely taken advantage of. I felt like people were making it into a fun topic on the internet, and it’s my life. I was disappointed, especially when I found out the photo was (supposedly leaked by) two women."


Two female LAPD officers were suspended in September after the photo was published on gossip site TMZ.com shortly after the assault. Rihanna admits she was not ready for the immediate onslaught of media attention that would follow.


"It has taught me so much. I felt like I went to sleep as Rihanna and woke up as Britney Spears. That was the level of media chaos that happened the next day," she said. "It was like, What, there are helicopters circling my house? There are 100 people in my cul-de-sac? What do you mean, I can’t go back home?"


Rihanna hopes that her ordeal with teen domestic violence can help shed light on the issue.


"Domestic violence is a big secret. No kid goes around and lets people know their parents fight. Teenage girls can’t tell their parents that their boyfriend beat them up. You don’t dare let your neighbor know that you fight," she tells Glamour. "It’s one of the things we (women) will hide, because it’s embarrassing. My story was broadcast all over the world for people to see, and they have followed every step of my recovery.


"The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn’t heard. Now I can help speak for those women."

Dancehall artiste, Sheldon ‘Aidonia’ Lawrence, who, according to his publicist, is now transcending on a positive path and has shed himself of all negativity, while focusing his efforts on taking his career to that next level. will this Friday, November 6 premier his new video on for the hit single 'Evil Head'.


The video set against the background of Aidonia ridding himself of evil doers and people with malicious intent was shot entirely on location in Port Royal, once known as the wickedest city on Earth. The project also features cameos from fellow J.O.P members Deablo and Surverto.


Director Julia Braham of 1456 Productions said "the video will give people an opportunity to see Aidonia in a different light", the same was concurred by his publicist Shadow who explained that "The artiste Currently his main aim is to complete his debut album slated for release in the coming months".


The single currently one of the most played on the 'Nuh Fear' rhythm compilation was produced by Tarik "Russian" Johnston and Cleveland "Brixton" Scott of Head Concussion Records.


In addition to completing his album, Aidonia is preparing for a very hectic holiday season which includes the highly anticipated Sting 2009 showcase among other local and international gigs.

The police are theorising that robbery was the motive behind yesterday's murder of Paul Anthony Bruce, brother of former Shower Posse founder Vivian Blake.


Bruce, 50, a businessman was murdered yesterday after gunmen invaded his upscale home in Smokey Vale, St Andrew.


Police reports are that some time after 10 a.m., armed men forced their way into Bruce's home and opened fire.


Bruce was shot and injured and died on the spot.


His personal chef was also shot and injured.


According to investigators, the gunmen tried to escape with Bruce's BMW X6 motorcar but for some reason only made off with its keys.


Blake arrived back in Jamaica earlier this year after spending more than eight years behind bars in the United States.

NAIROBI, Kenya - The world's fastest man adopted the animal kingdom's fastest sprinter yesterday, as Usain Bolt welcomed a new baby cheetah named "Lightning Bolt" into his life.


The Jamaican sprinter's sponsorship of the three-month-old male cheetah is part of an effort to boost Kenyan conservation efforts of its famous wildlife, whose survival is threatened by trophy hunting, climate change and human encroachment.


The world record-holder in the 100 and 200 metres paid US$13,700 to formally adopt the cub. He will also pay US$3,000 a year to care for Lighting Bolt, who will be raised at an animal orphanage in Nairobi.

In her first interview since her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown attacked her the night before the Grammys, Rihanna opens up to Diane Sawyer about the incident in an interview that will air on 'Good Morning America' and '20/20' later this week, PEOPLE reports.


"This happened to me. ... It can happen to anyone," the 'Umbrella' hitmaker says.


Rihanna explains that dealing with the aftermath was hard because of her feelings for Brown. "He was definitely my first big love."


Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to probation and community service. He must also stay 100 yards away from his former girlfriend.

Bob Marley’s heirs are going to great lengths to ensure that that they protect their dad’s trademark. They will be going all out to enforce their exclusive rights to an image that has grown steadily in scope and appeal since the Jamaican superstar died of brain cancer in 1981 at age 36.


The Marley name, look and sound are estimated to generate an estimated $600 million a year in sales of unlicensed wares. Legal sales are much smaller - just $4 million for his descendants in 2007, according to Forbes magazine. The Marleys refuse to give a figure.


Now the family has hired Toronto-based Hilco Consumer Capital to protect their rights to the brand. Hilco CEO Jamie Salter believes Marley products could be a $1-billion business in a few years.


A representative of the Bobo Ashanti order, a Rastafarian group, also expressed support.


"Bob Marley was and still is a stepping stone for many around the world who seek Rastafari roots and culture," said the Rasta rep who identified himself as the Honorable Prophet Moambeh Acosta in an e-mail. "We can only hope and pray for the (family's) success ... as the task seems insurmountable due to the years of piracy and counterfeiting."


Rather than focusing on street vendors, who hawk everything from Bob Marley T-shirts to beach towels, the partnership is creating a new line of products dubbed 'House of Marley' and will police the trademark vigilantly.


Snowboards and tropical Jamaica may seem an odd pairing, but they're among a wide variety of planned merchandise featuring the dreadlocked musician's image, name or message - backpacks, stationery, headphones, musical instruments, restaurants.


Items are expected to hit the market in mid-2010.

Dancehall deejay Mr G, also known as Goofy, was on Friday granted $300,000 bail in the Gun Court, following an incident with wannabe entertainer LA Lewis.


It is alleged that Mr. G pulled his licensed firearm on Lewis, but according to Mr. G’s lawyers it was in self-defence as LA Lewis, a trained dispute resolution mediator, allegedly attacked their client with a machete.


Mr. G, whose real name in Chad Simpson, was ordered to surrender his travel documents and will return to court on November 27. Simpson, who is represented by attorneys Tom Tavares-Finson and Chris Tavares-Finson, turned himself into the police on October 27, a day after his run-in with Lewis.


Mr. G was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and robbery with aggravation.


On Friday, the court was told Lewis, who is a jack of all trades in the entertainment fraternity, was given $10,000 by Mr G to distribute posters for a dance. Lewis reportedly failed to carry out his duties and was asked by Mr G to return the money.
It’s further alleged that Lewis returned $7,000 but refused to hand over the rest, which caused an altercation., during which LA Lewis reportedly attacked Mr. G with a machete. Mr G, in turn reportedly pulled his licensed firearm. Reports are that LA Lewis’ cell phone was confiscated as compensation for the balance of the money.
Lewis, its is further alleged, was relieved of his cell phone in return for the outstanding money.

By Rootzgirl


My heart nearly broke on Saturday, while reading about the accident along the Whitehouse main road in Westmoreland on Friday. He was celebrating his birthday and making big plans for a birthday party. The accident happened about 5:30 pm according to the police. His blue Lexus (Altezza) was travelling from the Farm district direction towards Whitehouse when the driver lost control and hit a coaster bus before colliding with a white delivery truck. Police said that all three men in the car died on the spot.


According to the Star one witness was reported as saying the accident as nothing he has ever seen. "The car is crumbled beyond recognition believe me one of the men in the car, his head got chopped off to how the accident bad. This is the worse," the man said. "I saw it from the beginning, Mackie (the driver) drove passed the bar and as he looked across his eyes and mine made 'four' then the car was like something from Tokyo Drift


The sad thing about it all is that instead of a happy birthday celebration three families are now in mourning.


The road death clock is ticking away and no one is taking note. Drivers are still being careless, they somehow think that they will be the lucky ones to speed and take chances and escape.


Yardflex would like to take the opportunity to warn motorists to be careful. Speed indeed kills.


The government is spending so much money in road safety campaign and it’s not even registering on these drivers.


Passengers, whether you are in a public transport vehicle or a friend is giving you a lift…do not allow them to be careless with it.

This Is It has earn ed over $101 million in its global debut. It topped the US Box office with $21.3 million. Even in death Michael’s pull is still very strong.


Sony announced it is extending the film's domestic run through Thanksgiving weekend, or by three weeks – which means that the movie's DVD release has also been pushed back by roughly the same amount of time.


The disc was originally set to be released prior to Christmas, but due to a regulation that usually forces studios to wait a minimum 90 days before releasing a new film to DVD, "This Is It" will now make its debut in late January or early February, 2010, according to the Los Angeles Times. Hollywood Reporter columnist Roger Friedman says the DVD release date will be Jan 20.


Overseas, the studio will decide whether to extend the film's theatrical run on a territory by territory basis.


"This is It," which opened Tuesday night, grossed an estimated $32.5 in its 5 ½ day domestic bow from 3,481 runs. It ran on 15,000 screens worldwide.


Friedman points out that "This is It" is on track to be the third-largest-grossing documentary in history, putting it right behind Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 911? and “Earth,” and ahead of Moore’s other films, as well as Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” and Madonna’s “Truth or Dare.”


It could get better, it is possible that the documentary could be submitted for Acasdemy award consideration.

TMZ.com has tracked down the ex-wife of gospel star BeBe Winans to get her reaction to his continued appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" despite his ongoing domestic violence case.


In February, Debra Winans made headlines after accusing her ex-husband of shoving her to the ground in front of their two kids, ages 10 and 13. According to the report, the two had a "verbal altercation" regarding "custody issues dealing with their children."


In light of Winfrey's stand against domestic violence, and particularly Chris Brown, who has pleaded guilty to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, Debra Winans tells TMZ she's "hurt by Oprah's decision to have BeBe on the show."


Ironically, BeBe's arrest in February came one day before Oprah aired her domestic violence special in response to the Chris Brown case.


With a domestic violence charge pending until another court hearing next year, BeBe was on "Oprah" Friday to promote "Still," his new gospel album with sister CeCe. He is also the host of "Oprah's Karaoke Challenge," a nationwide competition to find the best karaoke singer.


Round 1 of the challenge will air on Thursday (Nov. 5).


Well jackass did say the world nuh level, don’t?

The Bob Marley name, look and sound are estimated to generate an estimated $600 million a year in sales of unlicensed wares, according to a report from the Associated Press.. Legal sales, however, are much smaller — just $4 million for his descendants in 2007, according to Forbes magazine.


Heirs of the Jamaican reggae legend are plunging into the global trademark wars, seeking to enforce their exclusive rights to an image that has grown steadily in scope and appeal since the Jamaican superstar died of brain cancer in 1981 at age 36.


Now the family has hired Toronto-based Hilco Consumer Capital to protect their rights to the brand. Hilco CEO Jamie Salter believes Marley products could be a $1 billion business in a few years.


“The family managed all the rights before Hilco was brought on board,” said Marley’s fourth son, Rohan. “We didn’t have a real good grasp on the international scope prior to Hilco, nor the proper management.”


The turn to big business has stirred some grousing from die-hard fans in Internet chat rooms, who say it goes against the grain of a singer who preached non-materialism and popularised the Rastafarian credo of oneness with nature and marijuana consumption as a sacrament.


But Lorna Wainwright, who manages Tuff Gong, backed the move, saying “the world needs the Bob Marley police”.


“It’s a free-for-all out there with all the fakes, all the piracy,” she said. “It’s important to continue getting his real message out like when he was alive because the world is in a crisis and Bob Marley’s lyrics provide a solution.”


Rather than focusing on street vendors, who hawk everything from Bob Marley T-shirts to beach towels, the partnership is creating a new line of products dubbed ‘House of Marley’ and will police the trademark vigilantly.


Snowboards and tropical Jamaica may seem an odd pairing, but they’re among a wide variety of planned merchandise featuring the dreadlocked musician’s image, name or message — backpacks, stationery, headphones, musical instruments, restaurants.
Items are expected to hit the market in mid-2010.


Marley “would be amused to know that his face is being used to brand a wide range of products and services, some of which he himself might never have thought of using,” said Professor Carolyn Cooper, former coordinator of the reggae studies unit at Jamaica’s University of the West Indies.


But Cooper added in an interview that the Marley family is absolutely right to emulate the estates of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and other pop heroes in protecting the trademark. Presley’s estate brought in nearly $55 million in revenue last year.

After him leave Jamaica and go Jamaica fi do some work wid di Japanese dem, dem beat him up no ends. Then he returns to his homeland and get beat up still!


No sir that just takes the cake.


The case is now before the courts involving a Japanese man who it is alleged attacked the musician over a tune. He is now being remanded in custody following the musician’s complaint to the police.


Investigation revealed also that the 27-year-old accused foreigner Takuya Nakamura, has overstayed his time in the island, is also charged for possession of ganja and a ‘chillum pipe’, which were found at his residence.


When he next appears in court a translator will be provided to assist him.


According to police report, on October 21, the musician visited the house where Nakamura was staying at Hibiscus Drive, Kingston 8, after he was contacted by the accused. While at the house Nakamura asked the complainant if he got the tune, but the complainant told him that the man, who was to deal with it said he could not split it.
Nackamura reportedly then told the complainant to stop acting the fool. He then attacked the complainant and kicked him in the chest and pushed him down on a bed, that he was sitting on and slapped him in the face.


The complainant tried to defend himself but was kicked repeatedly over his body by the accused.


The complainant was taken to the University Hospital of the West Indies on the following, day after he woke up in pain with his legs swollen.


Now you see why if Jamaicans are doing business with oriental folks they need to first do an intensive ninja course.

Now we have heard it all. A course for sex workers? Yes, we kid you not. 22 Prostitutes participated in a UN sponsored programme and graduated on Thursday from the skills training programme put on by Heather Little-White and Associates and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).


The male and females sex workers were exposed to cosmetology, housekeeping, culinary skllls in the course which began in September.


A sum of $1.2million was donated by UNAIDS toward the initiative.
The good thing about the whole deal is that the sex workers can now abandon their former profession and live off their new training.
The graduation ceremony was packed with motivational speeches and performances from Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel and others.


“You are teaching me that there are people in Jamaica who still want good. People who have high hopes and big ambitions,” said Rebel, “Government need to come talk to Heather, why? Because this is a new method of fixing a problem in the country, if we want to fix our society now, we can’t just use the same old time method”.


Hutchinson told the graduates: “You have two choices, you can sit down and wait for things to happen or you can do something about it. What is commendable is that all of you inside here have chosen to do something about it”.


“You see the concept of putting limits on yourself, don’t let anybody put any limits on you. You put that limit on yourself,” she added.


Yardflex wishes them success on the new path they have taken.

Finally! A bargain deal that makes sense! This evening for one night only between the hours of 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm over 300 stores across Kingston will be giving huge discounts to shoppers. They will be slashing as much as 70% off their cost.


This initiative is the brainchild of the Observer’s Novia McDonald Whyte and I for one will be hitting the streets later on to cash in on this huge bargain. Just think, clothes, shoes, handbags, the whole works are an amazing low price…you might not even be seeing this kind of a deal in the Christmas season again either!

Tonight at The Building will be the first of a weekly event dubbed Street Vybz Thursdays, led by the Gaza head Vybz Kartel. According to the DJ its his way of giving back. He will be using proceeds from the event to aid in in buying computers for various schools in Portmore.


Fans will also be getting a chance to mix and mingle with the DJ on a weekly basis…as long as he doesn’t have any other show commitments.


Prizes can be won those nights and of course there won’t be any shortage of fun and excitement.


We must say this makes a pleasant change from all the negative vibes surrounding Gaza land.

A Jamaican policeman who recently fled the island after being placed under investigation for driving a stolen motor vehicle has been killed in the United States.


Hasting Clarke, 32, who was attached to the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID), was stabbed to death on the weekend in Coconut Creek, South Florida.


It is understood that Mr. Clarke fled Jamaica three weeks ago.


He was suspended from the Force for driving a stolen motor vehicle which was being used as evidence in a case in which he was the investigating officer.


Mr. Clarke eluded his fellow officers and boarded a plane at the Norman Manley International Airport when he got wind of the investigation.


The policeman however met his demise when the angry ex-boyfriend of a female friend he was visiting barged into her house on Saturday morning in Coconut Creek, South Florida.


According to police reports, the policeman was at 36-year-old Joy Stewart's house about 1'oclock when 28-year-old Paul Gayle barged in.


The police say Mr. Gayle was apparently upset over their recent break-up.


It is understood that the policeman who went to Miss Stewart's defense was stabbed several times by Mr. Gayle who was armed with a knife.


He died on the spot.


Miss Stewart escaped with minor injuries.


Mr. Gayle is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and armed burglary.

This must have compilation chronicles the favourites, highlights, and rarities celebrating the talented family's journey.


Since their 1997 VP Records debut, Protect Us Jah, Morgan Heritage has positioned themselves as one of Reggae's best bands. The accomplishments of the group and individual members are formidable; as songwriters, producers and a touring band. This family of talented performers has released eight studio and two live albums which has extended the audience and definition of Reggae. This finely honed modern roots identity, which has made Morgan Heritage one of Reggae's most enduringly successful acts, is showcased throughout this greatest hits CD/DVD compilation, The Journey Thus Far, in stores October 27.


This comprehensive disc features the group's finest recordings to date, plus two previously unreleased tracks. It also features concert footage of The Morgans performing in Senegal and Gambia plus nine of the group's most popular videos.


The CD commences with the title track from Protect Us Jah a simple yet heartfelt prayer for spiritual strength sung over Bobby Digital's brilliant reworking of the Heathen rhythm, an instrumentation from the Bob Marley song by that name.


Other tracks include Don't Haffi Dread, which remains one of the most requested in the group's hit-filled repertoire with its easily sung, catchy refrain. Two of the biggest reggae hits of 2004/2005 were produced on enormously popular one-drop rhythms by Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett and included on Heritage's 2005 VP Records release Full Circle. Peetah earned cheers from women everywhere as he rebuffed the advances of Your Best Friend on the Drop Leaf rhythm while, Tell Me How Come?


on the Seasons rhythm forcefully decries the injustices that abound in Jamaica from the continual fight against Rastafari, to the discrepancy in education offered to rich and poor children.


From the group's 10th Album Mission in Progress released by VP in 2008, Brooklyn and Jamaica produced by Shane Brown, draws gritty parallels between reggae's birthplace and the borough of kings, home to the largest population of Jamaicans off of the island.


The Journey Thus Far demonstrates Morgan Heritage's collective building process and their extraordinary evolution from a precociously talented teen aggregation into one of contemporary Reggae's most powerful sonic and lyrical forces. Throughout their profound journey, Morgan Heritage has pioneered Jamaican music's popularity in such far flung locales as the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to the rural Northern US, where many residents had never even heard the word reggae prior to their appearances there and they've made roots reggae relevant to a generation of fans who weren't yet born when Jamaican icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown were touring the world.

For most persons, retirement is a time for relaxation, after years of contributing to the development of the country. However, for some it's a time to learn a new skill or to further their education.


In an interview with JIS News, Parish Organiser for the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) in Manchester, Mrs. Estella Dyer-Crawford, says that senior citizens are valuable assets, and programmes have been developed to expose them to skills they can apply in their daily lives.


"Our seniors here in Manchester go to the parish library where they get basic training in computer skills. We also have the National Council for Senior Citizens' Competitions and we have the Spelling Bee competition. The programmes are geared for our seniors to expose their knowledge and interact with the younger persons and to be useful citizens in society," she says.


Recently, some 19 senior citizens graduated from a computer course offered by the Manchester Parish Library, and Mrs. Dyer-Crawford notes that it was well received by community members, especially the elderly.


"I realise that with the library, they get there before 9 o'clock and some of the seniors report that when they go back home, their grandchildren actually help them with the Spelling Bee. So, what is happening is that they have this relationship with the youngsters, a sort of bonding, and now are able to move along with the changes when we have them involved in all these educational programmes," she tells JIS News.


"They were excited about it, with a few asking, can I manage? They were willing to go and try, because as seniors you do not want to be left out. Nobody is writing letters now and they need to hear from the children and other members of the family who are abroad. Some of the grandchildren have bought their grandparents computers, so that they can correspond with them," she adds.


The 19 senior citizens were presented with certificates of participation at a ceremony, which was held on September 15, at the Mandeville Parish Church Hall, in Manchester.


Mr. Glenford Bromfield and his wife, Laura, are senior citizens who have grasped the opportunity offered by the Manchester Parish Library to learn something new about the computer. They were introduced to basic computer skills, which they now use to communicate with their children abroad.


"We heard about it through the senior citizen movement and we volunteered to join the classes. I was very impressed after I went to the library and saw what they were doing. A lot of the people were younger than I, and it seems as if it was just another going back to school (activity)," Mr. Bromfield says.


"It was really exciting until the time of graduation. I am hoping that I could go further, but lightening hit my laptop, but if the library could give us further courses or even if somebody has to contribute towards it, I would be very appreciative of it," he adds.


Mr. Bromfield says other senior citizens should use the opportunities given to them to learn something new.


"I think it would help some persons, and some have already done that. I think you should go back to get further training and further experience. I am just excited about this programme and I never know that people of our age would be excited about something like the computer. But we have learnt now and have seen that it is the thing of the day, so we should learn as much as we can," he says.

Telecommunications provider Digicel has issued a stinging response to a lawsuit brought against it by its rival LIME.


In a statement to the media Digicel dismissed LIME's claim as a desperate attempt to cling on to its crumbling monopoly on the local land-line market.


It added that the action by its rival is aimed at forcing it to hike the prices of its fixed wireless product for business customers-- a move which it has vowed to resist.


The suit, filed in the Supreme Court on Monday is part of LIME's efforts to get Digicel to lower the rates it charges for its land-line customers to call Digicel mobile phones.


LIME is also seeking to recover damages of more than $100 million which it claims has been lost because of Digicel's pricing structure.


In the suit, LIME claims that in January, Digicel started to charge LIME's landline customers as much as $8.50 per minute to call Digicel mobile customers.


LIME says Digicel was then charging its own landline customers only $4 per minute for comparable calls.


LIME is maintaining that Digicel, by setting a much higher termination rate for LIME to pay when its land-line customers call Digicel mobiles, has imposed discriminatory pricing.

Dancehall is not the only thing that is shadowed by brawls and violence. But it’s not surprising that hip hop is plagued with the same curse as they two walk hand in hand.


During Akon and T-Pain’s gig in Australia 18 people were injured and several hospitalized when rival gangs collide.


According to a story posted on EURweb.com rival gangs in Melbourne, Australia clashed during a concert featuring Akon and T-Pain on Sunday (Oct. 25), leaving 18 people injured -- 11 of them hospitalized and treated for lacerations, bruises and other minor injuries.


The artists were headlining a show at the HiSense Arena when gangbangers in the audience started tripping. At one point, Akon jumped into the crowd to try and stop the violence, but to no avail.


"I don't know if y'all know how hard it took me to get here," Akon said from the shoulders of a security guard. "It took me almost two years for Australia to let me back in the country and I'm not going to let them f**k up our concert tonight."


Akon had been unable to get a work permit in Australia due to his prior criminal record.


One man was arrested in Sunday's melee for assaulting and knocking a security guard unconsciousness.

View the Video below

KINGSTON, Jamaica: As plans are finalized for the ninth staging of the Reggae Marathon, the Half Marathon and the 10K race in Negril, on December 5, the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston – the organizers of the event, has announced that Rohan Marley, son of the iconic Bob Marley, will be among the VIP participants.


An avid football player and entrepreneur, Rohan Marley, co-founder of the organically Blue Mountain grown “Marley Coffee”, will be joining participants from other countries as diverse as Brazil, South Africa and Finland, as they take to the course in what has become an eagerly anticipated event. His participation will be filmed for a television series to be aired on the travel channel in the USA and other internationally syndicated channels in 2010.


“This is good news not only for the Marathon event but also for Jamaica,” stated President of the Jamdammers Running Club, Tanya Miller. “Our trophies for the winners are named in honor of Bob and Rita Marley and the fact that a member of the Marley family will actually be participating this year, adds to the excitement of the race. Of course we also welcome the additional international television exposure which will be of immense value to the event as well as for Jamaica,” she added.


Race Director Alfred Francis is also pleased with the “continuing interest in Reggae Marathon, both from our own Jamaican, as well as overseas participants, despite the all around belt tightening because of the global recession.”


Francis said: “Staging the event each year continues to be a challenge and we thank all our faithful sponsors such as Digicel and Pan Caribbean for their continued support. At the same time we would welcome participation from other sponsors as well as additional governmental support.”


Your Ad HereHe added, however, “people are still excited to come to Jamaica and they are being inspired to participate in Reggae Marathon for a variety of reasons, whether it is the need to travel, get fit or to honor someone who has been affected by a ‘life style’ disease.” He mentioned Jamaican-Canadian Chris Morales who has registered for the event and will be running in memory of his father. Chris also plans to raise $10,000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association and has also inspired other members of his family to join him.


Other groups that have also registered include, “Sisters in Motion”, (whose goal is to “encourage adult African-American women of all ages to become physically active in a supportive and non-threatening environment through regular exercise”); The Canadian “Running Girlz”; “Joints in Motion” (the Arthritis Foundation of the USA Chapter); as well as the “Yellow Bird Runners,” (both of whom will be making their second visit to Jamaica for the marathon event).


These overseas groups and individuals, Francis said “will be joined in Negril by our own Jamaican charity partners, including the Heart Foundation of Jamaica; corporate teams; those who have competed in the Burger King–Jamdammers Grand Prix Series and hundreds of other individuals.”


Race activities begins on Thursday, December 3, with registration being conducted at the Swept Away Sports Complex, this will be followed by the Pasta Party and Village Bash on December 4. The Marathon event will begin at 5:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, at the Long Bay Beach Park. The Finish Line Victory Party and awards ceremony will be held after the race on Negril’s West,

Source: TrackAlert

Assistant Commissioner Les Green has started a fire with his comments when he hit out against the corrupt police in the force. Many police officers have taken issue with the statement…but let’s be real here. What are they really arguing about, it’s not as if the assistant commissioner was telling a lie.


Right now one of the top cops is facing a court case for extortion, there are a lot of cops who have built big houses, set up big businesses from their corrupt affairs…and some of these killings that you here involving police are resulting from their deals gone bad.


It’s time to take the off the tinted glasses and call a spade a spade. The main reason why crime continues to soar is that some of the people who are placed with the responsibility to protect and serve are no longer doing that.


They are more concerned with lining their pockets and accounts from the spoils. Too many are using the government’s bullets to make a profit from it, selling it to bad men in the streets instead of using it to defend tax paying people.


If the good ones are offended by Les Green’s statement, then hush, but many of these good ones know about the corrupt activities of their fellow cops and choose to remain silent…so at the end of the day, they deserve to share in the blame too.

Well the book is finally out, for you all who want to dig into Prodigal Son and Joan Whilby’s marital affairs then you can do that by buying her book which she launched the other day. The book entitled From Brokenness to Victory talks about her loneliness, abuse and of course the victory she found.


Now that she has told her side of the story, people are wondering if Prodigal Son will be talking up the tings any time soon. What will he say we wonder?

One man who negotiated a deal with a female prostitute in May Pen was in for a rude awakening when he found out that the ‘she’ was in fact a ‘he’.


When the amorous man started fondling the woman, he discovered that it was all a sham and it was at this point that things got ugly. The shim drew a knife and the two started struggling. It was this struggle that eventually caught the police attention.


The police say they noticed the two involved in a dispute in a Toyota Mark II motorcar parked at a lonely spot near a petrol station along Manchester Avenue.


The police took both persons to the May Pen Police Station where it was discovered that the 'woman' was actually a man dressed in drag.


Police say they suspect that the cross-dresser is a prostitute and had sought to sell his wares to the unsuspecting male customer, who was riding a bicycle on Manchester Avenue when he was approached by the prostitute.


The man was reportedly beside himself with rage upon discovering that he was intimately

Reggae artist Buju Banton didn't realize "faggot" had become a bad word.


At least, that's the story according to friends and colleagues of the artist, who stood in front of Trincity/Palm Beach Club last night, watching the protesters rally across the street.


As we mentioned yesterday, protesters affiliated with various gay rights groups had prepared to protest the artist's appearance in Deep Ellum last night. And sure enough, dozens of people holding flags and signs stood behind police barricades and shouted over Main Street at the club during Banton's show.


"Attention Palm Beach Club!" said Daniel Cates, co-founder of Equality March Texas, as he lifted a loud speaker to his mouth. "By allowing Buju Banton to perform this evening, you are promoting the brutal execution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We will not stand for murder music in our community."


Leaning against the club's wall was Gramps Morgan, who was on tour with Banton as his opening act.


"Hear that?" said Morgan, in disbelief. "They're calling it murder music... You cannot call reggae music murder music."


The ugly truth? Many of the protesters hadn't listened to Buju Banton's music. They had only read about the inflammatory lyrics on various Web sites--and they believed them.


"I don't listen to his music," said Lividia Violette, 24.


Another activist, Rick Vanderslice, said he had only read about the lyrics online on a gay rights activist site. "I've not listened to them, but seen them in print."


And finally, Blake Wilkinson of Queer LiberAction, said he also read about on-line: "The lyrics come from news sources which I thought were reputable," said Wilkinson.
Back across the street, Morgan waved off the protest.


"They have no idea what they're protesting about," he said. "They just got news because they're united. It shows you how powerful unity can be. They got news from their heads and they're just rolling with it."


But several news sites were quoting Banton as telling a Jamaican newspaper that "the war between me and the faggot" seemed far from over. Morgan didn't deny that Banton had indeed said that--just that the meaning of his words had been twisted.


In San Francisco, Banton had met with the gay community. Both sides had agreed to bridge the culminating divide. However, later that evening, protestors showed up to Banton's performance regardless. And that's when Banton commented about the continuing war.


The use of the derogatory term, however, was harder to explain. The group outside of the club, mostly from the Caribbean, admitted that Jamaica was more or less a "homophobic island."


In fact, during a conversation with the evening's DJ, the word came up again. When asked why he chose to use the term, the man seemed confused.


"So, they are not?" said the DJ. "Oh, I didn't know faggot was bad ... In Jamaica it's norm. Here, I didn't know it's offensive to them."


And this is the same explanation Morgan gave for his touring partner Banton.


"[Banton] had a meeting with his manager and some other people and he was educated about the word," said Morgan. "He said, 'I didn't know it offended them.'"


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NORFOLK, Virginia – Clover May Robinson-Gordon, 44, of Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy and five counts of money laundering by a federal jury after the conclusion of an eight-day trial before United States District Judge Mark S. Davis. She is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2010, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and twenty years in prison for each of the five money laundering counts. Her husband and co-defendant, O’Brian Barrington Gordon, was found not guilty of the same counts. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement today.


According to evidence and trial testimony, Clover May Robinson-Gordon conspired with the Viktar Krus organization in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in H2B visa fraud and then internationally laundered the unlawful proceeds. Viktar Krus and twenty-one other foreign nationals and U.S. citizens were indicted on January 13, 2009, for massive immigration-related fraud. Krus, the organizer and leader, was sentenced on July 17, 2009 to 87 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on conspiracy, visa fraud, and tax evasion charges.


Today’s announcement is the result of the investigative work of the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force. The task force was established by the U.S. Attorney’s Norfolk (Virginia) Division in 2007 and is comprised of agents with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division; the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s Norfolk Field Office; and the Virginia Beach Police Department.

Dancehall deejay Christopher Palmer, better known as Mr Lexx is booked to appear in court in the United States on November 2. Mr Lexx was granted bail in the sum of US$2,500 when he appeared in court to answer to a rape charge in the United States on Saturday.


Allegations are that a report was made to the police last Friday morning, after which the deejay was picked up at the Holiday Inn in New York, where he was staying while on a visit to that country. Reports are that on the previous night he had sexually molested a woman who was also a guest at the hotel.


It has been revealed that the woman is a friend of Palmer and she is Jamaican.


Mr Lexx’s manager, Earlton Clarke, said the artiste was scheduled to leave the States on Saturday last, but he had to surrender his passport and will now have to remain in the US until the hearing on November 2.


Clarke is quoted as saying, “The matter is before the court, so I am unable to say much, except that this has come as a total shock for the artiste and it couldn’t have happened at a more inopportune time. Mr Lexx’s career is just starting to get back on a level and this is the kind of publicity that no artiste ever wants. But I have spoken to him and after hearing him relate the incident, I am standing by him to the end.” said Clarke, who was the deejay’s manager in his.


In the late 90’s Mr Lexx (then Lexxus) commanded attention in the dancehall with songs such as Gonna Make Some Money, Full Hundred and Cook.

Reggae’s self-proclaimed Messenger, Luciano, who is charged for harboring a wanted man, has his $60,000.00 bail bond extended when he appeared in court on Tuesday. He is scheduled to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court for trial on February 2 next year.


In March, the singer was arrested and charged after an early morning shoot out between the police and a wanted man, Andrew “Shooty Shooty” Senior, at Luciano’s Westminster Crescent studio.


Reports are that the police went to the studio in search of Shooty Shooty who was wanted for several counts of shooting and murder. During a fierce gun battle, Shooty Shooty was killed and three police officers were injured.


Luciano was subsequently charged for harbouring the fugitive. He however has maintained his innocence as it regards to Shooty Shooty’s background and says that the wanted man was never a member of his security team, as was alleged.

He is the world’s fastest man! There is no doubt about it, we are so used to winning his 100M and 200M that the only thing we need to do these days is to just guess about the times he will be doing it in.


But then Chris Gayle hosted a 15/15 Cricket match with the proceeds going to charity and guess who took part…Usain of course. He held his own with the bat in his hand and when it was time for him to bowl, he clean bowled Chris Gayle…well Gayle did manage to hit a six off him first.


Then came that football match where Bolt dribbled the ball and kicked it straight into the net!


Not lying of course, this man is something else.

Reports out of the United Kingdom (UK) say the brother of slain Jamaican entertainer Gerald Levy, more popularly known as Bogle, has told immigration officials there that he fears he will lose his life if he is deported to Jamaica.


The Birmingham Mail says Lennox Russell failed in his application for asylum in the UK and has revealed he was the subject of death threats following the murder of his brother.


In 2005, Mr. Levy was gunned down with four others by two men as they stopped in a Kingston gas station.


Lennox Russell has been living in the UK for 12 years and married a British national.


However, immigration officials have now deemed that he is safe to travel and ordered him home claiming he is not at risk in his homeland.


The 40 year-old, who has three children in the UK, says he would rather die in Britain than in Jamaica.


The newspaper says Gail Adams, the UK Border Agency's Regional Director, has suggested that Mr. Russell has the right to return to Jamaica and apply for permission to live in the UK as the married partner of a British national.

The TIB Bank of the Keys amphitheater, built at a cost of about $1 million, in Islamorada Founders Park is the site of the Bayjama Reggae Fest, Saturday, Nov. 21. Photo by Jill Zima Borski.


Ky-Mani Marley, son of the late reggae singer Bob Marley, is the headliner of the Bayjama Reggae Fest, Saturday, Nov. 21 from 2-10 p.m. outdoors at Islamorada Founders Park hosted by Islamorada Community Entertainment.


Marley will be joined by the rocking reggae of Kevens and special guests, the Dalai Lama’s Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery, who will bless the crowd and venue, and offer chants and prayer for peace.


General Admission is $20 in advance, with tickets available at TIB Bank locations or online, and $25 at the gate. The family-friendly, waterfront site at mile marker 87 bayside does not allow coolers or backpacks but dogs on a leash are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Food, drinks including beer, and an array of fine vendors and art will be on hand.


Ky-Mani Marley’s first musical appearance was in 1996 when he recorded Like Father Like Son, an album consisting of cover versions of some of his father’s songs. His next album, 1999’s The Journey, received mass critical acclaim, and achieved relatively good sales. His 2001 album, Many More Roads, was nominated for a Grammy Award for best reggae album.


Islamorada, Community Entertainment, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing entertainment and cultural events to Upper Keys residents, provides musical and arts scholarships to local students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.keysice.com. For information about Islamorada, visit www.fla-keys.com.


Source: Examiner.com

Reggae singer Colin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy is near the completion stage of the video shoot for his red hot single Are You Sure.


The song has been enjoying crazy rotation on both the local and international airwaves. No one could be happier about the song’s success than Iley Dread.


The singer is promising “a wicked video” and according to him, if you liked the song, then the video will be just as entertaining.


The video will be included on the Better Dub medley and Iley is promising a really great story line for his fans.


While not giving away much regarding the details of the shoot, Iley says a very popular radio personality will be playing the role of the police in the video.


The video is scheduled to hit the airwaves in the next two weeks.


Meanwhile the single continues to gain new grounds in the States, the singer is expecting bigger things from it after the video is premiered.

A small bag of marijuana is the latest offence on deejay Bounty Killer’s rap sheet.


This, the police confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday and which has even been carried by international news agency, the Associated Press. Referring to the deejay as “Jamaican rapper Bounty Killer”, the AP release stated that the artiste “is in trouble with the police again”. Authorities have charged him with marijuana possession after a traffic stop in New Kingston.


The entertainer whose offstage name is Rodney Price already is being prosecuted on previous charges of illegal possession of a firearm and unlawful wounding and assault.


Police said in a statement Sunday that Price was found with a small bag of marijuana on Thursday.


Price’s attorney could not be reached. A November court appearance is scheduled.


The rapper is best known for the album My Xperience and his collaboration on the song Hey Baby with No Doubt.

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding M.P

Today, we honour the heroes of our land. We celebrate, in particular, the lives and accomplishments of the six men and one woman we have declared as our National Heroes. Theirs was a vision that saw in us and for us, what we may not have been able to see ourselves. Theirs was the courage that challenged all obstacles and conquered all fear. Theirs was a loyalty and dedication to their people that knew no bounds. Theirs is a legacy that now and forever belongs to us.


Decades and centuries after they have left us, we remember them and we remind ourselves that we could not have been who we are, we could not have come this far were it not for them. We have a duty not just to them but to ourselves to remember them. Marcus Garvey was so right: "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like a tree without roots".


It is in this vein that today we honour 105 persons for the significant contribution they have made to our country in so many different fields - in the arts, sports, business, agriculture, the public service, education, law, human rights advocacy, community service and acts of gallantry. They have followed in the path of our National Heroes. They are heroes in their own right. And so can all of us be. So, indeed, should all of us be, for we have it in us - each of us - to be a hero for Jamaica.


We may not make the headlines; we may not receive individual awards; we cannot all be declared national heroes. But each of us can be a hero in how we live our lives and in the simple but important things we do:


* How we raise our children and how we treat other people's children;


* How we help and care for those who can't help and care for themselves;


* How we respect the rights of each other and act justly toward each other;


* How we build our communities so that we can live peacefully, safely and happily together;


* How we keep our environment from which all of us must draw sustenance;


* What we do and how we contribute to making Jamaica the greatest place on earth to live.


Last week, Parliament commenced debate on a new Charter of Rights. It is an important measure to strengthen and guarantee the rights of every Jamaican for which our National Heroes fought so hard and for which some of them sacrificed their lives.


The fight for freedom may have been won and our rights may have been secured through the toil and sacrifices of those we proclaim as our national heroes but the price of freedom is eternal vigilance and the cause of justice can never end.


Today we salute Nanny of the Maroons, Samuel "Daddy" Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, William Alexander Bustamante and Norman Washington Manley.


They remain not just a memory of a distant past but our hope for the future because they symbolize the spirit of which great nations are made and they embody the qualities of the great people we can be.


Amid all the challenges and difficulties we face, "look inside you and be strong and you'll finally see the truth,.that a hero lies in you".


God bless Jamaica.

Pristine beaches, villas designed by famous architects and the endorsement of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones wasn’t enough to keep yet another Caribbean resort from going belly up.


Lenders put the massive Dellis Cay development in the Turks and Caicos islands into receivership on Thursday, roughly a week after developer Turks Ltd. stopped construction. The resort was to include 25-room hotel, 78 for-sale condominiums and 17 villas, all managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.


Developers Cem Kinay and Oguz Serim of Turks Ltd., having failed to make Dellis Cay’s full interest payment on its debt Aug. 22, had stopped construction at Dellis Cay last week as they attempted to negotiate a compromise with lender Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corp. on the resort’s loan. The lender opted instead to take over the property by appointing William Tacon, an accountant in the British Virgin Islands, as receiver.


Messrs. Kinay and Serim had grandiose plans for Dellis Cay, a 560-acre island. Its villas, mansions and spa were designed by internationally renowned architects including Japan’s Shigeru Ban, London’s David Chipperfield and Milan’s Piero Lissoni. Construction started in 2008 with a targeted completion date of late 2010. Among those who bought villas at the resort are Mr. Douglas and Ms. Zeta-Jones.


Mr. Kinay has not given up. “This is certainly not the end,” he said in a statement provided by his press-relations representatives. “I have invested all I have into Turks and Caicos Islands, and I don’t have the intention to lose it all.”


Dellis Cay is the latest of numerous luxury resorts to halt construction across the Caribbean as financing dried up in the global recession and vacationers quit buying villas. The same fate befell a Westin in St. Lucia, a Four Seasons in Barbados, a Ritz-Carlton in West Caicos and a Westin in the Dominican Republic, among others.


Source: WSJ

By Rootzgirl



Today, as we celebrate National Heroes Day, let’s big up those who have put their lives on the line to make our lives better. Kudos to them who have sacrificed…their lives even to ensure that we have a freer Jamaica.


Flowers will be laid at our seven National Heroes graves and speeches will be made…nothing is wrong with that…but today, I am taking time out to big up our modern day heroes, who might not even hear a ‘thank you’ for all the sacrifices they have made.


Year after year the country presents badges, OJ and all kind of awards to those they deem worthy of them…nothing is wrong with that either.


This day is about giving credit to all the unsung heroes who day after day go about their sometimes thankless task…just because they care and want to.


Big up to all the single mothers who are using $3,000 a week to ensure food is on the table for their children and they are still wearing clean clothes, going to school and holding the best of grades amongst the more privileged.


Big up to the fathers who are there for their children, even when they have to deal with baby mama dramas, but still they hang in there and ensure they spend quality time and pass on good values.


Big up to all those who have made it their life’s mission to contribute to some positive movements. People will never know how many hungry kids you helped, or many you aided secretly to go to school. Nor will they know how many donations you made to a hospital, church or some other project…just because you are that kind of person.


Big up to the regular parents who are doing really great jobs with their kids…being there for them, showing them love and allowing them to feel secure and confident on this planet.


To all the unsung heroes Rootzgirl and Yardflex just want to let you know, you are appreciated…even if no one else says so.

Gay rights lobbyists say they are still waiting for dancehall superstar Buju Banton to stop performing his 1990's hit Boom Bye Bye, which is a song hitting out against homosexuality.


The artiste, whose given name is Mark Myrie, met with a group of lobbyists last week but failed to reach a compromise.


The song has generated controversy since its release.


The group reportedly asked Buju to, among other things, host a town hall meeting denouncing hate crimes against gay persons as well as donate to the local gay community.


The artiste reportedly refused.


Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, a gay rights group, insisted that the groups want Buju Banton to stop performing the controversial song.


"To actually stop profiting from the song and to disavow sentiment that it is appropriate to express ones opinion about gay people by using an AK47," Ms Smith said Thursday evening on RJR's daily current affairs discussion programme Beyond the Headlines.


Getting social acceptance by any means necessary - Hines


However, Collin Hines, radio and dance hall disc-jock disagreed that the song incited anyone to do harm to homosexuals.


He asserted that the gay community was bent on proving that it is more powerful than the artiste.


"The homosexual (community) is out to prove a point that it's their way or no way (because) they have economic might and can crush his careers. Buju will never win (because) this is about getting social acceptance by any means necessary and if it means crushing a little Jamaican dancehall artiste so be it.


"I'd like to see them go after Eminem who has made songs about raping lesbians. This is no longer about protest, this is about proving that we run things," said Hines who was also a guest on Beyond the Headlines.


Gay rights lobbyists have been successful in getting overseas concerts featuring Buju Banton cancelled insisting that he condones violence against homosexuals.


Last week's meeting followed recent cancellations of high profile shows in the United States and Europe, believed to impact significantly on the DJ's earning power.

Last Thursday a warrant was issued for lawyer Antoinette Haughton by Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey .


Haughton-Cardenas is facing two counts of fraudulent conversion. The warrant was, however, stayed until December 9.


Haughton-Cardenas was scheduled to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday, but her attorney said she could not attend as she was ill. A medical certificate was produced.


The accused, it is alleged, fraudulently converted money given to her by a client in one instance and in another, she is accused of failing to hand over to a client, the full amount that he was awarded in a lawsuit.

Fi real man, what’s up with entertainers and going to court. It look a way still when we reading about the cases from these artistes. Check out some of these court cases reported in the Star on Friday.


Echo Minott a veteran in the biz was arrested for fraud on Thursday. For those of you who don’t know he has some wicked songs that were running the place such as Lazy Body, What The Hell The Police Can Do and My Lady.


The veteran singer was charged with conspiracy to defraud, forgery and uttering a forged document. He pleaded guilty to all charges when the matter was mentioned.


The allegations are that the accused travelled to England with a passport with the name Edward George Spence. He overstayed in the country and was subsequently deported. It is alleged that on October 15, the accused went to the British High Commission and applied for a visa in his correct name. It was discovered that he has two names and he was arrested and charged.


Phillips was sentenced to $30,000 or six months for conspiracy, $30,000 or six months for forgery and $20,000 for uttering a forged document.


Bounty in the mix too


Deejay Bounty Killer pleaded not guilty to drug charges in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday. The deejay is charged with smoking ganja and possession of ganja.


The allegations are that on October 9, the deejay was seen along Grenada Crescent in New Kingston smoking marijuana. He was reportedly searched and a plastic bag containing more of the drug was found. The contraband weighed less than an ounce. The deejay was subsequently arrested and charged. When cautioned he reportedly said, "Sorry officer, yu cyaan go easy wid mi?"


When the matter was mentioned in court, a calm and sober Price entered his plea. When a date of November 26 was suggested, he told the court that he would not be able to make it as he was going to New York for Thanksgiving.


Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, however, told the accused that the court's business was paramount to anything else and if she wanted him to attend, she could make him.


His lawyer, however, pleaded for a new date and November 19 was agreed.


Chu, a just a likkle spliff dem a gi di DJ such a hard time for man.


Kurt Riley fined


Radio disc jock, Kurt Riley was fined $9,000 when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court Thursday.


Riley pleaded guilty to breaching the Noise Abatement Act, disorderly conduct and using indecent language.


The court was told that on October 4, Riley was playing at an event in New Kingston where the music was audible beyond 100 metres. When the police went to stop the music, the court was told, Riley behaved in a disorderly manner, using curse words and defying the orders of the lawmen.


Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey told Riley he should have known better. He was sentenced to $5,000 or 10 days for breaching the Noise Abatement Act, $2,000 or 10 days for the indecent language and $2,000 or 10 days for disorderly conduct.

A thanksgiving service for the life of distinguished broadcaster and film producer, Wycliffe Bennett, OD, was held Saturday morning at the Providence Methodist Church in Kingston.


It was a capacity church of mourners from all walks of life, headed by Prime Minister Bruce Golding which gathered to pay their last respects to the late, great broadcaster.


He was eulogized in a dignified service which heard several musical presentations and colourful tributes from the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, the chairperson of the Creative Production and Training Centre, CPTC, Mr Christopher Samuda, Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Hopeton Dunn, the Ward Theatre, chairperson of the Little Theatre Movement, Barbara Gloudon, , the Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford and members of the Bennett family.


Among those giving musical presentations were Dr Curtis Watson, Pauline Watson, the Pantomime Singers and the CPTC graduates.


Bennett was a former General Manager the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (now TVJ), a former executive chairman for CPTC and served as chairman for the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association.


He is survived by his widow Hazel, daughter Dr. Carleene Hope Dei and son Wycliffe Lincoln.


Posthumous Award for Bennett


Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Saturday announced that Jamaica’s ‘Man of the Arts’, Wycliffe Bennett, is to be posthumously awarded the ‘Order of Jamaica’.


Speaking at the thanksgiving service for the life of Mr. Bennett, Mr. Golding said it is an unquestionably deserved accolade for an outstanding Jamaican who has made such great contribution to his country.


The Order of Jamaica is the fourth in order of precedence of the five Orders of the Societies of Honour.


The Prime Minister has invited Mr. Bennett’s widow, Dr Hazel Bennett to Kings House on Monday, being celebrated as National Heroes Day, to accept the award.


In addition to the Order of Distinction, Bennett was also conferred with the Silver and Gold Musgrave and Centenary medals from the Institute of Jamaica, the Doctor Bird Award for Excellence in Film and Television, and the CPTC award for outstanding services in the field of media, arts and culture as well as an Actor Boy award.

Yardflex is now wondering on the reason behind the DJ choosing a name like Kid Kurrup… and apparent Superintendent Cornwall ‘Bigga’ Ford must be wondering the same thing too.


On Tuesday after the head of the Flying Squad and his team swooped down on the deejay’s home following up on numerous reports of disturbances coming from there.


The top cop says he found some disturbing things which will merit another visit. According to a report in the Star the police said two girls aged 16 and 17 were found at the home, while another 15 men were present. The girls had been away from home for some four months now the paper was told.


Kid Kurrup was not at home, but we would have loved to know the reason for these girls being there with so many men present.


We will keep you up to speed on this one.

Annaleise Davies, the Duhaney Park Primary student who went missing from school on Tuesday is in the care of the state.


According to Radio Jamaica the police, acting on information have removed the child from her parent's home.


The 10-year old was taken to the Cross Roads Police Station in St Andrew Thursday morning, two days after she was reported missing.


Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, Head of the St. Andrew South Police Division revealed at a press conference Thursday afternoon that Annaleise has been taken to the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and was medically examined and interviewed.


Woman to be charged for keeping missing girl


Meanwhile, the young woman who took Annaleise to the police Thursday morning is to be charged under the Child Care and Protection Act.


The police said she is facing three months behind bars.


She is to be questioned further.


According to Superintendent Hewit, the police are looking at the possibility that Annaleise may have run away due to problems at home.


"There might have been some domestic problems that person didn't identify previously but we're not certain ... that is one of the areas we're looking at."


Annaleise's parents are to also face further questioning.


Left school


Superintendent Hewitt said based on information received so far, on Tuesday, the day she was discovered missing, Annaleise left school in Duhaney Park and had enough money to take a bus to Half Way Tree.


From there however, Superintendent Hewitt said the child seemed to have run out of money and wandered onto Hope Road where she was found by a woman.


He said the woman, who was on her way to athletics training at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, took Annaleise to the training session.


The two then went to the woman's house in the Kingston 5 area where Annaleise spent two nights until she was taken to the Cross Roads Police Station Thursday morning.


The police are extending thanks to those persons who called and sent tips throughout their search for the young girl.


On Wednesday, family and friends of Annaleise demonstrated outside the gates of the Duhaney Park Primary School and prevented teachers from entering the compound.


They blamed the school's administration for failing to protect Annaleise while in their care.

With so many folks getting the swine flu, it is cause for concern, but according to an internet report, you can ensure you bodies remain immune to the disease by eating the right foods. Check out some of their recommendations and try to keep the disease from you.


Garlic
Chopping garlic releases allicin, a sulfer-containing compound that houses a potent antioxidant, says Taub-Dix. "Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals that can damage them, making it harder for cells to fight disease," says Taub-Dix, who suggests adding fresh garlic to sautéed vegetables.


Yogurt and Kefir
Embracing certain kinds of bacteria can actually help your immune system. Yogurt (look for cartons that say they contain "live, active cultures") and kefir, a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains, all have probiotics or "good" bacteria.


Brazil Nuts
These large nuts are rich in zinc, a mineral known to improve the number of infection-fighting T-cells that also has antioxidant properties. Zinc deficiency has been linked to decreased response to vaccination and impaired immune cell function, especially in the elderly. But don't overdo it: A few of these provide enough zinc for the day, according to Taub-Dix.


Tea
Tea is rich in polyphenols, chemicals found in plant foods that act like antioxidants to protect cells. And while green and white teas are particularly potent, all teas will have some benefit, says Taub-Dix.


Lean Protein
"Protein is important for tissue repair," says Taub-Dix, who recommends proteins like white meat chicken, low-fat cheese or cottage cheese. Low amounts of protein have also been found to impair the immune system and have negative effects on T-cells.


Citrus Fruits
No surprise here. Taub-Dix recommends pink grapefruits, oranges and mangoes, which are all rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, something our bodies don't produce or store on their own. And says Taub-Dix, "Studies have shown it can decrease the duration of a cold or flu-like symptoms."

A fourth grate asked President Obama a really tough question…Why do people hate you and we must say, we liked the way he took the time to patiently addressed the query.


Obama went to New Orleans for the first time as president Thursday to visit a charter school and to hold a town hall meeting. While there, he told the people of the city that he is committed to helping them continue to rebuild, more than four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region.


Obama observed that the destruction on the Gulf Coast was caused not just by a natural disaster, but also by the failure of government at every level to prepare for it. "We will not forget about New Orleans, and we are not going to forget about the Gulf Coast," he promised. "Together we will rebuild this region and we will rebuild it stronger than before."


"Why do people hate you? And why, aren't they supposed to love you, if God is love?" the fourth grader asked the commander-in-chief.


The crowd clapped for Terrance Scott as Obama laughed and patted Terrance on the shoulder. "First of all, I did get elected president, so not everybody hates me; I got a whole lot of votes," Obama joked. "A lot of it is what's called politics, where once one party wins, the other party feels like they've got to poke you a little bit to keep you on your toes. So you shouldn't take it too seriously."


He went on. "But people are worried about their own lives. A lot of people are losing their jobs right now. They're losing their health care or they lost their homes to foreclosure and they're feeling frustrated, and when you're president of the United States, you've got to deal with all of it. You get some of the credit when things are going good, but when things are going bad, you get some of the blame."


"But that's all right," Obama said, adding, "I'm a pretty tough guy. Are you a tough guy? You look pretty tough. So you've just got to keep going on going, even when folks are criticizing you, when you know you're doing it for other people."


Watch the link below

Kingston, Jamaica--14th October 2009-- "I have always taken a special interest in the youth as they hold the key to the future," says Etana sincerely.


Beyond the soulful singer's love of music, lies a passion to help the youth. And through out her impressive career, Etana has taken pride in inspiring and motivating youth through music and many other efforts. Moreover, the soulful songstress is especially vested in empowering young girls.


"I am particularly driven to encourage young girls since they often don't recognize their full potential because of some of society's stereotypical roles placed before them."


Etana regularly talks to The Young Reggae Girlz, Jamaica's under 17 and under 20 female soccer teams. A hit among the team members, Etana shares music and life experiences with the team and encourages the girls to respect themselves so that others can respect them. But no talk is complete with out focusing on the central theme of education. A critical component, the artist declares "education is the greatest way to overcome poverty and be successful."


Motivational talks with the Reggae Girlz are just a snippet of Etana's commitment to the youth, as she regularly visits schools through out the world. No matter where Etana is performing, she goes out of her way to visit schools in the respective areas.


In addition to these independent efforts, Etana is now a featured artist on the RE School Tour. Recently, she commanded the standing room only crowd at the Tour's first stop at St Andrew Technical High School in Kingston, JA. There, ‘The Strong One’ belted out a string of hits to the 700-plus crowd and was thrilled when students sang the lyrics verbatim.


Etana is slated to perform on the tour each Tuesday that she is in Jamaica until mid-November. She willingly joined the RE School Tour for a second time because its platform is directly in tune with her efforts involving youth.


It is her goal to launch a youth-driven foundation, plans for which will be formalized soon.

Dear Editor,

I would like to use your widely read editorial to air my views on two of the biggest Jamaican Dancehall artistes. First of all, I would like to advise fellow readers that this is not a Gully vs Gaza entry, it is merely a post meant to highlight, acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of some of our best entertainers. Some of you might take my post out of context and descend into a barrage of insults before fully digesting the contents of this article.


I would like to bring to your attention that one artiste, namely Mavado, has immensely changed Dancehall music over the past two years and has brought about the birth of a new generation of Singjays. Mavado who entered the Dancehall scene in 2005 with a huge catalogue of gangster hymns managed to captivate admirers and critics alike. He diverted the focus of Dancehall fans from hardcore deejaying artistes to his unusually crafted invention which entailed catchy choruses and mild deejay verses which anyone, from my Grandmother in Portmore to a kindergarten child in Kingston, could sing along to. This explains his breakthrough to the international scene in 2008 and 2009. In 2008 Mavado ended up finding some of his hit songs being featured on Grand Theft Auto 4 and one making the trailer, He won a UK MOBO award, was invited by Nike to make a song for one of Jamaica's leading Athletes, in 2009 he landed a spot on BET's 'Rip The Runway' and made it into billboard Hip Hop top 100. His unwavering dominance left his competitors with no choice but to try and imitate his style in one way or another. Some deejays turned to auto-tune in order to include melody into their tunes. A testament of Mavado's influence is in one such deejay turned singjay Vybz Kartel. A profound artiste whose strong presence on the Dancehall scene looked like it had become kind of obscured by that of Mavado. Vybz went on a warpath against Mavado and it culminated into an onstage clash at Sting 2008. This brought Vybz back into the limelight as he seized upon Mavado's then ongoing international flare and capped it all up by beginning a new career as a singjay with a melodious 'self proclaimed' victory anthem entitled 'Last man standing'. Kartel's singing career catapulted since that day. To this date, he has released a chain of melodious tunes that have smashed the charts each month, since the beginning of 2009. So I say. A number of other singjays have also emerged and Mavado faces his biggest challenge ever since he stopped on the scene in 2005. All I can say is that, this is good for Dancehall, It resembles the 1998-2000 era of another breed of singjays Vegas, Sean Paul, General Degree et al.


Prior to Mavado's emergence on the scene, another pioneer had made similar achievements with a style of his own. Vybz Kartel invented a style of deejaying which was both intelligent in words and in style. His impact was witnessed by his grasp of the helm of Dancehall King between 2002 and 2004. He developed a huge following thus earning himself the title 'Addi di Teacher'. Every young deejay wanted to sound like him and many 'Students' adopted his style albeit some in their own fashion. As Vybz always likes to proclaim 'I wrote 5 songs fi di barbwerbwoy', It should always be acknowledged that Mavado also brought some following to those songs with his melodies and hence gave Kartel more following, further to that he helped revamp Kartel's career through Sting and bringing up this new melodious style which Kartel also ended up adopting. .....And, as Bounty Killer is in the habit of remarking 'Kartel is ungrateful, Ah mi buss Kartel', It should also be acknowledged that Kartel wrote some songs for him with his new style in 2002 and even Kartel's lyrical genius helped Killer get a following. ....And as Kartel is in the habit of insulting Bounty Killer, it must be highlighted that Bounty Killer is one of Jamaica's greatest and achieved a lot with massive combinations with the likes of heavyweights such as Busta Rhymes, Gwen Stefani, The Fugees, Coco Brovaz and many more. Bounty Killer's career is what many current big Dancehall artistes such as Elephant Man, Harry Toddler and others have rode to fame on. So everyone has contributed something to everyone's career.


Although last year Kartel scorned a TV correspondent's comparison to him and Mavado saying that 'comparing a singer to a deejay is like comparing a Jay-Z to and R. Kelly' it wasn’t long before Kartel (the deejay) himself decided to go head to head and clash with the guy he termed an R.Kelly (Mavado, the singer) and claiming victory afterwards. Before another long interval, he also became an R.Kelly. All this said, I believe Kartel is both JA artiste of the year and singjay of the year because 2009 is the year Kartel got his rhythm back


Why I am addressing this is because Dancehall fans need to know where their music is coming from because in some cases, history is distorted and some huge fans are under privileged and do not have access to certain forms of media but cling to every word that one artist may say for himself or against the other. I am surprised that some people don’t even know what Shabba Ranks has achieved, Bounty Killer, Super Cat and many other legends. Fans of any of the above mentioned artistes should not be offended because these are just facts. Vybz Kartel has said it himself on a TV interview 'I come and change Dancehall but Mavado come and change it again'. Also as Mavado has said 'I listen to Kartel songs'. Some of Dancehall's rivalries cause one artiste to distort the record of the other, depending on how strong an influential he is.

London’s ‘Bleeding’ singer Leona Lewis was punched in the face yesterday at a book signing. She was rushed to the hospital following the actions of a crazed fan who is said to be in his late 20s or early 30s.


Imagine he queued up for a signed copy of the singer's new book, Dreams, and then attacked her in front of 200 stunned onlookers.


Pretty Leona reeled back in shock clutching her face as her five burly bouncers dived on the attacker while cops rushed to the scene.


She was then rushed out of a side door by minders and taken to a top Harley Street clinic for emergency treatment.


A pal of the star said: "Leona was utterly shocked and appalled as it came out of nowhere.


"The man queued up patiently, then as soon as she signed his book he smashed her in the face.


"He didn't say anything to her and she is at a loss as to why anyone would do such an evil thing.


"She is devastated as she comes from quite a humble background and loves meeting her fans.


"She was doing a three-hour signing and planned to sign hundreds of books."


The pal added: "She's been taken to a Harley Street doctor by her record label as she needs to be fixed up as it was quite a punch and she's very dainty.


"She's not due to appear singing for another couple of weeks, on The X Factor, so hopefully she'll be fine by then."


However, the star was due to appear on the One Show last night on BBC1 - but had to pull out.


She was just 30 minutes into a planned three-hour signing of her autobiography, Dreams, at Waterstones in Piccadilly, London yesterday evening.


A spokeswoman for the star said: "Leona was the victim of an unprovoked attack this afternoon at her book signing.


"The police were called immediately and medical attention has been sought.


"Leona is understandably shaken and apologies to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings."

It’s definitely ‘No Games’ where Serani and his music is concerned. The artiste has been taking Jamaica by storm and has now impacted the world stage with his music. Born in the mean streets of Kingston Jamaica he decided at a young age that his two other best friends who also shared the same interest in music decided to put together the infamous DASECA productions in 2001. A man of many talents Serani is just as good producing as he is an artiste. Serani will be releasing his much anticipated album No Games on October 27 and it’s one he says that everyone will enjoy…especially the ladies. So make sure you all check it out.


Yardflex caught up with the busy artiste who spoke about his number one love – the music and a whole lot more stuff.


1.Who or what inspires your lyrics?


ans:Can’t say any one person influenced me, I’ve always listen to all kinds of music.


2.who are your musical idols?


ans:I like Michael Jackson, R Kelly and the list goes on.


3.What compelled you to do music, and what did you do before?


ans:It was always music…I realized a long time that music is it.


4.What is a typical day like for you?


ans:Have breakfast, do some exercise, hit the studio. If it’s a weekend – board a plane, check in at a hotel, if the opportunity presents itself get some exercise. Nightime promoting song or album.


5.How does it feel to have your single "No Games" on heavy rotation over seas, and also a Billboard topper?


ans:Mission accomplished. I still have a lot more work to do…I always want more.


6.What is the story behind the success of "No Games?" Were there any obstacles releasing the single?


ans:One of the biggest obstacles was people not understanding me, people just hating me because I’m gifted and say a lot of stuff. They even team up against me, just to make me feel bad. A lot of that reached me, but it never fazed me.


7. How do you manage your success?


ans:My family understand my time is the biggest issue. My work is time consuming. Career wise, I’m not stupid, I’m not driving any benz…it’s all about being grounded.


8. Tell us something about Serani, that only your fiends know?


ans:That I can be a jackass.


9. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?


ans:I should be a mega superstar, hopefully with a good catalogue, touring the world, performing at all major awards, performing for over 100,000 patrons with Jamaican artistes following in my footsteps.


10. What is your favourite meal?


ans:Ackee and saltfish with yam, banana and dumpling.


11. Who is your favorite female DJ artiste?


ans:Toss up between Lady Saw and Tanya Stephens.


12. This is the Yardflex Poll Question of the week. Should condoms be distributed in the Dancehall?


ans:Yes.


13. Coffee or tea?


ans:Tea.


14. Rough around the edges or Rico Suave?


ans:It depends.


15. Bun or Bulla?


ans:Both.


16. Rough Rider or Daggerin?


ans:Rough rider.


17. Beach or Pool?


ans:Beach.


18. You ideal woman would have weave or natural hair?


ans: Natural


19. Tell us about your most memorable stage moment?


ans:It was at Summerjam on my birthday had 50,000 people tell me happy birthday.


20. What about your most embarrassing moment?


ans:’m Rico Sauve I don’t have embarrassing moments!

What’s in an eight day old baby to beat, much less rape? You tell us. We have been shocked at some of the things that takes place here in Jamaica…but check out what is happening in the States.


It’s big on youtube right now about Reginald Davis the 18-year man who raped and beat his 8 day old daughter.


Reginald Davis, 18, of Arkansas was arrested for allegedly raping and beating his 8-day-old baby daughter. The video below shows the account of the story. Davis is currently in the St. Francis County jail, where his trial is expected to take place in November, 2009. There had been outrage from the community over repeated delays in his trial, and reports of him being beaten by other inmates in the jailhouse.


Check out the video below and holla at us

Wow, Usain Bolt ain’t playing…check out this story in the Star!


Yesterday after getting his latest toy, a 2010 Nissan GTR, world 100m record holder, Usain Bolt, was invited to take his car this weekend to Dover for a gentlemanly race.


Bolt was invited after JRDC Driver's Championship contender, Douglas 'Hollywood' Gore heard of his new acquisition. Gore also invited former record holder, Asafa Powell to the event as well.


The Nissan GTR replaces a 2009 BMW M3 which Bolt overturned on the Highway 2000 toll road earlier this year. Asafa Powell is also the proud owner of a Black Series CLK C63 Mercedes, which is the 575 hp version of the already hot Kompressor C-Class.


exotic supercar


Bolt, the fastest man in the world, drove away in the exotic supercar after a brief photo opportunity at Worldtron Motors, Chelsea Avenue, St Andrew, yesterday. The twin turbo charged Nissan GTR is rated at 485 hp and has a top speed of 190+ mph. Purchase price is estimated at more than 110,000 pounds sterling (J$15,400,000).


In describing Bolt's new car, Gore said: "The M3 was more of a sporting sedan; I think the GTR is probably one of the ultimate sports cars. Knowing that it is a four wheel drive vehicle with traction aids, it should give Bolt more control. It is easier to drive and safer at speed."

Yardflex understands that Tivoli Gardens baller Orane Simpson was stabbed to death last night during a dispute with another man.Simpson who represented the Reggae Boyz also died after being rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital minutes after 8:00 pm.
Our condolence to his family and friends.

Four members of San Francisco's gay community met this afternoon for 40-minutes with Jamaican singer Buju Banton in Larkspur, up in Marin County, to discuss his troubling history with gay people.


According to Buju and his advisers, this was his first meeting ever with gay advocates, and they really want to put an end to the controversy that continues to dog him over violent homo-hating song he sang in his late teens, "Boom Bye Bye."


At the meeting were gay leaders Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who arranged the meeting, Rebecca Rolfe, executive director of the SF gay community center, Andrea Shorter of Equality California and myself. Also present was Supervisor Eric Mar, a progressive straight leader in the Asian community, and, of course, Buju and Tracii McGregor, president of his music company. About ten minutes into the meeting in the hotel lobby of where the singer is staying, some of his p.r. people joined the conversation.


The meeting was very civil and productive, even though at times I had to play the "bad cop" activist, especially when Buju was dominating the discussion, and we made several suggestions for him to consider, in order to start to undo some of the problems he has in the gay community because of his past anti-gay lyrics.


We proposed that he think about making statements in Jamaica calling for love toward gays, donating to the JFLAG group, hold a town hall meeting in Kingston about the need to respect gays, and sing about loving gay people. All the suggestions were rejected, frustrating us.


It was explained by us that American gays are not singling him out, as we advocate for gay tolerance in Jamaica, but that we have also applied pressure on the government and business leaders to affect change that benefits gays across the island nation.


While there certainly was little movement on his part, and we didn't agree to tell any other gays to stop protesting his concert tour or suggesting he do more to confront the terrible, and sometimes deadly, anti-gay violence in Jamaica, we felt it was a very positive step forward that the meeting took place.


Our hope is that we will continue to speak with him and his representatives to address the pervasive hatred gays face in Jamaica, and work together to reduce homo-hate. I believe Buju fully understands that today's meeting was a beneficial first step and that the gay community will want more concrete steps taken, before our actions against his concerts cease.


Many thanks to Bevan for arranging this important first meeting, and thanks to Buju for taking the time to listen to us, and to let us hear his views. Let's keep the communication going.

It seems there is no shortage of headlines when it comes on to artistes…check out this story carried in the Star.


Dancehall artiste Blak Ryno was released Sunday after spending a night in jail for an alleged attack on his neighbour at his Winchester Estate apartment. The popular singer was slapped with two charges of unlawful wounding and assault occasioning bodily harm as a result. Police say the incident stemmed from a dispute over unpaid water bills by the artiste, whose real name is Romane Anderson.

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Reports are that about 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, the complainant, who is chairman of the strata committee at the apartment complex, was in a long-standing dispute over unpaid water contributions, which is mandatory for residents.


Police reports indicate that the altercation got ugly when the complainant was accused of damaging pipes, resulting in loss of water to Ryno's home. During the argument, Blak Ryno is alleged to have kicked the complainant to the ground and kicked him repeatedly all over his body. This is said to have resulted in cuts to the complainant's shoulder and both elbows, as well as swellings on the side of the head, back, face, stomach and chest. A report was made to the Half-Way Tree Police Station and the artiste was arrested and charged.


LANDLORD'S RESPONSIBILITY


The STAR spoke with Blak Ryno, who was at the time at a mineral bath making efforts to "wash away the crosses" he says was brought against him unjustly.


"From yu hear dat u mus know a lie. Di non-payments cause by my landlord, and him (complainant) know that, but him want a reason fi come a style man caa him dun seh me as a ghetto yout nu fi deh deh (don't belong there)," said the soft-spoken Ryno.


He also indicated that the police charged him based on the complainant's report.


"From long time dis man a do tings fi try draw me out so him can do dis ... all walk him dog come p—— pon mi mat regular an dem nastiness deh. Di ting did get physical after him walk come over my apartment, which is way down a corridor from his own, with his dog," Ryno explained.


He continued, "Me have nothin' gainst dogs, but dis one rush me, so mi ease (kick) him off wit mi foot in defence and dis man box me, so a suh di ting get physical ... mi did mad seh him mash up mi water pipe dem yes. All police weh come fi arrest mi seh him wrong."


Efforts to secure station bail for Ryno proved futile on Saturday night, as the complainant told police Ryno had threatened his life, so they decided to hold him for the night.


JAIL CELL PANDEMONIUM


But that night of incarceration was an experience Ryno says didn't bother him, as the overwhelming eruption of exuberance from prisoners at the jail made him feel more welcome than at his 'uptown' apartment complex.


"It come like a Gaza mi deh although mi deh a jail, caa every man in deh a seh Gaza ... mek yu feel comfortable fi know nobody nah do yu nothing. Imagine mi cyaa get da peace deh whe mi live," said Ryno.


A police source confirmed that the response from the jailed men was overwhelming.


"As dem hear is Blak Ryno in jail with them you could hear the pandemonium from the station, which is a separate building ... look like a whole heap of Gaza fans we have lock up, so I can imagine how many songs Ryno sing," quipped the officer, who requested anonymity.


Blak Ryno is scheduled for court on October 21.

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is offering a reward for information on Saturday night's theft at the Parnassus substation that left thousands of Clarendon residents without electricity.



The power company has placed $500,000 on the table for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in the theft of oil from a transformer at the substation.


The JPS says the removal of oil from the facility caused extensive damage to the transformer.


The damaged transformer caught fire on Sunday and left approximately 18,000 Clarendon customers without power.


The JPS says despite ongoing efforts to correct the situation, the instability at the substation continues to cause disruptions.


Areas that were affected by the outage include Belle Plain, Belmont, Denbigh, Palmers Cross, York Town and Parnassus.


JPS New Kgn, building collapse


Meanwhile investigations are being carried out to determine what led to Monday morning's collapse of a part of the JPS building on Knutsford Boulevard, in New Kingston.


Winsome Callum, Head of Communications at the JPS says no one was hurt:


"A small section of the building facing Trafalgar Road came down this morning. I do not have any details of what caused it, but I do know that no one was injured.


"A section of the glass was broken and technicians and experts have already started looking at it to find out what caused it and how we can address the problem," Ms Callum said.

The writing is on the wall. The big club in Ochie is one helluva sweet pepper. It's big, so-so, lacking in heat and vibes. And, to add to the woes, the proprietor's way of doing business is very questionable. A string of events in which the promoters failed to live up to the advertisements have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many patrons, most of whom have vowed never to go back to any event held at the club.



Claiming to be Jamaica’s newest and so-called biggest night club, the establishment located in Runaway Bay St. Ann, is all hype with very little substance.


“A pure idiyat ting gwaan inna da club yah!” is how one disgruntled patron summed it up after yet another advertised event failed again to deliver what was promised.


In this instance, the promoters promised a re-enactment of Kingston's hugely popular Weddy Weddy and Passa Passa at the end of last month, but, alas only Swatch International (Passa sound) showed up at the event billed Weddy Weddy meets Passa Passa. Stone Love was a no show and no apology nor explanation was given. Needless to say, patrons were hopping mad.


Deejay D’Angel was also a no show when she was advertised for September 12th, but never made it to the venue.


Interestingly, however, both Stone Love and D'Angel say they were never contracted for the club. Stone Love, it was reported, was booked, but was never paid a deposit; which simply means, they were not contractually obligated to be there. Checks with D’Angel’s, management team and booking agent again revelaed that D’Angel was not aware of any such date, and was actually off the island at the time of the show


However, it doesn't stop there. In another incident, a argument between ZJ Liquid and the club owner around the parking lot after a recent performance in the club was an eye-opener.


“Brethren, mi anuh alcoholic, mi play music, a deyso my ting dey….yuh book mi, pay mi, mi nuh dey pan dah ting dey bout rate yuh and mi jus run een cause yuh call mi….mi nuh dey pan dat,” those were the sentiments of ZJ Liquid in reference to the club owner'ssuggestion that they need to be on a level where when he calls, he Liquid should just show up and party.


The street is of the opinion that due its owner’s questionable past dealings, which may soon come to rival some of the most recent sensational headlines that have paraded themselves on the front pages of the Nation’s leader publications…but be that what it may be, it gets even more complicated when corporate entities refuse to take their cheques, simply because they are on these companies’ bad cheque list. A fact which was confirmed by representatives from Red Stripe’s accounts department. That within itself screams volumes about the type of entity one is operating, and when you add the shortage of salaries to staff, without rhyme or reason, the evidence becomes that much clearer.


“Seeit dey again, wey D’Angel dey, a idiyat dem tek people fah or wha, always a style we bout who an who a come inna club....!”…but be that what it may be, it gets even more complicated when corporate entities such as Red Stripe and CPJ, refuse to take their cheques, simply because they are on these companies’ bad cheque list. A fact which was confirmed by representatives from Red Stripe’s accounts department. That within itself screams volumes about the type of entity one is operating, and when you add the shortage of salaries to staff, without rhyme or reason, the evidence becomes that much clearer.


The writing is on the wall, the facts are clear, and the

Dear Editor,


Change is inevitable. Everything changes over time, even music. And so we would have seen that within all the genres of music, there are changes in composition and delivery. This does not necessarily mean that the foundations of the different genres of music has changed, but just that subtle changes would have been made probably to phrasing, timing, harmony, or lyrical composition.


Let us examine Jazz. A few years ago we celebrated 100 years of Jazz. The sound of Jazz today has changed considerably from what it used to be in the early and mid 1900s. Jazz as a genre had several sub genres back in the day like most music today. And even today, Jazz still remains sub divided. In the past, the composition of Jazz revolved around a variety of sub genres. The music moved from New Orleans Dixieland dating from the early 1910s to the Big Band-Style Swing from the 1930s and 1940s. Then it accommodated the Bebop from the mid-1940s, a variety of Latin Jazz Fusions such as Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz from the 1950s and 1960s, Jazz-Rock Fusion from the 1970s, and late 1980s developments such as Acid Jazz, which blended Jazz influences into Funk and Hip-Hop. These are just a few sub genres of Jazz. There are many more. Today Urban Smooth Jazz is a sub genre that is widely sought after by both the young and mature Jazz fan.


The genre of Jazz evolved through time and is still widely accepted as pleasing to the trained musical ear and the not-so-trained ear.


Reggae is a musical genre which was created here in the Caribbean in Jamaica and is one which has evolved and which continues to evolve. Reggae by right originated out of two other genres known as Ska and Rock-steady. Tempo wise it fits snugly in the middle of the two for it is slower than Ska and faster than Rocksteady.


Lyrically Reggae deals with a plethora of issues ranging from love, religion, drugs, poverty, colonialism, racism, and general third world politics. The genre also covers a lot of Pop music coming out of the United States and Europe.


But in the way that Reggae evolved from Ska, Reggae gave birth to Dancehall Reggae.


Discovered more or less by accident in the late 1970s, Dancehall Reggae, or Dub as it is popularly known, began simply with Disc Jockeys (DJs) chanting over the B side of Reggae 45 rpm records at Dances.


The lyrics for Dancehall were far less serious than those used in Reggae. A lot of emphasis was placed on the more socially appealing themes at that time, like the everyday Rude Bwoy, Area Dons or Donman, and a reverence for sexual dexterity in men and women.


In the 1980s, with producers like King Jammy and Coxsone Dodd seriously in the business, Dancehall Reggae further evolved into a more rhythmical art form with computer digitization being utilized heavily in track composition. This led to what I like to refer to as the golden decade of Dancehall: the 1990s. In the 90s with producers like Dave Kelly, Sly and Robbie and Donovan Germain entering the business and new DJs like Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Ninja Man, Cobra, General Degree, Beenie Man, and the list goes on and on; the 90s was indeed the Dancehall Decade.


The audience for Dance-hall Reggae, like Jazz and Reggae, comprised both the young and the young at heart.


Even though interspersed were some songs that glorified and promoted violence and also exposed the vulgar side of some artistes, it was not enough to taint the entire genre. People still rocked on to the Pepper Seed, Action, Medicine, Bogle, World Dance and the Stink Riddims, to name a few. Everyone got up and danced when Second Class Love came on with Carol Gonzalez and Buju Banton. That remains an all-time Dancehall classic!


Sadly the Dancehall arena has now changed drastically for the worst. Today the King Jammys and the Sly and Robbies of old have been replaced by producers like Stephen ‘Di Genius’ Mc Greggor, Not Nice and Daseca Productions. Beenie Man and Buju are still present, but they are now overshadowed by the likes of Movado, Vybz Kartel, Bugle, Demarco and Busy Signal just to name a few. Beautiful rhythmical Dancehall Reggae has been replaced by robotic heavily syncopated break beats and copious overdoses of synthesized keyboards. The poetic deliverance of messages of sexual grandeur and the often funny lines that dealt with strategies on how to get and keep a man or woman have all been replaced with hardcore verbal pornography! Many Dancehall artistes today have taken the themes of sex and violence way overboard. Absolutely nothing is left to the imagination.


The depiction of violence in modern Dancehall Reggae is as gruesome as it gets. And people go to parties to listen to this sewage of lyrics and actually claim to have fun. I am sorry for the generation of youth growing up on this filth called Dancehall Reggae. I often wonder what music this generation would play for their children as examples of music from their time.


Dancehall artistes need to be more responsible for the lyrics they sing. They cannot continue to sing vicious, cruel, derogatory lyrics and expect to bring international recognition to Dancehall, nor expect to get airplay. The handful of dancehall artistes of international repute doesn’t sing trash. Recently Serani’s She Loves Me was re-released during this summer in the US on Urban Radio Play CDs and he sang very different lyrics on the song. This goes to show that these artistes know better. Imagine the persons who listen to Night Shift and One More Night, the two covers done recently by Busy Signal, go out and purchase a collection of his songs only to find that he also sings lyrics that are terribly offensive to the senses.


The producers and artistes in the Dancehall Reggae arena need to clean up their acts, be more responsible and ultimately bring back the authenticity of Dancehall Reggae. This genre has changed drastically and so has its audience. Sadly a lot of persons have fallen out of favour with Dancehall Reggae. Persons opt for the scarcely held Old School Dancehall Reggae Parties so they can relive an era of dancehall that was filled with strictly party vibes.


But all is not lost. Reggae even though it never quite went away during the 90s when Dancehall reigned, has come back with a bang thanks to the likes of Tarrus Riley, Richie Spice, Morgan Heritage, Etana, Tameka Marshall, First Born, Natural Black and the host of new generation Reggae messengers. I feel good when I see a Beres Hammond being played and people, young and old, throw their heads back with eyes closed and rock and sway to sounds of sweet reggae music.


Reggae like Jazz has shown that the changes it went through did not have a negative impact on its audience. If anything happened, it was that the changes seem to have sought to expand its listening audience. Sadly the genre of Dancehall Reggae does not share that same fate; not with the vulgar music, that portrays murder and mayhem, which is being packaged as Dancehall Reggae!


Yours


faithfully
Richard Francois

Yardflex would like to send congratulations to Daniel 'Chino' McGregor who according to the Star DNA test confirmed is the proud father of Rosie Chin's daughter.


According to a short release via his publicist, Kavelle Christie he was quoted as saying "Yes, I have a baby daughter and I'm very elated about it. She is one in a million with parents and family members who adore her."


The mother of the child is Rosie Chin. But it was being rumoured that the father of the child was Craig from the group Voicemail.


DNA test


However, a DNA test, which was done earlier this week, revealed that Chino was in fact the father.


Chin is also the sister of Shantal Chin, who is now seeking help from the Family Court to get support from dancehall artiste Busy Signal for maintenance of their child.


We know Chino will be a great dad and with strong family support, the baby couldn't be in better hands.

Veteran Jamaican musician, Sonny Bradshaw, died in London last night (Oct. 10) from the effects of a stroke which he suffered in August.



Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Burchell Whiteman said Mr. Bradshaw's death will leave a significant gap in the Jamaican music landscape.



"It is almost impossible to imagine modern Jamaican music without the presence of Sonny Bradshaw. He was a true musical pioneer who dedicated more than six decades of his life to ensuring that Jamaican music and especially Jazz was always kept in the forefront and was accessible to all ," Mr. Whiteman said.


"I would like to offer sincere condolence to his wife and long-standing devoted professional partner, Myrna, his children, relatives and his many friends and supporters, Jamaicans at home and abroad will remember him with gratitude and with pride," he added.


In recent years Sonny Bradshaw and Jamaica's fist lady of jazz, Myrna Hague, have participated in many major musical shows in the United Kingdom. They have also given generously of their time to the Jamaican High Commission and to Jamaican charities based in the U.K..


Mr. Bradshaw who was born in 1926, was a skilled trumpeter who also played piano, clarinet, trombone, and the saxophone. He was as a musician, bandleader, composer, producer, and promoter as well as a journalist, teacher, and broadcaster.


In recent years he became the founder and driving force behind the Ocho Rios Jazz festival. He formed the Sonny Bradshaw Seven in the 1950s, which was a training ground for many Jamaican musicians.


He served for many years as the president of the Jamaican Federation of Musicians, and he was also instrumental in popularising indigenous Jamaican music, through his Teenage Dance Party radio show, which aired in the 1970s on what was then Jamaica Broadcasting Commission radio.

“If you have to go public, then do so with the truth,” says Collin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy regarding statements made by well known producer Cordell ‘Scatta’ Burrell in the Saturday Star.



In a story carried in the Chat! the artiste/promoter/producer, said although he has no beef with Scatta, he is honour bound to defend his reputation. “I know Scatta is not short on memory therefore he should remember that I was there for him from the very beginning, If he wished to speak the truth he will remember that because of my belief in him, I invested in the growth and development of his career,” said the Kings of Kings CEO.


According to Iley Dread, he once did his projects out of a studio, Celestial Sound on Molynes Road, where he produced his first hit for the KOK Label with Norris Man entitled Persistence, with Scatta working on the project as the engineer.


Shortly after Iley said he took the whole crew on a North American tour.


“On my return to the island, Scatta brought it to my attention that there was a recording studio for sale at Princeville Plaza on Constant Spring Road in Kingston,” Iley Dread recalled.


The desire to produce not only artistes from his camp, but more established acts; plus the fact that he wanted to give Scatta an outlet to explore his talent, saw him making the investment.


“The studio didn’t have any mortgage or major overheads…I left Scatta to manage it and I must say I was very disappointed when it went bankrupt,” said Iley.


Disappointed and disgruntled, Iley says he left the island to fulfill his touring obligations. After some time had passed and he had “cooled down” somewhat. He said Scatta again approached him expressing his regret and disappointment at how things turned out…begging him for the opportunity to redeem himself.


Iley told that paper that upon reflecting on their history and how far they were coming from, he was more inclined to give their business relationship another try.


That resulted in Scatta producing out of the Kings of Kings headquarters located at Upper Sandringham Avenue.


“I don’t know which two other partners he is talking about, I was the sole owner. During the two years he managed the business, I have never received a cent. The only thing Scatta was asked to do was pay the utility bills. Don’t get it twisted,” a disappointed Iley commented.


Iley says inspite of everything he still wishes Scatta all the best, he even offered some brotherly advise, “Now that you are building your state-of-the-art studio, if you don’t change your business ethics, it will go under just as Princeville and 5 Upper Sandringham did…after all is said and done…I wish you all the best in your endeavour.”


Scatta is quoted in sections of the media as saying that mortgage and othe expenses associated with running the business had forced him to give up the venture, in addition he noted that his two other business partners had pulled out leaving the brunt of the burden on him.

The much advertised Champions in Action which was scheduled to be held in Toronto tomorrow (Saturday, October 10) has been cancelled. Up to late last night the backing band was still in rehearsal for the show, with no official word coming to artistes who are booked to be on the show.


Yardflex spoke with “someone with the ears to the streets” out of Canada and according to him for weeks there was discontent about the fact that Elephant Man is on the show. There was even an article written in one of the Canadian papers where the gay community issued a warning that Elephant Man should not perform any of his known homophobic song.


“The move was sudden, we are still not getting any official words on the real reason the show was called off. Many are speculating that it’s because of the gay community…but there has been no words from the promoter – Action Promotions,” our source told us.


The show which reigned as one of the top annual events in Jamaica was embraced with deep anticipation by dancehall loving fans in Canada.


“All I can tell you is that it’s one major disappointment for us here,” said the source.


Yardflex will keep you posted on the latest in this one.

President Barack Obama was announced as the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner today. The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited President Obama’s “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Of special note was President Obama’s outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.


The choice made Obama the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Other U.S. presidents to receive the prize were President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.


In their selection, the Nobel committee praised Obama's creation of "a new climate in international politics" and said he had returned multilateral diplomacy and institutions like the U.N. to the center of the world stage."His diplomacy,” noted the Committee, “ is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population."

Senator Dwight Nelson, National Security Minister is in hospital as doctors try to determine the cause of severe abdominal pains.


Senator Nelson started having the pains Tuesday night and was taken to the hospital by Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, his personal physician.


According to RJR news Gillian Haughton, Director of Communications in the ministry told them the Minister is resting comfortably and remains in high spirits.


Meanwhile, Daryl Vaz, Information Minister confirmed that the Senator Nelson is undergoing a battery of tests.


"It's too early to say about his diagnosis but tests are being done and the country will be kept abreast of any developments. The Government and Cabinet wish his a speedy recovery," he said.

This past weekend, Citi Field Stadium in New York City, home to the legendary New York Mets baseball team celebrated Caribbean Day at the Mets vs Houston Astros game and reggae crooner Gramps Morgan filled the ball park with the sounds of reggae music, delivering a sizzling pre-game performance that warmed the hearts of thousands of baseball fans on a cool Fall afternoon.


Gramps, performing his single Don't Cry for Jamaica off his chart-topping solo album, 2 Sides of My Heart Vol 1 was in fine nick and was well received by baseball fans who gave him a thunderous applause.


"This is a historic moment for me as it is first time I have performed in a stadium before thousands of baseball fans in my entire career," an elated Gramps Morgan declared moments after he left the mound.


"To have my image beamed live on the big jumbotron TV monitors at a ballpark that I grew up close to as a youngster is a very special moment for me. I am happy I was able to represent for Jamaica, the Caribbean and all my reggae fans" he said.


Gramps was not the only one rejoicing as NY Mets Community and Group Sales & Services spokesperson Michael Renzulli said, "We are very pleased to have a taste of the Jamaican culture here today at the Citi Field as we celebrate Caribbean Day here at the game."


Prior to Gramps' performance, Danglin sang Jamaica We Love, a passionate and patriotic proclamation showcasing all the wonderful things that make Jamaica special. The festivities concluded with a presentation to columnist Sandy Daley from Street Hype newspaper.


Media marketer Anthony Turner of IMAGES LLC, who, along with Dave Rodney and the Queens Economic Development Corporation, coordinated the pre-game event said, "We applaud the NY Mets and the Queens Borough President's Office for giving two Caribbean acts the opportunity to showcase our Caribbean culture before thousands of baseball fans. Gramps and Danglin are two talented artistes who today have broken new ground in their respective careers," he noted.


Gramps, who was born Roy Morgan, has been having a whirlwind year that included a major US tour with Grammy winner India.Arie and John Legend. In August he performed at two sold-out back-to-back events at the world-famous Madison Square Gardens and topped off the summer with a strong performance at Irie Jamboree in New York. His debut album Two Side oF My Heart had one of the strongest reggae debuts ever, racking up impressive sales of over 12,000 units in its first week. Currently the album is the top-selling reggae disc in South Florida and New York. Morgan is currently on a US tour with reggae star Buju Banton.

New York, October 6, 2009 : — Solid performances from King Stur Gav, Mighty Crown, Brigadier Jerry, General Trees, Capleton, Beenie Man, Sugar Minott and Santa Ranks was the hallmark of Irish and Chin’s highly-anticipated Reeewind last weekend at New York’s Club Amazura.


The thousands of Reggae fans who filled up the venue included those who had traveled from far and wide, some from as far as Atlanta and Miami, to be part of the landmark staging of this classic, one-of-a-kind Rub A Dub event.


Heavy promotion by Irish and Chin, coupled with the endorsement by New York's IrieJam radio, helped to make "Reeewind" the huge success it was.


Unfortuantely, three of the artistes originally billed for "Reeewind" — U-Roy, Luciano and Charlie Chaplin — faced immigration issues andwere unable to perform. The promoters, however, found a quick replacement in the form of the sweet Sugar Minott who gave a performance that will long be remembered.


"Reeewind" jump started with an intense early warm by the "Far East Rulers" Mighty Crown. who laced Amazura with straight "Rub-a-dub" classics. The crowd responded well as many in the audience held their partners close to groove to the timeless hits. Mighty Crown boldly displayed a side not often seen by the massive. Sami, Simon and Koji, Mighty Crown's foundation guru, maintained great continuity and control of the crowd until 1:30 AM.


Following Mighty Crown was the one-and-only King Stur Gav. The caliber of music that King Stur Gav unleashed was impeccable. Once the bass line dropped, artistes took center stage and gave patrons their money's worth until the wee hours of the morning. Amazura was officially converted into a sweat-soaked, vibes-filled "Rub-a-dub" session.


Every artist on the ticket was a hot item. The audience roared many times through out the night, whether it was for recognisable lyrics or quick-fire freestyles. Born for the stage, Beenie Man dominated the mic for quite a while until he was slightly schooled by Brigadier Jerry who later commanded the audience with his relentless microphone skills. Often credited as one of the forefathers of dancehall music, Brigadier Jerry proved that he is the ultimate deejay.


General Trees entertained the fans through out the night with his ability to ride riddims continuously. Meanwhile, Santa Ranks held it down for New York. Although Capleton's stints on the microphone were brief, the crowd went wild each time he touched the stage.
Sugar Minott laced the "Rub-a-dub" riddims with perfection. His full fledged vocals were the event's main ingredient. From belting freestyle lyrics and those of his own hits to top Reggae and R&B selections, Sugar Minott was a force to be reckoned with.


At 4:00 AM, patrons were still trying to get in the sold-out event. Even when the lights came on shortly after 4:30 AM, the audience was still enthralled.

Thirty-one Jamaicans who sued US bus company Greyhound have given a $23 million pay-out.


The individuals, who were hired under the Government's Overseas Hotel Employment Programme, received US$268,000 from their lawsuit.


They were issued with cheques at the Ministry of Labour on Tuesday.


The Jamaicans were injured in March 2007 in an accident involving a Greyhound bus while travelling from Florida to their places of employment in Missouri.


Greyhound will also have to pay medical and legal costs as well as other fees.


Minister of Labour Pearnel Charles assured the group that he is willing to work with them to provide any further assistance that may be necessary

There’s good news for Cash Plus investors as it seems that there is finally a silver lining on te cloud. Depositors could be getting back some money invested in the failed investment scheme following the discovery of US$25 million dollars stashed away in a Dubai bank account by former Cash Plus boss, Carlos Hill.


After vigorously denying to that he didn’t have any money invested outside of the country the discovery was made one week later.


According to Cash Plus Liquidator Hugh Wildman, who made the disclosure at a press briefing at his office on Monday told journalists that his office recently served an injunction against Swiss Bank Julius Baer in Dubai requesting the freezing of assets after receiving crucial intelligence information on the moneys whereabouts.


Well for the investors sake we hope that even more money is fished out!.

Upcoming artiste G Whizz, has received threats against his life. The entertain who been getting a lot of spotlight with his single Life Soon Sort Out was forced to report the threat to the police, after an anonymous caller threatened to “chop off his head.



Garland Germaine Rowe aka G Whizz says the message was left on the telephone of his manager, Fams House Studios boss, John Barrett. The artiste claims he has no knowledge where the threats could have come from, stating he has done no-one wrong, and therefore, cannot understand this level of hatred.



Barrett (G Whizz’s manager) expressed shocked when he received the muffled message on his phone with the threat, as he claims his artiste ‘lives good and clean’ and so he has no idea why someone would try to send threatening messages.



The manager says they will not be taking any chances or treating the threat lightly.

The General Manager for Tools Hardware on Spanish Town Road was murdered yesterday evening about 6:30 pm at her home.



According to police reports Elva Mullings who is in her mid 40s drove up at her home at Sandalswood in Bridgeview, Portmore, St Catherine. When she alighted out of her vehicle she was approached by two gunmen who shot her in her upper body and face. She died on the spot.


The murder, which was committed at approximately 6:30 pm, plunged the community into mourning and shocked members of her staff, some of whom rushed to scene last night.


As yet no motive has been established for the killing.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Alliance head honcho, Bounty Killer, was denied entry into Trinidad for a weekend show where he was scheduled to appear, a concert promoter said Saturday.


Verne Extavour, spokesman for Jacho Entertainment, told The Associated Press that Bounty Killer was turned away upon arrival and flew back to Jamaica.


No explanation was given, Extavour said. Immigration officials did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
The last time Bounty Killer was in Trinidad, he was arrested on stage and charged with using obscene language. Authorities in Jamaica arrested him for the same reason during last year’s Reggae Sumfest.


Best known for the album My Xperience and for collaborating with No Doubt on the song Hey Baby, Bounty Killer was one of a number of musicians scheduled to perform at Saturday’s concert.
Among them was Vybz Kartel, with whom Bounty Killer has a long-standing rivalry that has led to violence between their fans.
Promoters had said the concert would represent a truce.

According to an Associated Press report, veteran dancehall artiste, Major Mackerel was slashed in the head, arm and hand by a Brooklyn man wielding a 26-inch sword.


Mackerel’s neighbour, a 37-year-old man, was arrested and the sword recovered Sunday morning. Reports are that the man claim that Major Mackerel, whose real name is Garfield Dixon, was harassing his wife.


But, Novia Watson, girlfriend of the entertainer, is quoted as saying that this allegation is untrue. Dixon also denied harassing the man’s wife.


Major Mackerel was hospitalised for several hours. He left with bandages crowning his dreadlocks and wrapped around his left hand, his wrist and elbow, the New York Daily News reported.


The 37-year-old neighbor faces charges including assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon.

Alliance selector Boom Boom is disappointed that an event which was supposed to be promoting peace and unity is now being used to create conflict.


“There are reports circulating that I was musically beaten by Chris Diamond at The Building during the Gaza vs Gully unity jam,” he explained.


The Alliance selector described in detail everything that took place that night.


“After speaking with Earl, he assures me it was not a clash thing, it was something to show selectors unity and I agreed. But from mi go inna di club a pure Gaza (indicating that patrons who supported Gaza should wear white)…all di speaker and bartender sey Gaza” Boom jokingly stated.


Boom went up first and gave a lively mixture of gully, gaza and other songs…which the moderator Pretty Boy Floyd gave him ‘stripes’ for it.


The Gaza Selector took a while before he earned his stripe…this went on round after round with Boom Boom dominating except for one where Chris Diamond absolutely took it.


It came to the last set where Boom Boom absolutely destroyed the competition. So you can imagine the selector’s surprise when he heard comments on radio and at subsequent dances that he was properly whipped.


“ If dem haffi call up mi name, dem fi meck sure sey dem get it straight,” Boom Boom warned.

His name may sound like the nickname of a toddler from a Disney cartoon. But despite being given his moniker by his grandmother at age five, Boom Boom, born Marlon Kirk Wizard has been making quite a name for himself in dancehall circles. Boom Boom, in explaining how the nickname came about says, "Is like dem use to call mi grandmother fatty and true me a har grandson, dem jus' call me Boom Boom," completing the name, 'Fatty Boom Boom'.


It's a name that he has held on to, even though being a sound system selector was not always a part of his plans. He and fellow Grants Pen artiste Kibaki used to imitate the dancehall deejays they heard on radio. But at the age of nine, Boom Boom officially made the transition from deejay to selector when his uncle unexpectedly asked him to manage the Invader sound system (a well known mobile disco in Grants Pen) he owned. Boom Boom stepped up to the plate in confidence and entered into the realms of being a selector and his first time left him overwhelmed. When Boom Boom reached his teens, his uncle then gave him a job as a selector and he stayed with Invader sound for over a decade. Making his name Boom Boom soon began to make a name for himself in the Kingston 8 area and made his first major appearance at Mavado's first birthday party held on the gully side of Cassava Piece in 1998. "A Mavado first birthday mek mi career tek off and from dat mi tour di whole Europe, mi career jus' rise," Boom Boom said.


His outstanding performance led to him being offered a job by Y2K sound system, where he further honed his skills and got the chance to play abroad. Boom Boom says his style of selecting is unique and he always goes for something different. "Me a nuh di selector wey run down di top ten music wey di res' a selectors play, more time mi jus play some longtime music wey wi tek di place, like from inna di '90s and early 2000," he said. "My energy come from di crowd, based on how they react." Boom Boom describes himself as, "a nice individual", but says, "when a time fi perform mi get cross, when it come on to playing a di job dat, yuh haffi get the job done." There are some artistes, however, who Boom Boom says, have an added energy that he loves. "Mi a play Mavado from 1993, mi a di first selector play Mavado, suh mi have a extra energy playing fi dem song, him an Kibaki. When mi a play like Mavado, Flex, Kibaki, mi get a big energy. Di Killer a di sealer, anytime mi sey Bounty Killa, a di sealer dat," he said. Well, Boom Boom says his fans can catch him in live action at his regular spots like Bembe Thursdays, Chi Ching Tuesday in Golden Spring and Gal-A Tuesday in Linstead.

The Berlin Salute to Jamaica's representatives at the 2009 World Championships in August got off to a glitzy start yesterday (Oct. 2) with the Golden Reception on the lawns of Jamaica House.


The event was reminiscent of an award show or movie premier, with the red carpet laid out for the fashionably dressed athletes, who were greeted by hosts, Prime Minister Hon. Bruce Golding, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange.


The thousands of family, friends and well wishers, who turned out to celebrate with the athletes, were treated to scrumptious Jamaican fare and high qualify entertainment, featuring international reggae star Shaggy, Christopher Martin, Etana, and Italian reggae artiste Alberosie. Even aspects of the Berlin Championships were recreated, with Berlino the bear, Berlin's playful mascot present to mingle with the athletes and guests.


However, for most, the best part of the evening was being able to interact with Jamaica's sporting heroes. University of Technology student, Leighton Jackson, said that the highlight of his night was seeing World and Olympic Champion Usain Bolt in person.


Former 100-metre world record holder and bronze medal winner in the just-concluded games, Asafa Powell, said he felt "overwhelmed" by the support and appreciated the personal congratulations from those present at the event.


All the athletes were given plaques to mark their achievements in Berlin, while several past athletes, such as 400-metre runner Bert Cameron, and technical and support staff in the athletics field, similarly rewarded.


Mr. Golding congratulated the athletes on their performances in track and field saying they have shown the youths of Jamaica that there is nothing they cannot achieve.


"I want them (the athletes) to be conscious of what they mean to the people of Jamaica. I don't think they understand what they mean to the young people of this country, who now have a sense of what they can achieve. Young people, who watched them said: 'you know what, if they can do it, I can do it as well'," the Prime Minister said.


Describing the athletes as the "people's champions", Mr. Golding said this weekend's Berlin Salute events will give the athletes a chance to celebrate directly with the people of Jamaica.


The Jamaicans left Berlin with seven gold, four silver and two bronze medals, which was the country's best-ever medal haul at an international meet.


Among the most memorable Berlin moments were Usain Bolt's record-breaking run in the 100-metre and 200-metre races; Bridgitte Foster Hylton's celebrations following her win in the 100-metre hurdles; and Melaine Walker and Shelly-Ann Fraser's wins in the 400-metre hurdles and 100-metre, respectively, cemented their positions as world leaders in the events.


The celebrations will continue tomorrow (Oct.4) with a fun day at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, and will culminate with a gala at the stadium in the night.

It is apparent that there will be no ceasefire where Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel are concerned as reports have surfaced that the Bounty was denied entry into Trinidad.


Vybz had no such problem and so he will be the sole headline act on tonight’s Ceasefire in the country.
The reasons surrounding his refusal are not yet known, but yardflex will keep you posted.

Protected


God is my source, my strength and my shield.


Feelings of insecurity may creep up on me from time to time. If so, I take a moment to observe the thoughts behind my feelings. Rather than dwell on what might go wrong, I choose to focus on God's powerful, protecting presence within and around me.


With each slow, deep breath, I am filled with peace. God is greater than my fears, and I am God's beloved. I call upon divine strength and feel my strength increasing.


In any situation, God is mighty in the midst of me, lifting my spirits and calming my mind. God is my source, my strength and my shield. I am grateful for a peaceful heart, as I know I am always safe in God's presence.


"This God--his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him."--2 Samuel 22:31
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Reggae’s self-proclaimed Messenger, Luciano, makes his long-awaited, triumphant return to the Tri-state area when he appears on Irish and Chin’s Reeewind on Saturday, October 3.


The powerful Reggae singer will perform on the one-and-only King Stur Gav sound with a host of top artistes. Although Luciano boasts flawless vocals and a massive catalogue of cultural music, at "Reeewind," he will face his biggest challenge with no band to back him.


While the "Rub-a-dub" theme of "Reeewind" directly complements Luciano's music and essence, he will have to prove himself as the only singer slated for the event. So that Luciano's baritone infused lyrics don't get overwhelmed by the contingency of deejays billed for the session, the cultural vocalist will be required to command the mic.


In addition to being caught between the likes of Beenie Man and Capleton, who have rivaled for decades, Luciano will have to shine among the veteran Deejays. It's no secret that U-Roy, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin and General Trees are masters of the "Rub-a-dub" era. So, the pressure is on for "The Messenger" to flow continuously through out the night.


But one must note that Irish and Chin handpicked Luciano for "Reeewind" because of his caliber, vocal strength and catalogue. And to top these attributes -- Luciano can ride any riddim impeccably. With this in mind, Luciano could very well overcome obstacles at "Reeewind." With a massive fan base behind him during this epic return, Luciano just may come out the night's biggest success. Luciano has performed on King Stur Gav in the past and the reviews were unbelievable. Most expect nothing less than that this time around. Although "Reeewind" is not a competition, the artists will have to prove their worth!

Dancehall hot girl, Shantal Chin — sister of the Rosie Chin who Ele deejays about — says the DNA results are back and they state that Busy Signal is the father of her seven and a half month old daughter.Shantal, whose sister was involved in a ‘jacket’ drama with Craig of the group Voicemail, is now seeking the help of the Family Court to get Busy to support their child financially.


She reportedly told one newspaper that at first Busy was “helping out” but then people started saying that child wasn’t his, so he demanded a paternity test, but nothing has changed. The deejay, like many of his colleagues, remains on the list of “Deadbeat Dads”.
Actually it was earlier this year that Voicemail member Craig, was involved in a baby mother drama which resulted in a DNA test proving that Craig was not the father of the child.


News that Craig had been given a ‘jacket’ made the front page and the deejay was the subject of many jokes.
It was then that deejay Busy Signal reportedly took the decision that he too wanted a paternity test.


The story is that 19-year-old Shantal was one month pregnant when her 19 month relationship with the dancehall artiste came to an end. Busy, she says, used to make a contribution, however, she went to Panama to stay with her aunt and give birth. Upon her return to Jamaica, however, Busy has refused to take her calls and is unwilling to support their daughter.


It was then that Shantal reported the matter to the Family Court in Kingston. The two are to appear for family counselling on October 7.

Reggae crooner Collin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy is gearing up to shoot the music video for the single that is making a lot of noise in the dancehall these days - Are You Sure.


According to Iley, everything is in place for the video shoot which will take place next week.


“The video will be shot in Kingston, Portland and Ocho Rios and all I can say is that I am expecting big things from it,” he told Chat!.
Top flight director Ras Kassa who has worked with artistes such as Damian Marley, Sean Paul and others will be in charge of directing the video.


“Fans can expect to see a great quality video and one that fit the international standard,” the singer said about his upcoming project.
Not giving away too much about the video shoot, he said there will be some great surprises “you will see some of your favourites actors in the video,” Iley promised.


Iley says he expects the video to be edited and ready for the television screen by the end of month.

There is no changing from the musical path that Daniel ‘Chino’ McGregor is set on. The song of reggae stalwart Freddie McGregor is definitely a talent in his own right as he shows that he has what it takes to hold his own in the competition music industry.


His accomplishments are now pretty impressive as he was recently chosen to work on the Coke Zero project, which was an overwhelming success. ..that leads to his being in the National Geographic documentary.


The documentary, 'The Music Nomad - Made in Jamaica' highlighted the Jamaican music and culture with the McGregor family taking the lead role.


“it was not about putting on or taking off anything. I brought them in the studio and captured the whole recording process,” he told Yardflex.


From Mawning since it hit the airwaves took off like a raging fire. The infectious riddim and the uplifting words seemed to have found a comfortable niche in the hearts of music lovers. Chino is now working on the video for the hot single and he says it should be ready to hit the streets in the next two weeks.


A newly released single is now getting a buzz on the scene and it’s Nuh Put Nuh Woman Pon Yuh Head, rapping about the song Chino says it’s self explanatory. “Any man in the street can relate to that song. But it’s for the youths to take in their education and leave big people things alone,” he added.


The talented artiste also shared his opinion with Yardflex on the state of the dancehall…” The production level is stepping up, we are getting a lot of positive songs as opposed to the negative styles. Outside of that, I wish a lot more Jamaican could get the chance to travel more to places in the US and Europe and Japan,” he said, adding that they would be in for a rude awakening as “no one know them or would be interested in some of the music they are raving about here.


“Make music that appeal to the wider public ,” Chino said as he told Yardflex it was a thrill to hear people who don’t speak English chanting the words of his songs.


For Chino the solution to making the music business much better is for everyone to work together. “Artistes and producers have to unite. A pure hypocrite, everyone smile until you look like you making a further step. Cut out the crab inna barrel mentality,” he warned.


Looking ahead Chino in between keeping his performance engagements in and out of the country is working on a brand new riddim, which he is for the moment keeping close to his chest.


No amount of prodding could get that information out…but all we can say is that it will be coming with some real tough tunes.

Big up to Sean Paul who walked away on Thursday night the 2009 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) award for Best Reggae Album with his August release Imperial Blaze.



Since its release the VP/Atlantic Imperial Blaze album sold 28,465 copies in its opening week to register a number 12 debut on the Billboard 200 album chart.



It registered brisk movements on the Billboard rap and reggae album charts, it topped the popular online store iTunes Reggae abums chart in the UK and France. It also made its debut in Japan at #1.



The MOBO Awards which was held at the Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in Scotland saw Paul edging out artistes such as Mavado, Serani, Tarrus Riley and Vybz Kartel.



Other winners for the night included Beyonce (Best International, Best Video: Singles Ladies), Keri Hilson (Best R&B) and JLS (Best Newcomer.

The show is interestingly dubbed Ceasefire and it sees rivals Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel sharing the stage.


The action will take place on Saturday, October 3 at King George V Park, Port-of-Spain. Of course other acts are on the bill such as Macka Diamond, but all eyes will be on those two.

Prayer


As I turn my thoughts to God, my life becomes a prayer.


I do not need to go away to a mountaintop or seclude myself in a sacred place to spend time in prayer. I need only to turn my thoughts inward and open my mind and heart to God. In this way, I make whatever I am doing a prayer.


As I prepare a meal, I am grateful for the food, and as I clean my house, I am grateful for the restful haven it provides me. As I walk in the park, I feel a sense of oneness with all life in the world around me. As I go through my workday, I am God's instrument of good in the world, and what I do and say is an expression of God.


The more I turn my thoughts to God, the more my life becomes a prayer.


"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."--1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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Discover


I discover and express more of my divine potential each day.


My life is an adventure that both challenges and thrills me. Each new experience allows me to express more of my strengths and talents.
At times, however, my human capabilities may seem insufficient to the task at hand. I know that to reach my goal, I must discover and use more of my divine potential.


In sacred communion with God, I release any sense of limitation and open myself to divine direction. I see new areas of possibility--new capabilities to be explored. I am guided to the right course of action.


Filled with a new understanding of my divine nature, I have the tools I need to experience abundance, joy, health and peace.


"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you."--Matthew 7:7.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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The chance to meet Jamaica's outstanding World Championship athletes in person and be entertained by top artistes such as Elephant Man, Tarrus Riley, Konshens, and Etana, are some of the treats that patrons will enjoy at this Sunday's (Oct. 4) Family Fun Day and Concert at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.


Other acts confirmed to perform include Laden, Chino, I-Octane, G-Whizz, Alberosie, Romaine Virgo, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Khago, newly crowned Digicel Rising Star, Brown Sugar, and runner-up Princess Tia.


In addition to the performances there will be rides, domino, dance and song competitions and other activities.


Members of the public, who wish to attend the Family Fun Day and Concert, must have tickets. They are free of cost and can be collected at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) head office in Kingston and parish offices in Falmouth, Savanna-La-Mar, Montego Bay, Lucea, Port Maria; and at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.


Tickets are also available at the Trelawny Parish Council Office, Inland Revenue Office in Falmouth, Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Montego Bay office, and the Sports Development Foundation in Kingston.


For those who might not be able to attend, the concert will be streamed live on the Internet by the Jamaica Information Service at www.jis.gov.jm.


The Family Fun Day and Concert will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with gates opening at 12 o'clock.


It will provide an excellent opportunity for the Jamaican people to express their gratitude to the athletes for the unbridled joy that their performances provided, while allowing the athletes to interact with their fans.

CEO of the collapsed investment club, Olint, in which many Jamaicans and others lost huge amounts of money, is now in jail in the Turks and Caicos Islands.


Both Smith and his wife had been out on bail after being charged with fraud, theft, false accounting, and uttering false documents in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He had been charged in February of this year and had been granted bail in the sum of US$1M.


David Smith was reportedly in court on Tuesday answering to charges when he taken into custody. His wife’s bail, however, has reportedly been extended.


Meanwhile, John Connolly, the liquidator assigned the job to find the money invested in the David Smith led Olint Corporation, recently reported that only US$13 million in liquid assets have been identified, against claims of US$67 million from 376 claimants.


Connolly also pointed out that it is going to take a very long time before any distribution takes place because many more claims are still to be received, processed and verified.


The liquidator stated that Smith has not been very cooperative in the provision of the company’s accounting records and database, while stressing that he would be using the law to force him to do so.


The report, which covered the period up to July 31, also pointed out that most of the funds held by Olint TCI have been frozen in the United States (US) and Turks & Caicos Island. It stated that Connolly had applied to the court and had obtained the release of part of the frozen money in the TCI in order to pay the liquidator’s fees, while adding that the balance of the funds remains under the sole control of the attorney general of that island or the US Department of Justice.


According to the liquidator, most of the activities carried out by Olint were not revenue generating, and the company only served as a conduit for receiving monies from investors to payout other investors or investors of other Smith-related companies.


Olint, which was owned by David and Tracy Smith, operated over a 27-month period between April 2006 and July 2008, had 6,000 investors and US$220 million under management.

The Far East Rulers will create history yet again when they perform for the first time alongside renowned sound system King Stur Gav at Irish and Chin's "Reeewind" on Saturday, October 3 in New York.


This will be a night of straight “rub-a-dub” and could pose a big challenge for Mighty Crown, who is typically viewed as a competitive sound.


For this session, Mighty Crown will have to maintain a harmonious disposition, while delivering straight "Rub-a-dub" music. All the while, "The Far East Rulers" will have to work hard to convince the more senior members of the audience of their ability to play in this unique setting.


To properly prepare for this event, Mighty Crown will feature Koji, their ace selector credited for his extensive knowledge of foundation music. Hailed by leaders like U-Roy and Tony Screw, Koji thrives as a foundation selector. Since confirmed for this date, Mighty Crown has been diligently going through their music catalogue to draw tunes fit for the event.


King Stur Gav is happy to return to New York. The one-and-only sound will take center stage on Saturday, October 3 and provide dancehall fans with a genuine "Rub-a-dub" experience. The name King Stur Gav speaks for itself. The sound has a remarkable history that dates back to the mid 70's. Created by the pioneer deejay U-Roy, the sound catapulted to success as a traveling sound system that boasted some of the industry's top deejays including Josey Wales, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin and Ranking Joe to name a few.


Clearly, King Stur Gav served as a Deejay academy, offering some of the best microphone talent of the era. Through the academy, all of the sound's disciples were able to take their teacher's style to the forefront of Reggae music. King Stur Gav's commitment to entertainment and dedication to cultural music instead of slackness has continued to make the sound a unique driving force.


Both King Stur Gav and Mighty Crown will shine at "Reeewind," giving fans a taste of history, with a modern day twist.

This Moment


I express wholeness and peace here and now.


My past and future enhance my experience of the world, but it is only in the present moment that I cocreate my life. And, in this present moment, I find God.


Behind me are "the things I cannot change," which a familiar prayer reminds me to accept. I accept them, and I learn from them. Ahead of me lie infinite possibilities and ideas waiting to be accessed through prayer, affirmation and action.


But in this present moment, I experience the fullness of God. I affirm only good, knowing that all good things are available to me.
I thank God for this moment and for the wholeness and peace here and now.


"A pleasant vineyard, sing about it! I, the Lord, am its keeper; every moment I water it."--Isaiah 27:2-3.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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The following post was taken from www.redcarpetshelley.com but the message remains the same. Violence affects us all...maybe we can heed Nas' appeal.


Derrion Albert, a 16 year old honour roll student from Chicago lost his life on Monday to senseless violence. Derrion a student at Christian Fenger Academy became part of a gang melee which resulted in his being beaten to death (all caught on videotape which I refuse to post). Apparently, Derrion may have jumped in to aid a friend in need.


Rapper Nas was also moved by the incident and wrote an open letter to teenagers:


"Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool.


Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling, that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one.


But we chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, Fila sneakers, and name plate chains. Deaths over "he say, she say"!!!!! "I'm from this block or I'm from that block", or "my moms n pops is f*cked up now the whole world gotta pay"!!!


I remember feeling like I was the hardest "n*gga" breathing. And I couldn't wait to prove it. But let's think. What are we really proving?? And proving what to who?? Everybody knows Chicago breeds the strongest of the strong but I just feel, me, being ya brother from another state feels your pain as if I grew up with you in ya very own household.


You have the ability and mind power to change they way we are looked at. Look who's watching us young warriors, look who's throwing us in jail constantly, look at the ignorance in the world. Look at the racist dogs who love to see us down. Loving to bury us in the ground or in jail where we continue this worthless war on one another.


Young warriors.... We are WASTING more and more time. We gotta get on our jobs and take over the world. Cuz this movie left the theaters years ago, Juice, Menace, Boys n the Hood , Blood n Blood Out, Belly!


When we see each other why do we see hatred? Why were we born in a storm, born soldiers, WARRIORS....and instead of building each other up we are at war with each other.. May the soul of this young person find peace with the almighty. I'm with you young warriors. You're me and I'm you. But trust me! you are fighting the wrong war."


Amen brother! Rest in peace Derrion Albert and God bless his family and the four teenagers charged in his death...Parents take this opportunity to talk with your teenagers!!!

If an open letter is to be believed written by the wife of rap producer Swizz Beatz to singer Alicia Keys, then it implies that she is having an affair with a married man.
According to the letter that's posted on EUR Web Singer Mashonda, who says she is technically still married to rap producer Swizz Beatz, has written an open regarding the alleged relationship she is having with her husband.


Here's the letter in its entirety, according to Rap-Up.com:


After having a great evening with my son and enjoying some fun twit chat, I decided to sign off and get some work done. However, a few hours later I was advised that I should check @aliciakeys twit page. I've never reached out to her on twitter before. I feel our issues are a lot more serious than a website conversation. Not to mention that I've reached out to her many times in the beginning of this whole thing, as any wife would do. Unfortunately, I never succeeded in getting a response.


The 1st time I meet AK, my husband introduced us to each other at an event. ( I have no choice but to call him my husband, until he is not anymore) In the messages that I sent to her (AK), I made it very clear that on the contrary of what she might be hearing, I am still married to my husband, living with him and just had a child. Its been two years and I still have not received a response.


What I do receive, is constant displays of selfishness and dis concern to me and my son. was a fan of AK's last album, we were both signed to J Records and I always checked up on her projects. I sang her songs and admired her for creating Superwoman and Karma, I would never deny her, her talent. I believed in her until I found out she was possibly sleeping with my husband. The affair was denied by both, until it was finally admitted months later.


Already I can hear some of you saying "why are u blaming her, You cant make someone leave their wife, You cant break something thats broken." Well, my marriage was not broken, as far as I knew we were celebrating our sons birth and getting ready to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary . Call it blind love, whatever. I call it being a devoted wife.


As far as me blaming her and not blaming him, thats false. Me and my husband have worked out our differences. We are in a good place as people and as parents. I accept his choices and I am comfortable enough with myself to move on. I am so very blessed in many ways. My concern with AK is no longer the fact that she assisted in destroying a family but that she has the audacity to make these selfish comments about love and wanting to be with someone, even after knowing their situation. How is this the same Superwoman that I sang out loud with in my truck? I ask myself sometimes.


If you are reading this Alicia, let me start by saying, you know what you did. You know the role you played and you know how you contributed to the ending of my marriage. You know that I asked you to step back and let me handle my family issues. Issues that you helped to create. Im not saying everything was perfect all the time but no relationship is perfect. We made a vow to God and I believe you should have respected that, as a woman. I know you owe me or my son nothing but I just wish you would've handled things more carefully.


I'm not judging you, I put you and the whole situation in the hands of God, the Higher Power. Just know that as a woman, I expected so much more from you. I never had intentions on reaching out to you this way but after reading your twits tonight, and the constant disregard, you left me no choice. I feel that after 1 and a half years of you hiding this affair and acting like it doesn't exist, that now is the time to confront it, since you talk so openly about it now


This is not a publicity stunt, I don't have a record coming out. I just need to close this chapter in my life and that means confronting our issues. There is a small child involved. His dad loves him to death and he wants to spend more time with him but hes afraid because he knows we don't have a relationship. This is my main concern. My son NEEDS his dad and I NEED to be comfortable with you. For him!


I know many will see my point and many will not be able to look into what's real because they only want to see Alicia Keys the celebrity, not the human. This is not for the "people", this is for you. Like I said I was left no choice but to reach out to you this way. By now, Im sure you want to find a balance in this as well. I read your tweets tonight and I felt they were very insensitive. You have no idea how much pain I was caused because of this affair. Its baffling to me that you don't understand what I might have gone through with this situation. I don't consider myself a victim anymore, Ive learned a lot from this! I just ask you to try and be a bit more realistic and delicate to the situation, at least until my divorce is final.


I felt me attending the party would have been a starting point for us, since you shook my hand after I offered it, but I suppose I was wrong. If its so, that you and my husband are meant to be together, then God bless you both and I hope you never have to deal with what I did. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. If you two being together forever is the case, its more of a reason for us to get along, because I'm not going anywhere. There's a child to be raised.


To answer your tweet, choose smart over spark. Sparks burn everyone, be smart! Its simple actually, just think of the shoe being on the other foot. Stay blessed and lets work this thing out with respect and dignity.

Pray for Others


I see myself and others as spiritually perfect beings.


As I enter into prayer, I release any stress or concern I may have been carrying. I gently let go and relax into a conscious awareness that the Christ presence is active in me and those I love.


A cherished Unity prayer begins: "Child of Light, I bless you! I think of you, I pray for you, not in terms of what I think you need or what I think you should do or be or express. I lift up my thoughts about you. I catch a new vision of you. I see you as a child of light...."


I see myself and others as spiritually perfect beings. Focusing on the highest good, I see us peaceful and abundant. I align my thoughts and feelings with the goodness that is the Christ essence within every person.


"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul."--3 John 1:2
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Some 39 albums from Jamaican and non-Jamaica acts have been submitted for consideration in the Reggae Grammy category. It is from this pool that the final five or six will be chosen.


Among the Grammy winners who have albums up for consideration are Stephen Marley, whose Mind Control, which copped the Reggae Grammy in 2008, is again up for consideration, but this time it is the acoustic version of the album. His brother Julian, who released his Awake album earlier this year, to critical acclaim, is also getting consideration.


Singer Tarrus Riley’s Contagious, Buju Banton’s Rasta Got Soul, Brand New Me from the Cool Ruler, Gregory Isaacs and Queen Ifrica’s Montego Bay have all been submitted to the committee. As expected, Sean Paul’s Imperial Blaze has been submitted and Inner Circle’s State of Da World.


Representing the dancehall are Mavado with Mr Brooks … A Better Tomorrow, Ce’Cile with Waiting and Lady G, with Rated G.
Sizzla’s Ghetto Youthology, I Can Feel Your Pain by Gyptian, Jah Cure’s Universal Cure, Justice by Lutan Fyah and Fantan Mojah’s Stonger also make the list.


Easy All Stars, The Aggrolites, De Apostle, Rebelution and Westbound Train are among the non-Jamaican acts whose album have been submitted.


Other acts whose albums are also under consideration are Terry Ganzie, Terry Linen, Prezident Brown, Mikey Spice, TOK and Glen Washington.


The 52nd Grammy Awards takes place on January 31, 2010 at the Staples Centre in downtown Los Angeles.

Don Corleon and singer Alaine have severed their musical relationship after a four-year partnership.


Not much reason has been given for the split in their relationship, but Alaine told the Star that they relationship ended on good terms.


In the weekend paper Alaine was quoted as saying "First of all I have to big up Don all di way. He is 100 per cent an amazing producer and we've had a lot of success together. We just returned from Japan where we released my second album 'Luv-A-Dub' and it has been doing great, getting serious album sales which is a big feat. It was a very beneficial positive experience, still is, but we're no longer working together."


Alaine denied rumours that she married to Don and refused to comment on anything regarding her personal life.

Now I am a big fan of Usain Bolt. Watching him as he cruised through the finish line thrilled my heart no ends. I was one of the first to cheer when he was bestowed with one of the highest honour from the Prime Minister.


I defended him when some thought he was too young for such a title.
But watching the clip on Entertainment Report last Friday night I had to be rethinking some of my earlier staunch defense. Hearing Usain saying that he is a Gaza fan for life and who don’t like it should jump into the Gully made me wonder about the huge task he has been given to shoulder as an ambassador for the country.


There is nothing wrong with Usain having his preferred choice of artiste or music…but to add fuel to an already volatile situation is just plain wrong.


He should do what he does best, train hard, make us proud, and represent the country to the highest level…stay out of the passa passa.

Two Sundays ago, my attention was drawn to a story carried in the Sunday Herald. The only thing I have to say is that reading it, I just had to ask myself who was worse, the gunman or the people who our tax dollars are paying to serve and protect. At least with the criminals they make no pretence…but when people are are collecting money to protect are doing the opposite…then what do you do?


Check out the following story carried in the Sunday Herald and holla at us.


Imagine stopping at a red light at an intersection, and while you are waiting for the green light, you observe a police car breaking the red light from the opposite direction. Now imagine after the police car breaks the stop light it hits your car, wrecking it.


After some wrangling with the police about the accident it gets worse. A few days later, police officers, including an inspector of police, show up at your premises and proceed to assault you and threaten to kill you on another day. What do you do? Call the police?


To serve, Protect and Reassure is the motto of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, but when you speak with Robert Hill, you can see that he believes that assault, intimidate and murder might be a more suitable motto for some in that uniform.


On July 11, 2009 at roughly 12:15 a.m., Hill, an entertainer, came to a stop at a red light at an intersection on the Spanish Town bypass. While there a police car coming from the opposite direction, ran the red light, and according to police records, to aid in the rescue of a police patrol in a shootout in Central Village.


The police car hit Hill’s car and two other cars. Hill’s car was ‘written off’ and the police officer was sent to the hospital. Hill and other passengers in his vehicle were transported to the Spanish Town police station, to give a statement. Hill said that when he was transported to the Spanish Town police station, he spent about four hours at the station but didn’t give a written statement.


He said he asked why he wasn’t allowed to give a written statement and was told by the investigating officer, Sergeant Gardener, to give it the following day and that he had 24 hours to give it. He also enquired why his car was being examined, as it was only cars that were moving at the time of the accident should be examined. Hill said no reason was given.


The Police Statement


When the Sunday Herald contacted Sergeant Gardener, he said that he examined all the vehicles that were hit by the police car.


“It’s standard procedure,” Gardener said. But when the Sunday Herald spoke with one of the motorists involved in the accident, Morain Burke, and asked him if his car was examined, he said, “My car was not examined. I came into the station and gave my statement and a left.”


Burke also explained that giving his statement didn’t take very long, and he drove his car. He said it was damaged but it could be driven to the station. It seemed that either Burke was mistaken or the sergeant was lying. The Sunday Herald has learnt that only cars that were moving during the time of the accident should be examined. As to why Hill’s car was examined it is unclear.


When Hill returned the next day to give his statement of the accident, an officer told him that they couldn’t take his statement, and he was asked why he didn’t give it on the night of the accident. “They told me that they could not take my statement, (and asked) why I did not give it from the time of the accident. I told them that Sergeant Gardener told me to return to give it,” Hill said.


Hill refused to leave the station until he gave his statement. It was then Hill said, that a police officer dressed in uniform, grabbed him by his collar, and pushed him out of the police station. After some persistence, he eventually gave the statement two days later.


Caught on Camera


According to Hill, if trying to get compensation for the damage to his car wasn’t enough, a cadre of police officers have been trying to kill him.


Hill, who lives in the Corporate Area, was threatened and beaten by a group of police officers from the Half-Way Tree police station, including an inspector of police on July 29. He says that his life was spared when one of his neighbours came out to enquire what was going on and one of the police officers whispered to him, “See you get witness now.”


Hill feared that they would return to kill him, so, acting on the advice from human rights group, Jamaicans for Justice, he installed cameras on his premises and sure enough, they did return on Monday August 14, and they were caught on camera.


A policeman, who was identified as an inspector, and who is stationed at the Half-Way Tree police station, was seen with his pistol drawn and walking through the front grill on a copy of the tape obtained by the Sunday Herald. On the policeman’s arrival, all occupants of the house left the premises. After the house is cleared another police officer is seen holding Hill by his locks and dragging him into his house. Hill is seen resisting and holding on to a grill, while policemen are seen pulling his hands away.


While being dragged into the house, his wife Kumiko, a Japanese national, who was also eight months pregnant, held on to his abdomen. Another police officer grabbed her from behind and carried her outside. At this time Hill is out of the camera frame but a police officer can be seen thrusting downward with his hand while two officers stand by the grill.


The tape shows the police officer dragging Hill closer to the front door where the officer is seen assaulting the unarmed man with a pair of pliers. Hill seems to be in agony, as the policeman continues to pick at his flesh. It was then that Hill’s wife Kumiko ran past the two officers at the door and entered into the room and held on to Hill again. The two officers at the door tried to stop her, but then let her go. The same police officer who was assaulting Hill led him upstairs with Kumiko still holding on to his waist.


It’s not clear why Kumiko was allowed into the house, but according to a statement that she gave about the incident, the police then proceeded to search the bedrooms and bathrooms and one officer she described as “the young policeman” called her an “idiot gal” and threaten to hit her in the face and kill her. Along with the threat, Kumiko said policemen held her husband by his locks while hitting him in the head.


She said while upstairs she received injuries to her left elbow and right arm when a policeman pushed her husband into a dresser. After nearly 10 minutes, the couple return downstairs with the cop still holding on to her husband’s locks. The couple was later taken to the station.


But why did all this happen and why were they carried to the station? Currently Deputy Commissioner of Police Charles Scarlett is carrying out an investigation into the incident. DCP Scarlett didn’t confirm or deny seeing the tape, but told us that he was investigating the complaint and when the investigation was through he would make a report to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.


Cover Up


Superintendent Terrence Bent of the Half-Way Tree police told the Sunday Herald that the reasons for carrying Kumiko and another Japanese girl to the station were to check to see if the two Japanese girls were legitimately in the island, as well as for another reason he wasn’t at liberty to tell the Sunday Herald. But according to a police statement made by Kumiko, the police officers who came to her home were not interested in taking her to the station — her husband seemed to be the primary person.


“The police said that I could stay but I insisted to go with my husband. We were then taken to a police vehicle and told that we would be taken to the police station,” said Kumiko in a police statement.


As for the assault on Hill, Superintendent Bent said he didn’t hear or know of any assault or of any tape of an assault. Hill says the police superintendent is lying, as on one occasion while he was at the Public Defender’s office, Bent called him and said that he saw the tape and was asking him not to give the tape to DCP Scarlett.


Inspector Linton Allen, who was seen on the tape, declined to speak with the Sunday Herald about the matter, as it was under investigation. But he did tell us to ask Hill what he was doing before they carried him into the house. So we did.


Hill said he was at a house in are where he lives trying to get the attention of a cable man when he was accosted by the police and carried into his home. The police officer that held on to him shouted that he had thrown a gun into the yard. He said the cable man and other occupants in the house tried to tell the police man that he didn’t throw a weapon in the yard, but the police officer continued unperturbed.


The Sunday Herald has now learnt that the logbook at the station did not report that Hill was there on August 14, but when speaking with Superintendent Bent, he was asked if Hill was beaten in the station on August 14. He said no, as he was present when he was brought in.


Hill has his own theory as to why the police came to his home on July 29 and August 14. It’s because the police are trying to kill him, in an attempt to cover up what happened in Spanish Town, he said.


“That’s the reason why. I never had no problem with the police… is just (when) the accident happen, me see police a try kill me,” said Hill.

Reggae singer Iley Dread is enjoying success with Are You Sure, one of the singles off his just-released Unleashed album. The song is presently getting a lot of attention in the UK and Canada.


Producer Jeffrey Forrest could not be any happier about the single's success. According to him, he sent out some 'teaser' mp3s to disc jocks and the response was great.


"I kept getting requests from other jocks who heard it and wanted it added to their playlists," he said.


And to think that Forrest never had any intention of releasing the track as a single. It was supposed to be just one of the regular tracks on the album... but the requests that were coming in changed that thought.


Since the single hit the streets, it seems to have gained a new life of its own on the international scene. While it is enjoying some amount of airplay in Jamaica, it is in the States and on the European circuit that it has really taken off the producer stated.


Singer Iley Dread, who is promoting his Unleashed album on the North American circuit, is now making plans to take some time off to shoot a video for the song.


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.


While assisting his family in their restaurant business, The Rainbow Ites, Iley would use his free time to write and produce for young local talent and he sometimes performed at the Ites talent shows.


In 1994 Iley was introduced to Bevin Jackson, the owner of Bulleyes Recording Label. Bevin encouraged him to record his own material and start his own production company. The following year Kings of Kings was born.


Bevin became Ileys' mentor and he produced a number of songs for him, five of which were part of Iley's first album, A Friend For Life. This association was cut short because of the untimely passing of Bevin due to injuries he received in a motor vehicle accident. A Friend For Life was released in 2001 and featured appearances from Glen Washington, Lady Saw, Louie Culture, Luciano, Chrisinti and Norris Man.


Since then, Iley has released Unite The People and now his third solo project to date, Unleash.

Forgive


I draw on God's love within to forgive.


Forgiveness is an act of love. As I forgive, I release negative energy that may manifest as resentment or anger. I open the way for something positive to happen. If I feel wronged or annoyed, I release the impulse to judge. The lines of communication remain open, and understanding flows freely. Relationships with family, friends and colleagues flourish when I act with compassion and easily forgive. I relate to others in harmonious ways.


I exercise the same forgiving attitude toward myself. If I have erred, I learn from it and move on. I draw from the reservoir of God's love within me to give and receive forgiveness.


"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."--Luke 6:37.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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Joy


I am a joyful child of God.


When I look at the sky, the trees, the land or into the eyes of someone I love, I experience the wonder of life. Noticing the simple blessings that surround me here and now, I tap into my inner wellspring of joy.


One joyful thought starts a chain reaction, just as the song of a bird at dawn invites others to join in. I choose to cultivate joy, to count my blessings and to share this feeling with others.


A joyous state of mind opens me to divine ideas and substance. I see new ways to express my potential and new opportunities to experience life as a joyful child of God.


"For you shall go out in joy ... the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song."--Isaiah 55:12.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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The man who attacked a taxi man in Papine this week was caught by the police. TVJ’s video footage showed a rastaman chopping away at a cab driver…but when the police held him he was a ‘bald head’.


The man, who was wearing dreadlocks at the time, had a bald head when he was pick up by the police during an operation in Mud Town, a tough community near Papine. He was identified as Barrington 'Bobby' Aldridge.


The accused man is scheduled to appear before the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to answer to felonious wounding charges, the police said.


The police, following the showing of the attack on television, launched a manhunt for the Rastafarian but when the search ended yesterday a clean-shaven Aldridge was held.


The taxi operator, who was wounded, in the incident was discharged from hospital yesterday.


Police could not say what was the motive for the attack.

Let Go, Let God


I open to Spirit and follow divine guidance.


I have journeyed to a crossroads of opportunity. This is a place for me to pause and reflect upon the road I have been travelling and the choice that lies ahead.


I imagine that I have just walked through the desert and have now reached an oasis with refreshing water, a cool breeze and a hammock tied between two shade-giving trees. I have reached a welcome refuge.


I experience this kind of an oasis as I let go of personal striving--trying to do it all myself--and let God guide me. A sense of calm washes over me as I release my concerns and trust that God will show me the way.


I pause, I listen and I discern the guidance I have been seeking. Following the guidance I receive leads me to my greater good.\


"If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit."--Galatians 5:25.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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Can you believe my surprise when I came across a flyer advertising a show dubbed Gully Gaza Fans Unity Party which will be held at the Building on Tuesday, September 29. They even have a dress code where Gully wear black and Gaza wear white.


If this is a dance truly meant to unite the bickering factors, then all I have to say is more power to them. It spells no sense that two talented individuals spend the most of their time inciting their fans to be choosing sides.


Literate people are not meant to be behaving this way.


It would be good if Vybz Kartel and Mavado go the extra mile and turn up at this dance which is scheduled to be held at The Building (formerly the Asylum Nightclub) and shake hands, signifying an end of the war.


There is enough conflict going on in the country without the entity that’s supposed to provide some relief being a contributing factor in itself.


For whatever reasons this dance has materialized I hope it will prove to be the catalyst for the beginning of a positive vibes between the two.

Stephen Fray who attempted to hi-jack the Can Jet plane in Montego Bay has been found guilty on eight of 10 charges.


The 23-year-old Montego Bay resident who is on trial for his role in the hostage drama on a Canjet Flight at the Sangester International Airport earlier this year was convicted Thursday.


The verdict was handed down in the Western Regional Gun Court in Montego Bay on Thursday afternoon.


In court on Thursday the judge made her deliberation, then ordered a social enquiry which is to be handed in on October 8 when Fray's case will be decided.


Fray's lawyers George Thomas told RJR News about the charges and noted that they ranged from assault to illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.


It was on the night of April 19 that Fray eluded security personnel at the Sangster International Airport and boarded a Canjet flight destined for Canada via Cuba.


He held passengers and crew hostage for eight hours before being disarmed by a crew member and was nabbed by a special security team that had surrounded the aircraft.


The incident drew international attention with media personnel arriving in droves the following morning.

Buju Banton is not the only artiste coming under fire from the gay rights groups. Elephant man who had a show in Germany two days ago was forced to abort that performance as the gay rights group applied some pressure forcing the show to be cancelled. It’s left to be seen whether his shows for France will go through.

Free


I am free to choose my path in life.


When facing an unexpected challenge, it's easy to feel like a victim of circumstance--as though I am moving from the driver's seat of my life to the passenger's seat. Instead, I make a conscious choice to get back behind the wheel. I assert my own power in a positive, spiritually centered way.


Through prayer and meditation, I regain control of my life. My emotional strength is renewed, and I feel confident again. I release old habits or relationships that have encumbered me in the past.
The Spirit of God fills my mind, body and soul with the courage I need to move forward. My mind is crystal clear, and I am free to make healthy choices.


"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."--2 Corinthians 3:17
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New York, New York , September 21, 2009 — As the stage is set for Irish and Chin's "Reeewind," the streets are buzzing with talk of the original "Rub-a-dub" themed event.


Reeewind, which will be headlined by former rivals turned friends, the Fyah Man Capleton and Beenie Man, will be held Saturday, October 3 at Amazura in Queens, New York. And lately there has been a perpetual argument brewing of which of these former rivals, Beenie Man or Capleton, will perform better. The last time the two met in "Reeewind's" very same venue, the event erupted into a friendly lyrical showdown.


This time around, rather than relying on their entire catalogue of hits, the deejays will only have the option of using cultural lyrics. Additionally, only "Rub-a-dub" riddims will be played. Never-the-less, both artists are destined to shine.


Beenie Man has been deejaying on sound systems since he has 10 years old and has performed on some of the industry's best "Rub-a-dub" sounds. Although this "King of the Dancehall" has a limited catalog of cultural songs, he is over the top with freestyle lyrics. Truly a favorite among all generations, Beenie Man can chat over any riddim flawlessly.


Capleton is a legend whose strength lies in his huge catalogue of cultural songs. Handpicked for this event because of this accolade, Capleton is a heavy hitter. Spending some of his early career on the African Star sound system, the Fyah Man has a knack and feel for this style event. With a huge fan base and craft of riding riddims in tow, Capleton will be a force to reckoned with.


Although this event has not been billed, nor promoted as a competition, enthusiasts are waiting to see which of the two deejays will better handle the one-and-only King Stur Gav. According to fans, "Reeewind" is one of the most highly anticipated Dancehall events to hit New York in years. Not only are fans raving about Beenie Man and Capleton's involvement, they are also in a frenzy over the rest of the billing including U-Roy, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin, General Trees, Luciano and Mighty Crown. The official countdown to "Reeewind" is underway.

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


The deal with Irish and Chin — known for their expert management of sound system ‘Far East Rulers’ Mighty Crown — was signed two weeks ago,They confirmed.


Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne disclosed that his entity has been in discussions with Etana for sometime now, and says he is eagerly anticipating working with this act.


Chin, who is especially strong in the European and Japanese markets, says his plan is to position this conscious artiste in Europe Africa and North America. He states that he is “impressed with her talent and her dedication to her craft.”


Etana, who had previously been signed to the Sharon Burke-led Solid Agency, had indicated earlier this year that she intended to modify her management structure. It was reported that Solid Agency’s role had been diminished as they had moved from managing her career, to doing only the bookings.


Now, the bookings are being handled exclusively by Headline Entertainment.


Etana, who emerged on the scene in an impressive way two years ago, has scored with hits such as Wrong Address and Roots. Her debut album The Strong One received many accolades and earned her Album of the Year last year.

Why LA Lewis won’t behave himself. Boy we are tired of reading about his escapades, for a self-proclaimed DJ who don’t have two songs that can readily come to mind…he is really all over the place.


The last feud we read about was between him and a girl name Lady Marsha…she claimed she gave him money to buy a car for her and he bought the car…only in his name. When she took him to court he claimed he had a relationship with her and she is only being spiteful.


The other day Richie Stephens hired him to hand out flyers for his Take Me Away show and LA put down one piece of emailing out press releases (well we are being generous and we say that) because the poorly written thing had Richie disassociating himself from it!


Now the latest with this so called artiste in the Star is that he took a tattoo artist to court claiming the man took his chain and cell phone.


I had to laugh at how it turned out…check out a piece of the report…


The complainant, however, had a very different story. He told the court Lewis brought a fat woman to his tattoo parlour and asked that he give her a tattoo. He said: "Her belly kinda have some marks, so him seh mi mus put di tattoo ova dem. An she fat, so mi tell him it would a cost bout $12,000. "


He said Lewis agreed and stayed with the woman while most of the tattoo was being done. He said he left and said he would return. The complainant said Lewis did not return and since that day he has been trying to get his money. He said he was subsequently paid only $5,000.


He said Lewis had been giving him the runaround, so on the day in question, he saw him and took away his phone. He said he told Lewis when he paid him, the phone would be returned. About the chain, he said: "Him have on a costume jewellery, wid some fake diamond, a ting wha look like chandelier. Mi see when it pop offa an im pick it up offa di ground."


RM Pusey demanded that Lewis tell the court and the accused when he would be paid. To that he simply said, "I couldn't tell you exactly when, Your Honour."


The RM then told him to bring $5,000 when he returns to court on Friday. Lewis then asked, "So what about the chain, Your Honour?" To this she answered, "I don't know about any chain."


We rest our case!

Olympic and World 400-meter hurdles champion, Melaine Walker, has received high praise for her performance in sports and contribution to community development from Chairman of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Mr. David Mais.


"We would like to say that Melaine Walker is truly an outstanding track and field star," Mr.Mais said at a press conference held yesterday (Sept. 22) in the VIP lounge of the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, to welcome home the athlete.


Mr. Mais noted Melaine's contribution to the Maxfield Avenue community where she grew up, and her ability "to make things happen" in the area.


"Not only have you changed your community, you have helped changed Jamaica, because of the warmth and the love that the people of this country have shown in welcoming you and recognizing your hard work and accomplishments. Truly, you are an outstanding representative of Jamaica," he said.


Advisor to the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Ali McNab, in his brief remarks, praised the performances of Melaine and the other athletes. He said that they displayed "good work ethics, discipline and stick-to-it-tiveness" during the Berlin World Championships.


"Keep up the good work. Continue to work hard. Continue to understand that you are our role models for the rest of Jamaica," he urged the athletes.


Mr. McNab said that the SDF, the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) and the Ministry were committed to the development of the athletes. He mentioned the upcoming homecoming celebrations from October 2 to October 4, which is being planned by the government to show appreciation to the athletes.


Melaine Walker, who arrived with her manager, Juliet Campbell, expressed gratitude for the support shown by her relatives and all Jamaica during the World Championships. "I couldn't have done it without any of you guys," she said.


Melaine was met at the airport by her parents Japheth Walker and Jennifer Wilson, sister and brothers, and a team of officials, including representatives from the Sports Ministry, the JAAA, the SDF and the MVP (Maximizing,Velocity and Power) Track Club, where she trains.

Hope


The light and love of God within me shine brightly.
A dark cloud in the sky can seem ominous, but no cloud can stop the sun from shining. Above the clouds, the sun shines as brightly as ever.


Regardless of any shadow clouding my day, the love of God within is ever present, always shining, blessing me with guidance, inspiration and hope.


At any time, I may reconnect with the infinite love of God within. I center myself in meditation and prayer, and the light of wisdom and understanding grows. Nothing in the outer world is beyond the power of God's love to transform.


"Your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope. –Job 11:17-18.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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The Bank of Jamaica says it will be issuing a high security $5,000 banknote on Thursday (September 24).


The note will be legal tender for all monetary transactions, and will complement the existing family of banknotes; namely $50, $100, $500 and $1,000.


The portrait of the late former Prime Minster of Jamaica, the Rt. Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer, appears on the front of the note. The reverse features blossoms of the Frangipani and an aerial view of Highway 2000.


In addition to the standard security features on the existing banknotes – magnetic thread and ink, iridescence, florescence and watermark- this high value banknote will have a special security feature known as OptiksT. This is a wide security thread which features the Jamaica coat of arms. When held up to the light, the complete thread with “BOJ $5000″ will become visible.


The many features of the note are detailed in posters which will be displayed in prominent public places. The new note is dated January 15, 2009 and bears the signature of the Governor of the Bank, Derick Latibeaudiere.


The note will be available at the Bank of Jamaica and at all commercial banks as of next Thursday.

Labertha Palmer (born March 1909) passed peacefully at the Beth Abraham’s Home Care Center, Bronx, on September 20, 2009, leaving two daughters, Daphne and Iris, and a son, Professor the Hon. Rex Nettleford, a roving ambassador for his native Jamaica and Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of West Indies, along with several grand and great grandchildren, resident in Jamaica, the United States and the United
Kingdom.


A Thanksgiving/Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, September 26th, 5pm, at the Wake Eden Community Baptist Church,2074 Strang Ave., Bronx, New York 10466 (at Murdock Ave), with Rev. Dr. Samuel G. Simpson as the officiating Pastor.


In lieu of flowers a contribution to the UWI American Foundation Scholarship Fund, in Ms. Palmer’s name, will be accepted.

Bwoy mi haffi share something wid unno, fi tell di truth unno really have some bright and ups woman out deh fi real you know.


Yeah, unno done know sey mi nuh ramp fi put fi mi business out deh already. Cause if mi can chat up mi friend dem own, unno done sey mi nuh tink nuttin fi talk fi mi own.


Well mi still kinda pissed off over dis argument whey mi have wid one girl whey call mi man phone di odda night.


Mi inna di bathroom and hear mi man phone a vibrate nuh hell di odda mawning…and between mi and unno anytime fi him phone deh pon vibrate mi get suspicious…cause a ting did guh dung one time…but dat’s anodda story.


When me look pan the phone mi si one familiar number and ask di gal if she back pon di list again why she a call up mi man phone fah…but mi shock fi find out sey a nuh did one mi did tink sey a one new one from Atlanta…mi nah call har name, she know herself.


Unno done know sey mi no care so mi tell har fi go find a man of har own and lef out fi mi. Yuh know sey she tell me plain sey she not leaving him and all bright enough fi a ask if mi tie him! All a ask a whey mi have suh…fi real, mi pop off a big laugh cause if mi have to go to those lengths then might as well di man gwaan…and mi not even know if dem tings deh work anyway.


Di girl cool as yuh please tell mi it nuh meck nuh sense mi frustrate myself, mi fi just gwaan cook callaloo and green banana gi di man meck she f—k it back outa him.


Well a dey suh mi get bringle and give har a piece a mi mind. Mi tell har sey mi man hardlef mi side and him gi mi round di clock attention and in fact di ongle time him nuh deh sida mi a when wi have one argument and even if him gi har a likkle pitty sort off, she mustn’t get carried away wid it.


In fact mi tell har she nuh inna mi league, suh she must go get a good education and mind di pickney whey she a beg help fah.


Mi nuh haffi tell yuh sey she blow up inna mi ears, but hear wha, she lucky, she caan come inna fi mi league.


Fi real dough, a whey unno duh wid gal whey bright suh?

Faith


My faith is strong. I am confident.


If I find myself in a challenging circumstance, I remember to check my perception of the situation. My faith does not lie in the trouble that surrounds me; my faith lies in God. During a dry season, a tree's roots grow deeper to reach water. Likewise, in times of seeming difficulty, my faith grows deeper as I seek connection with God.


I foster faith by focusing my thoughts on God's powerful protection and limitless love. I feel divine love within and all about me. I see any difficult situation through new eyes, and my anxiety disappears. I move through the challenge with grace and ease.


My faith in God is strong, because I know that I am always enfolded in God's peaceful, loving presence.


"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."--2 Timothy 4:7.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.Search past Daily Word messages by date, topic or keyword. Visit the archive.


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A Shift

God guides me through seasons of change in my life.
As autumn begins and temperatures cool, the most noticeable change is a colorful display of leaves. But there is also a shift within me--a sense of fresh energy and excitement.


Visible changes remind me that all is evolving. Seeing God's transformational handiwork in nature triggers in me a deepening awareness of my potential for positive change. I find opportunities to grow closer to God and deeper in spiritual understanding.


Whether the changes I face are minor or monumental, I have the spiritual tools I need to meet them with confidence and faith. With trust in God, I am guided through the changes life brings.


"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'"--Psalm 31:14
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News spread like wildfire Monday evening that the residence of embattled Alliance selector, Foota Hype, had been burnt to the ground, However, it all proved to be nothing more than an unfounded rumour.


All evening into late last night, the selector was kept busy on his phone reassuring concerned family members, friends and fans that "everyting criss".


"Dem shoot up him mother house and now dem start rumour say the youth house burn dung. A pure eediat ting a gwaan," an insider told Yardflex.


"I don't really want to say anything except that is just rumours ... the house is fine," Foota Hype is quoted as saying.


Foota Hype is embroiled in a battle of sorts with deejay Mavado and the two have been publicly airing their grievances. They both hail from the Cassava Piece community known as 'the Gullyside'.


Following the shooting up of Foota Hype's mother's house two weeks ago, the Range Rover belonging to Mavado was reportedly shot up while parked at his upscale Armour Heights residence in upper St Andrew.


In a television interview on the weekend, Foota Hype, who has declared his innocence in that issue, described the alleged shooting up of the vehicle as mysterious.


The selector, however, was subsequently taken into custody on another matter relating to the alleged beating up of a resident from Cassava Piece and charged with assault. After spending a few days behind bars, he was released and appeared in court on Friday for a hearing into the matter.


Foota Hype's bail was extended.

Kingston, Montego Bay and New York are the cities chosen to be part of the celebrations for Gully God Mavado’s birthday. The festivities kick off in Miami at the swanky Opium, Hard Rock Cafe on Sunday October 25th.


With Mavado's international crossover appeal continuing to rise, its fitting that HOT97's Jabba and 99 Jamz' superstar DJ Khaled will be
the hosts of this event that promises a "gullyfull" of surprises as
Mavado and friends celebrate in style.


Stellar sound systems such as Innocent, Black Chiney, Massive B,
1-800-Bungie, Bashment Kid and more have all been confirmed for
October 25th inside Opium, Hard Rock Cafe.


Mavado is currently putting together his third album, due for release early next year, as well as continuing to collaborate with the world's hottest names in music. Having just voiced with Alicia Keys,
Mavado has also just finished recording on a collaboration with new sensation Drake that is sure to set the game on fire when it drops.

Hard-hitting deejay Bounty Killer shows his softer, steamier side on a remix of the single, Love this Lifetime, recorded by songstress Sheba Sahlemariam


The Alliance CEO and Sheba, the cousin of Emperor Haile Selassie, have made what is considered a perfect link. Sheba did the song late this year and could not see a more perfect fit to remix this single than the Ground God himself. This project, once again underlines his versatility.


Bounty’s inclusion on the single has brought renewed excitement to the project, with Sheba now in Jamaica to shoot the video for the single.


“Jay Will is director of the Love this Life,” said Sheba.“I know he is going to make a big statement with this video as he has done with so many before. We are hoping it is going to revolutionize how videos are done and with the incorporation of Mr. Price we are looking forward to the end product.”


The video was completed over the weekend and will be ready to air in the coming weeks.

It's official. With almost a quarter-million records already sold outside of the United States, Sean Paul's fourth studio album, Imperial Blaze, is the dancehall superstar's biggest international debut to date.


Imperial Blaze has so far found it's way in 236,000 CD players, with record breaking sales in the reggae-dancehall hungry country of Japan, being RIAA certified gold in France, and top ten releases in Switzerland, Canada, and even as far as the United Arab Emirates.


Sean Paul expressed delight regarding the progress of the album on the international stage. "It's a good feeling and I'm happy - very happy that people like the music, and that they've been going out and getting the album," he said.


The Grammy-winning, platinum selling superstar has been on the road promoting his first album in four years. The work has been paying off, as Imperial Blaze has been setting charts on fire since its August release, and he's particularly proud of the success of the album in Japan.


"Number 1 in Japan is a big achievement for me. I'm especially proud of that, because outside of Jamaica, Japanese people are really the biggest consumers of dancehall music," he said.


Imperial Blaze is also leaving a fiery path on European charts and turning up the heat on radio stations and in clubs. Apart from being certified gold in France Imperial Blaze debuted at #8 in that country, #7 in the United Arab Emirates, #5 in Canada, #4 in Switzerland, #15 in Belgium, #17 in Austria, and #17 in Germany.


It was also the first ever Jamaican album to debut atop the Billboard Rap Charts. The wholly Jamaican produced project debuted atop the Billboard Reggae Charts, #3 on the Hip Hop/R&B Album charts, #12 on the Billboard 200, #9 on the Digital Albums, and #20 on the European Albums chart.


Sean Paul will be touring the world to support the album with his next stop being in Nigeria next week.

Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the operators of the Sandals and Beaches hotels, is looking to enter the corporate hotel sector arena in Kingston, which is dominated by the likes of the Jamaica Pegasus, the Kingston Hilton and the Hendrickson-run Courtleigh Hotel. The hotel will be called Sandals City and will be located on Kingston’s Oxford Road. It will mark a departure from SRI’s very successful all-inclusive concept.


Speaking with Caribbean Business Report from Kingston, SRI chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart said: “We plan to build our own Sandals City hotel on Oxford Road, Kingston. The plans are in the works right now. It will be a corporate hotel with conference and banqueting rooms and a host of other facilities like spas, racquetball courts, tennis courts, gymnasium, you name it.


“I recently had a tour of the newly-opened Spanish Court Hotel and I was most impressed. Christopher Issa has done a marvellous job with it. He has defied the odds because it is a small lot yet he has managed to offer comprehensive facilities. It has the most beautiful pool. Christopher Issa has joined the Hendricksons as a leading corporate hotelier and I hope there is room for us as well.”


Sandals City will be placed where Mas Camp is currently located on Oxford Road. Stewart is of the view that this is a prime location and that the hotel will do well. The Sandals strategy may well be to take advantage of the fact that relative to the rest of the Caribbean, real estate prices are lower in Jamaica. According to the head of Coldwell Banker Jamaica, Andrew Issa, “You get a larger home and a larger lot than you would get in another island for one-fifth of the price.”


Therefore, it makes sense to purchase land now and then look to develop it once this economic and financial depression passes.


The current global crisis has not prevented Sandals from expanding and refining its product. Over the last two years it has developed the Mediterranean Village, a-188-family suites expansion at its Sandals Antigua hotel, and added the Italian Village to Beaches Turks & Caicos with an additional 180 suites with accompanying top class services. Only last month it acquired the Four Seasons in Great Exuma, the Bahamas, which it will now be called Sandals Emerald Bay.

Attorney Antoinette Haughton-Cardenas has been struck off the roll of attorneys for misappropriating funds from one of her clients.


The Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council of Jamaica handed down its ruling last Thursday, following a hearing before a panel of three attorneys two Saturdays ago.


Colleagues of the one-time politician and former radio talk show host reportedly became suspicious after one of her clients complained that she had swindled him out of $2.3 million she had collected on his behalf from a real estate transaction.


The disbarred attorney was represented by Terrence Ballentine.
A legal source indicated that several other complaints against Haughton-Cardenas were before the disciplinary committee.


She is also facing fraud charges in the Corporate Area and St Thomas Resident Magistrate’s Courts.

Two Saturdays ago Mavado vented Onstage…and said a whole lot of things including the fact that he lent Foota Hype his car and a lot of other things. He even said at time he had helped out Foota Hype’s mother.


Well last Saturday Foota Hype got his moment in the spotlight to vent too and it was a whole different ball game.


Foota said he was the one who “buss” Mavado. He took his music to disc jocks, he was the one who introduced him to top producers and the first big interview he did, he was the one who hooked him up.


He said he didn’t have anything against Mavado and that the man who is referred to as the Gully God had changed.


He said all he asked is that Mavado leave he and his family alone.


Now listening to him it made us realize one thing…they both said said they don’t hate each other…so why is that the two can’t get along?


Oh well, we just have to wonder what the both of them are not saying.

Guidance


Divine guidance moves me to new heights of wisdom and success.


When I seek direction for right thinking or right action, I rely on Spirit to show me the way. In prayer, I affirm guidance. I prepare to receive it by gently sweeping away any fear or doubt. I then imagine light streaming into my mind, illuminating my thoughts, sparking ideas and inspiring me to action.


My guidance comes in various ways: an understanding nudge, an inspired idea, a surprise encounter or a powerful inner knowing. Along with the awareness of what to do comes the ability to do it. I take each step with confidence, knowing divine guidance leads me to new heights of wisdom and success.


"O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me."--Psalm 43:3
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In Touch


I am in touch with all of God's blessings.


Today I vow to stay in touch with God and all of God's blessings in my life. I am in touch with family, and I thank God for the valuable contribution each member makes to the whole family.


I am in touch with friends. I bless each of my friends daily and provide companionship, love and prayers for them. I am in touch with the needs of others. I give of myself with my time, energy or resources to aid and support those who need a helping hand.
I am in touch with beauty. I gaze with admiration at a sunrise, count the stars in the sky and give thanks for God's ever-present grandeur. I am in touch with God and all of God's blessings.


"May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you."--1 Thessalonians 3:12.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.


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Vybz Kartel is officially the Favourite Dancehall Artiste among 15 to 24 year-olds in a study led by Dr Donna Hope Marquis, lecturer in Reggae Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI). They also named him the Most Popular Dancehall Artiste Now.


The findings are part of research, funded by the Office of the Principal, through the Special Initiatives Research Fund, on violence and dancehall culture. It was conducted between June and August this year among 300 persons in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and Clarendon.


Kartel was ahead of Mavado in both categories, the 'Gaza' scoring 35.2 per cent to the 'Gully's' 25.8 per cent in response to the question "who is your favourite dancehall artiste?". Kartel's percentage soared to 47.4 per cent in response to the question "who do you think is the most popular dancehall artiste now?", with Mavado's ratings also jumping to 34.4 per cent.


Not surprised


Beenie Man was third in both categories, scoring 23.7 per cent for Favourite Dancehall Artiste, with Bounty Killer and Aidonia tying at 2.1 per cent and Busy Signal scoring 1.7 per cent in that category. Shaggy and Assassin got 1.3 per cent each and Elephant Man scored 0.8 per cent, with Lady Saw, Sanchez, Laden, Queen Ifrica, D'Angel, Javinci, Sizzla, RDX, Black Ryno, Serani, Wayne Marshall and Munga Honourable getting less than half a per cent each in that category.


The 'King of the Dancehall' got 14.2 per cent for his third place in 'Most Popular Dancehall Artiste Now', Busy Signal receiving 1.2 per cent and Bounty Killer 0.8 per cent. Lady Saw, Ninja Man, Javinci, Aidonia and Sizzla scored less than 0.5 per cent each.


The rankings go for both genders, as Hope Marquis told THE STAR, it worked out that about half the persons in the study were male and half female. In addition, the findings apply across various class and educational categories.


Hope Marquis is not surprised about the results, pointing out that she teaches at the UWI and when students' phones ring in class, Kartel is the ringtone of choice. "They like the rebelliousness, the 'carelessness' that comes with Kartel," she said. "They like the idea of rebelling against what is right to their parents. Because they are young and rebellious, they like Kartel."


This popularity translates to earning potential, Hope Marquis said, as this age group has the money to spend. It may come from their earnings, notably for the older ones, or from their family support system.


Outpacing Mavado


Kartel gains 12.2 per cent in the Most Popular Artiste category over his Favourite Dancehall Artiste ranking, outpacing Mavado who has a 8.6 per cent increase. Hope Marquis says "even if some people like Mavado, they still think Kartel is more popular".


"I think the age range has a lot to do with the fact that the top three are so consistent," she told THE STAR. And she says "I know Mavado is more popular among older people. He sings songs that have more depth," she said, commenting on his tone of delivery, while Kartel has a more staccato style.


Still, in her analysis, referring to previous dancehall rivalries , Hope Marquis points out that in both the cases of Ninja Man and Shabba Ranks, as well as Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, "when we examine the dominant dancehall duo in each era, we see that while the most combative artiste gained local respect and immense street credibility, it was his arch-rival who gained immense international attention and the attendant Grammy award(s) - Shabba Ranks in 1992 (As Raw as Ever) and 1993 (X-tra Naked) and Beenie Man in 2001 (Art and Life). The stage is already set to repeat this phenomenon with the Vybz Kartel and Mavado, as Mavado continues to develop and expand his international contacts and collaborations with renowned international artistes".


The overall report on the study is being prepared.

Divine Love


I do all that I do in love.


Any activity or task can be sacred. Rather than acting absentmindedly, I stay present to the task at hand, and I do it with love.


Whether I'm completing a routine chore or spending time with someone dear, I infuse my words and actions with love. Routine activities are thereby transformed into sacred and meaningful expressions of God.


I focus my attention on one activity at a time, letting God's love move through me as I complete the task. I am thoughtful, centered and at peace.


I approach all activities today from a place of love, feeling and expressing the peace of God.


"He said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you.'"--Mark 4:24.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.


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Sep 20, 2009 -Kingston, Jamaica: Usain Bolt and his management team have announced that they will host a two day series of activities ending with a one-of-a-kind SuperParty, December 4-5, 2009.


“We want to achieve several objectives”, outlined Norman Peart, Usain’s Manager. “Of course we want to celebrate Usain’s phenomenal 2009 achievements with his friends, family and fans, and we felt that nothing would better represent Usain but a party where he could mingle and have fun with everyone. However our aim in producing this SuperParty goes beyond celebrating Bolts accomplishments, as we now move to a phase where the world sees Usain St Leo Bolt, passionately and responsibly inviting people to visit, party and do business with Jamaica”


The series of events will include a celebrity sports clinic, a celebrity media reception, a visit to Sherwood Content by Usain and his specially invited guests, and will end with a SuperParty that will feature live local and international entertainers, along with guest disc jockeys. The party will host international celebrity athletes who have become friends of Usain, and who he will personally invite, along with his Jamaican team members and other Jamaican athletes, to come celebrate with him.


While the party will be the climax to the event series, Usain is also very excited about the sports clinic that is planned as a part of the activities. “ I have been lucky to be given the chance to meet so many wonderful and talented athletes from all around the world, and I believe that if I can create the opportunity for youngsters to meet , interact and work with top class professional athletes, it will be one of my greatest achievements. I want to invite some of these professionals who I have met, to come to enjoy the weekend with me, and also to spend time with some youngsters, and share their knowledge and experience with them”.


The party will not be just a celebration, but will also be a way to raise funds for charity and community activities. One major activity will be focused in Usain’s hometown. “Currently the medical centre in Sherwood is built on leased land”, Mr. Peart advised, “and there is the possibility that they may be forced to move as the land may go for sale. We want raise funds that can go towards helping with the purchase of the land, so that the centre can have a permanent home, and also be refurbished. Depending on how much we are able to raise we will also funnel funds through the United Way to other worthy charities”.


Turnkey Productions has been appointed by the Usain Bolt management team to produce, manage and market the event. My team which is made up of several top class professionals will be putting the full force of our production and marketing expertise behind the event. We are thrilled to be working with Usain and just like him everything is going to be the best”, expressed Walter Elmore, head of the production company. While details of the entertainers are still to be finalized, Elmore did stress that these will be chosen from the top local and international artistes. “Usain himself will be inviting the celebrities who he would like to attend and believe me the list is exciting” he hinted.


The 9.58 SuperParty will take place on December 5, 2009 at Richmond Estate in St Ann. This venue will provide a beautiful and spacious setting and will be able to offer more than adequate and secure parking. It will also be in close proximity to many hotel rooms which is important as the event is expected to attract many overseas patrons. It’s definitely going to be an event to remember and all are invited to come out and enjoy it while supporting some very worthy causes.

According to a report in the Star singer Tami Chynn and dancehall artiste Wayne Marshall will be tying the knot this weekend.


Not much details have been revealed concerning the actual wedding ceremony as the selected few persons who have been told about it have been sworn to keeping information under wraps.


Various efforts by the paper to reach them yield little or no information as Chynn's mobile phones several times but they went unanswered. When asked about the marriage on Monday, Marshall did not deny it, he only laughed and said to call him the following day as he was unable to speak at the time. When he was called yesterday, he said the timing was still bad.


Calls were even made to Chynn's mother, Christine Chin, who did not say much either. "Whatever is happening in Tami's life has to come through Tami, it can't come through me," she said.


A secret.


Sharon Burke, Marshall's manager and Chynn's booking agent, was also unwilling to disclose any information about the wedding, as she made a promise to the couple to keep it a secret. .


When asked about rumours that they were planning to get married this year, Chynn had said no. She however, said that Marshall was someone she would absolutely consider tying the knot with.


Wayne Marshall is known for hits such as I Forgot Them, Marshall In Town and Me By Myself. More recently, he released the video for Good Love, in which Chynn played the role of his companion.

Mark Shields the former Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark has officially completed his tour of duty with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).


Mr. Shields' ended ties with the Force two weeks ago when his short term contract expired.


It is not yet known whether the high profile former Scotland Yard officer will remain in Jamaica or return to Britain.


Mr. Shields' four year contract with the JCF expired on March 31, 2009 and he was later retained on two short term contracts of three months each to pursue cold cases.


He supervised several protracted investigations, including the enquiry into the disappearance of Kemar Walters and Oliver Duncan from a plaza on Washington Boulevard.


Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin who defended the decision to offer Mr. Shields' the contracts said it was done in the interest of continuity and to ensure that complex cases are satisfactorily completed.


The duties which were carried out by Mr. Shields now fall under the responsibility of Acting Deputy Commissioner Owen Ellington.

Kingston, Jamaica , September 16, 2009 —Seeing is believing and for first timers it was nothing short of a royal reggae dancehall experience at the Yokohama Reggae SAI music festival in early September to celebrate Mighty Crown's anniversary in the business and the landmark 15th anniversary of the event.


Over 40,000 Japanese fans descended upon the stadium where they were thrilled by a performance by Dancehall legend Barrington Levy. A sea of fans embraced Barrington Levy, as he delivered an impressive set consisting of hits including Here I Come, Murderer, Unda Mi Sensi and Too Experienced. Levy went on to rip Living Dangerously by flawlessly performing Bounty's part. And of course, the crowd went crazy each time Levy dropped his signature scat “didleydidleyooooh”. For Levy, this was an exciting return to Japan after being away for more than 20 years.


Special guest, Half Pint, whose name was kept a secret until the event, gave a wicked performance. Level the Vibes, Crazy, Mr. Landlord, Win Some and the mega hit Greetings, kept the stadium rocking from start to finish.


Mighty Crown, ‘The Far East Rulers’ have elevated Dancehall music and culture in Japan to unprecedented heights, as evidenced by the popularity of Yokohama Reggae SAI festival. The event reached an all-time high when founding Mighty Crown members Master Simon and Sami T took over the stage with a live and direct, 8-round sound clash.


With their claim to fame as a worldwide clashing sound system, no stone was left unturned. The brothers battled, introducing a new theme in each round. They even unleashed video dubs in one round. While Sami played a video dub of Beenie Man that dissed Simon, it was a TOK dub that Simon entrusted to fire back at Sami. The response was great!


Japanese artists Pushim, Ryo the Skywalker and Fire Ball also gave great performances which were well received. Fire Ball surprised the crowd with an end-of-show, special guest Daville. The Jamaican Reggae singer enticed the audience with three of his songs.


“This was another great year of Yokohama Reggae SAI,” said Masta Simon, co-founding member of Mighty Crown. "Each year, the event increases in popularity....drawing more and more fans to experience an international Reggae Dancehall experience. “The awareness of the event is also soaring in Jamaica," added Mighty Crown's manager Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin.


The 15th Yokahama Reggae SAI, Japan's largest Reggae music concert, went out in style with a spectacular fireworks display.

Hype selector Foota Hype, who spent almost one week behind bars at the Constant Spring lock-up in Kingston has been out on bail since Monday.


“Maaaaad, me deh a road again!!! Maaaadd,” is how Foota describes his release in a message on his myspace page.


The selector is to answer to assault charges in court on Friday, resulting from an incident in the Cassava Piece community, from which both Foota and the reputed Gully God Mavado hail. Both Foota Hype and Mavado, who were once friends have been at odds for sometime now, and supporters of both have joined in the fight.


It is alleged that Foota Hype, assaulted a resident of Cassava Piece, the community popularly referred to as the "Gullyside".


The incident was reported to the Constant Spring police, who subsequently picked up the selector and arrested and charged him for assault.


Interestingly, however, Foota Hype’s mother’s house in Cassava Piece was allegedly shot up the week before the incident, but so far no one has been arrested and charged.


Foota, since his release, has been keeping under the radar, perhaps for his own safety.

Gifts


I am richly blessed with the gifts of Spirit.


Looking beyond the temporary satisfaction of material gifts, I recognize that the greatest gifts in life are not diamonds or gold, but pearls of wisdom, strength of Spirit and divine love. I open myself to a greater awareness of these true riches.


In the flow of God's limitless supply, I gratefully receive and share these blessings with others. As I do, they multiply and return to me. I am joy-filled in living a God-centered life and sharing spiritual gifts.


I rejoice as I experience God's love, grow in divine wisdom and express my inner strength. I am richly blessed by the gifts that matter most.


"Now there are varieties of gifts ... but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone."--1 Corinthians 12:4, 6
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World sprint record holder, Usain Bolt, will be inducted into the Society of the Order of Jamaica (OJ).


This was announced by Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, during Parliament's sitting yesterday (September 15).


"When so conferred he will, at 23 years, be the youngest ever recipient of the Order of Jamaica and will be referred to as the Honourable Usain Bolt. Cabinet yesterday approved the appointment of Mr. Bolt as Ambassador-at-Large and he will be afforded full diplomatic status," explained Mr. Golding.


The Prime Minister also said that government will rename Highway 2000 the Usain Bolt Highway, in honour of "this extraordinary, gifted son of Jamaica."


Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, said she supported the decision by the government for the World Champion to be granted full diplomatic status, as he is an inspiration to the children of the world.


The Prime Minister said the government is determined to build up the achievements of the athletes by using a strategy designed around two critical objectives. "We will provide the infrastructural and institutional support to enhance the performance of our athletes, that will enable many more Jamaicans to become world class athletes and to fully exploit the multi-faceted benefits that can be derived from our recognized status as a country of athletic prowess," he said.


Mr. Golding pointed out that the Ministries of Youth, Sports and Culture; Industry, Investment and Commerce and Tourism as well as their related agencies are collaborating in the development of the strategy. He said more details will be provided in due course.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, has described Olympic and world sprint record holder, Usain Bolt, as a national inspiration, who has transformed athletics.


"Usain you confound us, but we love it because you give us hope; you are a national inspiration (and a) patriotic Jamaican. You have transformed track and field; you have transformed athletics, and what really makes it great is that Usain is Jamaican born, Jamaican raised, Jamaican trained - he is a home boy," Miss Grange said, during a press conference, held at the Terra Nova All-Suites Hotel in Kingston, on September 14, as part of Usain Bolt's scheduled activities on his arrival in the island.


The Minister noted further that Usain exemplifies hard work and the best of Jamaican talent, adding that the nation "celebrates the return of the most successful athlete we have produced and the greatest the world has ever seen. Usain, we are very proud of what you have done for Jamaica."


Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, echoed the sentiments of the Minister, noting that the historical performances by Usain Bolt, "have given the country more reason to celebrate than any other recent set of events."


"Usain's athletic prowess has held enthusiasts and observers alike spell bound as he rewrites record books over and over again, while an ecstatic world watches in amazement and celebration. In moments like these, it will be easy for us to focus only on the victories, we must however, take the time to acknowledge the processes that make these victories possible," Mrs. Simpson Miller said.


She said it is clear that Usain is a product of a strong family background - one in which the virtues of discipline, respect and humility have been instilled in him by his parents and relatives. She also praised his teachers for preparing him well and his coach and manager for sharpening his skills and talents.


The Opposition Leader also lauded the "world class" performances of the nation's athletes during the recent International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), World Championships, in Berlin, Germany.


"As a country, we can be proud of our consistent support for the development of sport as an integral part of national growth and development. We must now make the necessary investments, legislation and international treaties to ensure that our athletes do not only enjoy the winning of medals, but also in the business opportunities generated by their hard work and performance," Mrs. Simpson Miller said, adding that this consistent investment could also reap success in other areas of national life.


Usain Bolt's manager, Norman Peart, said that Usain's schedule for the next six weeks is a mixture of rest, relaxation, and some committed events, aimed at consolidating his brand in the local, regional and international markets.


He noted that the management team and Turn Key Productions are to collaborate to stage a super party from December 3 to 5, that will be used as a major contributor to a few of the charities Usain Bolt supports.


Mr. Peart informed that Usain's management team launched the athlete's official website: www.usainbolt.com in early July and that the response has been tremendous. He further informed that the management team has been boosted with the introduction of sports journalist, Carole Beckford, as a publicist.

Yeah man, mi caan tell unno how mi heart a buss wid pride inna wi bi international runner dem, especially Usain Bolt. Well mi have a piece a drama fi share wid unno and all now mi caan stop laugh.


Fi real a doan know if it is a blessing or a curse how mi can stuck wid some friend whey life nuh stop surround wid drama. Fi real.


Mi peeps from New York suspect that har husband a get sort out from another woman. So she never do anything but meck him believe she a guh stay long a Miami. She pack har bag and leave, and tell him dat he will see har the Monday.


The husband now believing that him have the whole weekend to himself, just find himself over by the sweetheart house.


By this time my friend pull a fast one and returned the same night. It never hard to find the address for her matey, cause one look on the phone bill, show the same number a pop up all over the place.


She just teck a cab and go a di house. She coulda knock from now till a mawning, no one answered, so she just teck out har cell phone and call the fire department that the house is on fire.


When the fire truck come and siren a go off like mad, she just find har way to har husband car, cause him did park bout six blocks from the house.


After him crawl out one of the window and hurriedly come a him car fi escape before anyone discover that he was in the house…him si mi friend cool as cucumber a lean gainst the car a wait pon him.


Would you believe the man start sey a neva him in the house and how she must think that! Him pull a fast Shaggy and no matter what my friend say, him still a keep to the one theme “it wasn’t me!”


My friend nah while him...time will tell!

Rest


Aware of the Christ within, I am at peace.


While there may be much to do today, I take a few moments to rest in the awareness of the Christ Spirit within that encourages and strengthens me. As a spiritual leader, Jesus often invited others to rest and release any heavy burden so they could experience the peace of God.


My divine nature, the Christ of my soul, is always available to relieve my burdens and bring me peace. Turning inward, I breathe deeply and release any worries that may be on my mind.


The Christ presence within guides me and helps me to grow and learn. Any sense of feeling overwhelmed is gone. I am refreshed, focused and prepared to do what is mine to do.


"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."--Matthew 11:29.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.


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Well known Jamaican playwright Trevor Rhone died this afternoon.Rhone who was born in 1940 is a writer and playwright who began his theatre career as a teacher after a three year stint at Rose Bruford College, an English drama school. He was part of the renaissance of Jamaican theater in the early 1970's.


Rhone participated in a group called Theatre '77, which established The Barn, a small theater in Kingston, Jamaica to stage local performances.


Among his works is the script to The Harder They Come, a 1972 crime film, which was instrumental in popularizing reggae in the US. He also wrote the script for the 2003 romance One Love.


In July 2007, Trevor Rhone is awarded 3rd place of the top 100 all time black screen icons in the past 100 years.


Among his popular plays are Smile Orange, Two Can Play, Old Story Time and the film Milk and Honey.


Yardflex sends our condolence to his friends and family

Triple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt returned home yesterday after a long grueling stint on the road that saw him breaking two more world records.


He was met at the airport by dignitaries including the Prime Minister Hon Bruce Golding, the opposition leader Portia Simpson-Miller, the Sports Minister Babsy Grange among others.


Some of his Trelawny homies were disappointed as the international track star was whisked away before they could show their love and appreciation to him.


At a press conference held at the airport, Usain said he may try the long jump…but not any time soon.


"I want to try the long jump before I retire, maybe five years from now. As for the 400 meters, that is out," Bolt added to laughter.


The 23-year-old was still undecided over whether or not to compete at next year's world indoor championship and Commonwealth Games.


"I have never competed at an indoor meet before and I have never competed at the Commonwealth Games, so I will see what my coach has in store for me and then decide," Bolt said.


Bolt, who frequently talks about his diet and his comfort food cravings, said he was looking forward to some pork on this trip home.


"Since I landed here I told my helper (housekeeper) to make sure that she cooks some pork for me," he said.


"I am anxious to enjoy some really good pork."


Yardflex joins those who welcome Usain Bolt home…may he continue to go from strength to strength…to di world!

Actor Patrick Swayze died peacefully yesterday, surrounded by his family. The actor who gave millions pleasure in the movies Dirty Dancing and Ghost, had "Pancreatic Cancer".


Swayze first found fame in the early 1980s in the adaptation of a teen novel, S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders. A trained dancer, Swayze became a cinema heartthrob and Golden Globe award nominee with 1987's Dirty Dancing and reached the height of his fame and acclaim three years later in the romantic film Ghost.


He worked steadily in films over the next two decades, transitioning into smaller character roles.


Swayze first announced his illness in March 2008. Pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly form of cancer; fewer than five percent of people diagnosed with it survive five years.


Swayze worked long after his diagnosis, starring in a television program called The Beast that ran for one season in 2008 and 2009.

The other night on Onstage Mavado spoke about his relationship with Foota Hype and addressed the allegation that he shot up Foota Hype’s mom house.


“Why Foota nuh talk di truth sey him move outa di area and lef him madda…mi move and tek my family wid mi,” Mavado told Winfred Williams.


He also said he has always treated Foota as a friend, but Foota “badmind”. He said he drove a great distance to do a show for Foota in Miami and by the time Foota leave to do a show in New York he was badmouthing Mavado.


The DJ referred to as the "gully god" said, he had no idea why Foota was doing that. He even said he took back a car he had given to his cousin just so he could give it to Foota Hype to drive.


“Why would I try to do Foota madda anything,when nuff time she send and beg mi fi help, mi always help har out.”


Well, that’s Mavado’s story…we hope Winford will have Foota on his programme Saturday…we would love to hear what he has to say.

Healing


I am a whole and holy being, an expression of divine perfection.


When I look in the mirror, am I able to see my body as a beautiful, unique, divine creation? Or am I only noticing what I perceive as flaws? If I focus on a problem or illness, I lose sight of the divine energy within each cell of my body. This innate power can transform any apparent challenge into an experience of radiant health and wholeness.


I accelerate the healing process by visualizing each part of my body functioning perfectly. I see divine energy bringing wholeness to every cell. I transcend any limitation as I hold to the truth of my being--I am a whole and holy being, an expression of divine perfection.


"Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ."--Acts 4:10.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.


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(The UK Guardian published the following story online on Friday.)


A British honorary consul in Jamaica who was strangled inside his home in a possible homophobic attack was likely to have known his killer, police on the Caribbean island said yesterday.


The body of John Terry, 65, was discovered by his gardener wrapped in a sheet in a bedroom at his home near St James, on the north-west coast of the island and near Montego Bay, Jamaica's second biggest city and a major tourist destination. The New Zealand-born father of two had lived in Jamaica for more than 40 years.


Results of a postmortem examination showed that Mr Terry had been strangled with a ligature and also suffered head injuries, the Jamaica constabulary force said. Reports at the time Mr Terry's body was found, on Wednesday afternoon, said he was throttled with a piece of cloth and that he had been beaten with a blunt object, possibly a table lamp.


While police have yet to name a suspect or publicly identify a motive, some reports said a note found near Mr Terry's body referred to him as a "batty man", homophobic slang for a homosexual man. Homophobia is rife on the island and attacks on gay men and lesbians are common, according to human rights groups. Police confirmed the existence of a note but declined to discuss its content.


Mr Terry, who reportedly separated from his wife three years ago, had spent decades working in Jamaica's tourism industry and was made an MBE in 1992. At the time of his death he was the maintenance manager for a tourist hotel in Montego Bay.


He had been the British honorary consul for the west of Jamaica for 13 years, a voluntary post assisting Britons in difficulty and acting as a link with local communities.


Detectives believe Mr Terry was likely to have known his killer as there were no signs of a break-in at his house. Some items, among them a mobile phone, had been taken, but it is thought this could have been an attempt to make the incident look like a robbery gone wrong.


"There are no new developments up to this time but we believe, however, that the person who murdered Mr Terry was close to him," Detective Superintendent Michael Garrick told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper.


Neighbours said a young man seen leaving Mr Terry's house late on Tuesday had asked how he could get transport to the centre of Montego Bay.


Karl Angell, a spokesman for the police, said he could not comment on this or the possible homophobic motive. "The investigators are still doing their work. For now we have nothing more to say," he said.


The Foreign Office said it was not aware of a reason for the attack. "Our sympathy is with the family at this difficult time," a statement said. "Jamaican police are investigating the circumstances of his death and we're in close touch with them."


The foreign secretary, David Miliband, said Mr Terry would "greatly missed". He said: "Honorary consuls like John play a valuable role in our work overseas and this was especially true of John, who helped many, many British visitors to Jamaica over the years."


Several voluntary groups paid tribute to Mr Terry for his charitable work.


Jamaica's murder rate is one of the world's highest. Gay people on the island, where male homosexual acts remain a criminal offence, say they are regularly targeted for abuse or violence, and tourists can sometimes be targeted. In 2006, two US television producers were beaten with tyre irons by a homophobic mob.

But a what really happen to Monsignor Albert? Where him deh? Why him not inna him parish uppa Sligoville? More questions than answers.

The Legend Returns is the title of deejay Beenie Man’s North American tour which is put together by Ultimate Entertainment.ca and Chris Hines Entertainment in association with Moses Davis Entertainment.


The deejay launched the Canadian leg of the tour Friday in Toronto and will perform several shows across Canada and the USA hitting markets like Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Aspen, San Diego.


According to reports out of Canada, the highly anticipated show at The Big Sexy in Oshawa, Ontario on Saturday was very well received. “The turnout was good and there were a lot of mature people at the venue,” one insider stated. “And you know it’s Beenie and the people love him as he is a great entertainer,” he added.


Backed by Red Flame Sound featuring Lindo P, Beenie Man is scheduled to meet fans on Monday at Fluid Lounge with Canada's top DJ's such as Scratch and P-Plus. The tour also marks the return of Red Flame Sound who has been away from the Dancehall scene for 10 years.


The Oshawa show at the Big Sexy featured opening acts Ammoye, whose debut single Lost Love continues to be the most requested independent Reggae single on Flow 93.5FM. Reggae artiste Shalli will be the additional opening act.

Really and truly now, a how Mr Vegas so miserable? From him sign up fi a Twitter account all him can do a complain, every single day him find something new fi complain bout. If dem do a top ten miserable artiste a him fi go a number one.The man just bitch, bitch, bitch all day long, and all night long as well.



We did really hear say none a him baby madda dem don't live wid him ... and now we know why. Him just love find too much fault. A wonder if that’s why him just a move back and forth from manager to manager so? Anyway, we glad say him have three boys now fi tek care a dem sister. And we glad say him nah have no more youth till him married. (All on Twitter.)



But him fi ease off a di complain ting , it don't sound good. Especially when him go hard and cuss off Irie Jamboree people good and proper and next day him deh pon dem truck inna Labour Day Parade pon Eastern Parkway. Vegas, people a go start say dem punk you out. Cause we hear say Jamboree people dem all run you off a dem truck and dat dem a plan fi ban you song dem. But we nah watch that. Cause a just music. Right Vegas?

Back to School

I embrace new opportunities to learn and grow.


The smell of new crayons and freshly sharpened pencils may remind me of the excitement I felt on the first day of a new school year. Now when I begin a new book or project, I may feel that same kind of anticipation.


As a lifelong learner, I gratefully acknowledge that every day presents opportunities to keep learning and to share insights with others. As I grow in understanding, learn new skills and try fresh approaches, my knowledge expands.


I give thanks for all those who teach, guide and support students on new paths. I affirm that God's wisdom and understanding are active within them.


"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well."--2 Timothy 2:2.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.


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Appreciation

I give thanks for the presence of unconditional love.


When I think about the people who have influenced my life, my thoughts may turn to a grandparent. Having a grandparent is a true blessing, and being a grandparent is a great joy.


Whether through biology or family choice, this is a one-of-a-kind relationship. Grandparents share their time and wisdom and instill a sense of stability in the lives of their families.


The love of a grandparent is akin to the unconditional love of God. Just as a child is enfolded in a grandparent's love, I am enfolded in God's love, which guides and supports me. Divine love is my anchor, my rock, my assurance of support and protection.


"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are."--1 John 3:1
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UTECH students are really upset about a comment made by Vybz Kartel during his performance at a fete at UWI on Friday, September 4, 2009.


Kartel stated “UWI a di university this of the west indies, yu zimi, dats why wi seh UWI Doh? cause if yu did seh UTECH, dat mean seh you tek b**dy innah yu b**ty”.


The UTECH students are not amused and are demanding an apology from the DJ. Curiosity and uneasiness are some of the expression that have been aroused as the students awaits for the 'GAZA' DJ to do this.

Friday night proved to no surprise as Digicel Rising Star contestant Brown Sugar walked away with the top prize of $1M. After Adena Myrie was voted off it made the runnings easier for the singer. Second placed Princess Tia received $600,000 among other prizes.


Dubbed as the 'sweet one' out of Montego Bay, Brown Sugar, went in as the overwhelming favourite. A very emotional Brown Sugar had tears running down her cheeks when she collected her cash prize of one million dollars.


Her impressive journey started back in June, at the very first live studio performance show, and though her victory was something many had predicted, she was at a lost for words, saying "It is the most significant time of my life."


There were times when she felt as if she would be eliminated, and there were also times when she dreaded the thought of facing Judge Anthony Miller.


"So much had happened. I still feel like I'm dreaming," she said. And why not? Brown Sugar has now claimed the top spot of being the 2009 Digicel Rising Star winner, she is a million dollars richer, in addition to having several other fantastic prizes at her disposal.

Reggae singer and a member of LUST singing group Trilla U got baptized six days after his wife was shot and injured and his daughter killed.


He was quoted in Chat! as saying “This world has blinded us to the realities of life and we are not really seeing what we need to see.”


The singer said when he saw his wife lying there, he understood the full nature of what took place. He said God became clear to him when his wife who was practically dead for 16 hours came out of it.


Although he has been baptized the singer will still continue singing with LUST as he says they have not been doing any nasty songs…they will however, be adding some gospel songs to the mix.


“I want to tell others to always look to God…no matter what. In the midst of tragedy look to him because He will help you through,” were his encouraging words in the weekend tabloid.

Animal Blessing

I celebrate life in all its expressions.


The words of a favorite hymn remind me to behold the wonder of animals as they contribute to wisdom and balance in the world:


"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all."


Watching the antics of a frisky kitten or a rambunctious puppy, I am reminded to play and enjoy myself. Seeing a dog visit patients at a health care facility reminds me to affirm healing by my very presence. A service animal guiding a sight-impaired individual shows me the value of helping others.


I appreciate and bless all animals by celebrating the sacredness of life in all its diverse expressions.


"God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind. ... And God saw that it was good."--Genesis 1:25
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Comfort


Divine love is my comfort in an ever-changing world.


Every day I am reminded that things of the world are temporary, but things of the Spirit are eternal. The Earth has changed over the eons, but God is unchanging. God is Life, the essence of life in all. God is Love, encompassing all the love that has ever been.


Turning within I find the constant, eternal love of God is my constant comfort. No matter what happens in the external world, within my heart is a place of peace, untouched. I close my eyes, take a deep cleansing breath and become aware of this quiet place. No matter where I am or what is happening around me, I am comforted by the One Love that is always here.


"Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant."--Psalm 119:76
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Yardflex would like to congratulate Damian 'Junior Gong'Marley on the birth of his first child, Elijah Marley.We do wonder if he will grow up to continue in the musical tradition of his father, grandfather and uncles?

World Day of Prayer

Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world.


The spirit of God enfolds and infills me as a living, loving presence in my heart and mind. Spirit expresses through every aspect of my being, transforming my thoughts, shaping my words and inspiring my actions.


As I reach in to unite with the presence of God, I pray to be shown how to love more, how to give more, how to be more. Guided through prayer, I reach out to make a difference in the lives of others. I contribute to the good of all through loving action. I give of myself openly and generously.


As I reach in to connect with my Source and reach out to serve God and others more fully, I am helping to create a better world.


"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share ... so that they may take hold of the life that really is life."--1 Timothy 6:18, 19.Inspired by this message? Want to talk to friends about it? Share your thoughts here.


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Yesterday (Wednesday) sound system selector "Foota Hype" was arrested by the Constant Spring Police surrounding the beating of a Cassava Piece resident.


According to our source Foota was already at the station trying to enlist the police help in getting his mother out of the area when a complainant turned up to make a report. Upon seeing Foota he identified him as one of the men that assaulted him.


Foota was arrested but our last link with our source late last night indicate he had still not been charged.


Yardflex will keep you posted on this one.

It’s another jungle fever romance as singer Christina Milas tied the knot with music producer The Dream in Las Vegas last week. According to TMZ the couple opted for a small midnight wedding at the legendary Little White Wedding Chapel -- the same place Britney Spears married Jason Alexander back in 2004.


Milian reportedly rented a $200 wedding dress for the occasion and The Dream rented his tux for $100. Their wedding plans were under speculation since last month when they applied for a marriage license.

Harmony

I am in harmony with God's beautiful world. A summer bouquet may include an assortment of flowers in a rainbow of colors. The variety makes the whole bouquet even more beautiful.I realize I am one flower in the wondrous bouquet of humanity. Without judging or comparing myself to others, I enjoy the unique beauty in all of us.


I am a divine expression of God and so is everyone else. As I value our commonalities and our differences, I experience harmony.I relax into knowing that I am loved and that I have a unique contribution to make.


As I learn to love myself, I am at peace--with myself and others. Living in peace, I am in harmony with God's beautiful world.


"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come."--Song of Solomon 2:12


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Big up to Beenie Man and Bounty Killer who worked a good set in New York at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan on Saturday, September 5.


Inspite of all the passa pass and mix up taking place on the Jamaican front, both are smart enough to realize that that kind of behavior will not do on the international level. Yeah, Bounty did still throw some words on artistes who weren’t there but for the most part he was super cool and the crowd loved him. Beenie too was a hit as was expected and by the time he was through he had shown everyone why after all this time in the business, he is still very much in demand

Selector Foota Hype now have reasons to believe that his life may be in danger. This stems from an internal war that has been brewing between himself and the Alliance…more particularly David Brooks aka Mavado.


Indications are that it could lead to gun violence. According to reports last week Saturday Foota Hype said he was on his phone talking to his mother, Doreen, when gunshots rang out in the background. His mother screamed, and his blood ran cold.


The selector was quoted as saying “Me and her did a reason when it happen, pure gunshot. Mi lose 10 pound same time, mi shoes full a water, mi head swell up, mi tun eediat and mi drive go round de. Mi mother a bawl, mi just happy say she never got shot, mi mother house shot up and she no dead, mi just haffi thank God,” he said.


Foota Hype said he knew who perpetrated the act, and that person is
aligned to certain factions within the community.


“We know who do it and who that person is affiliated to. 50 persons
say him no know bout it and 50 persons say he knows about it, but if
that is the case, why not cut all ties to the people who give you a
bad name.”


The selector vented his feelings on another website as he stressed that they were trying to intimidate him by getting to his mother. But according to him that tatics won’t work as he says “The Gully ah mine. I was born on the block. Me strengthen him, and mek him into a full grown giant. Now him want to crush who mek him ah eat. We ah go see if God ah allow that to happen.”


The stakes have been raised considerably especially in light of police reports that Mavado’s apartment uptown was shot up on Monday night.


“Somebody call me from foreign and tell me that it happened. Last
night, I went to Uptown Mondayz and mi wrath. Mi talk mi mind, because my defence is music, I am not a gunman, I can’t afford to buy guns and bullets. Him call himself the Gully Gaad, but mi ah leave everything to God. If me live fi live, mi ah go live.”


The other day Yardflex columnist pleaded for peace in the business…seems as if we will have to reiterate that call.

Now straight up, mi love how wi athletes dem meck wi proud. Mi did kinda gawn endz out a Berlin and den mi stop a one a mi peeps a England, so mi just a touch back di rock and as usual unno know mi have si nting fi gripe bout.

Now mi a share something bout one a mi friend whey a guh thru one hard time wid a deportee and fi tell di truth mi nuh know why she nuh just pull di plug and lef di damn man alone.



She guh look bout visa fi him and every ting and before all that paper work did come tru she and him pudding one piece a fight cause dis woman call him bout 4:30 inna dim awning and den again bout 6:30 and him gwaan like him slick and shi find out sey sinting fishy. Di nex’ ting yuh know big fight buss and him mash up har face, beat har bad and she all did haffi get stitchies.



But how she guh back afta dat mi nuh know yah man. Suh dis time she a look bout fi collect him visa and a woman a call embassy and meck dem know sey him a deportee and bere tings. Mi nuh know how de hottaclaps work out, but mi know sey di girl a claim sey she pregnant fi him. And when mi friend use di same Yardflex site fig uh check some pictures from way back and compare to one whey recently posted she look heavy a way. So dat could be true.



Di man now a claim sey a nuh him alone did a deal wid di girl him sister used to slap har tuh!



But mi neva s idem level a mix up yet inna mi life…but a whey fi mi friend really get herself mix up inna sah?



Pon top a it, di man have one piece a bad luck tuh yuh si but dat nuh strange cause mi friend sey a cause him use har tuh much and still a fool roun di skettel dem. After she live har live a certain way and nuh mix up, him waan come bring har dung wid dem deh kind a people, plus to meck matters wuss him a have unprotected sex wid dem tuh and a put har at risk.

Di ongle question mi waan ask is, when woman a guh have sense and stop meck use dem suh?

Motorist had a rude awakening on Saturday as they head to the toll booth. Instead of the usual $230, $310 and $560 fee they saw a new figure of $270, $370 and $700. Now really we think it was total disrespect to take motorist off guard like that. But then again maybe if some had known they wouldn’t have bothered to take the toll road. I think it’s time that motorist send a message to demand respect…they should leave the toll authority with the road all by their lonesome selves.

It should only be used on those rare occasions when people are “treating themselves” to an easy cruise.

Those figures are ridiculously high and if you multiply that by two for the day and then by five for the week, then that’s a mighty lot of money that could have gone to the gas that is going on the toll road.

With motorist still taking the road as if there was no price increase, no wonder every government entity is pressuring them, they obviously must feel that they have it like that.

Only in Jamaica where people are so divided they can’t even come together for a common cause. Why not carry out a mass boycott on some of the things that are raising without mercy for about a few months and sit back and see the changes

Protest for the sake of protest and then still expect police protection

Every time a bad man is taken off the streets the people from the community come out en masse and protest how “he was a good youth” “police wicked’ and all kind of things. Not to say that there aren’t instances when we doubt the police story. But these same people provide a covering for the wrong doers and then when things are getting out of hand they in turn are cussing and saying the police are not coming in the area to help them.

Help them for what…to come out and protest again!

Since news broke that the United States has requested the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke things has been real tense in Tivoli Gardens.


According to a story published in the Observer Sources revealed that armed gangsters in the tough community were posted at key points to ward off any attempt by the security forces to arrest Coke.



An officer from the Kingston West Police Division confirmed that the police were aware of the report.



"So we have heard; but we are always on the alert and we will go into Tivoli Gardens if the need arises. We are carrying out our duties just the same," said the cop."



A resident of the garrison community, however, denied the report.



"Those are just rumours. The community is tense, but there are no armed men posted at no 'sentry points'. People always have guns but that is a normal thing in Tivoli," the resident said.



Other residents refuted a report that Coke had ordered them to stock up on food and other supplies in case the community came under siege from the security forces.



"Why don't they leave 'Shortman' (Coke) and Tivoli alone? From the argument buss, is just pure rumour. That is a big lie. He gave no such order," said one resident.



Coke has been accused of drug and arms trafficking by the US State Department, which last Friday unsealed an indictment outlining several allegations against him.



Coke's attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson, said the US Government would have to provide evidence to support the allegations in order to get Jamaica to extradite his client.



"The question to be asked is, what is the evidence to support the allegations? To date no such evidence has been presented to us," Tavares-Finson said.



Tivoli Gardens lies in the constituency of West Kingston and has long been a bastion of support for the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, whose leader, Prime Minister Bruce Golding is a member of parliament.



If found guilty of the narcotics charge, Coke could be slapped with a life sentence or a mandatory 10-year sentence as well as a fine of up to US$4 million.



If found guilty of the arms trafficking charge, Coke could spend five years in a US prison and be ordered to pay a fine of US$250,000.



Federal authorities have also threatened to seize all of Coke's known assets if he is found guilty.



Up to late yesterday, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne had not signed an authorisation to proceed, which would which would set the process of Coke's extradition in motion.

The preliminary inquiry into the alleged sexual assault of a 12 year old by her businessman father, got underway on Tuesday at the Half Way Tree Resident Magistrate's Court.

The inquiry saw the 12-year-old complainant taking the stand and giving gripping testimony on the alleged acts of incest.

The strain brought on by the testimony was apparent as the defendant could be heard repeatedly saying, quote "Oh God, Oh God" prompting presiding magistrate Judith Pusey to warn him not to disturb her court.

In contrast, the pre-teen was calm as she spoke of several incidents during which she claimed her father sexually assaulted her.

The matter was adjourned until Thursday when the complainant will continue her testimony.

The 61-year-old businessman is alleged to have repeatedly molested his daughter since she was eight years old.

He has been charged with five counts of incest and two counts of indecent assault.

The businessman has commercial interests in Kingston, St. Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester and is being represented by defence attorneys Peter Champagne and Vincent Wellesley.

His name is being withheld to protect the identity of the child.

Former head of the St Catherine North Police Division, Harry ‘Bungles’ Daley said during his trial in the corruption case against him that the $250,000 he collected was a returned loan from Lennard Miller, uncle of Clarke for a business venture and he was only being repaid the loan as was agreed.

"I know him (Miller) for over 30 years; I know him like a brother. He died in about November or December 2003," Daley said. "Prior to his death, I loaned Lennard Miller money. He always borrow from me and repay me but this he wanted a substantial sum, $500,000, but when I checked my resources I could only lend him $250,000."

The policeman said that Miller explained that he needed the money to develop a small backyard block-making project of his into a more "commercially viable" business. Daley said that two justices of peace aided in the preparation of the loan agreement, which was signed by all parties.

"Repayment should have started in January of the following year (2004). An initial payment of $20,000 and thereafter $10,000 per month for two years," the policeman said. "Miller died before the commencement date. I didn't receive any money from him before he died." However, Daley told the court that following Miller's death, the family of the deceased "decided to acknowledge the payment plan".

The repayment process, he said, started with Lennard Miller Jr, son of the deceased, giving him $30,000 in 2005. However, after Miller Jr's death the payment baton was passed down to two other persons, one being a justice of the peace and other being Tafari Clarke.

Daley said that on the day he was arrested, the $15,000 Clarke gave him was never any form of extortion money as Clarke told police but was the actual loan repayment amount for that month, as agreed by the family, and half the payment for a month Clarke failed to pay up for.

In his testimony, Daley also hinted that the video evidence used by the prosecution in the case was not a true representation of the events of that day as not everything that happened during the arrest was replayed in the tendering of the evidence.

The senior cop also said that he was not cautioned during his arrest as investigators said they had done.

The former head of the St Catherine North Division was arrested on July 31 after he was videotaped collecting $15,000 from Clarke. The money had been reportedly marked by detectives from the Anti-Corruption Branch. It is alleged that Daley collected a total of $65,000 from the complainant between May 2007 and July 2008

Yardflex would like to offer our condolence to the family and friends of Steelie (one half of the duo Steelie and Clevie). He has been a pioneer in the reggae music business and all of those who worked with him over the years can attest to his professionalism. Steelie passed away in a Long Island hospital earlier today (Tuesday)
Rest in peace Steelie

But a wha dat, Zebra inna hiding? But between wi and unno, dem nuh si sey him have a problem. From dem let him outa prison, dem shoulda did have a monitor pon him whey meck dem know him every movement.

Cause wi caan figure out how one man can inna trouble fi di same ting time and time again. Wha, wid di whole heap a prostitute dem out deh, him caa buy one and stop rape off di woman dem?

Cho, it nuh look like him a guh stop until smady bobbit him, big and serious, a hope wherever him deh him nah badda nuh more woman…straight

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Honestly, the other day I was reading the Star and my stomach literally turned at what was in it.

Can you believe a 44 year old man tried to get his niece, who is a minor, to extend sexual favours to him was shockingly let off the hook with a stern warning when the matter was brought to the police last Thursday.

The incident which occurred in a St Thomas community and at times like that I can only think of the song that Chuck Fenda did entitle Gash Dem and Light Dem. The fact that he got off with a warning is also disgusting, he should have been made to pay a price with the loss of freedom…what’s to stop him from trying it again?

According to the report the man allegedly approached the child and tried to convince her to allow him to fondle her vagina. After the minor denied his initial request, the persistent uncle told his niece that he was willing to pay for her services if she allowed him to have his way.

Reports continue that the child told her father about her uncle's gross request shortly afterwards and a report was made to the police.

Honestly, that father is strong, I would have dealt with his case and then turn him over to the police. I don’t understand what kind of sick society we are living in. I’m just thankful he never got his way with his niece.

It’s a sad day when you have to be careful about allowing your daughters…or sons for that matter around your own flesh and blood.

In all of our glory…we still have to deal with these shameless behaviour

By Lydia Patel

The Big Band,Borokeete USA which is officially sponsored by the Caribbean’s national airline, Caribbean Airlines, is gearing up for the 42nd edition of the exciting West Indian parade.

This year, Borokeete will be portraying ‘Chutney Bacchanal’ a fusion of beautiful colors for their mas. If you haven’t picked your band or your costume yet, Borokeete is going to be one of the hypest trucks heading down Eastern Parkway! There is still time to register with Borokeete and get in with all of the action! The mas camp is located at:

1740 Nostrand Ave in Brooklyn corner of Clanrandon. Tel: 347 529 1790 and ask for Anthony or Hubert. You all are invited to check out the website and see all of the chutney bacchanal for this year http://borokeeteusa.com/

_Myself and the YARDFLEX TV crew will be live on the Borokeete truck hosting and animating all of the festivities throughout the day – right until the end of the night. Yes, I will be in costume and you can bet that I’ll be ‘likin’ myself’ with Borokeete.

It’s going to be another great year and why not spend the biggest carnival outside of Trinidad & Tobago with a band that guarantees nothing but the best. The New York Labor Day parade attracts millions from across the US, Canada and of course the Caribbean. Take it from me, you will not be disappointed with Borokeete’s Chutney Bacchanal! I’ll see you all in costume on the Parkway!