Prominent attorney at Law and former talk show host Antoinette Haughton was arrested by the police and is now facing fraud charges.

She was arrested on Thursday afternoon by fraud squad detectives.

It is reported that a former client of Ms Haughton accused her of defrauding him of $7 million.

The attorney who was arrested by fraud squad detectives is charged with defrauding 60-year-old farmer Samuel Rowe, one of her clients.

It is reported that on October 3, 2oo6, the Supreme Court awarded Mr. Rowe $7 million in damages after he successfully sued the May Pen Hospital for negligence.

The farmer who was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 1999 lost one of his legs because of the treatment he received at the hospital.

The attorney who collected the cheque reportedly pocketed the money.

Five men were shot, four fatally by gunmen at Port Henderson Road, Portmore, St. Catherine last night. A firearm was seized in the incident.



Dead are brothers, Kirk and Ricardo Thomas otherwise called “Bully”, both of Charlemont Drive, Kingston 6, David Wisdom of Lyndale Avenue, Kingston 20 and Andrew Walker of an August Town, Kingston 7 address. Injured is a man of a Kingston 6 address.



According to the Constabulary Communication Network at about 11:15 p.m., Ricardo who is the proprietor of the establishment was sitting at the bar with his brother and patrons at a dance when a group of men armed with guns, entered. The hoodlums opened fire at the group, hitting the men before escaping. Kirk, Ricardo, Wisdom and Walker died on the spot. The other man was taken to hospital where he is admitted in serious condition.

A search was carried out at the premises and a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol serial number 6929, with 11 rounds of ammunition was found on the outside of the perimeter fencing.



The St. Catherine Homicide Unit is investigating

By: Jaide


Not even threats of increment weather could keep away a crowd of more than 150,000 Stevie Wonder diehard fans from the free opener of Montreal’s 30th International Jazz Festival on June 30.

Launched with such a bang, Jazz Fest 2009 seemed to reach its crescendo from jump with Stevie Wonder stressing the message of love in a set that was part Stevie’s greatest and part dedication to the late Michael Jackson.

In a stirring introductory monologue, Stevie, accompanied by daughter Iesha** spoke of his disillusionment with what he termed, “a bunch of bull****” that has been the focus of many media outlets about Michael Jackson. Stevie put spokes in the gossip and encouraged a celebration of Michael’s memory instead of degradation. He said, “We who love the fact that God blessed us with his [Michael’s] voice talent and music…can continue to keep the life and spirit of this man alive… If u wanna do something for his family and children, then buy his music…”

Then the show began and what an absolute treat it was to have this free presentation featuring such a gifted legend. Audience members were from all ages and areas. Yardflex was surrounded by folk from Los Angeles, Alberta and local Montrealers, some of whom had virtually camped out for a good spot to view the event.

Of course all the rain drops dried up for the entirety of Stevie’s performance, that included a beautiful bluesy piece, sung by his daughter, who is also one of his background vocalists.

The forceful sounds of not only the singers but also instrumentalists delighted the crowd that gave tumultuous shouts and applauses at every juncture. Perhaps some of the most profound renditions of many Stevie Wonder hits were performed, at the concert that also ushered in Canada Day in Montreal.

As one of the Montreal International Jazz Festival award recipients, Stevie will receive the 2009 Spirit Award, joining other awardees like, Toots & the Maytals who will receive the Antonio Carlos Jobim Award.

Friends of Shadayne Smith, a 15-year-old resident of Woodlands in St Elizabeth, who collapsed and died last week at school while playing a game of 'water war' are still in shock.

The police report that the incident occurred at about 11:30 last Wednesday morning at the school. The teenager fell unconscious and was reportedly taken by the school nurse who rushed him to the Black River Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Both students and staff at the school have expressed shock at the incident, noting that the youngster was “friendly and energetic”.

According to a newspaper report, Smith had just completed his end-of-term examinations last Wednesday and decided to partake in a game of water bombing, a traditional game played on the final day of school in which students simply chase and wet each other.

The police say a post-mortem is expected to be conducted to determine the actual cause of death but admitted that it is suspected that the teen may have drowned.

Cameal Davis, the first female winner of the popular Digicel Rising Stars competition, will play a leading role in a local rendition of the popular film Dreamgirls.

In the summer production of the film, presented by the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC) at the Philip Sherlock Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Davis will be playing role as 'Effe', which was played by Hollywood actress, Jennifer Hudson in the movie..

The film which starred Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx, was a box office success in 2007 that spawned some popular hits and was loosely based on the success of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles and James Brown.

Dreamgirls follows the story of a young female singing trio called The Dreams, who became music superstars.

According to Dreamgirls co-producer Nadean Rawlins, Davis was chosen for her voice and because she believes that Davis reflects Effe's story of a young girl facing the challenges of her community in a male-dominated industry.

The popular musical will open Thursday July 9 at the Philip Sherlock Centre and will run for three weekends.

New York-based evangelist, Dr Paul Lewis, who is facing carnal abuse and indecent assault charges, was granted $500,000 bail with sureties.

Lewis had previously been denied bail in the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate's Court. However, a bail application was made in chambers at the Supreme Court it was granted.

Lewis, who allegedly committed carnal abuse on a 15-year-old girl at a hotel in Westmoreland last month, is scheduled to return to court on July 7.

The conditions of his bail are that he is to surrender his travel documents to the police and a stop order has been put in place preventing him from leaving the island. Lewis is also to report to the Constant Spring Police Station three times weekly.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court has been instructed to contact the US Embassy and inform them not to issue any travel documents to the evangelist.

Stephen Fray, the man who attempted to hijack a Canjet airplane in Montego Bay two and a half months ago, is mentally fit to stand trial, reports from the psychiatrists who evaluated 21-year-old state.

Fray is now scheduled to appear in the Western Regional Gun Court, July 13, where he will answer to six criminal charges

According to reports, however, the two psychiatric evaluations which were done noted that Fray suffered from a mental disease known as schizophrenia which caused him to hear voices and see things that were not there.

Fray’s lawyer, George Thomas told the court that an independent psychiatric evaluation revealed that Fray was “not himself at the time of the incident”. Thomas made a plea for his client to be placed in a mental institution instead of the police lock-up where he has been since his arrest. The court, however, rejected this request.

On April 19, Fray breached security at the Sangster International Airport and boarded Canjet flight 918.
Armed with a gun, he kept security personnel at bay and held 182 passengers and crew hostage and demanded to be taken to Cuba. He eventually released the passengers, but kept the six-member crew on board.

He was arrested after the security team stormed the aircraft.

Despite the 32 confirmed cases in the island of influenza A (H1N1), more popularly called swine flu, the Ministry of Health has not at this time placed any restriction on public gatherings.

A release from the ministry said members of the public will, however, be notified if the situation changes as the confirmed cases are expected to increase.

The ministry indicated last week that there is now local transmission of the virus and this was expected. Dr Sheila Campbell Forrester, chief medical officer, stressed that there is no need for persons to wear masks during day-to-day activities.

Of the 32 confirmed cases of the virus in the island, three of the new cases are in Westmoreland, one in St James and one in St Elizabeth. These latest cases are still being investigated and any additional information will be communicated as soon as it is received.

Persons are being urged to continue to observe precautionary measures to protect themselves and others from any influenza infection. These include washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and covering nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, preferably with a tissue which should be disposed of properly.
For more information on influenza A (H1N1), members of the public may call the Ministry's toll-free line at 1888-663-5683 seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting Monday, July 6, from 2:00pm – 5 pm, Clinton Lindsay, host of the popular radio show The Foundation, will expand the program via HYPERLINK ""www.CaribZone.com on the world-wide-web.

Mr. Lindsay, who played a major role in the development of Caribbean radio in New York City for over twenty-five years, will broadcast from studios in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his residence for the past six years. The Foundation will be aired Monday-Friday from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

The Foundation will continue Mr. Lindsay’s unique approach of highlighting music for the mature ear. The program, a long-time staple in New York and South Florida, combines a blend of Reggae, R&B and vintage Caribbean sounds to create “music to live by.

Mr. Lindsay will complement the music with artist-interviews, chart countdowns, “The West Coast Report with Russell Gerlach,” concerts and event updates, and other interactive features. Listeners via the web and radio, will have the opportunity to request their favorite songs from their favorite artists, which has been a longtime feature of Mr. Lindsay, who has quite an extended collection of songs he has been introducing to the public over the years.

After landing two prestigious awards recently, Air Jamaica’s in-flight magazine, SkyWritings, has further proven itself as a leading publication amongst the region’s many.

Adding “Magazine of the Year” to its award winning status at the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) Media Awards was the first feat accomplished - then SkyWritings went on to win the award for “Best Overall Feature” in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Media Awards, for the story, “The Mystical, Magical Cockpit Country” By: Michael Robinson, published in the March/April “Green Issue”.

No stranger to the award winning circuit, SkyWritings magazine was previously bestowed with the Abe Issa Award for Excellence. Described as “…the next best thing to actually setting down on Caribbean soil,” the magazine has maintained the rank of being simply one of the very best.

Thirty-five years of bringing its nearly 500,000 readers lifestyle and travel stories about Air Jamaica’s destinations, could only be realized with dedication and immense talent. SkyWritings’ publisher, Anthony Gambrill said, “We are thrilled to have received recognition not once, but twice in a single month. We have a small staff, but with the support of hundreds of writers and photographers, I think we’ve been able to deliver an entertaining and engaging publication to our readers, who by the way are not just airline passengers, but also include a solid number of subscribers,”

A production of Creative Communications Inc. Limited, SkyWritings is published bi-monthly.

Father's Day turned out be a wet, wild, and somewhat wacky day in Brooklyn as thousands of Caribbean music fans stormed Floyd Bennett Field to witness rousing performances and outrageous stage antics from some of the biggest names in Dancehall and Reggae, and up and coming culturally diverse Caribbean-inspired acts.

With funky performances from Reggae fusion acts like the African-Asian-Jamaican Ska band the Brown Rice Family, 'Skragga' band The Rudie Crew, King Django, down-home Reggae/Soul band The Peoples led by acclaimed actor Leon, and the original Jew-maican Benny Bwoy with this partner in rhyme Lynx, the good vibes and lively pace were set very early, despite the frequent rain showers.

Rhythm and Blues sirens Kendra Granville and Kayla Bliss cooled down the pace with syrupy sweet vocals while Essence brought in a wild and colorful Caribbean carnival vibe with an up tempo performance complete with costumes and carnival masqueraders. Dancehall/pop songstress Barbee was well received, while Guyanese Roots Reggae crooner Natural Black gave a magical performance that had the swelling crowd singing along to nearly every word.

Hip Hop legend Doug E. Fresh, proved that he is the 'world's greatest entertainer' with a brief, yet engaging performance that was reminiscent of the classic Hip Hop that we all know and love with rapping, beat boxing, and call-and-response. Special guest Vicious (formerly Lil' Vicious) performed his cross over hit "Freaks" while Doug E. Fresh beat-boxed the Dancehall 'riddim'.



Dancers Ding Dong and Milkshake kept the crowd both amused and entertained with wild stage moves and wacky antics that pulled members of the crowd on stage. Dancehall vixen Spice also captivated the crowd with a routine that showed off her agility and versatility as performer, while showcasing her bold and frank nature as a deejay. Her controversial hit single "Ramping Shop" earned her a booming forward, as she deejayed over a recorded track with lyrics from song mate Vybz Kartel.



Despite a particularly rough down pour, the crowd stayed put for a robust, soul-stirring set by Roots sensation Tarrus Riley. From hits like "Beware" to "Lion Paw" to "She's Royal" to "Start Anew" the crowd hung on every word. Accented by legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser, Riley's set earned thunderous applause and cheers from the moved, albeit soaked, audience.



The night belonged to the 'Fire Man' Capleton whose blazing stage performance halted the rain and fully consumed the audience. Famous for both his socially conscious lyrics and his hyper energetic performances, the Fire Man did not disappoint, with both brand new and classic material from his 20+ year catalogue of 'hits pon top a hits.'



The 'doctor' Beenie Man was well received, giving his usually vibrant performance inclusive of crowd favorites like "Girls Dem Sugar," and recent hits like "Gimme Gimme."



Clad in purple and white with one studded glove, the 'Energy God" Elephant Man commanded the stage with his usually unusual 'punk rock' Dancehall style and rowdy stage manner as he scampered from one side of the stage to the other, reeling of dance hits like "Nuh Linga," "Gully Creeper," "Signal the Plane," and "Sweep."



Dancehall's Alliance brought down the house with a triple dose of star power. Dancehall crooning sensation Serani delighted the ladies with his billboard hitting single "No Games," along with "Doh," "She Loves Me," and other popular singles. Alliance leader and 'Five Star General' Bounty Killer came out to a thunderous cheers from the audience and delivered a well-received set of classic Dancehall material like "Miss Ivy's Last Son," "Coppershot," and "Lodge." The night ended with the 'Gully God' Mavado, who had patrons beating down the side of the Aviator Sports Center building in response to monster anthems like "Gully Side," "On the Rock," "I'm Blessed" and "So Special."



While the night ended on a very positive note, the Brooklyn Music Festival was not without hiccups. The Aviator Sports and Recreation security did an excellent job of maintaining crowd control and quickly handling any security issues, and the majority of the show was incident free. Very wet, wild, and at time even wacky, the Brooklyn Music Festival definitely made its mark as a celebration honoring both Caribbean-American Heritage and Black Music Month.



"The promoters, producers, and staff of the Brooklyn Music Festival are thankful to Aviator Sports and Recreation, our sponsors, the artists, and most of all, the patrons that made the Brooklyn Music Festival a glowing success," states festival organizer George Crooks. "We look forward to having a bigger, and better festival next year-and hopefully a dry one too," Crooks jokes, stating that this year the rain provided "showers of blessings."

Barbee

Beenie Man

Bounty Killer

Brown Rice Family Members

Capleton

Ding Dong

Doug E Fresh & Lil Vicious

Milkshake

Serani

Spice

Taurus Riley

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has reiterated the Government's commitment to resume hanging, as soon as possible.
Speaking to a large crowd at a Town Hall Meeting in Montego Bay Thursday night (June 25), Mr. Golding said that the Government was prepared to honour the "yes" vote taken by Parliament last year on the capital punishment issue.

"Once Parliament has taken that position, this Government has given a commitment that we are going to honour it. We are obliged by the resolution of Parliament," he said.

Mr. Golding pointed out that there were about nine persons on Death Row, who are now going through their appeals process, which is what the Constitution requires.

"But, you have an undertaking from me, as head of this Government, that once those processes are exhausted, then the appropriate warrants will be issued. We are not backing off of that position that we have taken," Mr. Golding said.

He noted that the biggest weapon against crime is the certainty of being caught and being punished, and urged the public to provide the police with information to resolve the crimes.

"If a man feels that he can commit murder and the chances of him being arrested are three out ten, and even after he is arrested, the chances of anybody coming as a witness to testify against him are two out of ten, and if they even testify, the chances of him being convicted is one of out ten, then he is not even going to squint, he is going to commit the crime," the Prime Minister said.

"We have to get to the stage where with the partnership that must come from the people, when a man is considering doing something that he knows is against the law, something that he knows will attract severe punishment, he must be given cause to think that once, not twice, not thrice but several times; because in committing that crime, he must factor into his mind an acceptance of the punishment that he must feel is going to be served on him," he added.

Mr. Golding said that the country cannot be crime-free, unless the people become partners in the effort. He said that it was not in all cases that the police can forensically procure evidence and that information is needed that can be converted into evidence that can stand up in court.

"If people are not prepared to recognize that everyone of us needs to be a constable in our own house, and in our own community, where we become part of the law enforcement process, then we will forever have situations where we are not going to achieve the best results," Mr. Golding said.

The Jamaican House of Representatives voted last November to retain hanging, while the Senate voted similarly a month later. However, no one has been hanged in Jamaica since 1988.

In an exclusive report TMZ has reported that Debbie Rowe, Michael's ex wife is not the biological mother of the two kids she bore to Michael.

According to the report all three children were conceived in vitro -- outside the womb.

Multiple sources deeply connected to the births tell us Michael was not the sperm donor for any of his kids. Debbie's eggs were not used. She was merely the surrogate, and paid well for her services in the births of Michael Jr. and Paris.

In the case of Prince Michael II (the youngest), we're told the surrogate was never told of the identity of the "receiving parent" -- Michael Jackson. Three days after Prince was born at Grossmont Hospital in San Diego County, Jackson's lawyer came to the hospital to pick the baby up and deliver him to Michael.

We do not know if Jackson chose the sperm or egg donors or if he even knew who they were.
Wow...wonder where this will all lead

By Rootzgirl


A policeman is now facing charges because he molested a minor, a principal is in the same hot water because he could not keep his hands off a minor and the international preacher Paul Lewis is now is now facing criminal charges for the same thing.

It forces me to ask – what the hell is happening? Is it that adults are no longer attractive and more and more the minors are appearing appealing to these people who should know better?

The principal’s job is to care for his charges and ensure that they are safe and protected…yet he is the one breaching his job.

The police who have sworn to serve, reassure and protect obviously forgot his role…and now the preacher who is in charge of helping to guide others to the light by his actions have cast a cloud over the gospel.


How many times we have preached protecting for the children, but these cries seem to be falling on deaf ears…please allow the kids to be kids…yes, there are some who are “force ripe” and who may go out of their way to act all grown up…but the onus is on the adult to be responsible and remember that at the end of the day they are still underage.

Be responsible and do the right thing…please.

A Police Sergeant who is accused of molesting a minor is behind bars on Monday afternoon facing carnal abuse charges.

According to Radio Jamaica the policeman surrendered to members of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) on Friday in the company of his attorney.

The cops are tightlipped about the incident, but it is alleged the Sergeant molested the little girl, who is the child of one of his colleagues, more than two weeks ago.

The matter was reported to CISOCA and a search was launched for the Sergeant who reportedly took sick leave from work.

However, he turned up at CISOCA with his attorney on Friday.

A file is now being prepared to be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The sixth annual Montreal International Reggae Festival was once again a huge success. With attendance of the week end outdoor festival averaging over 3000 people a night it is no wonder that reggae fest has come to be one of the most highly anticipated festivals of the Montreal summer season. Arriving in the late hours of Friday night Yardflex was unable to attend the opening day of the festival when Stur Grav and vintage artists reportedly had the crowd rocking furiously until the end of the night billed, ‘Sound System Night’. However if the after party at EB Club Lounge, 5345 De Maisonneuve, is anything to judge by it had to have been amazing.

Singer Anthony B was mad entertaining on Saturday which was ‘Dance Hall Night’. His smash hits “Raid the Barn” and “Tease Her” had the crowd swooning with pleasure. The entire night was phenomenal as artists such as Spivey, Loveman Kent, Robin, Skillman and many others kept the crowd just as hyped as the head liners of the show. In top form as usual, Capleton ended the night with a bang chanting such favorites as “That Day Will Come” and “Never Share”.

The last night of the festival was one to remember as it had artists paying tribute to the late great Alton Ellis. Local Montreal artists held their own alongside some of the biggest names of the international reggae scene. Montreal based James Bond and Road Warrior and international stars such as Ky-Mani Marley and Sanchez had the 3500 people in attendance continuously moving and grooving. Sugar Minott’s closing of the festival had everyone aching for more; which means that next year is sure to be an incredible time once again.

By Djenaba Whyte

Photos by: Milton Raynor

Singing group, One Third, the 2006 winner of the Digicel Rising Stars competition, has axed their manager Ray Alexander.
It had long been rumoured that the group was dissatisfied with their management as they felt that in the nearly three years since winning the competition, they had not been able to get a real foothold on the music market. Alexander has been blamed for One Third not being able to capitalize on opportunities.
One Third, however, said the separation came about as a result of Alexander not being able to take them to that much-talked-about “next level”.

“We had a meeting and the decision was taken to sever business ties with Ray as he had taken us as far as he was able,” group member, Al, told Yardflex. “It was purely a business decision, nothing more.”
He added that the split was amicable and the group is now seeking to position itself to re-capture their share of the market.
“Yes, there are persons showing interest in us as a group, but we will be looking around for the best option,” Al said.
One Third is known for songs such as Fattee, Take My Breath Away and Dash It Gi Me.

The Twin of Twins and their management want to thank their friends and fans for all their support and faith following their arrest on June 22. As all the facts will prove, this incident was an obvious and blatant miscarriage of the Jamaican Justice System, and yet another reason that explains the public mistrust for the Police. While the Twin of Twins have nothing but the highest respect for those honest, and hardworking police officers, they have no choice but to stand up to the few misguided and ignorant members of the force that abuse their power and act immune to the same law they are hired to enforce.

It has been confirmed by attorneys involved in the case, that the individual who police claim filed the initial complaint against the Twins returned to the station and attempted to drop the complaint when he realized The Twins had been off the island on extended tour. This individual has confirmed that he was in fact returned the funds that he paid Twin of Twins to record two dubplates that were supposed to be recorded while in Europe, and was also re-reimbursed money given to the Twins to file and pay for an NCB on-line application fee to schedule an interview at the US Embassy. The Twins initially wanted to carry the young artiste on their summer tour however due to the poor economy the promoter decided against flying up supporting artistes from Jamaica, which caused some initial disappointment. The police subsequently ignored attempts to have this complaint dropped by the person, in a flagrant effort by the authorities to discredit the Twins. Both the press and the police have also twisted the words to inflame the situation and attempted to make this appear as if the Twins were involved in the selling of U.S. Visas which is completely untrue and absurd. In what seems an overzealous and sloppy rush to judgement, those trusted to uphold the law, had ignored it in the excitement of arresting The Twin of Twins. Approximately 30 minutes after he heard of the arrest the complainant himself went to the station once again in an effort to explain that the situation had already been resolved, however his cries fell on deaf ears, and The Twins were held for over 24 hours without being formally charged. The Twin of Twins feel that it only because of the internationally outcry that included dozens of calls to the station from angry fans and inquisitive reporters, along with the diligent efforts of their attorney Christopher Townsend that they were eventually released. After which the the police in order to save face felt obligated to file what we deem as false and trumped up charges.

One of the most compelling details related to this story is a YouTube audio recording circulating that has an Internet reporter questioning the Jamaican police about the hypocrisy of the investigation and arrest of the Twins. In a poignant moment he asks the police spokesperson why the murderer of Curly Loxx’s 6 year old son is free, while The Twins are in jail over what seems to be a minor squabble between artistes? The situations sheds light on the true problems of the Jamaican Justice system, and how the police spend their time and our tax dollars on pointless investigations and locking up innocent people, while murderers, rapists, and real criminals roam free. Twin of Twins want t use this situation to once again force the police to do their real job and arrest the murderer of 6 year old Zion Gaynor, and bring him to justice. The Twins feel that their constant pressure on the police to solve the murder of Zion, has embarrassed the force and perhaps was a factor in their arrest, and the belligerent behavior by the police that followed. Due to the popularity of the Twins and questions surrounding the case It has been reported on-line by sources close to the the department that an internal investigation maybe ordered to determine if the arresting officers violated any regulations or abused the civil rights of the two brothers. The Twin of Twins are undaunted by this incident and will keep up the pressure until Zion's killer is behind bars, and is no longer a threat to anymore children in Jamaica. If any persons knows the whereabouts of "Denzel Delly" wanted for the questioning pertaining to the murder of Zion Gaynor, we urge you to come forward by sending an email to Justice4Zion@yahoo.com

Michael Jackson filed a patent application for the "leaning forward a bit" dance moves displayed in the Smooth Criminal video.
Jackson has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for radio play, located at 1541 Vine Street, and one for recording at 6927 Hollywood Boulevard.

Jackson received a Presidential Humanitarian Award from Ronald Reagan in 1984 for his support of charities helping people overcome alcohol and drug abuse.
Jackson fought fellow 50 year old Madonna on MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch - he lost.

Jackson has sold more than 300 million records worldwide
Jackson picked up his iconic moonwalk moves, which he debuted at the Motown 25th Anniversary show in 1983, from streetdancers he spotted performing outside a hotel.

When Michael Jackson released Liberian Girl, Smash Hits magazine went out on to the streets of London to see if Your Average Punter could locate Liberia on a globe. One of the people they bumped into was the Rebel MC.
Jackson's Billie Jean was the first video by a black artist to air on MTV.

Jackson's total lifetime earnings from royalties, solo recordings and music videos, revenue from concerts and endorsements have been estimated at $500 million (#271 million).

Jackson's waxwork features in five Madame Tussauds museums across the world. Only Elvis Presley and Madonna have more Tussaud figures - they have six each.

An obsessed French Jackson superfan committed suicide in 1984 after his mother refused to allow him to undergo surgery to look like the star.

Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Jackson 5 on May 6, 1997. He was inducted as a solo artist on March 19, 2001.
He really is a King in West Africa - he was given a royal title by villagers in Gabon, Ivory Coast in 1992.

Jackson's pre-concert ritual includes drinking Ricola candy dissolved in hot water. He claims the beverage helps to keep his throat and his singing voice clear.

Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana in 1958. The town is planning a tribute museum to the pop superstar.

At times he may not have been the most loved person in the world, but he has certainly been one of the most controversial. Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50, having collapsed at his home in Los Angeles. He was taken to hospital in a coma, where he was announced dead. Jackson’s entertaining life spanned almost forty years.

The Jackson’s seventh child, Michael became entertainer extraordinaire, businessman and recording artist. His whose sensational singing voice was discovered when he was a mere 6 years old. He later became known as the ‘King of Pop’, just as Elvis Presley became the ‘King of Rock and Roll’. Some people have likened his unique dancing style to Fred Astaire and in particular Jackson’s ‘Moon Walk’.

Jackson created a revolution in the world of music, when he produced musical videos. Music was no longer just an audio experience. Jackson also became the first African-American entertainer to successfully break the racial barriers of MTV, an American music cable television network, based in New York. Jackson’s very distinctive high tenor vocal style heavily influenced hip hop, pop, as well as numerous contemporary artists.
Jackson donated and raised millions of dollars for benefits, both through his own charity and 39 other charities. The interview by Oprah Winfrey of Jackson in 1993 became the most-viewed non-sport program in the history of the U.S

Drastically damaging his public image, Jackson changed his appearance to a lighter skin, narrower nose, and at times bizarre and controversial behavior in his private life. Reports began in 2006 of the singer suffering financial difficulties, after the child sex abuse trials of 2005. Jackson had succeeded in kicking a morphine and Demerol addiction, but experienced health difficulties since the early 1990’s.

Having fathered three children and twice married, Jackson another wave of controversy. His closest companion was a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles. Elizabeth Taylor has long been a high profile friend of Jackson.
Jackson is one of the very few artists who has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Jackson also has several entries in the Guiness World Book of Records, including an entry as the ‘Most Successful Entertainer Of All Time’ and the biggest selling album of all time.

Sales for the tickets to concerts from July 13, 2009 – March 6 2010 broke several records. Jackson was to perform concerts to over one million people, at London’s arena. The first ten concerts alone would have netted the singer approximately $100 million.

King of pop Michael Jackson died today at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles....after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old. Michael Jackson is best known for hit songs such as Bill Jean, Thriller, Beat It, Black or White, Heal The World.
The singer was scheduled to perform in London at a concert that was sold out.

1958-2009

Atlanta-grown singer, Keri Hilson, has been added to the line up for International Night I, Friday July 24, and joins an already dazzling array of stars including Jazmine Sullivan, Ne-Yo, Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica and Coco Tea.

A member of The Clutch group of producers, Hilson is a talented singer and song-writer and has penned songs for Usher, Diddy, Ciara, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, Omarion, The Pussycat Dolls, and Britney Spears.



Her first album, In A Perfect World, which was released earlier this year, made it to the top spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was also number four on the Billboard Top Album Chart in the week of its debut.

BR>Reggae Sumfest kicks off with a beach party on Sunday July 19, and continues with three days of live performances at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, beginning with Dancehall Night on Thursday July 23 and ending with International Night II on Saturday July 25.

Summerfest Productions, the organizers of Reggae Sumfest, have announced plans to honour dancehall artiste Moses “Beenie Man” Davis at this year’s festival.
Although the details have not yet been revealed, the celebration promises to be fitting.
“Beenie Man has grown with us and he’s definitely contributed significantly to the success of the festival over the years,” said executive director, Johnny Gourzong.


Beenie Man is one of the longest running performers in the business and has been with the reggae festival since 1993. He is also one the few performers to have performed on two separate nights in the same festival. In 1997, Beenie Man graced the Sumfest stage on Dancehall Night, and then returned on International Night to deliver another performance, including his hit at the time with Chevelle Franklin, Dancehall Queen.

He began his music career at age five and has since propelled to both local and international acclaim. Beenie Man will perform on Dancehall Night in this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest, July 19 - 25 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

It’s an early summer vacation for teachers and students in the parish of Manchester as the Ministry of Education has closed schools there after two cases of swine flu were detected. All graduation functions have also been cancelled.


Where the closure of schools affects end of year examinations, continuous assessment data must be used in reporting on student performance.


Although students will be proceeding on an early summer vacation, where there are instances of students showing flu-like symptoms the matter must be brought to the attention of the relevant health authorities and reported to the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is reminding schools island-wide that they are to set up areas to quarantine any student with flu-like symptoms. The Ministry is also reminding schools that in such instances, parents are to be notified immediately, the students are to be removed from school and the matter reported to the Ministries of Education and Health.


The symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 include fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and body aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be experienced.
The ministry of education says it will continue to monitor the situation across the island closely and take the appropriate action where necessary.

Singer Chris Brown will now have to do 180 days community service for his assault on ex-girl Rihanna.
The R&B singer pleaded guilty yesterday to assaulting Rihanna in an agreement with prosecutors that calls for five years of probation.

Brown, the singer of the hits "Run It" and "Kiss Kiss," also will have to perform at least 180 days of community service in his home state of Virginia.

The 20-year-old singer entered the plea at a preliminary hearing in a Los Angeles courtroom. He had been accused of assaulting and making criminal threats against Rihanna in February on the eve of the music industry's Grammy Awards.

There was no plea agreement on the threat charge and a formal sentencing was scheduled for August 5. He had faced four years in prison if convicted in a trial on both charges.
Brown, dressed in a plaid gray suit and accompanied by his mother, also was issued a stay-away order to keep his distance from Rihanna.

Barbados-born Rihanna, whose hits include "Disturbia" and "Umbrella," also appeared in court but only after Brown left. Her attorney, Donald Etra, had said that she was prepared to testify against him.
"Rihanna believes this is a fair and just resolution to this case," Etra said outside the courthouse.

Six-time Grammy award winner, R & B singer, songwriter and actress Toni Braxton, and Grammy winning R & B singer songwriter, record producer, actor and occasional rapper, Ne-Yo, will both be performing at Reggae Sumfest 2009. This was announced by Johnny Gourzong, executive producer of the 17 year old Festival, in New York on Thursday June 11, 2009.

“With the signing of these two phenomenal artistes, we have almost completed our line-up for the Festival this year”, commented Gourzong, as he spoke at the New York launch of Reggae Sumfest 2009. With this addition to the already impressive line-up which also features the gifted Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley on stage with American rapper Nas, the Reggae Sumfest stage will certainly be on fire between July 23 – 25.

“Damian and Nas are touring together this year and are doing a collaborative album to be released soon. We are very excited to be able to present this exciting fusion to our Reggae Sumfest audience”, continued Gourzong.

Mr. Gourzong also made special mention of one person who had been with Reggae Sumfest from the start, this time a performer. Beenie Man, he announced would be celebrating 30 years of performance in 2009, and to honour this major accomplishment Reggae Sumfest would be paying tribute to the “King of Dancehall” at the 2009 festival, to show their appreciation for his loyalty and consistent support of Reggae Sumfest.


The launch was held at Club Opera, a new night spot in Manhattan. It hosted a variety of media personnel as well as sponsor representatives, Summerfest Productions executives and other special guests, where they were also treated to surprise appearances by dancehall acts Spice and Flippa Mafia. The Reggae Sumfest launch was planned to coincide with Caribbean American Heritage week, and was part of a larger calendar of activities which targeted and highlighted the Caribbean. A special message was delivered to the Reggae Sumfest team on behalf of Mayor Bloomberg, who expressed his pleasure in welcoming and hosting the team in New York.

Special guest speaker was the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, who delivered his address in his usual eloquent manner. Bartlett commented that Reggae Sumfest was an important part of the ‘Jamaican Product’, as it was integral to the tourism mandate of bringing “more heads to beds, more feet to the street, converting lookers to bookers, and baby boomers into zoomers”.

Reggae Sumfest kicks off on July 19 with a beach party and continues July 23-25 with three nights of exciting, non-stop performances by top Dancehall, Reggae and International acts. In addition to the stars already mentioned, the impressive line- up includes Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Busy Signal, Spice, D`Angel, Konshens, Prodigal Son, Stacious, Charly Black, Flippa Mafia, I-Octane, Bugle, Poor & Boasy and Spring I on Dancehall Night; Jazmine Sullivan, Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Coco T, Queen Ifrica, Dub Tonic Kru, Ezron, and Stream on International Night 1; and Inner Circle, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Da`ville, Rhaatid and Lutan Fyah on International Night 2.

The other day I was listening to the news and something caught my ear…they were debating the buggery bill and a particular clause raise my antenna.



“The bill sets out specific circumstances in which grievous sexual assault can be committed to include the penetration of the anus and vagina ‘without consent’”



Now just like Senator Clarke who has a problem with the ‘without consent’ clause so do I. What does that mean, as long as there are consenting homosexuals it is okay?

If I am not mistaken, I remember the PM talking with pride about “not in my cabinet,” on that famous BBC interview…so how he should clean up that particular area and not leave any ‘back door” for the gays to slip in.



Remember there is already a scandal brewing about a particular man working in a particular ministry who is allowing little boys to come into his office ending in one particular worker walking in on him doing stuff with the little boy. That he is not fired is another story…which means the PM and his team are not as soft on it as they claim.



Yes, the pressure is mounting on this little island because we don’t tolerate nastiness..but that’s no reason to appear as if we are softening one bit.

Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand across its 31 markets worldwide.



Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and now has operations in 31 markets worldwide. Its Caribbean and Central American markets comprise Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St.. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths. Digicel Pacific comprises Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and South Pacific sports teams, including the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams throughout the region and national rugby teams in the South Pacific. Digicel is also title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Championships and the Copa de Naciones Digicel, which are the Caribbean and Central American qualifiers to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.



Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information on Digicel Group.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research.

Announced as Brand Ambassadors for Digicel for sumfest 09

Thursday June 18 Kingston, Jamaica: Digicel, Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network is once again set to be one of the main sponsors for this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest, the highly anticipated week-long reggae music festival, to be held July 23-25 in Montego Bay.



At the recent launch of Sumfest 2009, held at Devon House, Digicel unveiled their theme for this year - “Divas of Dancehall”, featuring Lady Saw and D’Angel, two of the hottest divas in dancehall today. Shelly-Ann Curran, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Digicel commented, “This year we are paying tribute to the amazing female dancehall artists that have graced the Sumfest stage over the past sixteen years with lady Saw and D’Angel leading our campaign as Brand Ambassadors.



The divas were ‘unwrapped’ from life-sized Barbie doll boxes in a thrilling moment, and later unleashed electrifying performances to delight the audience. “Sumfest is widely acknowledged as ‘The greatest Reggae show on earth,’ continued Curran, and Digicel is excited to be associated with the show in a bigger, better way. We’ve been involved with Reggae Sumfest for a number of years and we’re happy to help promote the development of Reggae music through such a quality event.”

Reggae Sumfest celebrates its 17th anniversary this year. A weeklong celebration in Montego Bay culminates with the 3-night Reggae Festival from July 23-25. The show will feature a host of reggae artistes, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Konshens, Busy Signal, Mavado, Etana, Queen Ifrica and Damian Marley, among others. International acts Tony Braxton, Jazmine Sullivan, Neyo and Nas have also been confirmed to headline this year’s festival.

The promoters of Just Jugglin have selected rising new artist Protoje to be the featured act on their first live concert on Thursday the 25th of June. Jus Jugglin is a weekly event that is held the Kabana restaurant and garden bar at 12 Hope Road in Kingston, that features top selectors spinning 80s and 90s music. However the promoters of Jus Jugglin have decided to add a live shows to their summer long event series.



This event will see Protoje doing his first official live show in the Kingston since the release of his hot new single Arguments. Over the last few months Protoje has been rapidly making a name for him self on the local music scene since the release of this single. Arguments is currently sitting at the top of RETV’s MVP chart for the fourth consecutive week, it also debuted at number two on the Fi Wi Choice Video charts on TVJ last Saturday.

A few nosey neighbours who felt that an evangelist was taking advantage of two teenagers in their community, questioned the girls and then called the police on celebrity US-based pastor the Reverend Dr Paul Lewis.

Lewis, who was arrested on Sunday night, was denied bail when he appeared in the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Reports are that after an intense two-hour interrogation session, the man of God was charged with indecent assault and carnal abuse. He returns to court on July 7.

Lewis is represented by attorney Terrence Ballentine.

Allegations are that the popular Jamaican-born evangelist and the two girls — ages 14 and 15-years — had a deal in which he gave them money in return for sexual favours.

It is reported that Lewis, who is in the island for a one-week crusade — hosted by Fellowship Church of God in Little London from June 7-14 — met the 14-year-old girl at church and they exchanged phone numbers.

The teenager subsequently introduced her 15-year-old friend to the United States-based evangelist and all three went on a trip to Clarendon on Saturday. During that trip, Pastor Lewis, who was being driven by a chauffeur, allegedly fondled and kissed both girls

The police say that upon returning to Westmoreland late Saturday night, the evangelist invited the two teenaged girls to his hotel room in Negril where he had sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old twice while the 14-year-old watched.

Reports are that the girls received $5,000.00 and $3,000.00 each.

The evangelist, whose credits include performing the baptism of popular entertainer Brother Desmond, aka Ninjaman, was jailed after the matter was brought to the attention of the police by citizens who became suspicious.

Reggae Sumfest enjoyed its official Jamaican launch yesterday on the grounds of Devon House in Kingston.
There was a large turnout of media personnel, artistes, sponsors and specially invited guests.
The top names in the dancehall are set to thrill the massive on Dancehall night including the Doctor Beenie man who the Sumfest boss Johnny Gourzong says will be given a special honour.
Mavado, Kartel and others are set to perform on that night.
Lady Saw gave a thrilling performance after she and D'Angel were introduced as Digicel's Brand Ambassadors for Sumfest 09.
If her stormy performance is anything to go by then one can easily expect her "tear up" the Sumfest stage.
Last night cameo performances were given by Taz, Sophia Squire, I-Octane, Bugle, Lutan Fyah, Spice.

An internationally acclaimed pastor is behind bars after a report of carnal abuse was made.
The pastor is locked up for the alleged carnal abuse of a teenager and sexual assault of another.

The pastor who is in Jamaica on the invitation of a local Ministry is accused of abusing the teens at a Westmoreland hotel over the weekend.

According to RJR news the Minister who hails from Brooklyn, New York is a self proclaimed healer, and is known worldwide for his alleged acts of healing, which have reportedly left millions in awe.

He was reportedly ministering at a tent crusade in Westmoreland last week and was in the company of two young girls, aged 14 and 15 years.

The girls reportedly accompanied him to Clarendon and upon their return were taken to a hotel in Negril where the pastor allegedly came unto the 14-year-old girl who resisted strongly.

It is further alleged that the pastor had sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old and then gave her money.

Nearby persons became suspicious and called the police and investigations led to the minister's arrest during the final stages of his crusade Sunday night, just minutes before he was scheduled to begin delivering his message.

The police say he will be charged late Monday.

In the meantime, some people are claiming that the pastor has been falsely accused.

The situation has left tension hanging over the Little London community and its environs where scores of residents turned out nightly for healing.

It has also caused a stir in the United States where thousands of persons have been sending weekly donations to his Ministry based in Brooklyn.

With Caribbean-American Heritage being the national theme for June, Caribbean celebrities are hitting the American mainstream in full force. On June 27th, Trinidad and Tobago's beloved Soca star Bunji Garlin--known as the 'Fire Man' for his blazing stage performances--is taking over the United States headquarters with Soca in Motion, a birthday celebration featuring Soca music's biggest stars, and a guest appearance from Jamaica's Dancehall King. Held on the weekend when Washington DC celebrates Caribbean culture with their annual island-styled Carnival, Garlin's birthday party is billed to be one of the biggest Soca events ever to strike the capital city.



Hosted at Washington D.C.'s newly renovated DC Star, a frequent hang-out for Hip Hop A-listers like Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Gucci Mane, and Young Joc, Soca in Motion brings Soca's top-listed celebrities like Trinidad and Tobago's 2009 Carnival quadruple crown-winner Fayann Lyons, Destra Garcia, Benjai, Patch, Trini Jacobs, and Hunter, alongside Garlin and his famed Asylum Band. Rounding out the power-packed line-up of Soca royalty, Caribbean music icon Beenie Man, in his capacity as the "King of the Dancehall" will officiate the festivities.

Soca is a musical fusion of uptempo African, East Indian, and Latin music poured over the drum- and bass-heavy rhythms that have become the signature sound of the Caribbean islands. Since 1993, the sounds of Soca, Reggae, and other island music have filled Washington D.C. every last weekend in June, with a vibrant full-costume parade and internationalmarketplace. According to carnival organizers DC Caribbean Carnival Inc, the event attracts over 300,000 people annually, and is still growing. DC Caribbean Carnival maintains that one of the focal points of this annual celebration is to develop and encourage cross-cultural programs and inter-community relations to expand awareness of Caribbean cultural traditions, and to educate both young people and adults in Caribbean arts in the Washington DC Metro area.



"DC Carnival is the perfect place to celebrate my birthday," states Garlin, whose birth name is Ian Alvarez. "The spirit of Carnival is the spirit of the Caribbean-lively, colorful, celebratory, and welcoming. That is what my music is about. That is what Soca music is about.



That is what Caribbean culture is about. This time we are headed straight for the US capital. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy-especially President Obama," jokes Garlin. n his official proclamation declaring June as National Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States, President Obama states "Caribbean Americans bring a unique and vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity of our Nation."



"Carnival is one of the things that Caribbean people look forward to every year; it is the one day or weekend that we can come out in our full colors and have the rest of the city celebrate being Caribbean with us," states Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis. "Carnival spirit is so powerful that the US said one-day is not enough-give them people the whole month," he jokes while adding that Bunji Garlin's birthday party is going to be one of the highlights of DC Carnival this year.



"Big up Bunji Garlin on his Earthstrong (birthday) party," states Beenie Man. "The King of the Dancehall with the Soca Fire Man-nothing but pure explosion a go di deh," he adds in his local Caribbean tongue.



"After this one, they are going to need another Ice Age to cool the place down, because we are going to set DC ablaze," Garlin exclaims, ending with his signature "Fiiiyaaah" stage call.

August is the date being announced for the long-awaited follow-up album for deejay Sean Paul
In the meantime, the lead single So Fine is stirred up a lot of love from fans in France, Canada, Belgium, Norway and Sweden who have made it the most downloaded reggae/dancehall song in those territories.

Popular online music store iTunes has So Fine charting in those five nations but it is void on the US online charts. Reports are, however, that the single should be made available in the US within the next two weeks.

The single So Fine also had found its way on Billboard’s R&B Hip Hop Singles & Tracks where it made its debut at number 90

Sean Paul has topped the Billboard Hot 100 three times but has had only one chart-topper on the R&B chart. He reached pole position with Get Busy in 2003.
A recap of Sean Paul titles to have hit the R&B chart include Deport Them, Hot Gal Today, Gimmie the Light, Get Busy, Like Glue, I’m Still in Love With You, Temperature, We Be Burning, (When You Gonna) Give it Up to Me (with Keyshia Cole), Baby Boy (with Beyonce), Breathe (with Blu Cantrell) and Come Over (with Estelle).

As the line-up for Reggae Sumfest International Nights rolls out, the big names keep popping up. The latest to be revealed are singers Toni Braxton and Neyo, who join Jazmin Sullivan and Nas as the other international acts.
This was disclosed to media and VIP guests recently at the New York launch of what is considered ‘the world’s greatest showcase of reggae music’.
A six-time Grammy Awards winner, Braxton has sold over forty million records worldwide.
Her number-one single, Unbreak My Heart, is the second-biggest selling single by a female singer in Billboard history. Her most recent albums were More Than a Woman under the Arista label, and Libra, her first and only release on Blackground.

Braxton was involved in the 7th season of the reality show Dancing with the Stars.
Ne-Yo, a favourite locally ever since the mega-success of his big song So Sick, has five top ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artiste and two number-one albums on the Billboard 200.
He broke into the recording industry as a songwriter, penning the hit Let Me Love You for singer Mario.
In 2006, Neyo released his debut album, In My Own Words, which contained the US number one hit So Sick.
The Sumfest launch party featured two 2009 performing stars, Flippa Mafia and Spice.
Sponsors for this year's event include Digicel, Air Jamaica, Jamrock Magazine, Ocean Spray and the Jamaica Tourist Board among others

Omar Johnson aka Poor and Boasy who emerged King in the Magnum King and Queen of the Dancehall has found himself on the wrong side of the law.


According to information reaching Yardflex he has been accused of being involved in a stabbing incident which took place last week. From information gleaned the Magnum winner is wanted in connection with the stabbing of Lindon Clarke, a resident of Aenon Town, Clarendon, where the incident allegedly occurred.
Checks with the Spaldings police confirmed that a report was made on Saturday, after which an effort was made to nab Johnson.
A policeman said Johnson was expected to attend a dance which was being held in Spaldings, also in the parish.
The efforts of the police were, however, thwarted, as Johnson reportedly did not turn up.
Corporate Area police stations have since been briefed, the policeman added.
Allegations are that Clarke was stabbed about 1 a.m. last Friday, while at the Miss Aenon Town contest at the Aenon Town All-Age School.
Clarke who told his story to the Star reported that while playing a game of cards, Clarke said he got into a heated argument with Poor and Boasy.

"First him seh 'a wah do yuh country bwoy?' and mi ask him if him feel seh town mek anybody a bad man," Clarke said. They then exchanged expletives.
"Mi leave and go inside the fête fi go enjoy miself and about three minutes after being in there him come see me," he continued.
Clarke said he was stabbed several times and had to run in order to escape. One of his friends drove him to hospital.
He received nine stab wounds: three in his side, four in his back, one in his hand and one in his belly. He was hospitalised and placed on a drip.
Clarke reported the matter to the police on Saturday. He, however, feels the police are lagging in making an arrest.


However when the Star contacted the Boasy himself he dismissed the argument by saying he heard rumours that he was the subject of an attack and not the attacker.
"Mi hear seh dem find mi body a Alligator Pond, seh mi get stab up and dead," he claimed.

He did, however, admit to being in the country but did not spare details of the trip.
"Up to last night him deh a one bar a drink. Him deh a Aenon Town more than how him deh a town. Right now, him supposed to deh a Aenon Town," an angry Clarke said.
"A nuff people see dat (stabbing incident) but de police nuh come arrest him. Right now, mi a pree fi go report it a Mandeville Police station."
Oh boy, let’s see who is telling the truth in this case.

You telling us that only $300 went on the minimum wage and people losing dem job…$300…give us a break here. Check out this report carried on RJR’s website.

The Ministry of Labour is reporting that there have been some job losses since the recent increase in the Minimum Wage.
However, it says the figure is not expected to be significant.
Some small firms which were buckling under the pressure of the economic recession were forced to send home a few employees when the increase in the Minimum Wage took effect last month.
Labour Minister Pearnel Charles says the situation is being monitored.

"On the question of the minimum wage we have had reports that a number of workers have been terminated because a number of employers say they cannot pay the $4,070,
"We have not found any mass dismissal of workers but we are still examining and wherever there is a problem we will try and solve it," Mr. Charles said.
He says in other cases employees have suffered a cut in their work hours as companies try to cut expenses.
The Minimum Wage was increased from $3,700 per week to $4,070 on May 11.

The rates paid to security guards went up on June 1.

Yardflex understands that a legal battle is brewing between booking and public relations agency Headline Entertainment and it’s co-owner Alison Hunte. The two will be heading to the Supreme Court to settle their differences.

Hunte and Hamilton are now caught in a legal fight that could possibly split the company.

According to reports in the Jamaica Observer details are still emerging, but both sides went to court yesterday in an attempt to avoid mediation and fast-track open court. That is a signal that either talks have broken down or that there is a point of law that mediation cannot settle. Hunte launched legal proceeding this year with Headline and Hamilton listed as co-defendants.

It is understands that Hunte and Hamilton have been at loggerheads for some time, and that she proposed a buy-out that never materialised.

"No comment," responded the usually transparent Hamilton when quizzed on the matter.

Hunte's attorney Nunes, Scholefield, DeLeon & Company also declined to comment and calls to Hunte's local and overseas numbers went unanswered.
Splash was unable to obtain the case file as it had been in the judge's chambers since Wednesday.

The Marley brothers are fighting for chart dominance on Billboard’s reggae album charts this week with Julian Marley denied the number one slot by Ziggy Marley.
Julian’s new album Awake just debuted at number two on Billboard’s after ticking on iTunes downloads ten days ago. It’s his highest debut to date and betters Time & Place (2003) which peaked at number eight. Awake is also number 11 on the Top Heatseekers charts.
In fact there are three Marley’s on the Billboard chart with Stephen Marley’s Mind Control acoustic at number 15. Billboard’s tracks mostly physical album sales. Contrastingly online downloads show that Julian’s album slipped from number two last week to number three on the US iTunes reggae album charts, among the Internet’s most popular online stores. Julian’s Awake is at number three behind Ziggy’s Family Time at number two with father and reggae icon Bob Marley’s Legend at number one. Legend was released almost 30 years ago and has sold 20 million copies cumulatively.

This state of the art and one-of-a-kind 21st century multi-musical entertainments center and children's museum was opened on December 5th 2008 in downtown Los Angeles, California. 'L.A.-Live' consists of the most modern technological entertainments facilities, Club Nokia and The Grammy Museum. Here on June 6th 2009 Club Nokia and The Grammy Museum teamed up to present an educational experience with Reggae music Grammy's multi-winner Ziggy Marley.

With the release of Ziggy Marley's "Family Time" CD, Marley entertained children from all walks of life with the showcase " What is Reggae" which gave youths age 5 years and up a hands-on interaction with the artists and entertainers. Opening for the son of The Crowned King of Reggae The Honorable Robert Nesta 'Bob" Marley, O. D., were "Rhythm Child", local entertainers who interact children and parents in music through free form drumming while performing many of their award winning children songs. The Grammy Museum will continue to host other grammy winning artists from over 200 genres at this venue.

Tuesday, June 9; Kingston, Jamaica: It was a lengthy campaign for Betsy ‘Brown Sugar’ Campbell to get one of the three spots up for grabs from the Top Ten from Montego Bay. However, she says it was well worth it.

Campbell, who got the most votes in this round of voting, was elated when she realised she would be in the studio finals for Jamaica’s most popular television show and talent contest.

“Well, I worked hard for it. Friday night when I was watching the show, and I realised I was chosen, it was just a blessed feeling,” Campbell said before going into intricate details about her campaign to become one of the 16 persons who will see berth into the studio rounds.

“My hairdresser has been promoting it, I’ve printed fliers and she has put it up in the plaza where her shop is. She also has a box in the shop with my picture on it, and they collect money to buy credit and vote for me, and they’ve been doing that from I auditioned.”

The Herbert Morrision Technical High School alumni sang Lauryn Hill’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You to win the approval of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, 17 year old Ruseas High School student Suzanna Brooks, who sang the well known Carla Irene tune Fame, says she “just feels so good!”

“I just feel elated, and I’m proud of myself. My friends and family are excited too, and they are probably more excited than I am,” said Brooks.

“I’ve been singing since I was four, and I’ve been around music forever. My parents are musicians and they have their own Mento band, so music is everything to me, and this means a lot to me.”

Cristal Robinson and Winston Ramsey, who make up ‘Chrissy and Winston’, this season’s first duo, are itching to get to the studio rounds. The two 19-year-old past students of Clan Carthy High School sang We’ve Got Tonight by Kenny Rogers and are now preparing to wow Jamaica with their talent.

“I'm excited, and I’m blessed. I have faith and I have confidence and we’re gonna do our best, said Robinson. This is Robinson’s first time entering the competition.
However, it was an elated Relda Ramsey, mother of Winston Ramsey who told us about her son’s love of music.

“What?! It was one something in here when it come on TVJ on Friday. He was so excited!” Relda related, also adding that her son entered the competition as a solo act last year.

“You see when he was a baby; the only thing that could stop him from crying was music. I would have to get a radio and a cassette, and put it to him head and is it would mek him smile and calm down,” she said.

Now that the Montego Bay three are chosen, this Friday’s results show will reveal the top three contestants from the May Pen auditions that were shown on Sunday. So vote now to get your choice in.

Dancehall diva D’Angel is shaken up following a hold up at her store in Princeville Plaza. The incident happened about 10:30 yesterday morning when three armed men walked into the store demanding money.


When that was not forthcoming they proceeded to help themselves to goods from the store. According to our source the gunmen tied up the workers and even stripped the clothes off the mannequins before making their escape with goods valued at $400,000.


The workers are very traumatized from the whole incident.

Berriston "Berry" Bryan a prominent corporate lawyer was found murdered at his home in Stony Hill, St Andrew Monday morning.


The 72-year old attorney who defended Sheldon Pusey in the high- profile murder of Ambassador Peter King was found in a decomposing state just after 8am by an employee.

Mr. Bryan's 10 bedroom unfinished mansion at Wedmore Drive overlooking much of Kingston, teemed with investigators and forensic examiners who were called to the scene after his body was found.

A small band of onlookers huddled nearby as plain-clothes detectives cordoned off the massive property while other sleuths dug for clues on the inside.

Mr. Bryan who lived alone was found dead on one of the stairways in the house.

Police had to borrow a bolt-cutter from a neighbour to cut through the grills to gain access to the inside of the premises.

Senior crime investigator for Area 5, Superintendent Wilford Gayle said it was too early to determine a motive for the killing.
"The body is in an advanced state of decomposition but there are obvious wounds to the head," he said.
Police suspect that more than one person was involved in his death as Mr Bryan is a black-belt karate expert and he had defensive wounds on the back of his hands signalling that there might have been a struggle with his attacker or attackers just before his death.

Some residents claimed that they heard screams coming from the direction of Mr. Bryan's house late Friday evening.

Yendi Phillipps is, without a doubt, beauty with a purpose, and not only because she claimed that award in the 2007 Miss World competition in China. The 20-something is an accomplished, drop-dead gorgeous dancer who stretches herself to be the best she can be. Whether it’s an appearance to boost the profile of an event aiming to raise funds for a worthy cause or working at her creative summer camp, Yendi is a Jamaican gem. Since winning the 2007 Miss Jamaica World title she has become a darling of the Jamaican people.


In 2008, when Denise Hunt resigned as host of Jamaica’s most popular television show, Digicel Rising Stars, the show’s producers looked Yendi’s way and she accepted. Since then she has been beamed into the homes of more than one million Jamaicans as the host of their favourite show.


“It's been a great learning experience, more than anything else. With every episode I acquire more knowledge and it feels great to apply it and I feel myself growing as a person and as a media personality,” says the bubbling beauty.

She, like many others, also believes that Digicel Rising Stars is an important aspect of Jamaica’s pop culture: “There are many talented Jamaicans who do not have an avenue to showcase their talent and Digicel Rising Stars affords them this opportunity.”


Having been through the auditions, Phillipps is optimistic about the new season: “It's a great year for big voices. I heard more contestants belt out tunes than ever before so it's definitely going be competitive. I am very excited about the show this year.


“I had to learn in front of the public last year which was pretty challenging but I feel a lot more comfortable and still feel excited every time I have to do the show or something related to it,” Phillipps said before revealing that it’s the energy of the live shows that she finds most exciting.


But which is more fun for Phillipps, Digicel Rising Stars or Miss Jamaica World? She says the two are “absolutely incomparable but both are like my babies. I truly adore each role in its own way.”

Years and years after her death, Jamaica’s heroine Nanny’s sexuality is being questioned. According to a story in the Sunday Observer, Ronald Cummings of the University of Leeds-UK, asserting that the most homophobic country in the western hemisphere has a "speculative queer genealogy" amongst its national heroes.

Cummings called national hero Nanny a 'man royal' (masculine female) in the trajectory that includes butch-lesbians.

The evidence given is that the historical and literary accounts of Nanny utilise masculine descriptors. Cummings was invited to present at the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) conference last week in Jamaica, but he missed his flight so Kei Miller, a UK/Jamaica scholar, read his paper instead.

"I swear that Ronald's visa didn't work out just so he wouldn't have to present on a paper that was basically outing Nanny," quipped Miller of the University of Glasgow, Scotland.

But Cummings wrote that he was less concerned about labelling Nanny as lesbian and more concerned with her gender-bending characteristics. His paper was entitled Nanny of the Maroons and the genealogy of the Man Royal: constructing a speculative queer Jamaican genealogy.

"It is easy to situate Nanny of the Maroons in the genealogy of the man royal," Cummings wrote in his paper. "I am not so much concerned with sexual subjectivity but rather with the subversion and or complication of the systemic gender binarisms that Nanny has historically or more so literary (analysis) enacts."

Nanny led the Maroons against the British in the First Maroon War from 1720 to 1739. In 1740, the crown offered five hundred acres of land to Nanny and those she led - called... Nanny Town. It was a huge victory for the former slaves to defeat the British army - then the world's superpower.

"Nanny is mentioned only four times in official archives and only in a fragmented and contradictory manner," wrote Cummings, citing previous work done by historian and poet Kamau Brathwaite in Wars of Respect. He adds that her characteristics are mostly known via folklore including stories about her catching bullets in her behind.

Cummings found interesting the man royal traits in H Thomas' account on Nanny published in 1890.

"Nanny is described as 'ferocious and blood-thirsty more than any man among the maroons'. Thomas also describes Nanny as an unsexed woman," wrote Cummings. "This unsexing serves to mark her imposing bodily comportments which he reads as threatening. It also refers to the masculine female body which he renders in terms of grotesque and hence necessarily outside the realm of heterosexual desire."

Cummings also cites "a memoir published in 1788 there is reference to 'the old hag who cast sentence and death among an enforced man and English officer' believed to be Nanny. She is further described, 'She had a girdle around her waist, with, and I speak with encompass, nine or ten egret knives hanging'".

Cummings cites Lorna Goodison's poem on Nanny, as an example of the conflict between warrior and woman: "My womb was sealed with molten wax of killer bees for nothing should enter nothing should leave."

Cummings wrote. "Nanny maybe figuratively located in the Jamaican genealogy of the man royal. In these cited representations I suggest that Nanny is marked by various tensions around issues of gender normativity and hetero-normativity. Like the figure of the man royal she disrupts the coded system of gender binaries and simultaneously contained within its crutches of representation."

An 11-year-old boy, an inmate at a place of safety, was stabbed to death by 14-year-old inmate on Thursday.
Both wards of the state resided at the SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill, St Andrew.
Reports from the Constabulary Communication Network CCN, are that at about 9:10 Thursday morning the boys were at the home when a dispute between them escalated into a fight and a kitchen knife was used to stab Brandon Saddler in the chest.
The injured boy was taken to the Bustamante Hospital for Children where he was pronounced dead.
The 14-year-old was taken into custody for questioning by investigators at the Constant Spring Police Station.
The police were unable to say what the fight was about.
A team of psychologists was subsequently dispatched to the institution to provide counseling.

The death on Wednesday of 16-year-old Georgian Saunders, brings to six the number of girls who perished in the deadly fire at the Armadale Juvenile Correctional Centre in St Ann on May 22.
Saunders, who had been transferred from the St Ann’s Bay Hospital to the Kingston Public Hospital in Kingston had received severe burns in the fire in which five other inmates of the institution had lost their lives.


On Thursday, Security Minister Dwight Nelson expressed sadness at the news that another of the wards of the state from Armadale had died.
The minister said the nation has been robbed of another potentially gifted child, who was trying to correct the mistakes of the past.
The security ministry, Nelson said, would continue to do all it could to provide support to both the families of the deceased as well as the surviving victims of the fire and other wards of the state and staff who may be affected by the traumatic effects of the fire.

4 policemen including a senior cop will be slapped with criminal charges in connection with the disappearance of men in 2004 – the Director of Public Prosecution, Paula Llewellyn has ruled.


The fourth policeman who is attached to a St. Catherine police station joined three others at the high security Horizon Remand Centre on Thursday as investigators pursued the four year old case.

The DPP recommended that the four officers be criminally charged for their alleged role in the 2004 kidnapping and murder of Kemar Walters and Oliver Duncan.

Ms. Llewellyn declined to give details of her ruling which stated that the policemen should be made to answer to crimes following an extensive review of evidence against them.

Thursday's developments unfolded after cold case investigators began rounding up the accused officers including an Assistant Superintendent of Police on Wednesday.
The former Deputy Commissioner of Police insisted that the investigators will not be rushed.

"We will take our time ... be diligent and professional in our investigations and that means that we can't rush it. We're hoping to conduct the interviews as soon as possible but there are a number of other inquiries that we're making at the moment," Mr. Shields said.

In December 2004, Kemar Walters and Oliver Duncan were said to be conducting business at a plaza on Washington Boulevard when they were taken away by members of the Organised Crime Investigations Division.

A Honda CRV motor vehicle which was being driven by Mr. Duncan was later found burnt in downtown Kingston.

Many have expressed sadness at the death of David Carradine, best known for the 1970s TV series Kung Fu, even while theorizing that the actor may have died attempting a sex act known as auto-erotic asphyxiation.


Carradine’s body was found in a Bangkok hotel room in a closet with a rope tied to his neck and genitals.
The Thai police said Friday his death may have been caused by accidental suffocation, an Associated Press report is quoted as saying.
Interestingly, during auto erotic asphyxiation, there is a cutting off of oxygen to the brain for sexual arousal. The practice is said to result in a form of giddiness and euphoria — similar to alcohol or drug intoxication — that enhances the sexual experience. It was first reported on Thursday when Carradine’s body was found naked hanging in a closet that the actor’s death was suicide. However, his associates stoutly refuted this claim.


“All we can say is, we know David would never have committed suicide,” said Tiffany Smith of Binder & Associates, his management company. “We’re just waiting for them to finish the investigation and find out what really happened. He really appreciated everything life has to give ... and that’s not something David would ever do to himself.”

Carradine was said to be in good spirits when he left the US for Thailand on May 29 to work on a film entitled Stretch.
Carradine, a martial arts practitioner himself, was best known for the US TV series Kung Fu, which aired in 1972-75. He played Kwai Chang Caine, an orphan who was raised by Shaolin monks and fled China after killing the emperor’s nephew in retaliation for the murder of his kung fu master.


Carradine also appeared in more than 100 feature films with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and Hal Ashby.
He returned to the top in recent years as the title character in Quentin Tarantino’s two-part saga Kill Bill.

R&B sensation Jazmine Sullivan, rap music luminary Nas and reggae royalty Damian ‘Jnr Gong' Marley are among the international acts confirmed for the 17th staging of the ‘Greatest Reggae Show on Earth', Reggae Sumfest to be held in Montego Bay from July 19-25

Sullivan is slated to bring her flavour to spice up the Festival's International Night I on Friday, July 24 when Summerfest Productions takes over Catherine Hall in Montego Bay

Summerfest Production’s head honcho, Johnny Gourgonz stated in a release that Sullivan “has been having a phenomenal year on the music scene internationally, and some of her songs are even reggae inspired.”

Jazmine Sullivan is most well known for the songs Bust Your Windows, Need You Bad and Lions, Tigers and Bears, while among Nas’ hits are It Ain’t Hard To Tell, NY State of Mind and his controversial 2006 album,

Hip Hop Is Dead. Grammy winner, Junior Gong, son of reggae icon Bob Marley, is the original Mr Welcome to Jamrock, and has an extensive repertoire of hits.

At the 2009 Grammy Awards, Nas confirmed that that he was collaborating on an album with Junior Gong. It is expected to be released in Spring 2009 and a portion of the profit is planned to go towards building a school in Africa.

The Festival, which starts with a beach party on Sunday July 19 and then has three nights of pulsating live performances from Thursday July 23 to Saturday July 25. Included on the Sumfest line-up are Bounty Killer, Mavado, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, and a host of other local talents.

What really a gwaan between Flippa and di Killa? How Killa talk bout him no inna no clash and ting and yet him go pon stage a St Thomas Saturday night and a talk up a bag at tings bout the real source of Flippa money.


Alright, so everybody know seh Flippa floss like say fi him money cyan dun and all these tings, but why Killa haffi go deso. We nah say abd mind, but it look a way. But tell me now, where Killa tink plenty promoter get money from fi put on stage show and pay bag a artiste — including him. Me no know any promoter who have regular a nine-to-five, if oonu get mi drift. Killa lucky seh light did go way and Flippa neva get fi answer him. All we a say is, Flippa, gwaan floss to di flippin’ werlll! And Killa, kibba you mout!

Soul singer Erykah Badu, the Morgan (Heritage) brothers Peetah and Mojo, Machel Montano, Tanto Metro and Devonte, Cherine Anderson, Assassin, Movado, De La Soul and Los Angeles native, Miss Leela James were the stars of the well-produced UCLA 23rd Annual Jazz Reggae Festival held over the Memorial Day weekend.


The two-day music festival showcased Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul, and Reggae under the theme "A Culture of Change".
From the Blues and Funk that characterized James’ performance, the show moved smoothly into Hip Hop mode with De La Soul whose energy was boundless. The entrance to centrestage of Ms Badu saw the crowd surging to the front, eager to see and hear every syllable. This soul sister hit all the right notes, from her attire and charisma to her inspiring repertoire. She was truly a class act.

Day two of the festival had the irrepressible duo Tanto Metro & Devonte who instantly connected with the audience and soon had them in a foot-stomping, flag-waving frenzy. Assasin, who recently changed his name to Agent Sasco, kept the dancehall vibes flowing.


Cherine Anderson tested the waters and came out a winner, but it was soca maestro Machel Montano who did the real damage. Machel was the boss, he was totally in charge and the crowd moved to his every whim. The real ‘Energiser Bunny’, Machel went on and on, but the massive had been warned and a sweating and tireless Machel played on.


Peetah Morgan performed a new single called “Secrets” off of his upcoming album, while Mojo introduced his new sound, Rasta Rock, which went over quite well.


And, like Machel before him, the crowd was just as hungry for Movado. By the end of his performance, however, they were totally filled.

Fashion Block 2009 was once again the talk of the town as patrons stood dazzled with designer pieces on the Caribbean’s longest fashion runway, Saint International’s signature 130ft runway on Sunday, May 31. For the fourth year, Digicel backed this prestigious and highly anticipated event, the climax of Saint International’s Style Week Jamaica activities.



Launched in 2004, Style Week has become a highlight on the Jamaican calendar for ‘fashionistas’ both locally and across the region. It is also a must do for connoisseurs of Caribbean culture, couture and entertainment.



“Working with Saint International is always a pleasure. Fashion Block is definitely a hot event that Jamaicans look forward to and Digicel is happy to have been associated with an event of this magnitude, which showcased the crème of Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s design talents”, says Digicel’s Head of Marketing, Wayne Miller. “We were particularly pleased with top local designer, Dexter Pottinger’s interpretation of ‘Digicel Style” and futuristic technology, added Miller.

Dexter premiered what was a surprise for many patrons, as he designed a line based on Digicel. The line was trendy and fashionable with a mix of some of Digicel’s signature style with Dexter’s eclectic flavour.



The massive, world-class runway, which has become synonymous with Digicel Fashion Block returned this year in bigger, better style and put on a great show for patrons, showcasing numerous designers from Europe, Paris, New York and the stunning Saint International models.

On June 19 the Don Gargon Ninjaman will know for sure whether he will be out on bail. The ruling will be made by a Resident Magistrate to decide whether he will be out on bond.

The artiste christened Desmond Ballentine lawyers representing him on murder and gun related charges renewed their application for bail in the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Monday.

Three other men including Ninja Man's 20-year old son are jointly charged for the murder of 20-year old Ricardo Johnson, a resident of Olympic Gardens in St Andrew.

Mr. Johnson was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on March 16.

Deejay Michelle Downer, aka D'Angel, is safe and sound after being involved in an accident on Saturday night in St Thomas.
Reports are that D’Angel, the estranged wife of dancehall star, Beenie Man, was on her way to a show in Port Morant in the parish when her X5 was badly hit from behind by a truck.
“It wasn’t she driving … she was just in the passenger seat at the front,” an eyewitness told Yardflex. “And her vehicle really mash up bad.”
The deejay, who has been enjoying quite a bit of hype since the middle of last year, and even copped the Stone Love Female DJ of the Year award in 2008, was at home resting comfortably on Sunday.
It is not certain whether or not she was able to perform on Saturday night’s event, as the accident happened only a few minutes away from the venue.

Nite Time Promotions, owners and operators of the popular Asylum nite club in New Kingston say the name Asylum will be retired and the club will be turned into an entertainment venue.


After a historic 12- year run, the club closed its doors to the public last week Tuesday, which was its last official Ladies Night.
Plans are afoot to renovate the club and make it available for rental as an entertainment venue to stage launches and other events.
Brian Chung, hailed as a pioneer in night time entertainment, successfully ran the Cactus night club in Portmore for eight years, before opening Asylum, and later the Quad, also in New Kingston.


A release stated that “Nite Time Promotions will eventually be reopening the venue at the opportune moment under a new name with a great new image. The space that formerly housed Asylum will now be available immediately for rental by the owners of the property. We wish to thank our extremely loyal patrons, staff, promoters, sponsors and all other partners that have shared the journey and the dream with us over the last 12 years.”

On Sunday, May 31, roots reggae singer, Etana, made a bold step when she totally turned over her life to the Lord and got baptized.


Etana (born Shauna McKenzie), who came to prominence in 2005 with her debut single, Wrong Address, is known for her culturally chic wardrobe choices and her steadfast commitment to the tenets of Rastafari. In the video for her follow-up single Roots, the heroine — most reminiscent of the singer’s physical appearance — is depicted as a young woman opposed to the western ideologies her family subscribes to. This baptism at a Christian church has come a real shocker to those in the dancehall.


“Etana never really wear locks, but we look on her as one of we,” one prominent Rastafarian singer commented. “If she want to baptize she should go to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church … but to each his own,” he added, still looking displeased.

But, according to one religious source, Etana has been visiting the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston for some time now with a male friend who is a baptized member of the church.


“Some people believe the two of dem into things, but nobody never really expect her fi actually get baptize,” she told Yardflex.
Etana, who is seen as the heir apparent to Marcia Griffiths, has been hailed for her clean, conscious lyrics and has been touring extensively, especially since the release of her debut CD, The Strong One.


She could not be reached for comment. But for those who are wondering if the singer will now be singing gospel…the answer is no…she will continue to do her cultural songs.

The voice behind Time To Shine, Laden was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 and was released from lock up on station bail yesterday.


He was arrested by the Junction Police on Wednesday evening for disorderly conduct and using indecent language. Yardflex has already given you the whole drama.

He is to appear before the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate’s Court on June 9.

Yardflex came across this very interesting article posted on www.eastandard.net all we can say is very interesting...check out excerpts from it.


A few celebrities are falling into illicit affairs with groupies that trap them into one-night stands. Sometimes more. Now an emerging groupie love affair is causing ripples in the industry, writes Stevens Muendo

The massive crowd gathered at the Lugogo Cricket Oval last Saturday night was getting impatient. For over 20 minutes, the technicians were up and down, setting up for Shaggy as enthusiastic fans waited.

But technical hitches persisted and were met with impatience from the wild crowd. At some point, a beer bottle was thrown up in the air as tempers flared. But before it all got out of control, the dancehall king emerged from the backstage to great applause.


His charming persona fused well with his catchy hits and magnetism.


It was hardly a year since Shaggy graced the stage in Kampala and he did not disappoint. His energetic performance was well received


Alongside singer Rayvon, the jubilant fans, sang along with the hits What’s Love, Repent, Church Heathen, Would You Be, She’s Mine, Big Up, Strength of a Woman, Big Up, Summer Time and Keeping it Real.


But it was Wild Tonight, Sexy Lady, Chica Bonita, Sweet Girl that got the crowd, consisting mostly of ladies into a frenzy.


Some ladies got carried away and overwhelmed security as they forced their way onto the stage, to share the spotlight with the dancehall king.


Others were screaming and shouting Shaggy’s name as a group of scantly dressed girls on the front row beckoned the singer, with shouts of ‘take me tonight’ as undergarments flew on to the podium.
Shaggy has on occasion confessed how he loves Kenyan women, so many, including groupies, had crossed the border into Uganda to be near their favourite performer.


It is not clear whether the ladies’ theatrics wooed the singer that night, but word has it that his entourage entertained quite a number. The groupies are said to have dined with Shaggy’s entourage that night, while others camped outside his hotel. A source has it that the girls were outrightly looking for sexual favours.
Back in 2005, during Shaggy’s shaggy tour of Kinshasa, it is no secret that Q FM’s Talia Oyando was duped by an entourage sound-man (Goldenchyll) who claimed to be Shaggy’s musical sidekick.


Talia dated Goldenchyll and at some point there was even talk of marriage. But after some good times at the young lady’s expense, Goldenchyll vanished like a silver mist.


Two years ago, prostitutes were moved from the streets of Kampala during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Now, forget the prostitutes, groupie love is fast becoming the new fad — among ladies not only in Uganda but also in Kenya — and visiting international celebrities have been paying the price in the recent past.


According to unconfirmed reports, American superstar Akon is the father of Susan Awori’s unborn baby. Susan, sister of acclaimed Ugandan designer Sylvia Awori, is said to have had a one-night stand with Akon during his concert in Uganda last year.


During this concert, swears an eyewitness, the number of groupie girls who went back to the Serena Kampala with the star was not small.
One lady in the morning was overheard asking one of Akon’s henchmen for $700 (Sh56,000) for ‘taxi fare’.
"Seven hundred dollars? I already gave ya 700 inches," scoffed the entourage man to the beauty.


The story of the Akon-Awori love child, which has dominated showbiz headlines in East Africa and attracted international Press, could be a but a the tip of the iceberg on how deep girls get into the groove with visiting celebs, all in the name of bragging rights at having bedded a celeb.


Awori is said to have gone round telling close friends that she had indeed slept with the superstar during the Ugandan visit.
Sources from Uganda intimate that Akon and Awori are publicly known to have been close friends for a while now. They have been spotted hanging out in top clubs in East Africa and in the United Kingdom. This union is said to have created a cold war between Akon and Awori’s former boyfriend who is part of a UK-based Ugandan music duo, Da Twinz. According to reports, the two split after Awori flew to Atlanta, US, at the invitation and expense of Akon.


Back here, a Kenyan girl is also claiming that she is expecting a baby by one of the P-Square twins. Apparently, she had relations with one of the twins during last year’s Kenyan show.
The girl who is one of the groupies who dined with the P-Square entourage during their two nights at the then Grand Regency, where a Sh2 million bill was left unpaid.


Everyone recalls how panties and bras were thrown on the stage during the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) concert. Or how, groupies chased P-Square all the way from the airport to their hotel rooms, how even a popular radio presenter was caught on camera back-stage with a shirtless P-Square brother.
The celebrity groupie sensation seems to be the in-thing.


"We already have groupies for hire. They are always on standby every time we have an international artiste coming to town. They are even willing to pay promoters to get all the exclusive moments with the visitors," says one of the promoters who sought anonymity.


"You remember during the Ja Rule concert? How groupies partied with Ja Rule at the private dome backstage, toasting to champagne and doing all manner of immoral things?" she tries to remind us. It was claimed that Kenyan girls had sex with Ja Rule’s entourage under the baleful watch of security guards back stage.
Another popular radio presenter denies having disappeared with The Game the night he performed in Nairobi last year. Security guards, however, say the radio presenter was among other girls who entertained The Game and his team that night after the concert.


Out goes Shaggy and Akon. Who is the next celebrity victim on the line?

Former Rising Star Laden who made a big splash on the scene with the hit song Time to Shine was yesterday evening arrested for disorderly conduct and using indecent language.

Laden whose real name is Okefe Aaron was taken into custody by the Junction Police in St Elizabeth.

It is alleged that about 6:30, a friend of Laden was having a conversation with a female student

A police sergeant reportedly approached the student and enquired why she was still on the streets in uniform at that time of the evening, and ordered her home.

Laden who was nearby told the student not to leave.

An argument reportedly developed between Laden and the policeman during which the artiste is reported to have used expletives.

He’s booked to appear in the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrates Court today.

Following the video that was posted on yardflex with the accompanying story, there was a story in the Star about the whole incident.


What amazes me is the fact that the girl in the video Judith ‘Cocky Tractor’ Miller actually acknowledged that she was only unconscious and that a longer version video showed when she regained consciousness.


She related her story saying she didn’t know what had taken place until she herself viewed the video as the last thing she remembered was the dancer – Marvin running towards her.

The show actually took place November 2 last year and according to her "Mi coulda dead, but mi naw stop dance." She was quick to point out that while she has since danced with Marvin several times after the incident, she would never try that dance stunt again.



Honestly the sickening part about her story is the way she bragged in her interview with the Star that she went to another party the same night after regaining consciousness.
Silly me, for thinking that after coming through that ordeal you would be feeling mighty thankful to God and even if you are not a Christian for that night at least you would hightail it home and read a Psalm of praise for life...and take the time to thank the Father up above for saving you from your stupidity…going to another party.



Well for all who were curious, she is okay…and still dancing doing more ‘techniques’ but says she is more careful now.

The management for deejay Adija Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel, says the artiste did not have a signed contract with the Big Ship Promotions’ Reggae Meets Dancehall Meets Rocksteady held on Saturday at Jamalco Sports Complex in Clarendon.
Kartel, who was one of the biggest drawing cards in the Dancehall segment of the show, failed to turn up, even after promoter Freddie McGregor promised patrons in the wee hours of the morning that “Kartel is on his way”.
After repeated performances from Freddie, obviously in an attempt to give Kartel time to reach the venue, the show finally ended, close to 5:00 am, without an appearance by Kartel.
Kartel’s management admitted that the artiste was not contracted for any other show on Saturday night, but emphasised that Kartel did not attend the event because there was no contract.

Some things just makes you wonder...after the traumatic experience of having five girls from the facility perishing in fire and then being moved to Stony Hill Heart Academy, the police had to be called in regarding another brawl involving the girls.


According to yardflex source the female juveniles behaviour was described as 'terrible"
We are talking real 'skettelish' carrying on.


According to what we heard some of them stripped off their clothes down to their underwear and were talking about who's boyfriend is a gunman…no bwoy these things just makes your stomach crawl.

The police had to be called in as they were engaged in a brawl inside the auditorium in which they were housed.
From what yardflex understand there seem to be a gang thing going on in there and some girls from one faction were up against girls from another faction.


Inside sources revealed that everybody was fighting, some were throwing stones, one of them even punched the house mother with a left, right combination that knocked her down and we're talking about an elderly woman.


Three cops who went there after the report came in received scratches and scrapes when they tried to restrain the girls
All we can say is that these girls need serious help.

We at yardflex would like to send out our condolences to the parents of all those who were killed in the fatal crash involving the 15-year-old who took away his father's pick-up and went for a drive.

All this happened on a late night joyride which turned deadly on Monday when a pickup truck driven by a 15-year-old boy crashed into a utility pole along the Port Henderson main road in Portmore, St Catherine killing three children.

Police identified the dead children as 14-year-old Oshane Salmon; Crystal Robinson, 15; and her brother, Matthew Brown, 10, who the cops said were among a group of six youngsters travelling in the motor vehicle at the time of the accident.

Pity must also be extended to this youth who in his zeal to drive incurred the accident...no doubt he has his own private hell to face and we are not talking about jail time.

But there are questions which must be answered what were these children doing in a pick on a late night joyride. 10-year-old...shouldn't he be under his parents control, his every move being accounted for?

It is too late to preach obedience to those who died, but we must now strive to get this message home to those who can be converted. To obey is tons better than paying the sacrifice...in the case of the driver...we shudder to think of the future that faces him...to the ones who died...they can never be replaced. Their loved ones must now find a way to cope with the pain.

Parents please, teenagers will always be teenagers...adventure, wanting to try something they shouldn't...don't leave your vehicle keys or guns within easy reach...that's like holding out a candy to a baby.

Granted he should have been responsible enough not to listen to his father but prevention will always be much better than finding a cure.

As a community...let's all practice to be each other's guardians...it's the only way we can help each other's kids

Long before it was ready to fling open its doors to their targeted elite patrons, there was a loud buzz about the newest addition to
New Kingston’s hip strip, Pure/Plush club and lounge. But its opening on Friday proved to be pure drama.


Think a black-out for over half an hour and JPS working feverishly (yawn, yawn) to get things right; a break down in the air conditioning system coupled with sweaty bodies packed inside the club like a sardine can, and a long wait on something … anything … to cool you down.


And the amazing thing was, while it was pure problems for the new club, others venues on the strip seemed to be experiencing no difficulties, as it was party as usual.

The club opening was used by Red Stripe to show off their top of the line liquor locally, and this part progressed fairly well. But, getting full speed ahead with the night club Plush, located upstairs, was another matter. Media fave and club owner, golden boy Kimani Robinson told guests that there was an electrical problem which would cause a little delay, but little turned out to be a long time.


However, when the lights finally came back on, invited guests who had chosen to remain, were treated to a decent interlude of music and fab clubbing … even against the backdrop of the lingering smell of fresh paint.

In line with tradition, the Montreal International Reggae Festival 2009 aims to please all reggae lovers who make what has become the annual ‘pilgrimage’ for one of the greatest rocking reggae festivals on the planet.

June 26 to 28, 2009 is when the sixth edition of this steadily growing event will be unleashed at a new location - Parc Jean Drapeau, situated on the famous St Helene’s Island.

Stellar performances have always been the norm when ‘Reggae Fest Time’ rolls around and this year’s lineup includes hard hitters like: Sugar Minott, Frankie Paul, Kymani Marley, Sanchez and Capleton. It promises to be three glorious days of reggae music and festive activities, fit for the entire family.

”With its close proximity to the beach and the St Lawrence River, Parc Jean Drapeau is as ideal a location as Montreal’s Old Port was for the past five years,” festival founder and president, Eric Blagrove told Yardflex recently. His sentiment has been echoed widely throughout Montreal, as festival goers have been singing the praises of this new venue already.

Steve Balboa, who told Yardflex he travels in from Mirabel to enjoy each night of Montreal’s Reggae Fest every year, said, “I expect it to be wonderful at Parc Jean Drapeau this year, both for myself and my car…I will finally be able to park with no hassles.”

It will be a hassle-free weekend as “no problems” shall get between revelers and the well produced ‘reggae days and nights’ in store for them. A historic blend will give festival goers a blazing ‘Sound System Night’ as an opener. This is where the famous ‘toasting’ will prevail featuring four of the most ingenious lyricists of all time: U-Roy, Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales and Brigadier Jerry – all chanting to the selections of Stur-Gav Sound System.

Saturday night has been dubbed, ‘Dancehall Night’ and it comes on the heels of its predecessor, since the ‘Sound System’ style of improvisational chanting on saucy rhythms, realistically gave birth to what is now ‘dancehall music’. Anthony B and Little Hero are slated to join Antigua’s Onyan from the famous Burning Flames and other major acts, for a dancehall ‘stage blazing’ on the second Reggae Fest night.

Closing night will be both nostalgic and current, as the smooth cool sounds of Sanchez and Sugar Minott will make a striking contrast with some of the reggae hip-hop fusions from Kymani Marley.



Montreal’s highly commendable reggae music community will also be a major highlight at the three day festival that strives to not only entertain but also to build community. The festival will maintain its underlying theme and motto, “United Against Violence.”

Tracking down Blagrove was a difficult task as he is the epitome of a great multi-tasker. The busy head honcho of Montreal’s International Reggae Festival is also charged by his company’s mandate to bring the best in entertainment to his newly renovated E.B. Club Lounge. Last week’s Terry Linen concert was off the chain and Montrealers are highly anticipating, the June 20th Fathers Day fashion show and dance titled, “Fashionista.”

Blagrove is also a huge supporter of the young people in his community. He is an ongoing major sponsor and role model for marginalized youth involved in organized activities to get them back on track.

Tickets for Reggae Fest are on sale now. Go to ticketpro.ca on the site www.montrealreggaefest.com and check at all Montreal based West Indian outlets.

On Thursday, six Canadian visitors to the island had quite a scare when the vehicle in which they were traveling was hit by gunshots, along the Spanish Town Road, in Kingston.
Since then, however, they have been safely returned to their hotel in Montego Bay, St James.
Following investigations by police and meetings with the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the Canadians made a stop at Jamaica House for a brief meeting with Prime Minister Bruce Golding; Minister with responsibility for Information, Daryl Vaz, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the JTB and the security forces.
Prime Minister Golding gave the visitors the assurance that the government would do everything to ensure their comfort for the duration of their vacation in Jamaica. He also told them that this was an isolated case.

A 12-year-old boy was beaten by his stepfather with a tree limb because the stepfather claimed he stoned his goats and tore down their pen.

The incident was mentioned in court after the stepfather, Carlton Hasse was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and child abuse He is accused of using a stick to beat the child, causing wounds and swellings all over his body.

Hasse pleaded guilty to the charge but told the court that the boy climbed on the fence surrounding the pen, damaging it in the process. He said the boy also stoned his goats.

He also told the court that he had told the boy repeatedly not to trouble his goats. He said the boy's mother had told him not to be too rough on the child, so he merely spoke to him about it. He claimed, however, that the boy cursed him and used expletives.

The child, however, told the court that he was merely trying to pick mangoes. He said he did not attack the goats and did not use expletives.

The investigating officer told the court that Hasse had been in trouble before for a similar matter. Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey told Hasse, " You are a cruel person and you must change your ways."

Hasse was remanded and is expected to be sentenced tomorrow

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has received a written report from the Police on their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport of a private chartered aircraft from Cuba on Thursday night, May 14 and which was reported in the media to be carrying a diplomat who had in his possession US$500,000.00.

The investigations have revealed the following:

(1) Prior to the landing of the aircraft, security officials received information that contraband was concealed in a secret compartment of the aircraft. The information did not include any reference to the identity of the passengers.

(2) A search of the aircraft was conducted in the presence of the crew after it landed and after the passengers had disembarked and proceeded to Immigration and Customs at the General Aviation Centre (private wing) of the airport. No contraband was found on the aircraft.

(3) The passengers were processed and departed the airport without incident or interruption.

(4) During and continuing even after the processing of the passengers had been completed, information was circulated among members of the Customs Enforcement Team (CET) who were not physically present at the General Aviation Centre where the aircraft had landed to the effect that:

(a) a former Prime Minister and a number of diplomats carrying diplomatic passports were among the passengers;

(b) a scan of diplomatic baggage suggested that it contained a large quantity of bank notes;

(c) the diplomats had objected to the baggage being opened and searched and had opted to re-board the aircraft and depart.
The Police investigations have not been able to determine the source or origin of this information which has been proven to be erroneous.

(5) The information was reported to a senior CET officer who was not present at the airport. He contacted a senior officer in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions who, in turn, engaged the Solicitor-General by conference call to seek guidance as to how the matter should be treated, given the purported diplomatic status of some of the passengers and baggage. Advice was given based on the information that was presented. By this time, the passengers and crew had been processed and had left the airport.
The incident has revealed weaknesses in the established airport interdiction procedures which require collaboration among all relevant authorities and establishes clear direction and a chain of command to ensure that information is properly evaluated and the appropriate course of action clearly defined. This is essential to ensure that security interventions are not occasioned by misinformation or mischief. The Commissioner of Police is taking action to reinforce these procedures and ensure compliance.

The Police will be submitting a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a determination whether criminal or disciplinary charges should be laid.

A fourth suspect has been charged by Members of the Major Investigation Task Force in connection with the March murder of Ricardo Johnson, in Olympic Gardens, Kingston.

The suspect, Seymour Samuels, joins dance hall artiste Desmond "Ninja Man" Ballentine, his son and another man charged for the 20-year old's murder.

Mr. Samuels, who was charged last week, was remanded until June 1, when he appeared in the Half-Way-Tree Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Investigators say Mr. Samuels was recently captured during a police manhunt.

Mr. Johnson was shot dead along Marl Road on March 16 when persons traveling in a motor car opened fire at a man.

The bullets missed the intended target and struck Mr. Johnson who was standing on the road.

Ninja Man and his son Janiel were later fingered as the gunmen.

The artiste surrendered to the police a few days later, while his 20-year old son and another suspect, Clayton Dennis, were captured in St Ann in April.

The other day I’m like on an ends and a hold a vibe with my peeps, and the conversation got around to the high crime rate in Jamaica. Now to me it seems that all the police and soldier that Jamaica have will never be able to curb what happening. This thing must be stopped from a higher level.

Politicians must stop going in bed with the same people they claim they are trying to shut down. It brings to the fore the big question, do they really want to get rid of criminals? And if they do, that would mean not enjoying the proceeds from their spoils or “being in bed with them” so to speak.

We are sick of the dirty politics running the country and until that is addressed then we will continue to struggle and deal with all these issues.

If you don’t know what I am talking about, take for example this case regarding a certain bad man who left Jamaica 19 O long and set up base overseas.

While man and man pon di corners know that he send funds down here to help certain politicians during their campaign.
Now the party is in power, after 18 years he’s back home, send Range Rover and BMW that’s over the required age limited. He bought a house in Stony Hill and is now living the big life.

You don’t have to ask who made the way smooth for him, as he is wanted in US and plus he robbed and committed more than a few murders here….but he is still a politician pet.

Now you tell me people…you think the government is seriously interested in solving crime…nah…I say clean up their house first…then the country.
By Conscience

Seems Usain Bolt is big business…the latest news is that his recording breaking 150M street race in Manchester England will be available soon in British cinemas in 3D.

To the world we say!

Bolt's record run of 14.35 seconds was captured in 3D by Sky and Filmnova, a division of Nova International who is the international organizer of the Bupa Great City Games.

Nova International has previously captured boxer Ricky Hatton's Manchester homecoming fight in May 2008 in 3D.

Singer, Gregory Isaacs, will leave Jamaica on May 26 to start the Gregory Isaacs: Brand New Me North American tour in support of the CD of the same name.


Part one of the tour kicks off in New Haven, Connecticut at Toads Place and will cover the east coast through the Midwest ending June 22 at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in Northern California.


Gregory and his 12-man entourage will take a break after June 22 then hit the road again August 1 to start the second leg of the tour which kicks off in Miami, Florida. From there, it wends its way through upstate Florida, North and South Carolina up to New York City then swings over to the west coast where on August 9 there will be a special performance at the world famous Hollywood Bowl in California. Also scheduled for this exciting event are Toots & the Maytals and Michael Rose.


The Cool Ruler, as Gregory is called, will be accompanied by the award-winning Live Wyya, which has been his backing band on all his international tours in the last four years. Live Wyya has garnered a steady following of fans and will be promoting their latest single, Yes We Can, done in recognition of the first African American president Barack Obama. Live Wyya band will do a 45-minutes set prior to providing musical backing for the Cool Ruler.


The CD, Brand New Me, is distributed by Tads Records both locally and overseas.

The Cool Ruler launches clothing line

Internationally acclaimed Reggae artiste, Gregory Isaacs, is about to launch a new clothing line.
According to manager, Copeland Forbes, the launch will officially take place while on tour of North America, scheduled to kick off later this month.
The clothing line, not surprisingly, is named ‘Cool Ruler’, the moniker Gregory has earned as a result of his ‘cool’ and commanding style while singing and performing on stage.
The line will consist of various paraphernalia and a special line of shoes.
Gregory, who completes his North American tour in August, heads off to Europe in November to start a four-week tour to promote the Brand New Me CD in that region.
“It’s not easy in these hard times to book a tour so solid,” said Fobes a veteran manager and tour coordinator who has worked with most of the top reggae acts coming out of Jamaica over the last twenty-five years.
Forbes’ company, Comer Productions Inc, has been responsible for most of the reggae tours staged around the world and will also have tours planned for Luciano, John Holt, Marcia Griffiths, Live Wyya and Coco Tea from summer thru to December in the USA, Brazil, Europe, Argentina, Peru and Thailand.

By Joan Wilson
Boy, honestly, I can’t express how my heart is bursting with pride following the glorious race that triple Olympic Gold medalist Usain Bolt ran. Yes, it was a great thrill when he clocked those amazing times in Beijing, China.

But with his super race that he ran in Manchester, England, we have now started to think “beyond the ordinary” where this runner is concerned.

According to the times that were posted, the last 100m his race showed that he did it in 8.72 seconds leaving us to wonder in amazement what will happen when he steps to the track again in the 100m…could he…will he…I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking that maybe, just may he can shatter his own record and set an almost impossible target for someone to erase.

I have to agree with the runner who came in second to Bolt, “Usain is in a league of his own”.

Which other athlete can party like there is no tomorrow, enjoy fast food, not particularly fond of training, had an accident about three weeks ago and still post that incredible time?

I can’t think of any…except Usain Bolt.

Right now, it feels pretty great to be a Jamaica. In spite of all the negativity that happening in the country, I am glad for days like this when Usain shows the world that we are still a special bunch of people.

I feel like chanting the words of Mavado’s song with a little adaptation of my own, “we’re so special, so special, so special!”

Usain, to di world!

On behalf of Yardflex, we just want send kudos to him for yet another wonderful accomplishment.

On Saturday, the Asylum Night Club in New Kingston experience a power outage that had some speculating on the real cause. Rumours started flying far and wide that the light was disconnected for non payment of bills.

But not so, says Winsome Callum, head of Corporate Communication and as far as she is concerned, nothing could be further from the truth.

According to Callum who was speaking with the utility com-pany got a call from the nightclub about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday regarding the power outage and dispatched an emergency team that had the matter corrected by 4:30 a.m.

"There was no disconnection," she said. "There was a problem on the (feed) that provided power to the Quad. This resulted in the power going out."

The spokeswoman added that JPS only carries out disconnection during working hours, Monday to Friday.

Marsha Rose, operations manager at Quad, made similar comments, stating it was unheard of for a disconnection to have taken place at 2 a.m. She explained that the club was going on when a main transformer blew out in the parking lot, plunging the club into darkness. She said the JPS was immediately contacted.

Bwoy fi real, people can wicked sah!

What’s really up with Nikki Z? Yardflex has it on good source that it was one big pow wow in New York.

According to our sources she was hosting a show in the big apple for Serani when the whole shebang went down.

One of the female selectors Sami from the sound 360 Ladies arrived late, still that was not the whole hottoclaps. The selector started to play and she was doing some good juggling too, so it was strange that Nikki Z would take the mic from her in a way that Sami found to be very disrespectful.

Having taken the mic from her Nikki Z decided to get the show officially off the ground, but Sami was having none of that, she tried to grab back the mic from the ex-Zip jock.

Wrong move! As Nikki Z promptly pushed her and she fell on the floor, quick on her feet, Sami got up and was about to rush Nikki but at this point the security stepped in and held her back.

It may have been the end of them getting physically, but it was the beginning of the ‘word throwing’ and that they did with a vengeance. The still furious Sami returned into the club, determined to have another go at Nikki Z, but the security again detained her to Nikki’s taunting, “let her go, let’s see where this is gonna go.”

The highest valued currency the $5000 bank note was unveiled yesterday by Governor of the Bank of Jamaica Derrick Latibeaudiere.

The announcement was made last week that the new high security note will be introduced into circulation in September of this year.

The note will bear the image of the late former Prime Minister Hugh Lawson Shearer.

A proof note of the new bill will was presented to Dr. Denise Eldemire Shearer, Mr. Shearer's widow, at the launch.

Ziggy Marley’s newest release, Family Time made its debut this week at the coveted top spot of the Billboard Top Reggae Album Chart.


Family Time pushed ska band Easy All Stars, Easy Stars Lonely Hearts Band to the number two position. This spot was formerly held by Rasta Got Soul, the most recent offering from deejay Buju Banton. Banton recently made his debut at number two, to much fanfare, and has since been unable to knock Easy All Stars from the top of the charts. Rasta Got Soul peaked at number 2 and now slides into the number 3 slot.
Over on the Billboard Top 200 chart, Family Time made its debut at #149 and slid into the #20 slot on the Top Independent Albums chart.


Family Time was produced by Don Was and features members of the Marley family including Rita, Cedella and his daughter Judah alongside other international acts including Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Willie Nelson as well as actress Jamie Lee Curtis who narrates two stories.


Ziggy is quoted in an interview as saying the record “represents my daily family life and is inspired by my three-year-old daughter Judah and baby Gideon. It was a joy to make and opened up new avenues in my creativity.”


Family Time was released on May 5 by Tuff Gong Worldwide.

The findings from the autopsy report on the body of a taxi driver have prompted the police investigators to revisit the crime scene for new evidence, as they now suspect foul play.
The autopsy report on the body of Fitzroy Samuels, a taxi driver in Portland, has revealed that he was strangled.
Samuels, also known as 'Shorty', 37, was found hanging from a length of rope at Passley Gardens in the parish on May 3.
The police said during the autopsy, which was performed on Tuesday in Kingston, several fingerprints were detected around the dead man's throat.


Samuels was last seen by residents shortly after 7:00 a.m. on the morning of May 3 when he went to a nearby shop to purchase cigarettes.

The Port Antonio police are investigating.

A woman who marketed herself via the Internet as a real estate broker and beauty queen was hauled before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday to answer to charges of pretending to be someone else and obtaining money through this identity.


The accused woman, Karen Facey, pleaded guilty of obtaining money by false pretence.


The court was told that Facey obtained $250,000 from the complainant after identifying herself as a real estate broker and beauty queen. It was suggested that both persons met over the Internet where the accused placed a photograph on her profile showing another person instead of herself.

The complainant, who resides in Cayman, and the accused became friendly after frequent conversation and he started sending money to her.


When he arrived in Jamaica to meet with the accused, he could not find her. However, when the complainant was finally able to meet the accused, the matter was reported to the Half-Way Tree Police Station and Facey subsequently charged.

On Wednesday May 13 the headlines could have read another way as a small child who was on his way to St Peter and Paul School was attacked by dogs that were not properly fenced in.

The frightened child in a bid to avoid the dogs ran into the road where he was hit by an oncoming motor car.Thankfully his injuries were not life threatening…but things could have easily gone another way.

Unfortunately this situation is not unique in Jamaica and the sad part about it is that the government doesn’t see this as something dangerous.A lot of homeowners make the conscious decision to raise dogs for protection, company whatever the reason without having the proper facility to keep them in.

The government needs to implement proper steps to ensure the safety and well being of individuals who these dogs are a nuisance to.A lot of folks get up in the mornings and have to face the unpleasant sight of what the dogs did on their lawns or in the yard with the dog owners not taking the least responsibility.

In fact bringing to their attention can cause you to face their wrath.If that boy had died then who would have been responsible? We are sure that those same dogs will be rushing another child or anyone who happens to be walking down that street.

Jamaican needs to adopt some of the rules that are in place in America or Canada…owners are responsible for anything their dogs do…and to make them accountable too.If this rule is implemented, then we would see fewer dogs roaming the streets and others would think twice about raising them unless they can properly fence them in.

Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friends…don’t let them be our enemies.

Wow, there is no limitations when you are blind. Frankie Paul is proving that when it comes to the fairer sex...what's the big deal if you are blind...check out this story in Chat!

Singer Frankie Paul says he has not one, but four wives pending in the West African state of Gambia, where he has been living for he past 11 years. This, however, represent a few steps down from the seven he was quoted as having on hold five years ago.


A state which is 95 per cent Muslim, the singer says he was converted to that religion in 2001 and it is that which allows him to exercise the option of choosing multiple legal partners.


“I can marry several times and they will all be legal,” he told Chat! in an interview recently backstage Riche Stephens’ Take Me Away concert on which he did a cameo.
He added, however, that he was not yet ready to marry any (or all) of the wives as there were certain things he needed to put in place first.


In the meantime, the artiste, who describes himself as a “sort of government minister for one of the provinces”, has adopted nine children for whom he is totally responsible. “I have adopted seven boys and two girls ranging in ages from 13 to 18,” he said with pride.


The blind singer, who enjoys a good relationship with the Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh, is the musical director on call and is looking forward to again performing for the president on his May 25 birthday bash.


“Every year there is a huge celebration for the president’s birthday and I always perform for him. He’s a wonderful person and the country is so peaceful when compared to Jamaica…and the economy is fine,” Frankie Paul explained.
He recently released an album on the VP Records imprint, Think Say Dem Know Me. The songs, he says, were recorded in London.

A man was arrested in connection with the rape of a five-year-old girl in Ocho Rios who was abducted last Friday. The man will be questioned soon by the police.

Police reports are that last Friday, the child was at the market in the care of relatives. It is alleged that the attacker lured her away. The child was later seen by a taxi operator walking naked on a deserted road. He took her to the police station and she was later taken to hospital where she was examined. The police say though it is suspected that she had been raped, they have yet to receive confirmation from doctors.

The child however had marks of abuse all over her body. She reportedly also had a wound to the forehead.
The Ocho Rios Police are investigating.

Controversial deejay Rodney Pryce, aka Bounty Killer, will appear in the Traffic Court on July 29 to answer to charges of obstructing traffic and disobeying a red light.
Pryce, who was charged in relation to an incident that occurred on December 29, 2008, had his case called up in court yesterday but his lawyer was absent, therefore a new date was issued.


Police reports are that Bounty Killer and his entourage were on their way from a party on Hillview Avenue, off Eastwood Park Road when he disobeyed a red light. He was signaled to stop by the police, but allegations are that he ignored the cops and sped off, ignoring other red lights.


The police say they caught up with Pryce in Half-Way Tree and requested that he accompany them to the police station to do a a breathalyzer test. He reportedly refused and after a stand-off, Bounty reportedly abandoned his Range Rover in the middle of the street and drove away another vehicle. The Range Rover was later towed.


When the case was mentioned in court yesterday, the defence applied for another trial date.

Roots singer Etana says she is “humbled and happy” at the honour bestowed on her at last Sunday’s International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in New York.
Etana triumphed in the categories: Best Female Vocalist and Best Album.

“Everytime someone thinks of me and my work with such high regard that they believe I deserve an award, it just a humbling experience,” says the Strong One who was quite happy and humbled by the award.

Etana, who is now preparing for her summer tour of Europe, returns to the island in time for the 17th annual Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.

She recently released videos for the songs Blessings, which features Italian-born Rastafarian reggae crooner, Alborosie, and Caltariba System, both from her debut VP Records album, The Strong One.

In an interview with Vibe magazine last week, Ziggy, the eldest son of Bob Marley, gave his comments on an issue which many YardFlex readers have been weighing in on. The remarks made by deejay Buju Banton that Bob Marley is not the greatest reggae artiste as “greater persons are yet to come”.


The Grammy Award-winning recording artiste started off by declaring his love for his father.
“Me love my father, you know? And me love all of my elders and my heroes. And I would never say anything to put down any of them. From Bob to Toots to Peter to Bunny I wouldn’t say anything to put down any of those guys. You understand? I lift up them. Those are our heroes. We lift them up. We don’t put them down.”He added, “My father wasn’t a person who brag about himself. It’s what he has done that has made people speak of him how they speak of him. He just does his music and that’s it… You got people who think differently but my father and a lot of these artistes, you can’t even talk about them in just the sense of Jamaica. It’s the world we haffi talk bout. So that’s all me have to say, we lift up our heroes we don’t put them down,” Ziggy reportedly told Vibe Magazine.

Ziggy in now promoting his latest release Family Time (Tuff Gong / Universal), as well as a new album of his father’s classic songs, many of them remixed for young listeners, called B is For Bob (Tuff Gong / Universal).

Legendary rapper Joseph ‘Run DMC’ Simmons’ son was arrested for ganja possession on Friday night according to published reports.

It is alleged that Joseph "JoJo" Simmons Jr bought weed and was seen rolling the illegal substance in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, according to gossip news site tmz.com.

Sources within the police department told the site that the 19-year-old was inside a car when he was apprehended.

The sources also charge that he tried to escape by reversing and almost struck a police vehicle.

Simmons Jr. was charged with resisting arrest, attempted reckless endangerment, and criminal use of drug paraphenalia in addition to the possession charge.

No statement has been issued by the Simmons family or a representative.

Simmons, Jr. stars on the show "Run's House" with his father and the rest of the family.

It was big drama at a burial at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine on Sunday when four men were stabbed and injured during a fracas that broke out.

The fight took place between residents in the area and men who went to the cemetery for the burial according to police report.

Among the four that were injured are a security guard, a cemetery employee, a resident of the area and a man who came with the mourners.

According to reports at about 5 p.m., persons said to have connections with the burial of a man from Omara Road, drove to Meadowrest and demanded that the burial be done immediately. When their demands were not met, they were said to have attacked and stabbed the security guard and the employee.

Police say following this, the attackers were set upon by the residents. During the ensuing mêlée, the two other men were stabbed and a Toyota Hiace minibus, apparently used by the mourners, destroyed.

While there are claims and counter claims the police said the matter will be thoroughly investigated.

A post mortem carried out on 10-year-old Tameka Thomas has revealed that she died from multiple blunt trauma and manual strangulation.

This comes after she has been missing from her home at Inverness district, Sandy Bay, Clarendon since Monday, the body was discovered near her home the police reported.

No motive has not yet been established for the killing or anyone held in relation to the killing.

According to police reports about 5:00 pm on Monday, Tameka left home to visit her grandmother at nearby Terrance in the Sandy Bay area. When she did not return as expected, a missing person report was filed with the police.
Relatives and residents who went to look for Tameka found her body in bushes behind her house.

By Joan Wilson
Life has reggae singer Denroy Morgan knows it is not the same. The singer had a powerful experience which has seen the direction of his music and his life going through a dramatic transformation.

The result is his latest album Theocracy Reign which is a musical documentation of the change that is brought about in his life.

Denroy had a one on one with Yardflex about his experience that took place in 2005.

“I was going through a lot between family structure, musical career and his parents "it became too much for me. I was torn in four different directions," he said.

After his inner turmoil, he felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to go on a three-day fast.

That fast was the beginning of other revelations in his life. Out of the fast he abstained from sex for three months, then he embarked on a search for the right assembly to fellowship.

Even though Morgan had been raised in the Christian principles, he still had not found exactly what he was searching for. That search led him to Bethshalom, Ashabba Israel and the Twelve Tribes of Israel and finally to the Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church of North and South America, where he got baptised and today remains a loyal servant.

Since then it is all about the ministry and his calling to impart truth and be an example to his fellowman.
Theocracy Reign is result of three years of soul searching and growing on the new path he has embarked on.

Next on Denroy Morgan's horizon is his upcoming book, a biography outlining his spiritual journey which will see Elizabeth Fellon co-writing it with him, with a tentative date for completion set for early next year.


In between that Denroy's mission is set; "I will be educating others through Interfaith Ministry with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Jamaica, Rasta community and entire Christian community."

He also has plans to stage a big event that will "unite the people".

"I hope to bring about an event that will bring us together to 'churchical' issues that so badly need to be addressed among Rasta and Christian communities. To bring about manifestation of the oneness that exists between the righteousness of God and man and to accept the restoration of the Davidic Covenant and the gospel of Jesus Christ as the Messianic fulfilment of God's promise to King David."

Denroy Morgan is known for his legendary chartbusting single, I'll Do Anything For You, and later more hits such as Sweet Tender Love, Happy Feelings and Africa Is Calling, Denroy broke records in 1984 when he signed with RCA Records. That deal led to the release of the album Make My Day and marked him as the first reggae artiste to be signed to RCA Records.

Desmond Ballentine aka Ninja Man and his son Janile Ballentine who are charged jointly in connection with the March 16 murder of 20-year-old Ricardo ‘Ricky Trooper’ Johnson were remanded until May 28 will their case will be next mentioned again.

Both are facing charges of conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Clayton Dennis, a third man charged in relation to the incident, was not brought to court because of an outbreak of scabies at the Hunts Bay lock-up.

The Constabulary Communication Network reported that Johnson was sweeping his yard in the company of a friend at Mall Road in St Andrew on the day in question when a motor car with three men aboard drove up. An argument developed between Johnson's friend and the men who left but later returned with guns blazing. Johnson was fatally shot in the incident.

Ninja Man turned himself in to the police, while his son and the other accused were held during a police operation in St Ann.

My, my you would think that with all their tertiary education they would act with a little more sense…but no imagine ending up in court for a stupid fight over a carton box.

Such was the case between two female students of the University of the West Indies who got into a fight over the carton box resulting one of them being landed before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court to answer assault charges.

The accused, a final-year student, is accused of throwing a box at the complainant and then hitting her in the face several times, causing swelling which was still obvious when the complainant turned up in court.

The complainant told the court that the accused, who is her flatmate, asked her to take some of her things home during the holiday. The accused is not a Jamaican. The complainant said she brought back the items, but in a different box, and told the accused that she wanted the box back.

She told the court that an argument developed about the box and its ownership and on the day in question, the accused tore off a part of the box, threw it at her and then punched her in the face repeatedly. She also told the court that the incident caused her to miss two exams. She said the accused was violent and was a troublemaker on their flat. She said the accused was determined to continue the despute even though she was offered other boxes.

The accused, however, told the court that she did not throw the box at the complainant. She said she had problems with her flatmates who were smoking and triggering her asthma and was frustrated with the living arrangements.

Both parties were told to speak with a probation officer, with a view for mediation and are to return to court on May 14.
What are these girls learning in school, someone pray do tell.

Popular singer Gyptian will be questioned by the Stony Hill Police in connection with the alleged assault of a man in Stony Hill recently.

According to the police they received a report from the injured man, saying he was assaulted after being involved in a squabble about money. The man is said to have had to seek treatment at the Kingston Public Hospital after the incident.

It is alleged that the victim was asked to visit the singer at a location in Stony Hill to discuss the theft of $300,000 belonging to the singer. When he got there, he was sent to the back of the premises to look at something. He was attacked by three men who beat him all over the body with a pickaxe stick. He reportedly suffered injuries to the head, hands and feet and is unable to walk or move his hands.

Although no report was made against the singer, the police say he will be questioned as investigations continue

Seems as if the powers that noted took a look at what we posted on yardflex sometime ago. We hit out against the heavy tax on essential items and questioned the fact that run and cigarette remained untouched. Still we we not the only ones questioning that, the people of the country cried out against the heavy tax and now comes the announcement that mokers and drinkers will now have to shoulder the bulk of the taxation measures intended to plug the hole in the government's budget.

After weeks of heated public debate, Finance Minister Audley Shaw on yesterday afternoon (Thursday, May 6) rolled-back consumption tax on several controversial items previously announced in the government's tax package.

In closing the 2009/2010 budget debate, the Finance Minister announced most of the items on the earlier list would no longer attract General Consumption Tax (GCT).

This includes the contentious tax on printed material.

Mr. Shaw said while those materials will no longer be taxed, the tax will remain on newspapers.

Computers will however, continue to attract GCT.

Adidjah Palmer aka Vybz Kartel yesterday failed to show up in the Black River Resident Magistrate’s Court in St Elizabeth for the hearing into a lawsuit filed against him.

Kartel is being sued by Christman Extravaganza promoter GT Taylor after he collected a deposit for the yearly show and failed to turn up.

Yesterday, the court was informed that Vybz Kartel had collected a deposit and had agreed to return it because he did not turn up at the show.

Resident Magistrate Stanley Clarke has postponed the matter until June 3.

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The popular annual music festival Reggae Sumfest will take place this year from July 19 – 25 in Montego Bay.

On July 19 it will be the beach party and the ensuing three days of epic live performances (starting with Dancehall Night on Thursday, July 23) that make up the annual event, will captivate the thousands of tourists and Jamaicans alike who make the trek each year to this, the Mecca of reggae music festivals.

Presently the Sumfest organizers are busy negotiating the acts for the usual slate of international inclusions in the line-up, some of the top flight local acts have already been confirmed. Among them, is the King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man. Last year The Doctor, as he is also called, brought a fitting finale to Dancehall Night exhibiting high energy and his usual flair. Once again, joining The Doctor on the line up is his lyrical counterpart, Bounty Killer.

Included in this year's roster is high-riding, dancehall act, Mavado. The Gully Gadd will be taking the Sumfest stage following a year-long ride on the charts and the success of his sophomore album, Mr Brooks... A Better Tomorrow. His Alliance counterpart, Busy Signal is also on the bill.

Reigning prince and princess of reggae Tarrus Riley and Etana, will also be sweetening the 2009 Sumfest offerings. The two have been having a spectacular year captivating radio stations, music charts and audiences world-wide showing love and appreciation for their music. In what has been a rare occurrence for the past several months, the individuals making up the reggae group Morgan Heritage will be performing together on the Sumfest stage, almost a year since they split directions in pursuit of solo projects. Also confirmed for the line-up is veteran reggae crooner

It was a very overwhelmed Poor and Boasy that walked away with the top spot in the Magnum King and Queen of the Dancehall finals on Saturday at Weekenz, Constant Spring Road.

He could be seen wiping his eyes as the reality of the moment struck home that he had indeed gotten rid of his competitor RC and emerged the King taking home the prize money of $1M.

After his competitor, RC, gave a smooth performance, Poor and Boasy's video showing his journey through the series was shown. At this point, there were deafening shouts of "Poor and Boasy" in the venue. Later, "Bup, bup bup" were among the things the people shouted while they knocked everything in sight, including the zinc and boards at Weeekenz. They beat so hard that a large section of the board separating the venue from outside was knocked down. And, it was not until it neared the end of his set that Poor and Boasy's voice could be heard as the crowd slowly quieted.

Poor and Boasy, who was one of the crowd favourites, brought Miss Kitty to tears. "Since I've been here, it's the first time tears have come to my eyes. You see Poor and Boasy, mi love him from mi heart," Miss Kitty said and then later commended the other three finalists, RC, Destiny and Tiki.

Afterwards, another crowd favourite, Tiki was crowned ahead of Destiny, who outshone her in the lyrical clash at the previous show. But who would have guessed that while Tiki was receiving her million-dollar cheque, people would be shouting for Poor and Boasy again? Well, they did and the shouts were accompanied by extremely loud knocking of all forms, even as Tiki sang No Gal Nuh Hotter Than Me.

As Poor and Boasy was being crowned, the crowd could not control itself. Ice, cups and bottles were among the things thrown around by some people as part of their celebration. In addition, everyone wanted to take photos of the two winners.

But before the crowning, there was some Miss Kitty/Celebrity drama that had the crowd laughing. In the previous show, while being questioned by Pretty Boy Floyd, Celebrity, third-place winner in the female category of the competition, said Miss Kitty "could not stop her". So it was quite interesting to hear Miss Kitty reply: "I want people to understand that this is a competition and somebody has to go home. Your attitude determines your altitude. That is why we have RC, Poor and Boasy, Tiki and Destiny onstage and not somebody looking like a celebrity."

Right after, Celebrity came out and started her song with, "Miss Kitty caan stop me." Some people expressed disappointment and one man in the audience said: "She need fi humble herself. She nuh know seh Miss Kitty can buss har pon har show tomorrow?" And the word-throwing continued when Miss Kitty sang, "A nuh our fault nutten nah gwaan fi dem."

Before the drama and the shouts, there was fashion from Dexter Pottinger's 3D Designs. There were also performances from other top-10 contestants such as Tesha, Bingy Links, Nazine, Jody Miller, Tanto Blacks, Sasha Lee and Mr Kruger. Keiva and the Cosmic Dancers also displayed some acrobatic moves.

Poor and Boasy and Tiki won $1million each.

Yardflex came across the following article on bajan.wordpress.com and if you thought that Beenie Man didn’t diss Rihanna in Barbados then think again. Some Bajans are really worked up over it.
Below is the article that was posted on the website and some of comments that were posted.



Ambassador Rihanna did a cameo at Reggae On The Hill last week during Beenie Man’s performance. For BU family members who don’t have the ear to understand what he is singing in the video here is the hook line Me no have fancy car, but me no give you no scar. From reports Rihanna lingered on stage for a little while and then scuttled with her tail between her legs.

The dignity of Ambassador Rihanna exposed by what some people would call a thug in Beenie Man. It is no secret that many of the dancehall/dub artistes who frequent Barbados are very well known to court rooms around the world. We thought it laughable that several of the dancehall/reggae artistes who performed at Farley Hill last week complained about the treatment meted out by the Royal Barbados Police Force. Did they believe that our police force is clueless? People get ‘high’ just walking through the crowd at one of these shows!

Sorry guys but we give the police the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Of interest to Barbadians is the active involvement of Al Gilkes who post-National Cultural Foundation Chairman duties has taken to promoting these shows with a passion. It is difficult to imagine that Mr. Gilkes had responsibility for promoting cultural activities in Barbados in the recent past. His eagerness to foist the popular Jamaica genre of music makes us question his decision making as NCF Chairman. This is the same Gilkes who has has bleated to all of Barbados that the government should push down the Farley Hill ruins. No discussion about rehabilitating the building, he jumps to push down. Makes you go ummmmmm.

The BU household maybe alone on this one because even our Prime Minister seems to be comfortable with the shows if we are to judge by his appearance. No wonder our Youth Ambassador can be insulted by a lout and there is not a murmur from a soul.

I am not a big fan of Rihanna but I am upset and I agree with David that we allowed a Jamaican lout to insult our own star.
Can anyone imagine if a Barbadian went to Jamaica and insulted or embarrassed Usain Bolt or any of the other Jamaican heroes.

Until we Barbadians start respecting and loving our own,this sort of treatment will continue.It serves us right.

Look how Norman Faria,Vic Fernandes and all the other Guyanese were and are guest of Barbados and the insults and ridicule we constantly receive from those ungrateful bastards.

Rihanna I hope you are learning your lessons.I know you are a pompous,arrogant,immature little girl.I know of your behavior at the Accra Hotel,at the Hilton Hotel and also your behavior at The Cliff Restaurant recently when you made the waiter take back in the food about 3 times.
Rihanna I also remembered when you criticised Barbadians and said that Barbadians are jealous of your success and you had many bad & hurtful things to say about Barbadians.Nevertheless you are one of us and you have done us proud and you should be respected for your successes.

I am sick and tired of motorists losing their lives on the road. Just over the weekend we lost a few lives too many. One Spur Tree Hill accident saw one family losing their provider…in an accident that might have been avoided.

A motorbike stunt team member lost his life on Highway 2000…and there is no doubt that speed was a factor.

According to the news report the incident occurred several hundred metres from the Old Harbour Bay Road exit on the West Bound leg of the highway on Sunday.

They say Robert Lawson, 34, of Dunrobin Acres in St. Andrew and several of his colleagues had just exited the Old Harbour Vineyard Toll Plaza heading towards Clarendon when he sped ahead of the group and lost control of the bike.

The motor cycle slammed into a rail killing him on the spot.

The crash site which spanned over a 100 metres saw bike and human body parts littering sections of the Highway resulting in the West bound lane been cordoned off for nearly three hours.

It is understood that the group was heading to an annual bike Fest in Clarendon.

Last year, two members of the same stunt team were killed in similar fashion.

This accident comes several days after world triple record holder Usain Bolt and two females were involved in an accident on the Highway.

Usain Bolt story might have read the same way, but for the grace of God.

Now Yardflex just want to say to all those motorists on the road…please take your time…remember it makes no sense hurrying if you end up not reaching at all.

What is this life coming to, when a schoolboy is stabbed and hospitalized because he is involved with a girl! What makes it worse is that the person who is upset about the affair is a female…yes, you guessed it, she has lesbian instincts.

According to a report carried in Saturday’s star the students are all from a high school in St Catherine.

The 17-year-old fifth-form student was subsequently arrested and is expected to be charged next week.

According to Detective Constable Marcus Vernon of the Area Five Division, both students reportedly got into an argument in which the 17-year-old boy, who is also in the fifth form, was accused of having an affair with another schoolgirl slapped in the face

"Based on the reports we have received from other students, the two got into an argument over the boy's supposed involvement with another girl. The boy's attacker is said to have a crush on that girl,” the Star reported.

According to the police, during a heated exchange of words, the boy was slapped in the face.

It is said that the boy walked away but was reportedly attacked a second time and was stabbed in his back.

He was rushed to hospital where he was admitted while the girl was later arrested.

Oh boy this world just ain’t right.

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has a goal in mind and now having the record for the fastest time on the track, he is now after another Carl Lewis record and that is to be the highest paid athlete…earning as much as US$10 million for the year in appearance and endorsement fees.


Bolt wants to become the first track athlete to earn US$10 million a year in prize money, appearance fees and endorsements by the 2012 Summer Games, the New York Times reported recently. If his financial goal is realised, it would place the 22-year-old Jamaican in an income bracket above the sport's all- time elite, including Lewis, who reportedly pocketed between US$5 million and US$7 million a year during his glory days.

Wow…ambitious goals…but then again we are talking about someone who we see if he sets his mind to accomplish something can do it.

75-year-old Jamaican immigrant Barring Perrin who died on December 22 last year is still in a Florida funeral and is now rotting.

This was brought to the fore when a state inspector reported smelling a strong odor during a March 26 visit to Epps Mortuary and said she found a badly deteriorated body, which had either been inadequately embalmed or not embalmed at all. The body was also not refrigerated.

However, the funeral home owner Lawrence Epps said he used his own money to embalm Perrin since his Jamaica-based family did not want to help with the costs.

Epps who’s now had an emergency order prohibiting him from embalming bodies says he knows he will be vindicated.

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

According to the promoter he was on his way from Harbour View, on business, when his car dropped into a pothole about 10 p.m. Upon noticing a problem with the vehicle, he decided to stop at a Shell gas station on Windward Road.

The promoter was quoted in the Star as saying: "I pulled over at the gas station and somebody ask me if everything all right and then seh him want everything," said Konteh, who is also

the new CEAC (Cultural and Entertainment Affairs Chairperson) on the University of the West Indies (Mona) Guild executive body.

He did not have any money on him but the robber took $15,000 from one of his friends and a 'cheap' Nokia phone from the other.

Afterwards, they began to pull Konteh but he resisted and was shot in his leg below the knee. His friends took him to the University Hospital of the West Indies where he was treated and released.

"I can't walk on it (the leg), I am bedridden but the doctor said I will recover in probably a week or two. I missed my exam (yesterday) and I will miss the one tomorrow (Thursday) and some Barcode promotions - but mi give thanks fi life," Konteh said.

Fi real man, dem gun man yah a gwaan a way star.

Since the announcement of the new tax packages, especially the $8.75 cess on each litre of gasoline, imposed by the Government last week , the police had their hands full with roadblocks on Tuesday and yesterday as various factions of the Jamaican community mounted roadblocks, especially in St Catherine in Kingston.


Taxi drivers in Mandeville and other parts of the island withdrew their services causing many students to be stranded. The taximen have vowed to keep up with their protest until the gas tax is rolled back.


They took this stance because the government refused their request for a fair increase in light of the increase in gas.
Police confirmed that during the protest a female motorist was slashed on the arm and her cellular phone stolen by vandals at the intersection of Molynes Road and Washington Boulevard.


A student travelling in a public transportation vehicle was also robbed of her school bag and the vehicle destroyed by stone-throwing protestors, the police said.


It was a cat and mouse game with the police as residents would quickly mount the road blocks as soon as the police cleared them and moved on.

Yardflex has observed with alarm the number of incidences where women are being brutally abused and even killed by men. Monitoring the police reports has now become a painful exercise. Of course, we are not implying that any life is not just as important, of if a man or child is abused by the fairer sex it’s right.


However, the number of reports in the news has forced us to seek answers to all that’s going on. With this in mind we are throwing out the question, What do you think is contributing to the increased number of abuse against our women?


Could it be stress, the recession or some men are just plain wicked?
Whatever your replies, we go on record to say we do not support any form of physical abuse.


But over to you…you think a man should hit a woman for any reason what so ever?

Lloyd Parks & We the People are currently engaged in a race to preserve the life of a young man who is desperately ill and needs immediate heart surgery.

Due to the exorbitant cost of this surgery, some Artistes have joined forces with Lloyd giving their services free to stage a Concert.

Dubbed “Genuine Gold”, the concert will be held at Mas Camp on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Gates open at 7 p.m and Showtime is 9 p.m.

The featured Artistes are Lloyd Parks & We the People, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Ken Boothe, The Mighty Diamonds, Taurus Riley, Queen Ifrika, The Tamlins, Prodigal Son, Left Side, Pam Hall, Trinity, Lovindeer, Niki Dillon and Elijah. Emcees are Empress and Junior Sinclair.

Starlight is providing the Stage and Light and DJ Squeeze the Sound. CVM TV, Kool FM, Beaumont Car Rentals, Tommy Cowan, Xpresst Concepts, Sign Channel, Golden Promotions and Megajamz have already come on board to support this venture.

We are appealing to all people of good will to come out and support this worthy cause.

Track Star Usain Bolt has been involved in an accident along Highway 2000.

The triple world record holder was said to have been travelling with a woman in a car, when the accident happened.

He and the female passenger have been taken to hospital, but their conditions are still unknown. The car is said to still be in the ditch where it happened. It is still not clear how the accident happened, however it happened near an exit after the Vineyards Toll Plaza in Old Harbour.

Source:http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=8541

The Chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga , the Board and the entire PLCA family wish to express condolences to our Secretary Clyde Jureidini, who lost his mother Doris on Tuesday April 28, 2009.

Mrs Jureidini who would have been 85 in November, is survived by husband Charles, four additional children including Michael who like Clyde is heavily involved in football.

While not being a member of the Harbour View Football Club executive, Mrs. Jureidini, was a stalwart of the family-oriented Harbour View Football Club and would be seen sitting side by side with her beloved Charles at Harbour’s home matches. Their support for the club was not limited to home matches as they traveled the length and breadth of the country to support their beloved team and did so up until their health took a downturn in late January/early February.

“Doris was such a lover of and a loyal supporter of football and her children’s involvement in the sport that she was probably the person off whom the American concept of “Soccer Moms” was modeled,” said PLCA Chairman Seaga of Mrs. Jureidini who lived for God, children and football.

“The picture painted by her and Charles represented a wholesome example of family values that many within and without the sport would do well to emulate. They represented what football should be and can still become in our country, a true family sport,” he added.

“To Charles, Clyde, Michael and the other children I say, be strengthened by her unwavering faith in Christ and be comforted by Psalm 18:2 which reads: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”.

It seems as if dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel doesn't measure up to par when it comes to his lyrics. The DJ whose real name is Adija Palmer was denied performance permit by Grenadian Government.
The red-hot entertainer, whose controversial lyrics have brought him lots of media attention both in and out of Jamaica, was scheduled to perform a rap-it-up concert in Grenville St. Andrews on Saturday, May 2 2009, where his popular Daggering condom was to be officially launched.

Vybz Kartel, who is well known for his hard hitting ghetto lyrics and rival showdowns with popular Artist Marvado, has been leaning towards more positive messages in his songs, with emphasis on respecting Women and Mothers and hints of Rasta-fari teachings. His recent condom campaigns for saving lives have also been well received. Vybz Kartels recent release Mama has taken the charts by storm, and the Artist will be doing several performances in the Caribbean, to include neighboring Trinidad and Tobago on May 8th 2009.

No reason was given by the Ministry of Labour in Grenada for the refusal of the work permits, but the sensitive issue of censorship or freedom of expression may have been at the forefront. The promoter of the event is claiming thousand of dollars in losses and is now seeking legal advice, since neither himself nor the Artists were aware of the Governments blacklisting. Vybz Kartel last performed in Grenada Dec. 5th 2008 to a sold out audience.

The promoter will like to apologize to the public for the Cancellation of the event, which was beyond his control and looks forward to their continued support

Source:Mediazone Jamaica

Yardflex has it on good source that there is a monster ape on the loose in Jamaica. A lot of people are living in fear as they don’t quite know what it’s up to yet.

One little girl who saw it, ended up being pulled away, but fortunately for her she had a friend there, who although not seeing it was able to drag her back.

According to yardflex source the ape is here as a result of the constant trading of goods between Haiti and Jamaica…apparently investors sent the ape to watch the money and the goods. She said she got this info from a reader man in Haiti that she saw. Sometimes the ape returns to Haiti other times it kicks back in Jamaica. We understand that it likes posh surrounding. It is mostly seen in St Thomas, but some residents from upscale communities in Kingston are worried it could make its way there too.

They say truth is stranger than fiction…

Looking ahead, I am seeing a very bleak future for the stage show industry. Currently with everything going through the roof, new taxes added on basic food items and other things…it’s gonna be stiff competition for the almighty dollar.

Already a lot of promoters are complaining about some of these artiste who don’t exercise some discretion when they are charging for their show performance. We are not saying they should be doping ‘charity’ shows…but hey they could think a little about the fans who supported them over the years. When they charge these astronomical fees, the producer has no choice but to pass it on to their fans to try and make an semblance of a profit…and most times the entry cost work out to be so expensive that the promoter ends up losing his shirt!

Big up to artistes like Beenie Man and others who I hear is very reasonable and we hear sometimes he works for “little and nothing” to ensure his fans get to see him…no wonder he is so loved by them.

Still I have to wonder why promoters go ahead and pay these artistes at their own risk when they know the chances are high they will not make back the money. Personally, I think if artistes can’t cooperate so that everyone can end up enjoying themselves…promoters should just keep dances and play their music!

Times are hard…and that means hard choices will have to be made…promoters…chew on that and help make life a little lighter on us stage show lovers. If you can’t meet their fee…move on and save your bucks. ..see how long they can afford to go without a gig.

50-year old District Constable Jonathan Wright who was scheduled to face trial for ganja possession charges, was fined after he pleaded guilty in the Montego Bay Magistrate’s Court.

The DC who spent more than two months in custody for possession charges was fined after he pleaded guilty and had the dealing in ganja charge withdrawn and a fine of $2,000 or 30 days imposed.

When the matter came before Resident Magistrate Viviene Harris, only one witness turned up for trial. However, the matter was disposed of after Wright took the decision to plead guilty.

The officer, who worked at the Freeport police station at the time of his arrest, was charged after he was found in possession of the contraband.

Allegations are that on February 2, the investigating officer, an inspector, was given instruction by a senior officer to search Wright, who was on the cell block at the time. During the search, cigarettes, rizzla and lighters were found in a bag that Wright was carrying.

The inspector also observed a bulge in Wright's pants, which turned out to be a parcel of ganja weighing four ounces.

Word on the street is that the Making the Band girl group Danity Kane are scheduled to release a new album without Poison Puff.

Despite break-up announcement, words have just emerged suggesting Danity Kane will enter recording booth for their next installment. Official website of VISA MYPLASH, a company which reportedly has a sponsorship deal with the popular girl group, posts an info that the group are in studio for a new album tentatively titled “From the Ashes”.

Well, this one must be rumour…can’t see them doing it without some shout out from Diddy.

It seems that there is truth to the rumours that were circulating the internet for some weeks now that Spotlight singer Jennifer Hudson is pregnant. According to Essence Magazine, there is truth to the rumours.

Despite denials by her publicist and manager, two sources close to the 27-year-old singer/actress confirmed to the mag that she is indeed expecting. This would be the first child for Hudson.

Hudson is engaged to David Otunga, a Harvard Law graduate and former contestant on reality show I Love New York 2, although no wedding date has been set.

The American Idol alum is currently on tour with Robin Thicke. Their next show is scheduled for April 23rd at the Fox Theater in St. Louis, MO.

Still Yardflex don’t get it. She is a big working woman…what’s the big deal about being pregnant…besides it’s something coming and not going…surely?

There is tension in Maverly, St Andrew following a shooting incident in which five persons were shot Tuesday night.

The incident took place about 8:00 pm when gunmen travelling in a car opened fire on persons who were standing on Carmen Road. It is reported that the men fired indiscriminately injuring the five individuals.

Yardflex understands that a former national junior footballer was among those shot.

The injured persons were taken to hospital.

Two of the injured are reported to be in serious condition while they conditions of the other three are listed to be stable.

Reisdents of Seaview garden are living in fear because of the ongoing war in the Phase II section of that community. So far 4 persons have lost their lives and others have gotten shot up.
One woman told Yardflex that she can't sleep at nights because of the gunshots blazing. "Everytime I hear the shots I have to get up and check that my kids are OK."


Another told us that she is even asking to let off early from work just so that she can be home before late.
"We can't live like this, we need help," she said in anguish, her eyes glistening with tears.


Yardflex spoke with one man who is disgusted with all that's taking place there, "this is so wrong, we are a small community, we should be able to live in peace with each other. Man and man must come to together and realise that this just don't meck sense," he said.

Singer and promoter of the classic series Take Me Away Richie Stephens is advising that LA Lewis is in no way authorised to issue press releases on behalf of the organisers of the show which is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
“The only thing I have commissioned LA Lewis to do is distribute the flyers at the various parties and dances,” Stephens said, adding that he is disturbed by the number of phone calls he has been getting from media personnel on the poorly-written releases.
“I just want everyone who have been receiving the releases from LA Lewis Enterprise to know that LA Lewis has taken it upon himself to do and without my knowledge or consent.”

DJ Aidonia had better watch himself or he may find himself having to answer for things he has no clue about. Yardflex got it on good authority that there is a certain male in the JOP Group that is going around and pretending to be Aidonia.

From what we understand he tried several times to use Aidonia’s name to get money and has gone as far as having people booking him for shows.

According to our source at one point he wanted someone to book him on a show and send him half the money. He even tried it with a college student claiming he would do dubplate for them.

When one college promoter refused to give him the money he got nasty telling them expletives. The school was going to take action but one thing stopped them…they soon discovered that Aidonia was on tour and therefore it was impossible for him to be in two places.

Our source is in possession of the tapes where he is pretending to be Aidonia. Yardflex understands that the source can’t wait until Aidonia touch the US soil on May 8 to play the tape for him…but in the meantime, DJ take charge before this man mess you up.

With 11 weeks of exciting events, soca fans at Bacchanal experienced one of if not the best series of shows in Jamaica.
With over eleven weeks of excitement culminating in a hyperactive and colourful road march, it had to be Digicel. Bacchanal 2009 in association with Digicel came to a colourful end on Sunday when droves of Jamaicans from all walks of life came out to participate and watch what was a tremendous spectacle.

The route from Mona Road through Half-Way Tree and ending at Mas Camp was covered with patrons who at times took part in the excitement. There was the usual carnival atmosphere with Pan Chicken men distributed at various spots en-route while people perched on various roof tops sought better vantage points.

Dubbed 'Bacchanal Gone Hollywood', the costumes of the revellers manifested the movie themes that have attracted so many to Mas Camp on Friday nights. Lead by the Digicel Moulin Rouge troupe there were bands such as La Dolce Vita, Pocahontas, Showgirls, Troy, Casablanca, Stardust, and Vegas Guys and Dolls.

The Bacchanal revelry also saw several of Jamaica’s noted figures taking part; with Dancehall artiste D’Angel burning up the road as part of the Digicel Band and Digicel Rising Stars host Yendi Phillips also putting on a show.

One onlooker was quite excited about being able to take part in such a tremendous feat of beauty and organisation.

“I never miss carnival and this year was one of the best ones I have been to in my six years. I even went to every one of the Friday night shows at Mas Camp and it was amazing.”

Continuing with the theme of quality entertainment in a safe environment, Shelly-Ann Curran Senior Sponsorship Manager at Digicel spoke of Digicel’s satisfaction at being part of Bacchanal 2009.

“It was bigger and better this year and we were able to touch a large number of our customers, Downtown Carnival was spectacular and we upped the ante for the road march which saw so many Jamaicans coming out. We are glad to have given this experience to our customers”

Over the past six years Digicel has continued to contribute to the development of quality entertainment and cultural activities in Jamaica. With 11 weeks of exciting events, soca fans at Bacchanal experienced one of if not the best series of shows in Jamaica. The weeks saw performances from the likes of Alison Hinds, Destra Garcia, Imij & Co. and ‘Ms Saucy Wow’ herself Denise Belfon all performing on the Bacchanal stage. Patrons at Mas Camp were also very excited by the prizes and surprises that were on offer. Several lucky patrons won the new Digicel Blackberry Flip and hundreds won thousands of dollars worth of call credit while spinning the Digicel wheel.

With Bacchanal 2009 being such a success there are high expectations for the 2010 season and one thing is for sure; Jamaica’s Bigger Better Network will be there.

In the midst of the unwanted international attention that being focused on Jamaica, the country’s security personnel are being praised for the professional handling of the situation.
In a statement posted on Canjet Airlines website they expressed relief that the hijacking was resolved without harm to its crew and passengers.


It said its priority now is to provide comfort and support to both crew and passengers.

Canjet also praised its crew for the level of professionalism and bravery displayed during the ordeal.

The airline also reported that a CanJet aircraft left Montreal and will travel via Toronto and should arrive in Montego Bay this afternoon to take passengers and crew on to Santa Clara or back to Canada.

The CanJet release also expressed appreciation to the security authorities in Jamaica and Canada as well as the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

There are strong rumours going around that Chris Brown and Rihanna might be on the verge of patching thingsup.
It is reported that the two hooked up a few days ago in Los Angeles.

Sporting Chicago Bulls gear, the “Kiss Kiss” singer is said to have checked out of his hotel to spend the night at Rihanna’s house after she flew into town from Kansas.

As Rihanna checked out some houses in the Hollywood Hills, Brown headed off to buy some Belgian chocolates for her at the Beverly Center.

Yardflex will be following the reports closely to keep you in the know

MediaTakeOut.com just caught wind that rapper Bow Wow is in a bit of a mess. Apparently, he went on a video blog yesterday – and said that he was uncomfortable having a gay barber. Or to be specific – having a gay barber “touch his head”

That comment has caused a mini-uproar in the Black gay community. Here’s an example of the response that Bow Weezy’s comments are evoking taken from BET reporter Clay Cane’s blog:

Yesterday Bow Wow held a live video chat where he answered questions from the few fans he has left.

During the chat Bow Wow revealed how uncomfortable he gets around gays.

He talked about a time where he needed a haircut and had his people go and find him a barber. But after noticing the barber was gay he told them that he didn’t want the haircut anymore.

He said he didn’t want a gay barber touching his head.

I’m guessing either the top of his dome is his hot spot or he seems to think homosexuality is contagious.

Isn’t it funny that a guy who twirled his neck like a hurricane and flinched his wrist around like it just suffered a stroke during a special with Omarion (you know, that masculine guy) is saying that he’s homophobic?

We’re just gonna leave this one alone …. FOR NOW!!!

credits:http://www.mediatakeout.com/2009/32160-on_blast_gay_community_angered_by_rapper_bow_wows_homophobic_comments.html

Nearly a third of the population are squatters!


We are still reeling from the shock of this statement. According to a report posted on RJR’s web site, it was revealed that nearly a third of the population are squatters during an examination of allocations to the Ministry of Water and Housing at Wednesday's sitting of the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament.

Housing Minister Dr. Horace Chang told committee members that a recent survey by the Squatter Unit in the ministry has revealed there are just over 700 squatter settlements across the island.

"They vary from the very small to some large ones in my own constituency (St. James North Western), Clarendon is coming along very rapidly and sections of St. Ann. Montego Bay has roughly 30,000 squatter solutions which is almost more than half the population and that is our second largest city," Dr. Chang said.

Over five million dollars has been allocated for squatter management in the 2009-2010 budget.

Members of the House raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Squatter Unit to manage the situation given that the office has only four members of staff.

However, Dr. Chang explained that in its current incarnation, the unit is primarily intended to develop policy.

He noted that Government is taking steps to deal with the problem of squatting more definitively.

"Where most of lands are Government owned, we use the Housing Fund to establish temporary rangers to reduce the expansion of squatting but we're undertaking improvements in some areas. We have the design for a full Squatter Unit but it could not be accommodated in this year's budget. In the meantime, we'll still continue to work with the other agencies involved that have field people," said Dr. Chang.

The Water and Housing Minister added that the long awaited housing policy should be completed by September this year.

Passengers were reportedly taken hostage on a charter flight at a Jamaican airport.

They were boarding the CanJet flight from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to Halifax, Canada, late Sunday when the security breach occurred, said Elizabeth Scotton, a spokeswoman for the company that manages the airport.

Scotton would not say how many hostages were being held.

About 150 people were scheduled to be on the flight, said Jamaican police Lt. Col. Derek Robinson, and it was not known how many were on the plane.

A passenger, Brenda Grenier, called her husband and said a man apparently had sneaked aboard the plane and had taken hostages. Grenier and her daughter were safe, her husband said by phone from his home in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Jamaican police and the company's security personnel were handling the incident, Scotton said.

Lt. Damain Bromley of the police said they were waiting for more information. An airport official reported the security breach, he added.

source:http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/04/20/jamaica.security/index.html

MIAMI, FLORIDA
The Best of the Best International Music Festival is back and this year, its promise of being "the best of the best" delivers yet again. The premier Caribbean concert event in North America returns on Sunday, May 24, much to the delight of fans, many of whom make Miami their destination on Memorial Day weekend each year, to savor the best in Caribbean entertainment, and in mainstream urban entertainment as well.

Presented by Miami-based music and lifestyle promotions outfit, JBJ Entertainment, Best of the Best sets the stage every year as the ultimate showcase of the best acts in Caribbean music. With a solid Caribbean foundation spanning dancehall, reggae, lover's rock and soca, the festival also thrills fans with the top artists in hip-hop, rap and R&B. Past years have included the likes of Akon, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef Jean.

This year proves to be no different as the show is hosted by one of the biggest names in music today, T-Pain. The star-studded lineup also includes Rick Ross, Jeezy, DJ Khaled, Beenie Man, Mavado, Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Serani, Wayne Wonder, Capleton, Destra, Tony Matterhorn, Spice, Kip Rich, Flippa Mafia, Christopher Martin, Cocoa Tea, Ras Penco, Ce'Cile and The Stones.

In its fifth installment, JBJ Entertainment invites music aficionados from around the country and beyond to journey to Miami for this consummate Memorial Day celebration. "We've made every effort to bring together the best acts in music right now, for one day, on one stage. The diversity of this festival in music, culture and cuisine is unrivaled, so everyone is in for an amazing time."

The show takes place at Bicentennial Park, located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami. Park gates open at 1:00 pm and show time is set for 1:30pm sharp. The 10-hour event does not end there. Everyone is invited to the official Best of the Best After Party, at Bongos Nightclub (located behind the American Airlines Arena), immediately following the show

The Mountain Dew Stunt Festival held at the Jamalco Sports Club in Clarendon has come and gone, but for the thousands they will remember the performance the King of the Dancehall delivered.

He came on stage to loud shouts from his many fans and from thereon he was the pied piper and they were his loyal followers.

Reeling through his vast catalogue of hits he showed why after so many years he is still embrace by the dancehall populace.

Beenie went through his hot hits in the hey days to his current ones. When he was through he left a totally satiated crowd behind.

During the day it was all about fun, rides contests and excitement as Ity & Fancy Cat, Sammy Question and Magician had patrons entering one fun competition after another with them winning prizes courtesy of the sponsors.

The Pro Impact Stunt Team out of the States also had the crowd “oohing and “aahing” at some of the gravity-defying stunts they did.

Later on in the evening it was time for the stage show with Apachie Chief and Sarge cracking up the crowd with their “almshouse” on stage.

Mystery Man managed to deliver, but Xinyu was a colossal flop, not even the Dance Xpression girls could rescue her.

Nesbeth scored with Boardhouse and Guns Out.

D’Angel feared a little better but was not an overwhelming hit with the crowd

But there was no question about the closing act Beenie Man…he was King

Our dear Nerissa Irving has made Playboy nudes again....Please check this month's issue out.Also she was just featured in Spragga benz's new video shot in Miama this week.Big up Spragga.Yardflex understands that Stephen Marley&Marcia Griffiths also came out to show him some love.

Patrick Swayze's pancreatic cancer is taking a heavy toll on him.
The star is now thin, virtually bald having lost his hair as a result of treatment, looked a shadow of his former self during an outing in Los Angeles.

With his clothes hanging from his reduced frame, the actor was barely recognisable as he walked to his car.

The 56-year-old edged along the roadside, gripping hold of a nearby post for support as his brother Don waited in a car park to take him to an appointment.

Yardflex wish the star every good wishes and urge him to continue in the fight for survival

The gays have stepped up their attack on Jamaica . Their latest ploy is a campaign to boycott Jamaican products.

A gay rights group from California took their campaign to the streets of New York City on Wednesday and engaged in a rum dump at Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in Manhattan. According to Caribbean World News the owners were urged to dump their stock of Myers Rum and Red Stripe Beer in the sewer while other bars are being urged to follow suit.

Jamaicans are hitting out against it accusing that there were others in the US who were anti gays…and yet they weren’t being targeted.

The New Jersey resident insists the gay rights attack against Jamaica is `very disingenuous.`
`There are conservative Christian groups in the U.S. who are very anti-homosexuality and anti-gay so why aren’t they going up against them? One person was quoted by Caribbean World News as saying.

She answered her own question by adding: `It`s because those groups have a strong lobbying and can’t be pushed around so they’re coming after the weakness of the Jamaicans, which is we don’t have a strong lobby to push back and raise awareness.`

The Jamaican national also insisted that gays are not being killed in Jamaica simply because they are gays, despite what many claim. And she questioned: `How dare they try to castigate an entire island because of their lifestyle? It’s a shame that they want respect but can’t respect our laws.`

Magazine publisher, Carlyle McKetty, insists the time is now for Jamaicans to push back against the outrageous boycott call.

`This kind of contemptuous behavior is unacceptable … we have to say enough is enough. They seem to have made it a crusade to destroy our country. I think it’s time for a few of us to come together and organize a Caribbean anti-defamation movement to push back against this in a very strategic and surgical manner.`

All we have to say at Yardflex is…when are we as a people going to come together and admit that the time is now to start making a stand. If you are not careful the gays will be taking over everything.

Vaswani’s helper, 46 year-old Marcia Gordon had her bail extended on Tuesday when she made her first appearance in court before the Corporate Area Criminal Court.


Gordon who is accused of conspiring with others to steal a vault with millions of dollars in cash and jewellery from her boss, Prakash Vaswani pleaded not guilty to the charges.

She was charged two weeks ago following investigations into the mysterious disappearance of a vault with cash and jewellery from Mr Vaswani's Millsborough, St. Andrew residence last month.

The cops claimed Ms Gordon conspired with other persons to steal the vault with the cash and jewellery worth more than $5 million, after her boss went on an overseas trip.

Investigators say there was no forced entry.

However, Ms Gordon argued that she was asleep when thieves entered the sprawling house and removed the vault.

Two Indian businessmen were detained by the police in connection with the theft two weeks ago, but they were later released after spending several days in custody.

Another suspect is now in custody.

The cops say they have recovered some of the stolen jewellery.

Ms Gordon is to return to court on May 11.

A British-based 65-year-old Jamaican woman pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and was fined one million dollars Tuesday and sentenced to two years in prison.

Hope Spence who hails from May Pen, Clarendon and London, England pleaded guilty in the Corporate Area Criminal Court.

Mrs. Spence was arrested last week after being found in possession of 11 pounds of cocaine worth more than $10 million.

The narcotics police reported that the retiree was preparing to board a British bound flight at the Norman Manley International Airport when she was stopped and searched and the cocaine found in her luggage.

The Gargamel Music family is sad to announce the passing of Buju Banton's beloved mother, Murdine "Miss Dotty" Clarke. Miss Dotty made her transition earlier this month, leaving behind her adoring children, grandchildren, family and friends.

By Rootzgirl
It was disturbing for me to read about yet another road fatality that took place on Saturday in St Elizabeth. On Sunday, the 24-year-old succumbed to the injuries he received the day before.

Another young life that had potential snatched away by the demon of speed and the need to “eat up the road”.

The sad thing about it is that no matter how many road campaigns there are that speed kills, it doesn’t seem to be penetrating the ears of the listeners…well I am assuming that they are listening.

Just for St Elizabeth the road fatalities are now at 19 for this year alone.

That’s 19 lives too many and we are not even counting the road deaths for the rest of the other parishes.

It is often times sad for me to observe how some people drive on the road, you can see them swerving, overtaking, barely making it in time avoiding an oncoming vehicle.

Not to mention the coasters that take the sidewalks at uncomfortable speeds, trying to beat the traffic. Now, I must say it’s bad enough that the drivers do that, it’s even worse when passengers whose lives are at risk, sit down in the bus and say nothing. Some have even been heard complementing the driver calling them “shotta driver” or some other name.

I have to wonder if somewhere at the back of their minds they don’t remember the many accidents where passengers lose their lives through this same kind of careless driving.

Or is it, that they think they will be the lucky ones to escape?

We are in April and there are too many road deaths being reports, please, if you don’t care about your lives, care about the others who have to be on the road and who can’t wait to get home to their loved ones.

Speed is a waste of time, avoid that and try to be on time, don’t be late and then try to make up for it on the road.

If you have forgotten the road codes, get a book and go them over…other crimes may have gotten out of hand…but you can control this….all of us can.

Is it a case of like father like son…well Ninja Man’s troubles seem to have been passed on to his son as the police have taken his son into custody.

It is understand that he could be slapped with murder related charges this week after he was held in St Ann Saturday.

The teenager was being sought by the police in connection with a murder for which his father is also charged.

He was held during a raid in Breadnut Hill Ocho Rios early Saturday morning by members of the Area Two Operations and Support Unit.

The unarmed teenager and another man were caught hiding in a store room on the premises and the alleged motor vehicle used in the murder was also found on the compound.

On March 17, Ninja Man and a group of men, including his son, were reportedly involved in a dispute with a man on Marl Road in Olympic Gardens, St. Andrew.

The police say they shot ant the man who fled.

The bullets missed the man but hit 20-year old Ricardo Johnson also known as "Ricky Trooper", killing him.

Sizzla Kalonjie was supposed to be heading for Canada this weekend for a show but that will not be happening as the guy rights folks has struck yet again. Many of his fans were looking forward to his performance there at the Paramount Concert Theatre on Sunday.


The promoters for the show CVR Entertainment Company sent out a statement apologizing for the cancellation. According to them, the DJ was denied the visa at the Canadian Embassy in Jamaica and his manager gave him short notice about it.


But yardFlex understands that the visa denial goes deeper than that. The gay rights people in Canada are behind it as the DJ refused to sign an agreement not to perform any anti gay songs.

Aidonia who recently celebrated his birthday has a lot more to be thankful for after he was cleared of all charges when he appeared before the Supreme Court in Downtown Kingston, yesterday morning.

The entertainer whose real name is Sheldon Lawrence was last year slapped with several charges ranging from conspiracy to shooting, illegal possession of firearm and shooting with intent stemming from an incident in the Shortwood Area in January 2008.

Valrie Nieta-Robertson the entertainer's legal counsel made application for the charges to be dismissed against her client after an alleged witness who was injured in the incident did not show to give his testimony and base on the lack of evidence on the part of the prosecution all charges were dropped and Resident Magistrate Williams advised Aidonia that he was free to go.

After the hearing a very jovial Aidonia said he was happy with the outcome and thanked everyone who had been supportive of him in his time of need. the fans". - He added.

Aidonia's charges stemmed from a shooting incident in January 2008 in the proximity of Wedcombe Avenue off Shortwood Road where several shots were fired and one man was injured. When the police arrived on the scene upon further investigation it was revealed that the deejay’s name was one of those being called as being involved.

"Mi just wah give Jah thanks we face trials everyday, because di case been going on for a year. Pon a level it mash up mi medz and di career likkle but jah was walking with me.. mi definitely expected a not guilty verdict so now we free up again we can focus on more positivity.... no more unnecessary entourage and di bag a idle thing ..yuh nuh see mi get rid a dem a just growth we a focus pon now ...to do better because is all about di music and entertaining

There’s a new twist to the Rihanna, Chris Brown drama. It seems that the singer’s father is not too happy with his not guilty plea.

According to a report on mediatakeout.com his father was quoted in Us Weekly as saying, [Chris Brown] needs to stop being in denial. I just would like to see justice go in the right direction

I don't want his career to be damaged -- it’s damaged already. I think he’s a talented guy, but everybody should have to pay. When you do the crime, you do the time. I don't want to see him locked up for a long time -- I just want him to acknowledge and get some help."

Rihanna’s dad is not keeping silent on the matter either according to him Brown should say 'guilty' and let the court be leaning into him and try himself to the mercy of the court, see if he gets a fine…

Yardflex can’t wait to see how this one will play out in the end.

It was laughter and drama in The Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday when a woman claimed she stole some items from a supermarket because of a dream.


The accused Kelly Francis was brought before the court to answer to the charge of simple larceny. According to reports she went into Super Plus and took a few items. The plot thickened when a representative from the store said the accused told him about a dream where she took up some stuff from the supermarket and her breast fell out of her clothes. He interpreted the dream and told her it was disgrace.


Kelly said she took the things to prove if his theory was correct!


She will have to fork out $5000 or spent 30 days in jail!

Poor Ninjaman it seems that his troubles will not be over any time soon. He was denied bail yesterday when he appeared ion the Corporate Area Criminal Court.

The DJ has been in police custody in concert with the murder case.

The DJ will return to court on May 7.

The pastor who made the news recently for defrauding a woman out of her money faced an angry mob at the Mandeville Resident Magistrate Court on Monday when he went to court.

The pastor got his freedom after he repaid some of the money to the complainant. But that didn’t mean he could escape the wrath of the irate crowd who waited for him at the police station. He emerged to shouts and screams that could be heard a mile away from people who claimed they wanted back their money…some even threatened him.

The accused man Alexandra Dias Santo Silver is the pastor of the Mandeville Universal Church and also a Brazilian.

The money was supposed to be in exchange for a miracle, but that is yet to happen. When she demanded back her money the pastor refused, the matter was then reported to the police.

The Don Gorgon Ninja Man will be appearing in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court today to answer to charges of murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.


Born Desmond Ballentine Ninja turned himself in after being sought by the police for questioning regarding the shooting death of Ricardo 'Ricky Trooper' Johnson at his home in Marl Road.

Hundreds of reggae enthusiasts attended the second staging of the Reggae Symphony concert series, held at the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts (BCPA), Fort Lauderdale, on Sunday (March 29).

Included in the line-up were reggae singer, Freddie McGregor; reggae songstress, Marcia Griffiths, and veteran singer and songwriter, Bob Andy. They were accompanied by saxophonist Dean Fraser and Lloyd Parkes and 'We the People' band.

The show was opened by Marcia Griffiths, who is currently celebrating 46 years in the music industry. Formerly of the I-Threes, along with Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt, the reggae legend seized the opportunity to pay tribute to international reggae legend, Bob Marley, noting that he opened the doors internationally for the success of reggae.

Bob Andy followed with a trail of songs he had composed over the years, thrilling the audience with reggae favourites of the 1970s.

Freddie McGregor, who spearheads the annual event, also gave an outstanding performance.

Highlight of the evening was the encore performance of all three distinguished artistes doing the grand finale with a rendition of 'United We Stand, Divided We Fall', done as a reggae classic.

Douglas Lawrence, a Jamaican national visiting from Richmond, Virginia, said that he enjoyed the concert immensely, as he experienced reggae at another level.

Public Affairs Director of the BCPA, Jan Goodheart, was elated at the success of the event which, she said, was an indication of the growing demand for diverse cultural performances now enriching the cultural landscape of South Florida. She expressed the desire for the event to become a calendar staple for the Broward Theatre.

Consul-General, Sandra Grant Griffiths, congratulated all three artistes for their outstanding performances, as she greeted them individually backstage after the show.

Master of Ceremonies was veteran Jamaican broadcast journalist and Commissioner of the City of Miramar, Winston Barnes.

On Thursday the South African court jailed three men for life for the murder of international reggae star Lucky Dube, the SAPA news agency reported.
The Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday found Sifiso Mhlanga, Mbuti Mabe and Julius Gxowa guilty of gunning down the world acclaimed singer during a botched hijacking in October 2007.


“The sentence won’t heal me, but we are happy they were arrested and that the law took its course,” said Dube’s wife Zanele who cried uncontrollably after the sentencing, SAPA reported.


The award-winning South African singer was dropping off his teenage son at a relative’s home when gunmen shot him three times at close range.


Dube, 43, who recorded in Zulu, English and Afrikaans, was one of the first to play reggae in his homeland and was widely admired abroad.


The musician’s killing provoked worldwide condemnation and renewed domestic calls for the restoration of the death penalty in a bid to stem one of the world’s highest murder rates.


Dube recorded more than 20 albums in a career spanning two decades and was regarded as one of the first artistes to introduce reggae in South Africa.

Spragga Benz is one father who is determined to make his son’s life count for something. All the dreams and promises which were never realized will now be afforded to some talented students who otherwiuse might never have gotten the opportunity to fulfill theres.

Through the newly-formed Carlisle Foundation scholarships will be given to selected students who have successfully gone through the selection process.

Funding for the foundation will be coming from the cupcoming concert Life Fest: Peace and Love Concert which is scheduled to be held on Carlisle’s birthday, May 2 at Backyard, Constant Spring Road. It will feature performances from some of Spragga’s friends including Stephen and Damian Marley, Wayne Wonder, Sizzla, Queen Ifrica, Tanya Stephens, Jah Cure and Chino along with Spragga himself.
All artistes have pledged their services free as they really want to see this worthy venture become a reality.
Speaking about the concert Spragga says that it will be a fund to help kids with potential.


“Strings will definitely be attached to the scholarships that will be given out,” he stressed as pointing out that the beneficiaries who will be chosen by a special panel will have to maintain a certain level of performance or else the scholarship would have to be reviewed.


Speaking about the upcoming concert, Delroy Escoffery of D’Empire Management, organisers and sponsors of the show, informed that the idea for the concert was Spragga’s brainchild as well as Salaam Remi from Boom Tunes.

Jamaica South Africa Friendship Association (JASAFA), through its recently elected executive, has rolled out a number of new initiatives to help strengthen links among the people of Jamaica and South Africa. The new executive held its first general meeting on Friday at the Jamaica Trade and Invest offices under the leadership of its new President and Financial Investment specialist, Leo Williams.

The association was formed some three years ago to foster closer friendship and understanding among the peoples of Jamaica and South Africa and their respective regions.

JASAFA says it will be looking at a number of cultural exchange programmes and according to one of its executive members, Sheena Johnson-Brown , “ This may be our largest portal into greater trade and other interaction with South Africa . We already have more than one interested parties on our doorstep trying to either visit Jamaica with productions or have artistes from Jamaica participate in festivals. We have been holding high level meetings on these plans. Our Minister of Culture and the South African High Commission in Jamaica have expressed their support for our plans’”, she noted.

With plans in high gear for the staging of World Cup in South Africa in June 2010, JASAFA is looking for ways to facilitate the anticipated vibrant support from Jamaica and is investigating (among other mechanisms), affordable travel options between the two countries. JASAFA is linking the travel plans with special bed and breakfast arrangements that President Williams says will allow Jamaicans to experience the real culture of the people of South Africa.

‘Through the bed and breakfast arrangements, Jamaicans will get to see South Africa not from the high rise, glass screens of a hotel room, but on the ground and in the homes of our South African brothers and sisters’.

Still on the business side, JASAFA is looking at the possibility of twinning of the cities of Kingston and Pretoria . Pretoria has been selected according to Communications Consultant Berl Francis, ‘because that’s where we have our Jamaica mission, so we have opted to start there’.

Attorney-at-law, Mrs Antonette Haughton Cardinas, was charged with two counts of fraudulent conversion by the Yallahs Police, St Thomas Wednesday.


Information received by the Constabulary Communication Network is that Mrs Cardinas collected monies totaling $12 M from residents of Fort district, Leith Hall in the parish between 1990 and 2002, to assist in the acquisition of land. When she failed to represent them in court, a report was made to the police and an investigation launched. Mrs.

Cardinas was subsequently arrested. She was granted bail and is booked to appear in the Yallahs Resident Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 16.

Patrons can expect to be captivated by a Parisian atmosphere when the telecommunications giant transforms the Digicel booth into Moulin Rouge Central.

Thursday, April 2; Kingston, Jamaica: Bacchanal 2009 will be raised to a whole new high this Friday when Digicel brings 'Midnight in Paris' to Mas Camp. Digicel triples the treat for patrons inside the New Kingston Mas Camp where Destra Garcia will perform in Jamaica for the first time in 2009 along with Denise Belfon.

Patrons can expect to be captivated by a Parisian atmosphere when the telecommunications giant transforms the Digicel booth into Moulin Rouge Central. Picture this! Cannes-Cannes girls to greet you throughout the night, the most romantic tower in the world right before our eyes - the Eiffel Tower, a melting pot of exciting activities from Mimes to Caricature Artistes and for the first time patrons who dare can try the Tarot Card reader - all at the Digicel booth while at the same time jumping to the bigger better beat of Trinibagonian soca divas.

Destra’s involvement in Bacchanal 2009 is part of Digicel’s continued commitment to the growth of soca music and carnival festivities in the region. The artiste is one of the great exports of Trinidad and Tobago and has unleashed a barrage of hits on soca fans since her debut. Not to be left is the ‘Soca-Dancehall Queen’ Denise Belfon; who is ready to release her high energy, complex, exotic, and highly controversial on-stage performance, powered by husky and sultry vocals.

Crews have converged on the venue since Monday taking it through a metamorphosis. On Friday night patrons can expect prizes and surprises running the gamut of what Digicel has to offer.

"As we enter into our ninth week of Bacchanal, we wanted to turn up the heat for our patrons to ensure that they continue to have a great time at Mas Camp. Backed by popular demand from our customers, Digicel will be bringing back all past activities since the beginning of the season, culminating in a grand Midnight in Paris affair at Mas Camp. It will certainly be a bigger, better night for all", commented Shelly-Ann Curran, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Digicel.

Bacchanal 2009’s Midnight in Paris will definitely be a treat and patrons will not be disappointed.

Following receipt of an update on the investigations into the incident that took place at Luciano’s house where a soldier slapped a civilian, the JDF Sergeant involved has been charged and punished.

National Security Minister Colonel Trevor MacMillan said the Sergeant, who had an exemplary record up to the time of the joint police military operation last Wednesday, admitted that he acted unprofessionally and has assumed full responsibility for his actions.

The Minister reportedly said he has no reason to doubt that the Sergeant is deeply saddened and remorseful over the incident, based on his comments and demeanour.

Senator MacMillan last week advised by the JDF that the Sergeant and Corporal who were involved in the altercation have been removed from front line duties.

In the meantime, the Minister says the investigation is still proceeding in relation to the Corporal.

He has promised to update the nation on the outcome of the probe.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company has taken the decision to ban the waving or display of school flags at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre during this week’s Boys’ and Girls’ championship now taking place at the National Stadium. The JUTC has made this move to ensure students safety and comfort.

JUTC described the decision as regrettable but blamed recent violent clashes between rival schools.

"This is in view of a developing trend where the friendly rivalry which once existed among the schools involved in the championships, has become somewhat violent in some cases. The displaying and waving of flags among students in the centre has been cited as a source of this violence," said a release from the Ministry of Transport today.

The Ministry added that security forces and security guards at the centre would be enforcing the ban with schools flags to be taken away and destroyed. The relevant schools have been advised of the decision.

The security forces and contracted security guards at the centre will be vigilant in enforcing this ban. School flags will be taken away and destroyed, and the administrations of the relevant schools have been so advised.

An elderly Canadian woman who claims to be homeless entered a guilty plea to attempting to export 8lbs of ganja from the island when she was brought to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The police informed that when 71-year-old Margueritta Lancaster-Reid luggage was searched at the Sangster International Airport on March 28 and the ganja found, she said, “sir it was not ganja, it's herbs".

When entertainer and head of Kings of Kings Colin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy takes centrestage at Unite the People this Saturday, April 4, he will be giving the “a total package”.

Iley Dread said that he is working out really hard at the gym “cause I’m coming down there not just to sing, but to perform and entertain.”

In addition to giving of himself to the expected crowd, Iley says he will be coming to be entertained also.
“Beres Hammond has always been one of my favourite entertainers so I am looking forward to seeing him on stage,” he said.

The event which started in 1995 under the Kings of Kings banner has been staged in various parts of the world.

Iley will staging another of Unite the People in Atlanta on July 11 with one being planned for Canada later this year.

The promoter is encouraging everyone to “hold on to their tickets” as they could win exciting prizes during a raffle.

“There will be laptops, cell phones and lots of other stuff,” he said as he pointed out that for some show goers will be getting more than their money's worth for the tickets.

Slated to perform on Unite the People on Saturday also are Coco Tea, Queen Ifrica, Khalil, Cameal Davis, Geoffrey Star, Ras Penco, Kool DeRoy and others.

Part proceeds from the show will be going towards a charity in the area.

When it comes to competitive prices, first class service and sales representatives that really look out for their clients then GM Challenger has it all. No wonder customers are attracted to the company like magnet to steel.



The CEO Nigel Pagon will be the first to tell you that that reputation has been a consistent deliberate effort to put people first over everything else.

At a time when money is the bottom line, the company seeks to work out friendly, affordable, easy payment plan that their customers can live their dream of owning the car that suit their needs and at the same time be able to “hold their heads above the waters.”

1986 Nigel Pagon, CEO of Challenger Transport Limited, incorporated the company that he owned and operated 8 buses in the corporate area. In 1988, the company was diversified into auto parts, launching Challenger Auto Supplies, and then in 1991 it implemented the used car dealership service. In 1997 the company introduced the innovative lease/purchase programme which enabled many Jamaicans to own their first vehicle. In April 1999, Challenger expanded its operations by signing an agreement with General Motors to be the dealer for Chevrolet brand in Jamaica, and in June 2000 the doors to the new fully equipped Molynes Road facility; with showroom, offices, parts and service departments were opened.

GM Challenger’s main focus is on offering affordable vehicles and spare parts that are of the highest standards. The company also has a car rental service that may be utilized by the public whenever necessary. In addition to the Chevy product line, GM Challenger offers quality new and used cars, pick-ups and van that may be requested via special orders.

With their friendly staff, easy payment plan GM Challenger is the car dealer of choice.

Failed alternative investment scheme Cash Plus’ liquidator is awaiting word from the courts to begin the sale of the company's assets.

This could mean good news for Cash Plus investors who have been waiting more than a year for word on their investments.

Trustee in Bankruptcy
, Hugh Wildman, who is also the liquidator of Cash Plus, says a number of the company's assets are slated to be sold.

"We have some matters in the court which we're awaiting judgement on but once we get judgement on those matters, we expect that we'll be able to sell some of these assets and realize the proceeds on behalf of the depositors," Mr. Wildman said.

Last year, the Supreme Court gave the green light for Cash Plus to be wound up.

This occurred despite efforts by former head of the company, Carlos Hill, to regain control.

A 15-year-old boy in Church Pen, Old Harbour narrowly missed being beaten to death by a mob in Old Harbour, thanks to quick intervention by the police that his life was spared.

An angry mob was intent on taking the law into their own hands when an allegation was made that the 15-year-old was caught molesting an 11-year-old boy.

A mob converged on the scene and the police rushed to the area and rescued the teenager from the angry crowd.

The 15-year old boy was taken into custody and subsequently charged under the Child Care and Protection Act as a juvenile in need of care and protection.
The 11-year-old and his mother have also left the community.

It seems as if Luciano’s troubles will not be ending any time soon. The singer was charged with harbouring a criminal yesterday after his lawyer Delano Franklyn insisted that the police either charge his client or let him go.

The singer should now be out on station bail.

The 'Messenger' troubles started on last Wednesday when policemen acting on information went to his home on Westminister Crescent.

The gunman launched an attack on the policemen at about 5:00 am, the battled lasted for three hours and when the smoke cleared three policemen were injured and the gunman dead.

Radio Jamaica Limited has ceased operation of its RJR AM service on Monday.
As a result of this Nationwide radio which was heard on the AM band, will no longer be available on that frequency.
According to a story posted on RJR’s website, Managing Director of the RJR Communications Group, Gary Allen explains that the decision was made due to the ongoing lack of viability in operating the service.

"General radio output of RJR will not be affected by this move as the AM service was leased to Nationwide News Network. We have assessed the arrangements and we have assessed the operations of the network and it is no longer viable for us to continue with it," said Mr. Allen.

Nationwide News Network has been broadcasting on RJR's AM service for the past two years.

The service was terminated at 5:05 Monday afternoon

Up and coming performer Ras Penco is looking forward to performing in Negril on Unite the People.
Ras Penco who has not performed in Negril for over three years says he is looking forward to giving the crowd there a really good performance.
“After having not been there in a while, I am really eager to work a good set for them,” the singer said.
The singer is presently enjoying a good buzz with the single Thousand Miles which is currently on Richie B, Hype and RE TV charts, the video for the single is also sitting in the #1 position of CVM TV’s Hitlist.
Hailing from Riversdale, St Catherine, Reinford Ras Penco Woodburn recorded his first single Go for Your Gold produced by Fifth Element and released on the VP Record label. While the song wasn’t a hit it Jamaica it garnered a lot of publicity on the international scene.
Ras Penco since his emergence on the scene has performed at some top calibre events both in Jamaica and overseas.
Unite the People takes place on Saturday, April 4 at the Wavz Beach and will see Ras Penco sharing the stage with artistes such as Beres Hammond, Coco T, Queen Ifrica, Khalil, Cameal Davis, Iley Dread, Geoffrey Star, Kool DeRoy among others.

By Pearl Jr.
How many of you know who the best selling Black male singer in the world for 2008 was? I bet you'll never get this right, without a few clues. Well, he's 50 years old, considered washed up and too controversial to sell, plus the majority of his songs are more than 25 years old. It's Michael Jackson, who sold more than Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-yo, John Legend, and Seal. The King of Pop sold nearly as many records worldwide as the #1 best-selling artist in the US regardless of race, Lil Wayne, whose genre of hip hop lost nearly 19.8 percent in sales from the previous year. Michael Jackson's song catalog sold 2.9 million copies with Thriller 25 topping over 2.3 million by itself, plus Michael didn't even promote it and performed nowhere! Shocking isn't it! (Lil Wayne sold nearly 3 million)

Before the 1990's, it seemed one could find a million-selling Black male recording artist on other every corner, and, at least, 20 in every Black church. Today, it's becoming more and more difficult to ignore the facts that Black men are headed to the bottom of, yet, another statistical chart.

Music, the savior of the Black race, made bearable the horrors of slavery, soothed during Jim Crow racism, and bonded in segregation. This type of Black love and togetherness ushered in the perfectly pitched passion of singers like Smokey Robinson singing countertenor (a male soprano), Michael Jackson a solid tenor, David Ruffin a baritone, and Barry White, the maestro, bass singer. Even now writing this article, name after name of remarkable Black male singers come to mind like Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Ronald Isley, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, and singing groups like The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, Stylistics, Chi-lights, Jackson 5, Earth Wind and Fire, The Moments, The Manhattans, New Edition, and Boys II Men. The list goes on and on. But today, where are the Black male singers that made Black women buy every Right On Magazine and scream with excited hysteria whenever their favorite artists appeared?

In today's world of rap music, the last solid genre created in the Black community, seemed to have seduced too many Black men wishing for their spot on the top of music entertainment fame, to speak rhythmic poetry instead of singing the melodies of love and longing.

The irony is that while the loving lyrics of Motown dominated the Black airways for decades, Black love was in bloom, and so was the growth of the music industry. Now too many Black men in the game of hip hop slop are volunteering to label Black women bitches and hos, promote criminality, excessive spending (bling), and speak of love making as purely a one night stand have contributed to the widespread decline of Black love and progress. It's no coincidence that Black love is down at the same time Black music is at its lowest levels ethically and well as financially. This decline has little to do with the recession because these declines started to manifest 6 years ago, and ringtones along with 99 cent downloads just ain't paying the bills.

Could the absence of Black male singers be correlated with the lack of decency taught in rap crap chants? Does it take the desire to love completely and thoroughly to enhance the singing style of Black men?

Throughout the history of television, there have been numerous talent shows, such as the competitions at the famed Apollo Theater and Star Search. But the last few seasons of American Idol have not produced one top Black male singer and I think Simon is in shock due to this! Season Eight of American Idol's top 12 doesn't have one Black male singer and only one Black male singer was in the top 36. Season two winner, Reuben Studdard and the like, are now extinct for six straight years. He was the only Black male winner in American Idol history.

Black men have lost their way in so many more different categories, such as low high school graduation rates, high incarceration rates, high rates of low self-esteem or undeserved self-gratification, and too many Black men are not in the home taking care of their children and not marrying their baby's mothers. There are simply prices to pay for not loving and respecting your women! Nature just wasn't meant to fail like this! Perhaps, the Black male's continual downfall spiral will be due to too much bad karma.

Have Black males lost their singing dominance with their souls and are now out of the emotional loop of wanting to give true love to a Black woman? What happened to lyrics like, "The Way You Do The Things You Do", "Just My Imagination", "Your Precious Love", "Maybe Tomorrow", "Try a Little Tenderness", "Lonely Teardrops", "Isn't She lovely", "Love Ballad", "I Can't Help Myself", "Mighty Love", "Reasons", "Stop, Look, Listen to Your Heart", "Oh Girl" and "Ooh Child". Even later group like Boys II Men released hits like "I'll Make Love to You" and New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain" seems like those were the last true love song that touched the heart in just the right place to make herds of girls run to the record store and lay out their, many times, strapped money to experience love's possibilities through music.

Even, Michael Jackson, the best-selling artist in the world achieved his greatest heights when he was filled with Black pride and surrounded by Black people, especially his Black mother and sisters who lived at the family home with him, because all of his brothers had married and moved away. One might wonder if Michael Jackson still has Black fans. Well, as the owner of one of the largest and most successful Black-themed and Black-owned bookstores in Los Angeles (Eso-Won) told me that Thriller 25 was the best selling product in his store. Remember, the last women the world saw Michael with was a Black woman named Raymone Bain, his spokesperson.

All is not totally lost. There are a few Black male singers, but only one comes to mind. Usher, who is the last best selling new Black male singer, remains on the scene, but he is a rare reminiscent of days long past. Usher's album and song, "Here I Stand" earned him the #2 best-selling Black male singing title of 2008 because that love song exudes the unrelenting emotion every Black woman needs to hear to believe that to be loved, honored, and cherished is attainable.. By the way, Usher is married to a beautiful Black woman. It's always been Black women that have purchased nearly all the recordings by Black male artists, period!

Examine the recent careers of post-platinum selling artists akon, Baby Face, Brian McKnight, John Legend, and Seal who are all good singers, but once they are found out to not chose Black women as their mates, those sales dropped like hot potatoes. No one else will have the guts to say this or ASK THIS SERIOUS QUESTION. Is it the Black woman who brings out the natural emotional PASSION in Black men or is it Black women that feel abandoned by the very artist they put in the rich house AND stopped buying their music because now it is difficult to imagine that singer is singing to directly to them? The answer to both is probably a big yes.. Either way, the Black male singer is the loser in all this when he chooses to abandon the already abandoned, use the already abused, and fall prey to manipulations that tell him to be wrong is to be right.

Men are natural providers and protectors of their women, children and community, therefore, when Black men refuse to do their jobs as men, nature jumps in and creates a cataclysm of castigation. The Black race will not improve until Black men OVERWHELMINGLY take their responsibility seriously.

Even with the latest abusive disaster with singer Chris Brown against his girlfriend Rihanna, whose first albums attained platinum, one of Chris' first music videos (from his second album) shows him chasing non-Black women and even jumping over Black girls to get to a non-Black girl. The highly publicized relationship between Chris and Rihanna jump started Chris' quickly declining records sales, because sistas just wasn't having it. Now, why would Black females purchase an album from a guy who blatantly disrespects Black females like that? They don't and they won't. Chris' career will never recover from his felony charges for allegedly beating his girlfriend Rihanna-and Rihanna doesn't even realize that she does not possess enough love to save him. Rihanna's latest album has sold over 6 million copies worldwide, while Chris' latest stands around 2 million. During their heavily publicized crisis, Rihanna continues to sell, but Chris' sales are pretty much dead.

It seems to be a trend for Black men to be with non-Black women in entertainment, but much of the Black female audience is tired of trying to be racially fair when it's obvious that union is in direct contrast with Black love and the returning of Black men to their male lacking homes and communities.

This may be hard for many to hear, but it is the love between a Black man and a Black woman that unveils the often imitated, unique melodic beauty of Black music?

Yet, the Black female continues to deliver love songs at her emotional high, but Black men apparently, have done too much wrong to be righted by the God's of good singing and good fortune.

As the author of the book, Black Women Need Love, Too, at a glance one would think this manual was written for the sole benefit of Black women, not so! It is basically for the savior of Black men via love for Black women. Isn't it quite obvious by now, that not loving hasn't rendered any real long lasting cultural benefits? Rap Crap artists are the biggest losers in the music industry-they lead in deaths, incarcerations, and lost fortunes.

It was always the Black woman that supported the Black male singer, but how many Black men appreciated it? So now, it has been taken away. When will the majority of Black men realize that to not love Black women, will only deliver more massive declines.

White women have the best PR because White men demand it and realize that if they don't love their women and represent them as valuable; big declines will be the result. You see, men are innately motivated to thrive for success when they want to be loved by a woman--take that away and chaos is the consequence. Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, named his autobiography "To Be Loved" because that is what motivated him to succeed. At that time, he only dated Black women and Motown was filled with Black married couples--a correlation that supports this hypothesis.

The old divide and conquer methodology, used by the non-Black music executives who have hired too many uneducated weak-minded sell-out thug-able young Black male performers to do their dirty work, has succeeded once more. How else did despicable words like the "N" word get into Black music? Motown didn't use it, Casablanca Records didn't use it and both these companies that Black men had ownership and control of hired tremendous Black talent and made lots of money. My man is the son of music executive and part owner of Casablanca Records, Cecil Holmes, who also worked in the record business and was kicked out in the early 1990's with a group of others, because they were too nice and decent for the massive mental corruption that was on the horizon. The Rap Crap Treason Act then took full effect. Now, the Black male singer seems to be a relic of the past.

How many trick bags are we going to jump in?

Do right by Black women, and Black men will see their own lives massively improve, which is attached to the upward mobility of the Black race! Hopefully, what was lost will one day be found again!

Desmond ‘Ninjaman’ Ballentine, was yesterday remanded in custody when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

After being sought by police in connection with the murder of Ricardo ‘Ricky Trooper’ Johnson at his Marl Road residence last week Monday. Ninjaman turned himself in to the police last week Wednesday.

According to police report, Ninjaman was among three men who drove up in a grey vehicle and shot Johnson as he swept his yard. When police declared him as a person of interest in the murder, the deejay embarked on a media campaign and declared his innocence saying he had retired from a life of crime.

Ninjaman has been in custody ever since and will return to court on April 7.

Efforts are being made by the police force to nab the other two men who are suspected of chasing and shooting Johnson to death.

After all most three years since her murder police investigators have just announced a major breakthrough in the case.

27 year old widower, David Lloyd Gordon was arrested yesterday following intensive investigations by the Major Investigation Taskforce and the St Catherine North police.

He’s been charged with murder and conspiracy to murder Hewitt-Gordon on June 29, 2006, on the Freedom District main road in St Catherine.

He is schedule to appear in court early next week.

According to the police they’re also interested in interviewing his brother, Wordsworth Gordon.

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The Messenjah released.

It is reported that after a detailed search of Luciano's Westminster Crescent house, the artiste was released at 10 pm last night.

He was schedule to return to the Half-Way Tree police station this morning to give a formal statement.

Luciano is being represented by attorney-at-law, Delano Franklyn.

Keep logging on to www.yardflex.com for more information as the story progress.

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Yardflex takes a closer look at the gunman that engaged the police in a shootout at cultural singer Luciano’s house.

• His aliases are ‘Shooty shooty’ and ‘Conqueror’
• He was a deadly fugitive on the run for two years...this according to the police
• He was most wanted for a series of gun-related crimes including murder, shooting with intent and theft of a policeman’s firearm
• According to the police he brutally slaughtered 65-year-old Gloria McLean at an open lot on Shortwoord Road, January 15 after she chided him for his uncouth behaviour towards a child.
• Also engaged the police in a shootout at Central Village February last year

Now with a rap sheet like that the only thing we want to know and we guess it will be some time before we find out...if ever, what the hell was he doing at Luciano’s residence...and what was the singer doing having him hanging around?

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32 employees of the RJR Communications group received their pink slips yesterday – some through voluntary early retirement.

This is the latest move as more and more companies are feeling the pinch from the recession that is hitting the country real hard.
Among those that were let go are Michael Sharpe, Simon Crosskill, who is the group head of sports.

According to a report carried in the Jamaica Observer the media group said the separation agreement was reached after consultation with all stakeholders and was in response to the continued decline in the global advertising activity and increased costs.

“The company says it is moving the group to a model of greater out-sourcing of services aimed at reducing the size of its permanent structure as well as its recurring expenses,” the release said.

Other recognizable names on the departure list include Michael Bryce, head of the group's multi media department and radio news presenter; Cathy Barrett, radio editor; Jodi Brown-Lindo, Beyond The Headlines presenter; Kenrick Barnaby, reporter/producer; Bridgette Reid, producer and Ann-Marie Scott-Brown, Crosskill's personal assistant.

Among the casualties also are financial controller, Rupert Hartley and senior technical strategy division staff member, Leon Lyons as well as staff from the group's marketing arm.

It's alleged that the body of a man found with stab wounds along with a woman, Elsie Armstrong on Grosvenor Terrace yesterday is the brother of popular dancehall deejay, Ninja man.

Its believe that both were killed the previous night.

Today is said to be the anniversary of Ms. Armstrong's son's death. It is believed that Armstrong was killed because she witnessed her son's death.

There is still no confirmation from Ninja Man or anyone from his management team regarding the alleged relation to the deceased man.

YardFlex will be bring you the updates in this case as they come about.

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YardFlex.com understands that Reggae artiste Jepther 'Luciano' McClymont was taken into police custody for questioning this morning.

According to reports, the police who were acting on intelligence went to a house said to be owned by Luciano on Westminster Crescent off Red Hills Road, St Andrew this morning.

A shootout ensued leaving three police officers injured and a gunman from the 'most wanted' list killed.

Keep tuned to www.yardflex.com for more news as the story progress.

American hip-hop star T-Pain is being sued Hits and Jams (H&J for his non appearance at a show in Guyana.

According to a story carried in the Guyana Chronicle the company filed an action on Monday, in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Broward County, Florida, United States (U.S.), against hip hop superstar T-Pain and Company.

The US$5M claim is for breach of a written contract, libel, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

A release from the plaintiff said T-Pain was scheduled to perform at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) February 23 last, but cancelled the appearance after what his camp described as “credible kidnapping and death threats” to the singer’s life.

H&J said, despite several requests, the American superstar and his management team refused to provide the source of the alleged threats to the promoters and their attorney, law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the U.S. Consulate in Guyana, to facilitate a probe.

H&J said the R&B artiste and his team merely informed them and their attorney that the threats came from “a credible source that T-Pain’s camp trusted” and “who they have been dealing with in Guyana” and that “T-Pain has dealt with the source in the past.”

After T-Pain cancelled the Guyana show, several false and incorrect reports in the international media attributed the cancellation of T-Pain’s appearance in Georgetown, to the promoters, Hits and Jams Entertainment.

“The press releases also falsely attributed personal knowledge of the alleged telephone and e-mail threats to the promoters. The promoters do not possess any personal knowledge of the alleged threat or the credibility of the alleged threats,” H&J said.

The statement said, according to the first clause of the action, for breach of contract, obtained from the local promoters, they are seeking an award of general and special damages in the above quoted amount, which is in excess of the jurisdictional limits of the Circuit Court, attorneys and Court fees, pre-judgement interest and such other relief the Court deems just and proper, against the defendants.

It added that the plaintiffs, respectfully, reserve the right to seek and assert a claim of punitive damages pursuant to the requirements of Florida Statute 768.72.

Three other causes of action, filed against the defendant, are for libel, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, each seeking US$15,000 awards.

Who colt the game? Marley magic tested

Even as widow of the late Bob Marley, Rita, is defending the deal with Canadian company Hilco, which has a mission to boost the Marley legend through a worldwide marketing blitz, the reggae icon’s oldest son, Ziggy is having reservations.

The deal will see Hilco tracking illegal use of the Marley image and name. But the company's main thrust is overseeing the revival of daughter Cedella's Catch A Fire clothing line and launching a series of products, which include a Marley lager.

And, herein lies the conflict. Whereas Bob’s widow sees nothing wrong with the Rastafarian’s image attached to a product such as beer, the singer’s son is not so sure that this is the right branding for his father.

Rita Marley is quoted as saying: "I drink beer, Bob drink beer, his boys drink beer. He never drank alcohol but him love him Guinness and him roots."

The Marley family have endorsed or launched several ventures bearing the singer's name, including a theme park in Florida, Hotel and Spa that opened in The Bahamas in 2007.

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Victory for JLP’s Daryl Vaz

The Jamaica Labour Party candidate Daryl Vaz, on Monday beat the PNP’s Kenneth Rowe , thus restoring the JLP’s 32 - 28 seat majority in parliament .

From early in the counting process, Vaz established a clear lead in the West Portland by-election eventually thrashing the PNP’s Rowe in what was a keenly contested poll.

By the end of the count Vaz polled 7,915 votes to Rowe’s 5,626, becoming the first candidate to score more than 7,000 votes in West Portland.

Astor Black, of the New Jamaica Alliance, polled 27 votes.

Vaz’s performance was far better than his showing in the 2007 general election, when he polled 6, 977 votes to defeat the PNP’s Abe Dabdoub, who received 6,033 from 74 percent of the constituency’s electors.

Electoral officials have reported that just over 70 percent or 13,589 of the over 18,000 eligible voters turned out to cast their ballots.

The Canadian court on Monday handed down a 6 1/2-year federal prison sentence to Garfield Sibbles, son of internationally acclaimed reggae singer, Leroy Sibbles, for killing a child under his care.

Justice Bruce Durno sentenced Garfield Anthony Sibblies, 40, of Brampton, but since Sibbles has spent the equivalent of almost six years in custody, he could be released after serving two-thirds of the remaining six months in a provincial jail.

Sibbles pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 22, 2006, death of baby Elijah, who was six days short of his first birthday. The court was informed that an autopsy revealed the boy had 38 injuries but could not determine a single cause of death. Elijah had brain injuries consistent with impact and shaking, but insufficient swelling of the brain to kill him.

During the sentencing, Durno said "adults protect vulnerable and defenceless children, not abuse them." He described how the child's death devastated his mother, who buried him on what would have been his first birthday, in the clothes she had bought for him to wear for that day of celebration.

Elijah's mother took Sibblies' last name, but their marriage in 2005 was one of convenience, designed to help her and her son immigrate to Canada, court heard. Sibblies had a girlfriend and didn't intend to remain with the child's mother.

Yesterday, Durno ordered Sibblies to submit his DNA to the national data bank. Upon release, he will be on 36 months of probation, during which time he will be banned from being alone with children under 10.

Sibbles denied beating the child, but admitted he took out his anger and frustration with his own life on the infant that day. He slapped him on the side of his head when he refused to swallow his food and wouldn't sit still. Later, he shook him vigorously when he suddenly fell down and became unconscious.

Last week, Sibblies apologised, telling the court there were no words to explain his remorse. Court heard he told a psychiatrist that he would never forgive himself.

It was total magic at Wavz Beach in Negril on Saturday with some sizzling performances from top artistes at the event dubbed Marley Magic.

Junior Kelly gave a commendable performance and had the Negril massive singing along to songs such as If Love So Nice and others.
It was a real poignant moment when Spragga Benz took centrestage and performed a song in tribute to his son Carlisle who was shot and killed under controversial circumstances by the police. His emotionally charged performance brought tears to the eyes of patrons who were all moved by the tribute.

Junior ‘One Blood’ Reid did a tight set performing some of his current hits as well as drawing from his catalogue of Black Uhuru hits. The versatile Reid kept the tourists on a high with some of his hip-hop collaborations.

DJ Capleton threatened to burn the place down with his fire chanting lyrics, it was totally heat in the place after he took the stage. His set was a flag waving, foot stomping energetic session. When he made his exit it was a totally satisfied audience.

Following King Shango’s performance it was time for the only living Wailer, Bunny. Working on tracks he delivered a solid set.

Then it was time for the Marley magic and that came in Bob’s offsprings Stephen and Junior Gong, they worked an excellent set. ‘Magic’ is the only word that can describe their voices harmoniously blending together to produce awesome music.

Their set got even more fun when they called on stage Spragga and Wayne Marshall respectively to perform with them.

When the last strains of the music filled the air at 230 am it was a totally satiated crowd that made their way home.

Popular dancer, Colo Colo and his girlfriend were both attacked during a video shoot.

According to news report, the incident took place Wednesday night in Half Way Tree. It's alleged that during the video shoot they were attacked by a group of conductors. According to the dancer, the men approached them and asked if they could be apart of the video shoot, an altercation aroused between his girlfriend Lisa Brown and the men. The men then left the scene and return with weapons which were used to inflict wound on Colo Colo, his girlfriend got her mouth busted.

The matter was reported to the Half Way Tree police by Colo Colo who managed to escape from the men.

Photo Source: The Star

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Christine Hewitt’s husband in police custody over her death
Almost three years after her fiery death, her young husband, David Gordon is back in police custody awaiting questioning in the incident.

David Gordon, now 27, was picked up by the police last week Friday and is scheduled to do a question-and-answer session on Tuesday, after which he will either be formally charged or released. Shortly after Hewitt’s death, Gordon turned himself into the police, was questioned and subsequently released.

In June 2006, Hewitt’s charred remains were discovered in a burnt-out Townace minivan, registered 3451EU, along a lonely rural road at Bamboo District in Riversdale, St Catherine.

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Controversial deejay Desmond Ballentine more popularly known as Ninjaman and Brother Desmond is now behind bars, as the police continue to gather information linking the deejay to Tuesday’s gun murder of a 20-year-old man in the Marl Road area of Kingston.

Ninja turned up with his attorney, Norma Linton at the Hunt’s Bay Police Station on Thursday, and was detained. He was named by the police as a person of interest in the murder of Ricardo Johnson, also called ‘Ricky Trooper’, at Johnson’s home in Marl Road, Kingston and had been asked to present himself to the authorities.

According to the police, Johnson and three men who were travelling in a grey motorcar were involved in a verbal altercation as he swept his yard in the company of a male friend. The men reportedly drove off but returned a short while after and opened fire at Johnson hitting him several times. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Ninjaman, however, in an interview, told YardFlex that he knew nothing about the incident and vowed to clear his name. “Me not going prison fi dis one,” he said.

The Marl Road area is known to be one of the places frequented by the deejay.

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Austrian Josef Fritzl, who kept his daughter in a cellar and fathered her seven children, has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Fritzl, 73, was found guilty of all charges against him, including rape, incest, murder and enslavement. The court ordered that Fritzl should serve his life sentence in a secure psychiatric facility.

Fritzl's lawyer, Rudolf Mayer, said outside the court after the verdict: "I would say that the verdict was a logical consequence of a confession. Of course if you have 3,000 cases of rape and 24 years of being kept in a cellar, it is evident that there can only be a punishment or verdict like this one."

The life sentence was handed down for the murder by neglect of one of the children, who died soon after birth.

The defendant first denied murder and enslavement but changed his plea to guilty after seeing testimony from his daughter. The verdict is final and irreversible, as neither the defence nor the prosecution is contesting it.

Fritzl, who will be kept under suicide watch, will be sent to a co-ordination centre, where it will be determined how dangerous he is, before going on to the psychiatric facility.

Fritzl's daughter could also bring a civil case against her father, adding that there was no limit to the damages she could request.
The Austrian imprisoned his daughter in a cellar under his house for 24 years and repeatedly raped her. The daughter and three of the children were kept captive in the cellar until the case came to light in April last year, when one of them became seriously ill and was taken to hospital.

The other three children were raised in the family home by Fritzl and his wife, after he told people that his daughter had abandoned them and joined a sect.

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Yardflex link up wid Ninja and di ongle ting we can say is dat people fi stop mix up di DJ inna dem passa passa. Him neva de pon spot suh how him fi come out a car and shoot smady. Di DJ sey a pure positive vibes him a deal wid him One Umbrella Movement him nah deal wid nuh gun ting. As unno read pon di site yesterday…di DJ nuh have nuh time fid dat. Just check out di Chat whey Ninja Man sey him days a shooting people done...now is not di time fi shoot people. A big talk dat.

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Unity Splash a guh mad
Hey, mi want unno fi lock da date yah inno calendar. April 4, cause it a guh sick! Yeah man mi love how di vibes a build up round it and some mad artistes de pon di line up. A suh mi like when show kip and have some really great acts. Dat deh time mi nuh fraid fi spend mi money cause mi know it worth it. So whey unno sey, mi wi si undo inna Negril and lyme wid artistes such as di big bad Beres Hammond, sweet sweet Coco T, conscious Queen Ifrica, Cameal Davis, Iley Dread and nuff more artiste a go deh deh.

Juror gets in spirit

But a wha dat we read inna di Star yesterday sah, sey Juror get inna spirit and end up rebuking accused. Yuh si why win uh waan nuhbady call pon wi fi du nor juror duty. It mussi really bad fi di juror get out like dat man. Den again a wonda if fi wi lawyer dem guh through a selection process fi si if some jurors should be excused from duty even if they are willing. They should declare if there is any reason that would make them prejudiced to the case. It’s time we stop “craping up everyting” and call them jurors…but on second thought the poor people don’t have much choice, not like when a lot are ducking out of the role.

Popular deejay and founder of the One Umbrella Movement, Desmond Ballentine, aka Nnjaman, who is wanted by the police for questioning in regard to the murder of a man known as Ricky Trooper, told Yardflex that he knows nothing about the killing.

Ninjaman is currently listed as a person of interest in the murder which reportedly took place in the Marl Road area of Kingston 11 on Tuesday.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network, about 11:15 am, Johnson, otherwise called ‘Ricky Trooper’ — not the selector — was sweeping his yard in the company of a friend when a grey motor car with three men aboard drove up. An argument reportedly developed between one of the men and Johnson’s friend and the car drove off. The vehicle later returned and the occupants opened fire, hitting Johnson. He died at the Kingston Public Hospital.

Ninjaman told Yardflex that he has contacted his lawyer, Norma Linton and they will be going in to the police sometime today (Wednesday).
“Right now a no time fi walk and shoot people. Me don’t know nothing about it. Me don’t even know who dem say dead,” he declared

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Singjay, producer and song-writer, Demarco has teamed up with veteran rapper Busta Rhymes to voice the single, Hustle.
This brand new collaboration, voiced on a one drop reggae riddim, was recently released on online music forums and based on the early feedback the song has true breakout potential.

It was also recently announced that Demarco has joined the Solid Agency Camp, and will see them taking on exclusive show/event bookings for the artiste.

A release from the agency stated, “Demarco is definitely the type of artiste we look forward to working, he brings a lot to the table as an artiste and producer.”

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Head of Shocking Vibes Entertainment, Patrick Roberts is a wanted man. A warrant was on Monday issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court to answer to tax evasion charges.

A businessman, music producer, and unsuccessful People's National Party candidate, Roberts was scheduled to appear before the Tax Court to answer to charges that he owes the government millions of dollars in unpaid taxes.

However, when his name was called in court he did not appear and, as a result, the judge ordered a warrant for his arrest.

In his capacity as CEO of Shocking Vibes Roberts was responsible for the career of top flight deejay, Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davis, who was himself involved in a tax evasion drama last year. The court charged that Beenie Man owed the government some $48-million in taxes.

The charges against the former Shocking Vibes deejay were subsequently dismissed, on the grounds that the notice of assessment was flawed.

Roberts last year stood the surety for politician Kern Spencer, who is charged in the Cuban light-bulb scandal.

The Long Bay Beach in Negril was abuzz with fever pitch excitement as the massive turned out for the Spring Break stage show.

It was a night which saw some great performances coming from the likes of I-Octane, Gyptian, Blonde Ras, Richie Spice and Bascombe X.

Beekie Bailey scored big points with his performance as he after lashed out at some of the top dancehall artistes such as Mavado, Vybz Kartel Monster Hemphire and Anthony B who he claims eat Lobster.

It was drama when Singer J took the stage, his constant movements seemed to irritate one of the cameramen and he himself at one point bounced the photographer out the way. It all climaxed with Singer J hitting the ground seemingly pushed by the cameraman. Things could have gotten out of hand, but thank heavens it didn’t.

Spice really got the crowd worked up as she performed Ramping Shop calling in two volunteers to take Vybz Kartel lot. She even took out a condom as she advocated for safe sex. Her performance was really steamy and the crowd just loved it.

When the gully god Mavado took centre stage it was pandemonium as the crowd went wild, for the singjay who is firmly perched “on the rock”. He went through his paces reeling out one hit after another.

Beenie Man was in his usual awesome form and could do no wrong for his hungry fans who ate up all that he had to offer and still wanted more.

Artistes were not the only ones entertaining the crowd, MCs Sample Man, Ragashanti and Nuffy kept the vibes fun from start to finish. In fact, the way Raga and Nuffy were at it all night a face off with them both is being touted.

At 6:00 am when the show ended, it was a well-satisfied crowd that made their way home.

Sponsors for this event were Quickcash, Mandingo and Taboo.

The street is buzzing with the sounds of Red Stripe Live, the concert which is scheduled to take place on March 28 at Sabina Park in Kingston.
This highly-anticipated event will provide patrons with a total entertainment package which includes an awesome line-up of top-class acts, secure parking and venue, lots of mixed drinks specials and top sound systems and selectors.

With Dean Fraser as musical director and Ibo Cooper of Third World fame as conductor, the All Star band — comprising musicians from C-Sharp, backing bands from Beres Hammond, Jimmy Cliff, and Stephen Marley — is sure to set the standard by which other bands will be judged.

Red Stripe Live is gearing up to be one of the hype event of 2009 and it has an artiste line-up that is sure to dazzle. Confirmed acts include the ‘Strong One’, Etana, high-riding deejay Assassin, Mykal Rose, who last year scored with the hit single, Police And Thief, the indomitable Toots Hibbert, along wtih Leiba, Leroy Sibbles, Chalice, Cameal, Chris Martin, Duane Stephenson, Laden, Natel, Konshens, Mystic (dancer), I Octane, and Mr Red Stripe Live himself, none other than Ernie Smith.

Emcees for the event will be Jerry D, Miss Kitty and Fae Ellington, while taking control of the wheels of steel will be Renaissance's Delano, Mad Ras of Rebel T fame, Coppershot and DJ Sunshine.

According to the organisers, showtime is 8:00 pm sharp. No weapons allowed and persons must be 18 and older to participate in Red Stripe Live.

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After three hours of “intense deliberations” the jury in the Peter King trial found the accused, 25-year-old Sheldon Pusey, guilty of manslaughter in the death of former trade.

Ten of 12 jurors on Monday voted to convict Pusey on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The other two jurors wanted to free Pusey, who sat motionless in the prisoners' dock at the Home Circuit Court while the verdict was being announced. He will be sentenced on April 1.
Following the adjournment, defence attorney Berriston 'Berry' Bryan told reporters that he will be appealing the verdict and “the prosecution has suppressed evidence critical to the defence."
This suppressed evidence is the prosecution's decision not to tender into evidence two knives that were taken from King's Waterloo Road, home a day after the March 2006 killing.

The prosecution had said during the trial that the knives were not relevant to the case, as no blood or prints belonging to King or the accused were found on them.

Pusey, a resident of Gordon Town in St Andrew, had been on trial since January 19 for the murder of the 64-year-old King, whose nude, mutilated body was found in his bedroom covered by a comforter. King's body had a total of 30 wounds, including four stabs and four chops.

Pusey was held a year after the incident and confessed to the police that he had killed King.
On Monday, jury foreman Rudyard Williams explained that the jurors did not think that Pusey had gone to King's house with the intention to kill.

Violet Brown is affectionately called Aunt V, by the citizens of Duansvale in Trelawny. On Sunday March 15, 2009, family members and well wishers of the community put on a birthnight party and invited members of the press to cover the event. Some of the media house present was the Jamaica Observer, Western Mirror, Yardflex and Jackos Cable Station. Miss Brown celebrates her 109 birthday with a cake and wine ceremony. She also played the piano while the audience sings along with her. She also read several bible verses, without the help of reading glasses. Miss Brown also helps herself in taking a bath and looking after tea and snacks, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning. In closing, she gave thanks to all of us were, and give thanks to the Lord.

Miss V: 109 Miss Violet Brown plays the piano, read bible and also cut the cake.

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Despite the controversy surrounding Madonna’s earlier adoption of a Malawi child from the poor South African region she has indicated that she is willing to do it again.

Critics accused the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children in Malawi, which has been badly hit by the AIDS epidemic, after Madonna took on David Banda.

"Many people -- especially our Malawian friends -- say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister," she said in response to emailed questions from Malawi's the Nation newspaper.

"It's something I have been considering, but would only do, if I had the support of the Malawian people and the Government."

A Malawian court approved the adoption of David last year.

Madonna has said the controversy had been difficult to deal with but she was happy to be involved in a case that might pave the way for more adoptions in Malawi. An estimated one million children in the country have been orphaned by AIDS.

Madonna, who began adoption proceedings in 2006, took David when he was 13-months-old after his father had placed him in an orphanage following the death of his wife.

David is growing up in the high-flying life of a leading popstar, worlds away from his village of Lipunga, where Banda's relatives eat staple food like maize meal from simple bowls and meals are cooked on open fires.

Madonna said she wanted to keep him connected to his homeland.

"It is a big priority for me to educate my son about the world, but always to stay connected to his Malawian culture," she said.

"He has a big map of Africa in his room with lots of arrows pointing to Malawi."

Madonna said her divorce from film director Guy Ritchie would not deprive their children of either parent.

"I believe in family. So, everything between us is very amicable...we both agree that our children should always feel a deep connection with both their parents. It is our responsibility to give them that foundation," she said."