Jamaica In The News:Gleaner,Jamaica star, Jamaicaobserver,xnewsjamaica,outaroad,dancehallreggae

I DON'T WANT ASAFA DANCING - Athlete's parents not pleased

2008-10-09T11:27:00.001-05:00

While thousands of fans worldwide cannot get enough of Asafa Powell's recent displays of the local 'Nuh Linga' and 'Gully Creepa' dance moves, his two biggest fans, his parents, are not pleased at all.

Recent indulgence

The Reverend William Powell and his wife, Cislyn, said they are "not happy" about their son's recent indulgence in dancehall moves and are praying, literally, that he stops doing them.

"I just don't like the dancing. Everything else makes me happy, is the dancing I don't love," said Cislyn Powell, Asafa's mother.

"It makes me sad because I have a congregation that I have to preach to, and I don't enjoy seeing him out there like that."

No 'nuh Linga'

She continued: "God gave him those feet to bring joy to the world, but not in that form of dancing. We don't want 'Nuh Linga', we just want Jesus." Cislyn said that she does not want her son to end up in the dancehall culture and has been encouraging him to dare to be Daniel, despite what everyone else might be doing. She notes he continues to be in her prayers.

The Reverend William Powell, father of the world's second-fastest man, echoed similar sentiments to those expressed by his wife. The Church of God pastor told The Star that they wanted their beloved son to stay true to the standards he grew up with and not stray from them. "We just want him to be the same Asafa that we know. He started out with Christ, and we want him to stay with Him," the Reverend Powell said.

"If Asafa don't dance, it won't kill him, so we just want him to remain the same."

Up to press time yesterday, attempts to get a comment from Asafa Powell were unsuccessful. However, the athlete's mother said she spoke with him after Saturday night's Olympic gala at the National Stadium and he promised not to dance anymore, since it made her unhappy.

Vybz Kartel finally divorced!

2008-10-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

DJ Vybz Kartel a.k.a Addi the Teacha is now officially a single man, joining the ranks of eligible celebrity bachelors, as his divorce has been granted by the Supreme Court of Jamaica.
The decree absolute for the dissolution of marriage was granted on September 9, 2008. Attorney-at-law, Seymour Stewart, filed it.

XtraNews obtained official documents which stated that the marriage be “dissolved on the ground that it had broken down irretrievably and no cause having been shown to the court why the said decree should be made absolute.” Judge McIntosh granted the divorce.

A decree nisi for dissolution of marriage had been granted in February this year. It came to the public attention in February that Kartel had decided to end his two-year marriage to Stacy-Ann Alicia Elliott who resides in the United States.

In papers filed with the Jamaican Supreme Court, Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, alleged that his 31-year-old bride had given birth to a son who was fathered by another man. He said he never lived with his wife since the January 9, 2006 private wedding, pictures of which are posted on the Internet. Kartel also provided for the court a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Kartel said also that his wife never visited him in Jamaica after the US revoked his visa to that country some time after the wedding.

The two met at a stage show in Brooklyn, New York and dated for four years prior to tying the knot in a private ceremony before a marriage officer at the Registrar General Department branch on Trevennion Park Road in Cross Roads, Kingston.

Motorised Patrol? Why? - MoBay business community upset at McGregor's transfer

2008-10-09T11:08:00.002-05:00

HORACE HINES, Observer West reporter
Thursday, October 09, 2008

Superintendent Steve McGregor

MONTEGO BAY, St James

The Montego Bay business community is angry at the police high command's decision to transfer commander of the St James Police Division, Superintendent Steve McGregor from that post to head the Motorised Patrol division, come Monday.

"I think the whole situation has been very badly handled I thought there would have been some amount of consultation with us, the community at large before such a decision was taken. So we are very unhappy about it," president of Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) , Lloyd B Smith told the OBSERVER WEST.

Westmoreland divisional commander Superintendent Maurice Robinson, will replace Superintendent McGregor, while Superintendent Dezeita Taylor, who was transferred to the Area One headquarters from Superintendent Robinson's post just over a year ago, will return as Westmoreland's divisional commander.

Superintendent McGregor will take over from Superintendent Que Morgan at the motorised patrol who will head for the Services division which is headed by Senior Superintendent George Quallo. McGregor, who was transferred from St Thomas to St James 18 months ago, was one of 36 senior cops reassigned by then police commissioner Lucius Thomas as part of his strategy to bring crime under control, especially in St James where a lottery scam has been blamed for several murders.

During that period McGregor has been credited with devising strategies that have resulted in significantly weakening the notorious Stone Crusher gang, said to be responsible for carrying out several contract killings arising from fall-outs between players involved in the lottery racket.

However, the number of homicides in the St James police division has continued to spiral out of control, reaching a record high of 188 last year. That figure surpassed the previous year's figure by 10. Meanwhile, up to yesterday, 152 killings were recorded in the parish.

But despite the escalation of homicides during Superintendent McGregor's tenure in the parish, Smith lamented his exodus.

"The chamber is of the view that he has been doing a reasonably good job against the background of what had been happening in this parish. Notwithstanding the increasing homicides, one has to understand that he alone cannot deal with that particular problem. That problem needs social intervention. It is unfortunate that he is being asked to leave at this time because we believe he was beginning to get a good grasp of the situation."

Smith pointed to the good relationship which McGregor enjoyed with the business community and the very meaningful relationship he had begun to develop with some of the volatile communities.

"We feel that when a cop is transferred in this manner it sends a wrong impression to the society at large because it comes across as the cop is being punished, is being disciplined for not being able to carry out his task effectively," Smith argued.

But director of communication in the Jamaica Constabulary Force Karl Angell explained that the Motorised Division plays an integral role in the battle against crime.

"The Motorised Division is a big division for fighting crime especially in Kingston and St Andrew. It is the team that does most of the road patrols," Angell told the OBSERVER WEST.

"Tranfers within the Jamaica Constabulary Force are a natural part of policing and all policemen and women know that at some time or another they will be transferred. It is part of the normal movement within the constabulary force," he added.

McGregor came to St James at a time when there was much talk that the parish was tainted with corrupt cops.

Yesterday he told the Observer West he has sought to successfully dispel that notion and has subsequently won the confidence of St James residents.

"On taking command of the St James police division I found that the morale of the men was at rock bottom. The confidence that people had in the police was also at an all-time low. As the commanding officer I had to set about repairing that. I am satisfied that I have succeeded, because the morale of the men is at the highest it has ever been in St James.

"The confidence that the people had in the police has tripled or even quadrupled under my command.

"What is also significant is that the last top 10 wanted men list that we put out because of the network confidence we have with the people we have succeeded in catching six of them, two were fatally shot and two taken into custody, so it speaks volumes to the sort of confidence that the people have in the police. And the fear of crime is not as high as it used to be.
Because people are leaving things up to the police more than they used to," he said.

Gramps injured - Morgan Heritage cancels club tour of Europe

2008-10-09T10:55:00.002-05:00

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Reggae group Morgan Heritage, which kicked off their world tour earlier this year, has cancelled their highly anticipated club tour of Europe.

The six-week sojourn, part of the promotion for the group's critically acclaimed album, Mission In Progress, was scheduled for the beginning of November to the middle of December.

"We were really looking forward to touring behind the new album in Europe," a spokesperson for the group said.
"It was gonna be our first club tour in Europe since 2005, so we were really looking forward to doing more intimate, more up-close-and-personal shows all over Europe," the Heritage representative explained.

Morgan Heritage says a medical injury which group member Gramps suffered last week has resulted in the cancellation of the tour. "Gramps needs time to heal before we hit the road for such an extended period," a member of the group stated.

Looking at it philosophically, the group member reflected, "All things in life have their purpose, because this cancellation gives us the chance to spend much-needed time with our families over the next two months."

Morgan Heritage, however, will not be totally grounded as they will be doing one-off shows in the Caribbean while Gramps heals. Among the islands where the group is scheduled to perform are Cayman, Nassau, the Bahamas and Dominica. They will also be doing a benefit concert on Saturday for the city of New Orleans, and a hurricane relief concert in Turks and Caicos for the damage caused by Gustav.

"Hopefully, Gramps will be fully recovered in time for our African tour starting in Sierra Leone in the middle of December. The tour is also scheduled to be going to Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal and Gambia," Morgan Heritage stated.

And, for those who are wondering when the group will return to Europe, they will be doing a festival tour in May and June of 2009.

Soldier dies in road accident

2008-10-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

KIMMO MATTHEWS, Observer staff reporter
Thursday, October 09, 2008

The mangled wreck of a Jamaica Defence Force jeep beside a Jamaica Urban Transit Company bus with which it collided along Washington Boulevard in St Andrew, yesterday. One soldier died and two others were injured in the accident. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)

A Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier yesterday died and two others injured when the jeep in which they were travelling slammed into the side of a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus along Washington Boulevard, St Andrew, in the vicinity of Six Miles.

Last night the JDF declined to give the names and ranks of the dead soldier and his injured colleagues pending notification of their families. However, Observer sources said the deceased was a captain.

According to the police, the vehicle was heading in an easterly direction on the boulevard when it apparently got out of control, "scaled the embankment and collided" with a #21 JUTC bus that was travelling on the opposite side of the road.

Last night, the JUTC said no one on the bus was injured but the accident left its driver "in shock".

Yesterday, a pool of blood near the mangled remains of the jeep told a sad tale. There were long skid marks from where the vehicle first got out of control to where it made angry contact with the bus.

As soldiers tried to help police on the scene to remove the wrecked jeep, it was obvious that the death of their colleague had hit home.

One soldier, who declined to give his name, said that it appeared the wet road surface from heavy afternoon showers had contributed to thedeadly accident.

The accident, which occurred minutes before 4:00 pm, severely slowed traffic on the normally busy boulevard. Police had to warn several motorists who tried to stop at the scene.

Last night, communication officer at the JDF, Major Charlene Steer, said the army was deeply saddened by the news. She also praised a medical doctor who she said had stopped to help the injured soldiers.

Shaw in health scare - Finance minister falls ill during meeting with PM, cabinet colleagues

2008-10-09T10:47:00.001-05:00

BALFORD HENRY, Observer writer
Thursday, October 09, 2008

SHAW... fell ill and had to be admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw gave loved ones and close associates a scare yesterday when he fell ill suddenly and had to be admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona.

However, members of the Cabinet - who were with him up to last night - confirmed that he was conscious, was in no pain or discomfort and were optimistic that he would be back on the job soon.

Shaw reportedly complained of feeling ill during a meeting of Cabinet colleagues with Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Minister without portfolio at the finance ministry, Senator Dwight Nelson, said that Shaw had no history of ailment and that yesterday's incident came as a surprise.

Minister of Industry, Investments and Commerce Karl Samuda said that it was "out of an abundance of caution" that Shaw was referred to the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital.

"We were having a discussion when he fell ill. Dr Ken Baugh and Dr Horace Chang (two medical doctors) were both there and we felt that out of an abundance of caution, we should take him to the University Hospital where he could be properly observed," Samuda said last night.

Asked whether he felt that the illness was serious, Samuda said that he did not want to guess what would result from the tests being carried out by the medical team. He confirmed that Shaw was conscious throughout and was "not in any pain or discomfort".

Shaw's colleague minister, Senator Don Wehby felt that Shaw might still be able to attend this weekend's scheduled annual meeting of the board of governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington DC.

The finance minister was scheduled to leave today for that meeting which started October 6 and ends on Monday.

Senator Wehby will be leaving for the meeting this afternoon, accompanied by other officials including newly appointed Financial Secretary Sharon Crooks, who only took office yesterday.

"We will be engaging in meetings with the multilaterals, and we will also use the opportunity to update the rating agencies and our lead bankers," Senator Wehby said.

He said that the team was hopeful that Shaw would be able to join them over the weekend for crucial discussions with multilateral agencies, which also include the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank

2008-10-07T11:48:00.001-05:00

Welcoming home our Olympians
published: Sunday | October 5, 2008

Gleaner photographers Norman Grindley and Peta-Gaye Clachar captured scenes from the motorcade which paraded Jamaican Olympians who participated in the recent Beijing Games through the streets of the Corporate Area on Friday, as well as from the sports gala held in their honour at the National Stadium yesterday. At that event, several athletes and sports administrators were conferred with national honours.

The events formed part of Government's 11-day homecoming celebrations for the Olympic heroes. The Jamaican contingent won 11 medals at the Games.

Awardees:

Order of Distinction
(Commander rank):

Howard Aris

Usain Bolt

Veronica Campbell-Brown

Glen Mills

Asafa Powell

Donald Quarrie

Order of Distinction
(Officer rank):

Shelly-Ann Fraser

Nesta Carter

Bridgette Foster-Hylton

Michael Frater

Danny McFarlane

Dwight Thomas

Melaine Walker
FROM LEFT:

(1) Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) greets the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt, during Friday's welcome celebrations.

(2) Olympic 100 metres gold medallist, Shelly-Ann Fraser, is being conferred with the Order of Distinction, officer rank, by Governor General Professor Sir Kenneth Hall.

(3) Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) greets Dwight Thomas, Olympic sprint relay gold medallist, while Minister of Information, Culture and Sports Olivia Grange looks on.

(4) Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie presents the key to the city and other gifts to Olympic 200-metres champion Veronica Campbell-Brown.

(5) Olympic record holder in the 100 metres, Usain Bolt (right), chats with Olympic sprint relay gold medallist, Asafa Powell, before the start of the gala national awards at the National Stadium, yesterday.

(6) These fans went to great lengths to get a view of the Olympians.

(7) Enthusiastic fans greet the Olympians along motorcade route.

Housing fallout - Jamaicans overseas lose homes amid US crisis, crash of local investment schemes

2008-10-07T11:39:00.002-05:00

published: Tuesday | October 7, 2008

Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

A NUMBER of Jamaicans living in the United States (US) have lost their homes after mortgaging properties and investing the money in risky Jamaican alternative investment schemes, several of which have gone bust.

Some have since resorted to paying rent, while others have returned home.

Audrey Wilson, a Jamaican living in Florida, was sad yesterday as she told stories of her country folk who have lost their homes.

Compounded problems

Wilson, who is from Kingston, has been living in the US for 19 years. She owns a mortgage-brokerage business and is a licensed real-estate broker. She told The Gleaner that Jamaicans living there, who had invested in unregistered schemes which have failed, had their problems compounded because of the financial crisis now gripping the US.

"It is a shame. Many persons are embarrassed because they have lost their homes and investment. Oh God! It's just sad and unbelievable!" she said.

Great loss

A female friend of Wilson's lost her Pembroke Pines, Florida, home after mortgaging her property for US$120,000 (J$8.64 million) and investing the money in the once-popular Cash Plus, which is now bankrupt. She now lives in a rented home.

To make matters worse, the friend lost her accounting job shortly after the 10 per cent monthly returns on her Cash Plus investment dried up.

"So, she had mortgage plus payments and the US$12,000 (the monthly returns) stopped. She then realised that she could not meet her financial obligations, so she had to sell her home," said Wilson.

Another friend of Wilson's is currently facing foreclosure on his home. He met a similar fate, having taken out a mortgage on his property and investing the money in Cash Plus.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Les Green, head of the Major Investigations Task force which is spearheading the enquiry into the operation of the failed investment scheme, said foreigners with Jamaican ties ranked among the top investors of such entities.

Green could not state how many people were affected or the sum involved, but said a number of foreign-based Jamaicans had made complaints to the investigative team.

"It's a real tragedy for these people," said Green, adding "there are certainly people who have invested heavily, several who invested over US$1 million."

A study conducted by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) last November, showed that 21 per cent of 402 local investors in alternative schemes had borrowed from financial institutions to obtain their deposits.

Kim-Marie Spence, a consultant at CaPRI, said while conducting the study, anecdotal evidence showed that a number of US residents, with ties to Jamaica, had mortgaged their properties to invest in the schemes.

"The study was conducted locally, so we don't have figures pertaining to the number of foreign investments, but we did get anecdotal evidence of Jamaicans who had mortgaged homes to invest," said Spence.

The study also showed that of the hundreds of respondents, 13.6 per cent had sold assets and another 44.5 per cent had used their savings to invest in the unregulated schemes.

The financial crisis in the US is already affecting many Jamaicans, said Wilson.

For some Jamaicans working in the US, the situation has become worse as they are among the 750,000 people who have lost their jobs since the start of the year. Wilson said four of her friends who lost their jobs have since returned to Jamaica.

'Waite' is over - Arnett coach quits after string of poor DPL results

2008-10-07T11:37:00.001-05:00

By Howard Walker Observer staff reporter
Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Jerome Waite became the first coaching casualty of the Digicel Premier League season when he was replaced by Fabian Davis as head coach at Arnett Gardens yesterday.

Waite, who was the saviour last season when he helped Arnett avoid relegation, was parting company with the club for a second time.

Waite coached the team to its most successful stint in recent years with back-to-back titles in the 2000-01, 2001-02 seasons and also coached the team when it lost the 2002-03 final, its third championship game in a row to Portmore United in extra-time.

Patrick Roberts, president of the club, told the Observer sounded diplomatic, when he said Waite wanted to "step back".

"As you know in every football club when a team is not doing good the first thing you look at is the coach... at the end of the day, four (games) straight without a point is unacceptable. We met and amicably, he (Waite) realised that the team is not doing good and (he) asked to step back," said Roberts.

"What we want is results and we are not getting results and we looked at everything and if he feels that he has to step back, then we respect that from Jerome Waite," he added.

Arnett Gardens have lost all their four games so far this season, including 0-1 losses to Boys' Town, Portmore United and Waterhouse.

On Sunday, they went down to 1-2 to Sporting Central Academy to be rooted at the bottom of the league without a point.

Efforts to contact Waite last night proved futile as calls went straight to his cellular phone's voicemail.

"In the meantime we appointed Fabian Davis as the interim coach. He has the respect and will have full control of the team," said Roberts.

Davis, 34, who represented Jamaica 72 times and scored six goals, will be the player/coach and said he is ready for the mammoth challenge.

"As you know the team has been doing badly so we are trying our best to do what is best for the club. It is for me to instil my experience of years of playing and have these players motivated to be on the same page on game day.

"I have a better understanding of how the players think, I hope I can get into their heads and have them think at a higher level," Davis told the Observer after meeting with his senior players before training started yesterday.

Davis, who is no stranger to success, was voted MVP after leading Arnett Gardens to the premier league title and again with Tivoli Gardens in their championship year.

Davis' first game in charge will be a fiery one against archrivals Tivoli Gardens on October 12.

723 kids missing - Over 1,000 people unaccounted-for since January

2008-10-07T11:32:00.001-05:00

KARYL WALKER, Crime/Court co-ordinator
Monday, October 06, 2008

Jullene Edwards, 15, missing since September 9. (Photo: CCN)

More than 700 children have been reported missing since the start of the year, according to figures released by the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) last week. The figure represents 65 per cent of the 1,112 persons listed as missing between January 1 and September 23 this year.

Two of the 723 children reported missing have been found dead.

They are 11-year-old Aamir Scott, whose dissected remains were found in bushes at Sandside district in St Mary where he lived, and 15-year-old Baggio Easy, whose decomposing remains were found in water on the edge of the Riverton City landfill in early September this year.

An on-the-spot post-mortem revealed that Easy drowned, while a teenager has been charged with the gruesome murder of Aamir Scott after police said he confessed to killing the child.

Up to yesterday, police were still awaiting the results of a DNA test to determine the identity of a child's body found in Red Hills, St Andrew last week.

Relatives of 11-year-old Ananda Dean believe that it was her body that was found, arguing that a shoe and school tunic found at the scene belonged to the missing child.

Police reported that of the 1,112 persons who were listed as missing, 353 have been found or returned home.

However, the police were not able to say how many of the missing children have been found.

The police say the majority of youngsters who go missing are girls who often run away from home only to be found holed up with a male partner or who return home voluntarily.

"A lot of times the persons who reported the children missing are so overjoyed that they sometimes forget to report that the child was found," Deputy Superintendent Sonia James of the CCN told the Observer.

Since the start of the year, 58 children have been murdered.
Some of the persons reported missing are:

. Jullene Edwards, 15 - Left home in Harbour View to visit her mother in Gordon Town, St Andrew on September 23 and has not been seen or heard from since:

. Chivaughn Haughton, 14, of Olympic Gardens, St Andrew - Missing since September 19. Police say Chivaughn is of dark complexion, slim build and 157 centimetres tall. Chivaughn left home for an undisclosed location and has not been seen since. She was wearing a purple blouse, blue jeans pants and a pair of black slippers when she went missing;

. Dave Davis, 32, otherwise called 'Spangler' of Guava Road, St Andrew has been reported missing since Wednesday, August 27. He is of brown complexion, slim build and about 5 feet 8 inches tall;

. Javane Patterson of Tower Avenue, St Andrew. Police say on September 19 Javane left his home and has not been seen or heard from since;

. Nerryssa Hitulah, 15, otherwise called 'Paige' of Evans Avenue, St Johns Heights, St Catherine - Missing since Monday, August 25; and

. Seventy-two-year-old Gloria Scott of Spanish Town, St Catherine. Police say on August 24 the elderly woman walked out of her home and has not been seen since.

DPP office bungle - Boy charged with carnal abuse is 13, not 11 years old

2008-10-07T11:30:00.001-05:00

BY PAUL HENRY Observer staff reporter
Tuesday, October 07, 2008

A charge of carnal abuse against a schoolboy was not withdrawn in the Home Circuit Court yesterday because the youth is not 11 years old as was earlier reported by the Observer on information from a prosecutor.

Paula Llewellyn, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told the court yesterday that her office had confirmed that the boy was in fact 13 years old and not an 11-year-old as was reported by the Daily Observer on September 26 and in an article published in this week's Sunday Observer.

As a result of the age mix-up, Llewellyn told the court that she will now be asking defence lawyers to furnish certified copies of the birth certificate of any accused whose case is being transferred from the Family Court.

In blasting the Sunday Observer story, Llewellyn suggested that the article seemed to be "calculated to undermine the
public's confidence" in the justice system.

However, Llewellyn made her accusation against the newspaper after being informed by this reporter that the incorrect information in the September 26 story was provided by her office.

The claim that the charge against the boy would have been withdrawn yesterday and which was reported in this week's Sunday Observer story, was made to the newspaper by a second prosecutor who also knocked the Office of the DPP for sloppy work on the case.

"No preparation was done by the Crown, and now everybody is left with eggs on their faces," said the prosecutor, who had requested anonymity.

The youth and three other boys, 13 years to 14 years old, were jointly charged with carnal abuse for sexually assaulting a schoolmate in January and February of this year.

Presiding judge, Justice Bertram Morrison said in court yesterday that he had verified the ages of the boys before he took their guilty pleas when the matter was first brought before him on Thursday, September 25 after being transferred from the Family Court.

The boys' mothers, who were present in court yesterday, also confirmed their ages.

The boys, who are currently on $50,000 bail, were also scheduled for sentencing yesterday but the sentence hearing was put off until October 24 because all the social inquiry reports were not ready. The boys' lawyer was also absent from court.

The Child Care and Protection Act, which replaced the Juvenile Act in 2004, prevents any child under age 12 from being charged or convicted for any offence, including murder.

Billions in arms - Police say lottery scam funding weapons purchase in St James

2008-10-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

published: Friday | October 3, 2008

Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator

Assistant Commissioner of Police Denver Frater, officer in charge of the Area One Police Division. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

DESPITE POLICE efforts to break the back of the lottery scam in St James, the scheme remains vibrant and is reportedly pumping billions of dollars into the criminal underworld.

"If you look in recent times at the calibre weapons that are recovered by the police, the amount of rounds, ammunition being expended and recovered at crime scenes and the motives, investigations point to the lotto scam," Assistant Commissioner of Police Denver Frater, officer in charge of the Area One Police Division, told The Gleaner during a visit to its Western Bureau offices in Montego Bay yesterday.

Frater, who has responsibility for the parishes of Trelawny, St James, Hanover and Westmoreland, described the scam as a "unique challenge to law enforcement".

"It is a clear indication that billions of dollars are in circulation coming from this scheme."

He further stated: "If you look at some communities, the sudden rise to fame in terms of assets (such as) houses and motor cars, these are not cheap. The lifestyles of some persons clearly demonstrate the volume of cash that is being circulated."

The lotto scam involves fleecing unsuspecting Americans of large sums of money. Local scam artists use illicitly obtained personal information on potential victims, particularly retirees, to con them into sending them money on the pretext that they have won a lottery and need to send a processing fee to claim their winnings.

Police information indicates that players, who also include schoolchildren, make US$4,000 (J$288,000) to US$10,000 (J$720,000) on average weekly.

The lotto scam has also been linked to several murders, kidnappings and robberies in St James, which accounts for 12 per cent of the country's crime rate.

Frater, who managed the Criminal Investigation Branch portfolio before his transfer to Area One last month, noted that despite some disappointment with the cooperation of potential complainants, investigators will be using the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Acts to counter lotto players.

"Investigation of this sort is not a one slam thing. It is going to take some time to get our case together. We have some success, we have had persons' properties forfeited, persons have gone to prison, and there are a number of other persons from St James in the waiting gallery to go to prison," the Frater said.

nagra.plunkett@gleanerjm.com

Lottery scammers go regional

2008-10-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

Lottery scammers who operated out of St James have reportedly moved their operations to other Caribbean islands because of increased pressures from the authorities here.

Police intelligence has revealed that several suspected lottery scammers are travelling across the region to collect money transferred to them by unsuspecting victims.

Citizens and residents in the United States are the primary targets.

However, newly appointed commanding officer in charge of Area One, Assistant Commissioner Denver Frater, refused to say what countries form part of the police investigations.

He said a number of police personnel in Montego Bay have been placed under the radar of the Area One Police High Command for their alleged involvement in the ongoing lottery scam.

Jamaicans eating less of what they grow

2008-10-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

PATRICK FOSTER, Observer writer
Friday, October 03, 2008

(L-R) Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture representative in Jamaica, Cynthia Currie; permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Donovan Stanberry; and Dr Dunstan Campbell, Food and Agriculture Organisation representative in Jamaica, field questions at Tuesday's launch of World Food Day at the ministry's Hope Road, Kingston headquarters. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Only 39 per cent of the foodstuff that is consumed in the island is locally produced, pushing the country's food import bill over $662 million and threatening the success of government's "eat what you grow, grow what you eat" drive.

"Sixty-one per cent of products in the food basket are import-based," Donovan Stanberry, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday, adding that Jamaica's food bill was rising at an alarming rate, standing at $479 million in 2002 and climbing to $662m in November 2007.

"This is a major statement on our level of dependency, hence our vulnerability to external shocks," said Stanberry.
He was speaking at the launch of World Food Day at the agriculture ministry on Hope Road in Kingston.

World Food Day will be observed October 16 under the theme 'World Food Security: The Challenge of Climate Change and Bioenergy'.

"Given the prospects of continuing increases in prices, we (Jamaica) must attempt to reduce dependence on imports for consumption," Stanberry warned.

According to Stanberry, the "frightening" situation has led the agriculture ministry, through the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA), to implement several strategies to stimulate local production.

He said that greenhouse clusters are being established to significantly increase production of fruits and vegetables that will consistently produce "what the market requires".

Focus is also being placed on the production of tubers, Stanberry said, and meetings have been held with yam farmers and the Irish potato growers' association.

An increase in the numbers, and improved training for agriculture extension officers was also critical, said Stanberry, who added that overseas training of additional officers was being conducted.

He added that a revitalisation of the dairy industry, through the disbursement of loans to dairy farmers was under way.
"We are providing loans to increase pasture and improve our breed and undertake rapid multiplication," Stanberry said. "People are taking up the loans," he added.

Stanberry, however, charged that food security was more than simply producing food.

"We have to build infrastructure, increase the number of extension officers and improve the marketing and distribution network," said Stanberry. "That's why we have been improving RADA."

He added that the ministry would also be promoting the food security programme in schools, and plans to have 900 school gardens in three years to "lay the foundation for a sustainable programme".

The permanent secretary declared that while many people frowned on government's backyard garden kits as a gimmick, empirical evidence proved that planting the items in the kit could save as much as $12,000 per year in food bills.

Back a yard! - Jamaican Olympians return for week of celebration

2008-10-03T13:38:00.002-05:00

Howard Walker, Observer staff reporter
Friday, October 03, 2008

Jamaica's Olympians strike a pose in the VIP Lounge at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday after arriving for the 10-day Olympic Homecoming Celebrations. From left are Dwight Thomas, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Maurice Smith, Kerron Stewart and Richard Phillips. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

TWO-TIME Olympic 200 metres champion, Veronica Campbell-Brown, says it doesn't matter where Jamaicans train; they are destined to run fast. She also says she has no intention of training locally any time soon.

Campbell-Brown arrived in the island yesterday, along with a number of other athletes, for the 10-day Olympic Homecoming Week to mark their outstanding achievements at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The diminutive star, along with double medallist Kerron Stewart, decathalon and team captain Maurice Smith, Dwight Thomas and Richard Phillips, touched down on Air Jamaica at 5:55 pm.

They were greeted by Sports Minister Olivia Grange; Jamaica Athletic Amateur Association (JAAA) president Howard Aris; the legendary Olympian Donald Quarrie; Insports executives Ian Andrews, and Bruce McFarlane, and family members in the VIP Lounge.

"It doesn't matter who you train with, as long as you are talented you're going to run fast," Campbell-Brown told the Observer yesterday.

Double Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown (right) walks with Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange while waving to well-wishers on arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

"I have been through the high school system and have gained a lot from it. I have been away from Jamaica since 2001 at Barton County, Arkansas and recently moved to Florida and I have been working with my training programme and it seems to work for me, so I have no interest in changing it; all I can do is improve on it,"
she reiterated.

"Jamaica is known for its rich tradition in sprinting. I am proud for my teammates," she added.

Campbell-Brown, who defended her 200 metres title in August, said she was more than happy with her performance.
"I am satisfied. I could not have asked for anything better. I have to be thankful, it was a great Olympic Games. It feels good to be home," she beamed.

Meanwhile, Stewart, who won silver in the 100 metres and bronze in the 200 metres, was also delighted to be home.
Said Stewart: "I am feeling great. I didn't expect this welcome. I am happy and proud. I am just happy to be home."

Stewart, who started as favourite in the 100 metres, said she couldn't complain after capturing two medals at the Games in Beijing, China.

"Getting two medals... I went there with the intention of getting gold, but a silver and a bronze, what more can I ask for?" said Stewart.

"Just to see three Jamaicans on the podium was most fulfilling than any thing else," she added.

Jamaican athletes took Beijing by storm and to celebrate that glorious accomplishment, government leaders will host an "around town" Float Parade in Kingston.

The athletes will board the three Digicel floats - "Olympic Dreams", "Lightning Bolt" and "Golden Girls"; which will make stops in all the major towns in the Corporate Area, including some of the athletes' own communities.

The excitement will hit the streets in the western part of the island on Tuesday when the parade is staged all over again, moving from Montego Bay through to Falmouth.

9-month-old boy dies after being sodomised by male relative

2008-10-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

KARYL WALKER, Crime/Court co-ordinator
Wednesday, October 01, 2008

A nine-month-old boy is now dead after being viciously sodomised by a 21-year-old male relative in the community of Arnett Gardens in South St Andrew on Monday night.
The male relative, whose identity has been withheld by police, is now in the custody of officers from the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse. He was arrested by cops from the Denham Town Police Station.

According to head of the West Kingston police division,
Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, the accused child rapist is believed to be mentally challenged and is suspected of sexually molesting the infant on more than one occasion.
"We believe that this abuse has been going on for some time.
The child died in the Bustamante Hospital for Children last night (Monday). The man in custody is our main suspect in this sordid case," Hewitt, who was clearly shaken by the incident, told the Observer.

The child's anus was severely ruptured and his abdomen was also badly damaged, police said last night.
Police said the child's mother is serving a five-year sentence in the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre where he was born. He was handed over to a female relative who was identified by the inmate as someone who could care for her baby.

Police say the child's guardian left him in the custody of a neighbour when the assault occurred.

Last night, head of the Department of Correctional Services, Major Richard Reese, said the mother of the dead infant would be afforded counselling to help her deal with the tragedy.

"We have arranged for psychological support for the inmate and arranged for a visit from the child's father,"
Reese said.

The infant is the fourth child to have met a brutal end last month. On Sunday, what is believed to be the remains of 11-year-old Ananda Dean, who had been missing for two weeks, was found in bushes in Red Hills, St Andrew by residents who went to investigate a lingering stench.

The same day Ananda went missing, the dissected body of 11-year-old Aamir Scott was found in a rice bag in bushes at Sandside in St Mary. His head, arms and legs were severed while his torso was cut in two. Police said a teenager has since confessed to the macabre murder and is now in custody.

Aamir was buried after an emotional funeral service at the Port Maria Seventh-Day Adventist Church last Sunday.
On September 9, the decomposing body of 15-year-old Baggio Easy was found in water at the edge of the Riverton City landfill in Kingston. Easy had also been reported missing by his parents, police said.

Brutal murder - Headless body found in Red Hills believed to be that of missing 11-year-old girl

2008-09-30T05:15:00.001-05:00

TANEISHA LEWIS, Observer staff reporter lewist@jamaicaobserver.com
Monday, September 29, 2008

Nordia Campbell (left), mother of 11-year-old Ananda Dean, is consoled by a family friend after looking at the remains of a body believed to be that of her daughter. The body was found in Belvedere, St Andrew. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

SCREAMS of anguish bellowed throughout the community of Belvedere in Red Hills, St Andrew yesterday as firefighters removed a heavily decomposed body believed to be that of 11-year-old Ananda Dean from a steep precipice along Cypress Drive - miles away from where she was last seen after she went missing almost two weeks ago.

"A she, a she.. Oh God," Ananda's aunt, Tamika Campbell bawled, after viewing the headless remains and then falling to the ground seconds later. Upon hearing the news, Nordia Campbell, Ananda's mother, also fainted at the thought that her daughter may have been brutally murdered.

Because of the advanced state of decomposition, no one was able to positively identify the body as that of Ananda. However, some family members, including Campbell, are convinced that it is in fact the little girl, mainly because a black size two school shoes and a navy blue uniform, similar to ones owned by the seventh-grade student of Swallowfield All-Age School, were found at the scene.

Yesterday, Deputy Superintendent Carol McKenzie of the police's St Andrew North Division told the Observer that DNA tests would have to be done to determine the identity of the body.

Ananda, who lived with her family on Whitehall Avenue in Kingston, was last seen on September 17 boarding a bus en route to Half-Way-Tree after school. Several of her school books were found a day after she went missing strewn along a pathway in the community of Pembroke Hall, miles away from where she was last seen.

Firefighters help to hoist a wooden box containing the remains believed to be that of 11-year-old Ananda Dean that was found yesterday over a precipice along the Cypress Road in Belvedere, St Andrew. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

The body was discovered about 10:00 am by residents who decided to investigate the cause of a lingering nasty odour that had been plaguing nearby houses for almost two weeks.
"At first we thought it was a dead animal, but after one week passed and we realised that the scent wasn't going away some people decided to go see what it was," a resident told the Observer. "It was when they chopped out the bush and went up there they found out that it was the little girl's body up there."

It appeared that the body had been thrown from the precipice into overgrown bushes, which concealed it until yesterday.
The residents also intimated that they may have overlooked clues that Ananda's body was disposed of in their community.

"People said they saw the uniform on the road for the longest while but they never knew it was the little girl's own," said another resident who did not wish to be named.

The police are speculating that the body may have been dumped hours or a day after Ananda went missing, given the state of decomposition, which resulted in a pathologist being called in to perform an on-the-spot post-mortem. It was naked and headless. In fact, a skull was all that remained of the head. There were also suggestions that she may have been raped. However, this could not be confirmed by the police.

Yesterday, it took the firefighters from the Stony Hill Fire Department almost three hours to remove the body resting more than 10 feet from the top of Cypress Drive. Once they were able to access the body, it was then put in a wooden box and hoisted up onto the road, keeping the scores of residents that gathered to see if the body was truly that of Ananda - the girl whose picture had been posted on fliers, placed on light posts, buses and in stores in the Corporate Area - in suspense.

A family grieves for two young children - Boy accidentally kills 3-year-old sister with licensed gun

2008-09-28T06:40:00.001-05:00

By KIMONE THOMPSON
Sunday, September 28, 2008

GLEN Green last spoke to his three-year-old daughter Gabrielle yesterday morning. She called him and said she had something to tell him which she couldn't tell anyone else.

But before Glen got to hear the secret, he got news that his baby girl, also called Gabby, was dead. She had been shot in the face.
A distraught Orinthia McCalla, grandmother of three-year-old Gabrielle 'Gabby' Green who died at hospital yesterday, is comforted by close friends of the family. The little girl was accidentally shot by her eight-year-old brother at their home in Independence City, Portmore yesterday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

A distraught Orinthia McCalla, grandmother of three-year-old Gabrielle 'Gabby' Green who died at hospital yesterday, is comforted by close friends of the family. The little girl was accidentally shot by her eight-year-old brother at their home in Independence City, Portmore yesterday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Even more tragic was that the fatal blow was dealt by the girl's eight-year-old brother as the two played innocently with a loaded gun.

"She call mi and say 'daddy hurry up an come home because mi have something to tell yuh, an mi nuh waan tell nuhbaddy else'. An mi sey it so strange because yesterday (Friday) mi an har and har mother go buy some tings and she just stuck on to me. She nuh lef me. Mi carry har go shop an she say 'daddy mi want dis', an mi buy dem give har. An now mi nuh get fi hear wha shi did waan say," he said, using a black handkerchief to wipe the tears that had welled up and were streaming down his face.

And although the impact on the father and other relatives must be unbearable, it is Gabby's brother whose memory will perhaps be forever haunted.

When the Sunday Observer visited the house where he lived with his sister, mother and maternal grandmother in Independence City, Portmore near midday yesterday, he was crying uncontrollably.

He sat at the feet of his grandmother, Orinthia McCalla, laid his head in her lap and wept sorrowfully. He is only eight, but he knew what had happened. He knew his sister had died. He knew he had accidentally caused it.

"Ah [him] mi sorry fah," one woman said. "Di poor thing look like him ah tun eediat. Him nuh stap scratch scratch himself like supp'n ah bite him."

Neighbours soon after took him to the paediatrician at the nearby Child Care Medical Centre to be examined
and counselled.

McCalla said she and her daughter were in the kitchen preparing breakfast at the time of the tragic incident. They thought the children were at the front of the yard where they had left them playing. They didn't know the game had changed or that it had moved inside the house until the ear-piercing explosion rang out, signalling that something had gone horribly wrong.

"Ah di explosion we hear an we bolt go inside. We meet him ah di doorway ah bawl and then we see har," McCalla said, sitting in a chair across from her house as the police processed the scene.

She went from staring blankly into space, glancing up at the skies calling on God.

"Wha mi a go do? Wha mi a go do?," she cried out. "Mi gran' pickney dem, mi gran' pickney dem."

The children, she said, had apparently been rummaging through the suitcase of an uncle who had just returned from abroad. He had told them he carried gifts for them but the children couldn't wait; they went to find it themselves. What they found however, was not sparkly gift wrap or shiny ribbons. It was their uncle's 9mm pistol.

The Gregory Park police reported yesterday that the firearm was licensed, but they took the uncle in for questioning. He was released pending investigation.

"Yuh know why mi feel it so?," asked McCalla. "If mi did have pickney weh bad and weh go outta di way [mi probably woulda seh is pay back, but mi nuh have no pickney like dat. Ah dat mek mi feel it so," the mother of four said. "Mi family come so far. Everybody big now and nutten [bad] neva happen. Why now? Why now Jesus? Satan is a liar. Ah bind him and sen him back to the pit of hell where him belong," she said, her tone sad and low.

Neighbours described Gabby as "nice", "friendly", "pretty" and "bright". "Nobody nuh pass pan di road an she nuh call to them," one man said.

"She was a pretty, pretty baby. She was sweet and sensible, we lickkle sunshine," McCalla said, recounting things her granddaughter had said.

"To how she pretty and bright, mi just say to miself maybe she neva come here to stay."

Orlando 'bomber' said to be on

2008-09-28T06:35:00.000-05:00

BY TYRONE S REID
Sunday, September 28, 2008

THESE days, Lucille Rodney is longing for one thing. She wants her 'son' Kevin Brown to be reunited with his family.
The April 2008 mugshot taken of Kevin Brown, shortly after being taken to the Seminole County Jail in Florida.

For months she has waited and prayed for the day when she'll embrace him again like only a mother can. But from all indications, she will have to wait a while longer as the federal case against Brown is still before the courts and he is still being held in prison without bail.

Many will remember how Brown, the boy Rodney raised from age five like her own, was arrested at the Orlando International Airport last April while the world sat and watched via live broadcasts - and how he was branded "the Jamaican terrorist". Brown, a former American Army veteran, was about to travel to Jamaica to visit friends and family when he was detained at the Orlando International Airport in Florida after a search of his luggage revealed bomb-making material. The story made international media headlines on April 1 when the image of the tall, robust-looking Jamaican sat handcuffed on a pavement outside the main airport building as law enforcement officers conducted their investigation into the 'mysterious contents' of his travelling bag.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the liquid substance found in Brown's luggage was nitromethane, a potentially explosive formula. Galvanised pipes, end caps, two containers of BBs, batteries, bomb-making literature and a rocket igniter were also allegedly found in Brown's luggage. A laptop computer was removed from his carry-on bag for analysis by the FBI. A judge later ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed against him. He was subsequently charged by the FBI with attempting to place an explosive device on an aeroplane and incarcerated at the Seminole County Jail. He has been in police custody since the arrest.

An FBI criminal complaint later stated that Brown told authorities he wanted to detonate the materials on a tree stump in Jamaica, but later said he was going to show friends in his home country how to build explosives like he saw in Iraq.

Speaking with the Sunday Observer recently at her place of business in St Andrew, Rodney said she has to travel regularly to Orlando to visit Brown, who is being represented in court by two lawyers - one of them Jamaican-born. She noted, too, that he is being closely monitored while incarcerated, and is to return to court in early October.

"He's on suicide watch up there. They are watching him very closely. He was on high-alert but then he came off and they are still treating him for his mental condition. He says he is a bit fed up because a lot of mad people are there and he is not like them," said Rodney, who last visited Brown in August. "The lawyers are working very hard to get the case dismissed because some experts that have been consulted say the equipment he was carrying in his luggage did not pose a threat to passengers on the plane. So because of the federal charges, it is not going to be as easy as we hope. The last hearing was on August 27."

Brown, who went to the US to pursue college education, joined the Army in June 1999. With the dawn of 2003 came the Iraq War. Brown went to serve during the second six months and served double time after his stay was extended - leaving Iraq in early 2005, a little before the brutal murder of Sandra Palmer, his biological mother in Negril. She was strangled. And while the three main suspects have been brought in by investigating officers, three years later, the case has been put off several times. They are due in court on October 3.

Brown's mother-in-law Karen Holt said Brown wasn't the same after returning from Iraq.

"This is not [like] him," said Holt, who lives in North Charleston, South Carolina with Brown's young son. "It has to be a mental issue for him. I know if they looked through his medical records... I'm sure they will see... He's not a terrorist."
Just two days before his mother's murder Brown married a fellow Army officer and made plans to honeymoon in Jamaica. His son, now four, was also born around that time.

According to the Rodney family, the former US soldier sank into a deep depression following his departure from Iraq. The depression, they believe, became compounded when he learnt of his mother's murder, and he subsequently began abusing alcohol.

"The war changed him. The war depressed him, because afterwards he had to seek medication. He became unstable because of his experiences. He saw many of his friends die and heard gunshots 24/7 during his stay over there," Rodney explained.

"And I know for a fact that since his mother died three years ago it has been with him. At the funeral, he got off right there. We had to call a doctor for him. He couldn't believe that his mother died like that. The news was hard to swallow," she said.

"I am still baffled as to why he would have that in his luggage. I can't say why. I can't think for him," his aunt Carmen told the Sunday Observer in an April interview.

Psychologist and human relationship expert, Dr Veronica Salter, said grief and mental anguish can severely alter a person's state of mind and functioning.

"Severe grief is a terrible thing and it can cause anyone to have a breakdown. Grief can certainly alter your state of mind. A lot has happened to [Brown], especially his mother's murder and going to Iraq. The sort of stress he's been exposed to is enough to cause serious mental and emotional damage," Salter told the Sunday Observer. "War is a very traumatic experience. The episodes of violence, one right after another, can take a strong toll on anyone. I am very seriously concerned about what's going to happen to him. I am not one to judge, but he's clearly in need of psychiatric help."

In the meantime, Rodney points out that today Brown is physically healthy and is eating at the prison. But she says the expenses she has to foot to travel to and from the United States are eating away at her savings and she fears her textile business might suffer.

"When I go to Orlando, a million media people surround me up there. It's costing me a lot of money and it's really getting on my nerves. But I am trying to cope. The family is trying to cope. It is very hard. But we get emotional support from people because whenever I go to court, two representatives from the Miami Consulate fly up there with me," she said. "Right now, I am hoping for the best because I really want the case dismissed so that Kevin can focus on getting better and getting his life back on track."

Kartel, Deva Bratt at odds - Deejays claim rights to 'Portmore Empire'

2008-09-27T07:51:00.002-05:00

( L - R ) Deva Bratt, Vybz Kartel - File

Incarcerated deejay Deva Bratt has verbally lashed out at fellow deejay Vybz Kartel, accusing the artiste of stealing his 'Portmore Empire'.

In February of this year Deva Bratt, real name Sheldon Smith, was taken into custody in connection with an alleged case of carnal abuse, committed against a 14-year-old girl. He was picked up by police from his home in Westchester, Portmore.

After being given bail for this incident the deejay was accused of raping another girl. He was again taken in custody and the two cases are still before the court.

Felt betrayed and belittled

In an interview published yesterday on the popular Dancehallmuzik.com website, Deva Bratt who spoke from the Greater Portmore police lock-up claimed that he felt betrayed and belittled. He said that he has been left to rot in jail by fellow deejay Vybz Kartel.

He is quoted as saying; "... A hear mi hear Kartel a seh mi not in (Portmore) Empire, but mi neva tek dat serious, cause me a think how mi fi get kick out a Empire when I am Empire? Is me start Empire years ago; yes Kartel buss di ting bigger, but how yuh fi go behind di founder back an register company in your name one?"

Get kick out

He continued; "...him go announce seh me get kick out, and now a throw word against him fren who inna jail? An yuh wonder why dem call him Judas?"

The artiste also said that Kartel along with Munga 'Honourebel' have lyrically thrown words at him with Munga referring to him as a 'pedophile.' Bratt pointed to Kartel's Never Tun A Raper on the Stimulant Rhythm as lashing out at him.

The song states, "when yuh see di gal dem, nuh hold down/ low har nuh/ nuh drape up/ let har go/ nuh bodda fi... I coulda neva tun a rapah/ bun a rapah ... mi nuh tek if yuh nuh gimme though... swear to God mi nah go a court pan no rape charge ... "

Registered trademark

THE STAR was unable to get in touch with Vybz Kartel, however in a release sent to us from his publicist, the deejay is quoted as saying, "the Portmore Empire is a registered trademark of Adidjaheim Records and was registered almost two years ago with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO). All Portmore Empire artistes are signed to Adidjaheim Records, and only signed artistes are allowed certain privileges or afforded access to certain resources as it relates to expenditures or liabilities incurred by said artistes."

The release further stated that the Portmore Empire does not associate itself with anyone who is involved with any case of carnal abuse or exploitation of women.

In the meantime, Deva Bratt in his interview said that his lawyers are working on getting bail and he was hoping to be released by Christmas.

'Portmore Empire does not associate itself with anyone who is involved with any case of carnal abuse or exploitation of women'

SPOUSE SHOOTS COP IN NECK - Man was playing with girlfriend's service firearm

2008-09-27T07:45:00.000-05:00

A policewoman was admitted to hospital last Friday after she was accidentally shot by her boyfriend who was playing with her service firearm, police told THE STAR yesterday.

The incident happened at the common-law couple's Toronto Avenue home off Molynes Road in St Andrew, police say. Up to yesterday, the 23-year-old constable, who works at the Community Safety and Security branch on Oxford Road, St Andrew, was still in hospital in stable condition.

Man arrested

The boyfriend, Ian Wallace, 35, a tour driver, has since been arrested and charged with shooting with intent, wounding with intent and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. Police say he is to appear in court next Friday.

Reports reaching THE STAR, are that about 10:30 p.m., the couple, who has been living together for the past four years, was in bed when the policewoman got up to use the bathroom.

While she was in the bathroom, the boyfriend, police say, went into her handbag and took out her 9mm Glock service pistol which had a magazine with 15 rounds. He ejected a round from the breach of the weapon and released the magazine, police say.

But apparently not knowing that another bullet had gone into the breach when he ejected the first one, he pointed the gun at the policewoman.

Police say he was warned twice to put the firearm down, but refused and pulled the trigger, shooting the constable in her neck. The police were called and she was rushed to the hospital where she was admitted, while Wallace was taken in to custody.

Following investigations, he was arrested and charged by Detective Sergeant Quincy Sterling from the Half-Way Tree CIB.

Bail for cop charged with colleague's rape

2008-09-27T07:42:00.001-05:00

published: Saturday | September 27, 2008

A policeman who is accused of raping a policewoman at her home on August 18, appeared in the Home Circuit Court yesterday.

He is 22-year-old Detective Constable Adrian Johnson.

He has been granted bail in the sum of $400,000 with a surety to return to court on October 24.

It is being alleged that, on August 18, the policewoman asked the accused to transport her home. While he was at the policewoman's house, the accused allegedly committed the offences of rape and indecent assault. A report was made to the police that same day.

Statements were collected and submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who ruled that the policeman must be charged with rape and indecent assault.

The policeman was charged yesterday morning and taken before the court.

Attorney-at-law Carolyn Reid-Cameron, in making the bail application, said the accused did not rape the policewoman. She said the complainant and the accused were lovers.

Justice Carol Beswick granted the policeman bail and ordered him to report to the Constant Spring Police Station on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

PM wants new designation for Caricom states Points to peculiar needs, exposure to natural disasters

2008-09-27T07:39:00.001-05:00

Saturday, September 27, 2008

PRIME Minister Bruce Golding yesterday called for Jamaica and other Caricom states to be recognised as "small vulnerable and highly Indebted middle-income countries", instead of their current international ranking as "middle income developing countries".

Golding told the United Nations that Jamaica and its Caricom (Caribbean Community) partners were proposing the new designation as a special category of international recognition because of the difficulties created by their peculiar needs, as well as their exposure to natural disasters.

"We call on the international community to devise strategic programmes to address the peculiar needs of middle-income countries with deep pockets of poverty," Golding said.

The prime minister was addressing the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

He said that the focus of development co-operation cannot be too narrowly defined.

Said Golding: "The varied economic and social profiles of developing countries require a more flexible response that recognises investment in human capital, infrastructure and the transfer of technology as critical elements in reducing poverty in a sustained way.

"This is particularly important to developing countries that are classified, based on per capita income, as middle-income countries," the prime minister said.

"This classification deprives them of access to concessionary financing and creative measures to reduce the crippling debt burden that afflicts so many of them. If we are to reduce poverty, the peculiar circumstances of these countries cannot be ignored, since that is where more than one-third of the world's poor are to be found," he added.

Turning to the UN's millennium development goals (MDGs), Golding said that although the process was halfway to the 2015 deadline, it was behind schedule.

"It is time to take stock to see where we are falling behind, who is falling behind and what must be done to make up lost ground," the Jamaican prime minister told the UN.

A critical success factor, he suggested, must be the partnership between developed and developing countries, as defined in the 2002 Monterey Consensus on Financing for Development, integrating aid, debt relief, market access, good governance and foreign direct investment.

"These initiatives were carefully calibrated. Proceeding with some elements without the others will not achieve the goals we have set. Indeed, it might make it worse," he said.

The prime minister said that developing countries must all pull up their socks, if they are to reverse the slippage they have suffered.

"Developing countries must ensure that their priorities are properly structured. Developed countries must live up to their commitment to devote 0.7 per cent of their GDP to official development assistance. This is a modest amount yet, only five countries have to date done so," the prime minister pointed out.

On the issue of global economic governance, Golding said that in 60 years very little change has been made to its governance structure and practices, and he called for a re-engineering of the global financial system.

He said that Jamaica supported the call for reform of the existing financial infrastructure, to reflect the new global realities and make it more proactive and responsive to the needs of the entire world community.

"But, it must involve more than merely expanding the membership of an exclusive club. It must be development-driven, recognising that poverty anywhere, is a threat to prosperity elsewhere," he said.

The crisis currently rocking the world's financial markets reflects the inadequacy of the regulatory structures that are essential to the effective functioning of any market, Golding said. But he said it also represented the failure on the part of the international financial system to facilitate the flow of resources into areas where they can produce real wealth.

"The world is not short of capital. What it lacks are the mechanisms to ensure the efficient utilisation o

More than $48 m spent on school furniture

2008-09-27T07:36:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Chief procurement officer in the Ministry of Education, Leon Fraser, has disclosed that more than $48 million has so far been spent on the issuance of contracts to manufacture school furniture, some of which are already being delivered.

"To date, we have ordered furniture in the region of $48 million, and that dollar value will increase as we order more furniture as we go along. Furniture is being distributed to all regions," Fraser disclosed.

But the chief procurement officer said there was a challenge accessing the eastern end of the island with the destruction of the Harbour View bridge.

"There is a challenge with the eastern end of the country, because the bridge at Harbour View was washed out and the ford that was supposed to be built was also washed out.
When the temporary ford was put in place, we managed to get some furniture out to Yallahs and to Seaforth High, and the plan was to get to other schools in that section of the island. But again, we have suffered a setback because the ford was washed out," he said.

He said the ministry was looking at other ways to get the furniture to the affected schools.

"We are hopeful that we can find some alternative route to the ford, we don't know how, but that is the major drawback right now, because we would have really addressed that situation already," he said.

"We don't know how quickly it [the ford] will be repaired so that we can resume deliveries, because we have furniture in production and we are delivering them as they come off the production line. So it's just a matter for us to really get access to the schools," he added.

Fraser said the Ministry had delivered 14,302 pieces of furniture to schools across the island up until Friday, September 19 and deliveries would continue throughout the school year "because we get requests from the regions in an ongoing manner".

"It is very expensive to supply furniture to schools. A set of desks and chairs costs over $4,000, so we need the school management and the students to actually take care of the furniture that is being supplied to the schools. I don't think a lot of them are aware of just how expensive it is, not only to manufacture the furniture ,but to deliver it," he said.

The haulage costs are also high and we want to ensure that all the stakeholders really take care of the furniture, It's one thing to ask us to provide it, but you also need to play your part," he added.

Last year the ministry delivered more than 124, 000 pieces of furniture to schools across the island.

MORE BEENIE DRAMA - child's mother accuses him of being a deadbeat father

2008-09-25T16:02:00.001-05:00

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

As if Beenie Man does not have enough to deal with, the mother of his five-year-old son, who lives in England, has decided to air her grouses about the deejay over the popular Internet site, YouTube.

In a video entitled, 'Beenie Man, mother of child responds to his lies', posted on September 19, the artiste's babymother responds to what she calls the lies that Beenie Man has said about her in an interview with British radio host Chris Goldfinger. The Chris Goldfinger interview was posted on YouTube on May 24 this year.

It was previously reported on partyxtraz.blogspot.com, that Beenie Man was expected to attend court in the United Kingdom to deal with a child support case brought against him by Shezal Laing. Ms Laing is said to be the niece of popular Sting promoter, Supreme Promotions chief executive officer, Isaiah Laing.

In the interview, Beenie Man discusses the pending court case and acknowledges the child.

Beenie states: "Mi get a son a England, zeen, but mi know bout him now ... mi neva sign him birth paper or nutting ... but di government a seh mi owe child support. how can I owe child support if I neva pronounce dis kid as my kid?"

'Crazy woman'

'The Doctor' goes on to call Laing a 'crazy woman', who is asking for £150,000 pounds in child support. According to Beenie, he is not a deadbeat father but believes the amount requested for child support is too much.

In a five-minute clip posted by Shezal Laing, pictures are shown of Beenie with her son, as well as pictures of herself and the child. She questions the artiste's integrity, accusing him of manipulating the press to his advantage. She brings up Beenie's marriage to D'Angel and the pictures with Beenie and Bar-Bee that were published in the papers shortly after his marriage.

One big mix-up

During the video, Buz Luhrmann's Wear Sunscreen is played, as the remarks of the child's mother are shown on the screen. Laing wrote: "He (the child) will have one good, loving parent and he will never, ever need you ... you love the mix-up, your life is one big mix-up - I do not ... but now you are coming to my country, doing interviews and spreading your lies, enough is enough."

Laing continued: "The five years that my son has been alive, you haven't mentioned him... now it's all over the 'net and in the papers that you are a deadbeat dad you want to spread your lies about him ... whenever you get any bad press you go to the media with your lies and try to manipulate the public's perception of what is really going on and try to make them feel sorry for you."

Pay what you owe

Laing implies that neither she nor her son needs or wants Beenie Man in their lives, saying that Beenie Man has had her fighting in court for child support for five years. She ends the video by saying: "Pay the money you owe me and never, ever mention me or my child again."

When contacted, Beenie Man's publicist, Ray Alexander, told THE STAR that the artiste was currently in New Jersey for a show. According to Alexander, he has not seen Laing's video and could not comment on it.

Usain BOLTS through Sherwood Content

2008-09-25T15:50:00.002-05:00

KERIL WRIGHT
Thursday, September 25, 2008

Triple Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt, sure knows how to have himself a grand time - on and off the track.
Easily the star of his homecoming celebrations held on the weekend at his alma mater, the William Knibb High School in Trelawny, the 22-year-old partied the night away alongside an impressive line-up of Reggae/Dancehall stars and leading street dancers.

Whether he was just horsing around onstage or displaying a mastery of the popular street dances he made world-famous in Beijing China, the young track hero showed he was indeed just a young man having the time of his life.

A 10, 000-strong crowd turned out Saturday to welcome the fastest man alive with thunderous applause as he entered a stage set up on the grounds of his old high school. Shouts of "Bolt! Bolt! Bolt!" punctured the air as he "Gully Creeped" his way onstage, before launching into his traditional "Lightning Bolt" pose.

Dubbed the Usain Bolt/Hart Hill Homecoming Celebrations, Saturday's revelry was sponsored by David Phillips of National Meats and No Joke Entertainment. It included a fun day at the Waldensia Primary School, which he attended as a child.
Bolt joins street dancer Ding Dong (2rd right) and his crew in a display of the now world-famous dance move 'Nuh Linga'.

Bolt joins street dancer Ding Dong (2rd right) and his crew in a display of the now world-famous dance move 'Nuh Linga'.

The concert brought together the likes of Diamond-selling Shaggy and counterpart Rick Rock, Richie Spice, Kiprich, D' Angel and upcoming female artistes Timberlee and Tifa, Nesbeth, Twins of Twins and Tony Matterhorn.

Dancers Ding Dong of the Ravers Clavers dance group and Ice, creators of Bolt's favourite dance moves "Nuh Linga" and "Gully Creepa"- were a major hit, participating in a 30-minute set onstage with Bolt participating at every turn.

A number of acts billed to appear at the event did not show up, but this in no way dampened the party spirit as fans who filed onto the grounds of the high school from as early as 7:00 pm celebrated into the wee hours alongside Code Red and Copper Shot, well after the concert had concluded.
In attendance were aunts, cousins and other family members of 22-year-old.

The event also saw the announcement of the Usain Bolt/Hart Hill Early Childhood Initiative, with Phillips pledging the first $1-million toward the fundraising project, being set up to inject much needed finance into Early Childhood Education.

The star athlete was also presented with a sculpture of him in his traditional "Lightning Bolt" pose.

Ja slips 12 places on corruption index

2008-09-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Jamaica has been ranked the 96th most corrupt country in the world by the German-based Trans-parency International (TI), down from an 84th ranking last year.

The organisation surveyed 180 countries for its 2008 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and ranks countries according to the degree to which politicians and public officials are perceived to be corrupt by business leaders and non-resident analysts.

According to TI, the index highlights the fatal link between poverty, failed institutions and graft, but also indicates that the strength of oversight mechanisms is at risk among the wealthiest nations.

"The continuing high levels of corruption and poverty plaguing many of the world's societies amount to an ongoing humanitarian disaster and cannot be tolerated. But even in more privileged countries, with enforcement disturbingly uneven, a tougher approach to tackling corruption is needed," said the TI report which was released yesterday.

Countries on the CPI are scored on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being the most corrupt and 10 being the least. Jamaica's 96th ranking and 3.1 score tied it with African countries Gabon, Mali, and Benin, Guatemala in Central America and Kiribati in the Pacific.

Denmark, Sweden and New Zealand were rated the least corrupt in 2008 followed by Singapore, with Somalia rated the world's most corrupt country scoring 1.0.

Zimbabwe, burdened by hyper-inflation and political strife, is ranked at 166 scoring 1.8. In the Caribbean St Lucia is ranked the least corrupt at 21 with a score of 7.1 followed by Barbados at 22 with 7.0.

Haiti, the least developed Caricom (Caribbean Community) country and one of the poorest in the world, ranked 177 with a rating of 1.4. The US ranks at 18, tied with Japan and Belgium and behind the United Kingdom at 16 and Canada at nine.

JLP politician on murder rap

2008-09-25T15:38:00.001-05:00

KARYL WALKER, Crime/Court co-ordinator walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, September 25, 2008

Police will today interrogate Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) politician Lennox Hinds, who was on Tuesday arrested and slapped with murder, conspiracy and shooting charges.

Hinds, who unsuccessfully contested the Edgewater Division in Portmore, St Catherine in last December's parish council elections, was arrested at his Portmore home during an operation by officers from the Major Investigation Task Force and the Flying Squad.

Hinds has been charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and two counts of shooting with intent. His attorneys are expected to sit in on today's question and answer session.

Yesterday, police were tight-lipped about the details of the alleged murder, but a source told the Observer that the investigation is centred around a shooting death in the community of Portsmouth during the December 2007 parish council election campaign.

Hinds lost his battle for a parish council seat to the People's National Party's Alrick Campbell during those elections.

Drug conspiracy - Security personnel, customs, port officials in narco trade

2008-09-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

published: Thursday | September 25, 2008

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

A recent narcotics intelligence report has linked a number of police personnel, customs officials and employees at the seaports to the growing illegal drug trade.

Head of the Narcotics Police Division, Senior Superintendent Carlton Wilson, said the personnel were playing an integral part in the illegal drug trade.

He did not disclose the identities of the persons implicated, but revealed that on many occasions police personnel have tipped off drug smugglers when the security forces were pursuing them.

"A number of these police personnel are under our microscope," the narcotics chief said.

Yesterday, Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker said while he had not received the report, he would not rule out the possibility of customs officials being involved in the illicit activity.

"I have been focusing on revenue," Walker said.

No report

A spokesperson at the Port Authority of Jamaica said he, too, had not seen or heard of any such report.

But he stressed that security systems are in place at the ports to detect ganja canisters fitted to the hull of ships.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force's Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested more than 50 police personnel since January.

The majority were arrested for collecting bribes from motorists who committed traffic offences.Police intelligence has also revealed that drug smugglers are using wreckers, ambulances and established company vehicles to move illegal substances from one point to another.

This was the case on Tuesday night when the police intercepted a yellow courier Hiace van, which belongs to a prominent Kingston-based company.

The narcotics police said 1,050 lb of compressed ganja was found in the van. The driver, who has been with the courier company for the last 13 years, was arrested and charged.

Also on Tuesday, the Narcotics Police found 1,650 lb of compressed ganja in Slipe district, St Elizabeth.

The police said they have now arrested 4,645 persons since the start of the year on drug-related charges. The figure for last year was 5,496.

A prominent St Ann businessman is among the persons arrested. He has been described as one of the major players in the drug trade, and is now awaiting extradition to the United States.

The police said he was picked up in Clarendon last week, shortly after he collected more $2 million from a businessman.

Wilson said recent drug seizures have started to affect the finances of drug dealers.

"Because they are hurting, they have made several threats against us," he said.

While there has been a lull in cocaine seizure, the police said ganja production continues to increase.

Narco seizures January-August

19,080 kilograms of ganja

39 motor vehicles

Two boats

One shipping container

Last year, the police seized 37,439 kilograms of ganja and 37,196 kilograms in 2006.

US$2,100 hotel bill lands foreigner in jail

2008-09-24T07:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

MONTEGO BAY, St James - An Estonian man, Stan Puust, a 26-year-old construction worker, is facing charges of obtaining credit by fraud after he found his way into an all-inclusive hotel where he allegedly spent a week, racking up a bill of US$2,100.

The accused man told the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court last Thursday that he was robbed of US$3,000 on the first day he arrived in Jamaica and was 'given' an armband that allowed him access to the hotel property.

He managed to gain access to a room by telling the housekeeping staff he had lost his key and was there for a week before he was discovered. He was taken into police custody on September 17.

Senior Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry asked that INTERPOL be contacted to find out if Puust was a conman.
Puust told the court he landed in Kingston by mistake as he did not know there was an airport in Montego Bay and then tried to get a taxi to take him to Montego Bay.

While on the way from Kingston he said the taxi was stopped by uniformed police who found ganja in the car and he was allegedly asked to pay them US$500.

He said after getting to Montego Bay and finding a hotel, he found out that the money he had stashed in his bag was also missing, but by then the taxi driver had left and he had no way of contacting him.

He told the court he had gone looking for food the next day when he met a man who gave him the armband, which he used to gain access to the all-inclusive hotel.

He said he had tried to make contact with friends in Estonia to send him money so he could pay his hotel bills, but had not been able to get through.

He was surprised when he was ordered remanded, as he said he had called Virgin Atlantic and made reservations to travel back to London and then on to Estonia on Thursday.
He will return to court on October 3.

Cop arrested for rape of colleague

2008-09-24T07:41:00.000-05:00

published: Wednesday | September 24, 2008

A policeman has been taken into custody for the alleged rape of a woman colleague.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green told The Gleaner that the policeman was interviewed yesterday and a ruling from the director of public prosecutions is now pending.

Raped on duty

The Gleaner reported last Tuesday that the woman constable was raped while on duty.

The woman has since been reassigned, The Gleaner understands, and is receiving full support from the constabulary.

The incident had drawn outrage from several quarters, with senior members of the police force condemning the act.

Falmouth: Comrades call for MP's resignation

2008-09-24T07:37:00.000-05:00

FALMOUTH, Trelawny - Approximately 30 People's National Party (PNP) supporters yesterday converged at the constituency offices of North Trelawny Member of Parliament, Dr Patrick Harris, calling for his resignation.

The demonstration was apparently triggered by last Saturday's internal elections in which Portia Simpson Miller defeated Dr Peter Phillips' challenge to her presidency. Dr Harris was a supporter of Dr Phillips.

"Dr Harris has done his time, he needs to go and make way for someone else," one party supporter said.
Harris, a former government back-bencher, was last September named the deputy Opposition spokesman on housing, infrastructure and transport, following the PNP's defeat in the general election.

Since making his support for Phillips' candidacy public, he has come under fire from many PNP supporters in the constituency who were backing Simpson Miller.

Yesterday, he told the Observer that he was not present at the constituency office during the demonstration, as he was on his way to Parliament.

He said, however, that he was not perturbed by the protest.
"I have no problem with the demonstration, as long as it is being done in an orderly way, and I understand that was how it was done," he told the Observer.

"We are living in a democratic country; we have fought for the right to express ourselves freely so people should be allowed to express themselves freely," he explained.
He promised, however, to address the matter but declined to elaborate.

"Give it another day or two and I will address the issue. I will address that one in a fulsome way," he stressed.
Harris has been Member of Parliament for North Trelawny since 2002.

More PNP resignations - Party dissolves Council of Opposition Spokespersons

2008-09-24T07:33:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller (2nd left) listens to a point being made by MP Lisa Hanna while Phillip Paulwell (left), sitting in the seat usually occupied by the leader of Opposition business, and Dr Omar Davies peruse documents in Parliament yesterday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

THE Opposition People's National Party (PNP), rocked by the resignation of several of its key spokesmen in the aftermath of another bitter leadership contest, yesterday dissolved its Council of Spokespersons to allow party leader Portia Simpson Miller to name a 'new' team.

Dr Peter Phillips, who unsuccessfully challenged Simpson Miller for the PNP's top job last Saturday, was among the officials who sent their resignations to the party president yesterday. Phillips resigned his posts as Opposition spokesman on national security, and Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives.

He said, however, that he would continue to serve as MP for East Central St Andrew.

Yesterday, Phillip Paulwell, a close ally of the PNP leader and the MP for East Kingston and Port Royal, acted as Leader of Opposition Business in the House.

Simpson Miller promised yesterday that a new Council of Opposition Spokespersons will be appointed before the next sitting of the Parliament.

"The new Council of Spokespersons will reflect the thrust of the parliamentary Opposition to advance the progressive agenda for national development," a party statement quoted the PNP leader.

The Opposition leader, said the statement, "expresses her gratitude to all members of parliament who served previously as Opposition spokespersons for their contribution in these roles over the last year".

Phillips, a former vice-president of the party, served in the security, health and construction and works ministries under the leadership of P J Patterson. He was retained as security minister when Simpson Miller took over the presidency of the party in 2006 and later as security spokesman when the PNP was booted from office last September after 18 years in power.

Simpson Miller created history in 2006 when she won the PNP presidency over Phillips; Omar Davies, the then finance minister; and former water minister Karl Blythe in a divisive contest following the resignation of Patterson. She became the first woman prime minister, but was blamed for the PNP's loss in last September's general election.

In his letter of resignation yesterday, Phillips said: "I have yesterday, formally and in writing, advised party leader and leader of the opposition, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller of my continued commitment, loyalty, and love for the People's National Party and my desire to continue to work on behalf of this great and noble movement," said Phillips in his letter.

Phillips urged members who supported his presidential bid to give the party leader their full support, saying she "ought to be given a free hand to determine the composition of her team".

South St Catherine MP Fitz Jackson, and the man who managed Phillips' leadership campaign, also resigned from the positions deputy leader of opposition business, deputy spokesman on finance and the public service, and Opposition Whip.

Jackson said he was obliged to provide the party president with the opportunity for her to have full discretion in the formulation of the team with which she would work to take the PNP forward.

He, too, reaffirmed his commitment to the party as a faithful and loyal member and that he was willing to support the work of the party.

Maxine Henry-Wilson, a former education minister and key Phillips backer, asked to be relieved of her position of Opposition spokesman on education, science and technology, as well as her membership of the parliamentary committees on which she has represented the Opposition.

In congratulating Simpson Miller on her reaffirmation as president by the delegates, Henry-Wilson said it was in the best interest of the PNP for the president to have full discretion in determining her team that would take the party forward.

In a separate correspondence to the chairman, Robert Pickersgill, Henry-Wilson said that she would not be seeking election to any party position in the forthcoming internal elections.

On Monday, Dean Peart quit as the PNP's spokesman on local government and the environment, while Rosemarie Shaw, a former Jamaica Labour Party councillor and mayor of Morant Bay, said she would resign as the St Thomas Western constituency caretaker yesterday.

Beenie to be a granddad - 17-y-o daughter pregnant - Another deejay said to be the father

2008-09-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

It appears that Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis is soon to be a grandfather. The deejay's daughter, who turned 17 last week, is rumoured to be pregnant for popular deejay Aidonia.

Aidonia has, however, denied that he is the father.

When contacted, Aidonia's manager and brother, Lav said, "He is not the babyfather. She is only 16-year-old, so why would Aidonia be involved with somebody that young? Furthermore, we are family with Beenie Man, nothing more. We are close family with Beenie Man, so I don't know where people are getting this from."

Lav said other persons, including members of the media, had been calling the deejay for confirmation of the rumours. He said the rumour would not affect Aidonia's career.

No effects

"It won't affect his career in any way. As I said, Beenie is like family. Aidonia has been going through a lot of things over the years, so this is just one more thing that he will have to get over," he said.

Rumours quietly began circulating that Beenie's daughter was pregnant for the popular artiste last week.

When THE STAR spoke to a source close to Beenie Man, he confirmed that the deejay's daughter was expecting (for a well-known deejay). The source said, "She's pregnant and she's overseas in Florida staying with a relative."

Beenie Man, who is currently in New Jersey, USA, for a show, was unavailable for comment up to press time.

Shocked

However, according to the source, 'The Doctor' was shocked to discover the news of his child's pregnancy but has since adjusted to the situation. The source explained that Beenie has been on tour back to back and it was when he recently came off tour that he heard that his daughter was pregnant.

"As a father, to know your 17-year-old is pregnant, worse when yuh have good ambitions for her of going to college, it's not something you take so easy, but it's a given part of life ... . He was shocked," the source said.

When asked if Beenie was going to support his daughter, the source commented: "Beenie is gonna be supportive. He just has to live with it and support her all the way, let her know that this is not the end of her life and she's gonna continue school."

According to the source, he didn't believe this would affect Beenie's career in any way.

hi5 page

Photos posted on the daughter's hi5 page also confirmed the pregnancy. The daughter, whose photos were proudly displayed on the page in a folder titled 'Sexy Mother', is seen lying on a bed, her protruding stomach very visible. There is also a photo of the ultra-sound posted on the page. The ultrasound bears her name, as well as the name of the doctor who performed the procedure, and the date it was done, September 2. The image of the foetus is clearly defined.

Eleven persons killed over the weekend

2008-09-23T13:38:00.001-05:00

Kimmo Matthews
Monday, September 22, 2008

Police yesterday reported that a total of 11 persons were killed in separate incidents over the weekend, nine by the gun and two by the knife, keeping the murder tally on track for another record year.

Crime statistics released by the police for the first eight months of this year, revealed that 1,105 persons were murdered up to the end of August.

Yesterday's blood-drenched list of the persons murdered weekend read:

. Clive Ellis, 43, otherwise called "Latimore" of East Road, Kingston 12, shot dead by a gunman along Water Street in downtown Kingston yesterday.

. Ricardo Smith, 27, nicknamed "Taffy" of John Lane, Kingston, shot dead by unknown assailants in downtown Kingston Friday.

. Ricardo Allison, 25, construction worker shot and killed in the community of Short Town Manchester Friday.

. Oniel 'Bunny' Clarke, shot and killed at Whitfield Avenue, Kingston 13 Friday.

. Germaine Crooks, 22, chef of Shortwood Road, Kingston 8, shot dead at Grants Pen Road, Kingston 8 Saturday.

. Oral Roberts, 20-year-old of West Street, killed at a gambling house in the community Saturday

. Kevin Easy, 23, of Savanna Cross, killed at a wake in the Clarendon community.

. Anthony "Tony" Shaw, 46, and Dwayne "Cash Brush" Edwards, both of Mountain View Avenue in Kingston killed during an altercation at Mountain View Avenue, Kingston 2 Saturday.

. Enoch Robinson, 34, of Eastwood Park Road in the Kingston 10, stabbed to death Saturday at Harbour Street in downtown Kingston.

. Wesley "Con" Bent, 54, of All Sides, Trelawny stabbed to death in the district Saturday. Joseph Fisher, 78, also of All Sides district, was charged with the murder.

Police also reported Saturday they had charged a 16-year-old youth with murder for the brutal mutilation killing of 11-year-old Sandside, St Mary resident, Aakim Scott last week. The teen, one of five boys held in connection with the killing, is expected to appear in court this week.

Scott's dismembered body was found by police and residents last Tuesday stuffed in a polyethylene bag in bushes, two days after he went missing on Sunday, September 14.

Powell won't change coach

2008-09-23T13:36:00.001-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 23, 2008

Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

Olivia 'Babsy' Grange (left), minister of information, youth, culture and sports, escorts Olympians Asafa Powell (right) and Rosemarie White after they arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. Powell, 4x100-metre gold medallist, and White, 1,600m relay bronze medal winner, were greeted by other dignitaries. "I am glad to be back home and even after the races, I am happy for the overwhelming support," Powell told journalists. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Despite public comments from his parents suggesting that he should part company with his coach, Stephen Francis, Asafa Powell, the world's second fastest man, said that will not happen.

His parents, Reverend William Powell, his father and mother Cislyn, said in an interview on local television, CVM, said it was time for their 25-year-old son to make a change.

"Change the coach. Try somebody else," Reverend Powell said. "He should have changed the coach long time. If it was me, I would have changed coach long time ago."

Not an option

Asafa, though, said that's not an option.

"My mother loves me very much, and she has the right to say whatever she wants to say. But that's an issue I have to deal with, with her ... There is not going to be any change of coach," said Powell, who along with fellow Olympian Rosemarie White, returned to the island yesterday.

Cislyn Powell, the athlete's mother, said Asafa like all her other sons, when they believe in someone, it's hard to change their mind.

She said if Asafa had a problem with major events, it needed to be identified.

"As a coach, he (Francis) should be able to identify the problem," Cislyn said.

The parents' comments follow the fifth place finish in 9.95 seconds at the Beijing Olympics by Powell, a huge medal favourite. At the 2004 Olympics, in Athens, Powell also finished fifth in 9.94 seconds, having started as the favourite.

After the Olympic finals, Powell returned to run personal bests, lowering his 9.91 to 9.89 in 2004, then 9.72 after Beijing, which bettered his previous high standard of 9.74 less than a month ago.

In between, he held the then world record at different marks - 9.77, which he recorded on several occasions, and 9.74.

However, Powell, who had earlier said he is better suited for Grand Prix meets, said he have some explaining to do with his parents.

Powell, who helped Jamaica to win the sprint relay gold medal in a world record 37.10 in Beijing, noted his problem to deliver on the big stage is not with coach Francis.

"I just have to talk to her and explain all the details. My coach is not liked by a lot of people very much, but I have no problem with him, so there is not going to be any change," added Powell.

Great experience

Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, minister of information, youth, culture and sports, Jamaica Olympic Association president, Mike Fennell, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association boss Howard Aris, Sports Development Foundation chairman David Mais, and several of Powell's MVP club teammates, were on hand to welcome their star at the Norman Manley International Airport.

Grange told Powell, "You are the trailblazer" and "Rosemarie, you are going to be a great athlete".

White said: "The experience was very great, knowing it was my first time at a major championships. I am very proud of myself to finish seventh in the Olympic 400m final and return to get a bronze medal in the 1600m relay," said White, a student at G.C. Foster College.

Jamaica's Olympics sprint relay gold medallist, Asafa Powell, is flanked by his mom, Cislyn and dad, William, as well as an ardent female fan upon his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Children's advocate probes 13-y-o model contest winner

2008-09-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 23, 2008

The Office of the Children's Advocate has launched a full investigation into the awarding of a 13-year-old girl as the winner of a fashion model competition.

Henderson Downer, acting children's advocate, told The Gleaner yesterday that a team of investigators has been assigned to probe the matter involving Shermonique Ivey, who, earlier this month, won the Pulse Fashion Model Search.

"We have also written to other relevant government departments in investigating the matter, if there is any criminal prosecution or whether anybody is liable to compensation," said Downer.

She declined to comment further, stating that the case was under enquiry.

Real work after high school

Concerns were raised in several quarters, including Letters to the Editor of this newspaper, after Ivey modelled in swimsuits and was adjudged winner of the competition on September 7.

Romae Gordon, general manager at Pulse, said Ivey would not start modelling internationally until she completed high school, as in the case of other underage winners.

"Samantha Re-Crowal won the petite competition some years ago at age 13. She remained in school and for the next couple of years only appeared in odd fashion shows," said Gordon.

At the same time, public officials have called for parents to be more vigilant in light of recent attacks.

Aakim Scott, an 11-year-old boy of Sandside, St Mary, was brutally killed last week. During that same week, another 11-year-old, Ananda Dean of Whitehall Avenue in the Corporate Area, went missing.

Plagued by monsters

Olivia Grange, minister of information, culture, youth and sports, said unfortunately, the society was plagued by "monsters" who were prepared to carry out nefarious acts against children.

"Parents, I ask you to look out for your children. Make sure you know where they are at all times," said Grange last Friday during an awards luncheon, hosted by the Urban Development Corporation, for staff members' children who were successful in the Grade Six Achievement Test.

Police statistics show that last month, three children were murdered.

In August, there were 17 reported cases of carnal abuse.

Rashida St Juste, public relations manager at the Child Development Agency, said more must be done to educate guardians about their responsibilities for the care and protection of their charges.

PNP fallout begins - Two Phillips supporters quit, another targeted

2008-09-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 23, 2008

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

The casualtIES from last Saturday's presidential elec-tion in the People's National Party (PNP) have started with a senior member of parliament (MP) relinquishing his position as an opposition spokesman while a caretaker has resigned.

At the same time, a sitting MP is to be challenged for the leadership of her constituency.

News surfaced late yesterday that Opposition Spokesman on Local Government, Dean Peart, has resigned from that position.

Rosemarie Shaw, a vocal sup-porter of Dr Peter Phillips, spent yesterday speaking with supporters in Western St Thomas before handing in her resignation as caretaker and chairman for the constituency.

Challenge for henry-wilson

Another key Phillips backer, Maxine Henry-Wilson, seems set to face a challenge for the job as chairman of the PNP's organisation in South East St Andrew, where she has been the MP since 2002.

Shaw told The Gleaner that her decision to resign was directly linked to the election result, which saw Portia Simpson Miller beating Phillips by 373 votes.

"I think I should do the right thing by resigning so that the Comrade leader can put in place someone who she has full confidence in," Shaw said.

Matter of principle

Shaw said she had previously told the party's leadership in Region Two that she was unlikely to contest another general election after her 2007 defeat by the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) James Robertson, but decided to delay her resignation after Phillips announced his challenge for the leadership.

"I resigned as a matter of principle. If Peter Phillips had won, I think I would have stayed on," Shaw told The Gleaner.

She said she had taken a similar decision after the 2006 presidential contest, but was persuaded by the general secretary to remain in the post and contest the 2007 election.

Shaw, a former JLP activist, resigned from that party after a public fallout with the then Edward Seaga-led party in 1995.

She joined the PNP after JLP councillors passed a no-confidence motion removing her as mayor of Morant Bay.

In the meantime, PNP sources in South East St Andrew told The Gleaner that they are eagerly awaiting the constituency conference to oust Henry-Wilson as chairman.

The conference was initially scheduled for early August, but was called off following a meeting in Nannyville, St Andrew, where Comrades called for a return of former MP Easton Douglas who had walked away from the constituency paving the way for Henry-Wilson.

Douglas, who led the Simpson Miller campaign team, has not yet indicated if he would be willing to return to representational politics and efforts to contact him yesterday were unsuccessful.

However, the sources say if Douglas is not interested, every effort will be made to entice vice-president Angela Brown-Burke to take charge of the constituency.

That should come as no surprise to political watchers as Brown-Burke was among those who influenced Comrades in South East St Andrew to back Simpson Miller although their MP, Henry Wilson was supporting Phillips.

Andrew Swaby, the only sitting councillor in the constituency was also among refused to side with Henry-Wilson .

Efforts to contact Henry-Wilson yesterday were unsuccessful, but she had earlier indicated that a defeat for Phillips would cause her to examine her role in the party.

"If the candidate loses, we continue to be members of the People's National Party, but we would probably operate from a different level. We do not intend to divide the party because the party is much larger than any of us," Henry-Wilson told The Gleaner nine days ago.

Oraine dominates New York Fashion Week

2008-09-21T08:59:00.001-05:00

published: Sunday | September 21, 2008

Oraine reps for Liz Claiborne in a 35-page spread in 'The Claiborne Book'. - Contributed photos

New York Fashion Week is now history, but Pulse and the Caribbean's top-male model, Oraine Barrett, will remember it for some time to come.

It was the season when his star shone brighter than ever and, in fact, took a big new upward trajectory. While he was walking the runway for the world's top designers, his image was popping up all over New York City - indeed all over the world. His new Liz Claiborne, Baby Phat and John Bartlett campaigns are now out in fashion magazines, billboards and point-of-sale locations in fashion cities across the globe.

Pulse model Oraine Barrett on the cover of 'OUT' magazine.

Oraine rocked the fashion fraternity, which was buzzing with excitement as they previewed the Spring 2009 trends at the first fashion week in a series which takes the fashion jet set crowd from New York to London, then Milan and finally Paris.

in the best shape ever

The incredibly built Pulse star, who affirms that he is in the best shape ever, was vetted and selected by casting directors for six collections, including Nautica, John Bartlett, Michael Bastion, Baby Phat, June Ambrose and Gilded Age. Considering that this is not the season for the male collections, this is a huge accomplishment.

Oraine has done remarkably well this season and is now one of the top male models in the world. He heads to Select in London later this month to launch an assault on the European market. His agencies in Paris and Milan are also anticipating action from Oraine in the upcoming seasons, including the big men's collections in January.

Oraine has worked with a veritable list of who's who in the industry, including Pepe Jeans, Target, Phat Farm, Lord and Taylor's, Liz Claiborne, Abercrombie & Fitch, and John Bartlet.

Barrett is a two-time winner of Models.com World Model of the Week. He has also been selected by I-D as one of five new stars in modelling.

Oraine reps another outfir for Liz Clairborne

Pulse model Oraine Barrett for John Bartlett.

Score settled: Portia whips Peter again in PNP leadership contest

2008-09-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

published: Sunday | September 21, 2008

Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

- ian allen/staff photographer

DELEGATES OF the People's National Party (PNP) reaffirmed Portia Simpson Miller as the party's president in yesterday's elections at the National Arena.

Simpson Miller polled 2,332 votes to Dr Peter Phillips' 1,959 in an election in which 4,291 of the 4,438 delegates of the party voted. The result left Simpson Miller with 54.8 per cent of the votes amd a victory margin of 373 votes.

"The delegates today have spoken," Simpson Miller said in her victory speech. "The delegates today elected one leader of this noble movement and I am prepared to work with anyone who wants to ensure the unity of this noble movement," Simpson Miller said.

Simpson Miller has already extended the olive branch to the defeated team, stating that she is willing to work with anyone who is prepared to help in the renewal of the PNP.

However, for some of her delegates and supporters, the healing will mean axing some opposing persons from her core group.

Simpson Miller told her jubilant supporters that her victory meant that she had smashed the glass ceiling in the country and added that she had not contested the elections for personal reasons. The PNP leader gave a very strong indication that she would not hesitate to boot from the party those persons whom she believed were not doing their best to help the PNP move forward.

different from the last time

"This is going to be different from the last time. I am going to be very impatient of anyone who would want to drag the People's National Party down," Simpson Miller said.

She implored the members and supporters of the party to ensure that the party remained united. She underscored that the victory yesterday meant that "there can be no more argument," adding that party members should now fall in line.

"It is now time for all of us to unite, and it is time for us to get the party united," Simpson Miller said. She added that she should have done this differently in 2006 when she won, remarking, "I think I wasted too much time fighting for unity."

In a statement late last night, Phillips congratulated Simpson Miller on her victory, adding that he accepted the verdict of the delegates.

Stated Phillips: "My decision to accept the mandate of party members islandwide to place on the party's agenda a renewal of its core values and its role in national development is a responsibility which I undertook with conviction and sincerity."

Dr Fenton Ferguson, a member of Phillips' Arise and Renew campaign, said Simpson Miller scored a "decisive victory". He said he accepted the will of the delegates and that he would readily fall in line. "There is no doubt she has, at this time, settled the leadership question," said Ferguson, who was relected a vice-president. "This is the moment to put forward the platform for unity in a real way," he added.

Supporters of Simpson Miller erupted in jubilation when it became clear that Phillips had failed to reach the magic number of 2,220 votes. They could not contain themselves when party chairman Robert Pickersgill announced Simpson Miller as the winner.

The few Arise and Renew Comrades in the hall of the arena looked dejected, astonished and overwhelmed by the outcome. A St Thomas woman wept bitterly, accusing her counterparts of betraying Phillips, while others swore never to vote PNP again.

According to political analysts, the ensuing days could be interesting in the party. Yesterday's defeat could mean the final curtain call for Phillips, who now suffers his second loss at the hands of Simpson Miller. He suffered a 247-vote to Simpson Miller in 2006 when P.J. Patterson ceased to be party president.

Phillips is no longer an officer of the party as he was not nominated for a vice-presidential post. For the time being, he remains the leader of opposition business in the House of Representatives.

Simpson Miller became the first leader of the 70-year-old PNP who was called upon to defend her presidency when Phillips announced his challenge on July 13. He responded with a resounding yes to thousands of Jamaicans whom, he claimed, had called on him to lead the PNP.

Daraine.Luton@gleanerjm.com

Martin Henry, Communications Consultant

No surprise. We expected that the grass-roots delegates would have voted in favour of the candidate, Simpson Miller. With a 373 differential it is apparent that Peter Phillips is still a power faction of the PNP.

Robert Wynter, Management consultant

It is a reconfirmation from the people ... . I am glad that democracy held sway.

Mrs Simpson Miller has a lot to accomplish. She first has to heal the wounds, which will take a little while, and after that she has a lot of rebuilding to do.

Dicky Crawford, Political lecturer

I think the results are very good for Jamaica from the point of view that this discriminatory approach to working-class people has taken place. It's also good for the women of Jamaica - I notice that Angela Brown-Burke received the highest vice-presidential votes. That is the confirmation for another woman leader of the party.

Students locked out of school

2008-09-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hundreds of Grade-11 students at the Eltham High School in St Catherine were locked out of the institution yesterday after the school said they were wearing inappropriate uniforms.

The students were locked out because the uniforms were too short, or too tight.

When THE STAR visited the school about 8:30 a.m., many of the students, who claimed they were there to do screening tests for CXC examinations, were seen milling around the gates hoping to gain entry on to the school grounds. At 9:30 a.m., two-and-half-hours after the students had arrived for school, some were still braving the sun.

"It is a sad day that we arrive at school to prepare for exams and to be locked out and despite some of us pulling out the tail of the uniforms to reach the three inches below the knee, they still don't want to let us in," remarked a grade-11 student.

She added that it was difficult for some parents to buy new uniforms every year, which was why their uniforms were short in some cases.

The boys who were accused of wearing tight pants were also seen at the gate.

When THE STAR tried to obtain a comment from the school, the news team was told that no interviews would be granted. Up to minutes before 10, there were no comments from Principal Linda Foster or Vice-Principal Gregory Allen.

PNP decider - Divided Opposition party elects president today

2008-09-20T09:53:00.001-05:00

BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Observer staff reporter
Saturday, September 20, 2008

After weeks of mudslinging and bitter internal feuding, an estimated 4,500 People's National Party (PNP) delegates will today decide whether incumbent President Portia Simpson Miller or challenger Dr Peter Phillips will be leader of the 70-year-old opposition party.

The face-off, which will be staged at the National Arena in Kingston, will start with registration and screening at 8:30 am, while polling will be conducted between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Substitute delegates will vote after 12:30 pm and it is expected that the people's choice of president will be known by 7:00 pm today. The loser will not be a part of the PNP's executive since neither of the two have been nominated for a vice-presidential post, and many political observers have speculated that the election will result in the end of the loser's political career.

SIMPSON MILLER (left). the incumbent PHILLIPS (right). takes second shot at leadership

The delegates will also elect four vice-presidents from eight contenders - Dr Fenton Ferguson, Wykeham McNeill, Harry Douglas and Sharon Haye-Webster who are on Phillips' slate, and Angella Brown-Burke, Derrick Kellier, Joseph 'Bunny' Witter and Noel Arscott all on Simpson Miller's slate.
Yesterday, the PNP's Deputy General Secretary Julian Robinson told the Observer that the party had pulled out all the stops to have a smooth day.

"Pretty much we are all systems go. We are ready," Robinson said.

And the Team PNP camp, which backs Simpson Miller, which had cried foul several times during the weeks of campaigning over what it said were a legion of unfair tactics being employed by the Arise and Renew Team supporting Phillips, yesterday said it was confident that Simpson Miller would be retained.

"We expect that we are going to win and win convincingly," Team PNP spokesman Raymond Pryce told the Observer yesterday. "All systems are engaged. We are very comfortable with the readiness of our machinery in terms of the field logistics and we anticipate that we will be able to go smoothly through the day, which will culminate in the reconfirmation of party leader Portia Simpson Miller as president of the People's National Party."

Meanwhile, Arise and Renew campaign manager Maxine Henry-Wilson said the confidence of the delegates had been won by Phillips during his time on the ground and will be played out today.

"We are focussed on delegate engagement and encounters because we believe it is important for persons to understand exactly what is the motivation in what is seen as an unprecedented act," she said.

"In all of the encounters we have found delegates who welcome the opportunity to have a real dialogue around issues, from merely mouthing words. They welcomed the dialogue. We have found them very engaging. I believe as a result of that, the delegates are going to think very, very deeply about the future of their party," Henry-Wilson said.

"There is one question that when they go they need to answer, and it is 'who is best suited to lead the party with the challenges we are facing'," she added.

The Arise and Renew campaign manager said the group had kept pace with its timetable to facilitate election day readiness.

As to the accusations levelled by Team PNP against the Arise and Renew campaign, Henry-Wilson said: "The treatment of breaches is very clearly defined in the rules of engagement, report them to the Oversight Committee. We haven't received any complaints. It's interesting that their first port of call should be the media."

The party has been divided since the 2006 leadership race which ended with Simpson Miller trumping Phillips, Dr Omar Davies and Dr Karl Blythe for the presidential post to succeed former leader P J Patterson.

Party insiders have contended that Simpson Miller is incapable of leading the party to any victory. The howls have grown louder since the Jamaica Labour Party ousted the PNP from government after 18 years in power in the September 3, 2007 general elections.

Yesterday, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said preparations have been made to effectively police the conference and said sufficient personnel will be deployed to ensure that first and foremost law and order are maintained throughout the conference.

In addition, the police will be responsible for security at all polling and counting stations, crowd and traffic control at the arena and its immediate environs, parking and security of all vehicles and the general preservation of peace.

How much longer for Trelawny's Divisional Headquarters?

2008-09-19T13:04:00.006-05:00

ASKS THE QUESTIONS
Mark Cummings
Thursday, September 18, 2008

A section of the Falmouth Police Station.

Security is a high priority in many countries and quite rightly so.
In Jamaica, our security forces have long complained about the lack of resources to fight crime and violence, and the generally poor conditions under which they carry out their job.

And while efforts have been made by successive political administrations over the years to better equip our security forces, much more still needs to be done.

In many instances, the lawmen have been working under inhumane conditions.

It hard to fathom how they get the job done under such less-than-desirable conditions.

The members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who are assigned to the Trelawny Divisional Headquarters, at Rodney Street, in Falmouth represent a case in point.

The new Falmouth police station under construction.

For almost a decade, several civic groups as well as the parish's health department have complained about the poor state of the facility.

The existing unsightly buildings are falling apart and have become a health hazard.

The matter of the dilapidated building was also raised by Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin in May, when he addressed the 65th annual conference of the Police Federation, at the Starfish Resort in Trelawny.

Describing the facility as "little more than a fowl roost", the commissioner told the conference that some $250-million has been allocated in this year's budget to recommence work on the building for the new station, which began more than two years ago.

In the meantime, he said, the police high command was working feverishly to have police personnel occupying the existing station relocated.

But four months later the police are yet to be relocated, and neither has work recommenced on the building to house the new station.

This is despite an assurance in June from the permanent secretary in the ministry of National Security, Gilbert Scott, who said then that work would have started within another two to three weeks.

At that time, Scott said the work stoppage was due mainly to contractual disagreements between his ministry and the contractors, Astrom Building Systems.

He noted, however, that the disagreements have been resolved and the contractors are mobilising.

But in spite of the existing deplorable state of the station, the lawmen assigned there continue to give of their best.

In fact, indications are that there is a general trending down of reported criminal activities in the parish.

It is about time that the plight of the police, as well as the general public who use the facility, be addressed.
They deserve much better.

'I knew something was wrong' - Body of man found stuffed in car hours after he went missing

2008-09-19T13:04:00.005-05:00

COREY ROBINSON, Observer staff reporter robinsonc@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, September 19, 2008

A despondent Keisha Walker (left) is consoled by a female friend outside Madden's Funeral Home in Kingston after seeing the lifeless body of her son's father sprawled on a table inside the morgue. (Photo: Michael Gordon)

KEISHA Walker's ear-splitting cries for 'Jiggy' outside Madden's Funeral Home in Kingston Tuesday was testimony to her overwhelming grief.

The woman's night-long wait for Devon Dacres, 29 - also called 'Jiggy', the father of her two-year-old son - ended shortly before 7:00 am when his bullet-riddled body was found in the trunk of a grey Honda motor car near the Horizon Remand Centre on Spanish Town Road.

Dacres, a resident of nearby Wellington Road in Whitfield Town, had been missing since 10:00 pm on Monday, when he left home after receiving a telephone call, Walker said.

"I knew something was wrong, I just knew it. Devon don't sleep out and from I don't see him come in I just knew that something happened to him," Walker cried as she buried her face on the shoulder of a female friend.

"From him carry some food for me last night, him leave out and I don't hear from him again. Is this morning I come see him in here," added the woman, who sneaked glances at the building where Dacres' corpse lay openly on a table.

Walker said that Dacres had rented the motor car on Sunday and that according to a male friend, he left home after receiving a telephone call from the owner that he should return it. That was the last time anyone saw him alive.

Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Superintendent Hugh Bish said that the police had not yet established a motive for the killing as, "the investigation into the incident was still in its early stages".

"We have no leads nor motive as it relates to that murder. At the moment, it appears that he might have been killed and then placed in the trunk of the car and then dumped on Spanish Town Road, that is all that I can say right now," said Bish, adding that the motor car which was seized by the police will be examined for clues.

Meanwhile, homicide detectives in the St Andrew South Police Division were also probing a murder of an unidentified man on East Guango Crescent in Olympic Gardens Tuesday.
According to the cops, shortly after 6:00 am, residents found the body in a pool of blood after they heard explosions.

Inspection of the body, believed to be about 50-years-old, and which was clad in a pair of blue jeans pants and a multi-coloured shirt, revealed multiple gunshot wounds.

Golden fever/yellow fever outbreak in Jamaica!!!

2008-09-19T13:04:00.001-05:00

It has been reported that there has been a terrible outbreak of Yellow Fever (disambiguation). This particular strain is sometimes known as the American Plague. The outbreak started in Beijing , the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium to be exact, however sources have linked its origin to the tiny island of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea .

The virus seems to have been transmitted by a set of Jamaican athletes participating in the Beijing Olympics in particular one by the name of Usain Bolt. At first the virus infected 91,000 people a few days ago but it is a quickly spread to millions of persons worldwide. The symptoms include:
· Spontaneous & uncontrollable dancing fits especially Nuh Linga & Gully Creeper
· The need to wear yellow clothing & wave Jamaican flags
· Screaming uncontrollably at your TV
· Shock, awe & speechlessness

Many victims have become crazed and can be seen running on the streets all over Jamaica acting like they have just won a 100m race at the Olympics in 9.69 seconds.
Although most victims suffer from these symptoms it does seem to have different effects on some persons in particular Americans, these include:
· Badmind
· Grudgefulness
· Envy
· A general uncontrollable hating of all things Jamaican

Additionally, American victims seem to be unable to grasp many things such as batons and the fact that people can actually run fast without performance enhancing drugs.
So far scientists have been unable to find a cure and it is feared that the entire world will be infected in a matter of days. The long term prognosis is not good either, as it is feared that there is another generation of Jamaican athletes that have this deadly virus in their system and will be unleashing it on the world in even more record doses.

The only hope anybody has, to remain immune, is to stop watching television (except for NBC), stay off the internet and move as far away from civilized, rational humans as they can, in some remote underdeveloped, mentally retarded place such as the USA.

Trial in Cuban light bulb case postponed

2008-09-18T21:40:00.003-05:00

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The highly anticipated trial of former junior energy minister Kern Spencer and two co-accused on money laundering and corruption charges, was Monday postponed in the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate's Court.

SPENCER... disappointed that the trial was unable to get off the ground

The matter was postponed because of a change of lawyer on the part of defendant Rodney Chin and the unavailability of his lead attorney, Richard Small.

A Thursday mention date was set by which time a new trial date is expected to be agreed.

The third defendant in the matter is Coleen Wright, Kern's former executive assistant and supervisor at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.

Following Monday's adjournment, Spencer - who appeared in court with a group of supporters from his North East St Elizabeth constituency - told reporters that he was disappointed that the trial was unable to get off the ground.

All three defendants were arrested and charged in February as a result of a criminal probe into the handling of a gift of four million Cuban light bulbs, which reportedly cost taxpayers
well over $100 million to be distributed.

Spencer is facing a charge of corruption under Section 14(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and three counts of
money laundering.

Chin - the managing director of Universal Management Company and Caribbean Communications and Media Network Ltd - is facing one count of corruption under Section 14(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and one count of money laundering, while Wright faces one count of corruption under Section 14(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and four counts of money laundering.

If found guilty, all three could face up to five years behind bars.

Meanwhile, the defendants will not immediately face the more serious charge of conspiracy to defraud, which was separated from the current charges by the prosecution on July 31. The conspiracy to defraud charge will be revisited following the disposal of the current case against the three.

Sandside shocked! - Boy's dismembered body found in bag

2008-09-18T21:40:00.001-05:00

KARYL WALKER & CARL GILCHRIST, Observer staff reporters
Thursday, September 18, 2008

A dejected Marcia Ffolkes stares aimlessly into space as she reflects on the death of her only child, Aakim Scott, whose dismembered body was found in a bag in bushes in the district of Sandside in St Mary on Monday.

SANDSIDE, St Mary - Police in this rural community said yesterday that they believe a breakthrough was near in solving the gruesome murder of 11-year-old Aakim Scott, whose dismembered body was found stuffed in a plastic bag Tuesday, a day after he was reported missing.

According to a police source, one of the teenagers being questioned in connection with the youth's death was co-operating, inspite of the burning of his house by irate residents. Police said the burning could have destroyed potential evidence.

In the meantime, the Port Maria police were yesterday searching for a sixth suspect in relation to the gruesome murder of the 11-year-old. Five teenagers have already been arrested in connection with the child's death.

This elderly man expresses his disgust at the murder of 11-year-old Aakim Scott, while other residents gather at the entrance to the burnt out house where the boy had gone to visit two teenagers on Sunday. (Photos: Lionel Rookwood)

Yesterday, police were unable to confirm that the boy was sodomised before he was murdered.

"We don't have that information as yet," a cop who identified himself as Detective Sergeant Hutchinson at the Port Maria Criminal Investigation Bureau said.

Residents could not contain their anger as they gathered in groups to discuss the gruesome murder.

"Them dutty boy deh must face a wicked judgement. The woman have only one pickney and them come do him like that? Wha one little boy like dat coulda do anybody?" one woman asked.

Askim's dismembered body was found stuffed in a 100-pound polyethylene bag, with the limbs and head separated from the torso, which was cut in two.

Aakim, who lived with his mother Andrea Ffolkes, and 70-year-old grandfather, was last seen on Sunday evening when he went to a house in the district, where two of the teenage suspects live, to charge his cellular telephone. The child's relatives and residents of the district became suspicious when he did not return and launched a search which led them to the premises where the teenagers lived.

The relatives surrounded the house and demanded that the boys tell them the child's whereabouts, when one of the suspects handed over the child's mobile telephone. The residents then called the police who arrested the two teenagers and later held three others after homicide detectives interrogated the first two who were held.
The angry residents then torched the house where the teenagers lived.

Yesterday all that was left of the dwelling was a burnt out shell. All the furniture and appliances were burnt to a cinder.
Residents of Sandside were yesterday angry at what they described as the tardy response of the police, who they said only came to their assistance after they decided to block a main road which runs on the outskirts of their community.

"If we never decided fi block the road them wouldn't come here. We call dem long time and dem don't come nowhere," one female resident told the Observer.

They said that after the short protest the police came to the district and led seven search parties which combed the thick bushes behind the teenagers' house in a bid to find Aakim. After a few hours the boy's body was found in a bag at the root of a large tree. His head, arms and legs were chopped off.

An elderly man who claimed to have found the boy's body was yesterday beside himself with rage.

"What a set a animal dem. Them don't deserve to live; not even them mother because them womb deh curse," the man said with tears streaming down his face.

The incident has taken a heavy toll on Aakim's mother, Andrea Ffolkes, who was at a loss for words and sat staring into space with her hand at her jaw as her relatives and neighbours tried their best to console her.

"She isn't taking it too well," a neighbour said.
Aakim's untimely demise has also affected schoolmates and the staff at the Trinity Primary School.

"The whole school has been affected, the children, the teachers, all of us. If you had been here this morning you would have seen the children just running around and crying when they realised that Aakim was gone," Ava Turnbull, vice-principal of the primary school told the Observer.

2008-09-16T15:25:00.001-05:00

Do local firms shy away from sports endorsements?

Julian Richardson
Friday, September 12, 2008

Against the backdrop of Usain Bolt's rise to international stardom, Jamaican corporate executives have dismissed claims, coming from some circles, that local indigenous entities lack the will to effectively invest in sports marketing.

Peter Moses, head of Citibank in Jamaica, and Christopher Williams, managing director of NCB Capital Markets - both heavily involved in sports themselves - say local companies are very much involved in investing in sports, but only as much as the market dynamics will allow in Jamaica.

Moses, who is also a highly successful coach of the Real Mona Football Club in Kingston, told Caribbean Business Report that there has been a proliferation of private sector support for sports in recent years. He supported his argument by citing the development of the Waterhouse Football Club.
With sponsorship from the Bicknell family-run Tankweld Metals, Waterhouse is home to one of the better sporting facilities in the National Premier League, and has emerged as one of the most prestigous clubs.

"Ten years ago when I came here, this was a bare piece of land with nothing on it except rubbish but now I am standing in a mini-stadium," said Moses from the facility. "That has come about because a local corporate entity adopted this club and built this infrastructure."

Williams, who plays for Real Mona's Masters League team, said that from a local standpoint, Jamaican companies are very committed to sports, citing Grace Kennedy's sponsorship of the Boys' and Girls' Track and Field Championships and NCB's sponsorship of numerous sporting events, as examples.

"The biggest track and field event in this hemisphere - Boys' and Girls' Champs - is significantly sponsored by a local entity," said Williams. "I think that local entities are out there sponsoring sporting activities and I would go as far as to say that if it wasnt for local entities these events wouldn't even exist."

That aside, Williams admits that improvements can be made to how Jamaican companies utilise endorsements in maximising the goodwill from their association with an athlete or team. This strategy, he said, has been perfectly executed by one of Bolt's sponsors - Digicel, who has bombarded the airwaves with ads featuring the triple Olympic champion.

"Are we taking advantage of the sportspersons and sporting events that we sponsor? That is where I think Digicel has done well," said Williams. "Certainly, I felt that they made a pre-emptive move by picking up Bolt years ago when he had not yet gone on to prominence, so the contract wasn't valued at his current marketability and that is how you have to approach these things.

"Also, Digicel has spent a lot of money in ensuring that you and I know that they sponsor Bolt," he added. "That has nothing to do with the sponsorship of him but the marketing of the fact that they sponsor him. That is where Digicel has done well and local entities can learn from them."

Indicative of how a company's association with a sporting entity can have a positive impact is the fact that according to US-based marketing agency Zeta Interactive, catalysed by his achievements in Beijing, Bolt's other sponsor - Puma - saw its global online chatter increase by 64 per cent during the Games, outperforming Adidas and Nike, which only had increases of 17 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

However, Williams said paying the price required for international exposure is where Jamaican companies become hesitant. Because that sort of exposure is not needed for local entities whose distribution channels barely reach beyond the region. This, according to Williams, is a major reason why Bolt may not attract as much in endorsement money as Michael Phelps, the popular American swimmer who is said to have racked up some US$100 million in endorsement money from heavily exposed American firms after his exploits in Beijing.

"The distribution of our product outside of the Jamaican market is not that strong, so we wouldn't go into those markets and advertise as agressively," said Williams.
"Jamaica is a much smaller country, so we wouldn't as a company (NCB) step up to that international level because we don't have that economy of scale...So clearly our advertising will be concentrated on the Jamaican locals."

Moses added that the reason why Jamaican companies may not advertise to the extent that Digicel does, could be because of the business model employed as well as the availibity of funds. Digicel, he noted, is a consumer oriented business, which requires them to consistenty focus on brand recognition. It is also true that the Irish-owned firm has the critical mass to make such lofty investments.

"I hear people talking about Jamaican companies are waggonist but I don't beleive that," said Moses. "First, people need to make sure that they are comparing apples and apples. Digicel is in a consumer business, they need to be seen everywhere.

"For example, the company I work for is not a consumer oriented company, we are a corporate banker and do our marketing on a direct basis," added Moses. "

While Moses, who is a former president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), beleives that local companies should invest in sporting facilities in order to create the proper framework for athletes, he does not believe they should begin to endorse athletes from a tender age. This, he said, is because companies have a responsibility to paint a "balanced" picture for youngsters.

"While there is the opportunity for other Bolts to emerge, I dont think companies are going to start looking at prep school and primary school athletes, and start sponsoring them from that age," said Moses. "You want to make sure that a youngster maintains a balanced approach to life so they do not start thinking that life is all about sports because not all of them will make it by their sporting prowess."

New Air Jamaica CEO fails to take up job

2008-09-16T15:25:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 16, 2008

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Two weeks after Air Jamaica's new CEO, Edward Wegel, was scheduled to report for work, he is yet to turn up.

The CEO did not turn up for work on September 1, the date in his contract, nor was he at his desk on September 3, the revised date and up to yesterday, 14 days later, he had still not taken up the position.

Airline sources said this is the second time that the former vice-president of corporate planning at Mesa Air Group has reneged on Air Jamaica. The source said more than two years ago, Wegel accepted an offer to be the chief financial officer but failed to report for duties.

Yesterday, calls to Air Jamaica Chairperson Shirley Williams went unanswered, as she was said to be off the island and Paul Pennicook, a senior vice-president at the airline, declined to comment on the matter.

Looking for buyer

The country's financially troubled airline has been looking for a private sector buyer, but one airline specialist, John T. Gilmore, believes it will have a hard time attracting offers.

Wegel, who served as president and CEO of BWIA International Airways and was co-founder of Atlantic Coast Airlines, was selected for the job over David Banmiller, former Aloha Airlines CEO.

In a news report, Banmiller was quoted as saying, "It was clear that there was a significant difference of opinion on key corporate governance issues and the authority level of the CEO." In a statement, he continued: "We were simply not aligned and my experience told me to stand by my position in order to attempt a successful turnaround."

'I had to train hard'

2008-09-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 16, 2008

Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

Olympic 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser waves as she sits in a BMW convertible at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday evening. Fraser, the first Jamaican woman to win an Olympic 100m title when she stormed home in 10.78 seconds in Beijing, was greeted by hundreds of Jamaica, many with the national flag, at the airport. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Olympic 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser, got a welcoming reception fit for a heroine upon her return to Jamaica yesterday.

Fraser, the first Jamaican female to win the Olympic 100m title, when she sped to victory in Beijing in 10.78 seconds, arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport just after 6p.m.

It was the second fastest 100m clocking ever by a Jamaican woman behind Merlene Ottey's 10.74 national record.

Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange led a welcome reception for Fraser and Markino Buckley, a finalist in the men's 400m hurdles. The welcoming team also included Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) president, Howard Aris, Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) chief, Mike Fennell, Member of Parliament Anthony Hylton.

The athletes were taken away in a convertible BMW, provided by Stewart Motors, to Vale Royal where they met with Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Fraser, who gave a touching speech as she reminisced her early days in Waterhouse and "cleaning her shoe on the way to school", was met outside the airport by a huge gathering from her community and UTech/MVP.

Key to her success

She told the function, which was held in the Airport VIP Lounge that hard work was key to her success.

"I had to train hard because no one knew that I had the talent ... and I was like behind the scene and no one was noticing me," she said.

"That made me even more confident to work harder and achieve what I wanted," added Fraser, who said she always wanted to take care of her mother.

She also hailed the support of her family, but made special mention of Asafa Powell, her MVP teammate.

"I am close to Asafa, very close to Asafa. He is the one that has been pushing me a lot," added Fraser, who won the IAAF World Athletics Final.

Buckley, however, sang a different song.

He first thanked God for taking him throughout the season and spoke of his dream to one day champion the world.

"From I was small I always wanted to be on top and to be the greatest athlete in the world. I am not there as yet, but one of those days," he promised

Raped on duty - Constable sexually assaulted by her colleague searches for justice

2008-09-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 16, 2008

Mark Titus, Enterprise Reporter

A woman constable who was allegedly raped by another cop is facing an uncertain future, as she has had to be dealing with the ordeal, all by herself.

Some of her colleagues are advising her not to take any action against the culprit and are doing everything in their power to slow the process. She is, however, adamant that the accused must be brought to justice.

"To sweep this under the carpet would be a complete injustice not only to me, but to other women police who have to be dealing with this kind of thing on a daily basis," she said. "I could not live with myself if I was to keep my mouth shut."

Completely isolated

"But since making an official report, I have been completely isolated. I am now the villain," she laments. "It's like I have done something wrong. No one remembers that this man violated me."

It was about nine years ago that a friend who was also a police officer encouraged her to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). From her first visit to the recruitment centre, she got a preview of what she would be up against. The recruiting officer summoned her to inform her that he could make the process easier for her. But this would be in exchange for sexual favours. She refused. Despite excelling in the recruitment exercises, she was not called until two and a half years later.

Pressure

It was then that she first heard stories of the pressure on females at the training academy. Said the victim: "A lot of female cops told of the pressure that female student constables had to go through, but I always had my stance that if I came under any pressure and the situation was overwhelming, I would take up my little suitcase and leave."

It was clear from day one that there should not have been any form of intimate interaction - be it recruit and recruit or instructor and recruit - you were warned that once you were in breach, you would be sent home - but that never really happened as some of those who lay down the rules themselves break the rules."

The pressure was more than she could imagine. On more than one occasion she wanted to quit, but was encouraged to 'dig in and maintain her standard'.

According to her, at training school, if anyone dared to report the involvement of an instructor in sexual wrongdoings, the informant's squad would eventually be punished. "Other instructors would fight for the right to teach you a lesson; it is just a part of the esprit de corp code," she said.

The woman was, however, quick to point out that there were very good instructors at the Twickenham Park, St Catherine-based, police training school. "There were a few res-pectable officers who stood by the principles of the force, but they were outnumbered by those who were willing to abuse their authority."

The jokes

She successfully completed her eight-month training programme, but her "hard-to-get" stance made her an even bigger target for many of her male counterparts. Some jokingly told her that they were going to rape her. "At first I never took their threats seriously as some of them were senior policemen; but a friend of mine, who was an ex-police, advised me not to take their utterances lightly ... but I did not listen; I thought he was just saying so because of his personal issues with the JCF."

On the eve of Tropical Storm Gustav, the woman cop said that she was on 'grave yard' patrol duty with two male detectives; the driver was one of those who had jokingly threatened to rape her; she was seated in the passenger front seat of the police unit, while the other man was seated in the rear.

During their second beat, about 3 a.m., the men were engaged in a sexually-oriented conversation, while daring her to indulge in some of the suggested acts that they were talking about. On reaching a makeshift airstrip, suspected of being used for drug trafficking, they turned on to the premises.

On entering the property, the driver parked the vehicle under a tree while the other cop came out, informing them he was going to look around. Finding it a bit strange that he would want to go alone, she offered to accompany him, but he told her that he 'had everything covered'; the driver reclined his seat as if going to rest.

Surprised

The driver then stepped out of the car and came around to her door, and suggested that she recline her seat and relax until the other cop returned. She refused. He then forcefully reclined the seat.

"I was caught by surprise. Suddenly, he was over me and I had my knee in his chest. I told him to stop or I would report it, but he ignored my pleas, telling me that 'me a gwaan like mi a virgin, like mi nuh want give him some.' I had no strength to fight him, he was big and strong."

Disregarding any sense of reasoning, he remained on top of her, thrusting violently, until he satisfied himself. He then got up and walked away. "It was a nightmare," she said.

The three drove back to the station without another word being exchanged. She telephoned the divisional inspector and told him what happened. He told her to call him back later.

Not daunted

She went to the station officer and related the experience, indicating that she would like to make an entry in the station diary. She was told to wait. She walked away, but as she did, the station officer related the conversation to a junior constable. She would not be daunted.

She left the police station and went to the doctor. She was surprised that while at the facility, a cop she has had friendly exchanges with, came to see her. "He told me that nothing would come of it, it's my word against theirs, furthermore, a we squaddy."

Those words sank in and realising that it was a criminal act that was committed against her, she said that she assured him that she was going to press the case, so she remained for her examination.

"I am a no-nonsense person and at times get angry at even some of the parents who, through their negligence at times, cause these things to happen to their children," said the cop who is also responsible for investigating sexual offence cases, including buggery, rape, carnal abuse and incest.

"It's ironic that all this time I would try to assure the alleged victims that I share their pain, yet, I never realised the magnitude of the emotional hurt that they had to endure. Now, as a victim myself, I have no one to lean on."

11-page statement

Said the victim: "I gave an 11-page statement. The policeman is still at work, I see him every day. His friends continue to jeer me, passing remarks each time they pass where I am."

"The detective inspector is his boss and the file must pass through his hands at one point or another. Furthermore, the inspector has been using intimidatory tactics. Every day since the incident he will come to my work area, stand up and stare at me for about a minute then walk away. I am not sure of the status of the file. I would not be surprised if he has been showing my statement to others."

To make matters worse, the incident is all over the town, many have seen the female cop and expressed their sympathy, while she is now viewed as the 'whore' of the police division. There are friends who are concerned for her safety, fearing for her life, but she is determined that it will go to trial.

"The matter will go before the court no matter what they do. I have heard many stories of corruption in the JCF, but I never dreamt that I would be a victim of it."

'Unfair and unreasonable' OUR says JPS' 41-day billing cycle breaches service terms

2008-09-14T13:19:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 13, 2008

THE Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) yesterday described as 'unreasonable and unfair', the Jamaica Public Service's (JPS') use of a 41-day cycle to bill hundreds of its customers for the months of July and August, saying the company's actions violate its service terms and conditions.

As a result, the regulatory body has ordered the light and power company to reduce the billing period for the actual and estimated bills for the affected accounts and demanded that the customers' services not be disconnected for any outstanding balance between now and December 31.

The OUR has also demanded that the JPS provide, within seven days, a detailed account of the circumstances that led to the issue of the bills reflecting the extended period.

"Having reviewed some of the complaints, the office has concluded that JPS has breached the conditions of the JPS All-Island Electricity Licence, 2001 by issuing bills for a period in excess of the time approved by the OUR," the OUR said in a press release issued late yesterday.

"The OUR is also of the view that JPS' actions in this matter are unreasonable and unfair to its customers regarding their cash flow and budgeting; while, at the same time, giving JPS an advantage with regards to its own cash flow," the OUR added.

Yesterday's announcement came amidst outcries from hundreds of customers that the company had sent them bloated bills for the months in question that they were unable to pay.

Customers complained that their bills doubled and in cases quadrupled over the period, even as the price of oil on the world market continued to fall. One woman was reported to have received a bill of more than $400,000 - several thousands more than the $2,229 she should have been charged.

Several disgruntled customers also held peaceful protests outside the company's Montego Bay, Portland and Portmore branches earlier this week, demanding that the company provide an explanation regarding the significant increases.

Yesterday, the OUR also demanded that the light and power company "provide a method for calculating the adjustments to the bills that will reflect consumption levels for the fewer days at the fuel rates which were applicable for that period".

Said the OUR: "The approved bill format, based on actual readings, for issue in the next billing period, should be accompanied by a bill stuffer explaining the meaning of the line items for the necessary adjustments."

In addition, the OUR asked the JPS to:

. Provide a list of all affected customers and their geographical locations;

. Ensure that no estimated bills are issued for a billing period exceeding 30 days as of November 2008; and that

. As of January 2009, at least 99 per cent of bills based on actual readings will not exceed a billing period of 31 days.

UTech: A modern-day security hub

2008-09-14T13:08:00.001-05:00

BY TYRONE S REID Sunday Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008

WITH the explosion of big-dollar, state-of-the-art
technological machinery, cutting-edge systems, lightning-speed tracking devices and other generational tools at college campuses across the globe, the Security and Safety Department at the University of Technology (UTech) has emerged with an energised drive to expand the role of technology in protecting students and staff on the campus.

Many will remember the early-morning shooting incident last December which claimed the life of 21-year-old student DeAndra Morris, after she was attacked, in the company of a female friend, while returning from a party. Additionally, since the start of the new academic year, the department has reportedly received many 'stalker reports' from both students and staff members.

Smith explains the workings and functions of the high-tech equipment in the restricted security area. (Photos: Lionel Rookwood)

That's why the university is investing tens of millions of dollars to expand their high-tech security control room as part of efforts to further upgrade their already highly-advanced 'protection scheme' - described as the most sophisticated among educational institutions in Jamaica. Already close to completion, the control area comes fully equipped with flat-screen monitoring devices, surveillance feeds from all corners of the campus and even weather-tracking software. On the dormitories, visual ID recognition is employed, with the feed sent back to the university's control room. Additionally, the university will soon boast a new viewing room, much akin to those used at foreign police stations.

These days, security is big business at UTech and they want to share their expertise and capabilities with the rest of the island - and the region. Just ask Robert 'Bobby' Smith, the man who has been leading the big-hearted security revolution at the school for the last four years.

"We want to go into the business of providing technologically-advanced

security services throughout the region for education purposes. We are not in competition with other institutions. We are interested in sharing our expertise for the benefit of staff and students," Smith told the Sunday Observer. "We feel very strongly that learning should be done in a safe environment and that the investment we make in terms of safety and security will yield very good results."

Two weeks ago, the Sunday Observer was taken on a tour of the facilities to view the current control room (a highly restricted area) and to hear about the vast upgrading work being carried out. The high-tech control room is a gadget-geek's paradise with broad computer screens displaying all areas of the campus, including lecture rooms, offices and the wider outdoors. A staff of four including Garfield McClarey, Irene Brown and Winsome Blair operates the room.

"When storm comes, their yard don't see them for days," Smith says of his staff. "We are able to monitor the classrooms and stay on top of whatever happens on the campus. And when we finish expanding our space, we will be able to get more done. We always have to keep adding new software to upgrade our system," he shared.

The estimated cost of the upgrading operations, we were informed, lies in the multi-millions.

"We have to work really hard to make our students feel secure on the campus. And even though we don't have major problems on the campus, security is always a big issue," McClarey said.
In the meantime, Smith says there are plans afoot to set up a police post at the school's main entrance.

"We are having ongoing discussions with the police commissioner and the mayor of Kingston about it. Hopefully, everything will work out and it will be up before the end of the term," Smith revealed. "We are looking into the costs right now. The commissioner is enthusiastic because part of the plan is to make it a model for how community policing should be done. We want to take over Papine so to speak. Later down the road we might branch out into VIP protection because we know we have the capabilities."

Commish apologises to deputy - Task force turns up at Mark Shields' door with search warrant for Vybz Kartel's house

2008-09-14T12:58:00.002-05:00

BY KARYL WALKER Sunday Observer senior reporter walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008

POLICE Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin had to apologise to his deputy, Mark Shields, after a major blunder by members of a joint police/military task force, who turned up with a search warrant at Shields' Hacienda Way home in Norbrook, St Andrew last Wednesday.

The security team was looking for the home of embattled dancehall DJ, Vybz Kartel, who lives a few houses down the road from Shields.

Wrong House: A security team looking for the home of embattled dancehall DJ, Vybz Kartel, last week turned up with a search warrant at this house belonging to Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Shields. Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin has since apologised to Shields for the blunder. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Shields was reportedly at home with a female companion and his daughter when the cops and soldiers came calling.
A police source said Shields' female companion opened the door and informed the security forces that they were about to raid the deputy commissioner's house.

"They then told the woman that they were looking for Vybz Kartel's house, and asked her if she knew where the house was," the source told the Sunday Observer.

Shields confirmed the incident, but would not comment on his colleagues' gaffe when contacted yesterday.

"I won't comment on the matter," Shields said.

The source said the officers were sent to Shields' address on the orders of a police superintendent, who allegedly insisted that the address was correct, despite queries by the officers under his command. The source said the superintendent was not particularly fond of the deputy police commissioner, but Shields steered clear of stoking any flames of discord.

"I don't have any proof of that," Shields told the Sunday Observer.

The cops and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers eventually left without searching Shields' home, and went to the end of the cul-de-sac at Hacienda Way, where they searched the DJ's house and arrested several persons.

Yesterday, head of the joint task force, Assistant Commissioner Owen Ellington refused to comment on the blunder made by the charges under his command.
"I don't know about that," Ellington said.

Vybz Kartel, whose name is Adijah Palmer, was released last Friday evening after being questioned by detectives based at Operation Kingfish, in relation to the murder of Christopher 'Nunu Puss' Miller, whose bullet-riddled body was found dumped near a canefield in St Catherine last week.

Cops silent on Kartel case

2008-09-12T16:26:00.001-05:00

The police are extremely tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the arrest of popular deejay Vybz Kartel.

A number of high-ranking police officers contacted by THE STAR yesterday refused to comment on the investigations.

However, director of communications for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Karl Angell, revealed that the police began interrogating the deejay yesterday.

He also revealed that Kartel, whose real name is Adidjah Palmer, is still in custody after being held on Wednesday during one of two raids carried out by members of the Joint Task Force.

When contacted, his attorney, Valerie Neita-Robertson also declined to comment. Kartel was picked up on Wednesday at his studio at 14 Kirk Avenue, Havendale, St. Andrew. A second raid was conducted at his house on Hacienda Way in Norbrook, also in St Andrew.

At least nine persons were detained during the raids including a policeman who was reportedly working as the deejay's bodyguard.

Before his recent arrest Kartel had previous brushes with the law. In 2004 he was arrested for an on-stage fight with fellow deejay Ninja Man at the Sting stage show.

In February a photograph with Kartel and fellow deejay, Sheldon 'Aidonia' Lawrence, began circulating. It showed them posing with what appeared to be high-powered weapons. Shortly after that Operation Kingfish issued a statement requesting a meeting with them.

No criminal charges were however laid against them.

Bolt for US talk shows

2008-09-12T16:18:00.001-05:00

published: Friday | September 12, 2008

Brian Bonitto, Acting Entertainment Editor

DOUBLE world-record holder Usain Bolt has no intention of slowing down. After conquering the Beijing Olympics, the 22-year-old sprinter is poised for another circuit: the US talk shows.

According to the CBS website, the sprint sensation is scheduled for 'The Late Show' with David Letterman this month, marking his first US talk-show appearance.

Bolt's manager, Norman Peart, confirmed that he would appear on the popular show on Wednesday, September 24, and that there were similar requests from rival programmes.

Peart, who has mentored Bolt since he was 15, named the other high-profile US television appear-ances, scheduled this month for the triple Olympic gold medallist.

"He's to be on the 'Daily Show' with Jon Stewart on the 25th; and, Regis and Kelly on the 26th," he said.

Asked whether the sprint star's management team had got bigger to deal with the new demands since Bolt's Olympic triumphs, Peart said there was no reason to.

"We have had the same team since 2003 ... and there are no immediate plans to expand," he said.

Bolt, nicknamed 'Lightning Bolt', won the 100 and 200 metres in Beijing, China, in world-record times of 9.69 seconds, and 19.30 seconds, respectively. His third gold medal came in the 4x100m relay which was also done in a record time of 37.10 seconds.

Bolt became the first man since American Carl Lewis in 1984, in Los Angeles, to win three gold medals in track and field at an Olympics.

Hero's welcome

He was given a hero's welcome on his return to Jamaica on Monday.

Asked if Spanish football champions Real Madrid had also invited the track star to visit their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as reported by The Associated Press, Peart could not confirm.

"I know he's a Manchester United fan," he said. "But, as I said, we have a lot of requests."

Yesterday, Bolt and 200m Olympic gold medallist Veronica Campbell-Brown were appointed UNESCO champions for sport.

Gov't modifies motor vehicle duty concession for travelling officers

2008-09-12T16:14:00.001-05:00

BALFORD HENRY, Observer writer balfordh@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, September 12, 2008

Government has decided to modify the limitations imposed on the 20 per cent motor vehicle duty concession for its travelling officers, which was included in the 2007/2008 budget.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, made the announcement yesterday at a function at his ministry, marking the signing of a new two-year salary agreement between the government and the Jamaica Police Federation (JPF) which represents rank and file police.

Shaw said that he and senators Dwight Nelson and Don Wehby, ministers without portfolio in his ministry, have received numerous complaints about the restrictions which he had articulated in his April budget speech.

"The government has reviewed that policy and we have decided to make a modification. It will not go exactly back to the original policy. It will be modified in terms of the cc rating (of the vehicles)," Shaw said.

"We will move the (maximum) cc rating from 2,500 cc to 3,000 cc and in respect of the diesel vehicles, it will be moved from 2,500 cc to 3,200 cc. In terms of the cif ceiling, it will remain as it was before," he added.

The maximum cif value which will attract the 20 per cent concession will remain at US$25,000.

"Anything above the US$25,000 in terms of the cost of the vehicle, full duty will apply," he confirmed.
He said that the ministry will send out a circular with the details.

Shaw said that the concession is part of benefits provided for public sector employees by the government, having regard to the "relatively modest pay structure" that exists in the sector.
"It is not a benefit that should be transferred to other people," he warned.

He appealed to the police federation and other public sector organisations to assist the ministry in ensuring that the system is not abused, and that only the people for whom it is intended receive the benefit.

Shaw had announced in April that the government would limit the 20 per cent concession to vehicles with a maximum 2,500 cc or US$25,000 value, in order to have better control over its use. However, this has been resisted by a number of public sector bodies, including the Jamaica Teachers Association.

Meanwhile, yesterday Senator Nelson - in outlining the highlights of the agreement with the police - listed the 40-hour work week provision, which requires that police who work excess hours be paid a duty allowance in lieu of overtime. This is retroactive to April.

Senator Nelson led the ministry's negotiating team.
Other agreements he highlighted were that the police high command and the Ministry of National Security are to discuss the controversial issue of police personnel "moonlighting" or doing other work; as well as benefits for the development of personnel, including education grants especially for tertiary level education.

Minister of National Security Colonel Trevor McMillan, and head of the police federation, Corporal Raymond Wilson, both welcomed the agreement and the opportunity to now focus on the implementation of the strategic review proposals which are aimed at making the force more professional.

COPS BLOCK BOLT PARTY

2008-09-11T15:53:00.001-05:00

Western Bureau:

Tempers flared yesterday between residents and the police, at a community meeting in Sherwood Content in Trelawny, over where a homecoming celebration for sprint star Usain Bolt should be held.

Sherwood Content, in the yam-producing parish, was home to triple gold-medallist Usain Bolt before his recent relocation to Kingston. The residents had being planning to celebrate Bolt's Olympic success, but the police in Trelawny are adamant that the residents' selected location is a security risk.

The Sherwood Content Community Centre had been the selected venue to host Usain's homecoming. These plans were crushed, however, when the police refused to grant permission for the event.

One angry male shouted: "Dis a whey Bolt come from and unnu a tell wi seh wi caah keep a celebration fi welcome wi hero? Dat a foolishness!"

Security risks

Superintendent in charge of Trelawny, Linette Williams-Martin, in an effort to calm the irate residents, explained that Bolt was an international sprint icon who had to be protected against security risks.

"When it comes to traffic management, it is impossible because of the narrow roads, and two vehicles cannot hold on the roads. Apart from that, there are not sufficient parking areas, and a number of other security risks. This is Bolt. This is not an ordinary Jamaican," the senior officer said.

She said the community would have an opportunity to interact and celebrate with Bolt when he visited Waldensia Primary and the basic school, where a treat for the children would be staged.

"Bolt will be here spending some hours with the children, so it's not that Bolt won't be coming into his community. Besides, they will also be having a motorcade," Superintendent Williams-Martin stated in her appeal to the Sherwood Content residents.

Usain's father, Wellesley Bolt, was also adamant that his son would not attend any event that posed a security threat to him.

"When I saw what happened at the airport, it was chaos, and one of his hands almost got dislocated, and we cannot allow that to happen. You can't go beyond the police, and they said that the event cannot be held here," he said.

Illegal Olympic DVD being sold

2008-09-11T15:49:00.000-05:00

Jamaica's performance at the recently concluded Olympic Games in Beijing, China, is being sold illegally on a DVD in downtown Kingston and Half-Way Tree, St Andrew.

Despite obvious copyright infringements, vendors have been selling the DVD for $100.

The demand for the item is so great that when THE STAR checked the first four vendors, they claimed to be "out of stock".

"Bway, yu late; mi don. Check further dung di line cause mi out a stock ya now. Dem a sell fast; about 10 mi sell from day," one vendor said.

The vendors say that the DVD was made available for sale about a week ago and has been in great demand since.

"Da DVD ya is like a collector's edition, eno. Everybody want one. A whole heap a people a request dem," one female vendor, Iris, told THE STAR yesterday after the DVD was finally obtained.

The front of the DVD bears an image of Asafa Powell receiving the baton from Usain Bolt in the final of the 4 x 100 metres relay event for men.

'100 % JAMAICAN'

The cover is labelled 'Beijing 2008' and has other inscriptions such as '100 % JAMAICAN' and 'THE SPRINT FACTORY'.

The one-hour-and-40-minute-long DVD was recorded from the broadcast of a Jamaican television station and shows the 100- and 200-metre events for men and women, the 400-metre race for women, the 4 x 100 metre event for men, the 4 x 400-metre event for men and women and the women's 400-metre hurdles.

At the end of the DVD, Jimmy Cliff's Harder They Come is played in the background, while messages, such as 'Beijing 2008 Jamaica Sprint Factory', 'Jamaica Rules the World' and 'History, Ours to Remember' are flashed across the screen.

When THE STAR spoke to the police about the DVD they said they were not aware of it but they would be conducting investigations.

Name changed.

René Simoes fired?

2008-09-11T15:45:00.001-05:00

Unconfirmed reports out of Honduras are that René Simoes, Technical Director of Jamaica's Football team was fired this morning by Jamaica Football Federation's(JFF) president Horace Burrell.

Simoes' dismissal came following Jamaica's 2-0 loss to Honduras last night. The coach was reportedly given notice about his dismissal while he was in his hotel room in San Pedro Sula.

When contacted by THE STAR, Howard McIntosh, chairman of the JFF Technical Committee said; "...not making any comments on the matter. I cannot say one way or the other anything on the matter."

Efforts to contact other members of the JFF executive were unsuccessful as they were said to be in Honduras with the team. A call to the team's hotel revealed that the delegation had already checked out.

Simoes, who guided Jamaica to its only World Cup appearance in 1998, returned as manager of the country's national team earlier this year.

Simoes resigned from the Reggae Boyz in February 2000, but took up the position again on January 5, he replaced Bora Milutinovic, who was fired last year.

'I am a US citizen because of Obama'

2008-09-11T15:36:00.001-05:00

published: Thursday | September 11, 2008

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Pastor Ed Goldson - Contributed

AS A youngster travelling around Jamaica with his father, a pastor, Ed Goldson was inspired to follow in his footsteps and preach from a church pulpit.

Last year, another inspirational figure altered his life.

Goldson said Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for United States president, influenced his decision to become an American citizen.

Citizenship application

"Once he declared himself for the presidency I applied for citizenship," Reverend Goldson told The Gleaner by telephone from his home in Seattle, Washington.

The 63-year-old Goldson is pastor at the Renton First United Methodist Church in Seattle. He became a US citizen on July 31.

Along with another Jamaican and 74 immigrants from 36 countries, the Kingston-born preacher swore allegiance to the country he has lived in since 1965, at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in Seattle.

In February, he attended Obama's rally in that city which drew a crowd of evangelic proportions. Goldson believes Obama, son of an African father and white American mother, has the right ingredients to become the next president of the United States.

Obama's vision

"He has a vision not just for America but for a new world, and I want to be part of that world," Goldson said.

Obama announced his candidacy in February, 2007. He not only won handsomely in state primaries where there is a large black base, but in predominantly white states.

Goldson said friends, parishioners and neighbours have long known which candidate is going to get his vote. Not only does he discuss Obama's policies, his home is adorned with campaign merchandise supporting the charismatic Illinois Senator.

He believes given America's checkered racial history, it would be good if Obama wins.

"It would speak loudly not only for America, but the world," he said.

Goldson has been a pastor with the United Church for over 35 years. He has served that time in the Pacific Northwest, a region that does not have a large black population.

He started out at the Mallory Avenue Christian Church in Portland, Oregon in 1972. Six years later, he moved to Seattle in neighbouring Washington state to become pastor at the Grace United Methodist Church.

America was not receptive to blacks when Ed Goldson arrived in New York City in 1965. The Civil Rights movement, led by Martin Luther King, was in full cry and militant groups like the Black Panthers prowled urban centres.

Goldson began his theological studies at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, a largely white area.

"There wasn't a lot of riots in the town where I went to school but there was certainly a lot of racism," he recalled. "There had been another Jamaican there before me, Carmen Lyons. I thought to myself, 'if she can survive, so can I'," he added.

Served Jamaica well

Goldson is the eldest of the Reverend Selvin Sydney Goldson's four children. Goldson senior served the United Church in Jamaica throughout St Mary for many years.

In over 40 years living in the US, he has seen token runs for president by black activists like Julian Bond and Eldridge Cleaver. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton put in spirited showings in 1984, 1988 and 2004, respectively.

None of them, however, compares to the 47-year-old Obama whose message of change has gone beyond the US. In Jamaica, reggae singer Coco Tea has done a song in tribute to him, so too dancehall star Mavado.

Goldson, who is married to an African-American and father of one son, is confident Obama will create history in November.

"Up to recently I thought he would win a landslide, but there's a category I'm concerned about (white women for Hillary Clinton) who could have a big say. But I think he's going to definitely win," he said.

Bolt to di worl'! - Crowds brave rain to welcome home Olympic champion

2008-09-09T13:28:00.001-05:00

BY KIMONE THOMPSON Observer senior reporter thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.com
Tuesday, September 09, 2008

The heavy rains that pelted the island yesterday were not enough to dampen the spirit of hundreds of Jamaicans who lined the streets of Kingston to welcome home Olympic champion Usain Bolt who broke two world records and had a hand in a third at the Beijing Olympics last month.

The skies were black, signalling the fury to be unleashed, but fans were undaunted. For the entire stretch of road between the Norman Manley International Airport and the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, housewives, grandmothers, pregnant women, professionals, schoolchildren, men, boys and girls stood in the pouring rain, singing Bolt's praises.

Double Olympic champion and World Record holder in the 100m and 200m Usain Bolt gives his now trademark pose after exiting the Virgin Atlantic aircraft on his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston yesterday. At left is Sports Minister Olivia Grange. Bolt received a hero's welcome from excited Jamaicans along the route from the airport to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. (Photos: Bryan Cummings and Collin Reid)
Others crowded the corridors and sidewalks outside their offices, congregated on low roof tops or peered through the windows of high rise buildings.

They took time off from work, paused household chores, delayed taking the children home from school and put off their homework. They faced the slanting rain, waded in water which was at times ankle-deep, and many of them trekked all the way from the Palisadoes road to the Pegasus.

"I feel like ah dog wid ten tails," said Jenny Jamieson as she stood at the Harbour View round-a-bout yesterday.

"Mi ah tek mi lunch time now cause mi haffi deh yah so. Mi love Usain Bolt. Him mek Jamaica proud and di way mi proud ah him mi haffi come show mi love," she added, as she paid for a green, black and gold wrist band and a Jamaican flag.
Unlike Jamieson, who took time off work, Joyce Allen, an elderly woman from Yallahs, St Thomas, was home with nothing doing.

Fans squeal in excitement as they reach out to touch the BMW carrying Olympic champion Usain Bolt on Mountain View Avenue in east Kingston yesterday. Bolt, who broke the 100 and 200 m world records at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing last month, came home to a hero's welcome yesterday. Members of Government, including Prime Minister Bruce Golding and minister of sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange met him on the tarmac at the Norman Manley International Airport and escorted him to the Jamaica Pegasus where he was the subject of press conference. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

"Me hear it on the 12 o' clock news and mi just jump in mi car and come down here," she said. "He's a hero. I have heard so much about him and I just want to see him in person."
And as much as the occasion drew hundreds of fans, it also drew peddlers who made quick cash from the sale of flags, buttons, bracelets, wristbands and even shoes and school bags in the black, green and gold.

"Cho, look how di place black up man. Ah hope him come before the rain enuh," a woman in the growing crowd was overheard saying. She did not have her wish however, as within a matter of minutes, heavy drops sent fans scurrying for cover. Where they did not have rain coats, or where umbrellas where made useless by gusty winds, people used cardboard boxes and pieces of carton or plastic bags.

Then there were others who, apparently caught up in Beenie Man's Heart Attack and Mavado's On The Rock blaring from two vehicles parked nearby, just let the rain soak them.
When at 1:55 pm a van coming from the direction of the airport announced via loud speaker that Bolt's plane had landed, the crowd became ignited, screaming, dancing, shouting. Eager to get the first glimpse of the lankly sprinter, they wandered out into the road blocking traffic from the airport.

By the time the deep burgundy BMW with the word 'Digicel' emblazoned on the hood and back windshield appeared, the crowd was in such a frenzy that the convoy could barely make it through. Fans grabbed onto the sides and jumped onto the hood, trying to get Bolt's attention. Although his car was a convertible, he had to satisfy himself with just an open window since it was pouring.

"Usain, Usain, Usain" chanted a group of students from Donald Quarrie High School.

"To di worl'", others shouted. "Bolt to di worl'".

Buoyed by excitement, the more avid of the fans decided to make the trek to the Jamaica Pegasus where Bolt was to be the subject of a press conference. Some drove, some hitch-hiked, others walked. And all along the route - via Rockfort, Mountain View Avenue, Arthur Wint Drive, Tom Redcam Avenue and Oxford Road - more kept joining.

The Observer caught up with a young man in the vicinity of Excelsior High School on Mountain View Avenue who said he had been following the convoy from the time it left the airport. His white T-shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers were drenched but he didn't seem to mind.

"It more than worth it, baby. It more than worth it," he told this reporter.

Maurice Taylor, an employee of the Companies Office of Jamaica, agreed.

"I wouldn't care if [my bosses are upset that I am out here]. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This don't happen everyday," he said standing at the corner of Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard.

He worked through lunch, he said, so that he could leave early and see history unfold. At 4:30 pm it did.

"This is the second greatest day in history," he exclaimed. "The first was when he broke the 100m record... I woulda like fi bottle da day yah and tek ah sip ah it when mi down," he said, before racing to get "better shots" of Bolt.

USAINBOLT.com ON SALE? SUCH A SHAME.THEN AGAIN I JUST BOUGHT HERBMCKINLEY.COM

2008-09-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

Usain Bolt has brands such as Puma and Sandals in his camp, he is also a globally trademarked brand and yet his managers missed the US$10 per domain opportunity to register his usainbolt.com brand online? Come on! How coud his handlers be so shortsighted and sloppy to have let this happen.

How could they have missed protecting Usain Bolt’s domain name and also his brand in Facebook (There are 2 Facebook FanPages with a combined fanbase of 180,000, but which one is the Official Fan Page from those who are managing Usain Bolt’s brand?) And the same goes for AsafaPowell, Veronica Campbell and other Jamaican athletes.

In my mind, this is just another example of how we Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals do not take our own Jamaican and Caribbean brands as seriously as we should, unless someone is trying to sell it back to us. This also highlights the general mindset and that particularly of a lot of Jamaican and Caribbean companies, that are yet to take the Internet as a serious communications and marketing tool. Most of them have done little if nothing at all about going online in meaningful and powerful ways.

It is oh so sweet that JIPO is moving to block the sale of the domain name of Jamaican athletes, but again this is us,Jamaica, the Caribbean being reactive, when we should have been proactive. Maybe this issue with JIPO moving to block the sale of the athletes domain by a US-based company will help Jamaican people and Jamaican companies take their domain names, their priceless online real estate more seriously and in tow, Jamaican and Caribbean companies to realize and act on a few important things:

-Brand Jamaica is a powerful global brand and we’re behind in positioning ourselves to maximize on this. Jamaican and Caribbean people at home and in the Diaspora are online BIG TIME and they are pouring on at an alarming speed. They are an amazingly lucrative niche market with loads of untapped potential.

- Jamaican and Caribbean domain names for people, products and brands are super valuable and should be owned by the rightful individuals. So if you fall into that category, go register it at godaddy.com or networksolutions.com and stop procrastinating.

Domain names of past Jamaican Olympians of value too

It’s great that Jamaica’s current crop of Olympians are hot but what of our past Olympic Champions such as Grace Jackson(200m silver medalist, 1988 Seoul Olympics); Merlene Ottey (Dubbed Queen of the Track because among other things Ottey was the first female Caribbean athlete to win an Olympic medal and has won more Olympic medals than any other female athlete in the Western Hemisphere); Juliet Cuthbert(5 time Olympian, Double Silver Medal Winner, executive personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur) and then the legend Herb McKinley/McKenley ( He is still the only athlete to have reached an Olympic track final in all three of the classic sprint events, 100, 200 and 400 metres. His Olympic medal total of one gold and three silver.)

In fact, when I checked godaddy.com, I found that merleneottey.com was registered 3 years ago but no site has been developed as yet; Juliet Cuthbert a good friend of mine I registered her domain for her just last year but no site has been developed as yet. Herbmckinley and herbmckenley.com were available so I registered and will be hand them over to the rightful owners.

The only lesson here: Domain names are Internet real estate gold. Get yours and protect it.

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Jamaican Evolution - Paul Rodgers investigates if evolution might explain Jamaican athletes' impressive performance at the Olympic games

2008-09-08T11:16:00.001-05:00

Paul Rodgers investigates if evolution might explain Jamaican athletes' impressive performance at the Olympic games

“Are we seeing evolution at work?” asked a colleague as the Beijing Olympics came to a close last month. I was stunned, but he had evidence: Usain Bolt’s 9.69 second 100m dash, no less. So superior was Bolt that he didn’t even tax his abilities to the limit while setting this new world record; he began to showboat as he neared the finish line, contemptuous of his rivals’ attempts to catch him. Was this not clear evidence of the emergence of Homo supernus, a species superior to mere H sapiens?

Bolt wasn’t alone. The tiny nation of Jamaica – with a population of 2.8 million, less than that of Wales – won 11 medals in Beijing, six gold, three silver and two bronze, all of them in athletics. It ended up 13th in the medal rankings, well ahead of bigger, richer countries. Nor was the success of Jamaica’s 2008 team unprecedented. In the 100m alone, it claimed silvers in 1952, 1968, 1976 and 1996, plus bronzes in 1972, 1984, 2000 and 2004.

And the statistics are misleading; several recent winners for other countries were in fact reflagged Jamaicans. Linford Christie, who won gold in Barcelona, was running for Britain, while Donovan Bailey represented Canada when he won in Atlanta, as did Ben Johnson, who was stripped of his victory in Seoul after failing a drugs test.

It’s an impressive record, but not nearly enough to show evolution at work. Complex behaviours such as running are governed by a host of genes influencing everything from the size and shape of bones to the microscopic structure of muscles and the efficiency of oxygen-carrying molecules in the blood.

To argue that the success of Jamaica’s athletics team was down to better genes, you would have to show that a new mutation emerging on the island in the past 500 years (assuming that the pre-Columbian Arawak and Taino were exterminated) conferred such a speed advantage that it drowned out other factors, both genetic and environmental.

And as if on cue, just such a mutation appeared in the press shortly before the Games opened in Beijing. Professor Errol Morrison, the president of Jamaica’s University of Technology, and a team from Glasgow University have found that Jamaica’s elite athletes had a particularly high incidence of a protein called α-actinin-3 (misnamed “actinin a” in most reports), which is produced by a gene called ACTN3 and has been linked to explosive releases of power in fast-twitch muscles. Of the Jamaican athletes studied by Morrison and his colleagues, 70 per cent had the gene for α-actinen-3, compared with just 30 per cent of Australians. This, it was claimed, was the genetic root of Jamaican’s superiority on the track. As The Daily Mail said on 6 August, it determines “whether humans are sprinters or plodders”.

Except that it doesn’t. Daniel MacArthur, a researcher at the Institute for Neuromuscular Research in Australia and member of the team that first linked the gene with elite athletes, notes that everyone has the ACTN3 gene, in one of two forms. As often happens, one of these forms is dominant, resulting in the production of α-actinin-3, the other recessive. People with a double dose of the recessive gene produce no α-actinen-3, produce less explosive power in their fast twitch muscles and are, not surprisingly, under represented among athletes the world over, since the difference in performance has been estimated at 2 to 3 per cent.

But a double dose of the dominant gene confers no special advantage. And when you count the people with one dominant and one recessive version of the gene as well as those with the double dominant version, the disparity between Jamaica and the rest of the world starts to disappear. Of Jamaicans, 98 per cent have at least one dominant version of the gene, compared to 82 per cent among Europeans. Around the world, an estimated 5 billion people have at least one copy of the dominant gene. It’s a fair bet that every runner at the Olympics had the dominant version of ACTN3.

Lots of other explanations have been put forward for the Jamaican team’s success, ranging from yams in the diet (as suggested by Bolt’s father) to the long distances that many Jamaican children run to get to school. Perhaps most significant though is the cultural importance of the track. Just as young British athletes are attracted by football and young Americans by basketball and baseball, Jamaicans have their own favourite sport, athletics. The Champs, the annual high-school athletics meet, is the country’s top sporting event. And for the past 30 years, the elite from those trials have gone on to Professor Morrison’s Utech, where their skills have been further honed.

Chances are, this is no more evidence of evolution than the lottery-backed success of Britain’s 2008 Olympic team

Hundreds expected to welcome Bolt home

2008-09-08T05:42:00.001-05:00

Monday, September 08, 2008

Bolt... will ride in new red BMW convertible.

TRIPLE world record holder and Olympic Champion Usain Bolt, who arrives home to a hero's welcome this afternoon, will travel in a motorcade from the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, to the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

The Government yesterday announced that a welcome party consisting of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Minister of Sports Olivia Grange and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie and heads of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), INSPORTS and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) as well as corporate sponsor Digicel will meet Bolt on the tarmac as he steps off a Virgin Atlantic flight at 1:15 pm.

A new red BMW convertible will transport Bolt in the motorcade, leading vehicles carrying the prime minister and other officials from the airport to the hotel, where a press conference is scheduled to be held.

Bolt's welcome will launch the start of several planned activities to commence in October when all the members of Jamaica's Beijing Olympic team will return to the island on a special flight. They will lead a motorcade through the streets of Kingston, accompanied by specially designed floats and effigies of the medal winners.

"We have had short notice, but we are pulling out all the stops to make this celebration a fitting tribute to the glory our Olympic athletes have brought to Jamaica," Grange said in a release yesterday.

She added, "We want to show our pride and our gratitude to these young men and women of Jamaica, and to showcase them as role models for our youth and symbols of excellence for our entire population at home and abroad."

At the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China last month, 22-year-old Bolt set two individual world records and shared another with the 4 x 100 Men's relay team.

He won the Men's 100m in 9.69 secs and took the 200m in 19.30 secs - the first man ever to break both the 100 and 200 world records in the same Olympics and the first since Carl Lewis of the United Sates in 1984 to win the sprint double.

In the 4 x 100, the team of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Bolt and Asafa Powell took the gold in a world record time of 37.10 secs.

In addition to the three world records, Jamaica set an Olympic record when Melaine Walker won the 400m hurdles for women and had a total medal haul of 11 - six gold, three silver and two bronze.

Today's motorcade will travel along the following routes:

. Depart tarmac at Norman Manley International airport - escorted through Gate 1

. Drive along departure and arrival route to exit Airport

. Travel to Harbour View roundabout

. East to Mountain View Avenue

. Left on Arthur Wint Drive

. Right on Tom Redcam Avenue

. Across traffic light on to Oxford Road

. Right on Knutsford Boulevard

. Turn into Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

700-pound Clarendon ganja haul

2008-09-08T05:40:00.000-05:00

published: Monday | September 8, 2008

Dwight Nelson, Gleaner Writer

Operation Kingfish put another dent in the illicit drugs-for-guns trade yesterday, hauling in more than 700lb of compressed ganja and two 45-gallon drums of fuel along the island's south coast.

A Toyota Probox motor car, loaded with the drugs, was also seized during the 3 a.m. operation in the Jackson Bay area of Portland Cottage, Clarendon.

According to police reports, on arrival near the Jackson Bay Gun Club, a man on a go-fast boat and others on the beach fired on law enforcement officers, including members of the Area Three Flying Squad. The boater was shot and injured by the cops. The others fled the scene.

The injured man was taken to the Lionel Town Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The police have withheld his name pending further investigations.

Well known

The police said the driver of the Probox motor car is well known to them and was yesterday being sought for questioning.

"This is part of the drugs-for-guns trade with criminals in Jamaica and their counterparts in Haiti and other Caribbean territories," said Detective Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, spokesman for Operation Kingfish.

He added: "We will be continuing operations of this nature to ensure that the drugs and guns, as well as wanted men, are removed from the streets as well as the communities."

The police have called on residents of communities plagued by drug-running to partner with them in flushing out criminals.

Boyz battered! Lose 0-3 to merciless Mexicans at the Azteca

2008-09-07T07:31:00.001-05:00

By Ian Burnett Sport Editor
Sunday, September 07, 2008

Mexico City, Mexico - Once again Mexico proved to be the masters of Jamaica on the football pitch.
Mexico City, Mexico - Mexico's Matias Vuoso (left) battles Jamaican veteran Ian Goodison during their World Cup qualifying game at the Azteca yesterday. Mexico won 3-0. (Photo: AP)

And on the evidence of what was presented to the near capacity (110,000) white-clad, vociferous supporters, the South Americans duly deserved their 3-0 victory in yesterday's CONCACAF Semi-Final round World Cup Qualifying series here at the Estadio Azteca.

The win pushed Mexico to maximum six points from their two games, following a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Honduras on August 20. Honduras and Canada were scheduled to face each other at Montreal last night.

Entering yesterday's game, Jamaica and Canada were locked on one point each, following their 1-1 draw in Toronto in their Semi-Final round opener.

Andres Guardado, Fernando Arce and Jonny Magallon found the net yesterday for the home side.

The Mexican supporters agreed to wear white in a gigantic plea for peace in their homeland, after a spate of kidnappings and murders rocked the country.

Their players might have had peace in their hearts, but they displayed no mercy, especially in the first half-hour of the game officiated by American referee Baldomero Toledo, who is said to be Mexican-born.

Unlike the previous game against Honduras when the crowd had to endure 73 minutes before celebrating their first goal, the home side got off to the perfect start when Guardado put them ahead with a curling left-footed free-kick from the right side of the penalty box in the third minute.

Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts dove full stretch to his left, but the ball had too much pace, as it nestled into the net, sending the spectators into a frenzy.

It was the start that the Reggae Boyz feared, and the fact that they appeared too tentative when in possession of the ball, didn't help either.

It could have been worse, as before 10 minutes had elapsed, Ricketts' alertness kept his team in the game when he came off his line to smother a grounded cross from the left side destined for the arriving Giovani Dos Santos, after the speedy Mexicans had broken free of the chasing Jamaican defenders.

Ricketts, who gained accolades from Canadian coach Dale Mitchell for his exploits against the North Americans on August 20, came up big again for his team when he backpedalled to tip Fernando Arce's looping shot over the horizontal.

And the giant goalkeeper was at it again on the half- hour mark, bravely palming away a dangerous free-kick from Pavel Pardo.
But Arce would return in the 33rd minute to ram home from inside the penalty area, after the Jamaicans failed to adequately deal with the incisive passing by the now marauding Mexicans.
Jamaica, who certainly lacked a step or two in most instances, managed their first shot on goal five minutes from the interval when Ricardo Fuller, who until then appeared anonymous, fired a weak left footed shot which gave goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez no problems.

The Mexicans should have increased their lead in time added in the first half, but Dos Santos, the Tottenham Hopspur striker and an Under-17 FIFA World Cup champion, booted high over the top after being expertly served by a team mate on the penalty spot.

Ricketts continued his good form in the second half when he denied the homeside yet again by sprinting off his line to clear after an unattended Mexican player had received a free-kick well behind the defenders.

But there was only going to be one winner on the night, despite the heroics of Ricketts and the lion-hearted central defender Ian 'Pepe' Goodison, who defied his 35 years and 10 months.
The Mexican added the third and final goal on 63 minutes when central defender Jonny Magallon volleyed home a right-footer from a left-sided corner kick. It was the third consecutive corner by the Mexicans, after the Boyz failed to clear their line.

Moments after the goal, Rudolph Austin tested Sanchez with a firm, low drive, but the goalkeeper parried into the path of Wolfe, who turned his marker before centring for Fuller to head just wide.

Along with Ricketts and Goodison, other players who distinguished themselves were Austin, Andy Williams, Marshall and substitute Wolry Wolfe, and possibly Jermaine Taylor.
But this rendition of the Boyz revealed that the support cast is probably not where it should be in terms of depth. Finally, the inexperience and naivety of Evan Taylor came to the fore, and his replacement after 53 minutes, Keneil Moodie, looked equally out of class.

The Reggae Boyz will depart Mexico early today for Honduras, for their assignment in San Pedro Sula on Wednesday.

Teams:
Jamaica - Donovan Ricketts, Ricardo Gardner, Ian Goodison, Jermaine Taylor, Tyrone Marshall, Evan Taylor (Keneil Moodie 53rd), Rudolph Austin, Demar Phillips (Wolry Wolfe 46th), Andy Williams, Ricardo Fuller, Deon Burton (Luton Shelton 72nd).
Subs not used: Shawn Sawyers, Obrian Woodbine, Davion Thorpe, Jermaine Hue.

Booked: E Taylor (17th), Austin (30th), Phillips (39th)
Mexico - Oswaldo Sanchez, Jonny Magallon, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Luis Perez, Pavel Pardo (Gerardo Torrardo 61st), Carlo Alberto Vela (Vincente Matias 79th), Fernando Arce, Giovani Dos Santos (Cuauhtemoc Blanco 72nd), Andres Guardado.

Subs not used: Guillermo Ochoa, Omar Bravo, Francisco Javier Rodriguez, Aaron Galindo.

Booked: Salcido (37th), Marquez (44th)
Referee: Baldomero Toledo (USA)
Assistant Referees: Chris Strickland, Corey Rockwell (USA)
Fourth Official: Alex Prus (USA)

Match Commissary: Ariel Corrasco (Panama)
Referee Inspector: Ramesh Ramdhan (Trinidad & Tobago)

Arms broker violated US law

2008-09-07T07:28:00.000-05:00

published: Sunday | September 7, 2008

Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter

A PRESS release found on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) website said that Lance Brooks, who operates Taylor and Associates, an arms- brokering business in Lauder-hill, Florida, was charged with being an unlicensed broker of defence articles, in violation of the Arms Export Act.

The release explained that Brooks was charged with knowingly and wilfully brokering the sale of 150,000 rounds of .38 Jacketed Soft Point ammunition; 20,000 rounds of .380 Jacketed Soft Point ammunition, and 100,000 rounds of .223 55 grain Jacketed Soft Point ammunition to Jamaica, without first having registered with and obtaining a licence from the United States Department of State, Directorate of Defence Trade Controls.

The FBI was careful to point out that this was the second time Brooks had been charged with an arms-export violation.

"Brooks, the owner-operator of Taylor and Associates, an arms-brokering business in Lauderhill, Florida, was indicted on November 6, 2007, for violations of the Arms Export Act and other offences," read a section of the release.

arrested last year

On December 20, 2007, Brooks pleaded guilty to exporting defence services from the United States to the United Arab Emirates without a licence, and was on bond pending sentencing in that case. A report on sun-sentinel.com said Brooks was arrested last year as he attempted to board a flight to Abu Dhabi and pleaded guilty in December to export-related and other charges.

On March 30, 2008, while Brooks was awaiting sentencing, a search warrant was issued for the search of a DHL package addressed to Lance Brooks, Taylor and Associates.

The package was coming from the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Firearms Coastal Security Branch and it had Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Paul Robinson's name on it.

"A search of the package revealed an end-user certificate from the Ministry of National Security, Kingston, Jamaica, dated February 26, 2008, regarding the purchase of 150,000 rounds of .38 Jacketed Soft Point ammunition, 20,000 rounds of .380 Jacketed Soft Point ammunition, and 100,000 rounds of Jacketed Soft Point ammunition from Taylor and Associates," the release stated further.

no details given on deal

When contacted, ACP Robinson refused to divulge any details about the deal. "I will have to direct you to Mr Scott." When pressed, ACP Robinson insisted that our news team speak to the permanent secretary.

The FBI added that further investigation confirmed that from as early as October 2007 to March 5, 2008, Brooks was brokering the sale of defence articles to the JCF.

This indicated that the JCF had been dealing with Brooks prior to his initial indictment and continued to do so after he was arrested, charged, pleaded guilty to the charges and was out on bond awaiting sentencing.

The FBI also revealed that on March 3, 2008, the JCF wire- transferred US$81,100.00 (J$5.8-million) to Taylor and Associates to pay for the purchase of the more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Michael Walleisa.

DCP Bent tried to give the assurance that such a blunder would never be allowed to reoccur. "Steps are being taken to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. I view it very seriously and we have to make sure that we cover all the bases, and even if we are in situations where we need items, we are going to make sure that the due diligence is completed before we place orders," she said.

David S. Weinstein, acting public information officer in the US Department of Justice, said that Brooks is to be sentenced on September 25 for the first offence, to which he pleaded guilty. He was arraigned on June 4, for the case involving the arms deal with Jamaica. However, no further court dates have been set by the district court.

tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com

Security blunder: JCF purchased ammunition from illegal dealer in US

2008-09-07T07:27:00.001-05:00

published: Sunday | September 7, 2008

Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter

Scott

SENIOR JAMAICA Constabulary Force (JCF) operatives are conducting a high-level investigation to ascertain who is responsible for a major blunder that led to the illegal purchase of millions of dollars worth of ammunition from a confessed criminal in the United States of America.

In addition to being a confessed criminal, Lance Brooks - the supplier - was not licensed to sell defence items, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed. Exporting controlled military items, such as ammunition, without a licence from the US State Department, is illegal. Brooks owns and operates Taylor and Associates, an arms-brokering business in Lauderhill, Florida.

During The Sunday Gleaner's month-long investigation into the circumstances surrounding the foul-up, the FBI revealed that local security officials failed to conduct the necessary due-diligence checks into Brooks' background and credentials.

The JCF has conceded that a serious gaffe has occurred.

"There was a mistake, obviously. We have to be dealing with it. We are cooperating with the American government and wherever the loophole is found, we will have to make sure that it doesn't happen again," said Jevene Bent, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) in charge of administration.

probe being conducted

"An investigation is being conducted and we are tracing and backtracking to see where the mistake was made," she said.

The probe, according to reports, is being led by John McLean, assistant commissioner of police, and Donna Burnett-Beckford, finance director of the JCF. McLean is off the island, and The Sunday Gleaner has been unable to contact Burnett-Beckford.

The police ordered more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition from Taylor and Associates, to which it wire-transferred US$81,100.00 (J$5.8 million). However, DCP Bent explained that the Ministry of National Security must sign off on transactions of this nature before they could be completed.

But, the ministry refuses to admit it was party to an error that is threatening to become a major source of embarrassment to the JCF and the Government.

Responding via email to queries regarding the arms deal, Gilbert Scott, permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, said: "The matter regarding the purchase of weapons from Taylor and Associates was part of a sensitive security collaboration between Jamaican and USA law-enforcement agencies."

But Judy Orihuela, media representative for the FBI, Miami Division, said that the case was "not a sting operation".

As a matter of fact, the Jamaican Government was far advanced in its bid to seal the deal when it was alerted by the FBI. "They (Jamaican Government) did not know that there was a problem with his licence. As soon as we contacted them and told them there was a problem, they cooperated and assisted us with the case," the FBI spokesperson said.

security collaboration

In a subsequent telephone interview, Scott refused to answer specific questions regarding the nature of the collaboration and when the alleged alliance began. "What you have is all that I am prepared to say on the matter," he said.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, commissioner of police, referred The Sunday Gleaner to DCP Bent. Lewin, who was appointed top cop in December 2007, told our news team: "Talk to the people who were involved. I am suggesting to you that Ms Bent might be the person best able to explore this with you further."

However, Lewin said he wished the JCF had not been caught in this compromising position. "It is not a nice thing to have the name of the JCF or Jamaica associated with anybody who is breaking a rule either in Jamaica or elsewhere," he remarked.

tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com

Clarendon cops under probe

2008-09-07T07:24:00.000-05:00

BY T K WHYTE Sunday Observer correspondent editorial@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, September 07, 2008

MAY PEN, Clarendon - Two police constables assigned to the Clarendon divisional headquarters in May Pen have been pulled from the streets and assigned desk duties, as the police anti-corruption branch investigates allegations that they stole two kilogrammes of cocaine from a motorist.

The cocaine had a street value of $800,000.

Commanding officer for Clarendon, Superintendent Dayton Henry, who confirmed the report, told the Sunday Observer that he would be asking Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin to convene a special panel of officers to deal with the case immediately.

"I can positively confirm that report. They have been taken off frontline duties and have been confined to desk duties," Henry told the Sunday Observer yesterday. "Investigations are being done in earnest as we speak. We have collected some statements and some physical exhibits in the matter, which we have turned over to the anti-corruption branch to complete the probe."

Allegations are that about 3:00 pm on September 2, the two cops intercepted a car along Manchester Street in May Pen. The police said the car was being driven by a "businesswoman", whom they declined to name. The two cops allegedly searched the vehicle and found two kilos of cocaine neatly packaged. However, instead of arresting her for the illegal drug, the cops allegedly seized the cocaine and sent her on her way.

The woman immediately reported the matter to the police.

According to Superintendent Henry, investigations revealed that the woman had gone to sell the cocaine to her pre-arranged contact. The customer did not immediately have all the funds ($800,000) to purchase the drug, and the businesswoman refused to leave the cocaine.

"So the purchaser, not feeling happy that the vendor took back the cocaine, called his police friends, set them up to intercept the woman [and] take the cocaine from her and bring it back to them," Henry alleged. "The policemen received strong information on the woman from their underworld friends about what vehicle she was driving and where she would likely be going."

Asked why the cops had not been arrested and charged, Henry said that although the report was strongly against the two constables, they cannot be criminally charged for stealing an illegal substance. Therefore, their charge must be for something other than simple larceny of cocaine.

"You cannot charge a person criminally for stealing anything that is prescribed in the statutes as being illegal," said Henry. "Therefore, when the investigations are completed - and that will be very early - we will be asking the commissioner of police to convene a special panel of officers to promptly deal with the matter so that he can take a decision on the fate of these allegedly corrupt police constables."

Beres Hammond woos Toronto fans

2008-09-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Hammond. currently conducting a North American tour to promote his latest CD, Moment in Time

Legendary reggae and lover's rock singer, Beres Hammond, made a stop in Toronto recently, where he gave a sterling performance in front of a capacity audience at the Kool Haus, one of Toronto's more popular entertainment venues.

Toronto was the second Canadian city visited by Hammond who is currently conducting a North American tour to promote his latest CD, Moment in Time. The previous night he performed in Montreal, also to a sold-out crowd of exuberant fans.

Describing Toronto as his "home away from home" and telling the fans that they are all his family - to which the fans responded with loud cheers - the dapper Hammond who arrived on stage at 1:00 am had the audience literally eating out of his hands from his very first song, Standing In My Way.

What followed was a series of the singer's popular songs from his extensive repertoire. These included Falling In Love, Tempted to Touch, Double Trouble, Putting up Resistance, Full Attention, Can't Stop A Man and Come Down Father, and a host of other songs that had the fans rocking. He was backed up by a tight and versatile Harmony House band.

Hammond is undoubtedly one of the most popular and well-loved entertainers to perform in Toronto. His love affair with audiences here date back to the days when he appeared in concert with Marcia Griffiths, another equally popular Jamaican superstar.

This particular concert had full audience participation. For some of the songs that he performed, he would point his microphone towards the crowd; a signal for them to join in. And the fans loved every minute of it.

The consensus from fans is that this was one of Hammond's finest concerts.

The opening act Melanie Fiona, aka Syren, was well received by the crowd, but it was Courtney John who had the fans in ecstasy, paving the way for Hammond's arrival on stage.

Full credit should definitely go to Browneyes Entertainment for a superb promotion.

Bolt battles elements to beat Powell

2008-09-06T09:37:00.002-05:00

published: Saturday | September 6, 2008

Jamaica's Usain Bolt crosses the finish line to win during the 100-metre event at the Golden League meet in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. - AP

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP):

USAIN BOLT battled the cold and a headwind, and was forced to come from behind to beat Asafa Powell in 9.77 seconds yesterday in a season farewell 100 metres at the Van Damme Memorial.

Running into 1.3 metre-per-second headwind, the Olympic champion had a bad start and immediately saw Powell shoot ahead of him.

However, in his last race of the season, nothing was going to spoil the world-record holder's farewell party in Europe.

Halfway through, he pulled level with Powell and then his huge strides took over, finishing just .08 of a second off the world record he set at the Beijing Games.

Jamaican sweep

Powell, the only runner to have beaten Bolt this season, finished second in 9.83. Nesta Carter made it a Jamaican sweep in 10.07.

"Asafa is a really fast guy. I'm getting used to chasing him," Bolt said.

Powell, who had beaten Bolt in Stockholm this summer, took the loss well and celebrated with Bolt along the track, cheered by the sell-out 47,000 crowd at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Feared the cold

Bolt had long warned he feared the cold and it was just 15 0C (590F) at the start.

Even his trademark showboating moves could not warm him up and when the starting gun went, he froze, getting dead last out of the blocks.

Such is his superiority, though, that he can com-pensate whatever he loses within a mere five seconds.

Once Powell saw him next to him, he knew he was done.

"I came out to run fast," Powell said. "Usain really put on the pressure."

Bolt won the 100 and 200 and ran in the Jamaican 4x100 sprint relay, winning three gold medals and setting a world record in each of his races in Beijing.

Duke of Earle stages annual 'Back to Jamaica Homecoming Tour'

2008-09-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Sunrise, Florida - Bevan Earle, affectionately known as "the Duke", displays his Jamaican pride wherever he goes and he makes it clear that he loves his native land. Annually, the Florida radio host and newspaper publisher demonstrates his love of country by hosting his "Back to Jamaica Homecoming Tour".

Begun in 2002 - with the support of Gordon "Butch" Stewart, chairman of Sandals and back then Air Jamaica - the tour was conceived by the pair as a way to reconnect Jamaicans all around the diaspora, as well as Jamaican descendents who had never been to their homeland.

Too often, opportunity, cost and other factors preclude many Jamaicans from stepping on native soil, so the annual tour has become a memorable way for travellers to see the island nation through the eyes of a proud native son. Each year, Jamaicans from across the Americas, of all ages, come together to participate in the homecoming tour. Many have been there every year since the tour was created, and look forward to this reunion and sojourn "back to the yard". Some travellers had not been "back to the yard" in over twenty years, often youth in the group have never visited this breathtaking island ever before, while others in the group go to Jamaica every opportunity that comes their way.

Each year, Earle selects a different part of the island to explore, and while there, those on the tour are treated to a taste of Jamaica, Sandals style. This year the tour will call Beaches Sandy Bay in Negril home, from September 11-16.
Activities always include fun-filled nights under the Jamaica stars, day trips exploring historical sites around the island, often discovering little-known natural treasures and historical facts, and most importantly, giving back.

While on island, every year Bevan Earle makes it his duty to assist some organisation, in some way, typically a school. This year is no different. Two schools in the western region that need computers will be selected, and will each receive seven keys for a computer lab.

Additionally, Earle will be launching the Jamaican-American Youth Project while on island, a project which is an extension of his decade-old Caribbean American Foundation (CAF).

The CAF offers a wide range of services to Caribbean nationals throughout the United States and the diaspora, particularly focused on the human development needs of Jamaicans. Services and programmes offered by CAF encompass education, human services, health and wellness, youth development, economic development, housing and tourism.

"We are grateful to Sandals and Air Jamaica for being so gracious to us, and we sincerely appreciate the warm hospitality, and this splendid opportunity to come home. We want to express our sincere thanks to Mr Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, the management and staff of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and all of the staff of Air Jamaica. They all work to make the homecoming a trip to remember," a spokesman for the group said.

Schools interested in obtaining computers should call the Duke of Earle at (876) 630-2020 or (876) 819-5259.

Severed head of wanted man found in St Catherine

2008-09-05T08:57:00.000-05:00

Friday, September 05, 2008

The severed head of a man, who the St Catherine North Police say they had wanted for three murders, was found along the Tredegar Park main road in Spanish Town, in the parish yesterday.

The head has been identified as that of 21-year-old Lionel Williams, otherwise called Nannie Boy, who hailed from the said community. Police say Williams was wanted for the murders of a man and two women in the Spanish Town area.

According to the police, shortly before 6:00 am, Williams' decomposing head was found by residents who summoned them. They said no motive has been established for his killing and that they were trying to locate "the rest of" his body.

"At the moment we have no clear motive for the killing or information as to where the rest of his body might be," Superintendent Derrick Champagnie told the Observer.

"Nannie Boy was one of the men on our wanted list. He was a part of a gang which operates in the Tredegar Park area and was wanted for the shooting of a man and two females between 2005-2006," said Champagnie, adding that the gang was responsible for a string of shootings, extortion and other criminal activities in Spanish Town.

Meanwhile, homicide detectives in that division were also probing the murder of a truck driver who was attacked and shot on Wood Street in Frazer's Content also in the parish early yesterday morning.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network, 35-year-old Darren Hutchinson was shot multiple times by gunmen as he drove along Wood Street shortly after 7:00 am.

The cops said that Hutchinson, in a bid to escape his attackers, turned onto nearby Frazer's Boulevard where he came out of the vehicle and collapsed in a ditch. An illegal Taurus 9mm pistol was allegedly found in Hutchinson's truck.

Jamaicans flee Turks and Caiços in fear of 'Ike'

2008-09-05T08:52:00.002-05:00

published: Friday | September 5, 2008

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

As The Turks and Caiços Islands braced for a Category Four hurricane, Jamaicans living there were expected to be airlifted here last night by Air Jamaica and Air Turks and Caicos.

Jamaicans were urged to get on the next flight out before the dangerous Hurricane Ike makes landfall there late Saturday, Lorna Lindo, a Jamaican teacher living there told The Gleaner.

Late news

Lindo said she learnt of the evacuation late, and was not certain how she was going to leave the extremely flat islands. Of the 33,000 people residing in The Turks and Caiços, some 4,000 are Jamaicans. Many of those Jamaicans are educators and tourism workers.

At 8 p.m. yesterday, the flight, tagged a 'Mercy Flight' by sources at the airline, said an A320 was scheduled to depart the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to pick up at least 150 passengers, complemented by Air Turks and Caicos which had the capacity to fly more than 30 people.

Yesterday Hurricane Ike continued to rapidly gain strength in the central Atlantic Basin. As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Ike was located 505 miles north-northeast of the Leeward Islands. Maximum sustained winds near the centre were down a bit to 135 mph, but it remained a powerful Category Four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Man shot dead, house burnt Seven-year-old girl seriously wounded

2008-09-05T08:50:00.001-05:00

Friday, September 05, 2008

The burnt-out shell of the two-bedroom house where 32-year-old Rodney Simpson was shot and killed yesterday. In the background is the house where the seven-year-old girl was shot and injured. (Photo: Keril Wright)

MONTEGO BAY, St James - Gunmen yesterday kicked down the door to Rodney Simpson's home at Fuller District in Granville, shot him dead then set his two-bedroom house on fire.

The men then peppered the area with bullets, three of which caught a seven-year-old girl who resides next door. The girl was admitted to hospital where she underwent surgery. Her condition was said to be serious.

Simpson, 32, worked as a 'watchman', but the police could not say what was the motive for his murder.

Last night, residents of the volatile St James community said they were fearful that the gunmen could strike again.

"A kill dem waah kill wi off," said one male resident, who added he and his common-law wife hid in a bedroom closet when the gunmen were firing wildly after killing Simpson about 1:30 yesterday morning.

The man, who was fearful to have his name published in the newspaper, said a number of residents were living in fear as attacks by armed men were more sustained and vicious. He said the police recently discontinued daily foot patrols in the area, considered one of the crime hot spots in the parish.

Police Superintendent Steve McGregor, the St James police chief, said the police were stretched, especially with the recent upsurge in criminal activities in several areas in Montego Bay.

"We are working with limited resources," McGregor said yesterday. "It is difficult to sustain these operations in all these areas."

Air Jamaica livid - Pennicook criticises Government - Tourism minister defends American Airlines deal

2008-09-05T08:46:00.001-05:00

published: Friday | September 5, 2008

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

Left: Pennicook ... What I do not agree with is that this revenue guarantee is given to American on routes that are currently served by Air Jamaica. Right: Bartlett ... No payment will be made to American until the end of the one-year period.

The Management of Air Jamaica is livid over the Government's decision to give American Airlines (AA) a US$4.5- million (J$324 million) guarantee to encourage flights to the island.

But Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says there is nothing wrong with the decision, which he says will not hurt Air Jamaica and will ensure that there are seats for approximately 156,000 more visitors to come to the island.

That is little comfort for outgoing vice-president of marketing at Air Jamaica, Paul Pennicook.

"I fully understand and appreciate the minister's attempt to bring seats into the island by giving a revenue guideline to American Airlines," Pennicook, who will demit office a the end of the month, told The Gleaner yesterday. "But what I do not agree with is that this revenue guarantee is given to American on routes that are currently served by Air Jamaica, specifically Chicago."

Pennicook, a former director of tourism, was also dismissive of claims that the current administration was following a long- established practice whereby Jamaica Vacations Limited (JamVac) provided guarantees to airlines.

New gateways

"JamVac was established to develop new gateways for Jamaica. It was never established to go and subsidise seats in existing gateways ..." Pennicook said. "This is the first time that we are supporting a scheduled carrier and on a route which Air Jamaica serves."

But Bartlett was unapologetic as he defended the deal.

"This arrangement is unprecedented in terms of its value to us at a time when there are massive cuts in airlifts throughout the Caribbean and the world," the tourism minister said.

According to Bartlett, with nearly 3,000 new hotel rooms this year, the deal would help Jamaica ensure seat security out of North America.

He said the decision to sign an agreement with AA was based on its ability to move persons from across North America to the gateways.

"American will be able to get persons from communities from around the airports and Air Jamaica does not have the planes going into the communities around the gateways," Bartlett argued.

He added that, despite putting up the US$4.5 million, the deal might not cost Jamaica one cent as it was based on the number of passengers that American will take to the island.

"No payment will be made to American until the end of the one-year period (November 30, 2009). This depends on the load factor and the money will remain in escrow earning interest," Bartlett said.

"It is not that it would help Air Jamaica's cash flow as we will not be paying the money every quarter or every month, this is a contingent guarantee that will only be paid if you don't meet the agreed load factor at the end of the period."

Under the deal

Under the deal, AA will not fly its planes into Jamaica if less than 65 per cent of the seats are taken up. However, if the aircraft is more than 65 per cent full but less than 75 per cent, Jamaica will be required to pay the 10 per cent revenue that the airline would lose.

Bartlett said that was a small price to pay for a deal that will see American making 19 new flights to Jamaica each week with the possibility that approximately 156,000 more visitors could make their way to the island over the 12 months.

"This will earn more than US$96 million for Jamaica with the Tourism Enhancement Fund, which is financing the deal, earning US$1.2 million over the period. Even if you were to pay the US$4.5 million, look at the value of the thing," Bartlett added.

Company policy

In the meantime, AA told The Gleaner yesterday that the company policy prevented it from providing details of its agreement with the Jamaican Government.

But the airline noted that, in May, it had announced systemwide capacity reductions, mainly as a result of increasing fuel costs.

American said the cuts impacted on the Caribbean market with minor adjustments in Jamaica.

However, the airline said that, based on an approach from the Jamaican Government, it agreed to continue and expand its service to Dallas from Montego Bay to five times per week and expand with one flight five times per week from Montego Bay to Chicago.

Opposition Spokesman on Tourism, Dr Wykeham McNeill, has expressed alarm at the Government's unprecedented deci-sion to provide revenue support for a scheduled commercial airline flying to Jamaica. This, he said, particularly in view of the fact that the national airline offers scheduled service on two of the three routes on which support is being granted.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com

The Amazing Yam!

2008-09-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

9.69...19.30...37.10

After the recent Olympic performance it would not take a genius to figure out what those series of numbers represent. They send a very loud message that once again Jamaica is ‘large and in charge’. The saying ‘we run tings… tings nuh run we’ takes on added meaning after the glorious exploits of both our female and male athletes. We will need time to come down from the high of watching the three women blazing the track to come first second and second. I wondered what kind of new math that is. I always thought it was first, second and third. Or how does one comprehend Usain Bolt’s breaking of Michael Johnson’s 200m record (even Michael Johnson was astonished). Also, there was no more beautiful a sight than ‘Afaster’ Powell on the anchor leg of the 4x100.

All these exploits have opened up much debate about national pride and patriotism and the lessons to be learned from the awesome performances. In the midst of this what started out as a joke, may become a source of serious debate. Did the “lowly and sometimes maligned” Yam, contribute to our athletes’ success?

The infamous email joke stated that the message on the package said ‘Gi dis to Asafa, Usain and Veronica so dem can win ah di Olympics’. As soon as the Chinese officials saw it, they confiscated the package. On opening it what do you think they found? Yes, you guessed it...Yam!

YA’ M.AN
There are approximately 200 different varieties of yams with flesh colors varying from white to ivory to yellow to purple while their thick skin comes in white, pink or brownish-black. Although it is uncertain from which country yams originated, yams are one of the oldest food plants known. They have been cultivated for thousands of years in Africa and Asia. Well known for its high fibre content, which acts as a natural laxative, yams are now being increasingly recognized for their other health benefits.

YAMS AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Carbohydrate food is the most efficient fuel for energy production and can also be stored as glycogen in muscle and liver, functioning as a readily available energy source for prolonged, strenuous exercise. For these reasons, carbohydrates may be the most important nutrient for sports performance. Depending on training intensity and duration, athletes require up to 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per day per pound of body weight or 60 to 70 percent of total dietary calories from carbohydrates, whichever is greater. Yams’ complex carbohydrates and fiber deliver the goods gradually, slowing the rate at which their sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. Because they’re rich in fiber, yams fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline. Yams are also a good source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps with carbohydrate metabolism and is a cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. A good supply of antioxidants from food or drinks is very important for any exercise regime, the more intense the workout, the more antioxidants will be consumed. Yams are supercharged with Vitamins A, C and E, zinc, and selenium which are potent antioxidants.

CARDIO-HEALTH
Yams are a good source of both potassium and vitamin B6, two nutrients that your body need every day. Vitamin B6 helps your body break down a substance called homocysteine, which can cause damage to blood vessel walls. High intakes of vitamin B6 have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Potassium is a mineral that is important in the control of blood pressure. In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, one study group ate servings of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy food in place of snacks and sweets. This approach offered more potassium, magnesium and calcium. After eight weeks, this group lowered their blood pressure by an average of 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic). Yams also contain a storage protein called Dioscorin. Preliminary research suggests that Dioscorin can help your body to achieve increased kidney blood flow thereby reducing blood pressure.

WOMEN’S HEALTH
Most dietary studies have found that women receiving high amounts of nutrients from fruits and vegetables have less risk of cervical dysplasia, which can lead to cervical cancer. Protective effects may be especially strong from diets high in dark yellow and orange vegetables including yams. There are also some products in the marketplace that promote wild yam or wild yam extracts as substances that can help provide a natural alternative to hormonal replacement in women who have reached the age of menopause. Some of these products are provided in the form of creams that can be topically applied. It is thought that this effect may be due to a substance called Diosgenin, which has progesterone like activity and may help to alleviate menopausal symptoms and lower the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin B6 also found in yams has also been used to treat menopausal symptoms and is also quite popular in supplements used in the treatment of PMS.

So, whether you boil it, roast it, bake it, slice it, mash it, or drink it…the debate around yams may result in us all improving on our nutrition. Nuh linga!

Dr. C. Watson, MRCOG FACOG MBA DFFP, is Medical Director and Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at MoBay Hope Medical Centre, which is located at the Half Moon Shopping Village, Rose Hall, Montego Bay. Dr. Watson also consults at the Montego Bay Hospital, Mt. Salem.

Kartel and Movado at war...again!

2008-09-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

The long-festering conflict between top dancehall personalities DJ Vybz Kartel and DJ Mavado is threatening to explode into what could be a dangerous street war in light of the rumours and accusations flying around.
The last such rumour is that Kartel’s car was firebombed outside the gates of his upscale residential home on Monday morning.

However, Kartel has shot down rumours that his Honda Accord motorcar was firebombed by thugs on a motorcyle.
“Ridiculous! Nutten no go so,” a calm-sounding Vybz Kartel told XtraNews. “The Honda had an electrical problem and the firemen from Half-Way-Tree came and extinguished the blaze. That’s all, my car was not firebombed.”

Checks with the HWT Fire Station revealed that a formal report had already been submitted to the York Park HQ regarding the incident.
“At the end of the day, Jamaicans should know it’s just music, no physical altercation. Mi no have nothing against David. If he does (have anything) against me, I don’t see it. My focus now is on positive songs like ‘Money Fi Spend’, ‘Million By A Morning’, and ‘Life Sweet’, uplifting songs for Jamaica. So don’t expect me to perform those clash songs onstage, just regular thug anthems and daggering songs. Money over war,” he said.

Vybz Kartel has been involved in a lyrical clash with David ‘Mavado’ Brooks, a member of the Alliance in recent weeks, with the two exchanging hardcore disses on the Martial Arts rhythm resurrected by Cordel ‘Skatta’ Burrell.
According to industry insiders, Kartel had voiced a song called ‘Send a Hell’ before Mavado kicked off the lyrical war when he voiced ‘Dem A Fag’ on ‘Skatta’s microwaved rhythm, the Martial Arts.

Mavado, in his dis song, makes references to Kartel’s tattoos and takes umbrage with a well-known Kartel line about ‘not wanting to know God’. In the song, Mavado spits in his distinctive voice: “De bwoy dem a fag, dem a fag, ah b—-an alone nuh waan know God, well bleach out and full a tattoo like Rod”.
However, Kartel’s response, ‘Weh Dat Fah’ is caustic, delivered with chest-thumping swagger and fury, and the listener is immediately keyed into the head-knocking intensity of the track. He drops a kicker of a chorus where he suggests that he is having relations with Mavado’s mother while repeatedly asking ‘wah dat fah?’

And for the umpteenth time, Kartel makes several references to Mavado’s effeminate brother, and he also questions Mavado’s street credentials, dubbing him a ‘community barber’. He also draws attention to Mavado’s potentially blasphemous title, Gully Gadd, and declares “tell Gadd say Selassie is my Emperor”.
Kartel also addressed rumours in the street that his right-hand soldier, Jeffrey Hype, had been punched in the face by Mavado, while both were at the Constant Spring Police Station.

“That is preposterous. How could (something like) that have happened before cops without anyone being arrested? That is not true,” he reasoned.
When contacted, Portmore Empire street manager, Jeffrey Hype said that, “Ah music me ah deal wid, nothin’ else. Mi nah stop play ‘Wah Dat Fah’ inna mi vehicle, that is my answer, mi no have nothing else fi say.”

Sources close to Mavado’s camp said this was all about a lyrical war and they had no interest in it getting physical. According to the source, however, Mavado plans to tek it to Kartel on stage Irie Jamboree in New York on Sunday.

“Kartel caan test Mavado, whether in lyrics or anyting, suh Kartel fi jus easy himself, cause Mavado a bigga artiste fi him. Mavado international, Kartel local. Him just a look a hype cause nothing nah gwaan fi him. Kartel fi guh siddung wid him bleachout face,” said a Mava

Powell vows to break record

2008-09-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

published: Thursday | September 4, 2008

Asafa Powell on his way to victory in the 100m at the Athletissima meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Tuesday. - AP

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (CMC):

FORMER 100-METRE world record holder Asafa Powell, inspired by fellow countryman Usain Bolt, has vowed to reclaim his world mark, but knows it is going to take a time faster than 9.60 seconds to do so.

Since the sudden emergence of Bolt, who remarkably broke Powell's world record in May and then lowered his own mark to win the 100m at the Beijing Olympics, Powell has since become the forgotten Jamaican sprinter.

Powell has failed to shine at the major World Championship and Olympic meets, but the Common-wealth Games champion still believes he has what it takes to run very fast, and admits that Bolt's 9.69 world mark in Beijing has inspired him to go below 9.60 seconds.

"Two years ago I said to myself I could go 9.65 or faster, but based on how Usain is running it's my aim now to go below 9.6," Powell told a news conference in Lausanne on Tuesday after a brilliant win in 9.72 seconds.

Astonishing

"Usain can obviously run very fast but I'm not going to put him out of my reach," added Powell, who finished an astonishing fifth in Beijing after being one of the gold medal favourites.

Bolt's majestic run in the Bird's Nest stadium in China's capital stunned everyone, including Powell, who is no stranger to running fast times.

Powell was surprised at the manner at which the feat was accomplished, the 6-foot-5-inch Bolt smashing his own world mark with arms open celebrating victory about 15 metres before the finish.

Fastest man

Powell concedes that his compatriot is definitely the fastest man on the planet at the moment, but remains confident of running back into the limelight.

"I'd say in the Olympic 100m it looked like Usain could have run 9.63, 9.65 maybe," said Powell.

He added "I was shocked to see what he did in the race, it was ridiculous. I can't imagine the times he's capable of running at the moment. He's the man to beat right now but before it was me and if I can break another world record then I'll be the one back in the spotlight."

Powell ran his 43rd sub-10 second timing for the 100m on Tuesday when he equalled the second fastest time ever to win the event in Lausanne in a remarkable 9.72 seconds.

American Airlines paid to stay

2008-09-04T10:58:00.001-05:00

published: Thursday | September 4, 2008

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

The Government could pay out as much as US$4.5 million (J$324 million) over the next 12 months to American Airlines to ensure that it does not cut flights to Jamaica.

Expensive jet fuel and a soft United States economy have caused American Airlines to announce cuts in daily flights out of its Caribbean hub in Puerto Rico, from 93 to 51 this month.

Already gone are flights to Antigua, St Maarten, Aruba, Santo Domingo and Samana in the Dominican Republic.

Willing to pay

But with a projected sharp increase in visitor arrivals, Jamaican authorities are trying to ensure that the airline continues its flights into the island and are willing to pay the airline to keep landing in Kingston and Montego Bay.

The cash guarantee is being financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and its chairman, Godfrey Dyer, is defending the deal, which was negotiated by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

"It is a very good investment. This is something that we support, and when it came before my board, we examined it and we believed it would be money well spent," Dyer said.

According to Dyer, a similar programme existed years ago, financed by Jamaica Vacations Limited, but it was discontinued because of a lack of funds.

He said the money would only be paid to the airline if it failed to get an established minimum number of passengers on its flights into the island.

Dyer did not state the minimum passenger level agreed on, arguing that this was sensitive information.

However, he told The Gleaner that American Airlines was selected because it had more capacity than any other airline coming into the island.

"A number of our Caribbean neighbours, which had flights coming in seven days a week, are now having flights one day a week, so Jamaica, today, is the only Caribbean island that has adequate seats coming into the island."

Dyer dismissed claims that the decision to offer American Airlines a guarantee would put Air Jamaica at a disadvantage.

"Air Jamaica is being subsidised by the Government anyhow, so this is no unfair advantage to American Airlines," Dyer added.

Price pinch

Regional tourism interests have repeatedly warned that the flow of visitors to the island could be slashed as airline ticket prices soar and flights are sharply reduced.

The flight rollbacks are coming despite increases in tourism last year to most of the islands, including double-digit growth in United States visitors to Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica.

The Caribbean is not the only region being affected by flight cuts as, in May, American Airlines announced steep cuts in flights around the world.

The reduction, almost double what American forecast in April, resulted in the elimination of at least 300 flights a day from the 4,300 that it and its regional affiliates offered. It also led to the elimination of more than 6,000 jobs.

Efforts to get a comment from American Airlines yesterday were unsuccessful.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com

Fact about the TEF

The Tourism Enhancement Fund was established under the PNP administration in 2005 to provide a pool of dedicated funds for the express purpose of impro-ving the tourism product.

The broad areas of interest include resort development, product development and beautification.

Specific projects targeted for funding are required to satisfy such criteria as the capacity to be self-sustaining; boosting economic prosperity; increasing the competitiveness of the tourism product; promoting resort development; and, focusing on heritage and culture.

Criminal courtrooms to get computers

2008-09-04T10:51:00.000-05:00

Thursday, September 04, 2008

JUDGES presiding over criminal cases in the Supreme Court will, as of September 16, no longer have to go through the laborious task of taking trial notes by hand.

Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne said yesterday that computers are to be installed in all the criminal courtrooms, allowing judges to view and save to their computers the notes being taken by stenographers.

"I had asked for three courtrooms [to be equipped with computers] but our technical people say that they may be able to put it in all the courtrooms," said Lightbourne.
She was addressing yesterday's opening of a three-day regional conference on 'The Media and the Caribbean Justice System', at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

A number of Jamaican judges have over the years complained about still having to take notes by hand, a function that has been phased out in most jurisdictions across the globe.

Yesterday, Lightbourne said that the implementation of the computerised system, which was recommended by the Justice Reform Task Force, will also result in speedy trials and appeals, where necessary, and help to clear the backlog of criminal cases.

Said Lightbourne: "You know that at the moment, judges take notes by hand and it slows up trials. So [with the new system] the trial will proceed speedily. Not only that, but at the end of the day, the transcript of evidence will be available to defence counsel and will also speed up the disposal of appeal cases because appeals cannot be heard until the transcripts are prepared."

The minister was, however, unable to say when the system would be rolled out in the civil courts at the Supreme Court or Resident Magistrate's Courts across the island.

The deadline for the implementation of the reform task force recommendations is 2017.

Burke slams PNP

2008-09-04T10:49:00.000-05:00

Cites massive corruption in delegate selection

ERICA VIRTUE, Observer writer virtuee@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, September 05, 2008

JUST over two weeks before the People's National Party (PNP) votes in internal elections for a new leader, influential and long-serving member Paul Burke has stung the Opposition party with a damning criticism of its delegate selection process which he labelled as fraught with corruption and which, he said, the party hierarchy has chosen to ignore.

Burke, who has had a long history of advocating strict adherence to the party's constitution, principles and objectives, stunned his audience on Tuesday evening at a lecture during which he presented letters he had written to PNP leaders between July 22 and August 11 this year complaining of massive fraud in the party's group system.

The lecture, titled 'Protecting and Advancing Norman Manley's Legacy in the PNP's 70th year' was held on the 39th anniversary of the death of Manley, a founder of the party and one of Jamaica's national heroes.

"There is no doubt that there are powerful forces who have long wanted to control democracy within the People's National Party." said Burke.

He described the growth, escalation and continued expansion of corruption in the party as a failure of leadership and said many of the party's leaders behave like ostriches when they see danger.

"The facts are, however, that they have put their heads in the sand to ingest gravel for their digestion, but many a time, while ingesting sand and blind to the danger lurking, they are preyed upon and lose their very limbs that they are trying to sustain."

Titling his collection of eight letters 'Seasonal and Paper Groups and Their Bogus Delegates, the Cancer Within the PNP and the Threat to Democracy', Burke outlined the corruption in the party which has dogged it, especially between 1989 and 2006 when it formed the Government.

Arguing that the seasonal groups often have tacit support from the secretariat at the local and national levels, Burke said that the people who register hundreds of non-existent groups fabricate membership and have them registered "without even going to duly constituted constituency committee meetings, but just get the constituency secretary to sign the forms, in clear breach of Rule 37, and are never criticised" or sanctioned "but are rewarded with a power base of paper delegates and often end up wielding real power in the party".

"We have been covering up the real truth about the magnitude of paper and non-functioning groups for too long because we have long boasted that we are the most democratic party in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Nothing could be further from the truth," said Burke.

He said that during a meeting with PNP members in a rural constituency on August 9, comrades openly admitted that the groups did not exist, that Jamaica Labour Party supporters were on lists and persons were finding out for the first time that they were chairmen and secretaries of groups.

"This is not confined to any one constituency," he said.
He highlighted Kingston Central, represented by Deacon Ronald Thwaites, as a constituency that, over the years, has made every effort at maintaining functional party groups and which, from all indications, "makes no attempt to form paper groups".

"They have set a sterling example for real democracy within their own constituency," said Burke.
In contrast, he pointed to St Andrew East Central, represented by presidential challenger Dr Peter Phillips.

"With 290 registered party groups in the constituency, there would be a minimum membership of 2,900 delegates if each group has been registered with the bare minimum of 10 members," said Burke. "If 97 per cent of the members live, and/or vote in the constituency, this would mean 2,813 persons actually belong to the constituency, and would further mean that one of every 2.2 voters in the constituency would be a member of the PNP. This is a fantastic and extraordinary feat in a constituency ranked 39th in real PNP support and fourth from the bottom in terms of voter turnout of the electorate."

He said that in 2007, with the exception of two groups, all other groups in the constituency went into abeyance.
"If we are to believe what we see on paper, in terms of groups, this is clearly and indisputably and by far, the strongest and best organised constituency in Jamaica, not only today, but ever in the 70-year history of the PNP," said Burke.

He said his example was not influenced by Phillips' challenge, but merely because it was the constituency recorded with the most PNP groups in Jamaica. "If this was the constituency being represented by [PNP president] Comrade Portia Simpson Miller, I would be taking the very same position," said Burke.

In an apparent effort to prove that point, Burke referred to a 2003 report from the PNP's powerful Region 3, which he once headed, and which was published in the party's 65th annual conference report. That Region 3 report slammed Simpson Miller's St Andrew South West constituency for perpetuating the same fraud.

"I am dealing with an issue and not any personality," said Burke, who campaigned for Simpson Miller in the 2006 PNP presidential election which she won.

When the matter of the large numbers of groups was raised publicly in early August, it was not denied by neither Phillips' Arise and Renew team nor the party secretariat, which said 290 groups were registered and fully functional.

On September 20, the party will elect either Simpson Miller or Dr Phillips as president. Phillips' challenge has re-opened divisions created by the 2006 contest which, political analysts said, contributed to the PNP's general election loss to the JLP last September.

Jamaicans in Canada celebrate Olympic success

2008-09-03T08:19:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Event organiser Letna Allen-Rowe (left) celebrates with other Jamaicans. (Photos: JIS)

Is Paul Smith the most patriotic Jamaican living in Canada? This is what many Jamaicans are wondering, every time he drives past them in Toronto, Canada.

He has decorated his vehicle - a Mitsubishi SUV - in honour of Jamaica's athletes to last month's Olympic Games in Beijing, China, with four large flags on the roof, one on the bonnet and another one on the side. In addition, he has placed copies of newspaper articles highlighting Jamaica's success on the back, front, and side windows.

He said he was very proud of the athletes, noting that they had done well for Jamaica and that this is his way of showing his pride.

Dressed in his Jamaican jacket, hat, and shoes, he remarked, "You don't want to see my house".

Smith was just one of many persons who celebrated Jamaica's success at the games of the 29th Olympiad on Eglinton Avenue West in Toronto recently. For the second time, Jamaicans held impromptu celebrations on the strip, which is known as 'Little Jamaica', because of the number of businesses operated by Jamaicans there.

Paul Smith poses beside his SUV bedecked with Jamaican flags.

Organised by business owner, Letna Allen-Rowe, approximately 600 Jamaicans passed through the area during the eight-hour celebrations - waving flags, blowing whistles, and beating dutch pot covers.

Shouts of "Usain! Jamaica! Veronica! Asafa! Melaine! Shelly-Ann!" punctuated the air. Jamaican music blared from two large speakers, and every 30 minutes the Jamaican National Anthem was played, which everyone sang lustily. The evening ended with the group marching for about a mile, singing Jamaican songs.

Allen-Rowe thanked all the persons who came out, including Consul Nigel Smith; President of the Jamaican Diaspora Canada Foundation, Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, and President of the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations, Alene Miller-Chen.

Three shot dead in Albion Lane, Canterbury

2008-09-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

MARK CUMMINGS, Senior staff reporter cummingsm@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Commanding officer for St James Steve McGregor speaks to residents of Albion Lane shortly after the flare-up of violence in the area yesterday. (Photo: Mark Cummings)

MONTEGO BAY, St James - An elderly man was among three people shot dead yesterday morning as the bloodletting continued in the volatile St James communities of Albion Lane and Canterbury.

The old man, identified only as 'Lloydie', said to be about 75, of Albion Lane, was shot in retaliation for the murder of 56-year-old shopkeeper Byron Jackson in Canterbury less than an hour before. The gunmen also turned their weapons on Obrian Morris, a 28-year-old resident of Albion Lane.

The police reported that about 10:30 am they received calls that shots were being fired in the Albion Lane and Canterbury communities, but encountered gunfire when they entered the communities.

"We had to get some support from the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) and other members of the police force, and after some analysis we found out that there was some cross-shooting taking place between men from Canterbury and men from Albion Lane.," said Steve McGregor, the commanding officer for the St James Division. "We understand that it is a long ongoing feud that is taking place between these factions."

According to the police, the shooting began shortly after 10:00 am when gunmen went into Jackson's grocery store in Canterbury and ordered macaroni.

"When he was about to serve them, the gunmen sprayed him with bullets and fled the area," said an investigator.
Several residents from Albion Lane, who spoke to the Observer on condition of anonymity, claimed that after Jackson was killed, gunmen from Canterbury invaded their community.

"Dem come down here asking who kill Mr Jackson and dem tear off a gate and shot the old man (Lloydie) who was sitting under the house eating," a resident said.

She said the gunmen then ordered Morris, who was also having a meal, out of the house and shot him to death.
"Den them run off," the resident added.
For more than two decades, residents of Albion Lane and Canterbury have been at odds.

It is believed that the bad blood between the two neighbouring communities, which lack several basic social amenities, has resulted in more than 20 deaths in the last two years.

Just over a week ago, Lionel Coote, a 19-year-old game shop operator of Albion Lane, was shot dead in the community about 2:00 pm.

Yesterday, residents of Canterbury blamed the other side for the violence. "The war can't stop until the people from Albion Lane stop terrorising us," said a grieving woman from Canterbury.

She said Jackson was a good man and should not have died in that manner.

Jackson's daughter, Karen, who arrived on the scene shortly after her father was slain, agreed.
"It won't done, it won't done...," she sobbed.

Asafa Powell runs 9.72 second-fastest time ever in 100 meters at Lausanne

2008-09-02T15:25:00.001-05:00

By Associated Press
3:09 PM EDT, September 2, 2008

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) _ Asafa Powell ran the second-fastest 100 meters in the world, clocking 9.72 seconds at the Athletissima Grand Prix meeting on Tuesday.

Powell clocked 9.72 seconds Tuesday to equal the old world record set by fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt in New York last May.

Bolt set the record of 9.69 in winning the Olympic gold medal at Beijing last month. Powell was fifth in that ra

Bolt to light up Swiss meet - Powell, Fraser to run in 100s

2008-09-02T12:12:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 2, 2008

Usain Bolt .. will run 200m. - File

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (CMC):

New world track and field sensation, Usain Bolt, is poised to light up the Athletissima Super Grand Prix track and field meeting today.

The 22-year-old Jamaican, who majestically smashed both the 100 and 200-metre world records to emerge the star of the Beijing Olympics, is one of 12 individual Olympic gold medallists last month appearing at the Swiss meet.

Organisers are anticipating a possible threat to the 200-metre record on what has been described as the "super-fast" Pontaise track, which has produced big results in the last two Athletissima editions - Xavier Carter's 19.63 meeting record in 2006 and Tyson Gay's 19.78 in 2007.

Bolt, the first man in history to win three Olympic sprint gold medals (100, 200 metres and 4x100 relay) with world record times, will tackle American Olympic medallists Shawn Crawford and Walter Dix in the half-lap sprint.

The field also includes American Wallace Spearmon, originally third in Beijing before being disqualified for a lane violation.

Intriguing sprints

The 100-metre sprints are also intriguing with Bolt's Jamaica teammates, Asafa Powell and Olympic women's champion Shelly-Ann Fraser, booked to appear.

Asafa Powell from Jamaica in a pensive mood during a press conference, one day before the Athletissima meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. Powell will run in the men's 100-metre race at the meet. - AP

Former world record holder Powell, who rebounded from his Beijing disappointment with a fluent 9.87 win at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, will meet a bunch of Beijing finalists - silver medallist Richard Thompson from Trinidad and Tobago, bronze medallist Walter Dix of the USA, fourth place finisher Churandy Martina from the Netherlands Antilles, Jamaican counterpart Michael Frater (6th) and Trinidad and Tobago's Marc Burns (7th).

The women's 100-metre field has Fraser, Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson, who swept the medals in Beijing.

They will face US sprinters Muna Lee, Torri Edwards and Lauryn Williams, who won at the British Grand Prix on Sunday ahead of Fraser.

In the women's 400 metres, surprise Jamaican Beijing silver medallist, Shericka Williams, will face American Sanya Richards, who finished behind her at the Olympics, while the sprint hurdles are among the key events at the meet.

Upset winner

Dawn Harper, an upset winner in Beijing, will tackle fellow American Lolo Jones, who crashed into a hurdle while in the lead in Beijing to place seventh in the Olympic final.

Jamaicans Brigitte Foster-Hylton and Delloreen Ennis-London, both finalists in Beijing, are also entered for the 100-metre hurdles, along with Canadian Olympic bronze medallist Priscilla Lopez Schliep, World indoor 60-metre hurdles record holder Susanna Kallur, from Sweden and the 2004 Olympic champion Johanna Hayes from the USA.

In the men's 110-metre hurdles, Cuban Olympic champion Dayron Robles could be pushed by Amerian Olympic bronze medallist David Oliver, who ran him close in Zurich last Friday.

After her emphatic women's 400-metre hurdles triumph in Beijing, followed by an easy win at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, Jamaican Melaine Walker is favoured to continue her winning form.

She has already won in Ostrava, Rome, London and Monaco on the IAAF World Athletics Tour.

Bahamian Beijing bronze medal winner Leevan Sands goes in the men's triple jump against Olympic champion Nelson Evora, of Portugal.

Island Grill poised for Caribbean growth

2008-09-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

Ross Sheil, Online Co-ordinator rsheil@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Island Grill is branching out into St Lucia where it will open a new outlet located in the town of Rodney Bay next year, part of the Jamaican fast-food chain's plans to open in a total of 12 countries over the next 10 years.

The Lyn family Michael McRae-owned Chicken Mistress Limited now has 15 Island Grill outlets in Jamaica and one at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, opened last December, with another location being considered in that country, said chief executive officer Thalia Lyn. They started in 1991 with the trading name 'Chicken Supreme' before the rebranding exercise in 1998 which introduced a more recognisably Jamaican menu.

The expansion is being carried out in partnership with Goddard Catering which owns a majority stake in the Caribbean outlets. Goddard and GraceKennedy, trading together as Versair In-Flite Services Limited, own a 40 per cent stake in the two Island Grill outlets at the Sangster and Norman Manley International Airports.

"For Island Grill, it is an excellent opportunity to expand our brand into other Caribbean and Central/South American countries where Goddard already has a base. It has been a partnership based on integrity and candour, with each partner bringing different skill sets and we've had really happy results!" said Lyn.

Asked about sales at the Barbados Island Grill outlet, she said that figures were comparable to the Manor Park, St Andrew outlet.

Meanwhile, Goddard is a subsidiary of Bajan company Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) which has a wide portfolio of business interests including 23 flight kitchens in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the West Indies Rum Distillery, Goddard's Shipping and Tours, Purity Bakeries, Fidelity Motors and Sagicor.

She believes that Goddard can help Island Grill meet a Caribbean-wide demand for Jamaican food, arguably the region's dominant cuisine.

"Jamaican food has a unique market position in that of all the Caribbean foods, it has differentiated itself the best. So much so that jerk and patties could almost be classified as mainstream. A restaurant concept or chain based on the tastes, flavours and traditions of Jamaican and Caribbean cooking does not exist and Island Grill plans to fill that need in the market."

Once in those countries Island Grill will again compete with the American franchises that dominate the Caribbean fast-food landscape, including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway, Dominos and Wendy's - all familiar to consumers here in Jamaica. However, she is optimistic of remaining competitive with the assistance of Goddard.

"Costs are always a concern. But price is not the primary reason people choose Island Grill, it's the uniqueness of our offering and the quality of the experience. However, our prices are always competitive, and there again, having Goddard as a partner will help us with economies of scale that would not accrue to operating a single unit."

Meanwhile, ingredients and packaging will continue to be supplied from Jamaica, in accordance with the Island Grill slogan 'Real Jamaican Jerk'.

"There's also intellectual transference - the Jamaican team trains and gives support and audits. The Island Grill quality, service, cleanliness (QSC) standards are audited every quarter and the Balanced Score Card is linked to ours in Jamaica."

Joking that it was a shame that new Jamaican Olympic 100 and 200 metres champion and world record holder Usain Bolt had been eating chicken nuggets in Beijing because there was no Island Grill available in China, she said that the company had already received inquiries about opening an outlet from that country, among others.

Having previously failed with the two Island Grill outlets in Florida, Lyn said that the priority remained the Caribbean itself. Island Grill previously pulled out of a partnership with Walkerswood in the Bamboula restaurant in London feeling that the project strategy was geared to promoting Walkerswood products rather than opening new outlets. Outside the Caribbean will be left to 'Stage Two', she explained.

"The initial plan is to concentrate on our local Caribbean market. Entry to other markets such as the US, Europe and Asia is not a priority at this time, although we get numerous franchise requests from all over the globe. We are focused on strengthening our Jamaican base - our surveys show that customers would frequent Island Grill more if we had a broader network - and expanding regionally."

The additional outlets will be smaller in scale to allow the chain to expand quicker and may have reduced menu items to increase speed of service, which is the most common customer complaint, she said.

"We get about 4,000 comments per month and the biggest complaint is speed. We have to cut down on the menu options and we're trying to do a lot more prep at the commissary and then send it out which will free up more people in the prep area to move them to the front and serve customers."

Digicel, Puma and Brand Jamaica emerged as marketing winners from Olympics

2008-09-02T12:06:00.000-05:00

Julian Richardson, Business Observer reporter richardsonj@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Sponsor Puma displays the achievements of Jamaican athletes at the Olympics in Beijing. Puma, whose logo can be seen on the uniforms of every Jamaican athlete, was a huge beneficiary of the record-setting medal haul of the nation.

After the success of Jamaican athletes at the Olympic Games in Beijing, Digicel, Puma and Brand Jamaica are emerging as the biggest beneficiaries, as marketers begin their post-mortem on what was the corporate 'game' outside the Games, where companies attempted to outwit each other in terms of brand awareness through savvy athlete endorsements and hard-hitting advertisement campaigns.

From a totally local standpoint, marketers interviewed by the Business Observer unanimously agreed that Digicel outmuscled all its rivals, not only in the telecoms industry, but throughout corporate Jamaica. As one of the official sponsors of the Jamaican Olympic team, the telecom giant inundated the airwaves with a series of electronic and print advertisements featuring triple world record holder Usain Bolt, whom the company also sponsors individually.

"In terms of local visibility, Digicel dominated," said Kesi Asher, marketing and promotions officer at KLAS Sports Radio. "They were in the papers, on the billboards, TV screens, etc. Their sponsorship of the athletes will be a huge benefit for the company because these athletes are now known worldwide."

But while volume was important, one of the most critical factors for companies heading into the Beijing Games was individual endorsements - selecting that one athlete whose association with a brand can propel it to 'priceless' goodwill.

According to the marketers, Digicel will reap its greatest benefit from its individual sponsorship of Bolt, who set world records on his way to gold medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres and as a part of the 400-metre relay team. Indeed, not only did the 100 metres final two weeks ago pit two pre-race favourites - Bolt and Asafa Powell - against each other on the track, but it also amounted to a head-to-head marketing battle between Bolt's Digicel, and another telecom provider, Cable and Wireless, who sponsors Powell. With Bolt's victory, it is the Irish-owned telecom that has enjoyed the limelight with its prized athlete.

Neville Wallace, Observer general manager of sales and marketing, said that because of Bolt's success, Digicel will be perceived as a 'winner' itself, giving it a significant advantage in a consumer market that is lured by image.

"It's all psychological at the end of the day; as humans, we like to be associated with winners," said Wallace. "Brand recall is re-enforced by association; everytime Bolt's name is brought up it will re-enforce the brand in people's mind as a winner."

Wallace, like the other marketers, said the fact that Digicel has had Bolt on board since 2004, when he was just a mere teenager with potential, is a bonus for the company, and consequently excuses the firm from accusations that it simply jumped on a winning bandwagon - another credit for the visionary telecom service provider.

"Before Bolt became a winner, Digicel made the decision to stay with Bolt and it is paying off handsomely," said Wallace. "I thought they showed some amount of foresight in terms of their selection."

Another big winner from the Olympics is German sporting goods company Puma, one of the sponsors for the Jamaican delegation to Beijing. The Puma brand, whose logo can be seen on the uniforms of every Jamaican athlete, revelled with the record-setting medal haul of the nation in Beijing. But arguably, like Digicel, the company's greatest benefit will arise from its individual sponsorship of Bolt.

While competitors Nike and Adidas sponsored the more internationally renowned sprinters Powell and Tyson Gay respectively, it is Puma that emerged as the triumphant dark horse. Some experts have suggested that forever etched in Olympic history will be the sight of Bolt holding up one of his golden Puma spikes for the cameras after his record-breaking performance in the 100 metres - an "advetiser's dream" noted one marketter.

According to US-based marketing agency Zeta Interactive, catalysed by Bolt's achievements in Beijing, Puma's global online chatter increased by 64 per cent during the Games, outperforming Adidas and Nike, which only had increases of 17 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

"Internationally, Puma came out on top, two million shoes don't lie," said Irie FM's marketing manager, Brian Schmidt, referring to reports that Puma sold millions of shoes just hours after Bolt's 100 metres victory.

Said Wallace: "With Puma, whether the shoes are any good or not, people will buy it because Usain Bolt wears the brand."

A signal of Puma's contentment with Bolt's performance is the fact that last Saturday the company announced that it was giving the Jamaican sprint star a brand new BMW M3, a high-end vehicle with a retail value of over J$10 million. In another case of client appreciation, Digicel last week covered all the expenses for Bolt's father, Wellesley, to make the long trip to eastern Asia to join up with his son for his 22nd birthday. Fittingly and quite indicative of Puma and Digicel's foothold on the premier Olympic marketing during the Games is the fact that the senior Bolt left Jamaica in a Digicel shirt and flew back in a Puma shirt.

According to Asher, perks like these are just small expenses compared to the sales revenue that the endorsers will get in return for being associated with their 'poster boy' in the long run.

"There are a lot of benefits to be derived for the long run," said Asher. "Everybody will remember these Olympics for quite a long time.

"As you see Usain you will remember Puma and Digicel and when you want to use his picture you will have to get their permission because they are his endorsers."

Undoubtedly, the marketers believe that the exploits of the nation's athletes at the Olympics meant a victory for Brand Jamaica that will strengthen its appeal to the rest of the world.

During a national address over the weekend, Prime Minister Bruce Golding said that the island's tourism industry stands to benefit after the Olympics.

"Our Brand Jamaica campaign has been given a priceless springboard because our athletes have name-branded Jamaica," said the prime minister.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett told the newspaper last week that he has already met with Chinese tour operators who were all charged up and ready to begin selling Jamaica as a destination.

Schmidt agreed, and added that controversy stemming from Bolt's antics after the races only increased the country's brand recognition in the lucrative North American market.
Bolt was criticised by NBC commentators Bob Costas and Ato Boldon, as well as IOC head Jacques Rogge for showboating during and after his 100 metres victory.
"Brand Jamaica is the biggest winner," noted the Irie FM executive.

"We should also thank Mr Costas, Mr Boldon and Mr Rogge," he continued. "Because of the controversy, Bolt and Jamaica's performances got more play in the US market than it would have gotten otherwise."

High school survival kit

2008-09-02T12:03:00.000-05:00

Ian Williams
Tuesday, September 02, 2008

School has just begun and the first-ever high school students are about to realise that 'big' school is not what it looks like on the outside and that they have just entered into the jungle of life.

But TEENage wants you to know that we have your perfect survival guide through this time - the early stages of the 'jungle' called high school.

5 Stay out of fights
Not every one will be kind to you and some students will pick on you for no apparent reason. To keep a good reputation, avoid students who are up to no good. Quickly end arguments that may develop and report all forms of harassment to a teacher.

4 Be a leader not a follower
This tip is VERY important: always be a leader. never follow anyone. Never let any student tell you what to do. If you are going to get in trouble, let it be on your own accord. Never be left wondering what would have happened if you had just listened to your conscience.

3 Work hard
Also very important is working hard; remember you write your own transcript because every grade matters. Whenever you feel like you are not prepared for a test, just act as if this could be the grade that decides whether or not you get accepted to the college/university of your choice.

2 Choose friends wisely
We at TEENage must elaborate on this point. Friends are the makers and breakers of a good high school life. The friend you choose must be trustworthy, honest and must always want to see the best of you at all times. This might mean that you have to wait a while before you choose your friends. Take a while and observe the characteristics of each individual, believe it or not good friends are out there.

'Nunu Puss' found dead

2008-09-02T12:01:00.001-05:00

Monday, September 01, 2008

THE bullet-riddled body of Christopher 'Nunu Puss' Miller, who in 2006 headed the police most wanted list, was yesterday found on Goshen Road in Bernard Lodge, St Catherine.

Police said the body was found on the roadway early yesterday morning by residents who alerted them.

Yesterday the police theorised that Miller, 41 - who in 2006 was wanted for several crimes, including the May 2005 murders of Inspector Lascelles Walsh and Constable Canute Brown - was killed elsewhere and his body dumped along the lonely road.

"There were no reports of any spent shells found at the scene and at this time the police are theorising that he might have been killed somewhere else and his body dumped in that area," an officer at the Constabulary Communication Network told the Observer yesterday.

Inspector Walsh, District Constable Brown and a security guard were murdered on May 3, 2005 in what police said was a reprisal for the fatal shootings of Christopher Coke, 23 and a man identified only as 'Jello', who were both from Tivoli Gardens.

Coke and 'Jello' were cut down minutes after they murdered Corporal Hewitt Chandler of the Protective Services Division at the intersection of West Kings House and Waterloo Roads in Kingston.

Hours later, gunmen attacked the Cross Roads police station, killing Brown. Inspector Walsh was shot to death at a traffic light on Port Royal Street, downtown Kingston.

Miller, who was said to have frequented Tivoli Gardens and who was one of the main suspects in the cops' deaths, was arrested during a police operation in Cassia Park, St Andrew in May 2006 but was released due to a lack of co-operation from persons who witnessed the shootings.

"This man was one of the main suspects in those murders and he was arrested by the police. However, persons who witnessed the murders and persons who the police relied on to give information did not turn up to do their part," said a senior officer at the Denham Town Police Station yesterday.

$8b road bill

2008-09-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

Some St Thomas communities still cut off

INGRID BROWN, Observer senior reporter browni@jamaicaobserver.com
Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Jamaica Defence Force soldiers work feverishly to install a Bailey bridge across the Hope River at Harbour View in eastern Kingston yesterday. The bridge is scheduled to be opened this morning, but will only accommodate single-lane traffic. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Eight billion dollars is the estimated cost for repairs to the island's road network and bridges which were damaged when Tropical Storm Gustav dumped heavy rains on the island last week, according to Transport Minister Mike Henry.

Henry said the final figures are not yet available as the assessments are being carried out. However, from all indications the cost should not be too far from this figure.
Already Henry said the Government has had to re-order Bailey bridges, at a cost of £2 million to replenish the stock, given that the hurricane season is not yet over.

"To replace the two bridges (Hope River bridge in Kingston and Georgia Bridge in St Mary) alone are $2 billion and we can make that point because we just finished building one (Yallahs bridge)," Henry told the Observer.

He said Cabinet is now examining the various sources, such as multilateral agencies, from where funds can be sourced.
However, the minister was not very hopeful about receiving an international loan, since he said Jamaica may not qualify as Gustav was not a category one hurricane.

"They may say it is not even a category one that hit us, just like they tell us we are not poor enough for certain things," he said.

Henry said based on initial assessment, this $8 billion figure could be more, but not less.

"I think it is $8 billion, because before Gustav, the Buff Bay Valley cost $289 million, and I hear you can't recognise it now, so I assume it will be about $489 million," he said.
Buff Bay Valley in Portland had suffered extensive damage during the passage of two previous hurricanes.

Before Gustav, he said the Sandy Gully repairs were projected at $667 million and other critical gullies were at $500 million.

This, he said, is given the fact that they have not yet calculated the cost of repairs to some other parishes.
"For example, I got $502 million merely to clean gullies and clear and resurface roads, but when they gave me the cost for Kingston it was at $21 million," he said. "But Mr [Andrew] Holness alone told me that he needs $30 million for two gullies."

Henry said he did not want to use a past approach and would prefer to err on the side of caution by using the higher figure and working downwards.

Meanwhile, he said the assessment is now being done on the Bog Walk Gorge, which was extensively damaged, to determine a cost for repairs. Fortunately, Henry said it does not appear that the bridge was damaged, which should speed up the repair process.

Initially it was proposed that it would take up to a month for the gorge to be reopened to vehicular traffic. However, Henry said he was working to reduce that.

In the meantime, Henry said not much can be done at this point to fast-track the Mount Rosser segment of Highway 2000.

"Yes, we are considering speeding up Mount Rosser, but I can't give you a date when this will be done as we are 50 per cent over the initial cost," Henry said. "That is a US$50-million increase plus adjustments to fuel bill that we hadn't bargained for."

Henry said the priority areas for attention are the Hope River, Junction including the Georgia Bridge, the Bog Walk Gorge and the Sandy and McGregor gullies.

Yesterday, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister and member of parliament for West St Thomas, James Robertson, said he was still assessing the damage in his constituency. He said communities such as Hagley Gap and Pen Line are still cut off, due to damage to the road network. Residents of Beach Gate in Nine Miles have also been marooned since this community was cut off .

Member of parliament for Eastern St Thomas, Fenton Ferguson, said there has been significant damage to the road network in several sections of his constituency such as Spring Bank where the residents have been marooned for days now. "The road collapsed and they are cut off from the Bachelor Hall main road," he said.

Absenteeism in schools cause for great concern

2008-09-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 2, 2008

WESTERN BUREAU:

Poverty and many parents placing little value on education, resulting in detrimental effects for children, are the main contributors to absenteeism in primary schools.

This is according to Professor Zellyne Jennings-Craig, head of the Department of Educational Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.

"One of the parents don't have work, they don't have money, they can't give the children lunch money or even breakfast to go to school, so they keep them away," Jennings-Craig said as she painted a picture of the kind of poverty that befalls many parents.

She was addressing a recent appreciation function held in Montego Bay, St James, for education officers.

School dropouts

Jennings-Craig, though expressing surprise that parents did not seem to realise the importance of education said a number of parents were youngsters who themselves dropped out of schools.

Jennings-Craig added that the lack of importance attached to education is seen in how parents will spend the money from the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education on fancy hairdos or designer clothes for themselves, rather than use it to send the children to school.

Gustav halts school preparations

2008-09-02T11:48:00.001-05:00

published: Tuesday | September 2, 2008

Hyacinth Allen of the McGregor Gully community in St Andrew talks about her back-to-school preparations yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Many parents believe they have fallen behind in back-to-school preparations as a result of losses suffered during the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, even though the Ministry of Education has rescheduled the official reopening of schools.

Residents living on First and Fourth avenues, in McGregor Gully in St Andrew, were yesterday sorting through personal items, washing clothes and air-drying furniture.

Sisters Hyacinth and Audrey Allen's shared family quarters were ruined during the torrential onslaught brought by Gustav. Audrey told The Gleaner that she had suffered a great loss, having spent in excess of $30,000 on school items for her four children who are yet to start school.

The Seventh-day Adventist church on the opposite side of the gully provided residents with a meal on Sunday evening.

Broken spirit

"My children can't stay here, they are by friends and family all over the place. I have no money for books, uniforms, nothing. what are they going to go to school with?" she asked. "I've lived through years of gunshots, elections and nothing has ever broken my spirit like this."

Juliet Samuels shared a similar experience to Allen's, as she relayed how her home was submerged.

"Right now I don't have a pot or pan to cook in, and there is no clean water. So even if the school is ready, there is no bathroom for them to get ready, or place for them to eat or sleep."

TOP 20 DANCE HALL SINGLES

2008-08-30T00:29:00.002-05:00

Richie B Energy Beat ( August 20 -26, 2008)

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 9 Nuh Linga – Elephant Man – Board House (2wks@#1) NM
02 3 8 Gimmi Likkle – Beenie Man – Born So Records U-1
03 2 14 Gully Creepa – Elephant Man – Seanizzle (4wks@#1) D-1
04 4 18 Stinking Rich – Serani – Daseca NM
05 6 13 Dem Nuh Want Nuh Gal – Assassin – Board House U-1
06 5 17 Nah Go Nuh Weh – Vybz Kartel – Big Ship (2wks@#1) D-1
07 9 6 Winner – Konshens – Natural Bridge/Cash Flow U-2
08 10 9 Hustle – Andrew & Wada Blood – Fire Links U-2
09 7 17 Chiney-K – Mavado – Big Ship (pp#2) D-2
10 8 22 Wine Gal – Beenie Man – TJ Records (3wks@#1) D-2
11 13 6 Dem Yah & Dem Yah – Flippa Mafia – Board House U-2
12 15 4 Inna Di Car Back – Mavado – Big Ship U-3
13 17 3 Trailer Load Of Money – Vybz Kartel– Adidjaheim Records/ ChimneyRecordsU-4
14 14 5 More Money – Harry Toddler – Downsound Records NM
15 12 16 Dancers Anthem – RDX – Apt 19 (pp#5) D-3
16 18 4 Shake That Body – PI feat. Elephant Man – Track Pusha Music U-2
17 19 2 Bottom Of The Barrel – Tifa – Ward 21 U-2
18 20 2 I’m So Special – Mavado – TJ Records U-2
19 16 9 Study People – Serani – Fire Links (pp#12) D-3
20 11 20 I’m On The Rock – Mavado – Baby G (2wks@#1) D-9

Western Jamaica braces for storm

2008-08-30T00:26:00.001-05:00

KERIL WRIGHT, Observer staff reporter kerilw@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, August 29, 2008

MONTEGO BAY, St James - Hundreds of residents across western Jamaica were asked to evacuate their communities yesterday as the island prepared for an onslaught from Tropical Storm Gustav, which swept across the island packing heavy rains and 70-mph winds.

Others, who up to late Wednesday evening were doubtful about the storm, were spurred into action and by mid-morning supermarkets and haberdasheries were filled with persons stocking up on last-minute supplies of food and essentials such as batteries, candles and kerosene lamps.

Those advised to evacuate included residents of Warf Road in Westmoreland, which suffered from heavy flooding from recent rains, as well as several communities across Trelawny including Salt Marsh, Zion in Martha Brae, Bottom Road in Clarks Town, Jackson Town and Wakefield.

Additionally, in Trelawny, some 62 residents along with some 26 staff members were relocated from the Infirmary to the Hague Primary School approximately five miles away. The infirmary, located along the town's western coastline, is prone to flooding from storm surges.

Similarly, officials in Hanover evacuated over 50 residents from their infirmary, which is situated along the coast in Lucea. Residents of the flood-prone seaside community of Bulls Bay were asked to be on high alert to evacuate if needed, and one family was housed at the Esher Primary School.

St James had only suffered intermittent rains up to late yesterday afternoon with the mayor, Charles Sinclair, promising yesterday that all shelters would be opened by early afternoon. Disaster officials in the parish said they had undergone a major drain-cleaning operation and was not expecting any major flooding in the downtown area, but had concerns for residents along the coast in areas such as Greenwood and Rose Hall.

All flights from the Sangster International Airport (SIA) were cancelled after 2:30 pm yesterday with airport officials advising that they would remain open until 4:00 pm for an American Airlines flight.

Gustav's Fury

2008-08-30T00:24:00.000-05:00

Tropical storm rips off roofs, dumps heavy rain on Jamaica

ALICIA DUNKLEY, Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, August 29, 2008

Gustav, the deceptive tropical storm that snuck up on Jamaica's eastern and southern coasts after a sharp change in course Wednesday night, yesterday blew off roofs and downed trees as it lumbered across the island, dumping heavy rain along the way.

The storm, packing winds of 75 miles per hour and moving at six mph, also knocked out electricity in some areas and left several roads flooded, but there were no immediate reports of injury.

Last night, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said that a hurricane warning remained in effect for the island. It also said that 700 people were in 31 shelters in Portland, Clarendon, St Elizabeth, Manchester, St Mary, St James, Clarendon with the majority in St Thomas.

Up to late Wednesday, Jamaicans on the island's north coast were bracing for heavy rain and wind from Gustav's outer bands, as the storm was forecast to travel through the Windward Passage on the way to the Cayman Islands and the western tip of Cuba.

A Port Royal resident checks his lanterns yesterday to ensure that they are functional in preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Gustav which brought heavy wind and rain to Jamaica, causing rough seas as seen here at Harbour View in St Andrew. (Photos: Karl McLarty and Michael Gordon)

However, overnight, Gustav made an almost 90-degree turn south from Haiti and slow-marched toward Jamaica's eastern and southern coasts.

At least one road was closed in St Andrew as a result of the storm, while traffic signals at several intersections in the Corporate Area were deactivated by the National Works Agency (NWA).

Stephen Shaw, communication and customer services manager at the NWA, said the Newcastle main road, which was damaged by rains associated with Hurricane Fay two weeks ago, was closed, following a further deterioration of the roadway by heavy rains associated with Gustav.

The NWA, said Shaw, activated its emergency operations centre yesterday and put teams on high alert to respond as early as possible to problems relating to the island's road network.

The Normal Manley International Airport in Kingston was closed early yesterday, while the Sangster Airport in Montego Bay was expected to close by 4:00 pm. Air Jamaica, the national carrier, cancelled all its flights, while the state-run Jamaica Urban Transit Company pulled buses from all routes by 11:00 yesterday morning.

Gustav, which killed at least 22 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, was last night forecast to make its way across southern parishes with tropical storm force winds extending up to 45 miles from the centre.

The Meteorological Service said rainfall which was occurring over most parishes was expected to spread towards to the west of the island with an increase in strong, gusty winds.

Duty forecaster at the Met Service, Glenroy Brown, told the Observer that Gustav was not expected to strengthen to a hurricane until after it has passed the island sometime today.
Yesterday morning, thousands of Jamaicans rushed to make last-minute preparations on the approach of the storm.
Several flocked hardware stores where they bought tarpaulins and board to secure their homes, while others went to grocery stores to get water, tinned food, biscuit, bread, batteries for transistor radios and flashlights, and candles.

Thousands of Jamaicans ignored evacuation orders from the ODPEM and refused to leave their homes, despite the threat posed by the storm.

The ODPEM early yesterday issued evacuation orders for people in 20 communities in St Catherine, including flood-prone trouble areas in the municipality of Portmore, Old Harbour Bay, Bushy Park and Nightingale Grove.

Residents in the communities of Hague, Zion, Clarks Town, Salt Marsh, Wakefield, and Bunkers Hill in Trelawny were also told to move to the designated emergency shelters.

In the eastern parish of St Thomas, which suffered considerable damage when Hurricane Dean hit sections of the island in 2007, residents of 16 communities were told to leave their homes and stay at public shelters, while people in the flood-prone areas of Portland Cottage, Rocky Point and Mitchell Town in Clarendon were asked to move to higher ground.

Residents of several communities in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth and Manchester were also advised to head to designated shelters in their area.

Last night, the Ministry of Health appealed to persons with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma who were given evacuation orders to take their medication to the shelters with them.

The Met Service said between six and 12 inches of rainfall was expected from the storm, but up to 5:15 yesterday just over half an inch of rain was reported in Kingston, the Jamaican capital.

Storm surges, said the Met Service, could reach up to two metres above normal tide levels, mainly along southern coastal areas and warned all small craft operators, including fishermen from the cays and banks, to secure their vessels and remain in safe harbour until all warning messages were lifted and wind and sea conditions returned to normal.