IN JAMAICA: Veteran Producer Shares His Pain - Unanswered Questions Surround Daughter's Murder - Specialist......Anuska Dillon, 25, was murdered on Thursday by her 26-year-old boyfriend, Clifson Cerve, who later killed himself.

 Published: Monday | March 24, 2014 0 Comment

When they spoke a week ago, producer Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon had no idea that would be his last conversation with his 25-year-old daughter Anuska Dillon.

Veteran producer Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon. - FILE

Following her gruesome murder on Thursday, Specialist says he is still trying to come to terms with what happened.

"I am coping. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. I wish it didn't have to happen, but there is nothing I can do," said Specialist, who is the former manager of dancehall superstars Shabba and Patra, and who currently manages OMI.

Anuska Dillon, 25, was murdered on Thursday by her 26-year-old boyfriend, Clifson Cerve, who later killed himself.

Reports are that Anuska, who was five months pregnant, was shot in the head by her boyfriend in the presence of her five-year-old daughter at her apartment in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Later in the afternoon, Cerve also killed himself after he was cornered by police.

EDUCATED LADY

Specialist described his daughter as a "very educated, beautiful person".

"Any challenge I give her she conquered them. She makes things happen, she's a go-getter," he told The Gleaner. more

MORE MUTABARUKA and VYBZ KARTEL ( A MUST HEAR DWL) TEK BAD TING MEK JOKE LOL . you have to listen to these Jamaican woman

Post by Yaadhustletv.

IN JAMAICA: Parents Seek Help For Teen Girl Dons...."What do you do if your 15 y-o daughter looks at you and tells you that she wants to kill you?"...."My daughter is the leader of a gang of six boys. Dem even call her 'Tommy Lee' (after the dancehall deejay)

Published: Monday | March 24, 2014 

"What do you do if your daughter looks at you and tells you that she wants to kill you?" asked 34-year-old Kerry-Ann Ford, who was seeking help for her 15-year-old daughter at a Re-Birth Project session that was held on Saturday at the Caenwood Centre in St Andrew.

Melody Cammock-Gayle, founder, Rebirth Project,
 addresses parents and their children attending
of the Re-Birth Project at Caenwood Centre

Ford, who is from the Maxfield Avenue community in St Andrew, said it has been a rocky journey in providing a stable environment for her child.

"My daughter is the leader of a gang of six boys. Dem even call her 'Tommy Lee' (after the dancehall deejay) because she takes on the role of a don. She's not attending classes and it really pains my heart," she said with tears streaming down her face.

"I try to be her friend. Mi even tek up $10,000 buy a shoes for her the other day because I don't want her to feel left out, and I'm trying to please her. She has been to several counselling sessions. I don't know what I haven't done for this girl. I reached my boiling point recently when she told somebody that she is anxious to become a soldier because she wants to kill me," Ford revealed.

The single mother stressed, however, that she will remain persistent and rise above the challenges.

"It's not easy, but I will not point fingers and blame anybody. I will continue to fight and get all the help I can," Ford told The Gleaner. more

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Guyanese drug mule, Jonathan Fontanelle hit with a J$800,000 fine or 18 months in a local prison after he was caught trafficking cocaine into Jamaica....."Him know it's not ‘Phensic’. He wasn't stupid to what he was doing,"

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Guyanese drug mule was hit with a J$800,000 fine or 18 months in a local prison after he was caught trafficking cocaine into Jamaica.

Jonathan Fontanelle, whose attorney described him as a “simpleton”, was slapped with the hefty fine by Senior Corporate Area Magistrate Judith Pusey on Friday (March 21).

Fontanelle, the court was informed, passed out 93 pellets of cocaine at the Kingston Public Hospital weighing a total of two pounds and three ounces, after being held at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on March 4.

He pleaded guilty on Friday and was fined $200,000 or six months on a charge of possession of cocaine, $250,000 or six months for dealing in cocaine and $350,000 or six months for importing the illegal substance.

Prior to sentencing Fontanelle's attorney said that his client didn't understand what he was getting into.

But Pusey wasn't buying it. "You have some people who never see a stop light before, apart from when they going to the airport take up themselves and reach a England a export drugs. I consider them brave, not a simpleton," Pusey said. "Him know it's not ‘Phensic’. He wasn't stupid to what he was doing," Pusey added.

Racquel Porter

KINGSTON, Jamaica CRICKET LOVELY CRICKET: Carlton Baugh’s 89 anchors Jamaica on third day vs Windwards....Scores: Jamaica 194 (68 overs) & 275 (93.1 overs); Windward Islands 216-9 (98.3 overs) & 31-0 (9 overs).

By Sanjay Myers Observer staff reporter  Sunday, March 23, 2014 | 11:28 PM   

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- A mature 89 not out from wicketkeeper/batsman Carlton Baugh gave Jamaica the upper hand against the Windward Islands heading into the final day of the fourth-round Regional Four-day game at Sabina Park.

Baugh

At the close of play on Sunday, the Windwards were 31 without loss, in search of 254 runs off a possible 90 overs to win the match.

Tyrone Theophile and his left-handed opening partner Devon Smith are both not out on 15.

Earlier, 31-year-old Baugh, who also top scored with 56 not out in the first innings, mixed crunching blows with smooth drives on both sides of the wicket in his second outing. He and Jermaine Blackwood (67) were the mainstay, as Jamaica were bowled out for 275.

Scores: Jamaica 194 (68 overs) & 275 (93.1 overs); Windward Islands 216-9 (98.3 overs) & 31-0 (9 overs).

Off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who took 7-116 off 33 overs and a ball, ended with 11 wickets in the match.

Shillingford, just returning to competitive cricket after being suspended for an illegal bowling action while on West Indies duty late last year, also reached 300 wickets in Regional Four-day cricket for the Windwards. Play begins on Monday at 10:00 am. more

Russian Troops Seize Ukrainian Marine Base In Crimea, Says Ukrainian Serviceman....."The invading troops were using stun grenades and also firing automatic weapons. The interior of the compound is full of Russian troops,"

Russian troops forced their way into a Ukrainian marine base in the Crimean port city of Feodosia early on Monday, overrunning one of the few symbols of resistance left after Moscow wrestled the peninsula away from Kiev, defending soldiers inside said.

The Russians used stun grenades and fired automatic weapons as they charged in, a Ukrainian military official said. Ukrainian flags had been taken down from flagpoles inside the base.

Ukrainian army officer, First Lieutenant Anatoly Mozgovoy, told Reuters by phone from inside the compound that the Russians had fired shots and the Ukrainian soldiers were unarmed. Asked if the base had been taken over, he said: "Yes".

"The invading troops were using stun grenades and also firing automatic weapons. The interior of the compound is full of Russian troops," said Vladislav Seleznyov, a Ukrainian military spokesman in Crimea. Russian forces had already captured part of the base, used by the 1st Separate Marine Battalion, Ukraine's top military unit, earlier this month. more

Nate Silver Projects Big GOP Win in upcoming SENATE election: Republicans have great opportunities in a number of states, but only in West Virginia, South Dakota, Montana and Arkansas do we rate the races as clearly leaning their way

By NATE SILVER

When FiveThirtyEight last issued a U.S. Senate forecast — way back in July — we concluded the race for Senate control was a toss-up. That was a little ahead of the conventional wisdom at the time, which characterized the Democrats as vulnerable but more likely than not to retain the chamber.

Nate Silver

Our new forecast goes a half-step further: We think the Republicans are now slight favorites to win at least six seats and capture the chamber. The Democrats’ position has deteriorated somewhat since last summer, with President Obama’s approval ratings down to 42 or 43 percent from an average of about 45 percent before. Furthermore, as compared with 2010 or 2012, the GOP has done a better job of recruiting credible candidates, with some exceptions.

As always, we encourage you to read this analysis with some caution. Republicans have great opportunities in a number of states, but only in West Virginia, South Dakota, Montana and Arkansas do we rate the races as clearly leaning their way. Republicans will also have to win at least two toss-up races, perhaps in Alaska, North Carolina or Michigan, or to convert states such as New Hampshire into that category. And they’ll have to avoid taking losses of their own in Georgia and Kentucky, where the fundamentals favor them but recent polls show extremely competitive races. more

PALAS SPRING FLING DANCE Fundraiser Event @ KOZY KOVE 4654 Hope Spring Rd, Stone Mtn GA 30083...Saturday, April 19, 2014. Admission is $15.00 (Includes Dinner). Music by JAH PRINCE & DJ ODDESY

IN JAMAICA: Duped & Discarded! Teens Tricked Into Running Away From Home Return Silent With Signs Of Sexual Abuse......With close to 300 children reported missing to the police in the first two months of this year. Human trafficking ?

Published: Sunday | March 23, 2014

With close to 300 children reported missing to the police in the first two months of this year, there are growing fears that some of these teenagers are victims of human trafficking and have been forced into the illicit sex trade.

Founder of advocacy group, Hear the
 Children's Cry, Betty Ann Blaine.

"We are not ruling out human trafficking and we wouldn't put a figure on it as we have no proof, but there are children who have gone missing with no trace," director of the police Missing Persons Unit, Inspector Terrence McLean, told The Sunday Gleaner.

He was responding to growing concerns that several teenagers, mainly girls, who have been reported missing in recent times are victims of a robust and illicit sex trade that lure them with gifts and affection.

These perverts use and abuse the girls and then spit them out, leaving many fearful, pregnant and silenced by threats.

Official figures show 134 children were reported missing in January and 158 in February. Of that number, 86 returned home after a couple of weeks in January and 105 in February.

Neither social workers nor the police have managed to convince most of these children to share their accounts of what happened during the period they were away from home.

Scars of carnal abuse

But the children return with visible scars of carnal abuse, including sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. In a recent case in the Corporate Area, a 15-year-old who went missing for two weeks, returned home pregnant. more

Careers & Education in JAMAICA: UWI to award bursaries to students with disabilities.... valued at $50,000 each to five students with disabilities enrolled at the institution's Mona campus.

Sunday, March 23, 2014    

BEGINNING September 2014, the University of the West Indies (UWI) will award five bursaries, valued at $50,000 each to five students with disabilities enrolled at the institution's Mona campus.

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor Archibald McDonald made the announcement during the recently concluded two-day biennial Regional Disability Conference, staged by the UWI's Centre for Disability Studies (CDS), at the Mona Visitors' Lodge and Conference Centre.

McDonald said the bursaries will be awarded each academic year through the CDS to students maintaining a B-average in their studies.

"This bursary is yet another major university initiative that is geared at providing friendly and accommodating educational service to all students with disabilities. Our ultimate goal is to continue to provide the training and a strong educational framework that will allow our graduates with disabilities to enter the working world as skilled competent trailblazers (and) make continuous contributions to the welfare of the community," he said.

The principal noted that as the region's premiere tertiary institution, the UWI has taken other major steps to ensure that the best quality education is provided for its students, particularly those with disabilities. He said this is done through several programmes initiated over the past few years, "aimed at empowering and making education easily accessible for our disabled student community." more

IN JAMAICA: I'm not spreading AIDS ...insists man infected with deadly virus But deceased woman's angry relative disagrees....an influential member of a religious group who is accused of knowingly spreading the deadly HIV virus, which causes AIDS, to several female partners, one of whom has since died as a result of complications from the disease.

BY DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE Sunday Observer staff reporter husseyd@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, March 23, 2014    

CONTROVERSY now swirls around an influential member of a religious group who is accused of knowingly spreading the deadly HIV virus, which causes AIDS, to several female partners, one of whom has since died as a result of complications from the disease.

‘That man wilfully killed my mother’

So concerned is the livid hierarchy of the Rastafarian organisation that it has scheduled a meeting with the alleged errant member when it is expected that he will be expelled from the group.

Additionally, the daughter of the woman who died from the disease and who was buried last week Sunday has been highly critical of the 'religious' man, whom she blames for the death of her mother.

However, the accused man has vehemently denied the accusations that he has been wilfully spreading the disease.

In rubbishing the claims, he acknowledged that the woman who died was the only one to have contracted the virus from him. He said that it only happened because he didn't know at the time that he was carrying the virus.

"I don't know of anybody else who can say I give it to them," he said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday. "Because I understand certain things, I wouldn't do that. But when I was dealing with this lady, I never know that I had it," he said, looking bewildered.

"I wouldn't even try and do something like that ... to know that I have it and give her. Why would I do that as a man who has Godly fear and character," he went on. But the daughter of the deceased woman has a different story. more

Jamaica's first woman director of public prosecutions (DPP) in Paula Llewellyn, QC.: 'Kartel', 'Dudus', OCG, Richard Azan, Trafigura....One of the biggest was the United States' request for the extradition of former Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, on drug and gunrunning charges.... Final of three parts

THE year 2008 had come around with a sense among Jamaicans that something spectacular would happen for the country to make up for news that the world economy was plunging rapidly into a nasty recession.

What happened was indeed spectacular. Jamaica ruled the world in the sprint events at the summer Olympics later that year. Less spectacular, but arguably of even greater paramountcy, was the selection of a legal titan as Jamaica's first woman director of public prosecutions (DPP) in Paula Llewellyn, QC.

United States DEA agents escort Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke
from Westchester County Airport to a waiting vehicle in
White Plains, New York on June 24, 2010, the day he
 was extradited from Jamaica. (PHOTO: AP)

There was another first. The Bruce Golding Administration had decided to dispense with the old way of appointing a DPP by the prime minister making a recommendation to the governor general. This time, candidates would have to apply and go through a rigorous selection process administered by the Public Service Commission.

To get there, Llewellyn had to beat out a handful of people whose curriculum vitae were almost as impressive. Standing between her and the job of DPP were: Marlene Malahoo-Forte, now a senator; Lisa Palmer-Hamilton, currently senior deputy DPP; Vinette Graham Allen, former DPP in Bermuda and presently DPP in The Bahamas; Terrence Williams, former DPP of Tortola and currently head of INDECOM; and Hugh Wildman, former DPP of Grenada.

She said a quiet prayer of thanks that she had done the MIND course. In the past, the DPP was a man who had likely risen through the ranks — talented lawyers but short on management training. That senior public sector management course she had done as deputy DPP — with people like Jean Dixon, Carole Guntley-Brady, the late Grace Allen-Young, Elizabeth Steer, and Oscar Derby — was going to make a world of a difference. After the interviews, presentations and evaluations, she felt she had done her best. more

A JAMAICAN WOMAN: Chavoy Gordon is one of 20, of the Most Stunningly Beautiful Black Women From Around The World

Chavoy Gordon placed fifth inthe Miss Jamaica World 2011 contest

more

Nigerian model Adaora Akubilo,
born in Windsor, Conn., 

Tomiko Fraser Hines hails from the Bronx, N.Y., 

Damaris Lewis has one of
those faces you never forget.
 Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York

Yemalla Edwards, once homeless medical student at University of the West Indies (UWI) pinned at ceremony after struggles and getting massive support from PALAS. Student had 3.85/4.00 GPA in first year and is now doing very well at UWI.....his mother, a vendor at Coronation Market, and his father, a minimum wage worker, Edwards pushed himself to achieve even more, as he is propelled by an unshakeable faith in God.

Yemalla Edwards after pinning
 ceremony at UWI

UNIVERSITY of the West Indies (UWI) student Yemalla Edwards is on his way to realizing his dream of becoming a medical doctor.

Yemalla was pinned as a full fledged Medical student at the UWI- Mona Campus on Thursday, March 20, 2014. He was very excited about the reality of being closer to milestone as a Medical Doctor. Before this, Yemalla has been struggling financially to support himself while in school. He relates the times when he was homeless on campus while sporting a 3.85 GPA in his first year in med school. 

One early morning at about 2:30 am, campus police found him sleeping under a stairway....he was quickly awakened by the police shouting out, he must have been a homeless man on campus. Luckily his student ID saved him from the embarrassment he said, later that morning he went to class.

Brian (L), Yemalla and Teacher Mr. Blake (R)

PALAS Executive Director, Rula Brown met Yemalla on August 22, 2013 at UWI near a lecture theater as he was making preparations for PALAS awards ceremony for 60 students. One of Yemalla's teacher, Mr. Blake, saw Brown speaking to five interested persons about PALAS and decided to call Yemalla from a class room to acquaint himself about the scholarship program. 

Approx. three months later Mr. Edwards received assistance from PALAS of JA$125,000.00, a cell phone, a place to reside across the street from UWI at no cost. Thanks to a good samaritan, Ms. Judy Grant  in Atlanta, Georgia who Rula reached out to for the help and she gracefully said yes.... he is very happy there. He also a received a tablet computer (shown in photo with him) complements of PALAS adviser, Mr. Patrick Campbell. He will graduate with his Medical Degree in 2018. Read about Mr. Edwards from a recent Jamaica Observer article on Oct 13, 2013. more

GREAT, POWERFUL STORY: Jamaican Woman has 32 Kids... and it's not what your'e thinking - For Views Group Promises to Give Back (PLEASE SHARE)

This lady’s story is sure to touch your heart. God has certainly blessed some individuals with a strong spirit of compassion and empathy.

Annmarie Richards is a Jamaican woman who has raised 32 children, but not before she came from a broken home, in a struggling community herself. She experienced first-hand what it feels like to be a forgotten victim of Jamaica’s painful economic situation.

She has since devoted her life to finding homeless children, raising them as her own, and giving them new opportunities. It’s her goal to take children off the streets and integrate them into school systems, giving them a foundation to build a wonderful life.

Annmarie has helped numerous people turn their lives around. She has provided a home to women stuck in prostitution circles, drug addicts, and others. She not only takes troubled people off the streets, but she also helps them thrive in society! Please help by SHARING THIS VIDEO.

DEVELOPING STORY: THE SEARCH FOR FLIGHT 370....China has new images showing object 74 feet by 43 feet in southern search area, Malaysia says....The object is 22.5 meters long and 13 meters wide, (74 feet by 43 feet ), Hishammuddin Hussein announced..... China will send ships to confirm.

By Mitra Mobasherat and Faith Karimi, CNN updated 6:42 AM EDT, Sat March 22, 2014

(CNN) -- China has new satellite images showing a large object floating in the southern search area, and will be sending ships to verify, the Malaysian transport minister said Saturday.

The object is 22.5 meters long and 13 meters wide, (74 feet by 43 feet ), Hishammuddin Hussein announced. He told reporters he'd just gotten the information, and China will release more details in the "coming hours."

The search for the missing Malaysian jetliner expanded Saturday as various countries dispatched additional aircraft and ships to scan the choppy waters of the southern Indian Ocean. At least six search flights were involved Saturday, including two private jets. Though the two civilian jets did not have radar, their role was crucial, authorities said.

"It is more likely that a pair of eyes are going to identify something floating in the ocean," Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said. more

JAMAICA Entertainment : Altar call for dancehall.....Gospel deejay and pastor Goddy Goddy says dancehall music has failed the youth miserably..... "He (Kartel) calls himself the World Boss but God is the only World Boss."

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer reporter livingstonc@jamaicaobserver.com  Saturday, March 22, 2014    
WITH the image of dancehall music taking a beating after the March 13 conviction of deejay Vybz Kartel and three accomplices (Andre 'Mad Suss' St John, Kahira Jones and Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell) for murder, members of the gospel fraternity believe it is time secular artistes and fans seek salvation.

Goddy Goddy and Vybz Kartel

Gospel deejay and pastor Goddy Goddy (given name Howard Reynolds) says dancehall music has failed the youth miserably.

"I do believe that it's not just now, but it's about time we take over things and deal with it because of the negative impact dancehall has been having on our younger generation and the society overall," Goddy Goddy declared.

But the toaster, best known for favourites such as Chaka Chi, Mi Nuh Sure and Back It Up, said gospel music has always had its own place whether Kartel is in jail or not. "He (Kartel) calls himself the World Boss but God is the only World Boss. That (Kartel being put away) doesn't stop or enhance the work of God," he said.

Thrillers United and former Grace Thrillers singer Leroy Smith says gospel should have been at the forefront of Jamaican music from day one. "Gospel is all about bringing the good news and that is what the world needs, whether Kartel is there, yes or no," he stressed. more

JAMAICA TRACK & FIELD: Stars galore at 12th UWI Invitational.....Daegu World Championships 100m champion Yohan Blake will headline a host of athletes.....Warren Weir, Jason Young, Delano Williams, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Ricardo Chambers, Allodin Fothergill, Ristananna Tracey, Bobby Gaye Wilkins and Schillone Calvert.

By Howard Walker Observer senior reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com  Saturday, March 22, 2014    

Daegu World Championships 100m champion Yohan Blake will headline a host of athletes slated to participate at the 12th staging of the UWI Invitational Track and Field meet set for today at the Usain Bolt track.

The meet, which is scheduled to start at 10:00 am, will see Blake and Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) president, Dr Warren Blake, being honoured for their contribution to track and field.

WEIR…from the Racers Track Club. At right: Schillone Calvert

Grace Jackson, the chairperson of the organising committee and meet director, confirmed that several top-class athletes will be participating.

Field events will get things going at 10:00 am with discus for the Collegiate/Olympic Development male, while track events start at 1:00 pm with the 4x50m relays for Prep School girls.

With the ISSA Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships set to start next Tuesday, the bulk of the athletes will come from local clubs, including Racers, MVP, UWI, UTech, Cameron Blazers and Akan. A team from the UWI St Augustine campus will also participate.

Blake will lead a host of Racers athletes who include Warren Weir, Jason Young, Delano Williams, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Ricardo Chambers, Allodin Fothergill, Ristananna Tracey, Bobby Gaye Wilkins and Schillone Calvert.

MVP will parade several athletes such as Andrew Hinds, Winston Barnes, Ricardo Cunningham, Akino Ming, Julian Forte, Rusheen McDonald, Taekwando Tracey, Carrie Russell and Christine Day. more

JAMAICA Sport : Nesta Carter, Justin Gatlin showdown to highlight Jamaica International Invitational meet (JII) at the National Stadium May 3 in 100m race.

BY SHERDON COWAN  Saturday, March 22, 2014    

THE 100-metre battle between Jamaica's World Championships bronze medallist Nesta Carter and American Justin Gatlin will highlight this year's Jamaica International Invitational Meet (JII) at the National Stadium on May 3. The meet, which is an IAAF World Challenge-designated event, was officially launched at the Jamaica Pegasus yesterday.

The 28-year-old Carter, after a disappointing performance at the recently concluded World Indoor Games in Sopot, Poland, said he is back in training and recouping.

Ludlow Watts (left), vice-chairman, JII organising committee,
engages in a conversation with (from second left)
 Stephanie McPherson, star athlete; Dr Warren Blake, chairman,
 organising committee; Nesta Carter, star athlete; and
 Meet Director Donald Quarrie at the launch of the
 JII track meet held at the Jamaica Pegasus
yesterday. (PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)

"I don't really dwell on the past, so I try to get over it as fast as possible and take whatever positives I can from it and look on to further competition ahead," he said. The double Olympic relay gold medallist outlined that he is getting ready for the lengthy 2014 outdoor season, with his main objective being to remain healthy for the season.

"The main objective is to stay healthy, run some fast times and get some rest for 2015. This year is a long season as well, so I am definitely looking forward to the three back-to-back World Championships, Olympics coming up and try to get as much rest as possible at the end of this season to get ready for it," said the MVP track club athlete..

Carter also said he is looking forward to the showdown against Gatlin, as both athletes will go at it in the men's 100 metres. Former Olympic Games 100m champion and silver medallist Gatlin, speaking at the launch via Skype, said his preparations are going well. more 

PALAS SPRING FLING DANCE FUNDRAISER EVENT at KOZY COVE , 4654 HOPE SPRING ROAD, STONE MOUNTAIN GA 30083. Admission is $15.00 (Includes Dinner)

Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS), 100 scholarships &
100 computers for 2014. Please donate at www.PALAS1.org or send a 
check payable to PALAS. PO Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023.

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Lancashire, England (UK): Teen, Aaron Parfitt Suspended For Protesting School's Lack Of Homework after he failed a math exam.....“I did it because I needed some attention for them to listen,”

The Huffington Post  | by  Rebecca Klein Email RSS   Posted: 03/20/2014 1:36 pm EDT Updated: 03/20/2014 1:59 pm EDT

It is not often that you hear students complaining about not getting enoughhomework, but when this British student did, he got suspended.

Teenager Aaron Parfitt was recently suspended for two days from Bispham High School in Lancashire, England, after he led at least 40 students in a walkout to protest the high school’s lack of rigor, according to the BBC.

Last year, the school received a failing grade from Ofsted, the British government agency that inspects schools, according to the outlet. Inspectors said the school did not provide adequately demanding math and reading standards. Parfitt reportedly felt the need to take action against the school's lack of homework and high staff turnover rates after he failed a math exam.

“I did it because I needed some attention for them to listen,” Parfitt told British outlet the Blackpool Gazette. “Before now I’ve talked to my headteacher, my head of year and the head of maths about problems … I’ve had so many different maths teachers and none of them stop for more than a week.” According to the outlet, the protest only lasted for a short time before students dispersed. more

Jamaica recorded just under 200 murders in the first 74 days of this year, but statistics compiled by the police show that this is a 10 per cent dip when compared with the corresponding period last year.

Published: Friday | March 21, 2014

Jamaica recorded just under 200 murders in the first 74 days of this year, but statistics compiled by the police show that this is a 10 per cent dip when compared with the corresponding period last year.

Watkis

In fact, the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) latest Periodic Serious Crimes Review shows that up to March 15, all categories of serious crimes were on the decline.

According to the JCF data, there were 197 reported murders up to last Saturday, 21 less than was recorded over the corresponding period last year.

It also showed that rapes were down 28 per cent; shootings declined five per cent; aggravated assaults were down 33 per cent, larcenies were down 26 per cent; robberies declined 27 per cent and break-ins were down 14 per cent.

Assistant commissioner in charge of crime, Devon Watkis, said the downward trends were the result of the JCF's community policing initiative and the willingness "of the people we lead to be out there and to be proactive".

"We are fully embracing community policing, but there is a concept called proximity policing that we are pushing as one of the main tools," Watkis said. more 

St Lucia minister says "emphatic no" to decriminalisation of marijuana for medicinal and religious activities....Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders at their just concluded inter-sessional summit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines discuss the issue of decriminalising of small quantities of the drug

National Security Minister Phillip La Corbiniere, speaking on television here, said he remains unconvinced about decriminalizing marijuana, telling viewers if he had a deciding vote, it would be an emphatic no.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Tuesday March 21, 2014, CMC – National Security Minister Phillip La Corbiniere has hinted that the St. Lucia government would not support plans to decriminalise marijuana for medicinal and religious activities.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders at their just concluded inter-sessional summit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines discuss the issue of decriminalising of small quantities of the drug as well as exploring the economic benefits that might be derived from marijuana cultivation.
According to the communiqué issued following the talks, the regional leaders agreed to the “establishment of a Regional Commission to address the issues identified and any others deemed relevant in order to provide clear guidance with regard to decisions to be taken”.
The Commission is expected to submit a report to the regional leaders at their annual summit in Antigua in July.

more: 

JAMAICAN finger-raped victim Shanique Myrie has expressed frustration....'It is not all about the money', but Myrie growing impatient with Barbados over CCJ award ......Last year the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that Myrie should be paid US$38,620 in pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages

 BY KARYL WALKER Editor — Crime/Court Desk walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, March 21, 2014    

JAMAICAN finger-raped victim Shanique Myrie has expressed frustration at the length of time it is taking the Barbados Government to compensate her for subjecting her to an illegal cavity search in 2011.

MYRIE... the damage will never be
completely repaired and no money
 can heal that

Last year the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that Myrie should be paid US$38,620 in pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages by the Barbadian government. But to date not one cent has been handed over to the violated woman.

"It is not all about money, but it is getting a bit frustrating now. I have not tried to pressure them but if they had any form of decency they would have done the right thing," Myrie told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

The CCJ ruled that evidence Myrie presented about an illegal cavity search, detention in a dank, filthy cell at Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport and subsequent deportation was powerful enough for a panel of judges to award her damages.

Speaking with the Observer from her mother's Tower Hill, St Andrew, home, Myrie said she was still exercising patience despite the delay by the Barbadian Government in handing over the cash.

"My motivation was never money. I needed the world to know of the injustice that I suffered and no woman should ever have to suffer that fate," she said. The psychological damage she had to endure has not yet healed, she said. "I still have bad dreams and still remember the horror. The damage will never be completely repaired and no money can heal that. If people ever know the bad feelings they would be surprised," Myrie said. more

IN JAMAICA: GSAT first day marked by usual nervousness as more than 40,000 students completed first day of exams.... "There was one incident where a parent actually cried while dropping off her child," at Alpha Primary in downtown Kingston.

BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, March 21, 2014    

It has become the norm on GSAT day; nervous students and even more nervous parents.

They will again experience the anxiety today — the second of the two-day examinations — after which they will relax, then relapse into fretfulness in another three months when the results are released.

These Montego Bay Prep School students
appear to be in a good mood survey rated
 Montego Bay Prep as one of the top
15 GSAT schools.

More than 40,000 primary and prep school students yesterday completed the first papers in the dreaded GSAT (Grade Six Achievement Test) for placement in secondary schools this September.

"I was very nervous for my child, but I am confident that she will do well," said Angela Williams, who was at Dunrobin Primary School in Kingston to give her support to her child.

"There was one incident where a parent actually cried while dropping off her child," said Herman Grace, who waited at the gate at Alpha Primary in downtown Kingston to pick up his son after he completed his exam.

Merlene Williams was a picture of confidence as she, too, awaited her daughter at Alpha. "We are very much encouraged by the level of support we have seen from parents, and based on observation it appears the support continues to grow," said Alpha Principal Millicent Graham. more

Digicel to raise US$865 million (JA$94.3 Billion) in private placement .....Digicel operates in 30 markets throughout the Caribbean, El Salvador and the South Pacific

BY STEVEN JACKSON  Friday, March 21, 2014 

THE Digicel Group intends to raise US$865 million ($94.3 b) in a private placement for financing and working capital purposes, the company indicated.

Its the latest bond issue from the telecom company headquartered in Ireland seeking to branch out into Burma, otherwise known as Myanmar.

"Digicel intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repurchase any and all of Digicel's 10.50 per cent senior notes due 2018 in a concurrent tender offer and the related consent solicitation, pay any related fees and expenses, including applicable tender premiums and accrued interest on the 10.50 per cent senior notes, and redeem the 10.50 per cent senior notes, if any, that remain outstanding after the completion of the tender offer and use any remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which could include capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions or debt repayment," stated Digicel in a statement obtained by Caribbean Business Report.

Antonia Graham head of group communications told Caribbean Business Report that the bond was issued on Wednesday.

"As such, I am not able to provide any further comment at this point," she added.

Digicel will again avoid raising funds in the US which will apparently require the disclosure of financials for the private company incorporated in Bermuda and owned by Irish investor Denis O'Brien. Digicel, which operates in 30 markets throughout the Caribbean, El Salvador and the South Pacific. more

IN JAMAICA: Several changes to GSAT in 2015.....Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites, says that the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) will undergo structural changes, where students will do more critical thinking, rather than memorizing texts.

Thursday, March 20, 2014 | 5:38 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites, says that beginning in 2015,  the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) will undergo structural changes, where students will do more critical thinking, rather than memorizing texts.

Thwaites, Education Minister

“This is the last year GSAT is going to be like it is now. The change is not going to be dramatic, but next year the Science and the Social Studies papers are going to have less questions, and the body of information that your children will have to cover is going to be less,” the Minister said, while addressing members of the Mona Heights Parent Teacher Association, at the school, in St Andrew, on March 19.

Explaining that the change is about helping the children, Thwaites argued that instead of memorizing things, “they are going to think about things and make a judgement between choices, rather than simply memorizing how many lakes are in the Caribbean.”

“Memory is the lowest form of intelligence; judgement and critical choices are higher order skills. What we are doing is trying to build up their competencies, and their skills of natural intelligence that you the teachers are so able to deal with. The exam is going to change bit by bit until about 2017, when it has a different format and different function,” he pointed out. 

Thwaites said the Ministry wants to ensure that children are prepared at the primary level to enter the secondary institutions. more 

Entertainment : Shaggy, Matthew Schuler (Of The VOICE) collaborate on a new single "Lovin' You".....'Lovin you' is scheduled to be released on itunes on April 11 (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN)

Thursday, March 20, 2014 | 3:39 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Jamaican-born international recording artiste Shaggy has collaborated with 'The Voice' season five contestant Matthew Schuler on a new single entitled 'Lovin' you'.

The track, which was produced by Don Corleon, recently premiered on New York's QQPR-FM.

Shuler & Shaggy

Schuler, who hails from Yardley, Pennsylvania, USA, was one of the top six finalists in 'The Voice' competition and performed in Jamaica for the first time on the Shaggy and Friends Charity concert held in January.

He also formed a close bond with Jamaican songbird Tessanne Chin, the winner of season five of the competition. 

'Lovin you' is scheduled to be released on itunes on April 11. It is currently available on Youtube.

Listen here:

Lovin' You

Jamaica Passes Third IMF Test......which enables the country to benefit from a disbursement of US$71.4 million.....Jamaica's programme implementation under the extended fund facility has remained strong.

 Published: Thursday | March 20, 2014

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed thatJamaica has passed the third test under its economic support programme, which enables the country to benefit from a disbursement of US$71.4 million.

The executive board, which completed the third review under the four-year extended fund facility yesterday, hinted that the JamaicanGovernment was expected to maintain its tight rein on expenditure during the next fiscal year as it did in the first few months of the programme.

Completion of the review enables the disbursement of an amount equivalent to SDR 45.9 million, which would bring total disbursements under the arrangement to the equivalent of SDR 222.6 million or about US$345.8 million, the IMF said in a release.

Ja's programme strong

Nayouki Shinohara, deputy managing director and acting chair of the board, said "Jamaica's programme implementation under the extended fund facility has remained strong. The current account has improved markedly and international reserves have increased in line with programme requirements." more