ALL THESE REGGAE ARTISTS DIED AT AN EARLY AGE (36 and Younger). CAN YOU NAME THEM? See answers below.

March 8, 2014

The recent passing of legendary pop songstress,Whitney Houston truly shocked all walks of music life as her angelic voice captivated millions of fans worldwide and inspired many of today’s premiere artistes, including within the Dancehall/Reggae fraternity.....

Having died at a relatively young age (48), Houston’s death triggered memories of many other iconic artistes who passed while enjoying the fruits of their prime likeAmy Winehouse or adjusted to the latter stages of their careers like the ‘King of Pop,’ Michael Jackson. It also offered of similar instances within the Jamaican music industry where fans were left to wonder “What If?” when an artiste’s life was taken away while still perfecting their well-regarded craft.

As a measure of remembering the fallen who’ve made contributions, whether small or large, to the evolution of Jamaican music into a global phenomenon, he’s a list of 10 artistes whose impact on music forever resonates with those they’ve left behind. Answer: 1) Garnett Silk, 28 (2) Lil Joe aka J.O.E, 25 (3) Nitty Gritty, 34 (4) Dirtsman, 27 (5) Bob Marley, 36 (6) Simpleton, 33  (7) Copper Cat, 22  (8) Oneil Edwards, 36 of VOICEMAIL more

Vybz Kartel Live "CVM-TV Onstage" Talks About Style Of Bleaching, Cake Soap & More - MAR 2011 - Pt 2

Vybz Kartel Onstage Interview Before Incarceration (Talks About Bounty Killa, Mavado) part 1.0

WOW: Vybz Kartel Voice Notes From Clive Lizard Murder Speaks About Missing Shoes (Guns) And Killing.....Take a listen (VIDEO)

HEALTH : 5 Steps To Reverse Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance by Mark Hyman, MD......Half of the 24 million people with diabetes don’t know they have it and nearly all the 60 million people with pre-diabetes don’t know they have it.

BREAKING NEWS! Some newly discovered compounds have just been found to turn off all of the genes that cause diabetes. Are these compounds found in a pill bottle? No! Instead, you’ll find them on your dinner plate — in rye bread and pasta.

As I wrote in another blog about diabetes, rye contains special phytonutrients that turn off all the genes responsible for diabetes — in just a few weeks. I explained how to find out if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic. Half of the 24 million people with diabetes don’t know they have it and nearly all the 60 million people with pre-diabetes don’t know they have it.

Today, I want to share with you more information about what you can do NOW to prevent and reverse diabetes and pre-diabetes. And rye bread isn’t the only answer – I’ve got a lot more good advice, too. But first I want to emphasize new research that should be headlines news but never saw the light of day. Do our current drugs treatments for diabetes actually work to prevent heart attacks and death?

Surely lowering blood sugar in diabetics is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of death and heart disease. It would seem obvious that if diabetes is a disease of high blood sugar, then reducing blood sugar would be beneficial.

However elevated sugar is only a symptom, not the cause of the problem. The real problem is elevated insulin unchecked over decades from a highly refined carbohydrate diet, a sedentary lifestyle and environmental toxins.

Most medications and insulin therapy are aimed at lowering blood sugar through increasing insulin. In the randomized ACCORD trial of over 10,000 patients, this turns out to be a bad idea.

In the intensive glucose-lowering group, there were no fewer heart attacks, and more patients died. Yet we continue to pay $174 billion annually for this type of care for diabetes, despite evidence that lifestyle works better than medications. We also pay for cardiac bypass and angioplasty in diabetics when evidence shows no reduction in death or heart attacks compared to medication.

So now that we know what doesn’t work, let me review what does work.

Dietary Recommendations to Reverse Diabetes

Eating in a way that balances your blood sugar, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and improves your liver detoxification is the key to preventing and reversing insulin resistance and diabetes. more

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17 y-o Jamaican student of IMMACULATE HIGH , Tchakamau Mahakoe offered 9 scholarships by US universities......Among the 11 institutions in the US that have accepted the teen's applications are Princeton, Duke, Yale, and Stanford universities and the University of Chicago....In 2012 Tchakamau was successful in a mind-boggling 16 subjects, with 15 at grade one...TCHAKAMAU advice for her peers: "Set goals, work towards them and surround yourself with good people."

BY PAUL HENRY henryp@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, April 03, 2014    

TCHAKAMAU, the ambitious and brilliant schoolgirl the Jamaica Observer featured two years ago along with her brother for their academic achievements, has been accepted into 11 American universities, nine of which have offered her scholarships.

Tchakamau Mahakoe is still not settled on
 which of the US universities she will attend.
 (OBSERVER FILE PHOTO)

Her mother Kamau Mahakoe shared the news with the Observer yesterday, noting that she was proud of her daughter's achievement.

"Clearly, l'm ecstatic. I feel really good for her because she has been focused from the start," Kamau said of her 17-year-old daughter, who had been home-schooled before moving on to Immaculate Conception High School in St Andrew, and then the Hillel Academy on a scholarship.

"She has never lost sight of her goals... you don't have to push her... she uses her initiative," Kamau added. "I'm happy for her. Really happy."

Among the 11 institutions in the US that have accepted the teen's applications are Princeton, Duke, Yale, and Stanford universities and the University of Chicago.

The teen is still not clear on which she will be attending come August/September to pursue double majors in physics and biology. She wants to become an astronaut, her mother said.

Asked how she felt about being accepted by 11 universities, Tchakamau responded: "I was just thinking that it's a really good thing that I got accepted by so many. I'm pretty proud, because I got into my top choice, University of Chicago."

Meanwhile, Mahakoe and her husband Omari Ra — a senior lecturer and artist at the Edna Manley School for the Visual and Performing Arts -- have home-schooled their four children in the primary years.

Tchakamau and her brother Kuti have performed brilliantly in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and CXCs.

In 2012 Tchakamau was successful in a mind-boggling 16 subjects, with 15 at grade one and one at grade two.

Kuti entered Jamaica College at Grade 9 at the young age of 12 in 2011, with six CSECs.

Kuti is now in fifth form and is toying with the idea of entering politics or becoming a scientist.

"The persons who blaze the trail in the world never ask themselves why stop at [a certain point]; they always ask themselves why not step forward and see how much we can do. As a result, we benefit from so many inventions and ideas because they raise the bar; they never settle for what is considered enough," Kamau told the Observer in a 2012 interview, while responding to critics who said that children like hers didn't need to accumulate that many subjects to enter college. more

IN JAMAICA: Lawmakers To Be Kept Busy This Year....Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said the National Disabilities Bill will be tabled. This proposed law will provide for further protection and legal entrenchment of the rights of persons with disabilities.

Published: Friday | April 4, 2014

LAWMAKERS SHOULD be kept busy in the new legislative year with several pieces of legislation, some in gestation for extended periods, to be tabled for deliberation and passage.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen inspects
 the Guard of Honour of the First Battalion
of the Jamaica Regiment of the Jamaica
Defence Force during the ceremonial opening
 of the 2014-2015 session of Parliament
 at Gordon House in Kingston yesterday
 - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

The Integrity Commission Bill to establish a single Anti-Corruption entity, which was tabled late in the just concluded 2013-2014 legislative year, will return to Parliament for debate and passage.

The bill will pave the way for a single body to assume the functions of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, the Integrity Commission and the Office of the Contractor General.

The National Contracts Commission (NCC) will be placed within its own independent administrative structure.

Another critical proposed statute to be introduced in the current legislative year is the Evidence (Amendment) Bill. It will provide for a more efficient trial process, by facilitating a more straightforward introduction of computer records into evidence. It will allow for the uncontested reports of experts to be admitted into evidence without the need to call the expert.

In delivering the Throne Speech during the ceremonial opening of Parliament yesterday, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said the National Disabilities Bill will be tabled. This proposed law will provide for further protection and legal entrenchment of the rights of persons with disabilities. more

IN JAMAICA: DPP, prosecution team get death threats over Kartel verdict....Threats have also been issued against the life of the murder victim's sister, who gave evidence during the trial, as well as other relatives.

BY KARYL WALKER Editor — Crime/Court Desk walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, April 04, 2014    

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn has confirmed that she and members of her prosecution team have received death threats after the guilty verdict of Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused for the murder of former associate Clive 'Lizard' Williams.

Dir. of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn
 speaks with journalists yesterday outside
 Gordon House on Duke Street, downtown
 Kingston. (PHOTO: MICHAEL GORDON)

The Jamaica Observer was reliably informed that Llewellyn had been threatened on the weekend and security around her had been beefed up.

"During the course of this trial we have had threats during the course of our jobs; we have to do our jobs, we have to do it without fear or favour. We suffered threats as well but we have had to ignore it. The police, at every turn, responded immediately. We have had to beef up security around the prosecution," Llewellyn said yesterday.

She said despite popular perception, prosecutors are not hell-bent on sending accused people to prison and begged for the public's understanding.

"I would appeal to the public to appreciate that we have a job to do as professionals. We don't take it personally. We have an obligation as ministers of justice to make sure that everything is fair to the defendant. We cannot be intimidated. We are salaried public servants doing a job that we are committed to doing. If we get a conviction or if someone is acquitted we get the same salary," she said.

Yesterday, the police issued a release outlining a number of threats that were levelled against prosecution witnesses during the trial.

The police said the main prosecution witness, Lamar Chow, is still in protective custody due to several threats against his life and promises that he would be rewarded if he refused to co-operate with the prosecution.

Threats have also been issued against the life of the murder victim's sister, who gave evidence during the trial, as well as other relatives. The police were not exempt. more

St. Michael, Barbados: BARBADIAN police probe shooting death of 22 y-o JAMAICAN woman, SHANICE WHYTE.... Reports indicated Whyte was fatally shot while a group of women and men were playing with a firearm.

Friday, April 04, 2014    

POLICE in Barbados are trying to determine the circumstances which led to the death of a Jamaican woman who was shot in the head in Bibby's Lane, a rural district in the parish of St Michael.

Shanice Whyte, 22, also known as 'Apple', was found in a pool of blood in an upstairs apartment she shared with others at around 4:30 am on Tuesday.

WHYTE… was fatally shot while a group
 of women and men were playing
with a firearm

Reports indicated Whyte was fatally shot while a group of women and men were playing with a firearm. They had just returned from an adult club in Bridgetown prior to the incident.

Neighbours reported hearing an explosion and called on the landlord to investigate what had happened.

According to police, Whyte arrived in Barbados several months ago and was known to frequent one of the adult clubs in the island's capital.

-- Barbados Nation

Why Vybz Kartel got life.... Judge says murder of ‘Lizard’ was planned, premeditated.....that Williams' body had been concealed; the mental stress Williams had been put through before his murder; and the attempt to destroy evidence.

BY PAUL HENRY henryp@jamaicaobserver.com Co-ordinator - Crime/Court Desk  Friday, April 04, 2014 

A muffled cry came from the back of the number two courtroom on the passing of the sentences, and persisted outside. There, the women wept bitterly and two had to be helped to walk.

The news soon reached the throng of people — mostly women — gathered on Barry Street outside the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston and soon the crowd was chanting in unison, "Free World Boss! Free World Boss!" as police struggled clear the thoroughfare.

Workmen stood atop the old National Commercial Bank building, which is being converted into an extension of the High Court, to get a glimpse of the excitement as office workers peered from opened windows, sticking out their torsos.

The uproar was triggered by Justice Lennox Campbell's sentencing of Vybz Kartel; 35-year-old Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell; Kahira Jones, 27; and Andre St John, 27, to life imprisonment.

The courtroom was packed with police officers and court workers, to the point where there was only standing room.

Thirty-eight-year-old Vybz Kartel (real name Adidja Palmer) was ordered to serve 35 years at hard labour before becoming eligible for parole, Campbell and Jones are to each serve 25 years before parole, and St John is to serve 30 years behind bars before he's eligible for parole.

In handing down the sentences, Justice Campbell outlined that he took into consideration the fact that the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams on August 16, 2011 was planned and premeditated; that Williams' body had been concealed; the mental stress Williams had been put through before his murder; and the attempt to destroy evidence.

Still, Campbell said that most of these wouldn't apply to St John and that he was mindful that the men had varying roles in the killing at a house owned by Vybz Kartel in Havendale, St Andrew over two missing guns. more

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: VYBZ KARTEL GIVEN LIFE SENTENCE, ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE IN 35 Years.... and is expected to appeal. Roads are blocked in downtown Kingston. Small crowd gathered......

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Vybz Kartel aka Adijah Palmer was sentenced to LIFE SENTENCE imprisonment today in the Supreme Court downtown Kingston after he was found guilty along with his 3 co-accused  for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams. Kartel is eligible for parole in 35 years. An appeal is expected in the case. Kartel has been in jail since 2011.

Unlike to three Thursdays ago when jurors returned with a guilty verdict for Adidja Vybz Kartel Palmer and three co-accused in the murder trial for the killing of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, crowd support downtown Kingston today is sparse. Supporters of Kartel were visibly shaken, whilst police made sure there were no outburst of violence. At last Thursday's sentencing hearing, attorney Tom Tavares-Finson, who represents Vybz Kartel, informed the court that his client was maintaining his innocence and was not seeking any leniency from the court.

King Street was closed to vehicular traffic between Harbour Street and South Parade. The police say this means motorists travelling from South Parade, Tower Street, Harbour Street, and Barry Street was not able to turn onto King Street. However, the police say merchants and business operators will be allowed limited access to this area.

Church Street was closed to vehicular traffic between South Parade and Tower Street. No traffic was allowed to turn onto Church Street from Barry Street, and only court officials and police vehicles were able to access Church Street from the direction of South Parade or Tower Street, the advisory said.

More to follow.........

KARTEL SENTENCING TIME: Jones may have lacked proper parental guidance, defence attorney pleas.... “The men in the dock are not monsters, they are human though they may be vilified in certain circles they are not monsters,” said Rogers.

Thursday, April 03, 2014 | 11:09 AM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In making a plea Thursday morning in the sentencing of entertainer Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused, attorney at law for Kahira Jones, Pierre Rogers, said that his client may have lacked proper parental guidance.

“He is a product of our society. He has emerged from the Jamaica that we created,” Rogers said. “Mr Jones up until this point his record is unblemished.”

Rogers, during his final deposition, said that his client dropped out of high school because of a lack of parental guidance 

He also made reference to Police Constable Rushan Hamilton who was sentenced to 35 years for the murder of a teenager who had complained of being carnally abused by the cop.

Rogers asked Justice Lennox Campbell not to juxtapose the two cases when handing down his sentence on Jones.

“The men in the dock are not monsters, they are human though they may be vilified in certain circles they are not monsters,” said Rogers.

Kartel (Adidja Palmer), Jones, Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell  and Andre St John are being sentenced for the August  2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. more 

What did Jesse Duplantis say about BLACK PEOPLE? Jesse Duplantis speaks at the International Faith Conference about 'why' blacks in America hate each other! When i heard this, I had to make a video and upload it asap! I pray that you enjoy!

IN ODDAH NEWS : 31 y-o Florida man, Dwayne Yeager Staged Break-In To Get Out Of Work, Police Say...."He stated his wife was adamant that he go to work and he didn't want to," (VIDEO BELOW)

We've all had those mornings when we just didn't want to go to work. But police say 31-year-old Dwayne A. Yeager of Brandon, Fla., took that feeling to the next level.....

Dwayne Yeager

He allegedly staged a break-in at his home so he wouldn't have to show up at his job. "My door's open, my windows to my son's bedroom are wide open," he said in a call to police that was recorded and replayed by Bay News 9. "My TV's in there on the ground." He also described a car leaving the scene as "a white, kind of little Honda Civic pulling away. White, it had kind of like a black fender." But police found no sign of forced entry, and say surveillance video tells another story -- because it appears to show Yeager setting up the break-in.

You can watch it here. In addition, neighbors say they saw Yeager leave, return home and open the windows himself, CBS Tampa reports. Police say Yeager eventually admitted he ransacked his own home to make it look like it had been robbed, then called police to get out of going to work. "He stated his wife was adamant that he go to work and he didn't want to," according a police report cited by the local Bay News 9. more

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: How many years will Vybz Kartel get? Controversial entertainer to be sentenced for murder today......Some high-profile prisoners deemed to be high-risk who have already been given hefty sentences are still housed at the New Horizon Remand Centre. They include Joel Andem, Donald 'Zeeks' Phipps, Christopher 'Dog Paw' Linton, Kevin 'Richie Poo' Tyndale and multiple murderer Michael McLean.....

Thursday, April 03, 2014    

JUSTICE Lennox Campbell will today hand down sentences on Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused in the High Circuit Court in downtown Kingston.

Kartel

The judge last week Thursday postponed the sentencing after defence attorneys informed him that they were not in receipt of a letter he had instructed be sent to them seeking their assistance on sentencing guidelines.

The letter has since been delivered and Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, Shaun 'Storm' Campbell, Kahira Jones and André St John will know how long they will spend behind bars before they are eligible for parole.

The four were convicted for the August 16, 2011 murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams.

They have, in the meantime, all signalled their intention to appeal the conviction.

At last Thursday's sentencing hearing, attorney Tom Tavares-Finson, who represents Vybz Kartel, informed the court that his client was maintaining his innocence and was not seeking any leniency from the court.

Yesterday, a source close to the Department of Correctional Services told the Jamaica Observer that Vybz Kartel might not be removed from the New Horizon Remand Centre, where he spent almost three years awaiting the end of two consecutive murder trials.

If he remains at Horizon it would dash hopes of the entertainer openly recording music while incarcerated as the department's record studio is at the Tower Street Adult Correctional facility.

"It depends on his risk assessment. If he is deemed high risk, he might not be moved from Horizon. If he remains defiant and maintains that he is innocent, he certainly will not get into the rehabilitation programme as he must admit to his wrongdoing to be admitted into rehabilitation. It depends on his conduct, too," the source said.

Some high-profile prisoners deemed to be high-risk who have already been given hefty sentences are still housed at the New Horizon Remand Centre. They include Joel Andem, Donald 'Zeeks' Phipps, Christopher 'Dog Paw' Linton, Kevin 'Richie Poo' Tyndale and multiple murderer Michael McLean. more

IN JAMAICA: Police unaware of death squad probe but willing to cooperate....."There can be no denying that the revelations by INDECOM and particularly how they were reported in the media are damaging to the image of the police,"

Thursday, April 03, 2014    

THE Police High Command has denied knowledge of investigations by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) of senior police officers suspected of being involved in unlawful killings, but said it was willing to cooperate with investigators.

"There can be no denying that the revelations by INDECOM and particularly how they were reported in the media are damaging to the image of the police," said a release Tuesday from the Police High Command.

"Only thorough and speedy investigations, followed by full public disclosure of findings, can repair such damage. All hardworking, professional and committed members of the police force anxiously await the outcome of those investigations," the release added.

"It would be a tragedy if any citizen would be left to wonder if he or she could be killed on orders from senior members of the [Jamaica Constabulary Force]. It is, therefore, in the public's interest that INDECOM completes its investigations as quickly as possible and update the public of its findings."

INDECOM Commissioner Terrence Williams made the revelation about the investigation of senior officers during a press briefing on Monday.

Williams also said officers from Area Three — which comprises Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth -- had been arrested for two murders that had initially been reported as homicides committed by civilians.

So far, four cops — constables Collin 'Chuckie' Brown, Carl Bucknor, Jerome Whyte, and Detective Corporal Kevin Adams -- are charged with murder relating to killings that took place in Clarendon. Adams has been charged with four murders -- Asif Washington in January last year; Andrew Bissoon in September 2011; Sylvester Gallimore in May 2011; and Andrew Trought in February 2012. more

17 y-o Jamaican student of IMMACULATE HIGH , Tchakamau Mahakoe offered 9 scholarships by US universities......Among the 11 institutions in the US that have accepted the teen's applications are Princeton, Duke, Yale, and Stanford universities and the University of Chicago....In 2012 Tchakamau was successful in a mind-boggling 16 subjects, with 15 at grade one...TCHAKAMAU advice for her peers: "Set goals, work towards them and surround yourself with good people."

BY PAUL HENRY henryp@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, April 03, 2014    

TCHAKAMAU, the ambitious and brilliant schoolgirl the Jamaica Observer featured two years ago along with her brother for their academic achievements, has been accepted into 11 American universities, nine of which have offered her scholarships.

Tchakamau Mahakoe is still not settled on
 which of the US universities she will attend.
 (OBSERVER FILE PHOTO)

Her mother Kamau Mahakoe shared the news with the Observer yesterday, noting that she was proud of her daughter's achievement.

"Clearly, l'm ecstatic. I feel really good for her because she has been focused from the start," Kamau said of her 17-year-old daughter, who had been home-schooled before moving on to Immaculate Conception High School in St Andrew, and then the Hillel Academy on a scholarship.

"She has never lost sight of her goals... you don't have to push her... she uses her initiative," Kamau added. "I'm happy for her. Really happy."

Among the 11 institutions in the US that have accepted the teen's applications are Princeton, Duke, Yale, and Stanford universities and the University of Chicago.

The teen is still not clear on which she will be attending come August/September to pursue double majors in physics and biology. She wants to become an astronaut, her mother said.

Asked how she felt about being accepted by 11 universities, Tchakamau responded: "I was just thinking that it's a really good thing that I got accepted by so many. I'm pretty proud, because I got into my top choice, University of Chicago."

Meanwhile, Mahakoe and her husband Omari Ra — a senior lecturer and artist at the Edna Manley School for the Visual and Performing Arts -- have home-schooled their four children in the primary years.

Tchakamau and her brother Kuti have performed brilliantly in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and CXCs.

In 2012 Tchakamau was successful in a mind-boggling 16 subjects, with 15 at grade one and one at grade two.

Kuti entered Jamaica College at Grade 9 at the young age of 12 in 2011, with six CSECs.

Kuti is now in fifth form and is toying with the idea of entering politics or becoming a scientist.

"The persons who blaze the trail in the world never ask themselves why stop at [a certain point]; they always ask themselves why not step forward and see how much we can do. As a result, we benefit from so many inventions and ideas because they raise the bar; they never settle for what is considered enough," Kamau told the Observer in a 2012 interview, while responding to critics who said that children like hers didn't need to accumulate that many subjects to enter college. more

NEW FORT HOOD SHOOTING: Multiple Injuries, Death Reported (LATEST UPDATES) (VIDEO)......REPORTS: 4 Dead, 14 Injured... Unconfirmed: Suspected Shooter Dead... Obama: 'Heartbroken Something Like This Might Have Happened Again'... Defense Secretary: 'Terrible Tragedy'... Base Still On Lockdown... LATEST...

A shooting at Fort Hood on Wednesday left at least one person dead and injured multiple people. The gunman at the Army post in Texas reportedly died of a self-inflicted wound.

Fourteen people were injured, according to a senior defense official who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press.

But TV-station KECN reports that eight people were injured, four critically. Lockdown was lifted a few hours after orders to "shelter in place" were issued.

"Fort Hood's Directorate of Emergency Services has an initial report that a shooter is dead but this is unconfirmed,"the statement said. "The injured personnel are being transported to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center and other local hospitals. "Numerous law enforcement agencies are in support and on the scene. The number of injured are not confirmed at this time."

Bell County Sheriff's deputies and troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety have been sent to the base, the Associated Press reports. A mass shooting at Fort Hood in 2009 killed 13 people. This is a developing news story. Check back for updates.

Vybz Kartel sentencing Thursday....after being found guilty of the August 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams....will the DCS allow Kartel to make music while in prison, and if the proceeds gained should be handed over to the victim’s estate.

Wednesday, April 02, 2014 | 5:19 PM  

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Entertainer Vybz Kartel, and his three co-accused, will Thursday morning again enter the prisoner’s dock at the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston to hear their fate.

Kartel (Adidja Palmer), Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John are to be sentenced after being found guilty of the August 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

The four were to be sentenced last Thursday, but the sentencing was postponed after the defence told Justice Lennox Campbell that they did not receive a letter that he instructed the registrar of the Supreme Court to deliver to them and the prosecution.

The letter was requesting the assistance of both sides in determining if the Department of Correctional Services will allow Kartel to make music while in prison, and if the proceeds gained should be handed over to the victim’s estate.

The judge also wanted both sides to decide how each convicted man would be sentenced based on their role in the common design of killing Williams, who police say was beaten to death inside a house owned by Kartel in Havendale, St Andrew.

Justice Campbell also wanted to allow Williams’ relatives to address the court before sentencing is handed down, but Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn rejected the proposal saying that it was not allowed in the Jamaican legal jurisdiction.

Meanwhile the police will again be ramping up security around the precincts of the courthouse in order to stave off any untoward activity by supporters of the controversial dancehall Deejay. more 

The Supreme Court Has Struck Down Overall Campaign Contribution Limits by 5-4.....The victory for the Alabama businessman and major Republican Party donor Shaun McCutcheon, who was joined by the Republican National Committee in his challenge, means that a single donor will soon be able to contribute millions of hard dollars

Posted: 04/02/2014 11:14 am EDT Updated: 04/02/2014 11:19 am EDT

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down the aggregate campaign contribution limits, thereby opening the door to even more money in the political system.

Chief John Roberts

The 5-4 ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission was penned by Chief Justice John Roberts and joined by justices Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia. The decision relies heavily on the assertion in the 2010 Citizens United ruling that influence and access are not a corruption concern.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a separate opinion that agreed to strike the aggregate limits, but also called for an end to the entire campaign finance reform system.

The victory for the Alabama businessman and major Republican Party donor Shaun McCutcheon, who was joined by the Republican National Committee in his challenge, means that a single donor will soon be able to contribute millions of hard dollars -- in limited contributions -- to political parties, candidates and political action committees.

"With the ruling, we continue to chip away at the long entrenched status quo from the grassroots -- a status quo that has kept challengers, better ideas, and new entrants to the political arena mostly locked out," McCutcheon said in a statement. "Ensuring that citizens are able to contribute to multiple candidates or causes who share their views only provides further support to a system in which 'We the People' hold the ultimate reins of power." Campaign finance reform proponents were not so pleased. more

KINGSTON, JA: India, Jamaica sign MOU to have floodlights installed at Sabina Park Bowled over!....at the world-famous cricket ground, the governments of India and Jamaica signed a memorandum of under-standing which will see the Asian country providing a grant of US$2.1 million towards the inatallation of lights at the venue

BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter myerss@jamaicaobserver.com  Wednesday, April 02, 2014  

AFTER numerous delays and a handful of false starts, the wait appears to be over in the drive to have floodlights installed at Sabina Park.

Yesterday at the world-famous cricket ground, the governments of India and Jamaica signed a memorandum of under-standing which will see the Asian country providing a grant of US$2.1 million towards the inatallation of lights at the venue.

"We are pleased that the Government of India has agreed to sign a bi-lateral memorandum of understanding with the Government of Jamaica to provide financial support for the installation of the floodlights at Sabina Park. This support is in the form of a grant in the sum of $2.1 million," said Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller as she addressed the media and various stakeholders.

Simpson Miller, who spoke feelingly of several landmark occurrences at the historic venue, explained that the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will grant a further US$600,000 to cover the estimated total project value of US$2.7 million.

The months of seemingly painstaking negotiations have also involved two different administrations of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), members of the Kingston Cricket Club, and representatives of Sabina Park Holdings, the entity which manages the venue and its facilities.

The project, which will be managed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), has been awarded to the FosRich Group of Companies, which will be working with Philips Lighting, a global firm that has strong ties in Europe, Asia and South America. more

CRICKET LOVELY CRICKET: West Windies flatten Pakistan to reach semis.... West Indies produced a late blitz to reach 166 for six, with Dwayne Bravo smashing a top score of 46 from 26 deliveries.....The margin of victory was the biggest for West Indies in T20 Internationals

Wednesday, April 02, 2014    

DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) — West Indies marched into the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 Championship with the swagger of defending champions, by ruthlessly disposing of Pakistan by 84 runs here yesterday.

West Indies bowler Krishmar Santokie (left)
celebrates after taking the wicket of
 Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad yesterday.

Opting to bat first in the must-win contest at the Shere-Bangla Stadium, West Indies produced a late blitz to reach 166 for six, with Dwayne Bravo smashing a top score of 46 from 26 deliveries, and captain Darren Sammy cracking an unbeaten 42 from just 20 balls.

West Indies then wrecked Pakistan with potent mix of seam and spin, to bundle them out for 82 off 17.5 overs. Captain Mohammed Hafeez top scored with 19.

Leg-spinner Samuel Badree was magical with the new ball, claiming three for 10 from his four overs, while off-spinner Sunil Narine picked up three for 16 from his quota.

Left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie finished with two for nine, and fellow seamer Andre Russell, two for 15.

The margin of victory was the biggest for West Indies in T20 Internationals, and set the tone for a compelling semi-final against Sri Lanka on Thursday - a rematch of the 2012 final.

A semi-final spot looked unlikely when Pakistan used a telling bowling performance to restrict the Caribbean side to 84 for five at the end of the 15th over. However, man-of-the-match Bravo and Sammy launched a ferocious assault, as the Windies plundered 82 from the last five overs.

Their frenetic sixth wicket stand of 71 required just 34 deliveries, and proved to be the catalyst of the West Indies innings after another sluggish performance from the top-order batsmen.

Lendl Simmons chipped in with 31 from 29 balls, while Marlon Samuels struggled with 20 from 18 balls, but big-hitting opener Chris Gayle (five) and his partner Dwayne Smith (eight) were both dismissed cheaply. more

Jamaican murder suspect held after 19 years on the run......48-year-old Joslyn Bailey, also known as Richard Bailey, was arrested in Allentown, Pennsylvania after he was stopped for a traffic violation....he was wanted by the Boston police for the slaying of 23-year-old Rolando Coxon

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

A Jamaican man on the Massachusetts State Police most wanted list in connection with a 1995 murder was arrested in Pennsylvania in March and is to be extradited to Boston any day now.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, 48-year-old Joslyn Bailey, also known as Richard Bailey, was arrested in Allentown after he was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 78 on March 8.

Pennsylvania troopers said Bailey gave them a fake name on a Florida driver's licence and had US$25,000 in the car when he was stopped.

The troopers ran his fingerprints on the spot and found that he was wanted by the Boston police for the slaying of 23-year-old Rolando Coxon, whose body was found on Christmas Day 1995 in Milton, Massachusetts.

Police allege Coxon was shot to death in Bailey's former Boston home and his body was bound, wrapped and dumped behind Milton Town Hall.

Bailey, who is being held without bail at Lehigh County Prison, waived his right to an extradition hearing, clearing the way for him to be transported to Massachusetts for an arraignment. more 

IN ST. THOMAS, JAMAICA: Gunmen shoot 7-y-o boy, Jahmauny Robinson.... Police hold suspect in shooting of 7-y-o boy.....heartless gunmen who sprayed the one-bedroom house in which he, his nine-month-old brother and their mother slept

BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Wednesday, April 02, 2014 

A seven-year-old boy remained in hospital last night battling to stay alive after he was shot in the stomach by heartless gunmen who sprayed the one-bedroom house in which he, his nine-month-old brother and their mother slept in Lyssons, St Thomas, early yesterday morning.

The heartless attack on the house in a section of the community called Pipe Lane left residents in fear and had Jahmauny Robinson’s mother, Nordia Johnson, frantically seeking assistance to save her son.

Nordia Johnson (right) is a picture of
grief as she reflects on the shooting
 of her sevenyear- old son Jahmauny Robinson
shown here. (PHOTOS: MICHAEL GORDON)

“I was sleeping in my bed with my children and is the sound of gunshot wake me,” Johnson explained.

The distraught mother stood in a daze with her hands on her head as she recalled the horrific attack which occurred at approximately 3:45 am.

“When mi hear the shot mi hear mi son cry out,” said the 29-year-old woman as she fought hard to hold back the tears.

“When mi babyfather go check, him see mi baby covered in blood,” she added.

In a desperate bid to save the life of her child, Johnson lifted the boy and rushed out onto the street crying for help.

“For several minutes mi out there a call and no one came to my rescue,” she said, explaining that she watched helplessly as cars drove by.

“I ran out in the road in my underwear and blouse.

I was covered in blood calling out for help; they all ignored me.”

Determined that she would not allow her son to die, Johnson started running with him toward the Princess Margaret Hospital.

“While I was rushing with mi baby is a youth mi see come out come help me and gave me a lift to Princess Margaret Hospital,” she said. more

APPLICATION OPEN April 1 - May 15, 2014: PALAS goal is to award 100 scholarships & computers in 2014 to high school and tertiary level students residing in the Caribbean region for the 2014-2015 academic year. Apply online at www.PALAS1.org . PALAS awarded 60 scholarships in 2013. Please spread the word by SHARING.

ST.ANN, JAMAICA: Students protest Police attack on principal, Marcia Grant at the Steer Town Academy...."I put my hand on the handle of the car when the officer pushed me and that was when the students started to retaliate," Grant said.

Tuesday, April 01, 2014 | 9:26 PM RENAE DIXON OBSERVER STAFF REPORTER   

Steer Town, St Ann - Students at the Steer Town Academy staged a protest at the institution on Tuesday, April 1 after the school's principal was reportedly assaulted by one of three Police officers who went to the school and arrested two students.

The principal, Marcia Grant had reportedly gone to the officers after she was informed that the Police had arrested and handcuffed two students, and removed them from the school compound without the knowledge of any member of staff.

Grant told Observer Online that she was speaking to one of the Police officers about the removal of the students without informing the administration. According to the principal while talking to the Police she placed her hand on the car which the officers drove to the school. At that point she was shoved. This she claimed happened in full view of many students. 

"I put my hand on the handle of the car when the officer pushed me and that was when the students started to retaliate," Grant said.

This led to a standoff between the police officers and the students of the institution.

One of the police officers who visited the school is said to be a parent of a child who attends the  school who the Jamaica Observer found out had been in trouble several times at the institution and was in an altercation only last week, during which he was injured. That last incident reportedly took place off campus.

Only one of the police officers was wearing uniform on Tuesday.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is investigating the matter. more

Glenn Beck Sued For Defamation By Boston Marathon Victim..... Alharbi has been called a "murderer, child killer and terrorist" based on Beck's statements, the suit says.

AP Posted: 04/01/2014 8:21 am EDT Updated: 04/01/2014 2:19 pm EDT

BOSTON (AP) — A Saudi Arabian man injured in the Boston Marathon bombings has filed a defamation lawsuit against Glenn Beck, accusing the conservative commentator of calling him "the money man" behind the attack.

Glen Beck

Abdulrahman Alharbi, 20, said in the lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Boston that his reputation was "substantially and severely damaged" as a result of Beck's statements on the air linking him to the bombings.

The lawsuit, which also names the broadcast companies connected to Beck's show, seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages.

In the days after the explosions that killed three people and injured more than 260, Beck "repeatedly and falsely identified Mr. Alharbi as an active participant in the crimes that were committed on April 15, 2013, repeatedly questioned the motives of federal officials in failing to pursue or detain Alharbi and repeatedly and falsely accused Mr. Alharbi of being a criminal who had funded the attacks at the Boston Marathon," the lawsuit alleges.

Alharbi has been called a "murderer, child killer and terrorist" based on Beck's statements, the suit says. Neither Beck nor his representatives immediately responded Tuesday to emails and telephone messages seeking comment.

Alharbi, who attends college in the Boston area, was a spectator near the marathon finish line when the bombs went off. He was injured and was questioned by authorities who searched his Revere apartment before determining he had no connection to the attack, according to the lawsuit. more

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Tessanne Chin spurs JA$3.9 Million (C$40,000.00) bidding war between Lee-Chin, Raymond Chang for UWI scholarships....For the record, that’s JA$1.3 Million ($13,333) per song," The Toronto Star reported. Chin obliged, saying, “I hope you don’t mind if I sing acappella”.

Tuesday, April 01, 2014 | 10:51 AM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Tessanne Chin, winner of NBC’s season 5 of The Voice competition, on her first visit to Canada managed to raise C$40,000 for a 'worthy cause' with an impromptu three-song performance.

Chin's appearance spurred a bidding war between Jamaican/Canadian philanthropists Michael Lee-Chin and Raymond Chang while she was being honoured recently by the University of the West Indies (UWI) at a fundraising banquet at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto.

The Toronto Star reported that the star was not scheduled to sing at the UWI function. But some spur-of-the-moment bidding at the end of the evening generated excitement for her fans.

Lee-Chin and Chang reportedly got into the impromptu bidding war to persuade Chin to sing, with the bidding starting at $1000 by auctioneer Gordon Cressy.

The report said the bidding seemed to stall briefly at the $4,000 mark after which Cressy then asked Lee-Chin why he wasn’t joining in.

The billionaire reportedly responded “It’s too low,” before bidding $10,000 for Chin to sing just one song.

Chang, who was the patron of the ball, reportedly matched Lee-Chin's amount, adding that Chin should consent to singing a second song.

"This was topped by Lee-Chin who offered another $20,000 if Chin would sing a third song, for a total of $40,000. For the record, that’s $13,333 per song," The Toronto Star reported. 

Chin obliged, saying, “I hope you don’t mind if I sing acappella”. more

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Obamacare on target to hit 7 million sign-ups target.....New Poll 49% like the new law.....At times, more than 125,000 people were simultaneously using HealthCare.gov,

by Associated Press | April 1, 2014 at 12:22 AM

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Barack Obama‘s health care overhaul was on track to beat expectations with more than 7 million Americans signing up for health insurance by deadline day Monday, government officials told The Associated Press.

The 7 million target, thought to be out of reach by most experts, was in sight on a day that saw surging consumer interest as well as vexing computer glitches that slowed sign-ups on the HealthCare.gov website.

Two government officials confirmed the milestone, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter ahead of an official announcement.

Seven million was the original target set by the Congressional Budget Office for enrollment in private health insurance plans offered through new online federal and state market places created under Obama’s signature legislation.

That was scaled back to 6 million after the disastrous launch of HealthCare.gov last fall. Several state-run websites also had crippling problems. Hundreds of thousands of Americans who rushed to apply for health insurance Monday faced long, frustrating waits and a new spate of website ills on deadline day.

At times, more than 125,000 people were simultaneously using HealthCare.gov, straining it beyond its capacity. For long stretches Monday, applicants were shuttled to a virtual waiting room where they could leave an email address and be contacted later. The 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act has been the No. 1 legislative achievement of Obama’s presidency. more