Tennis Jamaica basic school initiative 2014

Over 180 children from basic schools in the Barbican and Standpipe area of Kingston participated in a prize-giving ceremony held by Tennis Jamaica in recognition of their hard work during the semester.

The tennis programme at Providence Basic School in Standpipe and Gospel Refuge Hall Basic school in Barbican is part of the wider 'Stay and Play' tennis programme for basic schools in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew and Hanover.

To date, hundreds of children have been exposed to the sport through these initiatives. The programme uses the ITFs Play and Stay methodology which creates a much more user friendly approach making the sport much more attractive to new players. A major feature of the programme is the focus on the overall development of the children in an effort to influence behaviour modification and better prepare them for life.

Another key feature of the programme is the recognition of the efforts of the children with an end of term prize-giving; simple prizes of medals and novelty items are handed out, more as a reward for effort and application on the part of the students than anything else.

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IN JAMAICA: Cops still hot on cold files Dead cases....O'Neil Edwards of VOICEMAIL, Joel Chin of VP Records, Christine Hewitt a promoter, Patrick "Roach" Samuels, Gerald "Bogle Levy, dancer and David 'Ice' Smith have all been murdered, but these crimes remain unsolved....Vybz Kartel's murder case cited as reason for hopes.

 BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter johnsonr@jamaicaobserver.com  Saturday, May 17, 2014    

EVERY so often, the entertainment industry is rocked by the brutal murder of one of its own.

Cold Case Files

Four years ago, this month, O'Neil Edwards -- a third of the dancehall group Voicemail -- was shot at his home in Dunhaney Park, St Andrew. He later succumbed to his injuries while at the Kingston Public Hospital. To date no arrests have been made.

The Edwards incident joins a growing list of tragedies that grab headlines and, after the initial shock and over-the-top funerals, seem to fade into the pile of unsolved murders.

In recent times, entertainment fraternity members including music executive Joel Chin; the in-your-face manager and promoter Christine Hewitt; music producer Patrick 'Roach' Samuels; as well as flamboyant dancers Gerald 'Bogle' Levy and David 'Ice' Smith have all been murdered, but these crimes remain unsolved.

Senior Superintendent of Police Michael Phipps of the Major Investigation Task Force says, despite what seems like a lack of activity, as it relates to these cases, they are definitely not closed.

"We have been asking persons with information as it relates to a number of these cases to come forward. This has been working pretty well, and soon we should be making headway, with a view to wrapping up these cases," he told the Jamaica Observer.

Using the Vybz Kartel murder case as an example, SSP Phipps said that the police force is stepping up efforts to convince the holders of information to come forward. This not only includes cases involving members of the entertainment fraternity.

"Pretty soon we should be able to announce a breakthrough. What we are doing is spending the time to gather quality evidence and make sure what we present are airtight cases which are able to stand up to scrutiny. The Kartel case has shown how important it is to get the right witnesses to make a case sound. So, this is our approach," said

Gerald ‘Bogle’ Levy and Patrick ‘Roach’ Samuels

the lawman.

Levy, was shot at a gas station in Half-Way-Tree on January 20, 2005. In the wake of his murder, dancehall deejay Beenie Man offered a $1-million reward for the capture of the killers.

Hewitt's charred remains were found in her burnt-out Toyota Noah minibus in the Freedom district of St Catherine on June 29, 2006. Hewitt's husband David Gordon and his brother Worthsworth were initially charged with the murder. However, the two were acquitted on October 10, 2013. more

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Rihanna Wigs Out With Pink Hair

"Nail done, hair done. Everything did."

Rihanna debuted a new pink hair color (with a matching mani and lipstick, of course) on Twitter Thursday evening. Our favorite hair chameleon tweeted a series of usies with her BFF Melissa to show off the bright hairstyle.

Apparently Riri's new look was inspired by rapper-turned-actress Nicki Minaj, as she wrote: "We raided Nicki's wig closet for the summer! Bad gals just wanna have fun!"

The bubblegum pink pixie wig reminds us a lot of the singer Pink's old 'do, and it's cut similar to the jet black short hairstyle created by celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen. However, this random switch-up was the work of her mane man Yusef Williams. more

Beyonce, Jay Z And Solange Say They've 'Worked Through' Private Issues That Caused Elevator Fight...."families have problems and we're no different"

AP  | by  MESFIN FEKADU

NEW YORK (AP) — Jay Z, Beyonce and Solange say "families have problems and we're no different" after a video leaked of Beyonce's sister attacking the rap mogul in a hotel elevator.

In an exclusive statement to The Associated Press on Thursday, the trio said they have worked through their differences and moved on since the video emerged this week showing Solange kicking Jay Z as Beyonce looked on.

Beyonce, JayZ & Solange

"As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it," the statement said. "Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family."

It was the first comment the performers had made since the website TMZ posted the 3-minute video on Monday, saying it was shot last week inside the Standard Hotel. The video, which does not have audio, shows Solange attacking Jay Z in Beyonce's presence; a security guard intervenes. The footage shows the performers in the outfits they wore to the Met Gala. more

Adolescent killers WHO reports lists interpersonal violence, traffic injuries, suicide as main causes of death among youth

Friday, May 16, 2014    

A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that interpersonal violence, traffic injuries and suicide are the three leading causes of death among youths ages 10 to 19 in the Americas while depression is one of the three top causes of illness and disability among youths in the hemisphere.

According to the World Health Organisation,
road traffic injuries are the number-one cause
 of adolescent deaths globally, and the
 number-two cause of illness and disability.

The report, titled Health for the World's Adolescents, notes that while adolescents are healthy most of the time, many have health problems that require serious attention from the health sector. Greater attention to these problems would not just prevent deaths and illness, but also improve health across the life course, by addressing conditions and behaviors that start or are reinforced during adolescence.

"The world has not paid enough attention to the health of adolescents," says Flavia Bustreo, WHO sssistant director general for family, women and children's health. "We hope this report will focus high-level attention on the health needs of 10 to 19-year-olds and serve as a springboard for accelerated action on adolescent health."

Drawing on a wealth of published evidence and consultations with 10- to 19-year-olds around the world, the report also brings together — for the first time — all WHO guidance on the full spectrum of health issues affecting adolescents. These include tobacco, alcohol and drug use, HIV, injuries, mental health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and violence. The report recommends key actions to strengthen the ways countries respond to adolescents' physical and mental health needs. more

Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric.... 1) Anti-oxidant 2) Anti-Inflammatory 3) Heart Disease 4) Slows the progression of Alzheimer's 5) Natural Painkiller 6) Skin Health 7) Cancer fighter

Turmeric is a popular spice for cooking, but it has a long history of medicinal uses, too. It is one of the most researched natural remedies available and there are numerous studies validating its healing properties. Turmeric provides a wide variety of benefits, but there are seven standouts. Once you know about these seven benefits you’ll be eager to add the spice to your diet. -  

Antioxidant

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is known as a powerful antioxidant. This means it targets dangerous free radicals in the body and reduces the damage they are able to cause DNA and cells. When cells are healthy the body is healthy, which means turmeric offers general wellness benefits, as well as targeting specific health problems.

Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory qualities. This makes it effective for fighting heart disease, osteoarthritis pain, and other health problems related to inflammation (researchers believe there are many links between inflammation and chronic illness). Curcumin is believed to reduce certain enzymes in the body known to trigger inflammation. more 

My Cat Saved My Son : Hero Cat Saves Boy From Dog Attack In Amazingly Candid Video

The child's mother told KERO he needed a few stitches but is OK otherwise.

Update: TMZ reports the dog is in the custody of animal control officers and, due to its continued aggressive nature, will likely be put to sleep.

Track & Field Sport: USAIN BOLT, Veronica Campbell-Brown Out....However, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce , Yohan Blake to lead 39-strong squad at World Relays....

 BY HOWARD WALKER Observer senior reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, May 15, 2014    

OLYMPIC champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and 2011 World Championships 100m champion Yohan Blake will headline a powerful 39-strong Jamaican squad to the inaugural IAAF World Relays set for the Bahamas, May 24 and 25, the Jamaica Observer understands.

FRASER-PRYCE… should team up
with the likes of Kerron Stewart,
Carrie Russell, Simone Facey and
 Anneshia McLaughlin in both
4x100m and 4x200m relays

However, as expected the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, was not selected by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) for the event that also serves as a qualifier to the 2015 World Championships.

Bolt has not run competitively all season and recently he indicated in a Jamaica Observer story that his participation was solely dependent on his coach Glen Mills.

Seven-time Olympic medallist Veronica Campbell Brown, who was selected for Jamaica's World Indoor Championships team in March, was also excluded.

But Campbell Brown, the three-time Olympic 200m champion, is set for a mouth-watering clash with reigning 200m world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the Shanghai Diamond League in China this Sunday.

BLAKE… has a stunning personal
 best of 19.26 seconds in the 200m

The full team was expected to be officially announced yesterday after ratification by the JAAA, but up to press time last night, a lengthy meeting that was scheduled to start at 5:00 pm to discuss same was still in progress.

Both Blake and Fraser-Pryce are expected to lead Jamaica in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays.

With both Bolt and the suspended Asafa Powell missing from Jamaica's powerful 4x100m team, Blake, the 100-metre 2011 world champion, should line up alongside Nesta Carter, Kemar Bailey-Cole and the improving duo of either Andrew Fisher or Jason Livermore. more

Smartphone app coming for anonymous crime reporting....will also provide alerts from the police, similar to the Ananda Alert

Thursday, May 15, 2014    

WITHIN the next few months, citizens with access to android smartphones will be able to download a special application (app), allowing them to report a crime or send information to the police anonymously.

The application, which is slated to be launched in the first quarter of this fiscal year, will also provide alerts from the police, similar to the Ananda Alert, as well as relevant updates to newly passed laws.

It will also give the option of a panic button, so that residents can alert the police without anonymity.

As contained in a Ministry Paper tabled in the House on Tuesday by Ministry of National Security Peter Bunting, the initiative is part of a series of programmes to be implemented by the security ministry to further strengthen the Unite for Change project.

Other initiatives to be rolled out under the Unite for Change programme include a major advertising campaign, which will see the implementation of a series of advertisements to support a change in social norms.

Also, in June a special forum will be held in western Jamaica aimed at increasing awareness and support for the programme and to encourage citizens to become active partners in Unite for Change.

The security ministry is also slated to partner with the ministries of Labour and Youth and Culture to determine the extent to which this year's Independence, Emancipation and Labour Day celebrations will be aligned with the Unite for Change message. more

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA: Flights resume after massive blaze at Sangster International Airport fire

Thursday, May 15, 2014 by Jamaica Observer  

A massive fire last night razed a section of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, disrupting flights and causing much unease in the resort city.

Sources told the Jamaica Observer that the fire began some time after 8:00 pm at AJAS Limited, an aircraft ground handling company. The ramp attendant crew room was totally destroyed.

A section of the Sangster International Airport
in Montego Bay, (PHOTO: ACEION CUNNINGHAM

Nine fire trucks -- five from the St James Fire Department and four from the MBJ Emergency Response Team -- managed to get the blaze under control about an hour after it started, following which the all clear was given for flights to and from the airport to resume.

Last night, efforts to get a comment from MBJ Airports Limited and the St James Fire Department were unsuccessful.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA : Major Fire At Sangster Airport

 Fire fighters are now battling a major fire at Ajas Limited in the domestic terminal on the compound of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay St James. 

It is reported that the fire started about 45 minutes ago in the maintenance section of Ajas. 

Airport Fire

At 9 o'clock there were about six fire units on the scene attempting to put out the fire. And since then several more have arrived from nearby parishes to try to put out the mammoth blaze. 

About Ajas 
Ajas Limited has been in business since 1940 making it the oldest and most experienced Aircraft Ground Handler in Jamaica. 

The company was recently bought by a group including Raymond Chang, Barry Byrne and the Kerr-Jarretts of Montego Bay. 

IN JAMAICA: Once homeless UWI Medical student, Yemalla Edwards granted US work permit Visa....The 3.85 GPA student has made tremendous strides due to help from PALAS program.....At nights he was able to rest his head sleeping at gazebos, steps, anywhere there was seat and light on (UWI) campus

Once homeless Medical Student at the UWI-Mona, Yemalla Edwards, recently received a J1 Visa to work in the USA. He will be travelling to North Carolina, USA on May 20, 2014 to work for 3 months on a student cultural exchange program.

Yemalla applied for one of the 2014/15 Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) and plans to be back in Jamaica for the award ceremony slated for Saturday, August 23rd at UWI.

Yemalla Edwards, 22 y-o Med Student at UWI

PALAS Exec. Director, Rula Brown met Mr. Edwards at the 2013/14 awards ceremony at the UWI-Mona Campus when he was introduced by one of his instructor, Mr. Blake. At the time Yemalla had

just completed his first year with a 3.85/4.00 GPA.

Mr. Edwards was facing a massive challenge to support himself financially, and for the most part, did not have anywhere to sleep. He was able to rest his head at nights sleeping at gazebos, steps, anywhere there was seat and light on (UWI) campus. His formal home is in Old Harbour, St. Catherine where his mom, who lost one of her leg from diabetes, and seven of his siblings reside. His father drives a water truck in Jamaica. 

Yemalla's unshakable strong faith in God must have directed him to Rula at the UWI campus on August 22, 2013. Subsequently, Rula was able to reach out to a number of friends and listeners to his internet radio show on RulaBrownNetwork.com for support to this brilliant student. Rula was able to donate JA$125,000.00, cell phone and a tablet computer that was donated by PALAS advisor, Mr. Patrick Campbell. 

Additionally, Ms. Judy Grant, a sister of PALAS Board member, Jackie Brown offered to let Mr. Edwards reside at her home next door UWI. Each month Rula sends Yemalla a small donation to help out with utilities at the home. It has worked out great for him, now that he is able to study under better conditions.

PALAS contributor, Ms. Donna Myrie was very elated when she got the news about Yemalla getting the chance to travel to the states, "God bless you and all who saw fit to extend their support for Mr. Edwards," she said. Reggae artist and PALAS contributor, NOVLETTE FELLOWS aka NOVEL-T said she was jumping for joy when she got the news. I just say, "Thank you Lord, God bless him!  He’s such a worthy student and an example for all of us to take notes from." Despite the seemingly impossible, Yemalla did what he had to do to remain in school and still maintained good grades!

Rula will meet with him when he settles in after his arrival in the USA.  He plans to introduce him to his personal Medical Doctor, Dharmaraj Patil  in Atlanta, Georgia. The goal is to have Yemalla do at least a two-month internship with him in 2015. When asked what was his moms reaction, she happily said, "he (Yemalla) was her first child to go to college, and the first one to fly on a plane." His mom used to sell food products at Coronation market in Kingston.

You might also add that Yemalla's success is an implication and commitment of PALAS' outreach to students who are in desperate need for that financial nudge and assistance to get them over the hardship hurdle. Hence, PALAS is appealing to all, to donate to a worthy cause at www.PALAS1.org and, in doing so, we are PRESERVING YOUNG MINDS FOR POSTERITY. Yemalla will graduate with his Medical Degree in 2018.

PALAS awarded 115 scholarships over the past 3 years valued at JA$5.2 Million (US$50,300.00). Goal is to award 100 scholarships/computers in 2014/15. You may Partner with PALAS (PWP) by donating a minimum of $350.00 to have a scholarship in your name, loved one or your company each year. We are seeking donations urgently. Please donate online at www.PALAS1.org or Send check to : 

PALAS, PO Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023 USA. PALAS is a non-profit, 501 (c)  (3) organization, headquartered in Alpharetta, GA. 

You may read additional news about Yemalla Edwards published in the Jamaica Observer, October 13, 2013. more

BREAKING NEWS: Justin Bieber Accused Of Attempted Robbery, LAPD Reports....Bieber is currently scheduled to go on trial for charges of driving under the influence in Florida

Justin Bieber has been accused of attempted robbery, the Los Angeles Police Department informed The Huffington Post on Tuesday night.

According to LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera, the Canadian singer has been accused of attempting a robbery Monday night around 10:30 p.m. The alleged victim is currently being interviewed by police.

As of now, Bieber has not been charged by police with a crime. Herrera said "it's too preliminary" at this point in the investigation for police to question the singer.

KTLA reports that Bieber allegedly attempted to take a girl’s phone, according to another LAPD officer.

Bieber is currently scheduled to go on trial for charges of driving under the influence in Florida, and is awaiting trial for a misdemeanor assault charge in Toronto. Last month, the White House refused to comment on a petition calling for Bieber'sdeportation from the U.S. The petition stated: "We would like to see the dangerous, reckless, destructive, and drug abusing, Justin Bieber deported and his green card revoked." more

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

Magic Johnson : Donald Sterling trying to keep team....Magic Johnson told Anderson Cooper he is going to pray for Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who said the NBA great doesn't do enough for minorities.

CRICKET IN THE WEST INDIES, Believe it or not : U-15 skipper slams quadruple century, Kirstan Kallicharan made 404 not out, slamming hit 44 fours and 31 sixes

Kirstan Kallicharan

By Roger Seepersad

Story Created: May 12, 2014 at 10:29 PM ECT

Story Updated: May 12, 2014 at 10:31 PM ECT 

His coach called it “remarkable” as Kirstan Kallicharan made 404 not out, all yesterday.

Kallicharan, Trinidad and Tobago Under-15 skipper, continued his prolific run of form this season with that quadruple century for his school Vishnu Boys Hindu College in a PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League Under-14 playoff quarter-final against Valencia High School at Esmeralda Recreation Ground in Cunupia, yesterday.

Kallicharan, batting at number three, hit 44 fours and 31 sixes—a total of 362 runs in boundaries--bringing up his century off just 35 balls before going on to score a quadruple hundred as he led Vishnu to a massive 548 for one off 35 overs. Valencia were dismissed for 89, Vishnu going on to win by 459 runs.

It is not the first time the T&T youth player has gotten big scores this season. In the BG T&T Under-15 two-day competition, the right-hander scored back to back centuries for East Zone against North East at Honeymoon Park in El Dorado.

According to Vishnu Boys coach Tarandath Sammy, the 14-year-old also scored a double hundred earlier this season, hitting 215 in an Under-16 game for his school.

His appetite for big runs was evident last year when he slammed 194 in the Under-14 competition.

And no matter how astonishing the innings may seem, it was just another day on the field for Kallicharan who said he never had 400 on his mind. more

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Black Men Heath Care : Here’s your wake-up call Opinion by Anton J. Gunn....black men still suffer from higher rates of disease and chronic illness such as prostate cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Have you received a wake-up call yet?

For too many of us, it takes a sudden wake-up call — in the form of a major or minor health crisis — to make us realize that we’re not invincible.  And tragically, for some, that call comes too late.

As black men, we often don’t talk about our health or seek help until something goes wrong. We may exercise and eat right. We may know how our habits today affect how we feel. But what about tomorrow? Are we making the right choices to stay healthy as we grow older? Most importantly, are we having the right conversations about health and well-being with our sons and our fathers, with our brothers, our colleagues, our neighbors, and our friends?

According to the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, black men are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease and 60 percent more likely to die from a stroke than white men. And unfortunately, the list goes on — black men still suffer from higher rates of disease and chronic illness such as prostate cancer, diabetes and heart disease. more

IN JAMAICA: Despite $58-m bill, Red Stripe committed to skills programme....“Listening to our graduates, and hearing about their transformation, we are committed to doing this, “ said Managing Director Cedric Blair.

BY INGRID BROWN Associate editor — special assignment browni@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, May 13, 2014

RED Stripe said it is committed to funding its Learning for Life programme, despite the $58-million it cost the company last year to train thousands of young Jamaicans to gain meaningful employment in retail, hospitality, bartending, and entrepreneurship.

“Listening to our graduates, and hearing about their transformation, we are committed to doing this, “ said Managing Director Cedric Blair.

Red Stripe Managing Director Cedric Blair
 addressing yesterday’s Jamaica
Observer Monday Exchange. 

According to Blair, $58 million is still not enough for the plans the company has to provide training for the many unskilled and unemployed persons ages 18 to 30 from marginalised communities across the island.

The managing director, who along with other Red Stripe representatives and graduates of the programme addressed the weekly Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange at the newspaper’s head offices in Kingston, said the company will be embarking on a major charity to raise funds to finance the programme. This, he said, will be done through the hosting of the Johnnie Walker Golf Classic, which will be held July 18-20 at the Tryall Club in Hanover.

“The golf classic will help raise the overall national awareness of the work we are doing through Learning for Life and allow us to attract the right persons and businesses that are in a position to contribute monies to the programme,” Red Stripe said in a press release.

These well-needed funds, according to the company, will ensure that it can continue transforming lives and inspiring young people through skills training. more 

Tessanne Chin returns to The Voice tonight to debut single "Everything Reminds Me Of You.”....Chin will be joined on tonight’s show by her runners-up Jacqui Lee and Will Champlin.

TESSANNE Chin, the local songbird who captured season five of the American televised talent contest, The Voice, is set to make an appearance on the show tonight.

In December last year, Chin became the first non-American to win The Voice and set off a whirlwind of activity for the 28-year-old Jamaican singer.

Chin will be joined on tonight’s show by her runners-up Jacqui Lee and Will Champlin.

She took to Twitter and Instagram stating: “I can’t wait for THIS to happen!!!! This Tuesday 13th !!! Back on @nbcthevoice performing my debut single Everything Reminds Me Of You.”

Tessanne Chin

Since her historic win, Chin has been making a name for herself with gigs in North America and the wider Caribbean. In March this year she performed on The Women of Soul show at the White House , thrilling an audience that included US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. That show was aired on public broadcasting television in April. Chin shared the stage with Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Melissa Etheridge, Jill Scott, and Janelle Monaé.

IN JAMAICA: Peacemaker, 45 y-o Mohan Bunwarrie Killed - Spanish Town Activist, Mediator Shot To Death

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

LESS THAN a week after articulating his vision for empowering residents of Spanish Town through unity, peace facilitator at the St Catherine capital's Peace and Justice Centre, Mohan Bunwarrie, has been gunned down.

According to the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Bunwarrie, who was also a member of the Jamaica Defence Force, was shot and killed about 7:30 Saturday night while having a drink at a bar across from his house in Dempshire Pen, Spanish Town.

It was a place where he was a regular domino player. The death of the 45-year-old trained mediator and restorative justice facilitator has been described as a loss for the entire parish of St Catherine.

"My vision is for persons to become community oriented in knowing the value of their community and the value of their voice, because that is what is lacking. People do not know the power of their voice or unity. There is so much disunity in Spanish Town, and if we could get back to where everybody becomes their brother's keeper, it would be such a beautiful country," Bunwarrie told the opening session of a State of the Capital Editors' Forum hosted by The Gleaner at Twickenham Park in the parish on Monday, May 5.

"I have faith in the future of Spanish Town because I've seen persons with vision and also the will to make the change," were Bunwarrie's closing remarks to the forum.

Sharon Young-Palmer, his immediate manager at the Dispute Resolution Foundation at the Peace and Justice Centre who also attended the forum, bemoaned his death when The Gleaner spoke with her yesterday. She struggled to carry on the conversation by phone, and when the words finally came, she just couldn't stop lauding his commitment to Dempshire Pen, where he was born and raised, Spanish Town, and the entire St Catherine.

She lamented the irony of his tragic death so close to home, given the many opportunities Bunwarrie had to leave Dempshire Pen. He was very passionate about the community and insisted on staying to facilitate its development.

"He had many opportunities to leave but never wanted to go anywhere else. He runs a homework centre with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, and up to the morning (Saturday) he was with the young cricketers and was trying to get them to focus on how to get involved in some of the competitions," she shared.... more

Michael Jackson resurrected in ‘Xscape’ album Released today.

Tuesday May 12 BY LISA GUTIERREZ The Kansas City Star   

Someone missed a great marketing opportunity here. Would it not have been more appropriate to release the new Michael Jackson posthumous album, “Xscape,” on Easter Sunday?

     

Michael Jackson's second posthumous album, "Xscape," debuts Tuesday.

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Read more Stargazing

For Michael lives again on Tuesday.

Nearly five years after his death, eight tracks of his vocals recorded from 1983 to 1999 – right after “Thriller” – are coming to fans and dance floors in the form of his second posthumous album of studio recordings.

The studio recordings have been set to new music from Timbaland and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain, the former A&M Records executive now co-executor of Michael’s estate, according to a Billboard cover story that details how producer L.A. Reid brought Michael’s music back to life. The plan got underway a little less than a year ago when Reid met for dinner with John Branca, Michael’s former adviser and lawyer and co-executor of his estate. more