'Shield' Star Michael Jace Charged In Fatal Shooting Of Wife

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Authorities say actor Michael Jace is charged with homicide after his wife was found shot to death in their home.

The Los Angeles Times reports (http://lat.ms/1jQAKlU ) that city police arrived at the couple's home in the Hyde Park neighborhood around 8:30 p.m. Monday and that 40-year-old April Jace was found dead inside.

Detective Eric Crosson tells the newspaper that Michael Jace was taken into custody Monday night and arrested on a homicide charge later. Jace was in custody and unavailable for comment.

The 50-year-old Jace plays a police officer in the TV series "The Shield" and had roles in "Forrest Gump" and "Planet of the Apes." The couple were married nine years and have children. more 

Teen Jacob Lavoro, 19, Faces Life In Prison Over Hash Brownies

The Huffington Post  | by  David Moye

A teenager who allegedly made and sold hash brownies could serve life in prison because of the ingredients he used.

Officials in Round Rock, Texas, have charged Jacob Lavoro, 19, with a first-degree felony because he chose to use hash oil rather than marijuana.

That allows the state to use the entire weight of the brownies -- sugar, cocoa, butter and other ingredients -- to determine the weight of the drugs, KHON-TV reports.

The brownies confiscated by Round Rock officials weighed about 1.5 pounds. Lavoro could be sentenced between five years and life in prison.

The punishment is too harsh, according to Jamie Spencer, the legal counsel for the Texas division of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

"That's higher than the punishment range for sexual assault, higher than the punishment range for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. It's kind of crazy," Spencer told KUTV.com.

Lavoro's lawyer, Jack Holmes, is also outraged by the charges. more

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Daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes discusses being pregnant at 14, overcoming trials in new book ‘Lost & Found’

Sarah Jakes and her father Bishop T.D. Jakes.
 (Photo courtesy of Rubenstein PR and Sarah Jakes)

For Sarah Jakes, the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of the nation’s most powerful and prominent pastors, childhood presented some unique challenges.

Her upbringing was heavily influenced by her family’s deep involvement with the church – so when she became pregnant at 14, Jakes faced the most difficult moment in her life.

“I was terrified,” Jakes told theGrio, thinking back to the events leading up to her parent’s discovery of her pregnancy. “You have this idea of ‘I’m going to get in trouble,’ like ‘I’m going to be grounded forever’ because you have nothing else really at that point to compare it to.”

Jakes recounted the memories she still holds from that day, sharing that it was her sister who broke the news to her parents after she wrote a letter and left it in the family’s mailbox.

“My parents were speechless. I mean, my father was a preacher, who speaks for a living, and he was speechless,” Jakes said. “And that’s when it dawned on me that this was so much bigger than being grounded. [I was] bringing a life into the world and while I certainly had other options, whether abortions or adoptions, there was something inside of me that said I could do it.”

It was this tough experience – along with several other similarly trying moments — that motivated Jakes to write a book detailing some of the burdens she’s carried and the strength she found to overcome them. more

13 year old becomes a published author of two books

One Brooklyn eight-grade student has turned her hobby into an early profession, granting her the title of published author.

13-year-old Angela Content from Brooklyn, NY, 

13-year-old Angela Content says reading is one of her favorite activities — so much so that she decided to write her own stories that have now turned into two self-published books.

Angela’s mother, Marie Content, told CBS New York that she had no idea her daughter was serious about becoming an author until she approached her one day and was surprised to hear the news.

“At first she said, ‘Mommy, I’m going to write a book. I’m writing my own book,’ I said, ‘OK.’ She said, ‘I’m going to publish it.’ I said, ‘OK,’” Marie Content told CBS. “And then finally one day she said: ‘Mommy, my book is going to publish. I already transmitted everything — it’s going to take 24 hours, they’re going to review it. I said, ‘OK,’” Marie Content said. “And then the next day, I heard it’s on Amazon. I’m like, ‘Oh my God!’”  more

IN JAMAICA: 'Mi don't think the road can get any worse' Commuters forced to walk for miles as protesters block Whitehouse main road

Tuesday, May 20, 2014    

WHITEHOUSE, Westmoreland — Students and hotel workers were among hundreds of commuters left stranded yesterday after disgruntled residents blocked several sections of the roadway in eastern Westmoreland to protest the deplorable road conditions.

A section of the road which is in need of repairs.

From as early as 4:30 am, irate demonstrators used huge tree trunks and other debris to block several thoroughfares from Belmont to Whitehouse in the parish. The roads from Beeston Spring and Petersville leading to Whitehouse were extensively blocked in several sections by trees, which the protesters used power saws to cut down.

The police worked feverishly to remove the numerous blockades, but protesters engaged the law enforcers in a cat-and-mouse game, restaging the roadblocks the minute their backs were turned.

The police, however, managed to clear the main road from Whitehouse to Belmont freeing up vehicular traffic in the afternoon.

Some workers employed to Sandals Whitehouse were unable to get transportation to work as all roads leading to the area were blocked to vehicular traffic.

Senior vice-president, Sales North America, Unique Vacations, Gary Sadler said the operations team was mobilised immediately to ensure that Sandals' guests, due to depart for the airport, were comfortable and that the protest did not negatively impact their visit to Jamaica. more

IN JAMAICA: Lisa Hanna faces the heat in Sectoral Debate today....."(1) What is the status of the Child Care and Protection Act review? "(2) What progress, if any, has been made on the minister's commitment on compliance with international and local obligations by the end of 2014?

BY BALFORD HENRY Senior staff reporter balfordh@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, May 20, 2014 

YOUTH and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna faces a number of issues when she speaks in the sectoral debate, which continues in the House of Representatives, today.

Hanna is scheduled to speak just ahead of Opposition spokesman on national security Derrick Smith, who will respond to National Security Minister Peter Bunting's presentation last week.

Lisa Hannah

It should be another very interesting day's proceedings in the annual debate, which involves ministers who did not speak in last month's budget debate.

Chief among the issues which have been raised in anticipation of Hanna's presentation today are four questions posed -- in a statement issued yesterday — by the local human rights group, Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) concerning the status of children who are in the care and protection of the Government.

It is the second consecutive week that JFJ has raised questions on the eve of a minister's presentation, as last week the organisation raised several questions for Buntng to answer. Most of them, however, have received no response.

According to the JFJ release, today's contribution by Hanna, "provides an important opportunity to report on the result of Government action to improve the welfare of Jamaica's children and on policies to be implemented during the upcoming year".

"The impact of these measures on Jamaica's children is of utmost importance. Jamaicans For Justice has long-standing, ongoing concerns regarding the situation facing some of Jamaica's most vulnerable children and looks forward to the update the minister will provide," it added.

JFJ then proceeded to ask four questions of the minister:

"(1) What is the status of the Child Care and Protection Act review?

"There is urgent need for amendments to this legislation to ensure improved care and protection of Jamaica's children. Therefore, the minister is obliged to give an update on the current state of the review process and timeline by which the draft amendments will be brought to Parliament and subjected to consultation and debate, and ultimately passed. more

IN JAMAICA (A VERY TRAGIC & SAD STORY): Twin Tragedy..... 9-year-old twin brothers, Brandon and Brayden Jones washed away, feared dead in Montego Bay

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Horace Hines Jamaica Observer Excerpted   

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Nine-year-old twins Brandon and Brayden Jones are feared dead after they were swept away by flood waters from heavy rains that pelted the western end of the island for more than five hours yesterday afternoon.

Nine-year-old twins Brandon and Brayden Jones

Up to late last evening, police and firefighters were searching the Montego Bay Harbour for the missing boys. The Jamaica Observer was told that about 3:00 pm the brothers were returning home from school — Green Pond Primary — when one of them fell into a drain filled with the angry flood waters near their Cornwall Courts home.

His brother attempted to rescue him, but was also swept away. more 

Teen Who Was Shot In Eye Delivers Anti-Gun Violence Speech....A New York City youth who was shot in his eye last month reacted, not with bitterness, but by giving a speech against gun violence Saturday (VIDEO)

A New York City youth who was shot in his eye last month reacted, not with bitterness, but by giving a speech against gun violence Saturday, the New York Daily News reports.

RELATED STORY: What Are Your Ideas To Stem Chicago Gun Violence?

Addressing the Kings County Hospital’s community advisory board, Gama Droiville (pictured) said that “gun violence affects everyone more than they realize. Other kids like me need programs to help them.”

Droiville was with his aunt in the East Flatbush of Brooklyn on April 14 when a bullet struck him in his right eye. Twenty-one year old Kareem Potomont was arrested and charged in the shooting. He was reportedly aiming at a rival. Officials have charged him with attempted murder, reckless endangerment and assault.

Thirteen-year-old Droilville remains unable to see in his right eye. “Only God knows. For now, we’re just waiting,” his aunt, Marie Droiville, said Saturday about his condition. “He’s going to a specialist this week.” “He’s a lovely kid,” commented NYPD Officer Abraham Hidalgo, who saw Droiville as he first arrived in Kings County Hospital’s emergency room. “It’s a big difference, how he is now from then. Before, he was a disaster. We thought he was going to lose his life. He still has a long road ahead, but is so much better.”

Droiville also received a standing ovation for singing the national anthem with his church choir at Citi Field last Thursday. more

YOHAN BLAKE plans career change, eyes 100 world record....Will look to play cricket in the UK..... English county side Yorkshire has offered him a chance to fulfil a childhood dream

Monday, May 19, 2014    

LONDON, England (CMC) — Yohan Blake said he plans to make a career change when he retires from the track in another six years.

YOHAN BLAKE

The former world 100 metres champion from Jamaica said English county side Yorkshire has offered him a chance to fulfil a childhood dream of playing cricket at a high level.

“Cricket is my first love,” said Blake in an interview with the BBC. “I’ve wanted to play for Yorkshire or in England for a long time.” Blake said he wants to follow in the footsteps of legendary West Indies captain and current manager Richie Richardson and play for the club in the north of England.

The 24-year-old Blake is a decent fast-medium bowler and decent middle to lower order batsman and has turned out regularly for Kingston Cricket Club in Jamaican club championship.

Getting down to business, Blake said he has overcome the hamstring injury that prevented him from defending his world 100m crown at last year’s World Championships in Russia.

He said his eyes are also firmly set on establishing a new mark for the 100 and toppling compatriot Usain Bolt from the top of the pedestal. “This is a good year to return to top form,” he said. “When I came on the scene in 2009, I’ve been leaving personal bests every end of the year, so you might see one this year.

“If I break the world record, it’s my time. Usain’s had his time, and is still having it. Whatever I do this season I just want to give a surprise to the world. My potential is far greater than what I’m running now.”

Compatriot Bolt established the world record of 9.58 seconds five years ago at the World Championships in Berlin — but Blake is unfazed by challenging his Racers Track Club teammate. “I wouldn’t say Usain’s record is untouchable,” said Blake. more

Nation Of Crooks - Pastor Rennard White Blasts JAMAICANS As Morally Weak....."In Jamaica, we are not a people who are very strong morally and ethically...."Dishonesty has gone into all our institutions," he added.

Published: Monday | May 19, 2014 Jermaine Francis, Staff Reporter

A senior member of the clergy has called for the society to fess up to the reality that Jamaicans are not honest people.

Reverend Rennard White

The Reverend Rennard White, vice-president of the Jamaica Evangelical Alliance and president of the Missionary Church Association, said it was no secret that, for a very long time now, dishonesty has permeated all facets of the society.

Delivering the sermon during yesterday's National Workers' Week and Labour Day Thanksgiving Service at the Covenant Moravian Church in Kingston, White said: "This is a country that has made a way of life out of dishonesty."

He said it might be difficult for many to face this harsh fact, but if the country must progress, it must admit to this inconvenient truth.

Not our strong point

"In Jamaica, we are not a people who are very strong morally and ethically ... . This is not our strong point. We are good athletes; we are great in some other stuff, but that's our weak area," he told the congregation.

"Dishonesty has gone into all our institutions," he added.

Kids looker on at ceremony

Relating recent reports of widespread electricity theft across the country, White said this was only one of the many areas in which Jamaicans have demonstrated their dishonest behaviour.

He also lambasted the many businesses and persons that have been evading the tax net over the years. more

DUMB CRIMINAL: Suspect Danielle Shea, 22, of Quincy, Massachusetts, in Police Custody After Bomb Threat at Quinnipiac University Graduation Ceremony

A former Quinnipiac University student, who police said dropped out of school but still collected thousands of dollars in tuition money from her mother, was arrested in her cap and gown after allegedly calling in a pair of bomb threats before a graduation ceremony on Sunday.

Danielle Shea, 22, of Quincy, Massachusetts, 

Hamden police said Danielle Shea, 22, of Quincy, Massachusetts, confessed to them that she called in the two bomb threats to Quinnipiac University to try to cancel the graduation ceremony at the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Shea had paid for a cap and gown for the ceremony, but panicked when her relatives did not see her name on the graduation roster, according to a news release from police.

Police said that Shea called Quinnipiac University Public Safety at 5:38 p.m. and said that there was a “bomb in the library” then called again 17 minutes later saying, “several bombs are on campus. You haven’t cleared out graduation. That’s not a good idea.”

• John Kerry Slams Sterling During Yale Commencement Speech

Hamden police and public safety searched the library and found nothing. After the second threat was called in, Quinnipiac’s administrative staff made the decision to relocate the graduation ceremony to the TD Bank Sports Arena at the school’s York Hill Campus. The ceremony was delayed for about an hour and a half.

Hamden Police and Quinnipiac University Public Safety were able to identify the telephone number from which the call originated. more

IN JAMAICA: 35 arrested in light theft raids..... Four foreigners among the lot as JPS increases crackdown....CEO Kelly Tomblin said the power company lost US$73 million to stolen electricity over the past two years

BY HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter  Monday, May 19, 2014   

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Four foreigners were among 35 persons arrested on the weekend in Western Jamaica as the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) continued its crackdown on electricity theft that it insists is robbing it of millions of dollars annually and posing a threat to its viability.

A fleet of JPS vehicles which transported their crew
on an anti-theft drive in Norwood, St James last
Friday. (PHOTO: PHILLIP LEMONTE)

A usually reliable source told the Jamaica Observer that the four foreigners are from the Dominican Republic. They are reportedly working here and living in a rented house in Lilliput, St James where most of the arrests were made on Friday.

Marvin Campbell, JPS parish manager for St James and Trelawny, could not confirm the four men’s nationality.

But he verified that they were among the 35 persons arrested on day one of the operation, which, in addition to Lilliput, saw JPS and police personnel going into Norwood and Whitehouse.

Campbell said that four built-in meter bypasses and a number of throw-ups were discovered during the first day of the operation. “JPS is once again trying to take back the electricity that is being stolen by consumers,” Campbell said.

On Saturday, as the crackdown spread to the upscale Fairview community of St James, a man was arrested after the JPS and police team found a meter bypass during a search of premises he occupies.

Campbell disclosed that the team also found several illegal connections running from Westgate Hills — another swanky St James neighbourhood — into the nearby Mount Salem community.

The team is to return to the area this week to dismantle the illicit connections. Last week, JPS President and CEO Kelly Tomblin said the power company lost US$73 million to stolen electricity over the past two years. more

Con man posing as my manager in T’dad, Buju warns.....In a joint press release the Buju Banton Defence Support Committee and his attorney Professor Charles Ogletree warned against anyone handing over money to the unnamed individual.

Monday, May 19, 2014   

 INCARCERATED reggae star Buju Banton is warning concert promoters in Trinidad to be wary of an unscrupulous individual who has been attempting to scam them out of cash under the guise that he is an authorised agent for the artiste.

In a joint press release the Buju Banton Defence Support Committee and his attorney Professor Charles Ogletree warned against anyone handing over money to the unnamed individual.

“A certain individual in Trinidad has approached promoters with the false claim that he is the local agent for renowned reggae musician Buju Banton. He has further sought to swindle monies by stating he is authorised to collect funds for a concert being held for Buju Banton in Trinidad during this year. We wish to warn the public that it is totally untrue. Buju Banton has not given such rights to anyone in Trinidad. Nor is a concert being organised at this time,” the release stated.

The artiste’s interests warned of legal action if the alleged scammer is caught.

“Anyone seeking to do this would suffer legal conse-quences. We urge that you immediately inform the authorities of anyone who solicits monies from you for that purpose,” the release stated.

Buju Banton is currently serving a 10-year sentence on drug-related charges.

He was arrested at his South Florida home in December 2009 and charged with conspiracy to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine.

His arrest came on the heels of a sting operation at a Drug Enforcement Agency-controlled warehouse in Tampa, which also resulted in the arrest of James Mack and Ian Thomas, who were attempting to purchase co-caine from undercover agents. more

PALAS Pitter Twins- Law Students at UWI-Mona Campus.....Twins aspire to be great lawyers....Between them they have chalked up one accolade after another: honour roll recipients for all their years at Hampton School; certificate and Macmillan trophy for ranking first in Jamaica for CAPE law unit 1 for 2013; Peace and Love Academic Scholarships (PALAS) 2013; and certificates for being the top performers for CAPE Caribbean Studies and law unit 1 at Hampton School in 2012.

By CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Career & Education reporter

WHEN proud father Grantly Pitter started giving his twin daughters Trishanner and Trishann quizzes on legal issues when they were young girls, little did he know that they would both one day be pursuing careers in law.

PALAS Pitter Twins- Law Students at UWI-Mona Campus

Whether by design or chance, both girls, born on September 7, 1994, share more than just being born minutes apart — they also share a passion for justice and wanting to be a part of the process that will see it happen.

From primary to high school they have been pushing each other to excel, and with that special bond that they share it's been a great journey with them always getting almost identical grades, and now starting the process towards becoming lawyers.

Both girls were accepted to the Sponsored Law Programme at the University of the West Indies for September. This programme will see them doing one year at Mona and the other two at Cave Hill, Barbados.

"Without law, order would be a mere delusion and pandemonium would engulf the earth. We aspire to become lawyers because we wish to play an astoundingly positive role in the future of the protection and preservation of the rights of Caribbean citizens," the girls wrote in an emailed response to Career & Education questions.

The girls are now over the moon, happy especially for their recently released Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) grades which saw Trishanner receiving six ones and two twos while Trishanna copped five ones and three twos.

Two years ago, in their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, Trishanner copped seven ones and two twos while her twin had all nine subjects at grade one.

"We are hardworking, focused, determined, and goal-oriented. We work towards our goals by putting God first in all that we do," the girls said.

For them their study regimen is simple — reviewing their notes very soon after they're given, as they say this prevents them from being swamped.

"We also read complementary information to widen our knowledge base."

They also credited their parents Grantly and Jennifer Robinson as well as their older sister Carmolla for daily inspiration.

And what would scholars be without their teachers? The girls know this well.

"Our teachers at both primary (Santa Cruz Primary) and high school (Hampton) levels have also motivated us by adding fuel to our burning desire for success," the girls said.

Being twins and sharing the same interests is something remarkable for the girls, as they get to study together and test each other on various topics. more

Former Destiny’s Child member says she was molested at 7-years-old

by Chris Witherspoon | May 17, 2014 at 9:39 AM

LaTavia Roberson virtually vanished from the public spotlight after leaving Destiny’s Child in 2000.

Now, nearly 15 years later, the Grammy-winning singer is having her say, as a new cast member on TV One’s R&B Divas: Atlanta.

LaTavia Roberson: Beyoncé and I were almost a vocal ‘duo’. In an interview with theGrio, LaTavia discussed her upcoming tell-all memoir and revealed that she was molested at 7-years-old.

“I was a kid, I was 7-years-old and it wasn’t my fault,” LaTavia said. “Sometimes we point the finger at ourselves, and I knew that me understanding that that wasn’t the case, and I could possibly help another young girl that has gone through the same thing that I’ve been through… that helped me get through it a lot.” more

IN JAMAICA: Reggae Poster Contest Opens On Int'l Reggae Day...."Over the contest's two years there have been over 2000 entries from 90 countries."...on July 1 there will be yet another combination of sight and sound

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer Published: Sunday | May 18, 2014 

In an age where music is as much seen as heard, on July 1 there will be yet another combination of sight and sound in the long history of Jamaican popular music.

Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie
(right), listens attentively as member of the International Reggae
Poster Contest (IRPC), Kathryn Buford (centre), explains the
 significance of one of the posters on display at the
 Embassy of Jamaica last year. Looking on (at left)
 is founder of the IRPC, Michael Thompson. -Photo by JIS

One side of the union - International Reggae Day (IRD) - has a much longer track record, having been started in 1994 by Andrea Davis ofJamaica Arts Holdings. New kid on the block is the International Reggae Poster Contest (IRPC), started by Jamaican graphic artist Michael Thompson and Greek designer Maria Papaefstathiou in 2011.

In this case, though, age is not a marker of imbalance. And it is not a coincidence that both have 'international' and 'reggae' in their names. So when IRD is celebrated on July 1 this year, it will also mark the opening of entries to the IRPC.

"It is an international contest and we are reaching out to the world in terms of content. It seems natural that we strengthen our impact with Reggae Day and it can also spread the word in Jamaica," Thompson said.

Normally entries to the IRPC would be opened much later in the year. Thompson said over the contest's two years there have been over 2000 entries from 90 countries. In the first year there were about 30 submissions from Jamaica. That fell dramatically to single digit figures last year. Underscoring the low Jamaican submissions, Thompson said there were 100 entries from Iran.

Still, one of the Jamaican entrants, Tahj Francis, earned a fifth-place finish.

Israeli Alon Braier's winning entry in
the first International Reggae Poster
 Competition.-Contributed

Not only does Thompson hope for a rekindled Jamaican interest in 2014, he also has a long-term intention for the IRPC which is conceptualised as a sight to behold. The IRPC organisers intend to establish a museumspace celebrating Jamaican music in Kingston.

"You can get people to go to Jamaica to a reggae museum," Thompson said, noting that the building itself, in terms of its design, would be a part of that pull. more

IN JAMAICA: Unspeakable Horror! SEX TRADE....Child prostitute living on the mean Kingston streets tells shocking tale...Seventeen-year-old Marsha Jamesis no stranger to hardship. Since she was 15, she has been on the streets selling her body to men who see her as fresh meat to be used, abused, spat out and discarded.

Published: Sunday | May 18, 2014

Seventeen-year-old Marsha Jamesis no stranger to hardship. Since she was 15, she has been on the streets selling her body to men who see her as fresh meat to be used, abused, spat out and discarded.

According to Marsha, while she has earned some money from the sex trade she has had some experiences that no child should ever endure.

"I remember I was hungry one day and I went to a dance, and the first thing a young man called me and asked me is what I wanted to drink, and I told him and he bought it. After I had the drink I started to feel bad and to vomit.

"It is like mi nuh know myself again. Mi wake up at a house weh three man rape mi, beat mi and other things. In the morning, the same one who bring mi to the house give mi $300 to pay mi fare go home," said Marsha.

The teenager did not report her abuse to the police because of fear that she would have been placed in a state facility as a child in need of care and protection.

That is just one of the many incidents that Marsha and other child prostitutes have had to face.

regularly abused

She said because of their age, abuse and cruelty have regularly been meted out to them.

"One guy take mi away and lock mi up inna him house fi two days and nuh gi mi no food fi eat," Marsha recounted.

"When him ready, like him bun him weed and drink and him come in and him just want sex, sex, sex. Inna di last part, mi see him buy a bulla and a juice carry come give mi, but by the time him carry that ... gas full mi up and me couldn't eat it.

"One night him let me out and mi find mi way back home."

Marsha, who at age 14 left rural Jamaica and the school system without being able to read and write, was relying on an older sister who resided in Spanish Town to be a maternal figure. more

PALAS EXEC. BODY VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXTEND THE ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS TO FRIDAY, MAY 30 2014 DUE TO HEAVY DEMAND.

PALAS EXEC. BODY VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXTEND THE ONLINE 
APPLICATION PROCESS TO FRIDAY, MAY 30 2014 DUE TO HEAVY DEMAND.
Please apply online at www.PALAS1.org. PALAS goal is to award 100 scholarships in 2014. 

You may make a donation online at www.PALAS1.org or Send a Check to PALAS, P.O Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023 USA

JAMAICA's BRIGHT FUTURE

JAMAICA's BRIGHT FUTURE: These little ones gave bright smiles to the Jamaica Observer photog on his visit to their Jamaica Day celebrations on Friday, May 16, 2014 at Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory School on Molynes Road in the Corporate Area. (PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON)

IN JAMAICA: Bob Marley Primary and Junior High School determined to succeed.....The institution is based in the district of Stepney and was renamed in honour of Reggae King Bob Marley, who attended the school when he resided in nearby Nine Miles as a child.

BY KARYL WALKER Editor - Crime/Court Desk walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, May 18, 2014    

ALTHOUGH faced with numerous challenges, principal of the Bob Marley Primary and Junior High School, Roxanne Williams, is determined to make a positive difference in the lives of the students whom she is mandated to ensure become upstanding members of society.

The institution is based in the district of Stepney and was renamed in honour of Reggae King Bob Marley, who attended the school when he resided in nearby Nine Miles as a child.

The contentious pit latrine.

As a junior high school the institution is populated by students who did not manage to achieve satisfactory scores in the Grade Nine Achievement Test (GSAT) so the 11 teachers have a mammoth task of bringing the slow-learning students up to scratch.

But this has not dampened Williams's spirit and she is hell-bent on making the best of what she has to work with.

"It is a challenging environment. This is what I inherited, but we as administrators will have to come up with ingenious ways and use unconventional teaching methods to impart knowledge to the students," she said.

Chief among her woes are the lack of computers in an age where knowledge of technology is needed to move forward.

"We have only one computer that is in the administration department. These children don't know how to use computers and that is not good. We need to get these children on par with their peers across the island or sadly, they will be left behind in the race of life," she said.

The school has for years been getting assistance from the Bob Marley Foundation, which has built a classroom block and provides a $10,000 monthly stipend to offset the cost of the school's breakfast programme.

A representative of the Foundation told the Jamaica Observer that a move was afoot to acquire some computers for the school. more

IN JAMAICA: Gay advocates want UWI professor, Brendan Bain as head of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Initiative fired

BY VERNON DAVIDSON Executive editor — publications davidsonv@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, May 18, 2014    

A coalition of gay advocacy and civil rights groups is pressuring the University of the West Indies (UWI) to fire Professor Brendan Bain as head of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Initiative, claiming that his expert testimony in a case in Belize represents a conflict of interest and has destroyed their trust in him.

BAIN… the risk of contracting HIV is
 significantly higher among MSMs

The 33 lobby groups, from a number of Caribbean islands, are also demanding that Professor Bain be removed from all positions of representation of the UWI on HIV and AIDS issues. They are, as well, insisting that the university drafts and implements a "policy which protects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and students from discrimination".

However, the groups and the UWI administration, which appears to wilting under the pressure, are on a collision course with the church as the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals has expressed support for Professor Bain and has asked the UWI to resist the demand to sack him.

The first move against Bain was made in September 2013 when the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) wrote to Ambassador Eric Goosby at the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) expressing concerns about Bain's expert testimony in the constitutional challenge brought by Belizean gay man Caleb Orozco against Section 53 of Belize's criminal code in September 2010.

The code states that "every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for 10 years".

Orozco, who stated in his affidavit that he is president of United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), argued that the code violates his right to the recognition of human dignity, to personal privacy and the privacy of the home guaranteed by the Belize constitution. more