Chris Brown I'm NEVER, EVER Going Back to Jail Sources close to Chris tell TMZ

6/2/2014 2:18 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF   
Chris Brown is freshly freed and vowing to clean up his life so he never gets thrown behind bars again.

Sources close to Chris tell TMZ ... the singer is making a Lindsay-type pledge -- to stay away from drugs and bad people, especially those connected to gangs.  

Chris Brown

Chris seems to be blaming part of his problems -- which landed him in jail for 108 days -- on the people with whom he was hanging.  But he's also acknowledging his problems with violence were largely his doing.  Doctors believe his erratic behavior was largely the result of bipolarity.  He's now on meds and doctors say he's now stabilized.

Brown says his singular focus now is music and he has privately told his label he will not screw up again.

Time will tell ...more

Pele’s son Edinho sentenced to 33 years in prison over money-laundering for Santos drug cartel....Edinho has served time before for drug offences before Brazil legend's son played for Santos in the 1990s Incident comes as a PR disaster ahead of this month's World Cup

PELE's son Edhino

Monday, June 02, 2014 | 4:20 PM    

SAO PAULO (AP) — A Brazilian judge has sentenced the son of soccer legend Pele to 33 years in prison after finding him guilty of laundering money for a drug gang.

Judge Suzana Pereira says Edson Cholbi do Nascimento must surrender his passport to the court this week. She says the 43-year-old man can remain free as he appeals.

PELE

Known as Edinho, Pele's son spent six months in prison in 2005 after being arrested with 50 others in the port city of Santos. He has denied the charges although he confessed to using drugs.

Edinho played as a goalkeeper and is now a coach for the Santos soccer club.

Considered the best soccer player ever, his father is in the spotlight as Brazil makes final preparations to host the World Cup in 10 days. Pele’s son admits to being a drug addict but protests his innocence surrounding any other charges. 

The 43-year-old – who has served time in jail for drug trafficking before – is a goalkeeping coach at Santos. 

He is expected to appeal the ruling according to Brazilian media.

Pele labelled his country a 'disgrace' last month for their poor planning ahead of the biggest show on earth. 

There have been a number of delays to the completion of some stadiums as well as widespread theft and corruption in the build-up to the tournament. 

'There has been significant time to get the stadiums finished. The situation is unacceptable – it is a disgrace. The political situation is difficult,' he said. 

‘Our team has nothing to do with the ongoing corruption that has delayed construction of the stadiums.

 

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, promises Deportees Policy this year.... Jamaica received the highest number of criminal deportees in the region....He said that over the period 1996 to 2013, a total of 48,726 persons were deported to Jamaica.

By Balford Henry, Senior Staff Reporter  Monday, June 02, 2014 | 1:04 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, says that a policy is being developed for the management of returning deportees and their reintegration into the society, as well as the repatriating of foreigners from Jamaica, starting this financial year.

Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting

According to Ministry Paper Number 94, titled ‘Achievements and Plans of the Ministry of National Security’, which has been tabled in the House of Representatives by the minister, the policy is at an advanced drafting stage and will be tabled before the Public Order Committee of Cabinet during the first quarter of 2014/15.

In the Ministry Paper, the Minister explained that, up to 2013, on average, Jamaica received the highest number of criminal deportees in the region.

He said that over the period 1996 to 2013, a total of 48,726 persons were deported to Jamaica. In 2013, a total of 2,139 persons were deported to the island, for both criminal and non-criminal offences.

He said that the deportation of women, and the minors who accompany them, is also a growing concern for his ministry, as policy makers, given the impact on family life.

“This high level of attention and activity that the return and reintegration of Jamaicans has been receiving in recent years, has presented the need for the Ministry to develop a policy for the management of the returning and reintegration of Jamaicans and the process of repatriating foreigners from the Island,” Bunting explained.

BROOKLYN STABBING LEAVES 6-YEAR-OLD DEAD, 7-YEAR-OLD WOUNDED

Monday, June 02, 2014

EAST NEW YORK (WABC) --

The manhunt continues Monday for a man police say stabbed two children - one of them fatally - inside an elevator at an apartment building in Brooklyn.

The incident happened just before 6 p.m. Sunday in a housing development on Schenck Avenue near Stanley Avenue in East New York. The incident happened just blocks away from where 18-year-old Tanya Copeland was fatally stabbed on Friday night, leaving area residents on edge.

Relatives say 6-year-old Prince Joshua Avitto, known as PJ, and 7-year-old Mikayala Capers were off to get ice cream on a warm spring evening when they were attacked by a knife-wielding killer while riding the elevator down to the building lobby.

Avitto was stabbed multiple times and rushed to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Capers was stabbed more than a dozen times but survived, and she is recovering after undergoing surgery.

The suspect, who took off on foot, reportedly told the children to shut up before stabbing them. The only description of the man is that he is heavyset and in his 30s. more

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Military schools are the answer to JAMAICA's moral decay. What do you think?

BY KENROY DAVIS  Monday, June 02, 2014    

THE moral decay in our society is quite palpable. If one should do a thorough comparative analysis of the 1960s to 1980s and the 2000s, as it relates to moral values and discipline, without a doubt, one would see a significant decline. Let’s examine present-day events, among them an escalating crime rate, especially among our youth.

Military schools should be built under a strategic
 framework so as to accommodate all students who
think that the ‘bad man’ attitude is substantial.

We turn our attention to the recent 14-year-old who reportedly murdered a nineyear- old boy, and the 17-yearold who is alleged to have murdered the 14-year-old girl with whom there was a seeming relationship. This is not the first we have heard of such cases. In fact, reports of same have become very prevalent.

As it relates to discipline among our youth, we look to contributing factors such as the home, school and wider society, and the existing modes of socialisation. Psychological theorist Lev Vygosky informed us that children are born ‘tabula rasa’ — with a blank state. As such, he believed strongly that community plays a central role in the process of "making meaning".

Therefore, the home, school and community, which are modes of socialisation, all impact behaviours. The home is the first and central mode of socialisation for any child, and if the home fails to instil critical moral values and discipline, then other social institutions have no choice but to do so. The school is a critical place for moral and psychological development, as well as for the development of discipline.

However, indiscipline is parading within our schools, slowly consuming our students as a parasite feeding on its host. And, in some cases, detaching the parasite is next to impossible. Some students are socialised in such a way as they are constantly exposed to violence and ‘loose’ behaviours. Over time, it becomes wired in their state of consciousness.

Therefore, the cognitive process accepts it as the norm. Behaviours are often said to be learnt, as such, psychological theorists Ivan P Pavlov and B F Skinner derived the ‘behaviorism theory’. This theory has two tenets: classical and operant conditioning. Thus, all behavior can be unlearned and new behaviours learned in its place. more

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA (#BringBackOurJamaica): Packed church pays tear-stained farewell to twin boys, Brayden and Brandon Jones.....The parents of the dead boys, Andrea Bernard and Bertram Jones, wept uncontrollably

BY HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter  Monday, June 02, 2014 

MONTEGO BAY, St James-As they came into the world - together - nine-year-old twin boys Brayden and Brandon Jones were laid to rest yesterday, both lying side by side in the same casket as their parents wept inconsolably.

As they came into the world, twin boys Brayden and Brandon
 Jones were laid to rest together in the same casket.
 Mourners created photo memories of the boys who were
 swept away by angry flood waters last month. The funeral
 service was held yesterday at the King’s Seventh-day
 Adventist Church in Mount Salem, St James.
 (See story on page four) (PHOTO: PHILLIP LEMONTE)

The funeral service to pay last respects to the brothers who were swept away by angry flood waters on their way from school last month, was held at King’s Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mount Salem, St James.

Noting that a lesson should be taken from the tragic passing of Brayden and Brandon, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness called for a national campaign, akin to the National Road Safety Campaign, to inculcate safety practices in children. And he implored the State and the Church to play an integral role in such a campaign.

"Today, I want to say to the church, which is filled with parents, teachers and students, that we may not have the money to put railings on all the gullies that are built, we may not have money to put in all the safety devices and features, but each of us has the quiet time with our children,” her said.

"As parents, now you are going to have to say ‘when you passing the gully, take extra care. Don't jump in the gully and go swim. There is such a thing now called climate change, yesterday it was bright sun, by the time you turn around is heavy rain ,and when you in that gully you not knowing when that flood of water coming’. As parents let us use this tragedy to now cement in our minds that there is something that comes of this that we can do to protect our children."

Meanwhile, Minister of Education Rev Ronald Thwaites also used the occasion of the tragedy to underscore the need for good parenting.

"Because of this tragedy and because of the other tragedies in St James and elsewhere in Jamaica, all of us need to recognise that being a good parent is the most important thing that any human person can do. And that goes not only for mothers, but for fathers too. To grow up in a rightoues and wholesome way, children need mother and father, wherever possible," Rev Thwaites said.

Both men were speaking yesterday at the mournful memorial service for the two Green Pond Primary school students.

Scores of mourners overflowed onto the yard from the jampacked church building to pay a tear-stained farewell after the twin tragedy which left Jamaicans shaken.

The parents of the dead boys, Andrea Bernard and Bertram Jones, wept uncontrollably, oblivious of the sweltering heat that assaulted the church from an unyielding morning sun.

Holness, in his address, attempted to console the hurting parents, saying that the entire nation was mourning with them. more

IN JAMAICA (FRIGHTENING STATS FROM JCF): 60 children murdered, 99 shot and injured in past 16 months by criminals...in the last two months alone, seven children between the ages of 7 and 17 years were murdered, while one was shot and injured....citing statistics to show that, for the period January 1, 2013 to May 25, 2014, some 44 children were charged with murder, 40 with shooting and 94 with breaches of the Firearms Act.

Monday, June 02, 2014 — Kimmo Matthews Jamaica Observer

Sixty children were murdered and 99 shot and injured by criminals between January 2013 and May 2014, according to the latest data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Statistics Department.

Police report that, in the last two months alone, seven children between the ages of 7 and 17 years were murdered, while one was shot and injured.

Penda Honeyghan reads to children from Craig Town,
 Kingston who are participating in mentorship programme
 managed by students of the AZ Preston Hall at University
 of the West Indies.

The Police High Command, in response to the brutal attacks has issued a call on all Jamaicans to redouble their efforts to safeguard the nation’s youth.

The police said they were also concerned about the number of youths becoming involved in gun-related crimes, citing statistics to show that, for the period January 1, 2013 to May 25, 2014, some 44 children were charged with murder, 40 with shooting and 94 with breaches of the Firearms Act.

“Police intelligence suggests that gangs continue to co-opt children in their criminal organisations to commit crimes," the Police High Command reported.

"Children are routinely found to be armed with weapons of all kinds — knives, machetes, even cleverly made home-made firearms, which are believed to be supplied by criminal gangs," the police said.

While the police continue to enforce the law and employ policing strategies to dissuade young people from a life of crime, parents, caregivers and communities were being urged to care for children and to seek the assistance of the police, the Child Development Agency, or other appropriate authorities where necessary. The Police also urged citizens to report any abuse of children or their involvement in crimes.

"Children are too precious a resource for well-thinking Jamaicans to stand by and do nothing to help them. Now more than ever, Jamaicans must unite for change; it is our civic duty to care for and protect our children," the police said.....

IN JAMAICA: Preach more about sex, fidelity, pastors urged

By Nadine Wilson Observer staff reporter wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com  Monday, June 02, 2014    

The National Family Planning Board (NFPB) has urged pastors to contribute to the fight against HIV by intensifying their promotion of faithfulness between partners and talking more about sex in their sermons.

Director for enabling environment and human rights at the NFPB,  Karlene Temple - Anderson, suggested that faith-based organisations (FBO) should play their part by encouraging couples to remain committed to each other.

"That is one area that we have been trying to promote, but we have not been doing a good job at it, we must admit. so we would love assistance in that area, since we are all on the same page on that topic," Temple-Anderson told a gathering of pastors on Friday at the Jamaica Conference Centre during a church leaders and pastors' HIV conference.

"What we are asking is that FBOs take the mantra and push both partners’ faithfulness. That's the mandate you are comfortable with, that is... one of the preventative methods that we are promoting, so you would be in keeping with your goal and with your belief," she argued.

The call for the churches to help is more urgent now, as funding to assist in counteracting the spread of the virus has been dwindling over the last few years, even as estimates show that 34,000 persons are living with HIV in Jamaica, despite the fact that schools have been promoting abstinence and the health sector continues to distribute condoms.

"The money that we used to receive no longer exist; so a conversation around funding is something that we need to look at, in terms of locally, if we can get the private sector to assist in the process...” said Temple-Anderson. more

Franklin Town Primary in KINGSTON, JAMAICA skypes Canadian School.....The live stream is facilitate through the work of Franklin Town Alumni now Canada resident Dr Nadine Wong

Sunday, June 01, 2014 Jamaica Obse    

Students at Franklin Town Primary School practised their ambassadorial skills in a Skype conference with their peers from Eastview Public School in Canada last Thursday.

Franklin Town Primary skypes Canadian school

As one would expect, the excited grade five and six youngsters discussed everything from the weather to Bob Marley and Usain Bolt. There were also cultural items presented by both schools.

The live stream is facilitate through the work of Franklin Town Alumni now Canada resident Dr Nadine Wong, advised Principal Leroy Smith.

"This is our second such engagement this year, and the teachers here at Franklin Town are excited and on board to prepare our students for even more such exchanges," he added.

Many of the students at Eastview are native Indians, but Principal Lewis explained that "it was interesting that in the introductions we found that a few of them also had Jamaican heritage".

"This is the interaction we are glad to have; our students can speak with and others from a country many of them may never get an opportunity to travel to."

The education connection was hosted in the school's Digicel Enrichment Room, also utilising equipment the school has acquired through fund-raising and gifts from the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica.

IN JAMAICA: Retired teacher, Beverley Brown wants to help educate teen moms

BY RENAE DIXON Sunday Observer staff reporter dixonr@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, June 01, 2014    

BEVERLEY Brown is one educator who continues to spread the message that although she has retired from the formal system, she is not finished with education.

Brown, who retired earlier this year, is passionate about education and has no plans to sit at home doing little or nothing. The mother of two said she intends to continue using her gift of improving the lives of children.

"I still have more to give to my country," she told the Jamaica Observer.

It is her intention to offer her services at the Women's Centre Foundation of Jamaica to help pregnant teens continue their education and to help these teen mothers to go on to become successful women in society.

Brown is passionate about that group of students who often drop out of school. While she is concerned about teenage mothers, she said that she is also examining young men, as they, like the young women, often drop out

of school.

"I like to help children who are in need of help," she said.

In spite of the economic challenges now being faced, Brown said that she intends to work with teen mothers both at the Women Centre Foundation as well as in her community of Lime Hall,

St Ann.

Brown, who served as an educator for 34 years, lives by the Bible verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", and the saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Expressing her love for the profession that she chose, Brown said that the love for what she did was honed by her teachers when she attended school.

"I always admired my teachers," she told the Sunday Observer, adding that the admiration for her teachers and her passion for children led to her entering the classroom early.

"I used to play school at home with my siblings and with the trees," she added.

At age 17, after finishing high school, she started out as a pre-trained teacher. Brown left Jamaica shortly after for Canada, but after a short stint there became homesick and headed back to the land of her birth. Upon returning home, she picked up where she

left off, pursuing a career in education. more

IN JAMAICA: Politics lover Clarice Burton is 100 y-o today..... Rose Hall, St Elizabeth resident described as hard worker is well known for her delicious cassava pudding, coffee with coconut milk, kindness to everyone, and hopping onto trucks heading to political meetings islandwide.

By DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE Sunday Observer staff reporter husseyd@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, June 01, 2014   

 CLARICE Burton, who celebrates her 100th birthday today, is well known in the district of Rose Hall, St Elizabeth for her delicious cassava pudding, coffee with coconut milk, kindness to everyone, and hopping onto trucks heading to political meetings islandwide.

"She love politics meeting," said Patricia Spencer, 55, Burton's youngest of seven children.

Miguel Spencer hugs his grandma, Clarice Burton.

"Every politics meeting she would go... every truck she would jump on to it. The last election we had (December 2011) she had to vote. That time she was blind, but she was determined that she had to vote. She say we must make her vote before she dead," Spencer told the Sunday Observer from their Rose Hall home recently. "So we had to take her up to the school so that she could vote."

Burton was 97 years old at the time.

"We had to mark the X for her because she is blind, and she said remember when you marking put it beside so and so. I don't know if she will live to see the next election so we made sure to carry her," Spencer added.

Although she is unable to see, Burton's hearing is quite good and she is able to move around using her stick. She recalled her days growing up.

"I was born right here in Rose Hall. Mi never move and mi nah hope to move again," Burton said. "A must death going move mi."

Burton said that she had "one whole heap of brother and sister" who have all passed away.

Clarice with family

This 'whole heap' consisted of six brothers and five sisters.

The centenarian attended Rose Hall Elementary School, but left before doing her exams and before graduating because she had to help care for her siblings while her parents worked on their farm.

"I didn't finish out my lesson but even if is my name mi can spell it still. It was old-time days and parents never interested in education more than so," Burton stated. more

IN JAMAICA: VP of the Alpha Convent of Mercy, Sydney Reid, crashes a day after buying vehicle....Police from the Harbour View Police Station described his condition as "very, very bad".

BY DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE Sunday Observer staff reporter husseyd@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, June 01, 2014    

A sneaker, two market bags and a mangled 2014 Grand Vitara told of the impact of the collision which yesterday left retired vice-principal of the Alpha Convent of Mercy, Sydney Reid, in critical condition after the vehicle he was driving crashed into the back of a parked truck on the Harbour View main road, east of Kingston.

Residents view what’s left of the 2014 Grand Vitara

Reid was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital by the police shortly after midday, after he had to be cut out of the vehicle by firefighters. Police from the Harbour View Police Station described his condition as "very, very bad".

People at the scene were left scratching their heads as they tried to figure out how the accident could have occurred since Reid was known to be a careful driver.

"I figure is fall him fall asleep. Is a man I know will fall asleep easily," one resident said.

"I wonder if his sugar level fell low on him and he felt drowsy," another said.

Reid, who left Alpha last August after 37 years of service, is still working at the school on contract.

The spanking-new 2014 vehicle, with seats still wrapped in plastic, was bought by Reid a day before the accident.

"He is a good person, not the type who would drive and gaze," said Donike Allwood, who identified himself as Reid's cousin. "I can't even tell how this happen because him don't drive and text, him not drinking and driving; he is just a focused person."Another cousin, Karen Phillips, agreed.

"Is yesterday he got this vehicle. I told him this is a fast vehicle but him say him like it," Phillips said. "But is not the type of person who will text and drive, he is a very responsible type of person," she added. more

WILLIAM SKINNER REPORT on RulaBrownNetwork- 'The Chinese Purchasing Assets in the Caribbean'...Tune in Every Friday 10:30am ET

Post by Rula Brown.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and American Allyson Felix for 200m battle at Prefontaine Classic....

BY PAUL A REID Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com  Saturday, May 31, 2014

THE clash between Jamaica's World and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and American Allyson Felix in the 200m is expected to be one of the highlights on today's IAAF Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon at the Prefontaine Classic.

The two were expected to battle out for the gold medal at last year's IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, but the American suffered an injury, while Fraser-Pryce went on to complete the sprint double after earlier winning the 100m.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

They were also due to meet at the Jamaica International Invitational earlier this month but Felix pulled out as she was not 100 per cent fit.

Fraser-Pryce had pulled out of the Shanghai Diamond League meeting with an unspecified injury but should be back to full fitness after competing in the 4x200m relay at the IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, last week.

The field today will be a competitive one, as in addition to Fraser-Pryce and Felix, World Championship medallists Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast and Nigerian Blessing Okagbare, who has run 22.36 seconds already this year, will be going after the win. Also, the talented young Americans Jeneba Tarmoh and English Gardner will also line up.

Six other Jamaicans will also be taking part in the meet with Nickel Ashmeade, who was part of two winning teams at last weekend's IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas and Nesta Carter, lining up against red-hot American Justin Gatlin in the men's 100m.

Gatlin has the two fastest times in the world so far this year after running 9.87 seconds and 9.92 seconds, while the young French runner Jimmy Vicaut is fourth on the list with 9.95 seconds.

World leader Hansle Parchment will be tested by World Championship gold and silver medallists David Oliver and Ryan Wilson, respectively, as well as world record holder Aries Merritt in what should be an outstanding event. moremore

Unruly Student disciplined by Teacher in the wrong way If you were the principal... How would you discipline both Teacher and Student?

Post by Yardie News.

Miss Jamaica World Cornwall Crowned 18-year-old Kimberly Webb

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer WESTERN BUREAU:

Kimberly Webb, wearing a gown designed by Kokobeenz.

Had the other contestants in the Miss Jamaica World Cornwall competition not worked extremely hard, 18-year-old Kimberly Webb would have walked away with more than the crown. The five feet seven inches tall beauty, captured all except two of the sectional prizes, at the 2014 coronation show, held at the Wexford Hotel, in Montego Bay, last Thursday night.

Webb, a science student at Hampton High School, was the star performer, copping the coveted crown, while displacing the 11 other contestants.

In fact, she made history taking home the prizes for Most Aware, Best Smile, and Most Talented.

The only contestant to better her figure was 18-year-old Montego Bay Community College student, Natalee Prout, who won Best Figure, who was second. Prout came closest to the well-rounded dynamo, who aced the prejudging segment of the competition.

Kimberly Webb in swimwear

Third place went to 21-year-old Regina Harding, a sales representative at Hairport at MegaMart, while the sectional prize for Most Congenial went to Daina Clarke.

Clear winner

Wearing the sash, Miss Sunset Beach Resort and Spa, Webb was a clear winner, proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that she had the credentials to bring the national crown to the Second City. more

Baby Laugh Til Yu Belly Bust.....OMG, Cutie!

Post by Being Latino.

13-year-old Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica, among 12 spellers into Scripps National Spelling Bee finals

OXON HILL, Md (AP) — Jacob Williamson shrieked with delight, sank to his knees and pounded the stage as his name was called as one of the 12 finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

In the list of 12 finalists is 13-year-old Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica. The only international winner in the bee's history also hailed from Jamaica.

13-year-old Tajaun Gibbison of Mandeville, Jamaica

Meanwhile Jacob, easily the most demonstrative of the dozen spellers who will compete Thursday night for more than US$33,000 in prizes, said he was surprised to have made it so far in his first National Spelling Bee appearance. The 15-year-old home-schooled eighth-grader was even more amazed that two of last year's finalists won't be joining him.

Vanya Shivashankar, a three-time finalist whose older sister won the bee in 2009, was bounced after Thursday's semi-final round. Vanya, a 12-year-old seventh-grader from Olathe, Kansas, spelled two words correctly onstage with her usual aplomb, but she did not score highly enough on two computerized spelling and vocabulary tests to advance.

The finalists include only one holdover from last year: 14-year-old Sriram Hathwar of Corning, New York, who finished third. Another former finalist, Syamantak Parma of Friendswood, Texas, misspelled ‘circumforaneous’, which means "wandering from place to place", and saw his final appearance in the bee end with the dreaded ringing of a bell.

"That was a shocker," Williamson said. "Two of the big three are gone. The holy trinity of spelling!" more

Lisa Hanna announces big plans for kids in State care.....THE Government says it will begin implementing several targeted interventions to improve conditions for children and adolescents....The system, which will cost more than $50 million to implement, is slated for roll-out over the next three years

Friday, May 30, 2014

THE Government says it will begin implementing several targeted interventions to improve conditions for children and adolescents, especially those in State care, during the 2014/15 fiscal year.

These include the phased implementation of a child case management system; legislative reforms; transformation of the Maxfield Park Children's Home as a model care child facility; and therapy and counselling sessions.

HANNA… a child case management system will be introduced

Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna made the announcement during the media launch of the Child Development Agency's (CDA) 10th anniversary, at the agency's downtown Kingston offices on Wednesday.

She said that the Child Case Management System is designed to maintain accurate records of children taken into State custody at places of safety, until their departure from these institutions.

"You can monitor their academic records, their medical records, their extra-curricular records, their parents, all the details (and) you can also trace whether or not they have behavioural problems," the minister said.

The system, which will cost more than $50 million to implement, is slated for roll-out over the next three years, and will facilitate information sharing among the ministry's agencies, the CDA, the Office of the Children's Registry, and Office of the Children's Advocate.

This will also be extended to other child service entities, such as the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and Children's Court.

The minister said this will assist case workers manage their loads more efficiently and keep better records of their children. more

JAMAICAN Singer Samantha-J Inks HUGE Deal... If Samantha sticks with Columbia through her 6th album -- she'll collect up to a US$1.1 million advance!

5/24/2014 12:20 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

'Memba mi tell yu, Jamaican singer Samantha J ah do big tings ... di pretty gyal just sign a record deal fi ah whole heap ah cheddar. Jah! Rastafari!!

SAMANTHA-J

Now, the translation: Samantha recently signed with Columbia Records -- and TMZ obtained a copy of the deal ... which will make the "Tight Skirt" star a very rich 17-year-old ... if she sticks with the label long enough. The pay structure is set up so that Samantha's first album gets her an advance of at least $325,000 ... and as high as $700,000, if needed. According to the contract -- if Samantha sticks with Columbia through her 6th album -- she'll collect up to a $1.1 million advance!

She's also getting fat royalties ... at least 16% of sales. That's the kinda scratch that'll get Samantha ... one 'nuff yaad down ah Jamrock ... right near di beach, boyee! more: 

IN JAMAICA (FYAH POWER) : Police seize 13 firearms, over 2000 rounds in two days.... The lawmen also apprehended a man they believe is the leader of Kingston’s notorious Scare Dem Crew Gang.....An Uzi submachine gun, a .38 revolver, and a 9mm Bryco pistol containing three 9mm cartridges, were reportedly taken from the couple.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 7:21 PM

ST CATHERINE, JAMAICA -- Police operating in Kingston West and St Catherine divisions say that in less than 24 hours, they removed 13 firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition from the possession of criminals

The lawmen also apprehended a man they believe is the leader of Kingston’s notorious Scare Dem Crew Gang.

The police said they were able to accomplish this in separate incidents between Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29.

Reports are that about 1:30 pm Wednesday, a team of officers were patrolling Red Pond, Frazers Content in St Catherine when a man was seen acting suspiciously.

When approached by the lawmen, he allegedly threw a bag to the ground. He was accosted and the bag retrieved, searched and a .38 revolver with one 9mm round found. He was taken into custody and according to the police formal charges will be laid.

About 5:20 Thursday morning, police officers carried out an operation on Percy Street in Denham Town, Kingston 14, which led to the apprehension of the leader of the Scare Dem Crew Gang and a female companion. An Uzi submachine gun, a .38 revolver, and a 9mm Bryco pistol containing three 9mm cartridges, were reportedly taken from the couple.

Later Thursday, officers attached to the St Catherine South Division were carrying out stop and search activities along the Cumberland main road when the driver of a Toyota Corolla station wagon was signalled to stop. The driver refused to comply and a chase ensued. more 

BREAKING NEWS: Steve Ballmer To Buy Clippers For $2 Billion: REPORTS

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has made the winning bid of $2 billion to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday.

Citing unnamed sources, ESPN's Darren Rovell reported that Ballmer beat the bids of groups led by David Geffen and Los Angeles investors Tony Ressler and Steve Karsh.

Steve Ballmer (L)

Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was banned from the NBA for life by league commissioner Adam Silver after recordings of him making racist comments were made public, had authorized his wife Shelly to negotiate a sale of the team, per the Associated Press. But as the Los Angeles Times notes, "the tentative deal still must receive [his] blessing" and the approval of the other 29 owners.

The AP reported on Wednesday that Shelly Sterling was reviewing bids from five groups. more

This story is developing.

PORTLAND, JAMAICA: 24 y-o Cancer survivor, SASHA-GAY LEWIS has been given a second chance at life as 'Many don't get to see another day'..... Woman thankful for second chance at life as stomach cancer disappears

BY INGRID BROWN Associate editor -- special assignment browni@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, May 29, 2014    

TWENTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD Sasha-Gay Lewis has been given a second chance at life and one which she fully intends to make use of now that the cancer of the stomach which took her to death's door is in recession.

Cancer survivor Sasha-Gay Lewis and her mother
Irene Moore are a picture of joy as they pose at their
 home in Port Antonio, Portland, with the certificate from
 the Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica indicating
the successful completion of chemo-radiation therapy.
 (PHOTOS: LIONEL ROOKWOOD)

But this charming, young woman, whose personality captivates those she comes in contact with, could not have done it without the support of well-thinking Jamaicans who contributed to the $1.7 million she spent for chemo and radiation therapy.

Lewis' plight was first highlighted by the Jamaica Observer last August after her family's effort at sourcing the money through various fund-raising events failed to yield the required amount

for her to begin radiation therapy. Following the article, individuals and organisations reached out to assist her, making it possible for her to begin treatment a few weeks later.

"Now I don't ever wake up one morning without saying 'thank you, Jesus, for one more beautiful day', because many don't get to see another day," Lewis said, explaining that her close shave with death has given her a new outlook on life. Now the ever-smiling Lewis said the happiest day was receiving the news that the cancer was gone two months after completing the therapy.

"When I went to UHWI (University Hospital of the West Indies) to collect the report, I was as nervous as ever, and so I had to ask a friend to open the envelope and read it, and then when I saw him smiling I just jumped up and screamed with joy," Lewis told the Observer when the team visited her at her Port Antonio home in Portland.

And, although she still makes monthly visits for medical check-ups, Lewis' only restriction is to manage her diet and to eat mainly fish and vegetables.

"The doctor said I must go and enjoy myself, so that is what I am doing, although I still do everything in moderation," she quipped.

Lewis had high praises for the staff at the Radiation Oncology Centre of Jamaica, who she said helped to make the experience of undergoing chemo-radiation more tolerable.

She said she is extremely grateful and happy that so many persons reached out to help her.

"I felt so happy that people reached out to help, especially seeing how the economy is now and for people to reach down in their pockets to help little old me, it's just overwhelming," she said. "I was so elated that sometimes I just lie in the dark and smile to myself." more

IN JAMAICA: SIMONE Foster, 27, parent of slain 9-y-o boy blames herself for son’s death... A Mother's Regret...."Mi regret seh mi leave because if mi never leave, mi son wouldn't die. Mi regret it because if I was here I could a protect him. Mi blame myself 100 per cent,"

BY HORACE HINES Observer West reporter hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, May 29, 2014  

 PLANTATION HEIGHTS, St James

SIMONE Foster, 27, the distressed mother of nine-year-old Romaine Robinson, also called 'Star Boy', who was viciously murdered in this normally quiet community last week, is blaming herself for her son's death, having left him to live with her boyfriend in Linstead, St Catherine.

Romaine's grandmother, Gwendolyn
Todd-Foster (right), her daughter Simone
 Foster (seated left), with her two children,
 Keira and Daniel Fletcher, was a
 picture of grief when the Observer
West visited Plantation Heights yesterday.

"Mi regret seh mi leave because if mi never leave, mi son wouldn't die. Mi regret it because if I was here I could a protect him. Mi blame myself 100 per cent," said the mother who was a picture of grief yesterday.

"When I am here he doesn't leave out the yard because mi have him under strict rule. When him come from school in the evenings mi don't make him go nowhere. Mi have him under strict rule. Mi seh, Romaine, stay in the yard, mi don't want him walk 'bout because you see every minute them beat him up."

Reports from the Cambridge Police are that about 6:22 am, on Thursday, May 22, Romaine's body was found tied up in bushes with stab wounds to the neck.

Subsequently, a 14-year-old member of the community, who is said to be a close friend of the deceased, was arrested and charged with the gruesome murder, after he reportedly confessed to the crime.

The murder weapon was allegedly discovered at his grandmother's home.

According to Senior Superintendent in charge of the St James police division, Egbert Parkins, investigation led to the arrest of the juvenile, who "gave an account of what transpired."

SSP Parkins, who offered condolences to the family of the deceased, however, expressed relief at an early breakthrough in the case.

Meanwhile, when the Jamaica Observer West visited the area yesterday, Foster's mother, Gwendolyn Todd-Foster, said that her grandson who was left in her care, occasionally slept at the home of 'Nyah', an elderly man who lives close by.

She reiterated that when she went to look for her grandson at a nearby shop late on the evening of Wednesday, May 21, and did not see him, she was not perturbed as she thought he was at the home of 'Nyah,' who customarily cooks and shares meals with Romaine.

"Mi believe he was at Nyah because Nyah cook for both of them and when him ready him sleep over Nyah. So through mi seh him gone over Nyah, mi never worry myself because mi never know seh any harm would come to him," the grief-stricken grandmother explained. more