Western Jamaica churches stand up for Professor Bain.....yesterday protested against the University of the West Indies' (UWI) recent sacking of Professor Brendan Bain as head of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Network.

 BY HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, June 03, 2014   
 MONTEGO BAY, St James — Several church groups from western Jamaica yesterday protested against the University of the West Indies' (UWI) recent sacking of Professor Brendan Bain as head of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Network.
01
Representatives for churches in western Jamaica demonstrating
outside the UWI Mona Western Jamaica Campus on
Queen’s Drive, Montego Bay, yesterday.
Placard-bearing members of the group of demonstrators, clad in black and with masking tape over their mouths, started gathering at the entrance of the UWI Mona Western Jamaica Campus on Queen's Drive, Montego Bay, from 8:30 am.
Some of the placards read: 'Free Speech Is A Right Not A Privilege'; 'Do Not Change The Buggery Law'; and 'Keep Us Free From Evil Powers'.
They got support from horn-tooting motorists as they drove by.
The UWI sacked Professor Bain following concerns from gay advocacy groups across the Caribbean about his expert testimony given in a Belize court case seeking to challenge laws criminalising buggery.
Several critics, including church leaders, said the professor's dismissal was the university's giving in to pressure from gay rights groups.
Supporters of the academic, one of the region's leading authorities on the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean and one of the pioneers in clinical infectious diseases, last week protested outside the gates of the UWI's Mona Campus in Kingston. Protests, in support of Bain, were also held in Belize last week.
Chairman of the St James Ministers' Fraternal Rev Glendon Powell, who was among the demonstrators yesterday, said the groups wanted justice for Professor Bain. more

HAIR CANDY: Make your hair dream a reality, with Candy Moisture Mousse....Softens, without weighing down or giving the hair a heavy feeling because the hair naturally absorbs it. ✔ Soothes irritating scalp whether dry, itchy or flaky. ✔ Protects the hair against heat and shields it against UV rays. ✔ Stimulates hair growth. ✔ Promotes healthy hair. ✔ Keeps natural hair twist together. ✔ Gives hair edge a soothing look. ✔ Prevents breakage.

Cathy Risden,  Lifestyle Intern
Make your hair dream a reality, with Candy Moisture Mousse. This new product to hit the hair market is shea butter-based infused with natural, virgin oils such as apricot kernel oil, coconut oil and vitamin oil. Just under a year since its introduction, this product is here to change the life of many women who are frustrated about finding the right hair moisturiser.
Daniel Philpotts-Brown applies mousse to naturalist Tawana Johnson's hair as she enjoys the feel and smell of Candy Moisture Mousse.
Daniel Philpotts-Brown applies mousse to naturalist
 Tawana Johnson's hair as she enjoys the feel and smell
of Candy Moisture Mousse.
Healthy moist hair is every woman's desire as it makes her more confident. Flair tapped into this new hair product line to assist the DIY hairdressers by speaking with founder and owner of Candy Moisture Mousse Tawana Johnson. A naturalist, she told Flair that the main idea of Candy Moisture Mousse came after receiving countless messages and questions about what she uses to moisturise her natural hair. She realised that the biggest problem females were having, especially ones who were natural, was retaining moisture in their hair. Johnson heard the cries of these women and decided to aid in solving this problem using her entrepreneurial skills. "One day, it just occurred to me that I should try to bottle my own concoction that I had been using for over a year, and see if others would be interested and if it could help them too," she explained to Flair.
The vibrant colours of the mousse, Johnson tells us, this adds to the product's candy theme. The product aims to bring a fun and enjoyable approach to hair care. We all know women are lovers of sweet scented products and the scent goes hand in hand with the colours for that candy-craze appeal. Johnson shares, "One should enjoy using their bottle of CM2, not only for the benefits but for the experience with smell and colours. That is why we refer to it as hair candy." more

Harriette Thompson, 91 y-o and recovering from cancer breaks Marathon Record....She also became the second-oldest woman to complete a marathon in U.S. history raising more than $90,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For Harriette Thompson, 15th time's the charm.
That's how many times the 91-year-old has run the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon. This past Sunday, the North Carolinian not only conquered the 26.2-mile course, she broke a few records and fought back against cancer, too.
HARRIETTE THOMPSON
91 y-o Harriette Thompson
Thompson now holds a new record for fastest marathon run in American history within the 90-94-year-old age group, with an astounding time of 7 hours, 7 minutes and 42 seconds. She also became the oldest woman to complete the San Diego race, and the second oldest marathon competitor in U.S. history, according to NBC 7 San Diego News.
"I try to run around the block, and I do a few 5Ks," she told the outlet of her preparation for the event. "I think the most I’ve done this year is an 8K, so it’s sort of a lot to ask to jump from that to 26."
While breaking records is great, what Thompson achieved beyond pounding the pavement is what's truly remarkable -- raising more than $90,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It's a cause that's near and dear to her heart, as she'd just undergone radiation treatment on her own legs -- incredibly, just one month prior to completing the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, the Charlotte Observer reported. more

ATLANTA, GA : Prayer vigil held for toddler severely hurt in SWAT raid....Police Department threw a stun grenade in the child’s crib where he was sleeping.



    ATLANTA — 
    A prayer vigil was held Monday morning for a Habersham County toddler severely burned in a SWAT raid.
    Supporters gathered outside Grady Memorial Hospital where Bounkham Phonesavanh is preparing for another round of surgery.
    During a raid last week, Phonesavanh’s family said a special response team with the Habersham Police Department threw a stun grenade in the child’s crib where he was sleeping. The incident happened when police tried to serve a no-knock warrant for a man believed to be serving drugs from the home.
    The child's family is now demanding answers from Habersham police and prayers from the public.
    “We just ask everybody to pray for our child. He’s not doing too good,” the child’s father, Boun Khan Phonesavanh, said in. In an interview this weekend, activists and attorneys told Channel 2 Action News the Phonesavanhs were treated unfairly.
    “This family, overnight, has become the face of police brutality,” said activist Marcus Coleman. In an induced coma, the toddler has lost the use of one lung and faces more surgeries.

    HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — Opposition Leader Marc Bean leader says he ‘cured’ daughter’s asthma with ganja tea....Since that day she has never, ever suffered from asthma..... "Since that one day, that one cup of cannabis tea. So you can't tell me the medicinal use of it."

    Tuesday, June 03, 2014    
    HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — Opposition Leader Marc Bean has come under fire from a leading children's rights advocate after admitting he gave his then-young daughter "ganja tea" to treat her asthma.
    The advocate, Sheelagh Cooper, said she was shocked by Bean's statement in the House of Assembly.
    Dr Henry Lowe (left), research scientist and entrepreneur,
     and Harvard Law School Professor Charles Nesson share
     a joke as they peruse a page in the book, Cannabis,
    Marijuana, Ganja — The Jamaica and Global Connection,
     written by Dr Lowe and Professor Errol Morrison. Professor
     Nesson was making a courtesy call on Dr Lowe at
     the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa on
     Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston last week Monday.
    Speaking during a take-note motion in the House on the report of the Cannabis Reform Collaborative to potential changes to the island's policy on marijuana, Bean said he had in the past used marijuana medicinally for both himself and his family.
    Bean called for the legalisation of marijuana with a "light touch" of regulation, saying the taxation of cannabis could bring in more than US$20 million in tax revenue, provide a boost in tourism and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
    Kicking off the marathon debate earlier, Premier Michael Dunkley, who is also national security minister, said the One Bermuda Alliance Government has no plans to legalise marijuana, claiming that "it is wrong to yield to a more permissive attitude socially without due regard to the social, economic and health consequences".
    "Medicinal use, as far as I'm concerned, I don't need too much scientific evidence," Bean told the House on Friday night.
    "When my daughter was three years old, because of the circumstances I didn't have much opportunity to spend time with her up until she reached about two-and-a-half, three, but I always was told she suffers from asthma severely.
    "The first opportunity I had my daughter, who's now going on 20 years old, in my care and custody I went and made her a big cup of ganja tea. That was when she was two-and-a-half, three years old.
    "Now some of you might be saying 'that's irresponsible as a parent', but you can go ask her mother and her family on her mother's side today. Since that day she has never, ever suffered from asthma. Since that one day, that one cup of cannabis tea. So you can't tell me the medicinal use of it." more

    MANDEVILLE, JAMAICA (#BringBackOurJamaica) : Manchester 49-year-old taximan, Rupert Taylor, trailed, stabbed to death...."Dem kill mi brother fi nutten at all, mi loving brother," said the obviously distraught woman.....And seven years ago, he was shot at by a passenger who refused to pay his fare.

     BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, June 03, 2014
    MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Criminals early yesterday trailed a taxi driver to his home in Belretiro here, where they stabbed him as he entered his bedroom. He ran outside where he collapsed and died.
    01
    A Family member in pain after murder of Rupert Taylor
    The blood-stained floor, walls, curtains and bed linen brought some community members to tears when they got news that the 49-year-old taximan, Rupert Taylor, better known as 'Cat', was slain.
    According to the Mandeville police, about 12:15 am Taylor parked his vehicle and was walking along a foot path to his home when he was followed by men who stabbed him in the neck as he entered his house.
    The injured taxi operator, the police said, managed to run from the house but collapsed shortly after in a potato field, where he died.
    A man was later detained by the police and was being questioned last night about Taylor's death.
    According to the Mandeville police, even though there was no evidence that anything was stolen from Taylor, who lived alone, robbery was believed to be the motive for the attack.
    Elaine Taylor, sister of the deceased, said that her brother had been operating a taxi for several years and was at a loss why someone would want to take his life.
    "Dem kill mi brother fi nutten at all... mi loving brother," said the obviously distraught woman.
    One of the slain taximan's regular passengers, 13-year-old Jerome Barclay, a student of Villa Road Primary and Junior High, was in tears on the scene as he leaned on his mother for support. He told the Jamaica Observer that even when he did not have taxi fare he could still count on Taylor to take him to and from school.
    Colleague taxi operator Merrick Henry said cabbies were a 'target' "because there is a misconception that taximen earn a lot of money. Based upon what we saw, it could happen to any one of us".
    Henry said he believed that robbery was the motive for Taylor's death.
    Taylor, who fellow taxi operators said worked long hours on the Belretiro to Mandeville route in making his honest bread, was in 2007 attacked and stabbed by schoolboys who had refused to pay their fares. He was unable to work for about three months because of those injuries. And seven years ago, he was shot at by a passenger who refused to pay his fare. He was not injured in that attack.
    Taylor's sister said, too, that her brother came home on more than one occasion to find his house ransacked. more

    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.  
    0513_chris_brown_tmz
    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

    Jail: The son of Pele (Edinho, left) has been sentenced to 33 years behind bars for laundering drug money
    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
    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
    ENTER CHAT, LISTEN & WATCH BROADCAST LIVE 24/7
                   FOR AUDIO ONLY (No Commercials) - CLICK PLAYER ABOVE on RIGHT
                                                                                  OR
                      FOR USTREAM VIEWING & RBN CHATROOM CLICK ON PLAYER BELOW    



    To listen, click PLAY icon above then unmute speaker icon at bottom left on player after a brief commercial. You may also listen commercial FREE by clicking ON AIR-Listen LIVE AUDIO BOX above or TUNE-IN LINK or call in on Tele at 213-401-0061. Enjoy the sweet music.To chat below, please sign in with your RBN account.Please support the scholarship program by considering to donate at least $10.00 at www.PALAS1.org. Thank you very much.

    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

    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?

    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.
    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.
    Miss Jamaica World Cornwall Kimberly Webb in swimwear.
    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