EXQUISITE -- The Ultimate Red Carpet Party at The Palms in Kingston. Jamaican mafia comes to town...."based on real-life incidents"..."It's a shoot them up, bang bang, but it also explores family values.

Monday, August 04, 2014    
JAMAICAN Mafia, the independent movie starring Paul Campbell, is scheduled to officially premiere in New York City on August 27.
Orville Matherson, one of the film's executive producers, did not disclose a location, but told the Jamaica Observer that expectations are high for the flick, which he says is "based on real-life incidents".
Paul Campbell
Filmed entirely in New York City last year, Jamaican Mafia is directed by Nigerian Vafomba Donzo and stars Paul Campbell, whose credits include Dancehall Queen and Third World Cop.
Campbell and co-star Mykal Fax (who also wrote the screenplay) will be special guests this evening at EXQUISITE -- The Ultimate Red Carpet Party at The Palms in Kingston.
Matherson told the Observer that the film's plot "is based on a group of people who are from Jamaica, so naturally we will target Jamaicans and people from the Caribbean".
Campbell, who has also featured in gritty pieces like Shottas, plays Soljie, the family patriarch in Jamaican Mafia.
"It's a shoot them up, bang bang, but it also explores family values. That's one of the things I liked about the script," he said. The 3 minute promo received over 100,000 views/hits on the Facebook page #BringBackOurJamaica Source Jamaica Observer

Amigo...Yu Ever See Teet Like Dese? RulaBrownNetwork.com

JAMAICA 52, upsets ENGLAND 48, in a netball thriller at Commonwealth Games: Sunshine for Girls in gutsy bronze medal performance

BY SEAN WILLIAMS Assistant Sport Editor  Monday, August 04, 2014    
GLASGOW, Scotland — Marva Bernard's eyes were bloodshot. She had been shedding tears, and a hell of a lot of it at that.
But they were tears of joy. For the Netball Jamaica boss had just witnessed her Sunshine Girls win a Commonwealth Games bronze in a heart-stopping third-place play-off match against England at the Hydro Arena here yesterday..
01
Jamaica Bronze medallist
The score tells the story of the competitive nature of the game: Jamaica 52, England 48. But what it does not unveil is the heart, discipline and overall sacrifice that were put in that ultimately ended Jamaica's drought at major championships.
Yesterday's bronze medal took Jamaica's tally for these Games to 22, equalling the all-time best, with 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze.
The medals were gained in three sporting disciplines -- 19 in track and field athletics, two in swimming and one in netball.
"We have struggled with the negative that has been thrown at us, we have struggled with being told that we are not good enough, but I never doubted my team.
"My faith is very strong but they (detractors) tested it, and I just want to say to those people who criticised us and said we are not good enough, thank you because you made us work even harder," said Bernard, with eyes still overflowing with tears.
To Netball Jamaica's loyal sponsors and supporters, she said: "Thanks to all those who supported us."
Even though she never doubted the ability of the team, Bernard shared that a pep talk by her and JOA president Mike Fennel before the game must have hit the collective soul of the girls.
"I told them this (yesterday) morning that they have got to play for their country... Mike Fennel came and he spoke to them after I spoke," she told Jamaican journalists immediately after the match.
Coach Minneth Reynolds was beside herself with joy, catching her breath before she said: "I am so elated." more

IN JAMAICA: Madness in Half Way Tree Square....A madman disarms police constable of his Glock service pistol and went on a wild, shoots two....

Monday, August 04, 2014    
TRAFFIC in the usually busy Half-Way-Tree square was diverted for several hours yesterday afternoon after a man believed to be of unsound mind relieved a police constable of his Glock service pistol and went on a wild, but short-lived shooting spree, injuring two civilians.
The man is said to have run into the bus layby in the direction of Constant Spring Road, then fired close to 10 shots in the direction of Half-Way-Tree Road.
Traffic cops give statements about yesterday’s
 incident to detectives from the CIB Half-Way-Tree square.
The Constabulary Force Corporate Communications Unit confirmed the incident in a skeletal late afternoon release to the media, but promised to give more information as the investigation proceeds.
However, a police source, which spoke to the Jamaica Observer on condition of anonymity given the force's media policy, said that as is customary when there is to be a shift change, a Toyota Hiace service vehicle was parked close to the clock just outside the layby just after 2:00 pm. The constable, a fresh graduate of the National Police Academy who has been assigned to the traffic division, was standing behind the bus when the mentally challenged man reportedly sneaked up behind him and disarmed him.
"I understand he pulled both the gun and the holster from the man's waist," the source said.
Another police source added: "It look like him used to gun cause him cock it as it come out (of the holster).
An off-duty policeman who was in the vicinity came to the rescue by shooting the man and recovered the pistol.
Apparently commiserating with his young colleague, one of the sources pointed to the number of people of unsound mind in the
St Andrew capital.
"It could have happened to anybody because a nuff madman deh ah Half-Way-Tree. An' mi hear say is not one of the regulars, is a new one," the source said.
The assailant and the civilians were taken to hospital.
The police information unit said the incident has been reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations. Source Jamaica Observer

IN JAMAICA: A brilliant girl's dream shattered.....Shenordo Balgrave wants to study pathology, but…"Right now my sister and I are working on a community club which involves getting youths involved in sports, mainly netball, cheerleading and basketball,"

BY VERNON DAVIDSON Executive editor - publications davidsonv@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, August 03, 2014    
Shenordo Balgrave has always wanted to study medicine.
"Ever since I was little, that's why I made a straight path to that," she admitted to the Jamaica Observer.
That path saw her pursuing the sciences and achieving grade 1 scores in eight of the nine subjects she sat in Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.
BALGRAVE… science facilitates curiosity
At the higher Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Balgrave's Unit 1 scores were biology, grade 1; chemistry, grade 2; and physics, grade 3.
At Unit 2 she achieved grade 1 in biology and physics, and grade 2 in chemistry. She also holds a grade 1 in communication studies and grade 2 in Caribbean studies.
The scores earned her an Advanced Proficiency Diploma and an associate's degree in natural sciences from the Caribbean Examinations Council in August 2013.
To her great delight, Balgrave was accepted at the University of the West Indies (UWI) last September to begin studying medicine.
However, she had a major problem. She was unable to come up with the tuition.
Luckily, though, Balgrave was among a few students whom the education ministry was able to assist with a major chunk of the funds to pursue their tertiary studies.
"I got $2 million from the Ministry of Education, but the school fee was $2.84 million [and] I was unable to come up with the additional amount by the second semester," she told the Sunday Observer.
According to Balgrave, she applied for a semester break, but was not successful as she made the request too late. And even though the university appeared willing to bend over backwards to accommodate her, she just could not come up with the balance of the tuition, mostly because her mother is not working and her stepfather, who most likely would have been able to assist, passed away a few years ago.
In an apparent effort to earn the money to resume her studies, Balgrave got a job at a cafe. That, however, didn't last long, as she fell ill and had to be hospitalised in April this year.
The thought that she was no longer attending university left her in tears, she said. more

PRESS RELEASE: PALAS to award 72 new scholarships in 2014-2015. Hon. Lisa Hanna & Attorney Patrick Campbell to deliver keynote addresses at awards presentation at University of the West Indies (UWI)-Mona Campus, Sat Aug 23, in JAMAICA. Reggae singer, Winsome Benjamin will provide the entertainment.."30 other students who met our criteria regrettably will be bypassed due to lack of funds." Stats; 17 male & 55 female students, 29 high school & 43 university students, there were 140 applicants....One-hundred eighty-seven (187) total scholarships awarded in 4 years....We are still seeking donations at www.PALAS1.org.


72 PALAS recipients (29 High School & 43 University students)
ATLANTA, GA – August 2, 2014 (Update): Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc. (PALAS) will award seventy (72) new scholarships for the academic year 2014-2015 to worthy, but economically challenged high school and University/College students  in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. Honourable Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth & Culture and Attorney Patrick Campbell of Washington D.C will deliver the Keynote addresses at the 4th annual award ceremony - UWI in KingstonJamaica on Saturday, August 23, 2014, commencing at 5:00pm. Reggae songbird, Winsome Benjamin will provide the entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies will be Mr. Winston Cowans.
Hon. Lisa Hanna,
 Minister of Youth & Culture

PALAS, the Atlanta-headquartered charity organization, has received the support of various corporate bodies and individuals to support the students. The stated mission of the group is to recognize and honor outstanding academic performances of under privileged students residing in the Caribbean region.

The PALAS program was established in December 2010, to honor the memory of young Vanessa Campbell, an aspiring Jamaican artiste who was a casualty of the burgeoning crime and violence problem in Portmore, Jamaica. After Vanessa’s untimely death, an initial scholarship program was created as the SSSJamz/Vanessa Campbell Academic Scholarship to assist high school students from her alma mater, Bridgeport High School. To sustain this effort PALAS has been soliciting funds from all quarters.

Patrick Campbell, Attorney
Since the inception of the program, PALAS awarded 187 scholarships valued approx. J$8.5 million (US$84,000.00), 20 computers and mentoring for some of the students. Some highlights over the 4 years are; 1,515% increase in scholarships, 376 applicants including Medical Students, Science & Engineering, Law students, Nursing, Business/Accounting and Liberal/Fine arts student applicants. The program is available to students residing in the Caribbean region. The students range in age 12-32 years old from various high schools, UWI, UTECH, NCU, EXED, Shortwood College, UTECH-Guyana and AAIMS Medical School. 

PALAS continues to strive for “Preserving Young Minds for Posterity”; we would like to thank all the supporters of these most deserving students who are aiming to reach above the sky. The PALAS scholarship application process for the 2014-2015 academic years was opened April 1, through May 30, 2014. 

Founder, Rula Brown said “the unfortunate news about PALAS’s effort is that, there were an additional thirty-three (33) students who met the criteria for scholarships, but due to the lack of funds we could not assist at this time.”  You may Partner with PALAS (PWP) to have a scholarship in your name, loved one or business by donating a minimum of US$350.00.

Please make a donation to the PALAS program before July 31st. by sending a check to:

PALAS or Peace and Love Academic Scholarship
P.O. Box 5461
Alpharetta, GA 30023-5461. USA
Email: peaceandlovescholarship@gmail.com

Or donate online at www.PALAS1.org with PAYPAL, VISA, MASTERCARD or Check.

About Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc.
Singer, Winsome Benjamin will 
entertain and present the 
WINSOME BENJAMIN ACADEMIC
 SCHOLARSHIP to a student at event
Peace and Love Academic Scholarship is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization in Atlanta, Georgia founded by Jamaican-born Rula Brown. PALAS’ mission is to help improve the health, education and general well-being of less fortunate children residing in the Caribbean region.

Since its formal launch in December 2010, PALAS has dedicated its resources, human and financial, to help make a difference in the lives of underserved children in Jamaica, West Indies as the well as the wider Caribbean region. For further information about PALAS including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.PALAS1.org.

For additional information contact:
Rula Brown, PALAS Exec. Director
rulabrown@gmail.com or (770) 715-0224
Or send email to peaceandlovescholarship@gmail.com

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Jamaica win another global gold medal in women's 4x100m relay in 41.83 secs

Saturday, August 02, 2014 | 2:56 PM    
KINGSTON, Jamaica – It was another gold medal performance by Jamaica at a global athletics meet in the women’s 4x100m relay as the team of Kerron Stewart, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Schillonie Calvert and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce (in running order) won the event a short while ago at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Unofficial time 41.83 seconds.
MORE TO COME! Source Jamaica Observer

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: GOLD FOR JAMAICA IN 4x100m MEN'S RELAY in 37.58 secs

Saturday, August 02, 2014 | 3:05 PM  
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s dominance in the 4x100 men’s relay at global athletics championships continued today as the team of Jason Livermore, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nickel Ashmeade, and Usain Bolt (in running order) won the gold medal a short while ago at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Jamaica have won three of the four gold medals run at these Games. Winning time 37.58 seconds, a new Commonwealth record. Source Jamaica Observer

IN JAMAICA: Embrace positives of children with disabilities, says Lisa Hanna...."They carry the stigma and unfortunate detachment because they feel that people don't want to play with them"

Saturday, August 02, 2014    
YOUTH and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna has called on parents, and the society as a whole, to embrace the positives of children with disabilities and focus on their abilities instead of the physical or intellectual impairment.
Lisa Hanna
She pointed out that when such children face discrimination and stigma, it has serious negative effects. "They carry the stigma and unfortunate detachment because they feel that people don't want to play with them, and that people see them differently. So, it is for all of us to embrace them, no matter how they look, or how they speak," the minister said.
Hanna was addressing the valedictory service for 25 students who graduated from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's Early Stimulation Programme (ESP), at the Apostolic Church of Jamaica in Kingston on Wednesday.
The minister also highlighted the burden of various forms of abuse, which the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) says is five times more likely to occur among children with disabilities.
"Let us recommit our efforts and let us continue to work (with them). When we see a child with the vulnerability to be abused, we must take note and if we see a child at a home where the parent is being stressed, let us reach out," the minister said.
Congratulating the children on their achievement, she commended the teachers, guardians, physiotherapists, and other staff and stakeholders, for their love and patience. more

Bolt ignites Scotland, but will he wear a kilt? "It felt good (the crowd's response)... it's like I was at the London Olympics and I appreciated it as I love to compete for a crowd which is really loud.

Saturday, August 02, 2014    
GLASGOW, Scotland — Like thunder from above, Hampden Park erupted into a maddening roar earlier yesterday.
The crowds at Hampden Park have been vocal throughout the track and field action at the Commonwealth Games, and the athletes have enjoyed their participation. But yesterday, they were louder than ever before.
Usain Bolt reacts after leading his team to victory in the
men’s 4x100m relay heats. (PHOTO: COLLIN REID
 COURTESY OF SUPREME VENTURES, COURTS AND
BEST DRESSED CHICKEN)
Finally, their seemingly eternal wait to see Jamaica's sprint king, Usain Bolt, in action was finally over.
And their cheers as he took the baton on the anchor leg of the 4x100 relay team was the kind of welcome fitting for a king.
Today, they will get to see him once again in the gold medal race. And again, they will lift him up.
"It felt good (the crowd's response)... it's like I was at the London Olympics and I appreciated it as I love to compete for a crowd which is really loud. So for me, it was just brilliant," said Bolt, who has six Olympic gold medals.
The world record holder got caught up in a bit of a controversy over alleged comments he was quoted in The Times of having made. He has denied before, and again today he did.
"I knew it was lie, so I wasn't worried and was just looking forward to come out here and have fun and to do my best and give a good performance.
"She (British reporter) asked me how the Games were, and I said I haven't done much as I have been in my room. And then she asked 'if it was fun' and I said, 'I guess' because I haven't been out... so I guess she just interpreted that to mean that it was sh...ty or whatever. I did not appreciate that, but that's how journalists are sometimes," contorting his face into comical look that had journalists here in stitches.
Bolt, who ran 9.58 and 19.19 seconds over the 100 and 200m, said he was never worried that the people of Scotland wouldn't embrace him, because he was a fan of the country as much as the country is a fan of his.
"I was never worried because I know my true people know that I would never say something like that, as I always go to every country with an open mind to just go see and enjoy the culture; the people have been great to me, and I am just loving it," he said.
Bolt said they have tried vigorously to try and get him to wear a kilt. But he's not keen to be seen wearing anything looking like feminine garb.
Bolt on The Run
"It's different (the culture), everybody is trying to get me to wear a kilt. But it has been fun and as I said the people have been great to me and I have had some good laughs," he noted.
Having been out of competition for months after sustaining a foot injury, Bolt conceded he was not yet at his best in his first race since coming back.
"Everything was good, but I was just feeling sluggish as it was my first race, so I know it was going to take time to get into my rhythm, but apart from feeling sluggish, it was okay," he noted. more

JAMAICA leaders call for unity, respect for human rights in Emancipation messages

Friday, August 01, 2014
JAMAICA'S leaders have issued a call for unity and respect for human rights in their Emancipation Day messages.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said it was optimistic that despite the fact that a number of Jamaicans today live in 'nowhere land' the resilience of the people will see the country prosper.
Allen, Simpson-Miller, 
"I firmly believe that we are destined, under God, to increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity. Today, my fellow Jamaicans, as we celebrate Emancipation, I thank all of you from every walk of life who commit to working to achieve that noble vision for Jamaica. It is time for us to stand together and combine all our efforts to free our country from every form of barrier, tribalism and hindrance to our progress as a people. Let us now move with haste to engrave a new profile on the local and international image of Jamaica. We must believe in ourselves and in our potential to be a truly great nation," Sir Patrick said.
On August 1, 1938 slavery was officially abolished by the British Empire and thousands of slaves of African descent were no longer forced to do back-breaking labour without compensation for their white slave masters.
In an emotional message laced with references to the 'brutality and genocide' meted out to the blacks who fought bitterly against their forced oppression, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller called on Jamaicans to pay tribute to and never forget the struggles of those who had to endure the sting of the whip, rape, amputations and other horrors of the greatest sin mankind has ever perpetrated.
"Scholars tell us that some of the ex-slaves walked up hills and climbed into tree tops so that they could clearly witness the literal dawning of their freedom, so anxious were they not to miss the first light of liberation day.
In Jamaica on that "full free" August morning, peaceful celebrations occurred across the island. A hearse containing shackles and chains that had been used to bind rebellious slaves was driven through the streets of the capital Spanish Town, and ceremoniously burned," Simpson Miller said. more

Jamaicans bag six more medals bringing their tally to 18 on day five of the XX Commonwealth Games ...As Scotland braces for Bolt

BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Assistant Sport editor  Friday, August 01, 2014    
GLASGOW, Scotland — Jamaicans won six more medals on day five of the XX Commonwealth Games at Hampden Park last night, bringing their tally to 18.
With 12 in the bag coming into last night, they added two gold, one silver and three bronze.
01
Triple Gold Medalist
As usual, they turned on the styles and put on the frills.
In a sweep of the medals, the men's 200m won gold, silver and bronze. The destroyers — Rasheed Dwyer, Warren Weir and Jason Livermore, in that order.
Kaliese Spencer breathed a sigh of relief as she won her first major gold medal in the women's 400m hurdles in 52.79 seconds. Her teammate Janieve Russell trailed for the bronze in 54.75. Scotland's Eilidh Child copped silver in 54.22.
Also on the medal podium last night was Jason Morgan, who won gold in the men's discus, hurling 62.34 metres — Jamaica's third medal in the field.
The Diamond League winner, Spencer, expressed relief at coming first at last in a major senior championship.
"I just went out there and focused on what I trained for, my technique, and I went out there just to run. It was not a perfect race, but I won and I am very happy with that.
"I just feel relieved right now. I don't know if when I go back to the hotel and relax it will hit me then that I am the gold medal winner," she told Jamaican reporters.
She has been thirsting for this success for a long time. But her moment of glory has finally come.
"It's been eight years since I won at the 2006 World Juniors, so I am going to be on the podium in the middle, so I am very happy with that... I wanted to ensure that I got the gold medal. World Indoors was great and that was the breakthrough for me and I knew coming here I would be victorious," said the World Indoor Championship silver medallist. more 

JAMAICA CLEAN SWEEP in 400m Race at Commonwealth Games....'We planned for the one-two-three,' says Day. Jamaican trio of Stephenie McPherson (gold), Novlene Williams-Mills (silver) and Christine Day (bronze) seemed unfazed by it.

Thursday, July 31, 2014    
GLASGOW, Scotland — Jamaica's historic 1-2-3 in the women's Commonwealth Games 400m final at Hampden Park on Tuesday seemed as easy as A-B-C for the medal winners themselves.
A sweep at this level is rare, but the Jamaican trio of Stephenie McPherson (gold), Novlene Williams-Mills (silver) and Christine Day (bronze) seemed unfazed by it.
Jamaica’s 400m medallists (from left)
 Novlene Williams-Mills (silver), Stephenie McPherson
 (gold) and Christine Day (bronze)
 display their medals during the medals
ceremony on Tuesday evening.
At post-race interview, they were cool, calm and collected. Their posture suggested they expected it to go exactly as it turned out. Perhaps not in the order it did, but certainly they had dreamt gold, silver, and bronze for Jamaica.
Day confirmed it: "Before we came out here, we planned for the one-two-three."
The veteran of the trio and whose life story is a triumph of the human spirit, Williams-Mills hungered for the gold, but she graciously applauded the younger runners for their success, and revelled in hers.
"Yes, I am a little bit disappointed, but I am very happy for Christine and I am happy for Stephenie and we came out here and put on a good show," said the 31-year-old, stooping while she spoke with Jamaican journalists.
The silver for Williams-Mills, a cancer survivor, was an upgrade from the bronze she won in Melbourne, Australia, in 2006.
Gold medal winner, McPherson, 25, said she simply carried out her coach's instructions, and the victory was the end result.
"I came here with my coach's instructions and went through the rounds as best I could. It's a good place to win my first (senior gold medal) as the Great Britain girl, Christine Ohuruogu, won her first medal here, so hopefully I can follow. more 

Hats off to A Hat Affair... THE life and legacy of Gregory Isaacs was celebrated at the Blue Essence, inside the Kings Plaza, in Constant Spring, St Andrew to celebrate the Cool Ruler's 63rd birthday

Thursday, July 31, 2014 
THE life and legacy of Gregory Isaacs was celebrated at the Blue Essence, inside the Kings Plaza, in Constant Spring, St Andrew on Sunday night.
The event, A Hat Affair, was to celebrate the Cool Ruler's 63rd birthday.
The evening's anthem was Isaacs' big hit Love Is Overdue, which was performed first by rising female act Isha Bell, then other performers included it in their repertoire.
The other high point of this lovers' rock anthem came from the closing set by Junior Sinclair, who could top the list of Gregory's sound-alikes, but would have to settle for second place behind Lukani when vocal imitation is considered. Like Sinclair, who closed the show, Lukani also did a number of Isaacs' well-known songs to great responses from the audience.
Other acts who made remarkable impressions on the crowd were the duo of QQ and 17-year-old Ray (Isaacs), who made a strong attempt to match his uncle's stage appearance. The duo started their act with Wine and Roses, Number One and Hard Drugs.
New act Ras I went over well with Ragamuffin and Tune In. The more seasoned artiste Wildlife did an interesting take on a number of Isaacs' songs he dubbed Kulruler.
Current stars Hezron, Nature and veterans George Nooks, Carl Dawkins, Edi Fitzroy and Bongo Herman were all in good nick. But the most memorable of all the sets came from Mary Isaacs -- no relation to Gregory. She did not include any of the late singer's songs in her too-short performance. She left everyone wanting more after her superb performance of Willow Tree and Perfidia.
The three backing aggregations were Warrior Love, Lloyd Parks And We the People, and Roots Radics. more

WESTMORELAND, JAMAICA: West End residents mourn murder of 51 y-o businessman, Colin Lynch...."Him dead fi true! Colin dead, me love Colin. Jesus Christ! Look how Colin good to people and them kill him. A the best man in West End," the weeping woman said.

BY HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, July 31, 2014
NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Some residents of West End in this western Jamaica town cried openly yesterday when they learnt of Tuesday's night's brutal murder of businessman Colin Lynch, who was said to be well-loved in the community.
Lynch, 51, was shot dead at his business place about 9:00 Tuesday night. The police reported that men, who were travelling on motorcycles, entered Lynch's buisnessplace where they engaged him in a brief conversation before opening fire, hitting him. Lynch was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Grieving residents claimed yesterday that five men who travelled on three motorcycles are responsible for the murder. The residents claimed that after the men shot Lynch they made off with his cash register.
Tears flowed freely from people gathered at the pastry shop which was operated by Lynch. They said the businessman was a very kind person, and wondered why anyone would want to kill him.
Lynch's widow, Sharon, who returned to Jamaica yesterday after getting news of her husband's murder, told the Jamaica Observer that an attempt was made on his life on two previous occasions.
"Him dead fi true! Colin dead, me love Colin. Jesus Christ! Look how Colin good to people and them kill him. A the best man in West End," the weeping woman said.
Others described the businessman as very quiet.
"He was not outspoken. He only lived from shop to the house. Before he quarrel with you he would prefer to cry," said one resident.
A man sporting a dreadlocks hairstyle, in lamenting the murder of the businessman, said he had encouraged Lynch to get a licensed firearm but he refused.
A family member who was listening to the conversation said Lynch would not carry a gun because he could not harm anyone.

RECORDING: PAUL CAMPBELL meets RULA BROWN on "JAMAICAN MAFIA" via Sultry Sunday Slow Jamz. Movie opens late August 2014

AMAZIIINNG: 70 y-o man dances like a 21 y-o

HOUSE REPUBLICANS PASSES 'IMPEACHMENT LITE' AGAINST BARACK OBAMA 1 DAY BEFORE GOING ON VACATION AND HEADING INTO THE ELECTION SEASON

WASHINGTON -- A day before going on vacation and heading into the election season, Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a resolution Wednesday authorizing Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to sue President Barack Obama for what they say has been inadequate enforcement of the health care law they oppose.
Speaker John Boehner
The suit would seek to make Obama strictly enforce the Affordable Care Act that Boehner has held some 50 votes to undermine or repeal. Republicans object that the Obama administration has delayed some parts of the law, particularly the mandate on employers who do not provide health care coverage. The measure passed 225 to 201, with five Republicans joining Democrats to oppose the lawsuit. 
"This isn't about Republicans and Democrats. It's about defending the Constitution that we swore an oath to uphold and acting decisively when it may be compromised," Boehner said shortly before his members granted him the power to sue. "No member of this body needs to be reminded what the Constitution states about the president's obligation to faithfully execute the laws of our nation. No member needs to be reminded of the bonds of trust that have been frayed or the damage that's already been done." more

Ask the US Embassy : You are allowed to have multiple visas....For non-immigrant visas, it is possible for people to hold more than one as long as they continue to have different purposes of entry.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014    
Q: Can a person hold multiple visas? For example, if one is the holder of a B1/B2 visitor's visa and that person gets married to a US citizen and starts the filing process, would the US Embassy then cancel the visitor's visa during the immigration process? Or if someone has a visitor's visa and then applies for a student visa, will the visitor's visa be cancelled?
The US Embassy in Kingston. (OBSERVER FILE PHOTO)
A: It is possible to hold multiple visas, but it largely depends on the type of visas you are seeking.
A person starting the filing process would submit all documents necessary for the immigrant visa, including their passport. At the interview, the consular officer will review all documents and usually cancel the visitor's visa. After all, you are now applying for an immigrant visa and cannot demonstrate that you do not have immigrant intent - this is a key component to qualifying for the visitor's visa. However, if you have a compelling reason to keep the visa while the immigrant process is underway - for example, you have an event to attend or other business in the US - explain this during the interview. The officer will then decide if you are able to keep the visa for your travels while your immigrant visa is being processed.
For non-immigrant visas, it is possible for people to hold more than one as long as they continue to have different purposes of entry. For example, if you have a visitor's visa and you apply for a student visa, during your studies you will use the student visa to enter the US as studying is your principal purpose of entry. However, after your studies are over, if you want to come back to the US for vacation you would enter with your still-valid visitor's visa. At this point, your student visa may be cancelled as you no longer have a reason to enter the US as a student.
Multiple non-immigrant visas are routinely issued at the Embassy - common combinations include the B1/B2 visitor's visa in addition to crew member (C1/D), student (F, M), employment-based (J, H) and performer (O, P) visa categories. As long as you still need multiple visas, and they are valid, your visa will not be cancelled when you apply for a visa in a different category. more

Jamaica can earn big money from animation....The World Bank thinks the local animation industry can grow to US$69 million ($7.7 billion) in value in five years.

BY STEVEN JACKSON Business reporter jacksons@jamaicaobserver.com  Wednesday, July 30, 2014  
The World Bank thinks the local animation industry can grow to US$69 million ($7.7 billion) in value in five years. As such, it is investing millions in the sector to attain this goal, but it's a loan that the Government must repay.
This photo released by DreamWorks Animation shows
 Oh (left) (voiced by Jim Parsons) and Tip (voiced by Rihanna)
 in DreamWorks Animation’s Home. The movie is
scheduled for release in the US on March 27, 2015.
 (PHOTO: AP)
"Given the interest expressed recently by global companies, and the demands of the industry, there is good reason to believe that, with the right talent, these numbers are achievable," stated the World Bank in its project document entitled 'Youth Employment in the Digital and Animation Industries'.
"In other words, an investment of just a few million dollars focused on training as well as on showcasing Jamaica's animation industry globally can be expected to pave the way for the country to absorb tens of millions of dollars in foreign exchange."
The World Bank, starting this month, will invest US$20 million over five years in the project, which is expected to benefit 15,000 youth directly and indirectly. The Wold Bank estimates the animation foreign exchange earning over five years to increase from US$5.4 million in year one to US$47.8 million in the fifth year.
Contacted for comment, the Jamaica Animation Nation Network (JANN) declined to say whether the figures were realistic.
"We haven't seen how they calculate the figures and we are not privy to the document," stated JANN spokesman Kevin Jackson. Wayne Sinclair, executive director of GSW Animation studio, did not return calls up to press time.
The bank valued the size of the industry based on the planned investment and the earnings expected from the sector.
"Despite these conservative assumptions, and using a discount rate of 12 per cent, the net present value for the animation component of the project is a staggering $69 million and the Internal Economic Rate of Return is 280 per cent," added the document.
Over the past few years, the industry increased its exposure due to KingstOOn, the two-day animation festival held in June last year, and Digital Jam 2.0 and 3.0, the digital application competition held in March this year. more 

Latest News (WICKED ACT): 3-y-o girl raped by 17-y-o in Trinidad

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 | 8:25 AM 
TRINIDAD (Trinidad Express) -- A three-year-old girl is in critical condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex after she was raped at her parents’ home in Guaico, Tamana, allegedly by a 17-year-old boy.
According to police, the incident took place at about 2:00 pm on Friday.
The toddler was reportedly left in the living room of the home watching television as the child’s mother went to tend to her husband, who police said was bed- ridden.
Police said while the woman was in the bedroom, she heard screaming from the back of the home. 
The mother rushed out to investigate the source of the noise and she found the toddler lying on the ground, naked and bleeding from her vagina.
The three-year-old was then rushed to the Arima District Medical Hospital before she was transferred to the Sciences Complex where she reportedly remained in a critical condition up to yesterday.
The police were notified and a party of officers who were conducting police exercises in the district, responded.
The teenager was arrested and up to late yesterday was said to be in the custody of Cumuto Police. Source: Jamaica Observer