Police Allegedly Mistake Black Actress Kissing White Partner For A Prostitute

The Huffington Post | By Emily Thomas

"Django Unchained" star Daniele Watts claims she was unlawfully detained by police Thursday after they saw her kissing her white boyfriend in a car and allegedly mistook her for a prostitute.

In a Facebook post dated Sept. 11, Watts wrote that she was "handcuffed and detained" by two Studio City police officers in Los Angeles that day after refusing to show her ID.

Here's how Watts describes the alleged incident on Facebook:

Mr. Ugly Man....A spin off from Shabba Ranks "Champion Lover"

Post by Jamaica IS Nice.

IN JAMAICA: Dr. Carl Williams inherits force tomorrow with major decline in murders....Up to Friday, September 12, the murder toll since the start of the year stood at 698 — 121 or 15 per cent less than the 819 recorded for the same period last year..... St James crime rate, police corruption among commish’s worries

BY KARL ANGELL AND HG HELPS Observer senior editors  Sunday, September 14, 2014   

WHEN Dr Carl Williams officially becomes Commissioner of Police tomorrow, he will inherit a constabulary force that has, among other things, seen a major decline in murders this year, compared to last year.

The 28th commissioner of police in the 149-year history of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was chosen over a field of six other shortlisted aspirants last week.

Up to Friday, September 12, the murder toll since the start of the year stood at 698 — 121 or 15 per cent less than the 819 recorded for the same period last year.

On its present trend, murder, the obvious key crime indicator, is expected to fall below the 1,000 mark for the first time in many years.

Dr. Carl Williams

Dr Williams will know from his experience in leading Police Area 5 (St Catherine North, and South, St Andrew North and St Thomas) that the St Catherine North Division — which includes places like Spanish Town, St John's Road, March Pen, Tawes Pen, and Lauriston — is cause for much concern having recorded 89 murders since the start of the year up to September 12, the same as last year.

The only division ahead of St Catherine North now is the St James Division with 99 murders, although this represents four less recorded murders for the period previously mentioned.

St James is regarded as the personification of scamming, and security analysts have suggested that Dr Williams will have to pay direct attention to the situation in that part of western Jamaica which has led to so many murders and shootings.

Based upon the statistics too, the new commissioner may be happy with the performance of the problematic Clarendon division which has recorded 24 less murders (down from 85 to 61) when the figures are compared. more

JAMAICA Careers & Education : 9 ones in CXC exams for 16 y-o Avaughn Prendergast of Linstead Primary in St. Satherine

BY KIMBERLEY HIBBERT Career & Education reporter  Sunday, September 14, 2014    

LIFE in the sleepy, rural district of Victoria, St Catherine, was not the best launching pad for a child who wanted to excel academically, but Avaughn Prendergast was determined to do well.

Prendergast, 16, spent his early years at Linstead Primary and Junior High School while his mother, Sharon Hutchinson, a security guard, worked hard to ensure that her son got by.

PRENDERGAST... the workload was hard
Prendergast and his mother Sharon.

"Growing up in a rural area has its challenges, the biggest one being that I had to go outside of my community to Linstead most times to do research, whether at the library or at the Internet cafe. Living in a community as rural as Victoria and not having parents with vehicles placed me at the mercy of the weather. If it rained heavily I'd normally be late or absent from school," Prendergast said.

Charlemont High School in Linstead called the young boy after GSAT, and it's a place where he would achieve nine ones in the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams.

Prendergast said his strategy for excelling involved him employing a bit of innovation.

He and seven of his close friends camped out on the school's premises in a cottage, where they quizzed themselves through each night.

"The workload was hard, and even though I lived close to school my friends and I approached the principal and sought permission to stay in the cottage where the groundsmen are situated, and where a few sixth-form classes are held," Prendergast said. This strategy allowed them to study, free from distractions. more

IN JAMAICA: Blind woman, Paula Gayle told to vacate property while in hospital

 BY RENAE DIXON Sunday Observer staff reporter dixonr@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, September 14, 2014    

IT is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but for Paula Gayle, a picture will tell of the distress that she has faced in recent times.

Gayle, who was once called 'Fatty', is now slender, not because she has been exercising or dieting, but according to her, it is because of the many problems that she has been facing in recent times.

When Paula Gayle told her story to the Jamaica Observer in April of this year, she thought that things could not have got any worse.

These suitcases contain items which Gayle said she
 did not get to sell. She said that the suitcases were
destroyed by policemen who tried to get her to stay off
 the streets, during a period of alleged abuse by the
 lawmen. (AT RIGHT) Gayle sits on a sofa
 in the house she is expected to leave soon.

"Since the last time you (Jamaica Observer) take my picture mi lose about 20 pounds," she said when the Sunday Observer visited her home recently.

In a story carried by this newspaper on April 27, 2014, Gayle claimed that a series of incidents started in her life after she made a report to the police about a prominent community person. After making the report, Gayle said that her life was made miserable by the police, along with several other persons.

She said that reports were made to various organisations, but little or nothing has been done in most cases to address her problems. That was when she turned to the Jamaica Observer again. Many condemned what she faced, while several others even offered to help in whatever way that they could. However, that lasted only for a short while and Gayle is again facing desperate times. She said that several organisations have said that they were investigating her plight; however, she needs immediate assistance.

The visually impaired Gayle's latest plea for help comes after she was served notice while in hospital with a broken leg, to vacate the property that she has called home for over 20 years.

On August 1, Gayle, who lost her vision due to other illnesses, among them high blood pressure, fell and broke her leg while carrying water from a community pipe to her home.

"Mi have to walk go to the pipe," she said. A drum she had at her house was stolen and she has been unable to get water from a tank at home because a ladder that she used to access the tank was also stolen.

"Mi drop off the driveway and break mi left ankle," she told the Sunday Observer.

She has since been summoned to court and was set to make her first appearance on September 3, but was unable to and got another court date for October 15.

"While in the hospital mi call the Poor Relief officer and tell her mi foot broke. She say all right, she coming to look for me," Gayle said. more

MANDEVILLE, JAMAICA: A VERY SAD STORY, Mom: My lover killed my 1 1/2 y-o daughter and got away with it .....Still no whereabouts of accused man after nine years

BY DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE Sunday Observer staff reporter husseyd@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, September 14, 2014 

WHEN a mother loses a child due to illness, that feeling is unbearable. When she has lost that child at the hands of her own lover, the agony lasts forever and she is tormented by years of guilt and depression, as 47-year-old Jacqueline Rochester has learnt.

Rochester's story is a nightmare that any mother could experience.

A distraught Jacqueline Rochester still
seeks justice  after her baby was brutally
killed following a horrific beating.

"On the ninth of July 2005, my daughter was brutally murdered by someone I used to date. She was one year and six months old," she recalled.

Rochester had four children, two of whom were living with her at the time. She said that she left her two children, eight years old and one-and-a-half years old at the time with her lover, to attend her daughter's graduation with the intention of returning the following morning. However, threats of a hurricane prevented her from returning until a day later.

"My daughter had just passed her GSAT," Rochester recalled recently. "So I left the baby with him, then I got a call the following morning that my daughter was dead. When I came home she was in the morgue."

Rochester, who was living in Nain, St Elizabeth at the time, went to the Mandeville Police Station and was told that the baby could have been murdered. Her lover told her and the police that the baby fell off the bed and that a bicycle had fallen on her.

"But the police told me that they visited the house and looked at the bicycle and that could not have killed her," she said. "When the autopsy was done, it showed that she was beaten, her ribs were broken, inside of her was ruptured, her brain was swollen and there was a mark around her mouth to show that he was covering up her mouth," she told the Jamaica Observer.

She explained that the two weeks before an autopsy was performed her partner was still with her, but she could not shake the feeling that he was hiding something.

"He was there with me but there was this feeling inside of me, and I kept asking him 'You sure is not you kill my daughter? and he would say no," she stated.

But the day the autopsy was to be performed her lover left and she never saw or heard from him again.

"He left the day of the autopsy and never got the official autopsy report," Rochester said. "Him never pack him stuff or anything. I saw him when I was on the road walking towards the house and I asked where he was going and he said he was going to look for his friend in Mandeville, so I said, 'But when the autopsy result come out I'm going to be alone'. He said no, him soon come back. From that day until now I haven't seen or heard from him. That same day when they did the autopsy the policeman called me and said he murdered the baby because he was the only one with her at that time.

"I don't think he is dead," the broken-hearted mother said. "I don't have a clue where he is, but I am still trying to find out," she went on.

But Rochester said despite the fact that he was the only one who had access to her child at the time, no arrest was made. more

Let"s Do It Again: Jay Z Reportedly Announces Beyonce Is Pregnant With Couple’s Second Child

jAYz N bEYONCE

It looks like the Carters are adding another branch to the family tree. Last night, during Jay Z and Beyoncé’s OTR Tourstop in Paris, Hov made the huge announcement of his wife’s pregnancy to the stunned crowd. According to witnesses, during his performance of the track, “Beach Is Better,” Hov changed up the lyrics to unveil the big news, rapping, “’Cause she pregnant with another one.” There is also a picture that has been circulating from the concert that appears to show the couple glowingly cupping what appears to be the R&B star’s newly formed baby bump. BeyHive members have been commenting on how Mrs. Carter’s show outfits have slightly changed as of recently. This appears to be the reason for the alterations.Last week, the power couple looked happier than ever while vacationing in Italy, and have been all smiles in recent outings despite continuous rumors of an impending split. Hov and Bey’s first child, Blue Ivy, was born January 7, 2012.Do you think this announcement will dead all hear say about the couple parting ways?

Mr. Vegas’ mom, 82 y-o Ellis Maitland to be buried today Saturday, September 13, 2014

THE funeral service for Lucille Ellis Maitland, mother of dancehall singjay Mr Vegas and singer Carlton Smith from the reggae vocal group The Tamlins, is scheduled for the Pembroke Hall Methodist Church in St Andrew, today, at 10:00 am.

Ellis Maitland died on Monday, September 1, after after suffering a stroke and being hospitalised in critical condition at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.

Vegas and mom

She was 82.

"We have lost a mother and a best friend. No words can explain how thankful we are for having such a powering person in our lives," Mr Vegas, whose given name is Clifford Smith, told the Jamaica Observer.

"She was a woman of God, so we find comfort during our time of sorrow, knowing that she is in a better place," he continued.

She is survived by eight children.

Interment follows in the Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.

IN JAMAICA: Man charged with murder in Runaway Bay slapped with second murder charge

Posted 9/13/14

Six months after a cruise ship worker was found murdered inside his home in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, investigators have made a breakthrough into the murder. Police yesterday (September 11) charged a St. James chef for the murder of 46 year old Wegon David Bennett of Belle Air in Runaway Bay.

Charged with murder is Junior Whyte of St. James. Whtye is also charged with robbery with aggravation after several items were reportedly stolen from Bennet's house.

Whyte is also facing another murder and robbery with aggravation charge. Police had earlier charged Whyte in relation to the murder of 41 year old Dwight Ashall who was also found murdered inside his house at Mt. Edgecombe also in Runaway Bay.

Another man, Shawn Thompson is charged jointly with Whyte in relation to Ashall’s murder. According to the police, it was while investigating Ashall's murder that a connection was made to Bennet's murder, which led to Whyte being charged.

Police say another suspect is also being questioned in relation to Bennet's murder and charges are likely soon.

Whyte and his co accused were taken into custody on August 8 after they reportedly led police to the mutilated body of Ashall at his home.

Both Thompson and Whyte appeared before Resident Magistrate Vaughn Facey in the St. Ann's Bay Resident Magistrates Court in relation to Dwight Ashall’s murder.They were remanded until October 1 when that case against them will again be mentioned.

Investigators say their probe is continuing and the case file is incomplete. Whyte will also appear before the court on October 1 in relation to Bennett's murder. Bennett's body was discovered on March 11, about 3:55 p.m. by his daughter who was returning home from school. His body was reportedly found in a bathroom with the hands and feet bound.

“BUJU BANTON COULD WALK FREE THIS YEAR” SAYS HIS HARVARD UNIVERSITY ATTORNEY, CHARLES OGLETREE

Buju Banton

Posted Sept. 12, 2014

Could Buju Banton hit the streets before the end of his ten year prison sentence?

Well, the Gargamel’s attorney, Charles Ogletree tells W.T.S that the dancehall deejay could be out this year. Attorney Ogletree who expresses his happiness with the latest developments surrounding the case, says if the conviction is reversed, Buju could be out this year.

The US Appeals Court has granted the deejay’s request to present oral arguments regarding his efforts to obtain a new trial. However, no date has yet been set for the lawyers to appear before the Appeal Court.

Buju Banton is serving a 10-year sentence on drug-related charges after he was arrested at his South Florida home in December 2009 and charged with conspiracy to distribute five or more kilos of cocaine.

After two trials he was sentenced in a Tampa, Florida court.

Buju Banton has maintained his innocence and says he was entrapped by the United States government.

Hopeton Lewis special viewing service of his body from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm may be heard now LIVE on www.RulaBrownNetwork.com......funeral in NY Saturday

Friday, September 12, 2014 

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The funeral service for Jamaican singer Hopeton Lewis will be held tomorrow Saturday, September 13 in Brooklyn, New York.

Hopeton Lewis- Take It easy

Lewis, best known for the 1966 hit ‘Take it Easy’ which heralded the Rocksteady sound died at his home in Brooklyn, Thursday evening, September 4. He was 66 years old.

The Kingston-born Lewis had other hits including Sounds and Pressure, the 1970 Festival Song winner Boom-Shacka-Laka, and Grooving out on Life.

Lewis turned his back on secular music some 20 years ago.

Today, Friday, September 12, there will be viewing of his body from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the St Mark's United Methodist Church Beverley Road in Brooklyn followed by a memorial service.

On Saturday the funeral service is scheduled for 9:00 am at the same church with burial at the St Raymond's Cemetery in The Bronx.

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JAMAICA FOLK SINGERS: 247 Twist The Gleaners Weekly Entertainment Guide

Friday

South Africa celebrates

South Africa celebrates 20 years of freedom and democracy with a freeconcert at Emancipation Park, featuring Hip Hop Pantsula from South Africa and a Jamaican band. Showtime: 8 p.m.

Jamaican Folk Singers

Movies at 3 Stanton Terrace

Movies are at 3 Stanton Terr, Kgn 6. Tonight is A World Apart (PG-13), showtime 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow is The Reader (A-18). Showtime also 7:30 p.m. Both free, contributions welcome.

Saturday

Jamaican Folk Singers season

The Jamaican Folk Singers' 2014 Concert Season is at The Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue, St Andrew, at 4 and 8 p.m. Continues Sun at 6 p.m.

Dre Hype Bash

Dre Hype annual birthday bash, Instahype, is at Shoppy's Car Wash, Stony Hill, St Andrew. Music by Flava Unit, BloodStain Sound, DJ Shawn and Specialist. Free adm.

Sunday

Limonius and Friends

Charmaine Limonius & Friends Live in Concert is at The Essence, Kings Plaza, St Andrew. 

2 men shot dead in Western Jamaica....Dead are 25-year-old Junior Salmon of Negril in Westmoreland and 28-year-old James Sorrell of Falmouth, Trelawny.

Friday, September 12, 2014 | 9:52 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two men were shot and killed by unknown assailants in separate incidents Thursday in the western section of the island.

Dead are 25-year-old Junior Salmon of Negril in Westmoreland and 28-year-old James Sorrell of Falmouth, Trelawny.

Reports reaching OBSERVER ONLINE are that Salmon was at home about 11:00 am when he was approached by two men.

It is said that a dispute developed between Salmon and the men who then pulled firearms. Salmon reportedly ran but was chased by the men who shot him several times all over his body. The men escaped in a waiting motor vehicle.

Meanwhile, reports are that about 5:30 pm Sorrell was among a group of friends drinking at an establishment when a lone gunman approached him from behind and opened fire hitting him in the head.

He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

How Al Found Christopher 'Dudus' Coke: Investigator Reveals Rev Miller Picked Up Coke In St Ann ...."What part of St Ann?" investigators pressed. "I don't wish to answer that question," he replied. "What is the reason?" they continued.

Livern Barrett, Gleaner Writer Published: Friday | September 12, 2014

DETAILS emerged yesterday showing how, during the 2010 nationwide manhunt for then fugitive Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, the Reverend Merrick 'Al' Miller travelled to St Ann with associates of the now convicted drug kingpin to pick him up and transport him to the United States Embassy in Kingston.

Dudus

Police Inspector Horace Forbes said Miller made the revelation during a question-and-answer session with investigators two days after Coke was captured in a sport utility vehicle along the Mandela Highway in St Catherine in 2010.

Forbes, who was one of the investigators to question Miller, was testifying in the popular clergyman's corruption trial before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

The veteran investigator, however, underscored that Miller insisted during the question-and-answer session that high-ranking members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and officials at the Embassy - whom he declined to name - were aware of his actions.

His testimony provides a behind-the-scenes look at Coke's capture, one month after he evaded a police-military dragnet in his west Kingston stronghold of Tivoli Gardens, to execute an arrest warrant.

Coke, who was wanted in the US at the time on drug and firearm charges, has since pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and is now serving a 23-year sentence there.

Rev. Al Miller

CONTACTED BY ASSOCIATES

According to a witness statement provided by Forbes, which included a transcript of the question-and-answer session, the plan to take Coke to the US Embassy was set in motion on June 22, 2010, when Miller said unknown associates of the fugitive contacted him.

The police investigator said Miller indicated that he was met in Kingston by a "contact party" and instructed to leave his cell phone before departing for St Ann.

"With whom did you leave your cell phone?" one investigator queried at one stage.

"On the advice of counsel, I refrain from answering such question," Miller had responded.

Forbes said Miller indicated that he arrived in St Ann shortly after 1 o'clock on June 22, 2010, and was given a white Toyota Rav4 to drive, but he gave little information when investigators quizzed him about the owner of the vehicle and the identity of his contacts.

"Where were you when you got the instructions to drive the vehicle?" Miller was asked.

"In the St Ann area," he replied.

"What part of St Ann?" investigators pressed.

"I don't wish to answer that question," he replied.

"What is the reason?" they continued.

"Because of my pastoral responsibility that requires trust and confidentiality to be placed in me, which I will not betray, as it is central to my function," he again replied.

QUESTIONS ABOUT VEHICLE

"At the time you were asked to drive [the Rav4], did you ask who the owner [of the vehicle] might be?" Miller was asked.

"No," he replied.

"Did you care that it might have been a stolen vehicle?" investigators pressed.

"Yes, I would have cared, but I did not think about that at the time as I was on a particular mission, which was my focus at the time," the clergyman responded. more

Jamaican Entertainment: Where are the groups? Reggae/dancehall acts prefer going solo

BY SIMONE MORGAN Observer staff reporter morgans@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, September 12, 2014 

THE 1990s are considered by many to be the finest era for dancehall music.

It not only had high-riding acts like Shabba Ranks and Mad Cobra, it saw the rise of groups. But despite promise the majority of these groups have not survived.

ARP

Innocent Kru which featured Benzly Hype, Dapsie Daps, Copper Kid and Macka Head was one of these popular quartets best known for their 1999 hit Impossible Train. There was also the vocal group ARP of which singer D'Aville was lead. That aggregation too did not survive the test of time. Another casualty of the group syndrome was Scare Dem Crew -- a group of deejays comprising Elephant Man, Harry Toddler, Nitty Kutchie and Boom Dandimite.

Each made a mark but after a few years they disbanded for various reasons. It is not unique to Jamaican music.

Innocent KRU

According to music consultant Copeland Forbes, several factors usually contribute to a band breaking up.

"For one group that I knew, what led to their break-up is the fact that one member could not get a visa or work permit to travel. Therefore, when the group had shows overseas it became a problem so they each started individual careers," Forbes told Splash.

He added that long-standing differences between members and inflated egos have also resulted in several dancehall/reggae groups splitting. That was the case with The Wailers and Black Uhuru. more

3 babies' bodies found in filthy house – Prosecutors say 31-year-old Erika Murray will be arraigned Friday

Thursday, September 11, 2014 | 9:56 PM

BLACKSTONE, Massachusetts (AP) — 

Police have arrested and charged a woman in connection with the living conditions at the Massachusetts home where the bodies of three infants were found.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old Erika Murray will be arraigned Friday on charges including intimidation of a witness on Friday.

Blackstone Police Department spokesman John Guilfoil said woman is a resident of the home and is now in police custody. Guilfoil said Thursday that the woman is not being charged in the deaths of the children. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the deaths.

It was not immediately known if Murray has an attorney.

Guilfoil said investigators remain on the scene.

Authorities say the home where the infants' remains were found was in deplorable conditions with vermin and piles of dirty diapers.

Hundreds turn out to view Roger Clarke's body at PNP HQ in Kingston.....One woman commented as she viewed the body: "The PNP bull pretty though. Cool and pretty."

BY PAUL HENRY henryp@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, September 12, 2014   

HUNDREDS of people turned out yesterday for the public viewing of the body of the late Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke at the headquarters of the People's National Party (PNP) in Kingston.

Among them were Government officials, Opposition members, dignitaries, and former police commissioners Owen Ellington and Lucius Thomas.

Roger Clarke viewed by PM Portia Simpson-Miller

The viewing, which started at 9:00 am sharp and ended at 3:00 pm, also had in attendance hundreds of PNP supporters dressed in orange (the party's colour). Some cried openly, while others sang as they mourned their departed comrade.

Clarke's body, which was placed in the conference room of the PNP headquarters, was dressed in a grey jacket, a light-coloured shirt and a patterned tie.

A number of people who viewed the body commented that there was a smile on his face and that he looked "fresh".

One woman commented as she viewed the body: "The PNP bull pretty though. Cool and pretty."

"Ah di same Roger," another woman commented. "Yeah man," another added. "Roger," the woman said, "yuh gone but yuh memories live on."

By the 3 o'clock cut-off time for viewing, respects were paid by the likes of Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines; Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, and a number of her Cabinet members; European Union Ambassador to Jamaica Paola Amadei, along with other ambassadors; Jamaica Labour Party members Karl Samuda, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Tom Tavares-Finson, Delano Seiveright and Floyd Green. more

CHRONIXX AND TESSANNE CHIN LEAD IRAWMA NOMINATIONS

Tessanne Chin (left) and Chronixx.

FLORIDA, United States, 

Friday, September 12, 2014 – Internationally acclaimed Jamaican recording artistes Chronixx and Tessanne Chin will vie with each other, Sean Paul, Jimmy Cliff and Soja for the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year at the upcoming International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), to be staged at the Coral Spring Center for the Arts in Florida on Saturday October 4.

Reggae sensation Chronixx copped three other IRAWMA nominations in the shape of Male Vocalist of the Year, Best Song for “Smile Jamaica” and Best Music Video for “Here Comes Trouble,” making him the man to match at this year’s edition of the annual awards.

Meanwhile, Tessanne Chin, who has been riding a wave of popularity since winning season five of American talent show The Voice, bagged a second nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Earning three nods each were crossover stars, Sean Paul and Shaggy, with Paul’s nomination for Entertainer of the Year joined by nods for Best Caribbean Entertainer and Best Crossover Song (alongside Arash), while Shaggy is in the running for Best Song (“Fight This Feeling” alongside Beres Hammond), Best Album (“Out of Many One Music”) and Best Male Disc Jockey/Rapper.

Also picking up three nods each were former Alliance teammates Mavado and Busy Signal, with both vying for the Best Crossover Song with “Give It All To Me” (featuring Nicki Minaj) and “Bumaye” (alongside Major Lazer) respectively, as well as Best Music Video with “Take It” (featuring Karian Sang) and “Bumaye” respectively.

Major Lazer also earned three nods, including Producer of the Year, while QQ, Jo Mersa Marley and Romain Virgo are among the nominees for Most Promising Entertainer. Newcomers Alkaline and Kranium fly the flag for Jamaica in the Best New Entertainer category along with Daniel Bambatta Marley. more

Mike Tyson Endorses Mayor Rob Ford, Cusses Out Canadian News Host On Live TV

Shortly after endorsing Toronto's crack-smoking mayor Rob Ford as the "greatest mayor in [the city's] history," Mike Tyson appeared on Canada's CP24 NewsWednesday, where he shared a few choice words with the program's host.

In response to host Nathan Downer questioning whether or not the retired boxer's endorsement would actually help Ford's political career, given Tyson's status as a "convicted rapist," Tyson initially remained calm, then let loose on live TV.

"I don't know who said that. You're the only one I heard say that ... and I don't have [any comment], because it's negative, and you're being negative, and I met the mayor," Tyson said with a shrug. "And there's nothing they can do about it."

'Funeral school' no more..... New Tarrant High uniforms brighten faces, community

 BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, September 11, 2014  

 A shift from the dull black-and-white uniform at Tarrant High to a more vibrant combination of royal blue, yellow and white has lifted the spirits of the students at the St Andrew institution.

"I am really happy that the school made the decision to change the uniform," said 15-year-old Malika Collins. "It really makes me feel better."

A new Tarrant High School look

Students, especially girls, complained that in the past they were subjected to teasing by their peers from other schools because of the colour of their uniform — long, black pleated skirt, black belt, white blouse and a black tie for girls in the upper school; and black, pleated bottom tunic and white blouse for the juniors. The boys wore black trousers, white shirt and black tie.

"Many times they would call us the funeral school because of the uniform. Now all of that has changed," another student told the Jamaica Observer.

Now the black skirt and tunic have been replaced by royal blue with bright yellow belts in the case of the girls; the boys in the lower school wear full khaki uniforms and those in the upper school, khaki pants and white shirts. A bright, blue-and-yellow striped tie is now worn by senior students.

"Since the change in uniform people look at us differently. Students are equally excited and I am confident that it will bring about positive results at the school," said another student, Marvin Campbell.

Residents who live in the vicinity of the school also welcomed the change.

"Mi really proud to see the changes, the place start look like a school now," said Hazel Turner, noting that she disliked the old uniform. more

Bob Marley's "Legend" rises from #100 last week to #5 on Billboard top 200 album chart....The set sold over 41,000 units last week...The album was released in 1984

 BY KEVIN JACKSON Observer Writer  Thursday, September 11, 2014    

LEGEND — Bob Marley & the Wailers Greatest Hits album — has moved to number five on the Billboard 200 Album chart, a massive jump from 100 last week.

The set sold over 41,000 units last week thanks to a sale discount at US$0.99 by the online Google Play store. The digital album normally sells for US$8.

Along with British band Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon, Legend is among the best-selling catalogue albums.

Three other Jamaican reggae acts have made
 the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart.
 They are Marley’s son Damian, Shaggy
and Sean Paul.

Released in 1984, three years after Marley's death, it contains classics such as No Woman No Cry, One Love, Redemption Song and Waiting In Vain.

Since Nielsen Soundscan began tracking album sales in 1991, Legend has sold 11.6 million copies in the United States.

Overall (including sales before the Soundscan era), the album has been certified multi-platinum for sales of over 15 million copies in the US.

Legend has been a steady seller over the years, but never reached the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart.

It reached number 54 on its release 30 years ago and peaked at number 18 in 2012.

According to Billboard, Legend sells between 3,000 to 5,000 copies weekly.

This is Marley's second time in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart. In 1976, Rastaman Vibration peaked at number eight.

Three other Jamaican reggae acts have made the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 Album chart. They are Marley's son Damian, Shaggy and Sean Paul.

Shaggy was the first since Marley in 1976, to score a Top 10 album. His 2000 effort Hot Shot for MCA Records climbed to number one. To date, he is the only Jamaican to have a number one album on the Billboard 200. more

Do you like curried goat? 3 PALAS related persons are in this Curried Goat special video recently released in JAMAICA in the Observer....Can you name them?

A wha de heck happen. Wow! Check it out. Dwl I'm crying! I thought this pastor was a faithful? Pls watch till the end

Post by Jamaica IS Nice.

Rumours about 69-year-old Jolt Holt has been debunked by the artiste....“My health is fine. I’m eating, drinking, laughing,” said Holt,

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer reporter livingstonc@jamaicaobserver.com  Wednesday, September 10, 2014    

VETERAN singer John Holt is dismissing rumours that he is suffering from a life threatening illness. Speaking from his home in London, the 69-year-old artiste told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that he has heard several stories regarding his health.

John Holt

“My health is fine. I’m eating, drinking, laughing,” said Holt, whose many hits include Stick by Me and Only a Smile.

He admitted, however, that he will be absent from the stage for a while. “I may take a couple of weeks ... into months. I’ll be relaxing and chilling a little.

But I’ll be back,” he said. On the weekend, social media was abuzz with rumours that Holt had collapsed and died in London. “It seems somebody don’t like me in this world for that person to start that rumour,” he said. “It was heart-rending ... I couldn’t take it."

Holt is one of reggae's most influential singers. He had a remarkable career with the Paragons during the rocksteady era of the late-1960s.

His solo career is just as impressive. He recorded hits for producers Clement Dodd, Bunny Lee and Joseph Hoo Kim in the 1970s as well as the classic album 1000 Volts of Holt, a big seller in the United Kingdom.

He was awarded the Order of Distinction, Jamaica's fifth highest honour, in 2004.

NATION of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan will be attending Jamaica's 'Million Man March', to be held on October 19.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014    

NATION of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan will be attending Jamaica's 'Million Man March', to be held on October 19.

Details of Farrakhan's participation will be announced today at a press conference to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

The Million Man March — the brainchild of Farrakhan — was first held in 1995 and was dubbed "one of the most historic organising and mobilising events in the history of Black people in the United States".

Jamaica will be hosting the event for the first time.

Farrakhan

In a press release yesterday, the Nation of Islam said its main objective is to see more than one million black men heed the call to declare their right to justice, as well as to atone for their failure to accept responsibility as heads of their families.

Formerly known as Louis X, Farrakhan was mentored by Malcolm X and was appointed national representative of the Nation of Islam by its long-time spiritual leader Elijah Muhammad.

Farrakhan was preceded by Warith Deen Mohammed as leader of the Nation Of Islam. He has made several visits to Jamaica over the years, including attendance at the funeral services of late former Prime Minister Michael Manley and former minister of national security Ambassador Dudley Thompson.

IN JAMAICA: Roger Clarke hailed as champion of poor, affable politician, fine human be ...PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday characterised the late Roger Clarke as one of Jamaica's favourite sons.

PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday characterised the late Roger Clarke as one of Jamaica's favourite sons.

"...We also recall with pride and gratitude the life of a most loyal and prolific warrior and champion for the poor, the underprivileged and the dispossessed in Jamaica," Simpson Miller told the House of Representatives as she kicked off a round of tributes to the former agriculture and fisheries minister at Gordon House, lasting more than two hours.

Tributes to Roger Clarke

She said that Clarke distinguished himself as an outstanding parliamentarian; a representative of the people, a minister of government par excellence, and, a one of a kind politician.

She said that Clarke brought his immense theoretical knowledge and unrivalled practical understanding of his professional field to the art of governance and his chosen vocation of representational politics.

Simpson Miller also recalled Clarke as a close colleague, who always believed in her, her abilities, and in "the sincerity of my mission to serve the people of Jamaica".

"He was a valiant, trusted ally in my personal crusade and professional cause to help the poor, the oppressed, and the disadvantaged. I share in a deep way the monumental sense of loss which is being felt by his loved ones, especially his dear wife, Sonia, and their children," the prime minister said.

She extended sincere condolence to Clarke's family, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica and the People's National Party (PNP).

Enjoying the tributes

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness also paid tribute to Clarke on behalf of himself and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

"He was the most affable politician I knew. Blessed with wit and an infectious sense of humour, he was able to make us laugh at ourselves," Holness said.

"He resonated with those with whom he came into contact as a sincere and service-driven individual; quite approachable and always prepared to engage persons who reached out to him for assistance in one way or another," Holness added. more