KINGSTON, Jamaica – Police seized several rounds of ammunition and a ballistic vest during an operation in the Cross Roads area on Kingston on Tuesday September 16. Reports from the Cross Roads Police are that between 5:00 and 7:00 pm a team of officers carried out a raid at a premises in the area, where thirty-eight .45 hollow point and thirty-eight 9mm rounds of ammunition were found under a cellar. A marked police ballistic vest and a red and black cloth vest were also found. No on ... Read More
Police seize ballistic vest, ammunition in Cross Roads, Kingston
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Police seized several rounds of ammunition and a ballistic vest during an operation in the Cross Roads area on Kingston on Tuesday September 16. Reports from the Cross Roads Police are that between 5:00 and 7:00 pm a team of officers carried out a raid at a premises in the area, where thirty-eight .45 hollow point and thirty-eight 9mm rounds of ammunition were found under a cellar. A marked police ballistic vest and a red and black cloth vest were also found. No on ... Read More
Jamaica on US drug list.... Named among 22 major producing, transit countries by President Obama
BY KARYL WALKER Editor - Crime/Court Desk walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com Wednesday, September 17, 2014
JAMAICA has been listed as one of 22 major drug-producing and transit countries by US President Barack Obama, according to information released Monday by the US Department of State.
However, Minister of National Security Peter Bunting did not appear overly worried about the listing as he said Jamaica has been included in that category for some time now.
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| Ganja Plant |
"... From memory, Jamaica has been on that list every year since I became spokesman on national security in 2008," Bunting replied to the Jamaica Observer, via text messaging, from a Cabinet retreat, yesterday.
A media note from the State Department said, that under the Foreign Relations Authorisation Act, the president is required to notify Congress of those countries he determines to be major illicit drug-producing countries or major drug-transit countries that "significantly affect the United States" every year.
A country's presence on the list does not necessarily reflect its counter-narcotics efforts or its level of co-operation with the United States on illicit drug control.
The Department of State said the designation can reflect a combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to be produced and/or trafficked through a country.
Jamaica and four other Caribbean countries -- Belize, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti -- are among 22 named by Obama. more
Jamaican Mafia premieres Thursday A NEW date of Thursday, September 18th, Sunrise Multiplex Cinemas in Valley Stream, Queens, New York...... Opens in Atlanta, GA Saturday, September 20th
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| Paul Campbell in a scene from the movie Jamaican Mafia. |
A NEW date of Thursday, September 18, is scheduled for the premiere of Jamaican Mafia. The event is slated for Sunrise Multiplex Cinemas in Valley Stream, Queens, New York.Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam -- promoters of the New York premiere, said an additional theatre is also reserved at the same venue."Tickets for 240 seats are being sold at the venue only" said Clarke.Filmed entirely in New York City last year, Jamaican Mafia is directed by Vafamba Donzo and stars Paul Campbell, whose credits include Dancehall Queen and Third World Cop. Mykal Fax and D'Angel are also listed among the credits.Originally scheduled for August 27, the premiere was postponed as the producer, who had the only copy of the film, suffered a stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital.Ticket holders for the original date are expected to get a full refund or issued new tickets.
UN says $1billion needed to fight Ebola
UN says $1billion needed to fight Ebola 7:34 AM
GENEVA, (AFP) - Nearly $1.0 billion dollars is needed to fight the Ebola outbreak raging in west Africa, the United Nations said Tuesday, more than doubling the estimate it made less than a month ago. UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos told reporters in Geneva there was a "huge funding challenge", warning that "if not dealt with effectively now, Ebola could become a major humanitarian crisis in countries currently affected." The response to the crisis will require $987.8 million (763 million E ... Read MoreIMPORTANT NEWS FROM JAMAICA: Mass illness hits St Thomas schools Students, teachers forced to stay home with flu-like symptoms, joint pains and rashes....The school has a student population of 1,208 and a teacher complement of 40.
BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com Tuesday, September 16, 2014
CLOSE to 200 students at Yallahs Primary School in St Thomas and 25 per cent of its teacher complement were absent from class yesterday, having been forced to stay home consequent to what school officials say are flu-like symptoms accompanied by fever, severe joint pains and rashes.
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| People wait to see the doctor at Yallahs Health Centre. |
Principal Yvette Graham told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that the mass absences began three weeks ago, with approximately 75 of the students reporting ill between last Thursday and yesterday. The school has a student population of 1,208 and a teacher complement of 40.
St Thomas is among the parishes hardest hit by the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, which carries flu-like symptoms similar to what the teachers and students have been afflicted with.
"The students were either sent home after they turned up at the school displaying symptoms of the illness or they failed to turn up for classes," Graham told the Observer.
"A total of 25 per cent of the school's teacher population have not turned up for classes; they too have fallen ill," added Vice-Principal Venice Boyd Blake.
Yesterday, one teacher was seen leaving the institution using a stick as a walking aid as she was said to be experiencing severe joint pains accompanied by other flu-like symptoms.
But Yallahs Primary was not the only school affected, as officials at nearby Newland Basic closed the school for several days last week after more than half the student population and several teachers had similar flu-like symptoms.
Yesterday both teachers and concerned residents called on the Ministry of Health to step up its fogging of the area. One resident, Lillis Ffriend, said over the past week all eight members of her family had fallen ill.
"Yes, it's true, no test has been done to determine if it's chikungunya, but we want to know what is this illness that has left people in the town suffering from fever, rash and joint pains," said Ffriend. more
The Secret to Saving $1000's a Year....No brainer here #1 - Pay Less for Auto Insurance #2 - Little Known Way to Pay Off Mortgage #3 - Get a Grant to Go Back to School #4 - Are You Ready for A More Confident Retirement?
Tuesday September 16, 2014
Let’s face it – we could all use more money.
But short of getting a big raise (fat chance), switching jobs, or winning the lottery, "more money" isn’t in the cards for most people. At least that’s the perception. Because truthfully, there are ways you can add more money – a lot more money – to your bottom line.
If you want to increase your spendable money by $1,000’s of dollars (yes, that’s thousands), there are a few really simple ways to do it, which we’ll go over in this article.
But short of getting a big raise (fat chance), switching jobs, or winning the lottery, "more money" isn’t in the cards for most people. At least that’s the perception. Because truthfully, there are ways you can add more money – a lot more money – to your bottom line.
If you want to increase your spendable money by $1,000’s of dollars (yes, that’s thousands), there are a few really simple ways to do it, which we’ll go over in this article.
#1 - Pay Less for Auto Insurance
No brainer here – you’re probably paying too much for automobile insurance. And guess what? Your insurance company wants to keep it that way.
But the truth is, most Americans pay far more than they should. Many insurance companies will give you a better rate based on your driving history, how many miles you drive to work, and more. If you didn’t compare companies when you got your current policy, you are almost certainly paying too much. - more
Gatorade spearheads islandwide hunt for athletic talent....Pepsi Jamaica Limited will partner with one of the world's biggest athletics club in MVP through its brand Gatorade with a plan to unearth raw talent in their grassroots programme to be launched soon.
BY HOWARD WALKER Observer senior reporter walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Pepsi Jamaica Limited will partner with one of the world's biggest athletics club in MVP through its brand Gatorade with a plan to unearth raw talent in their grassroots programme to be launched soon.
Gatorade will be the official hydration sponsor for the MVP Grassroot Athletic Clinic, conducting islandwide athletics training camps to include student-athletes in the age group 12 to 18 years old and their coaches.
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| BOLT... Jamaica's most famous athlete is sponsored by Gatorade |
The programme will take place in all three counties from, all 14 parishes and involving over 100 student-athletes per event (Over 500 student athletes).
Cornelia Nathan, Gatorade's brand manager, told the Jamaica Observer that the programme will be rolled out over five separate events to ensure broad, comprehensive coverage and impact.
"One of the primary purposes of this innovative grassroots initiative is to provide lifelong developmental guidance and exposing the very best of track and field worldwide to Jamaica's future athletic stars and their coaches," said Nathan.
"Gatorade will be provided at all the training clinics ensuring that all the athletes are fully hydrated, replenished and refueled so that they can perform at their very best," she revealed.
"Gatorade as a sports drink was scientifically developed and proven to improve hydration and replace electrolytes that are lost during sweat which is necessary for training. It is ideal for these athletes so that they can maintain important body functions and increase performance," Nathan added. more
Jamaica's Rastas ready for ganja decriminalisation......Justice Minister Mark Golding says Jamaica's Cabinet has approved a plan to decriminalise marijuana....Bunny Wailer, himself, was convicted of possession in 1967 and did more than a year of hard labour.
By DAVID McFADDEN Tuesday, September 16, 2014
KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) —
Taking a deep draw on a pipe that glows with burning marijuana, reggae luminary Bunny Wailer gives a satisfied grin through a haze of aromatic smoke in his concrete yard painted in the red, green, gold and black colours identified with his Rastafarian faith.
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| In this August 28, 2014 photo, legalisation advocate and reggae legend Bunny Wailer smokes a pipe stuffed with marijuana during a “reasoning” session in a yard in Kingston, Jamaica, decorated with Rastafarian colours and images of former Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. Wailer, a founder of the iconic Wailers reggae group with late superstars Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, and fellow Rastafarians have long called for legalisation of the herb that they smoke as part of their spiritual worship. (PHOTOS: DAVID MCFADDEN) |
These days, the baritone singer from the legendary Wailers, the group he formed in 1963 with late superstars Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, has reason to feel good. There is unprecedented traction building in Jamaica to decriminalise pot, meaning the dreadlocked Wailer and other adherents of Rastafari — a home-grown spiritual movement that considers the drug divine — may soon be able to smoke without fear of arrest.
"Rastas have treated marijuana as something legal all along, even though we have been sent to prison for using the herb in our prayer. But this is the time for all these pressures to stop. The world is catching up now," the 67-year-old three-time Grammy winner said at his modest Kingston home.
Jamaica is known internationally for its marijuana. The hardy plant grows easily on the tropical Caribbean island, where its use is culturally entrenched despite being legally banned for 100 years. Cultivation is kept hidden, with small patches tucked into mountainsides, in swamps and between rows of other crops. Wailer, himself, was convicted of possession in 1967 and did more than a year of hard labour.
Previous moves to decriminalise the drug failed to advance mainly because officials feared they would violate international treaties and bring sanctions from Washington. But now, with a number of US states relaxing their marijuana laws — Colorado and Washington even allow recreational use — Jamaica is rethinking its position.
Justice Minister Mark Golding says Jamaica's Cabinet has approved a plan to decriminalise marijuana, including for religious purposes, and legislators are expected to authorise it before the end of the year. more
IN JAMAICA: Police seize firearm, cocaine in Negril raid; the man arrested is 56-year-old Donald Hinds, otherwise called ‘Chucky’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Westmoreland police are reporting the seizure of a firearm, and two ounces of cocaine during an operation in West End, Negril, Westmoreland, early Sunday, September 14. One man was taken into custody during the operation, the police say. Arrested is 56-year-old Donald Hinds, otherwise called ‘Chucky’, who is scheduled to appear before the Western Regional Gun Court on Monday, September 22. Reports are that about 5:30 am a premises was searched and a Be ... Read More20th Anniversary Review of the Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Ready to Die,' by a 2Pac Fan
Posted:
Growing up I was never really a big (no pun intended) Biggie Smalls fan. At the time, the East vs. West beef was at its height and everyone had to pick their sides. I was living in Chicago back then and most people there identified with the East Coast, hence they were Biggie fans. As for me, I was riding with 2Pac. In fact, I road with 2Pac and the Death Row camp so much that if a Biggie song came on the radio I'd turn the volume down. And if his music video came on I would turn the channel. But little did I know what I was missing out on.
Now, two decades later, many are reflecting back on some of the incredible hip hop albums that are celebrating their 20th anniversaries like Nas' Illmatic, Method Man'sTical and many others. I found myself recently listening to Biggie's Ready to Diealbum -- honestly, for the first time -- and boy was I blown away.
Upon listening to Ready to Die, the first thing that stuck out was Biggie's uncanny storytelling ability. His songs, "Warning" and "Me & My B*tch," were vivid to the point that listening to each verse was like watching a dramatic television show and the hook was the commercial break. By the end of the hook, I'd find myself sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what was going to happen next. In Biggie's more rugged songs, "Things Done Changed" and "Ready To Die," I felt as if I survived the rough streets of Brooklyn's, Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, doing what I had to, to get by. Even more impressive was his versatility. In a Jekyll and Hyde fashion,Ready to Die goes back and forth from lightweight commercial songs like "Big Poppa" to much darker songs such as "Suicidal Thoughts," yet it all flows smoothly and makes sense. more
Four Head To The UK With Chevening Scholarship.....The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship scheme which enables students with leadership qualities from 144 countries and territories to undertake postgraduate study
Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Writer Published: Monday | September 15, 2014
Donna Miller, an urban planner, is among four persons who will be pursuing studies in London, having received the Chevening scholarship last week.
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| From left: Alicia Maragh, Donna Miller and Anika Gray, take part in a send-off reception hosted by British High Commissioner David Fitton for Chevening scholars at Trafalgar House in St Andrew last Friday. Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer |
The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship scheme which enables students with leadership qualities from 144 countries and territories to undertake postgraduate study or courses in universities in the United Kingdom.
Speaking with The Gleaner at the send-off ceremony, which was held at the British High Commission in New Kingston, Miller said it is important that persons do not give up on their dreams.
"I remember 2007 to 2011 being a rough period for me because I was unemployed. I have always heard of this scholarship as well and applied several times but didn't get through. At times, I got discouraged but I never gave up and today I am reaping the rewards," she told The Gleaner time to give back She will be going to the University of Reading in London where she will be reading for a master's degree in climate change and development.
SIR George Alleyne, chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), sees UWI progress in medical research
Sunday, September 14, 2014 Jamaica Observer
SIR George Alleyne, chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), has commended the work being done at UWI Solutions for Developing Countries (UWI SODECO), a trans-discipline research entity pursuing solutions to medical and broader socio-economic problems affecting small and developing countries.
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| UWI Chancellor Sir George Alleyne (left) greets Sandra Boyne, manager UWI SODECO while Professor Terrence Forrester looks on |
The chancellor was on his first official visit to the newest medical research facility at UWI, Mona recently, when he was briefed about its research progamme by Professor Terrence Forrester, chief scientist of UWI SODECO.
"I am impressed by the scope of the work being done and the practical application of some of it in the short and medium term," Alleyne remarked.
He toured the UWI SODECO Basic Science Laboratories where he discussed the details of human muscle cell culture techniques, which are a key element of the cell biology research in UWI SODECO.
Forrester stated that UWI SODECO carries out research through its two main divisions, 'Solutions for Society', which provides the socio-economic problem solving component, along with 'Solutions for Medicine'.
"Our medical research focuses on one big issue," Forrester said. "We look at the biological mechanisms underlying obesity and cardio-metabolic diseases which affect populations that have emerged from generations of under-nutrition. We position our research questions so that the answers are proximate to solutions, providing information to industry and health sectors to formulate new treatments or preventive measures." more
CRICKET LOVELY CRICKET: 2nd Test: West Indies 380 all out, Bangladesh 105-7 on Day 2. Kemar Roach took 5 wickets for 33 runs in the process while Shiv Chanderpaul 84 not out, Leon Johnson 66,
Sunday, September 14, 2014 | 5:39 PM
GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) –
Bangladesh, responding to West Indies’ 380 all out, reached 105 for seven in their first innings at the close on the second day of the second Test at the Beausejour Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Scores:
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| Kemar Roach took 5 for 33 |
WEST INDIES -- 380 (Shiv Chanderpaul 84 not out, Leon Johnson 66, Kraigg Brathwaite 63, Darren Bravo 46, Jerome Taylor 40, Sulieman Benn 25; Al-Amin Hossain 3-80, Robiul Islam 2-63, Shafiul Islam 2-80, Taijul Islam 2-89)
BANGLADESH -- 105 for seven (Tamim Iqbal 48; Kemar Roach 5-33, Jerome Taylor 2-33)
A personal best 19.98 seconds in the 200m by Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Dwyer highlighted the performances by Jamaicans
BY PAUL A REID Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, September 15, 2014
A personal best 19.98 seconds in the 200m by Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Dwyer highlighted the performances by Jamaicans on yesterday's second and final day of the IAAF Intercontinental Cup in Marrakesh, Morocco.
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| DWYER... ran personal best for second in 200m |
Dwyer added to his growing reputation of rising to the big occasions by placing second to Americas teammate Alonso Edward of Panama, who was given the same time as both men hit the line almost in a dead heat.
Jason Morgan was third in the men's discus throw with 62.70m as the Americas team finished second in the overall standings on 390 points, well behind Europe who retained their title with 447.5 points. Africa were third with 339 points, while Asia-Pacific finished fourth with 257.5 points.
Dwyer, who saved his best for the final meet of the season, had signalled his coming of age earlier in the year when he won the event at the Jamaica International Invitational in May, then beat Olympic and World Championships medallist Warren Weir at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Trials before winning at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in August.
He is the eighth Jamaican man to run under 20.00 seconds and the time was the joint seventh best this season.
Femi Ogunode representing Asia-Pacific was third in 20.17 seconds. more
Freddie McGregor takes jerk to Long Beach.... I headlined the Atlanta jerk fest two weeks ago and we saw over 20,000 people in attendance,"
BY HOWARD CAMPBELL Observer senior writer Monday, September 15, 2014
JERK festivals seem to be a hot item -- as far as Jamaican culture is concerned -- in the United States these days.
Several major cities including Atlanta, New York, Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia have events showcasing spicy productS. Long Beach in southern California has joined the mix.
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| Freddie McGregor |
The Long Beach Reggae Music Jerk and Food Festival is scheduled for September 28. It is the brainchild of singer Freddie McGregor whose Big Ship Music label are promoters.
"I'm very surprised at the sudden interest in the States for Jamaican jerk foods. I headlined the Atlanta jerk fest two weeks ago and we saw over 20,000 people in attendance," he told the Jamaica Observer. "I guess people like family-friendly events."
McGregor said he has been "looking at that market for sometime now" but started planning late last year after Long Beach was confirmed as the show's site.
Like established jerk events in Florida and New York, the Long Beach show is complemented by live music. Roots acts like Johnny Osbourne, U Roy, The Abyssinians, and Admiral Tibet, popular in the Golden State, dominate the line-up.
"I selected the artistes myself because you have to understand the marketplace and cater as such. However, next year we plan to widen the scope of performers, making it more varied," McGregor said.
Long Beach has been a haven for hippies and surfers for decades. It has had a strong reggae base since the 1970s when major artistes like Bob Marley performed there. more
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:
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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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
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| Buju Banton |
Posted Sept. 12, 2014
Could Buju Banton hit the streets before the end of his ten year prison sentence?
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.
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| 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.
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