Post by Graffiti Kings.
Entertainer Macka Diamond involved in three-vehicle crash
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| Macka Diamond |
Friday, September 19, 2014 | 3:39 PM
KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Entertainer Macca Diamond was involved in a three-vehicle crash along the Old Harbour Road, St Catherine shortly after 12 noon today (Friday, September 19).
Reports are sketchy at this time however it is said that the entertainer was driving a white Honda motorcar in the vicinity of the Sydenham housing scheme when the incident occurred.
The entertainer, with no obvious signs of injury, was able to exit her damaged vehicle and walk around. Occupants of the other two vehicles also appeared to escape serious injury.
More Information later.
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THE Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) secures $25m for mobile business clinic
JBDC secures $25m for mobile business clinic
THE Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has accumulated $25 million in support of the mobile business clinic initiative (MBCI). The initiative, geared at providing technical and devel ... Read More
UPDATE KINGSTON, Jamaica: York Castle in mourning, 13-y-o student Derecca Campbell of Duanvale, Trelawny dies in crash
Friday, September 19, 2014 | 7:53 AM
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The York Castle High School fraternity is in mourning this morning after student Derecca Campbell of Duanvale, Trelawny died Thursday evening as a result of injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle crash along the Retreat main road in St Ann.
It is reported that the 13-year-old student was among other passengers in a mini bus travelling from Brown's Town towards Trelawny about 5:15 pm, when the vehicle collided with a motor truck travelling in the opposite direction.
Campbell, four other students, and an adult sustained injuries and were taken to the St Ann's Bay Hospital where she died while being treated. The others remain in hospital.
The drivers of both vehicles were warned by the police for prosecution.
IN JAMAICA: Psychiatric evaluation says accused in beating death of Mario Deane can stand trial 'Fit to plead'
BY PAUL A REID Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Friday, September 19, 2014
The results of the evaluation were not read in open court, but a source told the Observer that the report stated that both men understood the charges against them could face proceedings.
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Marvin Orr and Adrian Morgan — the two men charged with the controversial beating death of Mario Deane at the Barnett Street lock-up in early August — are fit to stand trial, the Jamaica Observer was told yesterday.
Reports from psychiatric evaluation done on both men and submitted at yesterday's hearing into murder charges against both accused in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrates Court said they were capable of facing trial.
The results of the evaluation were not read in open court, but a source told the Observer that the report stated that both men understood the charges against them could face proceedings.
The case was postponed to October 3 after it was heard that the file was incomplete as the results of the post-mortem and forensic tests had not been sent to the clerk of the court.
The date for resumption was originally set for October 27, but the absence of a representative from the Independent Commission of Investigation at yesterday's hearing resulted in the date being brought forward to give the independent body a chance to inform the court as to their progress.
A third accused, a deaf mute, has not yet been charged, and the court was told that there were difficulties in locating someone who could interpret for him. more
Police: NFL Cardinals' Jonathan Dwyer Head-Butted Wife For Refusing Sex and broke her nose
PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer head-butted his wife and broke her nose after she refused his sexual advances, and punched her in the face the next day, police said Thursday.
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| Jonathan Dwyer |
The details surfaced in a law enforcement report a day after Dwyer was arrested on aggravated assault charges and deactivated from all team activities after he was taken into custody at the Cardinals' practice facility and headquarters in Tempe. He spent a night in jail and made a brief court appearance before being released on bail early Thursday.
The arrest came at a time when the NFL and its commissioner are under fire over a series of violent off-the-field encounters involving some of the league's marquee players, including Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy. more
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Thieves Take Off With Sound System Operator's, 82 year-old Mark Banton Lifetime Collection
Thieves Take Off With Sound System Operator's Lifetime Collection
Eighty-two-year-old Mark Banton, owner of London sound system the Mighty Merritone, is today heartbroken after thieves made off with his entire vinyl records collection last week.
The family, who resides in the United Kingdom, told The Gleaner, that they received a call last week Thursday when they found out thieves had broken into their residence in Enfield, St Mary, and left with more than 1,500 of Banton's most prized possessions. Jacqueline Banton, daughter of the sound system owner, said the house was unoccupied for some time, but explained that a caretaker visits daily to see to its general upkeep. It was the caretaker who discovered that the records were missing on Thursday morning after returning to find the home ransacked.
The family said reports following the break-in put two men at the scene of the crime. "We were told that two men broke into the house on Wednesday night, one was allegedly armed with a gun and they had a waiting car nearby." Banton said that after hearing the news, her father was so unsettled that he booked a flight to Jamaica almost immediately. He returned to the island on Sunday to assist in the investigations.
She explained that reports were filed with the Annotto Bay Police Station, and revealed that while the police were helpful in the earlier stages of the investigations, information has been slow in coming since. "We have not heard anything much since the initial stages and it is really sad to see that the police aren't moving with much urgency," she said. "My father loves his music and to see him cry over this situation is heartbreaking, we just want the records returned for the sheer sentimental value they hold."
The family has put up a reward for the person who returns the records, and states that they will even hire a private investigator if the need arises. "We are going to do what we can, and it's not that we do not have faith in the police's ability, but those records mean so much to us as a family that we cannot just sit back and do nothing."
St. Thomas, JAMAICA : Morant Bay High School Teen, Janel Garwood Excels With 12 Distinctions In CSEC.....12 ones outstanding, deserves a congratulation.
Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Writer Published September 18, 2014
FROM THE tender age of six, Janel Garwood made a promise to her mother not to waste her time at school.
Garwood has since been excelling at all levels during her school journey which saw her taking the top student award at Morant Bay High School in St Thomas, after gaining 12 distinctions in the recent CaribbeanSecondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
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| Janel Garwood |
The 17-year-old was among several students at the institution who performed extremely well, making the high school one of the standouts in the examinations.
Joan Anderson, Garwood's mother, said despite the struggle, she expected nothing but the best from her daughter.
"I remember I encountered some serious financial problems while she was attending prep school (Providence Preparatory School), and I broke down in tears and she wiped my eyes and promised me that she will not let my money go to waste, and she has kept that promise," Anderson told The Gleaner.
"She has always been a focused child and one who always finds opportunities to help students as well, and I expect her to continue on the same path," she declared.
Marsha Ford Bryan, year supervisor for the fifth-form group at the school, who pointed to the 100 per cent pass rate in agricultural science and an over 80 per cent pass rate in English language, mathematics and the sciences, said the students have made the institution proud.
motivating students. 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 MoreJamaica 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
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