OBAMACARE ON CHOPPING BLOCK – AGAIN : Latest Challenge Over 4 Words... 9.6 Million Could Lose Health Care... 37 States Could Lose Tax Credits... 'Defies Not Just Legal Conventions But Also Common Sense'... 'Fiction. Provable Fiction'... 'The Court Itself Is In Peril'... These Lives Hang In The Balance... No 'Replacement Plan' From GOP In Sight...

WASHINGTON -- Obamacare faces its strangest challenge yet when the Supreme Court takes up the law for the third time Wednesday, but the oddity of the lawsuit shouldn’t obscure the cataclysm that a loss for President Barack Obama would provoke.

US Supreme Court

The Supreme Court case is the latest legal effort by political opponents of the Affordable Care Act to ruin Obama’s signature domestic achievement. If successful, the suit would tarnish Obama’s legacy, foment infighting among Republicans, aggravate bitter partisanship between the GOP Congress and the White House, and threaten chaos in the health insurance market. But the worst consequences would fall on the estimated 9.6 million people who would lose their health insurance.

The lawsuit, King v. Burwell, isn’t like the previous two Obamacare cases that came before the Supreme Court. Three years ago, in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberals inupholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate that most Americans obtain health insurance. The Supreme Court last year weakened Obamacare’s birth-control coverage rule in Hobby Lobby v. Burwell, a case with religious-freedom implications. more

VALERIE AUSTIN & Sir KeithAnthony w/ Hypnosensei- Health & cancer cures, speed reading and hypnosis

Austin was born in Blackpool to two hoteliers. She married at 18 years old and had a son. The marriage ended in divorce, and to support herself and her son, Austin took a job selling advertising space on a commission only basis and surprised herself by quickly becoming the top sales person, breaking all their records during her seven years there.[2] At that time, a near fatal accident on a motorway left Austin with hysterical amnesia (severe memory loss) which eventually led her into hypnotherapy. The accident left her with a 24-hour memory for over two years. She could remember yesterday but not the day before, and her life was in chaos.[3] Eventually, she “recovered” her memory through hypnosis.[4][5] Shortly after regaining her memory, she met and married her second husband, John Austin (international editor of The Hollywood Reporter) in Las Vegas. She moved to the US and was active in the film industry selling feature films and wrote her own column in a Hollywood trade magazine interviewing celebrities and film financers. However during one of her trips back to the UK a number of family deaths, including her mother, accidents and trauma triggered her memory loss. She forgot she was married, did not return to the US or her husband and spent the next four years with a 24 hours memory. She regained her memory for the second time with hypnosis and then started to take a greater interest in the subject.[2] Following her divorce from Austin, her journalism experience in Hollywood helped launched her second career as a journalist and writer. She freelanced in Fleet Street until she did a course in hypnotherapy, discovered she was good at it, and built a career.[2]

KINGSTON, Jamaica: 31-year-old Rohan Deacon charged for 2013 murder of Catholic Priest, Father Charles Brown ....

Tuesday, March 03, 2015 | 7:23 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man was on Sunday charged for the murder of a Roman Catholic priest, Father Charles Brown, which occurred on Monday, July 29, 2013.

He is 31-year-old Rohan Deacon of Phase one, Seaview Gardens, Kingston 11.

Reports from the Hunts Bay Police are that Deacon, who was listed as a person of interest, was picked up in Clarendon on Thursday, February 19. He was formally charged on Sunday, March 1, by investigators probing the priest’s murder.

The decomposing body of Brown was found in bushes with multiple stab wounds on the Plantation Heights main road in St Andrew.

Deacon is scheduled to appear before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on Friday, March 6.

Dobby Dobson Returns For Simply Myrna, March 7...What does Dobby Dobson have in common with the late Jamaican international actress, Madge Sinclair of the famous Trapper John M.D American television series? They both attended Central Branch School in Kingston and had their acting debut in the play, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Dobson played the lead role while Madge Sinclair played the role of his wife.

What does Dobby Dobson have in common with the late Jamaican international actress, Madge Sinclair of the famous Trapper John M.D American television series?

They both attended Central Branch School in Kingston and had their acting debut in the play, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Dobson played the lead role while Madge Sinclair played the role of his wife.

Dobbie Dodson

While Sinclair continued to pursue her career in acting, Dobson, christened Highland Ralph Dobson, began a singing career in the early '50's, spreading his wings across the Caribbean, South, Central and North America, Canada and the United Kingdom, thrilling audiences with his stirring performances that left them begging for more.

Come Saturday, when celebrated songstress Myrna Hague presents her fifth annual Simply Myrna Revue, Dobson will be flying into the island from his home base in Florida, as her special guest, for a second time, to be part of this milestone.

Also specially invited to perform is vocalist A.J. Brown, lead singer in the legendary Third World Band, and the colourful Carifolk Singers. Simply Myrna, which has been enjoying an increasing number of patrons over the years, will see an A-list of musicians providing backing for the star of the show, Myrna Hague, and her guests, at Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. Sir Kenneth and Lady Rhema Hall have again graciously accepted to be patrons of the show, which will commence with cocktails at 7 p.m. Show time is 8 p.m.

55 BAIL ON BIBI: Elizabeth Warren, Al Franken Join Growing List Of Democrats Skipping Netanyahu Speech

The Huffington Post |  By Mollie Reilly Email Posted: 03/02/2015 8:11 pm EST

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced Monday that they will not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Tuesday address to a joint session of Congress.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

One day after President Barack Obama said he would veto any new sanctions against Iran, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) invited Netanyahu to make his case to Congress against a nuclear deal. Boehner extended the invitation without first consulting the White House, a move seen by some as disrespectful to Obama. The administration has pushed back on the speech, calling Boehner's invite a breach of protocol.

"I strongly support Israel, and I remain deeply concerned about the prospect of an Iranian nuclear weapon, which I discussed in detail with Prime Minister Netanyahu when we met in Jerusalem last November," Warren said in a statement, according to the Boston Globe. “It's unfortunate that Speaker Boehner’s actions on the eve of a national election in Israel have made Tuesday’s event more political and less helpful for addressing the critical issue of nuclear nonproliferation and the safety of our most important ally in the Middle East."

In a statement earlier Monday, Franken described the speech as a "partisan spectacle."

Elizabeth Warren and Al Franken

"This has unfortunately become a partisan spectacle, both because of the impending Israeli election and because it was done without consulting the administration,” Franken said. "I’d be uncomfortable being part of an event that I don’t believe should be happening. I’m confident that, once this episode is over, we can reaffirm our strong tradition of bipartisan support for Israel." more

KINGSTON, Jamaica : Chinese delegation in JAMAICA collecting data for proposed design of hospital....The hospital is expected to provide services for children from 0-19 years old and will be the only facility of its kind in Jamaica, Permanent Secretary, Dr Kevin Harvey said. It is proposed that the facility will be constructed on lands identified on the grounds of the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Monday, March 02, 2015 | 9:54 PM 

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Data collection is currently being carried out by a Chinese delegation, which is on the island to inform the proposed design of the child and adolescent hospital to be constructed in the Western region of the island.

Permanent Secretary, Dr Kevin Harvey (right) in discussion
 with member of the Chinese delegation Zhang Xuejian, Vice
President and Senior Engineer at the Beijing Institute of
Architectural Design in China (left) and Dr Ken-Garfield Douglas,
Regional Director of the Western Regional Health
Authority (centre). The Chinese delegation is in Jamaica to
 gather information to inform the proposed design of
 the Child and adolescent hospital to be constructed in
 Western Jamaica.

A discussion with the delegation was led with personnel from the Ministry of Health, the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the National Environment and Planning Agency at PIOJ Monday morning, regarding their activities for the next three weeks of their visit.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson made the point that this type of hospital was needed, as presently there is a requirement for children to be transferred to Kingston to receive intensive care services, specialist services and appropriate care. Additionally, there is no specific facility geared towards the needs of adolescents.

“I am happy that the members of the Chinese delegation were able to visit Jamaica to start this important process. The health team and other Government agencies will be working with the delegation to ensure that at the end of the visit we can have an idea of the way forward in terms of design and budget,” Dr Ferguson said.

The hospital is expected to provide services for children from 0-19 years old and will be the only facility of its kind in Jamaica, Permanent Secretary, Dr Kevin Harvey said. It is proposed that the facility will be constructed on lands identified on the grounds of the Cornwall Regional Hospital. more

IN JAMAICA: Big increase in income tax, GCT revenue collection projected for 2015/16 tabled by Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips on February 19, is targeting J$138.9 billion in GCT collections and J$129 billion in income tax through increased compliance.

Balford Henry Monday, March 02, 2015 | 8:17 PM  

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Government is banking on significant increases in both income tax and general consumption tax (GCT) next year, to boost its tax revenues.

Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips

The revenue estimates tabled by Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips on February 19, is targeting J$138.9 billion in GCT collections and J$129 billion in income tax through increased compliance.

Income tax brought in J$111.5 billion in 2013/14, the last available full financial year figures, and GCT of J$113.3 billion. Consolidated Fund receipts so far, for financial year 2014/15, which ends on March 31, are J$79.3 billion for income tax, and J$94.9 billion for GCT.

Other substantial tax revenue increases for 2015/16, which begins on April 1, are: J$5 billion in customs; J$3.2 billion in education tax; approximately J$5.5 billion in special consumption tax; and J$1.2 billion in travel tax.

Non-tax revenue next financial year is expected to be more than J$10 billion above 2013/14, with the bulk coming from departmental and other miscellaneous revenue.

The Government also plans to transfer J$1 billion from the capital development fund (CDF), which is financed by the bauxite levy, and receive J$129 billion in loans, bringing total revenue and loan receipts to J$576.6 billion next year.more

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA: St James police deny killing shopkeeper....Yesterday, residents of Salt Spring staged a peaceful demonstration in their community over the fatal shooting of 28-year-old shopkeeper Sandrea Johnson of Simmonds Crescent

Monday, March 02, 2015 | 8:08 AM    

MONTEGO BAY, St James – The St James police are refuting claims that they shot and killed a businessman whose bullet-riddled body was discovered in a section of the Salt Spring community in the parish yesterday morning.

Yesterday, residents of Salt Spring staged a peaceful demonstration in their community over the fatal shooting of 28-year-old shopkeeper Sandrea Johnson of Simmonds Crescent, Montego Heights in Salt Spring, St James.

The irate residents, who mounted roadblocks in the community, accused the police of killing Johnson.

But, according to head of the St James Police Division, SSP Derrick Champagnie, about 12:45 am, the St James Operation Support team responded to a call from Area One control, that gunshots were heard in the Montego Heights area of Salt Spring.

Upon the arrival of the police, Johnson's body was allegedly found lying along the roadway with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds to the back, chest, face and both hands.

The senior cop also revealed that 12 9mm spent shells were discovered at the scene.

SSP Champagnie noted that as a result of the resident's claim that Johnson was shot by the police, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was called in to commence a probe. more

$100-million downtown Kingston project.... Food bazaar first pillar of UDC plan

 BY ALPHEA SAUNDERS Senior staff reporter saundersa@jamaicaobserver.com  Monday, March 02, 2015 

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will shortly be inviting proposals for the management of a food bazaar, which will be part of a $100-million multi-faceted commercial project aimed at injecting new life into downtown Kingston.

K D Knight

The bazaar is among the first components of what will be called a festival marketplace in the business district, which successive governments have, for some time, promised to revitalise.

Director of Corporate Communication at the UDC Lorna Clarke told the Jamaica Observer that under phase one, which will take place from February to May 2015, the bazaar would be constructed on the lawns of the Victoria Craft Market, while landscaping and beautification are to be carried out along the waterfront between Victoria Pier and the craft market.

“The overall festival marketplace development will require significant private investment and planning towards this is in progress,” Clarke said, explaining that the UDC would be responsible for maintenance for phase one works, supported by the income expected from the rental of food and beverage kiosks.

Last month, UDC Chairman KD Knight announced the 8.9 acre development, stating that the aim was to keep downtown active after regular business hours. An office complex is also to be built in the area.

The festival marketplace will be an extension of the renewed market and commercial districts, and the ending point of the existing east-west pedestrian arcade and promenade. more

TRELAWNY, JAMAICA: Four dead in horrifying crash...The four dead men were identified as: Sergio Gonzales, Garvin Arias and Ruiz Farael of the Dominican Republic and Oliver Torres of a Spanish address.

BRACO, Trelawny — Death came quickly and brutally to four foreign nationals — three from the Dominican Republic and one from Spain — after their rented Toyota Yaris motor car crashed into a truck laden with sand on this section of the North Coast Highway near dawn yesterday.

crashed vehicle

Blood, crushed bones and chunks of human flesh scattered across the crash site, horrifying evidence of the violence of the smash that police immediately attributed to bad road conditions caused by early morning showers and possible speeding in an area known as a death zone.

The four dead men were identified as: Sergio Gonzales, Garvin Arias and Ruiz Farael of the Dominican Republic and Oliver Torres of a Spanish address.

They were all employed at a St Ann hotel. Trelawny police who put the time of the crash at 4:35 am, said the four were travelling in the direction of St Ann's Bay when the car drifted into the path of the International truck which was heading in the opposite direction.

The truck overturned but the unidentified driver and a female passenger apparently suffered only minor injuries and were treated at the nearby Falmouth Public General Hospital and sent home, Jamaica Observer sources said.

Meanwhile, a large crowd of onlookers swarmed the scene of the carnage, some expressing shock at the dreadful view of the mangled motor car and the overturned truck, which spilled most of its cargo of sand.

One extremely mutilated body remained inside the crumpled car for hours as it was feared the body was too cut up to be removed from the vehicle ahead of the arrival of the funeral home team. more

IN JAMAICA: These three beauties from Hillel Academy, from left, Ella McConnell, Emily Vaz, and Leah McConnell, were spotted at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica's annual Run for your Heart awards ceremony

Pretty Girls, All In A Row

Sunday, March 01, 2015    
These three beauties from Hillel Academy, from left, Ella McConnell, Emily Vaz, and Leah McConnell, were spotted at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica's annual Run for your Heart awards ceremony at the Altamont Court Hotel on February 24. (Photo: Garfield Robinson) more

The greatest show on earth : The centuries-old tradition of playing mas dispatched the clarion call to the global contingent of bacchanalists for the annual pilgrimage to Trinidad and Tobago

Sunday, March 01, 2015    

“De riddim it have ah vibe, ah feel so alive!”

“Me an’ meh crew gone wile out.”

“We guh make ah mess in here.

Bumpa like rain.

The centuries-old tradition of playing mas dispatched the clarion call to the global contingent of bacchanalists for the annual pilgrimage to Trinidad and Tobago to pay homage to the soca genre and all the rapturous frenzy that accompanies it. Dwayne Watkins, wedding and lifestyle photog extraordinaire -- with his TeamDWP Studios associate shutterbug Steven McFarlane in tow -- returns to capture the explosion of rhythmic movement and multicoloured displays at the Dirty Dozen J'Ouvert as well as the Carnival Monday experience inside Limin' Professionalz: The Syndicate band, and the Carnival Tuesday hurrah alongside YUMA revellers. SO 'chips' through the bustling landscape of capital city Port of Spain, hanging on to the lyrical coat-tails of the current season's chart-toppers. more

GIBSON/MCCOOK RELAYS - Bolt's Racers Lions beaten by UTech in 4x100m relay... Tyquendo Tracey ran a splendid anchor leg to hold off the late surge of the world's fastest man Usain Bolt

Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 7:32 PM    

Kingston, Jamaica- Tyquendo Tracey ran a splendid anchor leg to hold off the late surge of the world's fastest man Usain Bolt to give the University of Technology (UTech) victory over the Racers Lions in the Mens' Clubs and

Bolt

Institutions 4X100 metre relay at the ongoing Gibson/McCook Relays atthe National Stadium.

Julian Forte ran a brilliant third-leg for UTech to keep Warren Weir

of Racers Lions at bay and thereby enabling Tracey to get a jump on Bolt who came hard but late as UTech won in a time of 38.23 seconds. Racers Lions clocked 38.29 seconds, while AKAN Track Club was third in 39.55 seconds.

UTech also won the Womens' event in a new record of 43.13 seconds, erasing MVP Track Club's old record of 44.18 seconds set in 2007.

Racers were second in 43.75 seconds, with Sprint Tech (44.24 s) back in third.

The High School Girls’ Class One event was taken by St Jago in 45.24 seconds, ahead of Edwin Allen (45.57s) and Wolmer's (46.27s).

Edwin Allen then easily took the Class Two event in a fast time of 45.01 seconds, equalling the record of 45.01 seconds set way back in

2001 by Holmwood Technical. They won ahead of Hydel High (45.96s) and Green Island High (46.11s). more

IN JAMAICA: 80 graduate under Learning for Life programme....The programme has impacted over 100,000 lives in the last seven years, with Jamaicans accounting for over 11,000.

Sunday, March 01, 2015    

EIGHTY Jamaicans have been certified in bartending and agriculture under the Diageo Learning For Life skills training programme which is held in association with the Heart Trust/NTA.

The students graduated on February 19.

Some of this year’s graduates

Cedric Blair, Red Stripe's managing director, said this batch of graduates has pushed Red Stripe's investment in the programme to over $60 million.

"We have made this investment simply because we believe we have a duty to inspire our young men and women to greatness. More specifically, it is an investment in the abilities and confidence of a generation of young people struggling for opportunity," Blair said.

Guest speaker Yaneek Page, managing director of Future Services International Limited, told the graduates that the future of their success depends on their efforts to use the training and certification they have received.

"Red Stripe has given you a significant opportunity. They've made an investment in you so it is now your duty to make the most of it. Share the knowledge you've learnt and pay it forward," Page said.

Learning For Life is an award-winning and globally recognised skills and training programme designed to transform lives in the countries in which Diageo conducts business. The programme has impacted over 100,000 lives in the last seven years, with Jamaicans accounting for over 11,000.

IN JAMAICA (Flush for Life Project) : 50 primary schools set for bathroom upgrades...the project has adopted the organisation's "flush for life" objective, which was implemented years ago to remove pit latrines from schools in Jamaica.

 Sunday, March 01, 2015  

FIFTY primary schools will receive new and upgraded sanitary facilities by the end of May as a result of the Food for the Poor and Ministry of Education sanitary upgrade project.

Students of the Bois Primary School
 celebrate the official opening of their
school’s new bathroom facility with,
 from left in back row: Saffrey Brown,
general manager, Jamaica National
Building Society Foundation; Kathleen
Jones, principal Bois Content Primary
 School and David Mair, executive
 director, Food for the Poor Jamaica.

The initiative, which was officially launched recently at Bois Primary School in St Catherine, is also being funded by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Foundation.

Andrew Mahfood, chairman of Food for the Poor, said the project will provide low-cost solutions to upgrade sanitary blocks in schools through the construction of concrete toilet facilities. He noted that the project has adopted the organisation's "flush for life" objective, which was implemented years ago to remove pit latrines from schools in Jamaica.

"Through the "flush for life" project, we replaced pit latrines in approximately 40 schools with the help of corporate Jamaica and the JNBS Foundation. That sanitation project impacted thousands of lives, and we are now pleased to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and JNBS Foundation to continue delivering low-cost solutions by upgrading sanitary conveniences in primary schools," Mahfood stated.

Ronald Thwaites, minister of education, endorsed the initiative as one that contributes to the overall learning environment for students, and a move by the Government to demonstrate its commitment to the eradication of pit latrines from schools. more 

IN JAMAICA: More heat on Andrew Holness to go... Some funders drop support for embattled JLP leader

BY HG HELPS Editor-at-Large helpsh@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, March 01, 2015

EMBATTLED leader of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Andrew Holness is involved in another fight -- this time to attract financial support to his political organisation, the Jamaica Observer has been told.

HOLNESS... under pressure from inside and outside his party

Some leading members of Holness's JLP have informed the Sunday Observer that a number of business organisations and individuals in Jamaica have communicated to members of the party's hierarchy that they will withhold monetary contributions if Holness remains the organisation's leader.

"The matter is a delicate one, but, yes, some of our strong contributors over the years have told us that we need to replace Holness as leader, or else the party will not get any more money," one high-ranking JLP member told the Sunday Observer on Wednesday.

Two days later, similar sentiments were expressed by an even higher positioned member of the party's powerful Standing Committee, who insisted that some of Jamaica's leading businessmen were adamant that the JLP was unattractive with Holness at the helm, and to support the party in its efforts at acquiring State power would be tantamount to putting water into a leaking bucket.

Business people have been known to give political parties huge financial support, particularly leading up to elections. While no general election is due until the end of 2016, a local government poll is scheduled to be held by June of this year, having been postponed from its originally intended March date. more

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I am all right, says Etana...Reports are that the artiste was found unconscious by her husband, Andre Morris, who called in the paramedics.

 Saturday, February 28, 2015    

REGGAE singer Etana is recuperating at home in Florida after being released from hospital on Thursday.

Etana

Reports are that the artiste was found unconscious by her husband, Andre Morris, who called in the paramedics.

According to the singer, the doctors said it was a combination of "exhaustion, dehydration and hypertension".

"I guess my body was just telling me to slow down. I had just come back from Europe after an 11-hour flight and I still wasn't hydrating properly or eating properly," Etana told the Jamaica Observer.

She had been complaining of dizzy spells and back pain before finally passing out on Wednesday evening.

"I just want my fans to know that I am all right. This is a warning that I have to take better care of myself, I have to get the message of truth, rights and justice out but I cannot do so if I am not healthy," she said.

Etana recently completed a three-week European gig, which saw her performing at clubs in France, Belgium, Germany

and the Netherlands.

Sean Paul Gets Busy....This is not the first time "Get Busy" will be listed in the movie credits. The song's remix was featured in Grind (2003), Chasing Liberty (2004), and Baby Mama (2008).

Saturday, February 28, 2015  

SEAN Paul's 2003 Billboard chart-topper Get Busy is showing no signs of slowing down. The single is one of several featured in the upcoming animation flick Home, slated for release on March 27.

The international act said he was elated by the news.

Sean Paul

"I love that fact. My music is full of energy and it reflects a good time, so I'm glad people can still feel energy from it," said Sean Paul, in response to the Jamaica Observer's queries.

Originally released in 2002, Get Busy is on the Steven 'Lenky' Marsden-produced Diwali riddim. The single is on Sean Paul's sophomore, Grammy-winning album Dutty Rock. That set was re-released the following year for the international market.

"That song was written by me and my brother, JigZag, and was number one on the Billboard charts for a couple of weeks. It was a big accomplishment for myself, everyone involved such as producers, other artistes on the riddim and dancehall music, in general. I am proud to be part of a big staple dancehall riddim like Diwalil," he said.

This is not the first time Get Busy will be listed in the movie credits. The song's remix was featured in Grind (2003), Chasing Liberty (2004), and Baby Mama (2008).

"This only means that you've made cultural history!!! You never can tell which songs will be the big ones. You have to just love music and do work. Each player brings their own flavour to the game. There's space for everyone," he added. more

Earl Lloyd, First Black Player In The NBA, Dead At 86....Lloyd made his NBA debut in 1950 for the Washington Capitals

Earl Lloyd, the first black player in NBA history, died Thursday. He was 86.

Lloyd's alma mater, West Virginia State, confirmed the death. It did not provide details.

Lloyd made his NBA debut in 1950 for the Washington Capitals, just before fellow black players Sweetwater Clifton and Chuck Cooper played their first games.

"The State family mourns the loss of a fellow Yellow Jacket and trailblazer who was a true champion both on and off of the basketball court," West Virginia State President Brian Hemphill said in a statement. "When Earl stepped out on the court on that fateful date in 1950, this remarkable man rightfully earned his place in the historic civil rights movement and, more important, he opened the door to equality in America."

Atlanta's Mayor, Lloyd  share moment

Lloyd helped the Syracuse Nationals win the 1955 NBA title, joining teammate Jim Tucker as the first black players to play on a championship team.

Lloyd on da boards

The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 8.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 560 regular-season games in nine seasons with Washington, Syracuse and Detroit. He missed the 1951-52 season while serving in the U.S. Army.

'Showcase country's best on Jamaica Day' : "We want our children to understand their culture, who they are, where they are from... in the context of their various communities."

Friday, February 27, 2015    

TODAY'S celebration of Jamaica Day in schools is an opportunity to showcase the best examples of the island, according to event convenor Amina Blackwood Meeks.

Students celebrate Jamaica Day at a Corporate Area school
 in 2014. (OBSERVER FILE PHOTO)

"Jamaica Day is an opportunity to live one of the objectives in the Culture in Education Programme, which is to raise Jamaicans to be the best examples of Jamaicans to Jamaicans," she said.

Blackwood Meeks, who is also the director of the Culture in Education Programme at the Ministry of Education, reasoned that there is a community and education benefit to the observance of the day.

"We want our children to understand their culture, who they are, where they are from... in the context of their various communities. It (Jamaica Day) allows each of the schools to engage in community renewal projects, unique to where they are located, and build relationships with past student associations," she said.

While the majority of the schools will have the day's observance where they are located, the national focus will take place at the Norman Manley High School, in St Andrew, under the theme 'Celebrating Jamaica: Celebrating Regional Friendships From Boukman To Bolivar'.

BLACKWOOD MEEKS... we want our
 children to understand their culture,
who they are, where they are from (PHOTO: JIS)

There will be presentations from Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites; Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips; Mayor of Kingston Angella Brown Burke; and a representative of the Norman Manley Law School.

Guest speaker will be Venezuelan Ambassador to Jamaica, Jacqueline Mendoza Ortega.

The event will have a flag-raising ceremony, cultural presentations, as well as performances from students. more

Cricket World Cup: S Africa bat first, hit 408-5 against Windies Second highest World Cup total of all time

Friday, February 27, 2015 | 2:39 AM    

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — South Africa made 408 for five against the West Indies on Friday, the second-highest World Cup total of all time.

South Africa's batsman AB de Villiers (L) celebrates
 with teammate Farhaan Behardien after reaching a
 century during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool B match
between South Africa and the West Indies at the Sydney
 Cricket Ground on Friday. (Photos: AFP)  

In the process, South Africa captain AB de Villiers smashed the second-fastest World Cup century off 52 balls in the Pool B game at the Sydney Cricket Ground before finishing on 162 not out.

The highest World Cup total is 413 for five made by India against Bermuda, a non-Test nation, in Trinidad in 2007.

The fastest ever World Cup century was made by Ireland's Kevin O'Brien, off 50 balls, against England in Bangalore during the 2011 tournament.

 W. I.  Fans

Friday's innings was the second time in as many months that de Villiers had hammered the West Indies' attack after smashing the quickest all-time one-day international century, off just 31 balls, against them in Johannesburg on January 18.

Awful tradegy in Jamaica : 11 injured in Christian Pen, Portmore, St Catherine crash

BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, February 27, 2015    

ELEVEN people were yesterday rushed to hospital following an early morning motor vehicle collision in Christian Pen, Portmore, St Catherine.

Awful tradegy

Police report that about 5:45 am a Hiace bus with several passengers was travelling along the Christian Pen main road, heading towards Spanish Town, when it collided with a Jamaica Urban Transit Company bus travelling in the opposite direction.

People alleging to be eyewitnesses said the driver of the Hiace swerved to avoid a pothole in the road.

The impact of the crash caused the Hiace bus to overturn, pinning the driver and several other passengers inside for several hours.

It took the combined effort of residents, firefighters, and police to remove the injured from the mangled wreck.

Leroy Tomlinson, whose mother was trapped in the bus, was one of the residents who responded to the desperate cries for help.

A woman points to a section of the overturned
Hiace bus after the crash yesterday morning.
 (PHOTOS: GARFIELD ROBINSON)

"I was in my house preparing to go on the road and I heard the loud collision; when I ran out to look I saw the people trapped in the bus. I did not hesitate, I just started to do what I could to help," said Tomlinson.

It was while he was trying to save lives that Tomlinson learnt that his mother was among the trapped victims.

"When mi go over there and look and see the people them I could hardly stand, but what made it worse was when I saw my mother among the injured," Tomlinson said. more