IN JAMAICA: Christine Daley, A card-making machine.... Employed full-time as an accounting executive, Daley, 26, started Chrisinique as a passion in 2011, a business which provides personalised cards, baskets, totes, jewellery and event planning for all occasions.

ALL WOMAN Wednesday, April 01, 2015 , By NICOLE NATION

From humble beginnings in Green Island, Hanover, Christine Daley has come a far way.  Employed full-time as an accounting executive, Daley, 26, started Chrisinique as a passion in 2011, a business which provides personalised cards, baskets, totes, jewellery and event planning for all occasions.

From humble beginnings in Green Island, Hanover,
26 y-o Christine Daley has come a far way. 

“Growing up I wanted to be either a flight attendant or an architect. My father especially wanted me to do architecture, so much so that I did technical drawing in high school,” she told All Woman.

“My lines, however, were never straight enough, and my work was always untidy.” With time her career goals changed, and business became her core focus. The Manning’s School graduate pursued a bachelors in accounting and marketing at the University of Technology (UTech), a journey she started after employing a bit of creative skills.

“Initially I wasn’t accepted into UTech’s School of Business but, after hearing the news, and knowing that UTech was my only option after fifth form, I put down a piece of bawling in the office,” she said. “The head of the school took pity on me and allowed me to resubmit my application, and I got accepted.”

After school she got the opportunity to work with Digicel, where she was mandated to develop the activities and ideas for the company’s morale building programme. “From that experience I quickly discovered that I had a very creative side. I found making cards, graphics and planning events really easy and effortless,” she said.

And so moving to Chrisinique was effortless, and she moved from one birthday card to countless invitations to parties, send-offs, baby showers and lymes. “The real challenge lies with juggling the business with a regular nine-to-five,” she shared. “I have had countless sleepless nights and limited resources including insufficient capital and creative block.” more

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Making Brand JAMAICA work for Jamaica.....In Jamaica we do not control enough points along the value chain of producing any good or service to claim to have an industry. A case in point; in the mid-1990s Jamaica enjoyed one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita mainly caused by the rapid expansion of hotel rooms by the Spanish.

Henley MORGAN  Wednesday, April 01, 2015 

GOD forbid it to be so, but if Jamaica were to be hit by a great catastrophe causing the loss of all humanity, there is not a single monument, not even a proper venue; nothing that would say to the succeeding generation, this little island is the birthplace of one of the great genres of popular music -- reggae. As clear a case as ever of the farmer eating the goose that laid the golden egg.

Making Brand Jamaica work for Jamaica

Sadly, the same is true for athletics. People come from all walks of life, from home and abroad, overflowing the National Stadium to be part of the spectacle that's Boys' and Girls' Champs. At the end of the event, we are left with hoarse throats, an empty stadium, and emptier pockets. Beyond the psychic pleasure of being world beaters on the track, and a few athletes lucky enough to get scholarships and later in their career to become icons, there is nothing substantial or lasting to show.

This is so for a reason so simple it is laughable. Jamaica is good at producing icons. Icons invariably become rich for themselves, for their families, for people in their immediate circles, and for the tax man ready to exact his pound of flesh. Industries are what produce wealth, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), for a nation and its people.

The Jamaican economy is characterised by sectors, not industries. There is not a fully developed sports industry, or music industry, or any other industry for that matter. There is the manufacturing sector, the agriculture sector, the construction sector, the entertainment sector, the tourism sector, and the banking sector. The standard dictionary definition of industry is, "a distinct group of integrated productive or profit-making enterprises as a whole". A sector is merely, "a distinctive part of an economy". Highlighting the difference between the words "whole" and "part" in the given context may seem to some readers as nothing more than semantics, making much ado about nothing or a bad case of splitting hairs. But the difference can have serious consequences for the wealth of a nation.

Jamaican  Flag

In Jamaica we do not control enough points along the value chain of producing any good or service to claim to have an industry. A case in point; in the mid-1990s Jamaica enjoyed one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita mainly caused by the rapid expansion of hotel rooms by the Spanish. Yet in all those years the country continued to experience negligible GDP growth largely because of the absence of linkage enterprises operating as members of an integrated manufacturing or service industry. The foreign exchange brought in to invest in real estate and construction went back out to import goods and services. more

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (GOOD NEWS UPDATE) : A home for street sweeper Peaches Henry built by FOOD For the Poor (FFP)..."Our aim is to build 300 homes under our FFP 5K run, and the house constructed for Peaches was one from that list," Burrell emphasised.

BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Thursday, April 02, 2015   

FOOD For the Poor (FFP) has completed construction of a house for street sweeper Peaches Henry whose plight was highlighted in the Jamaica Observer on March 1.

Peaches Henry (second left) with members of the Jamaica
 Observer marketing team (from left) Pamille Shaw-Blair,
Kamilah Morrison, and Andrea Beckford. The Observer team
 was on hand to help with construction of Henry’s house.

"I am very grateful for the help that Food for the Poor and the Jamaica Observer have provided. If it was not for these organisations and the help of concerned citizens, I don't know what I would do," said the 38-year-old single mother.

She made the comment as a team from FFP spent a day constructing the two-bedroom for her and her children.

Three of the street sweeper's five children, who were on hand to witness the construction, celebrated and cheered as FFP employers carried out their work.

Peaches Henry and three of her five children pose outside
 their unfinished house in Waltham Park, St Andrew. The house
was a donation from charity organisation Food for
the Poor. (PHOTOS: GARFIELD ROBINSON)

Several of Jamaican's top entertainers, including Assassin and members of No Madzz group were also on hand to help. Members from the Observer's marketing team also provided assistance.

"We want to thank the Observer; they were the ones who featured the story about Peaches and, because of that, we got the funding to build the home," said Marsha Burrell, marketing manager at FFP.

According to Burrell the house was built under the FFP's '5K Run' initiative, which is scheduled for May 9.

"Our aim is to build 300 homes under our FFP 5K run, and the house constructed for Peaches was one from that list," Burrell emphasised. more

KINGSTON, JAMAICA :Woman accused of stabbing common-law husband to death after he punched her in the face during a domestic dispute : 29-year-old accused, Norbia Allen of Graham Street in Kingston, was arrested and charged for the murder of 45-year-old Patrick Coombs

Thursday, April 02, 2015

A woman who allegedly stabbed her common-law husband to death after he punched her in the face during a domestic dispute is scheduled to return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on April 19.

File Photo

The 29-year-old accused, Norbia Allen of Graham Street in Kingston, was arrested and charged for the murder of 45-year-old Patrick Coombs on November 26 last year.

The police alleged that on the day in question both parties were at Coombs' house at Victoria Street in downtown Kingston when they had a dispute. The police further alleged that during the dispute Allen was hit in the face and retaliated by pulling a knife and stabbing her lover in the chest

Coombs was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment.

Allen was arrested and charged and first appeared in court last December but was released on $300,000 bail. Her lawyer David Clarke told the court during the bail application that Allen was in an abusive relationship for many years and that she was fearful of Coombs.

However, on Monday when the matter was mentioned, Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey was told that the post-mortem report was not yet available and as a result, Allen's bail was extended. more

KINGSTON, Jamaica : Ardenne High School claims 2015 Television Jamaica (TVJ) Schools' Challenge Quiz (SCQ) title

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 | 9:51 PM 

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ardenne High has defeated four time champions St Jago High to secure their sixth title in the 2015 Television Jamaica (TVJ) Schools' Challenge Quiz competition.

Ardenne led from start to finish, claiming a huge victory on 28 points to St Jago’s 16.

Ardenne captain accepts trophy

Following the end of the opening challenge, Ardenne led with five points, one more than St Jago High’s four.

The speed challenge again saw Ardenne finishing ahead with 26 points at the end of their third and final minute, having racked up some 14 and 20 points after the first and second minutes, respectively.

Meanwhile, St Jago trailed on 22 at the end of their third and final minute, having mounted 11 and 17 after the end of their first and second minutes, respectively.

The start of the buzzer section was, however, delayed as the teams sought to query answers to questions, but the results remained unchanged.

After a steady start, Ardenne, who only managed to answer one question in the buzzer section, held their nerves to secure victory after St Jago crumbled to 16, having failed to answer majority of the questions correctly for which they pressed the buzzer.

St Jago last won the title in 2010. Sixty-three schools entered this year's competition.

Kimone Francis

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A relaxed, focused state of concentration. That is the definition. But the actual state of hypnosis is a little harder to define. Until recently it was assumed that it was similar to sleep, or that the mind was somehow unconscious. In reality, there is a specific state that the brain enters into when it is receptive to suggestion. This has been discovered on scans during hypnosis. It is not an unusual state of mind, and may feel like you are not in a trance, or in hypnosis. For most people they simply feel relaxed. There is a change in the brain wave activity, similar to that time just before sleep when the alpha state is entered. Your brain's waking state is a beta brain wave, just as you are going to sleep it changes to alpha and then to delta and theta in deep sleep. The alpha state is a very dreamy, pleasant state. During this time the mind is very open to visualizations and creating a rich sensory experience. The more real the experience becomes in the subconscious mind during this state, the more effect it will have on your waking behavior. more

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NUKE DEAL D-DAY: 50/50 SHOT.... Iran Nuclear Talks Go To The Wire With 50-50 Chance of Success, Negotiators Say

WASHINGTON -- Iranian and American negotiators give themselves a 50-50 chance of reaching a nuclear agreement before Tuesday's deadline, with several notable disagreements remaining in the political framework.

Negotiators have been hesitant to publicly share details, but there is obvious discord between Iranians and the U.S. on Iran's demand for sanctions relief. Iranians have long insisted that a final agreement, to be reached by June 30, should trigger an instant lifting of the broad sanctions imposed by the U.S., the European Union, and the United Nations. American negotiators have argued that sanctions relief must occur gradually, as Iran demonstrates compliance with terms of the nuclear agreement.

Both sides are facing tremendous pressure back home to avoid compromising. Sanctions have crippled Iran’s economy, which is heavily dependent on oil exports. Perhaps more importantly, Iranians see the international sanctions as an injustice that should be reversed immediately as part of any comprehensive nuclear deal.

JAMAICA Governor General gives assent, 'Ganja law' now in effect ....."My understanding is that the GG has now assented to the Bill and the signed Bill is now on its way back to Parliament,"

Tuesday, March 31, 2015    

THE governor general has given his assent to the Bill amending the Dangerous Drugs Act, making possession of two or less ounces of ganja a ticketable offence.

Justice Minister Mark Golding made the disclosure yesterday, just over a month after the House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing the legislation now being called the Ganja law.

"My understanding is that the GG has now assented to the Bill and the signed Bill is now on its way back

to Parliament," Golding informed advocates of decriminalisation or legalisation of marijuana, who were anxious that the amendments became law as soon as possible.

The House passed the Bill on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, following which it was expected to be signed into law about a week later. But Golding did not say what might have contributed to the apparent delay in the Bill returning to Parliament from King's House to be gazetted.

During the month-long wait, there was speculation among some ganja advocates that Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist faith, might have been having difficulties giving his assent to the amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.

The Act is highlighted by a provision making possession of two or less ounces of ganja a ticketable offence, among other provisions that could pave the way for establishment of a ganja industry that advocates believe would make a dent in poverty here.

"When they (Parliament) receive it, they will send it to the Printing Office for gazetting," Golding assured.

BARRETT TOWN, St James - JAMAICA (SENSELESS KILLING OVER A CHAIR) : 12 y-o student, Shyheim Lewis stabbed to death in class...Lewis's distraught mother, Jacinth Johnson, told the Jamaica Observer that her son's life could have been saved if the teachers had taken him to hospital earlier. "...Dem cut him and teachers say dem don't want dem car to blood up, so dem allow the child to bleed to death," the mother alleged. "When wi go over deh, di pickney dem a bawl, and di teacher dem [just] stand up so," claimed the grieving mother.

BY HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, March 31, 2015

BARRETT TOWN, St James — There was mourning yesterday at the Barrett Town All-Age School, as well as in the wider community, after a grade six student was fatally stabbed by his classmate shortly after break in the morning.

Jacinth Johnson, mother of 12-year-old Shyheim Lewis who was
 fatally stabbed by his classmate, is comforted yesterday by her spouse
 Linton White outside the Barrett Town All Age School as Police
 Superintendent Gary Francis looks on. (PHOTO: PHILLIP LEMONTE)

The deceased has been identified as Shyheim Lewis, also called Chin, 12, of the Jenkins Corner neighbourhood here in Barrett Town.

The child's alleged killer, who is reportedly from the Vietnam section of Barrett Town, was taken into custody by the Barrett Town police.

It was alleged that about 10:30 am a fight broke out between Lewis and one of his classmates over a seat, during which a knife was brought into play. Lewis, who was stabbed and injured on the neck, was taken to hospital where he died.

Students who were overheard relating the incident said the two boys who, both of whom sat the Grade Six Achievement Test last week, had a heated argument which escalated into a fight.

"Him tell him say he will kill him and run go a him yard," one of the students was overheard saying.

The students said that shortly after Lewis was stabbed he ran downstairs where he collapsed.

When the Observer visited the school, where a large crowd had gathered, there was a large pool of blood in the area where the student collapsed.

Lewis's distraught mother, Jacinth Johnson, told the Jamaica Observer that her son's life could have been saved if the teachers had taken him to hospital earlier.

"...Dem cut him and teachers say dem don't want dem car to blood up, so dem allow the child to bleed to death," the mother alleged. "When wi go over deh, di pickney dem a bawl, and di teacher dem [just] stand up so," claimed the grieving mother.

She also alleged that two of her other children have been the victims of violence at the school in the past.

"... Mi have a son in grade two and dem fling stone and lick him down over there. Den dem stab mi daughter with pencil down here. What kind a school this?" she questioned. more

Glenn Ford, Wrongfully Convicted And Dying Of Cancer, Denied Restitution For 30 Years On Death Row

The Huffington Post  |  By Kim Bellware Email Posted: 03/30/2015 7:50 pm EDT

Glenn Ford was imprisoned nearly half his life for a murder he didn't commit. Now, the 65-year-old has been denied restitution for his nearly 30 years on Louisiana's death row.

Glenn Ford

Caddo Parish District Judge Katherine Dorroh on Friday denied Ford compensation, saying that while Ford did not commit the murder that led to his wrongful imprisonment, he was "proven to be guilty of lesser crimes and was not an innocent man." The judge said Ford knew about plans for the robbery that led to the killing and didn't stop it. Further, he attempted to destroy evidence by pawning items taken in the robbery and tried to find buyers for the murder weapon used by men Ford implicated in the murder.

"While Mr. Ford does not have the blood of Isadore Rozeman on his hands, he did not have clean hands," Dorroh wrote in her nine-page order. Ford's attorney, Gary Clements, said the court's conclusion is akin to denying compensation for "jaywalking in front of the house where a crime happened."

"Truth is, if you pawned jewelry, you would never spend 30 years on death row," Clements told The Huffington Post Monday. Ford's lawyers with the Innocence Project-New Orleans (unaffiliated with the national Innocence Project) are appealing the ruling. The lawyers said in a statement Friday: more

BUFF BAY, JAMAICA: Two Cuban nurses attacked, injured in Buff Bay....HEALTH Minister Fenton Ferguson has described yesterday's attack on two Cuban nurses assigned to the Buff Bay Community Hospital as a "disgusting and vicious act undertaken by a coward". The nurses who were brutally attacked and injured by a gunman while at their residence yesterday morning

Tuesday, March 31, 2015    

HEALTH Minister Fenton Ferguson has described yesterday's attack on two Cuban nurses assigned to the Buff Bay Community Hospital as a "disgusting and vicious act undertaken by a coward".

The nurses who were brutally attacked and injured by a gunman while at their residence yesterday morning, were said to in stable condition in hospital.

Some of the residents who protested yesterday against the
 assault of two Cuban nurses are about to enter the Buff Bay
 Hospital compound as they heard that the police had taken
 the suspect there for treatment.

A group of Buff Bay residents took to the streets early yesterday to protest against the attack on the nurses. The protesters, during the rain, walked to the hospital after being informed that that police had taken the suspect in the attack to the facility for treatment. They were, however, not not allowed inside the building.

"... To enter the residence of two females and attack them in that manner is cowardly and unforgivable, especialy since they have committed themselves to service to the people of that community. It is time that we start thinking about the implications that these acts can have on our country as a whole and stand up against this type of behaviour," a Ministry of Health release quoted Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, as saying.

"We will do everything we can to bring the person to justice and I urge the residents of Buff Bay and anyone else who may have information to share it with the police immediately. None of us is immune to this kind of action and so we have to support each other and send a strong message to criminals," said Ferguson. "We cannot allow persons to disrupt services to others and prevent our health workers from carrying out their duties in a safe and comfortable atmosphere," he added.

Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, who also condemned the attack, said in a release that he hoped that the incident would not tarnish or jeopardise in any way the various health programmes between Jamaica and Cuba as Jamaica has benefited tremendously in this bilateral arrangement over several decades. more

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (DISTURBING CRIMES BY TEENS - PARENTS INVOLVED) : Police find teens committing robberies on orders from home.... Police warn parents to stop sending children to rob people. "Since the start of the year we have received reports of more than 25 of these robbery cases," the cop said.

BY KIMMO MATTTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com  Monday, March 30, 2015    

THE police say they have made a disturbing discovery in their investigation of an upsurge in robberies taking place on the streets of downtown Kingston. The crimes are being committed by teenagers under the command of their parents.

"We have been carrying out investigations, and what we have found is disturbing," said one policeman close to the development. "We have found that some parents are sending these youngsters out in the streets to carry out these illegal acts."

According to the cop, who declined to be named, many of the robberies are being carried out by boys between the ages of 15 and 18 who, when caught, reveal that they are acting on the parents' orders.

"In the last month we have apprehended more than seven of these youngsters and brought them before the court. But this is a small percentage of the overall robberies that take place," he told the Jamaica Observer as he explained that many of the teen thieves have escaped being captured by the police.

"Since the start of the year we have received reports of more than 25 of these robbery cases," the cop said, adding that many of these youngsters are still in school and have had multiple run-ins with the law.

The teen thieves, he said, make a habit of robbing shoppers and vendors, particularly in the market districts. They also target motor vehicles and steal phones that are left exposed.

"Many of these criminals are known to us, and we are making an appeal for those still out there to stop their illegal activities. We are also warning the parents to stop sending out their children on the streets to carry out these illegal acts," the policeman said.

He added that when many of these youth carry out their robberies and manage to escape no alarm is raised, but as soon as they are caught the parents are the first ones to get to the police station to deny that their children are involved in wrongdoing, even when they are caught red-handed. more

JA on Da Move : The Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Hotel in St Ann says its committed to opening five star property soon $150-m investment...When completed, the property will boast more than 700 guest rooms and suites with ocean-front views of the Caribbean Sea.

Monday, March 30, 2015    

The Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Hotel in St Ann says it is expending $150 million to upgrade the former Sunset Jamaica Grande into a five-star property.

Kathy Halpern (right), vice-president of sales and marketing
 of Palace Resorts has the attention of other team members
 (from left) Robert Martinez, senior account executive; Public
Relations Director Cessie Cerrato and General Manager
Clifton Reader.

And despite the hotel missing its April 11, 2015 completion date, following recent industrial unrest at the construction site, General Manager Clifton Reader said all is set for the grand opening to take place soon.

Reader and members of his team were addressing journalists at a press launch held at Evita's Italian Restaurant in Ocho Rios, last week, to officially introduce the Mexican brand to Jamaica.

The Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is the first hotel in the Palace Resorts brand to open outside of Mexico.

When completed, the property will boast more than 700 guest rooms and suites with ocean-front views of the Caribbean Sea.

Extensive renovations at the former Sunset Jamaica Grande include modernising rooms, overhauling meeting spaces, upgrading and redesigns of the common areas, and upgrading of the restaurants.

And, although it is yet to open its doors locally, the Moon Palace has already expanded the Palace Foundation in Jamaica. The Palace Foundation is a non-profit organisation, created in 2004 by the directors of Palace Resorts to contribute to addressing social issues in the local community.

The organisation's goal is to improve the lives of those most in need.

According to Reader, the Jamaican arm of the Foundation was started with $250,000. In addition, all furniture of the former property were sold and the money placed in the foundation. more

FALMOUTH, Trelawny- JAMAICA: GUNS, GUNS, GUNS! Large gun, ammo cache including grenade launcher seized in Trelawny... one 40 mm Grenade racket launcher; three rifles, including a M-16, AK-47 and a sniper rifle; three handguns, including two 9mm and a .45 pistol; two sub machine guns, including a Uzi and an Intratech, and two shotguns.

Sunday, March 29, 2015 | 10:50 PM  

FALMOUTH, Trelawny - The Trelawny Police have taken two men into  custody in connection with the recovery of 10 illegal firearms, and a grenade launcher and over 300 rounds of assorted ammunition which were hidden in a barrel which was found inside a motor vehicle.

Guns, Guns, Guns! (File Photo)

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Odean Dennis, crime officer for the Trelawny Police Division, yesterday at approximately about 10: 00 am, members of the Trelawny Highway Patrol were on a stop and search operation along the Scarlett Hall main road in the parish, when the driver of a motor vehicle was ordered to stop.

During a search of the vehicle, a total of 11 firearms and 330 rounds of assorted ammunition were found hidden inside a barrel.

The firearms include:

one 40 mm Grenade racket launcher;

three rifles, including a M-16, AK-47 and a sniper rifle;

three handguns, including two 9mm and a .45 pistol;

two sub machine guns, including a Uzi and an Intratech, and

two shotguns.

The names of the two persons taken into custody have been withheld, pending further investigation. Source, Jamaica Observer. more

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RULA BROWN - "Peace and Love" CD to be released on April 14, 2015 by VPAL for digital distribution worldwide....The 2-set, 38-track CD features Dobby Dobson, Fantan Mojan, Jack Radics, Mad Cobra, Lukie D, Red Fox, Skanky Dan, Daddy Blu and much more....All proceeds will go to PALAS scholarship program

All proceeds will go to PALAS scholarship program

CONGRATULATIONS : PORTLAND, Jamaica-born Lana Patterson is Florida Maths Teacher of the Year 2014-2015 for Middle Schools ... St Joseph's Teachers' College alum makes waves in US

Sunday, March 29, 2015    

PORTLAND, Jamaica-born Lana Patterson has been named 'Broward County Mathematics Teacher of the Year 2014-2015 for Middle Schools'.

Lana Patterson with her award

Broward is a county in the US state of Florida.

Award-winning Lana Patterson
and her sons Alton (left)
and Christopher

Patterson, who teaches at William Dandy Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, copped the top prize from a field of 50 aspiring nominees and was awarded on March 18. It was her second time vying for the coveted award, having been nominated in 2013-2014, the same year she won Teacher of the Year at William Dandy.

Before emigrating to the US in 1992, the St Joseph's Teachers' College alumna taught for 18 years, 14 of which were spent at her high school alma mater Titchfield High in Port Antonio.

She has since furthered her studies at Florida Atlantic University.

Patterson's sons Alton and Christopher attended the award function with their mother and helped her celebrate the win.

A SUPER TRACK STAR : Akeem Bloomfield, the 17-year-old Kingston College phenomenon : 'I knew I'd do something great' Bloomfield not surprised by record sub-45 run at Champs

BY HOWARD WALKER Observer senior reporter walkerh@jamaiacaobserver.com  Sunday, March 29, 2015    

His story is similar in some ways to that of Usain Bolt's. Some say his long legs remind them of the legendary Arthur Wint. Most believe he is destined for greatness. He is Akeem Bloomfield -- the rising star of the 400m.

Akeem Bloomfield, the 17-year-old Kingston College
phenomenon

Bloomfield, the 17-year-old Kingston College phenomenon, created history by becoming the first Jamaican schoolboy to run the 400m under 45 seconds with an astonishing 44.93 seconds to win the event in Class One at the GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships at the National Stadium yesterday.

Just last year, the promising Javon Francis ran what was then an unbelievable 45.00 seconds to break Usain Bolt's 400m record, just failing to dip below the 45-second mark. In fact, after Francis' run, the clock flashed 44.98 before settling at 45.00 seconds.

A year on, Bloomfield, standing at 6ft 5in,crossed the line and the clock flashed 45.03 seconds before settling at 44.93 in an eye-popping, jaw-dropping display of speed and stamina.

In 2008, Bolt was working on his speed for the 200m and tested himself over 100m and ran 9.72 seconds in his third 100m event in new York and the rest is history. Five years on, Bloomfield, who runs 100m and 200m, last year at Champs was working on his stamina, and in his first 400m race he clocked an amazing 45.41 seconds at the Carifta Trials a few weeks ago.

"My 200 was good and I was just doing some strength work, but I was not sure what my coach had in store for me. I just knew I would do something great," said Bloomfield, who has 10 CXC subjects.

Then, in only his third 400m run, Bloomfield broke the Class One record of 45.00 seconds and Davian Clarke's National Junior record of 45.21 seconds and became the 11th fastest junior of all time in the world.

Kingston College’s Akeem Bloomfield (right) in his record-breaking
 run in the Class One 400m at the GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys’
and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium
 yesterday. St Jago High’s Nathan Allen (left) was second.
(PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)

Bloomfield, who was drawn in lane five, was sandwiched between main rivals from St Jago High Martin Manley, the 2013 World Youth 400m champion, and Nathan Allen, while his teammate Twayne Crooks was in lane seven with the Class Two record holder Devaughn Baker of Jamaica College in lane eight.

Bloomfield, who is a sub-21 200m runner with 10.3 under his belt for the 100m, went out fast, swept past Allen and cleared the entire field at the 200m mark, and when Allen came with a renewed challenge in the straight, Bloomfield found an extra gear for a victory that will be talked about for years to come. more

IN JAMAICA: Boys' and girls' COMPLETE rankings at Champs 2015....Calabar amassed 280.5 points to be crowned Boys Champions and Edwin Allen with 321 points trounced the Girls for Champion.

Saturday, March 28, 2015 | 10:34 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica - OBSERVER ONLINE brings you a breakdown of the points amassed by each school in the 105th staging of the GraceKennedy ISSA Boys' and Girls Athletics Championship. KINGSTON, Jamaica - Defending champions Calabar High secured their fourth consecutive hold on the GraceKennedy InterSecondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championship and gained their 25th lien on the Mortimer Geddes trophy at the National Stadium a short while ago.

Calabar amassed 280.5 points, 15.5 ahead of Kingston College with 265, with Jamaica College third some way back with 200 points. St Jago High with 183 finished fourth ahead of ST Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) on 132 points.

How did your school do?

Boys Champions

Boys - Team Rankings - 41 Events Scored               

1) Calabar High 280.50

2) Kingston College 265

3) Jamaica College 200

4) St Jago High 183

5) St Elizabeth Technical High 132

6) Wolmer's High School for Boys 68

7) Petersfield High 50

8) Holmwood Technical High 44

9) Cornwall College 38

10) Edwin Allen High 34

Girls Champion

Girls

1) Edwin Allen 321

2) Hydel 221

3) St Jago High 219.33.

4) Holmwood 206

5) Vere Tech 136

6) Wolmers' 82.50

7) Manchester High 61

8) Convent of Mercy 60

9) STETHS 51

10) St Catherine High 44

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MANCHESTER, Jamaica : 28-year-old Kirk Porter falls into water tank after being shot, dies

Saturday, March 28, 2015 | 3:59 PM    

MANCHESTER, Jamaica – The Manchester police have confirmed a shooting incident in the Spalding area of Manchester last night, which left one man dead and another in hospital.

The dead man has been identified as 28-year-old Kirk Porter.

Reports are that Porter and the another man were having drinks at a bar about 9:15 pm when two gunmen entered and opened fire hitting them.

Porter reportedly ran from the scene and subsequently fell into an open water tank.

According to the police, they are now awaiting post-mortem reports to determine his cause of death.

The injured man is reportedly in critical but stable condition at hospital.

Police told OBSERVER ONLINE that they are investigating reports that the incident was “scamming-related.”

Alicia Sutherland