The Police High Command in Jamaica is this afternoon warning persons to avoid the West Kingston communities of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town.

Tivoli Gardens is the reported home of Christopher Dudus Coke, who is to be extradited to the US on drug and firearm charges.

The extradition order and arrest warrant for Dudus were signed yesterday.

The police say they are aware that since Monday criminal elements have blocked the entry points leading into the two communities.

They are also confirming that this morning a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) armoured personnel carrier was shot-up while travelling in Denham Town.

The police say the barricades have been reinforced by barbed wire, attached to high voltage Jamaica Public Service (JPS) electricity distribution lines.

They have also observed that liquid petroleum gas cylinders have been inserted into the barricades and that law abiding citizens are being prevented from leaving Tivoli Gardens.

The residents have also had their cellular phones confiscated by criminals.

The police are appealing to all law abiding residents of the affected communities, Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town, to contact them if they need help.

They are also appealing to the residents to report any acts of criminality. They seek to assure them that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security
forces.
The police say they intend to conduct their operations in a professional manner in accordance with the law and in the interest of all concerned.

The Police are again appealing for persons to Call Police Control at 119 or Senior Duty Officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778, to report any concerns or any information coming to their attention.

HAVANA, Cuba (AP) -- US and Cuban officials are holding "working level" talks on how to respond to the massive Deepwater Horizon oil spill that is believed to be dumping some 5,000 barrels of crude a day into the Gulf of Mexico, two State Department officials told The Associated Press yesterday.

The talks add to signs of concern that strong currents could carry the slick far from the site of the spill, possibly threatening the Florida Keys and the pristine white beaches along Cuba's northern coast.

They are also a rare moment of cooperation between two countries locked in conflict for more than half a century.

"I can confirm that they are ongoing and going on at the working level," State Department Spokesman Gordon Duguid told reporters in Washington. "It is incumbent upon us to inform all of our neighbors, not just the islands, but those countries that could be affected by disasters that happen within our territorial waters."

Duguid said that the US Interests Section in Havana also delivered a diplomatic note yesterday informing the Cuban government about the spill and what is known about its projected movement. Washington maintains the Interest Section in Cuba instead of an embassy.

"We provided background related to the cause of the spill, stressed that stopping the oil leak is our top priority and explained the projected movement of the spill," Duguid said. "We also communicated the US desire to maintain a clear line of communication with the Cuban government on developments."

It was not clear if the US has offered assistance to Havana in the event the oil hits Cuban beaches, or if officials here would accept. In 2005, then-President Fidel Castro offered the US medical assistance after Hurricane Katrina, including sending Cuban doctors to treat storm victims. The State Department declined the offer.

There was no immediate comment from Cuban authorities on the oil spill talks.

Also yesterday, the Bahamian government said it would seek to recover costs from BP PLC -- the oil giant that owns a majority interest in the blown well that caused the disaster -- if the crude spill spreads to Bahamian waters and a clean-up operation is required.

"Any money that is spent in a possible clean-up the government would be looking to be reimbursed, and the entire exercise being paid for by BP," said Commander Patrick McNeil, head of the Bahama's National Oil Spill Contingency team.

OTTAWA, Canada (AFP) - Anarchists claimed responsibility yesterday for a firebomb attack on a Royal Bank of Canada branch in the nation's capital and warned of more chaos at G8 and G20 summits in Toronto next month.

"The resistance continues," an unidentified group said, taking aim at RBC for financing the mining of oil sands in Alberta and for "trampling native rights" by sponsoring February's Winter Olympics.

Police told AFP an investigation is ongoing into Tuesday's early morning attack, but would not comment on the group's online posting.

The Games were held on "stolen indigenous lands" in Vancouver, the anarchists said. "The Vancouver Olympic Games are over, but a torch is still burning."

"G8 and G20 leaders and bankers are meeting (next month) in Huntsville and Toronto to make decisions that will further their policies of exploitation of people and the environment," the group said. "We will be there."

An online video posted by the group, which can be viewed on YouTube, shows the fireball bursting through the bank's windows in a blinding flash.

Police said witnesses saw "three or four males running from the scene" in Ottawa's smart Glebe neighborhood "and leaving the area in an SUV (sport utility) vehicle a short time before the fire was reported."

No one was injured, but the storefront was gutted and damage was "extensive," police said, adding in a statement that there were no further descriptions of the vehicle nor the suspects.

Some 4,000 Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers will be on hand to provide security for the G8 and G20 summits from June 25 to 27.

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistan's government ordered Internet service providers to block Facebook yesterday amid anger over a page that encourages users to post images of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

The page on the social networking site has generated criticism in Pakistan and elsewhere because Islam prohibits any images of the prophet. The government took action after a group of Islamic lawyers won a court order yesterday requiring officials to block Facebook until May 31.

By yesterday evening, access to the site was sporadic, apparently because Internet providers were implementing the order.

The Facebook page at the center of the dispute -- "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!" -- encourages users to post images of the prophet on May 20 to protest threats made by a radical Muslim group against the creators of "South Park" for depicting Muhammad in a bear suit during an episode earlier this year.

In the southern city of Karachi, about 2,000 female students rallied demanding that Facebook be banned for tolerating the page. Several dozen male students held a rally nearby, with some holding signs urging Islamic holy war against those who blaspheme the prophet.

"We are not trying to slander the average Muslim," said the information section of the Facebook page, which was still accessible yesterday morning. "We simply want to show the extremists that threaten to harm people because of their Mohammad depictions that we're not afraid of them. That they can't take away our right to freedom of speech by trying to scare us into silence."

A series of cartoons of the prophet published in a Danish newspaper in 2005 sparked violent protests by Muslims around the world, including Pakistan, and death threats against the cartoonists.

Facebook said yesterday that it was investigating.

"While the content does not violate our terms, we do understand it may not be legal in some countries," the company said in a statement. "In cases like this, the approach is sometimes to restrict certain content from being shown in specific countries."

It remains to be seen how successful the move will be at keeping people in Pakistan from accessing the site.

NEW YORK, USA Prime Minister Bruce Golding's apology over his handling of the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition and Manatt, Phelps and Philips affairs has done little to ease the concerns among nationals here in their country's Government.

Representatives from 15 Jamaican organisations in the Tri-State area -- New Jersey, Connecticut and New York -- who met here Tuesday, concluded that "the prime minister's apology" on Monday night "had raised more questions than it answered".

Incensed that Golding had failed to address what the group sees as the fundamental problems caused by his handling of the matters, representatives at the meeting said it will be difficult to work with their nation's Government on Diaspora and other matters.

Patrick Beckford, who heads the Diaspora Board for the Eastern United States, told the Observer that his and other groups at the meeting were disappointed that the prime minister had left unanswered the question of who paid the US Law Firm, Manatt, Phelps and Philips, the real roles played by Solicitor General Douglas Leys and Junior Foreign Minister Dr Ronald Robinson in the matter.

He said that given the prime minister's earlier stance that the evidence used to indict Coke was illegally obtained and violated Jamaica's Laws, he should have indicated if the United States Government had provided new evidence on the matter.

Several of those attending Tuesday's meeting said the prime minister had not addressed the question of the motion brought by the attorney general seeking a declaration by the courts on her rights in handling extradition requests, and what impact the pending court ruling might have on his decision to proceed with the extradition request.

But not everyone here was being critical of the Jamaican prime minister and Government.

Beckford's Diaspora Board was also criticised "for not speaking on matters affecting nationals here more forcefully."

And prominent Jamaican Attorney Donald P Vernon told the Observer that while Golding's handling of the matters before his Monday apology showed poor judgment, his latest action shows that he was prepared to put the country above one individual.

But in an interview before Tuesday's meeting, and since reiterated, Horace Thomas -- who runs the Jamaica National Movement here -- said "the prime minister ought to resign for misleading the Jamaican people and for creating an atmosphere of mistrust, arrogance and for not being transparent."

OPPOSITION Leader Portia Simpson Miller last night urged Prime Minister Bruce Golding to use his influence to defuse the volatile situation in Tivoli Gardens and surrounding areas of his West Kingston constituency.

"All well thinking Jamaicans are concerned that the lives of innocent women, children and men of West Kingston are threatened by the misguided actions of a lawless minority in the community. The prime minister must take every possible action to ensure that this does not occur," the Opposition leader said last night.

Men push their carts loaded with wooden pallets along Industrial Terrace in Kingston, yesterday. The pallets were among the items used to set up barricades around Tivoli Gardens in West Kingston. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)

She also called on Golding to take the necessary steps to ensure that students who have to sit the CAPE and CSEC examinations today are given safe passage to and from the examination centres.

The education ministry said yesterday that students from schools in West Kingston would sit their exams at other centres, but it was unclear what measures were being put in place to transport these students from the troubled Tivoli Gardens community.

Simpson Miller, in the meantime, expressed concern about the possible disruption to commerce in the business district.

"This situation carries the potential to cause further major damage to Jamaica's already embattled economy," Simpson Miller said.

She added: "None of the citizens of our beloved country should be made to feel like hostages because of the activities of criminal elements. The member of parliament must do all he can to ensure that peace-loving men, women and children in West Kingston are protected from any possible violent outbreak in that area."

Police from the Papine Station and the bomb squad were summoned to the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) East Rural St. Andrew constituency office of Joseph Hibbert to investigate reports of an attempted bomb attack.

Reports are that the device was thrown into the  building located on Gordon Town Road in St Andrew, at about two o'clock Tuesday morning, but did not explode. The sole occupant at the time of the incident was the caretaker. RJR News was informed by staff at the office that the suspected incendiary was pear or oval-shaped and had a lit wick at the time it was thrown inside the building. However, the wick went out before igniting what appears to be an explosive. The staff at the office spent several hours outside as the police and bomb squad investigated.

WITH the community now barricaded police are appealing to law-abiding residents of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town to call them if they need assistance.

The barricades have been reinforced by barbed wire attached to high voltage Jamaica Public Service electricity distribution lines. Liquid Petroleum Gas cylinders have also been inserted into the barricades.

Police said that besides building barricades, criminals are preventing residents from leaving and confiscating their mobile phones. They also confirmed that a police armoured personnel carrier was shot-up this morning while travelling in Denham Town.

"The Police are also appealing to these residents to report any acts of criminality and are assuring these citizens that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security forces as we intend to conduct our operations in a professional manner in accordance with the law and in the interest of all concerned," said a statement from the Jamaica Constabulary Force today.

Residents can call police control at 119 or senior duty officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778 to report any concerns or any information coming to their notice.

Mi seh Ugly Girlz...cause dem tek %$^ as it come

Bomb threat on Mountain View Station

MEMBERS of the security forces were forced to retreat this morning after gunmen opened at them as they tried to clear a roadblock at Oxford Street in Downtown Kingston.

"Law men went to the area to clear a road block in the community when they came under heavy gunfire," a police officer at the Hannah Town police station told the Observer.

Meanwhile police at the Mountain View Police Post reported that they had received threats that thugs aligned to Tivoli Gardens' don Christopher 'Dudus' Coke were planing to fire bomb the post.

"We have been receiving a number of  threats since this morning from men who say they are planning to carry out an attack and firebomb our station but we are on the lookout," said one cop.

The police could not confirm reports that men armed with high-powered assault rifles were roaming sections of Mountain View Avenue.

The roving Observer news team drove the entire length of Mountain View Avenue and noticed only a tense calm.

THE Jamaica Defence Force yesterday called out the National Reserves, as the security forces stepped up their presence on the streets as the court prepares to start extradition proceedings against Tivoli strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

The army, in a release yesterday afternoon, said members of the Reserves were required to report by 6:00 pm today to their respective duty stations, prepared for duty.

An army spokesman later told the Observer that the matter concerning the extradition of Coke was still within the purview of the police, adding that the JDF was providing its normal support to the constabulary.

"However, we are prepared to provide additional support if required, hence the call out of the Reserves," the spokesman said.

CONTRACTOR General Greg Christie yesterday expressed concern over the "slow pace at which meaningful and substantive reforms to the country's anti-corruption institutional framework" are taking place.

Christie made the statement against the background of Prime Minister Bruce Golding's address to the nation on Monday night, in which he apologised for sanctioning a decision by persons in his Jamaica Labour Party to engage the services of US law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips to lobby the US government on the Christopher "Dudus" Coke extradition matter.

But the contractor general, who has been a stickler for propriety as it relates to Government's contractual engagement, yesterday said he had "once again taken hope" in Golding's undertaking Monday night to "stamp out corruption (in Jamaica) and to hold public officials to account".

According to Christie, though Golding in his inaugural address as the prime minister of Jamaica on September 11, 2007, had spoken specifically to "the priorities" of his Government and had named among them "transparency and accountability in government and the elimination of corruption", very little has happened in meaningful terms between then and now.

"It is, therefore, against this background, that I would respectfully make and or reiterate the following minimum recommendations, for urgent implementation by the Executive and Legislative arms of the State. I have chosen to do so publicly so that they are placed on the public record," Christie said.

Among the measures the contractor general advocated was the establishment of a single and adequately resourced national anti-corruption agency, encompassing the Integrity Commission, the Corruption Prevention Commission and the Commission of the Contractor General.

Christie said this agency should be vested with the independent legal authority to criminally investigate and prosecute all corruption and Government contract and licence related offences.

Furthermore he said the Government should either establish a special corruption court to adjudicate all of the foregoing offences, assign special magistrates or judges to adjudicate same; or give precedence in the courts to the adjudication of all such offences, save and except for capital and other serious offences.

Christie said pending the implementation of these two measures, the criminal sanctions for breaches of the Contractor General Act, the Corruption Prevention Act and the Government Procurement Rules should be immediately increased.

Pending those implementations, the contractor general called for more independence to the Office of the Contractor General by removing all decisions regarding its budgetary and resource allocations from the Ministry of Finance and giving this to a special bi-partisan commission of Parliament chaired by the parliamentary opposition.

He also reiterated a call made late last year for the amendment of the Government Procurement Rules to prohibit the award of Government contracts, above an established minimum value, to or through any private entity which fails or refuses to disclose full, sworn and certified particulars of its beneficial shareholders or owners when tendering.

"Make no mistake about it, corruption in Jamaica runs through the veins of both our public and private sectors. It has as some of its chief architects those among us who are regarded as being upstanding members of our society. If it is not decisively arrested, it will render fatal and fanciful any prospects which the Administration may otherwise have for taking Jamaica out of its third-world socio-economic quagmire," the contractor general emphasised.

He said the OCG was willing to "play its part in killing this monster" but could only do so much and no more until the "administration unambiguously and forthrightly demonstrates the political will to bring about the much needed institutional changes which will be needed to ensure that the country's corrupt and parasitic criminals are brought to book and placed behind bars".
A NOW UNNO WAAH COME CHAT AWF UNNO DUTTY MOUT BOUT CORRUPTION CHU UNNO OFFICE NEARLY GET FRIG UP AND KILL AWF A BAGGA PPL ?UNNO **** YA NOW WAIT TILL DI MAN DEM BOOM UP DAT $@#$% ALL DI POLICE STATION AGO GET CLAP DUNG TO .ALL THIS TIME UNNO PACKIT PHAT UNNO NEVA GIVE A %&%* BOUT CORRUPTION BUT CHU JAMAICA A SINK NOW BEFORE INTERNATIONAL EYES AND UNNO MONEY A SLIP THRU UNNO HANDS UNNO COME AH CHAT %&%*.SHUT THE F-U-C-K UP CHRISTIE"!

IN a day of high tension in West Kingston, thugs held residents of Tivoli Gardens, the power base of strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, as potential human shields and mounted deadly barricades to keep security forces at bay. Their rear guard action came as Government officers signed the arrest warrant for Coke, and 48 hours after Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced he would let the courts decide on the United States extradition request for the man alleged to be among the most lethal drug and arms traffickers. Near nightfall, the Jamaican authorities responded by summoning the Army Reserves, a clear sign that it was taking seriously the manoeuvres in Tivoli Gardens, ironically in the prime minister's Jamaica Labour Party constituency. Questions about whether Coke was in the famous enclave went unanswered, but some of his supporters were clearly not taking any chances. Police said the thugs confiscated cellphones from law-abiding residents and prevented them from leaving the community. Cooking gas cylinders were placed in the barricades around the community, while barbed wires were thrown on high voltage Jamaica Public Service electrical wires and attached to metal objects in the rubble, as they vowed not to allow the security forces to enter the community. The education ministry took pre-emptive action by shifting the vital CSEC and CAPE examination centres from schools in West Kingston, but it was uncertain how students from homes in Tivoli would leave the community to sit exams. Some defiant residents of Tivoli, meanwhile, called on the authorities to leave Coke alone. "Leave Dudus alone, a him send our children to school, him no break no law, a lie dem a tell pon him," screamed one woman. "Dudus is next to God, leave him alone," shouted another. A highly-placed Observer source said last night that Coke's four children were sent out of Tivoli, raising concerns among other residents who were penned in as to their own fate. The thugs, some said to be heavily armed, began mounting roadblocks around Tivoli and sections of neighbouring Denham Town since Monday night. Yesterday, the police reported that one of its armoured personnel carriers was shot up while travelling in the Denham Town area. A police source said the lawmen attempted to clear a roadblock in the vicinity of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) when they came under gunfire. Police also confirmed that there was heavy gunfire in the early afternoon in the Hannah Town area, just behind the KPH. Groups of masked men armed with high-powered weapons were reportedly seen walking along the roadway early yesterday. Meanwhile, police sought to reassure law-abiding residents that they need not fear the presence of the security forces in Tivoli, which has a history of tragic run-ins with the law, including one incident in which 27 persons, among them four policemen, were killed. "The police are also appealing to these residents to report any acts of criminality and are assuring these citizens that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security forces as we intend to conduct our operations in a professional manner, in accordance with the law, and in the interest of all concerned," said an afternoon statement from the Police High Command. The police, as expected, declined to say how they intended to serve the arrest warrant on Coke. "We have and will be executing the warrant. We won't tell you or anybody else what are the options we are foreseeing, but certainly they will be strategic and deliberate," said Deputy Commissioner Glenmore Hinds, the officer in charge of operations. Asked if Coke was in the Tivoli Gardens community, Hinds responded: "Certainly you do not want me to tell you what I know and what I don't know. Now is not the time when we can be free and open to the media." And while Jamaicans went about their business in downtown Kingston yesterday, storeowners and vendors were taking all the necessary caution. "...A don't even know what to say, we just have to keep watching," said a storeowner who operates on Orange Street. Vendors were seen whispering among themselves, but declined to comment. In East Kingston, thugs threatened to firebomb the police post in Mountain View. However, it was not clear if it was linked to the Dudus extradition issue. The request for the extradition of Coke was submitted last August, but the Jamaican Government delayed acting on it, arguing that the evidence presented by the Americans was gathered in breach of Jamaican law.

A gay couple has been jailed and convicted over what the judge deemed inappropriate and unnatural behavior.
According to reports, Malawian citizens Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, who are openly gay men, were arrested after celebrating their engagement with a party at a hotel where Chimbalanga worked.

In court, the judge deemed the act of homosexuality to be inappropriate and convicted the couple for unnatural acts and gross indecency under laws dating from the colonial era. Blantyre Chief Resident Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa said the sentencing will take place on Thursday and they could be imprisoned for up to 14 years.

Edi Phiri, a gay man who fled Malawi for Britain five years ago after being beaten because of his sexuality, said he was shocked by Tuesday's verdict.

"It's very, very pathetic," he said. "I don't know how I can describe how disappointed I am."

For the gay men and lesbians that remain, many feel that the verdict will cause them to go into hiding thus making the tracking of AIDS and HIV harder, because gay people forced underground in Africa are unlikely to seek counseling and treatment for AIDS, activists say. In Malawi, nearly 1 million people an estimated 12 percent of the population are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Although facing very harsh criticism from neighboring European countries, the Malawian government, backed by church leaders, says it is clear the two men broke the law.

Religious officials say homosexuality is "sinful" and the West should not be allowed to use its financial power to force Malawi to accept homosexuality. Malawi relies on donors for 40 percent of its development budget.

At the verdict reading, the attorney for the two gentlemen, Priti Patel of the Southern African Litigation Centre, said the couple could appeal on the grounds that the laws under which they were prosecuted violate the country's 1994 constitution; although an earlier attempt by their lawyer to have the case thrown out on those grounds was rejected.

Homosexuality is illegal in at least 37 countries in Africa including Malawi. In Uganda, lawmakers are considering a bill that could sentence homosexuals to life in prison and includes capital punishment for "repeat offenders." Even in South Africa, the only African country that recognizes gay rights, gangs have raped lesbians.




-- Edited by Shem on Wednesday 19th of May 2010 09:42:34 AM

-- Edited by Shem on Wednesday 19th of May 2010 09:45:07 AM

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) The Brazilian Socialist Party says that national football great Romario will be one of its candidates for a seat in Congress in the October general elections.

Marco San, the co-ordinator of Romario's campaign, says the former striker's candidacy to the lower house of Congress will be ratified at the party's convention in June.

 

He says that, if elected, Romario will focus on social issues like health and education and on ways to use sport as a means to social inclusion.

San said yesterday that Romario was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

Romario -- who led Brazil to the 1994 World Cup title and was voted the world's best player that year -- joined the party last year.

 

 

THE Ministry of Education has condemned the vicious attacks and robberies of two principals in St Mary today and appealed for community members to help police brig the perpetrators to justice.

The principal of Tacky High School was shot and robbed today while on his way to the school. He is in hospital in stable condition. The School closed early today, after reports of the attack reached the institution. The school will reopen tomorrow.

In the other incident, a man and a woman, posing as parents who wanted to register a child, tied up and robbed the principal of Martin Primary School. Money and a cellphone were taken from the principal, who unharmed during the incident.

The police are investigating both incidents.

Education minister Andrew Holness, in condemning the incident, said it shows the lack of regard some members of society have for the education system. Holness said schools should be sacred spaces and educators should be protected not preyed on.

THE ongoing tension in West Kingston has forced the Ministry of Education to transfer the sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) from schools located in the troubled constituency.

Thugs have barricaded the garrison community of Tivoli Gardens in the aftermath of an announcement that the police were armed with a warrant for the arrest of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who is the reputed don for the area.

The ministry has advised parents and guardians of students who attend the Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive, Kingston, Denham Town, Charlie Smith and Trench Town high schools that examination sittings will be held at other locations tomorrow and for the rest of the examination season.

Examinations scheduled to be held at Tivoli High have been moved to St Hughs High School. Examinations to be held at Kingston and Denham Town High schools will be held at Wolmers Boys and Girls High schools.

The examinations scheduled to be held at Charlie Smith and Trench Town High schools are now to be held at the Overseas Examination Commission on Manhattan Road, off Marescaux Road.

RESIDENTS of sections of Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens this morning blocked off all roads leading into their communities.

The move comes following reports from Government last night that the papers had been signed to facilitate the process for the extradition of Tivoli Gardens don Christopher 'Dudus Coke.

We are on the look-out, one resident warned while standing close to one of the blocked roads leading to Denham Town where old cars and other debris have been used as blockades.

Police continue to maintain a presence downtown.

Dear Editor,

Here is the truth of the matter: the PM is not defending any criminal; the USA has been stubborn in extradition negotiations.

The US government submitted an extradItion request. That request was built on illegally acquired evidence and that government refuses to admit this.

The Jamaican government first agreed to process the extradition request as long as the US resubmitted a valid request. But the US refuses to admit they are wrong, and refuses to resubmit anything. Saying that the PM is defending criminals is wrong. No one must berate him.

The US government raided Iraq on false intelligence and refused to listen to the United Nations. If you negotiate with US officials you will see that they are very arrogant and will never admit when they are wrong.

PM Golding has been defending the rule of law.

Michael Jones

The creation of one song takes hours, days, even weeks of hard work but only minutes to spread across the Internet and into the homes of thousands. Long gone are the days when persons had to wait on vinyls and CDs to obtain songs from their favourite artistes. With technological advances and the increase of digital distribution, music is spread globally in minutes. Digital distribution, which entails selling and distributing songs and even albums online, is nothing new. However, the Jamaican music industry has taken its time in embracing the advantages of distributing music online, until of late. In the last several years, there have been a few business-minded producers who have inked distribution deals digitally, such as Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett who signed with BFM Digital which handles digital distribution for his label - Don Corleon Records. All the content from Don Corleon Records is now available online through all major music services such as iTunes and Amazon. Corleon is one in a handful of producers now practising this. For the majority of producers, making a song and passing it on for free, to as many people as possible, has been the tradition in the dancehall. In March, in stepped the DASECA-produced 'Genesis' rhythm which saw exclusive premieres on radio in New York, the United Kingdom and Jamaica, and a promoted release date on iTunes. Since then, more and more producers have jumped unto the digital distribution wagon seeking better economic returns. In a media release, producer David Harrisingh of DASECA lamented on the struggles of producers to make money in an industry where music is basically free to the public. "What has become the norm for Jamaican producers is to literally give away the music as soon as it is finished," said Harrisingh. "Email blasts, social networking sites, blogs, etc, ensure the music ends up in the hands of any and everyone who wants it, and they don't have to pay for it." He added, "So while it creates a hype and gives artistes hit songs and generates shows and dub plate income for them, the producer has to pretty much wait on the few remaining labels who deal with reggae to license a song here or there for a compilation. Whereas in the past labels would take the whole rhythm from a producer, that has stopped because of poor sales and because our music has never been marketed properly, causing it to end up in a mire. Producers are needed in the business just as much as artistes so we have to find a way to survive." The solution seems to be digital releases. Instead of blasting free music, producers have logged on to digital platforms to upload their songs and have consumers buy it. On iTunes alone, rhythms such as DNA, Genesis, Fyah Wyah, First Born, Beach Front, Mad Collab, Gogo Club, Money Tree as well as singles such as 9 Life from Mavado, Tomorrow from G-Whizz, Fresh from Flexxx and countless others are up for sale. Very prolific Producer Stephen McGregor recently released his digital compilation album series called Labwork, which can be purchased in volumes. He told THE STAR tabloid recently, "I think I'm very prolific with making singles and rhythms, so I figured compiling them into my own series would be a great idea. Instead of waiting on a company to license individual songs from me, and they're all quality songs, it'll be nice for people to have them on a one compilation, sorta like a collectors' item." This comes at a time when CD sales globally are declining. According to an article on www.bukisa.com, album sales have been decreasing at a very noticeable rate since the year 2000. The article further added, "While global album sales are down as a whole, digital album sales are up in every major market." Digital distribution has the ability to sell music to a large, diverse market, with little to no overhead costs. Local music insiders believe having Jamaican music available for sale online is a positive step for the future. According to Carlette DeLeon of Headline Entertainment, the process of digital distribution is no different from the original format of selling music which involved the making of the song, giving it to the distributor (usually a record store or label) which then passes it on to the consumer. "The method is the same as the original, except now you make a song, give it to what we call an aggregator like iTunes, CDbaby, Reggae Inc and others, and then it goes to the consumer," she said. "The cost is actually lessened this way which gives the artiste the potential to make more money and definitely to have more control over their product." Global export DeLeon believed the move made by the producers to distribute their music digitally is a good one which allows the music to be exported globally in a short period of time. "This is the way of the present; it is where we are now. The reggae culture needed it. We were always large consumers of music but not necessarily large buyers but things and times have changed. There are more persons with a credit card who are willing to buy the music," she said. Johnny Wonder, executive vice-president of the United States/Jamaican company, 21st/Hapilos Entertainment, said he likes the new climate of releasing music to a selected few radio jocks and then making the music available to consumers online. Wonder is known for his extensive music blast where in years gone by producers would send him the music and he would blast them to 2,000 persons such as disc jocks, radio jocks and persons in the entertainment business globally. Wonder said since producers are aiming to digitally distribute their music, his blasts have been cut down to approximately 600 persons making it much more elite. He told The Sunday Gleaner, "My list was cut down drastically. If your not a disc jock, your not getting the songs. I think the best way to go is to give it to certain radio jocks to blast on air, promoting it for two to three weeks and get people to know the songs and then put it on iTunes where they can buy it if they like it. I like this new method. I feel it brings music back to a certain level." For Julian Jones-Griffith, manager of DASECA, there is still a long way for the Jamaican music industry to go with digital releases. "Producers not really making any money. Long gone are the days when Greensleeves and VP had rhythm compilations, so we need to generate revenue for producers and keep them in the business. So far it started out well, more music is being bought (digitally) than ever before," he said. Jones-Griffith explained that songs that cross over to the overseas markets will see more sales. Citing Serani's No Games as an example, he said it has sold 160,000 copies digitally. There are those who have even decided to bypass the middle man entirely such as Tanya Stephens, who released her seventh studio album, Infallible, online for free. Explaining the move as giving back to her fans, Stephens said she wants to be in the cars and homes of her fans and have her music out there. iTunes is now first option for latest releases

I think its a waste a time

A number of roads in and around Tivoli Gardens remain blocked for a second day and the Police High Command is not saying when they will be cleared.

This despite assurances from the national security minister Dwight Nelson that the security forces are adequately equipped to deal with any form of intimidatory tactics being employed by criminals who are seeking to destabilize the country.

Tensions have mounted in the Tivoli Gardens community since Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne signed off on the United States request for his extradition.

Reports into our News Centre are that blockades have been mounted along sections of Charles Street, Oxford Street, Pechon Street and Bread Lane.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Glenmore Hinds, who is in charge of operations, told the Power/106 News Centre this morning that he cannot comment on when the roadblocks will be cleared.

However, one senior police officer cautioned that any attempt to clear the blockades would pose serious security threats to both residents and members of the security forces.

As a result, the senior police officer says the High Command is trying to formulate a strategy to deal with the issue.

HUMAN rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) say they will be carrying on their work undeterred despite receiving death threats.

The threats were made against Dr Carolyn Gomes, executive director of the JFJ, and senior members Susan Goffe and David Wong Ken. Police are investigating the matter and are providing protection for the three.

GOMES... Ms Forbes has been denied her day in court by the Jamaican court system

"It's not the first time for us (receiving death threats). we will be taking precautions and we will be working with police as we do on all matters and they are investigating. It's not going to stop us, it's not going to silence us. It's not turned us off in the past and it's not going to turn us off now," Gomes told the Observer.

The threats followed the call by the organisation for the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding after he admitted sanctioning the deal with United States law firm Manatt Phelps & Phillips to lobby the US Government in the controversial Christopher 'Dudus' Coke extradition matter.

In response to the threats security minister Dwight Nelson has urged Jamaicans to remain calm and alert and to report all illegal activities to prevent chaos in our communities.

"Government is determined to ensure that Jamaica does not descend into panic mode that will affect productivity and the normal course of the country," said a release from the security ministry earlier today.

Police currently have an arrest warrant for Coke, reputed don of Tivoli Gardens in West Kingston. While his location has not been confirmed, barricades have been erected up at entrances into Tivoli.

-- Edited by HABLA RUPTION on Wednesday 19th of May 2010 02:29:18 PM

MEMBERS of the security forces were forced to retreat this morning after gunmen opened at them as they tried to clear a roadblock at Oxford Street in Downtown Kingston.

"Law men went to the area to clear a road block in the community when they came under heavy gunfire," a police officer at the Hannah Town police station told the Observer.

Meanwhile police at the Mountain View Police Post reported that they had received threats that thugs aligned to Tivoli Gardens' don Christopher 'Dudus' Coke were planing to fire bomb the post.

"We have been receiving a number of  threats since this morning from men who say they are planning to carry out an attack and firebomb our station but we are on the lookout," said one cop.

The police could not confirm reports that men armed with high-powered assault rifles were roaming sections of Mountain View Avenue.

The roving Observer news team drove the entire length of Mountain View Avenue and noticed only a tense calm.

didnt see a similar thread on here.
so what do u think? and plz state the reasons for ur answer.

New Zealand teenager tried to sell some sexy photographs of his mother on an Internet auction site after the pair had an argument, a newspaper there reported. A New Zealand teenager tried to sell some sexy photographs of his mother on an Internet More Enlarge photo More photos: Oddly Enough .The 18-year-old student opened an auction for "five naked photos of my Mum" on the Trade Me site after being told to clear the family garage and sell any unwanted items on the site, the Herald on Sunday said. Trade Me pulled the auction the next day, but the student, identified only as Michael, was soon back trying to sell a series of eight-year-old "glamour" shots of his mother, including one of her in underwear. His mother Jennifer, 44, who did not want the family name published, told the paper she was "pretty annoyed" when she found out about the first set of photographs. "He was quite naughty... I thought 'you cheeky little git'," she said. But she was also annoyed that Trade Me withdrew the second set of pictures, of which she approved. "I insisted Michael show me first, the little bugger. They are quite artistic. There is nothing dodgy about them." "I wanted 50 per cent of the sale, but more than that I miss the nice comments." Trade Me spokesman Jon Macdonald said both auctions were withdrawn because of "inappropriate" photos. "We don't really want to be the place where people list photos of their mums in their underwear," he said.

Reggae Queen - File

The recent finals of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall was regrettably not without controversy as Reggae Queen, who was sanctioned due to her violation of the Broadcast Commission's rules and regulations, has sought to counter the reasons for her sanction.

Accusations against the competition by her were printed in several publications and as such Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall wishes to clear the air.

The infraction had an adverse effect on TVJ, the station with exclusive rights to air Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.

General manager of Television Jamaica, Kay Osborne, says that after the infraction the station was inundated with complaints from the viewing public and was also directed by the Broadcasting Commission to make amends.

deplorable conduct

"After the clash episode was aired, we received numerous complaints from our viewers who were appalled by Reggae Queen's lyrics and conduct. We arenow in the process of reviewing our internal procedures and speaking to theproducers on how to manage the process in future to avoid our viewers from having to experience such deplorable conduct. We wish to again apologise to our viewers for this breakdown which should not have occurred," said Osborne.

Reggae Queen has also accused the producers of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall of sabotage.

Assistant producer of the show, Sanjay Ramanand, maintains that Reggae Queen was warned about her content on several occasions: "We vet all contestants' lyrics before they perform. Reggae Queen was warned on several occasions before her clash performance about the suggestive content in her lyrics."

adhere to rules

Ramanand says she was given specific instructions on how to frame her lyrics: "Reggae Queen's lyrics for her clash against Bumpa were vetted by the Producers of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, however, despite being told to change many of her lyrics, Reggae Queen ad-libbed during the clash and reverted to her original lyrics. She got into trouble because she did not follow instructions and did not adhere to the rules that were laid out to her. Contrary to the rumours out there, Reggae Queen did not curse on stage, however, her lewd lyrics breached the Broadcast Commission's rules."

Executive producer of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, Mark Kenny, is very disappointed with the way the issue has evolved but maintains that the competition will continue to unearth authentic Jamaican talent and try to present palatable entertainment for the viewing public.

Kenny dismissed the accusation by Reggae Queen that she had won the competition but was robbed: "The producers of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall stand by the votes 100 per cent as we have nothing to hide. Bumpa is the clear winner as for the last two weeks before the final night Bumpa had the highest votes and in the days following the clash, Bumpa's votes doubled that of Reggae Queen's.

streets were buzzing

"Voting is unpredictable because people always assume that the crowd favourite at Weekenz will have the highest votes. No one expected that the popular Tanto Blacks would have left the competition so early, neither did they expect Chozenn to leave before Press Fyah. The streets were buzzing about a clash between Chozenn and Juggla yet people voted and decided it would be Juggla vs Press Fyah."

He continued: "It is very unfortunate that Reggae Queen's conduct onstage outshined her talent as she is indeed a talented performer. Behaviour like this not only reflects badly on the contestant but also on the competition."

Assistant producer, Natalie Parboosingh, also added: "Whether you are crowned the Magnum King or Queen of Dancehall or not, all contestants are winners as the show provides positive exposure and great oppor-tunity for all the contestants and it is unfortunate that Reggae Queen has chosen to continue her journey on this negative path. We do wish all the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall contestants the best on their continued journey to success."

With this clarification, the producers and creators of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall hope to put this sad chapter in the otherwise illustrious history of the competition behind them. They commit that Magnum Kings and Queens of dancehall will continue to ensure that the highest standards of music is put forward as dancehall does not have to be dirty to be good.

Chedda - File

Dancehall artiste Chedda, now gaining momentum on the Canadian Reggae Chart with his breakout single 'Fresh To Death' featuring Chino, Laden, Konshens and Nicky B, continues to make major strides in his career.

Last week, the artiste, whose correct name is Tyrello Johnson, left a lasting impression on Canadian Rap star JDiggz during a recording session that immediately landed him another major collaboration.

The Darkcide Media and UIM Records recording artiste, after being introduced by Pop/Reggae singer Farenheit to JDiggz, was asked to lend his vocals to their upcoming single, an infectious club banger with a latin feel titled Dance. The song was recorded at 007 UPT recording studio managed by media personality Supa Hype, who also made a cameo on the track.

great experience

An elated Chedda said, "it was a great experience working with Farenheit and JDiggz. They're both good entertainers in their own right, and I am very happy they chose me as a new talent for such an important project. It shows that others recognise that you have something positive to contribute to the game."

JDiggz, known for hits such as Make It Hot and Leave Me Alone, has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including R&B sensation Mario and rappers, LL Cool J and The Game.

The single is due for release soon and will be available via all major digital platforms.

Chedda is currently in studio working assiduously on a number of new projects ahead of the busy summer season. On May 29, he along with other members of the entertainment fraternity will suit up for the Lawless Events celebrity football match at the University of the West Indies, Mona sports complex.

And, June 5 he will play host at the tri-annual party series 'Inches' slated for Sugarman's Beach, St Catherine.

Left: The females did not hesitate to 'back it up' on their male counterparts. Right: She was ready for action as the directors of Good Company and Appleton presented 'Sex and the City' May Daze Party, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road on Friday night. - Winston Sill

Lights! Camera! Action! May Daze, Sex And The City.

Out in their numbers, patrons, mostly females, flocked the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

This week's theme, network television's hit 'Sex And The City'. The Carries, Charlottes, Mirandas and Samanthas were out to flirt.

A few females were out early as they aimed to make full use of the free before 11 policy that the promoters offered.

Inside the venue, songs like Beg You A Touch and My Heart Is Hers caused pandemonium among the patrons, screaming females grabbing the closest males and pinning them against the bars, rails or whatever sturdy surface they could find.

With ZJ Ice and DJ Shine controlling the attention of the large gathering, it was time to Party Hard.

At one point, members of the The Conceited girls, leaving little to the imagination, walked through the venue, teasing the random unsuspecting males.

The Appleton girls, found themselves on the bars, whining up a storm, not wanting to be left out, and were equally entertaining.

It was time to party hip hop style and songs like I Feel Free, So Hard and Empire State of Mind set the tone.

The night was warm and the heat emanating from the speakers ensuring that the event was kept under inferno-like circumstances.

Females frantically fanned themselves with flyers or wiped their faces as sweat oozed from their pores.

A blazing dancehall segment ensued with Agent Sasco's Hand Inna Di Air and a slew of Aidonia, Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel songs including Kartel's Clarks Franchise.

"I have been coming to May Daze from it started and the vibes keep me coming back," said an obviously pleased patron, Yanique Lambert.

A teacher accused of stealing three pairs of brand name pants from the upscale Lord and Lady store in Manor Park, St Andrew, denied the allegations in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Marlene Miller-Brown, 40, is charged with simple larceny.

Allegations are that on April 23, she went into the store and attempted to try on five pairs of pants. It is alleged that she was seen exiting the changing room with only two pairs and subsequently left the store.

It is further alleged that she was followed and accosted by security officials who searched her handbag and found three pairs of pants, valued at US$165.

Miller-Brown told the court she had a receipt for goods purchased the day before and went back to return the items. She said she had money and had planned on buying the pants. She will be tried on July 29.

Despite the police's appeal for the public to stay calm, some businesses in downtown Kingston remained closed yesterday while others closed early for fear of disturbances stemming from the signing of the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

The usually busy commercial district was less active than normal and was dominated by students hurrying home.

Inspector Percival Buddan of the City Centre police told THE STAR that although the commercial district was not a reflection of its usual busy atmosphere, it was a normal day for some persons.

"Things are relatively cool, business as usual, persons conducting their usual transactions ... some business places are still not open though, out of fear that something might happen," said the senior officer.

On King Street, most businesses were opened, unlike on Barry Street where most wholesales were closed. Most wholesales on other roads such as Darling and Orange Streets were also closed.

Ann-Marie Lewis, a manager at Bashco Trading Company on Orange Street, said business was slower than normal. "It was surely not exciting. It started out a bit tense. As the day went by we saw a few people, but it is going back to normal. People were showing a little caution and they were watching, but now they are going about their normal business," she said.

The usually crowded market area was also sparse as vendors tried to persuade people to buy. A number of vendors also did not turn out.

"Nothing is going on at town, town dead, people a stay wey from town. Half of the people nah turn out," said one vendor.

This was somewhat evident when THE STAR went to Tivoli and Denham Town. Most roads were either empty or blocked. Various roads leading into Tivoli and Denham Town were blocked by debris, including Charles Street, Oxford Street and Bread Lane.

A Denham Town resident said the community is tense and most parents had not sent their children to school due to the uncertainty of what was happening.

Colin Blair from the Ministry of Education said while all schools were open, there was a lower than normal turnout especially at St Anne's Primary School in west Kingston.

"My checks with the regional director revealed that only a few students were there today. Schools were open generally, we are operating and we hope things remain calm," he said.

Vice-Principal Augustus McLean of Denham Town Primary School said 461 out of a possible 726 students turned up for school.

is a reward given....who can i tell?

National Security Minister Senator Dwight Nelson is seeking to assure the country that the security forces have adequate resources to deal with intimidatory tactics by criminals who are trying to destabilise the country.

In a statement, the National Security Minister said the police and military are alert and equipped to take on any challenge at this time. He made reference to Tuesday's alleged fire-bombing of a car belonging to youth activist Lawman Lynch and an attempted attack on the constituency office of Member of Parliament Joseph Hibbert. Senator Nelson warned that the security forces will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that law and order are maintained. He urged law-abiding citizens to contact the police if they see suspicious actions in their communities. At the same time, Senator Nelson called on the country to remain calm.

Crucial discussions are scheduled to take place Wednesday regarding the arrest of Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher "Dudus" Coke.

RJR News has been informed that consultations will be held involving the police and Mr. Coke's lawyers. A highly placed source says both sides will discuss how to proceed with the highly sensitive matter following developments on Tuesday. Less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Bruce Golding's national address on Monday in which he announced that he had given the green-light for the extradition process against Mr. Coke to proceed, a warrant for his arrest was signed. Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne signed the order giving authority to proceed, and this was quickly followed by the signing of the extradition warrant Tuesday morning, clearing the way for the police to arrest Mr. Coke. For eight months, the government had blocked Mr. Coke's extradition, claiming that the wiretapping evidence submitted by United States (US) prosecutors was obtained illegally. West Kingston on lock down In the meantime, several roads in West Kingston including those leading into Tivoli Gardens, parts of Denham Town and Lizard Town remain blocked with debris. RJR News received reports Tuesday night that residents had set fires behind some of the blockades. It was unclear what prompted this action. Since early Tuesday morning, old cars and barbed wire have been used to construct makeshift barricades in some cases while, in other locations, packing crates and wooden pallets have been stacked several feet high to prevent access from outsiders. Most of the road blocks are manned. As was reported on Tuesday, men have been seen patrolling sections of the community carrying high-powered weapons. Fears have been escalating that there may be a violent clash with law enforcement if attempts are made to extract Mr. Coke to stand trial in the US.

ASSASIN"S NEW SONG "NAH NUH GYAL" Pon Look Gal Riddim Madd.... Him Mee Seh
Still......
Cham Do Nuff Calabaration Wid Alicia Keys And Di Baddest Song Pon Silver Screen Riddim- Concience

BUT ASSASIN WIN

Checks by our news team reveal that most roads leading into Tivoli Gardens, parts of Denham Town and Lizard Town, in the Prime Minister's West Kingston Constituency, have been blocked with debris.

Old cars and barbed wire have been used to construct makeshift barricades in some cases while, in other locations, packing crates and wooden pallets have been stacked several feet high to prevent access from outsiders. Most of the road blocks are manned. Sources say men have been seen patrolling sections of the community carrying high-powered weapons. Fears have been escalating that there may be a violent clash with law enforcement if attempts are made to extract the reputed Tivoli strong-man, Christopher Dudus Coke to stand trial in the U.S. Police offices have been bombarded by citizens reporting threats on businesses and vital infrastructures.  The Police High Command has again issued an advisory to the public that they are constantly assessing the security situation across the country. The police have also offered the assurance that its officers have been deployed and have been instructed to report all safety and security related concerns for action. The JCF says it also remains alert and ready to respond quickly and appropriately to public calls for assistance. The release from the Commissioner's office also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating false information capable of generating panic.

'Dudus' move an important first step

NEW YORK, USA The US State Department yesterday greeted as "an important first step" Prime Minister Bruce Golding's decision to authorise the attorney general to get the extradition process underway for accused Tivoli Gardens drug and arms trafficker Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

"The evidence against Mr Coke was gathered after a lengthy and credible series of investigations and so this is an important first step in resolving this protracted dispute," State Department spokesman Noel Clay told the Observer.

Clay was asked for his comments after Golding announced Monday night he would give the all-clear to Dorothy Lightbourne, the justice minister and attorney general, to hand the extradition request over to the local courts.

Clay insisted that the US request for Coke had "met all the requirements of Jamaican laws and the Extradition Treaty to which both Jamaica and the United States are signatories".

Since August last year when it first asked that Coke be handed over, the US had maintained that the Jamaican Government should put the matter before the local courts, but Golding had refused, on grounds that the evidence against Coke was illegally obtained and had breached Jamaican laws.

The about-turn by Golding followed mounting pressure for his resignation as prime minister after he admitted to the nation last week that he had approved the ruling Jamaica Labour Party's hiring of US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby US authorities against the extradition matter.

Prior to the prime minister's announcement Monday, reports were circulating here that the US was considering sanctions to force Jamaica's hand on the matter.

But the State Department's Clay told the Observer that he had no information to that effect, stressing that both countries enjoyed an excellent relationship, had successfully worked on extradition and other law enforcement matters and that "the US looks forward to a continuation of that co-operation".

But the US has still not yet dispatched an ambassador to Kingston, almost 17 months since the last ambassador ended her tour of duty. Jamaica, however, last Saturday sent off ambassador-designate to Washington, Audrey Marks to replace Ambassador Anthony Johnson.

Marks apparently had to swing into action immediately, as the Jamaican Government sent word of its latest decision to the White House. Highly placed Observer sources in Kingston said the two sides began talking and that the stalemate appeared to be broken.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)Too slow? Too old?

Try two wins from the NBA finals.

Indeed, the Boston Celtics look like they saved their best this season for when it mattered most.

I know, Bostons Paul Pierce(notes) said. Its starting to look that way.

Pierce scored 28 points, Rajon Rondo(notes) had 25 and the revived Celtics again avoided a late collapse to take a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 95-92 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 on Tuesday night.

Boston bullied and bruised its way to a 2-0 series lead on the road against a Magic team that had won 14 straight until this series.

After being hampered by injuries for much of the season, often showing their age, the Celtics are now just two wins away from their second finals appearance in three seasons.

I think we are becoming the team that started the season, Rivers said. The team that started the season was pretty good.

Maybe even good enough to take down the defending conference champion Magic.

Dwight Howard(notes) had 30 points, and Vince Carter(notes) and J.J. Redick(notes) scored 16 apiece for the Magic, who overcame an 11-point deficit to take a brief lead in the fourth quarter. But they couldnt hold it.

Jameer Nelsons(notes) desperation 3-point attempt airballed at the buzzer, sending fans to the exits in silence.

I wont stop believing, Howard said. And I wont let my teammates stop believing.

Game 3 is Saturday night in Boston.

Our fans wont let us relax, Pierce said. Were going to try and close it out in four games.

The Celtics buckled down just enough to hold in this one.

Ahead 11 points early in the fourth quarter, that almost wasnt enough. The Magic, just as they did in Game 1, found their rhythm late.

They went on a 13-4 run to trim Bostons lead to 85-83 with about six minutes left. Carters jumper gave Orlando a 90-89 lead with 3:35 remaining, and then the Celtics summoned their championship form again.

Kevin Garnett(notes) and Rondo made consecutive jumpers, and after Nelson made a layup, Pierce answered with two free throws that put Boston ahead by three.

Carter missed two free throws with 31.9 seconds left that cost Orlando dearly. It must have felt all too familiar to Magic fans who watched Howards damaging misses at the stripe in Game 4 of the NBA finals last year and Nick Andersons four bricks in Game 1 of the 1995 finals.

I dont take losses well, said Carter, Orlandos biggest offseason acquisition. Especially when youre on a team like this. They bring me in to make plays and deliver in crunch time. For me to step up there and miss two free throws, regardless, this doesnt sit well with me.

Only another footnote for Bostons remarkable history.

Two years removed from their 17th NBA championship, the Celtics, once thought too old to contend for another title, have found their footing again. After ousting LeBron James(notes) and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with the leagues best record, Boston is showing no signs of stopping.

Just think our mindset was to be ready for the type of intensity they would bring after losing at home, Pierce said. We know the Magic are a talented team and we wont take these two wins for granted.

Before the final heave, Redick also made a crucial mistake by dribbling to half court before calling timeout. That wasted seconds and forced the Magic to take the ball out from beyond half court.

The result was a shot that didnt reach the rim.

It would have made a big difference, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. We said in the thing to call a timeout. We didnt make the right play there at the end.

Redick took the blame.

I made a mistake, he said. I didnt hear the whistle initially. When I didnt hear it initially, I just kind of went, then I realized we should have called a timeout. So that was my fault.

Boston again started fast.

The Celtics, who took a 20-point lead in Game 1, went ahead by 11 in the first quarter. It wasnt until backup center Marcin Gortat(notes) and Howarda rare combination this seasonteamed together that Orlando showed any fight.

With the Magic feeling intense postseason pressure for the first time this year, Orlando went on a 16-2 run behind the two centers.

All the pushing and pulling would finally spill over.

Pierce was knocked in the head hard by Howard on a layup attempt in the second quarter, a punishing display of anger that the Magic center rarely shows. Pierce got up after a minute, clearly upset, his headband twisted to the side. Howard was called for a flagrant foul.

The Celtics would go ahead by five after Howard picked up his third foul moments later. Before they could deliver another big blow, Matt Barnes(notes) hit a 3-pointer as the shot-clock buzzer sounded in the final seconds for Orlando to trim Bostons lead to 53-51 at the half.

The Celtics are feeling good, but not overconfident.

The feeling of the team right now is just focus, Pierce said. Only thing we did was win two games.

NOTES: Magic coach Stan Van Gundy defended his close friend and Florida Marlins manager, Fredi Gonzalez, for benching Hanley Ramirez after the star shortstop didnt hustle for a ball. Van Gundy said Gonzalez was perfectly justified and he and the Marlins manager exchanged text messages about the situation. Even though Celtics coach Doc Rivers lives permanently near Orlando and is a former Magic coach, family ties apparently come first with his children. Theyre all more dad fans than NBA fans, Rivers said. At least thats what they tell me when they ask for allowance.

 

Annette Howard, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus driver who bravely rescued more than 100 traumatised passengers from a wrecked American Airlines jet, is being rewarded with a trip to Disney World for her efforts.

The jet overran a runway at the Norman Manley International Airport and was badly crumpled in December last year. Howard, who was first on the scene, loaded the injured passengers on the bus and ferried them to a police station at the Norman Manley International Airport.

No one died in the incident.

Howard's two sons and her mother, will depart the island tomorrow for a three-day visit to Disney World, a theme park and recreational resort in Orlando.

She was granted a wish she expressed to Prime Minister Bruce Golding during a courtesy call at Jamaica House days after the event.

1. After the resident magistrate (RM) issues the provisional warrant for the arrest of a fugitive, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) hand-delivers signed and sealed copies of the information and the provisional warrant to the Fugitive Apprehension Team of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

2. Signed and sealed copies of the information to ground the request, the provisional warrant and the report of the fact of the issue of the provisional warrant of arrest are then sent by the Office of the DPP to the minister of justice.

3. Police officers from the Fugitive Apprehension Team, on receipt of the provisional warrant, embark upon their search for the fugitive. A fugitive who is aware that a warrant has been issued for his arrest can surrender himself to the police.

4. The fugitive must be taken before the RM as soon as practicable after he is arrested. Once the fugitive is arrested, the requesting state has 60 days to submit the full documents referred to as the authenticated documents relating to the case.

5. The minister of justice is notified by the DPP's office when a fugitive is arrested and the requesting state is also notified.

6. A fugitive, on being taken before the RM Court, may waive his or her right to the formal extradition hearing and consent to be extradited to the requesting state. The fugitive can challenge his extradition and subject himself to the full committal proceedings which are conducted like a preliminary inquiry.

7. If, at the end of the hearing, the RM finds that a prima facie case is not made out against the fugitive, the RM is obliged to discharge the fugitive. If the RM finds that a prima facie case is made out against the fugitive, then he is committed to custody for the purpose of being extradited to the requesting state.

8. The RM, in committing the fugitive, informs him of his right to apply to the Full Court for a writ of habeas corpus, seeking his release from prison.

9. A fugitive who is not successful at the hearing in the Full Court can appeal the ruling but the Court of Appeal's decision is final.

10. The minister of justice has the authority to sign the surrender warrant to extradite the fugitive if he loses his legal battle or if the fugitive decides to waive his right to an extradition hearing. If the warrant is not signed within 60 days after a fugitive exhausts his legal remedy, the fugitive can apply to the Supreme Court to be discharged.

STEVE Warren, the deputy mayor of Falmouth and Jamaica Labour Party councillor for the Lorrimers Division as shot and injured last night after being ambushed by gunmen metres from his home.

Reports are that about 10:00 pm, Warren was driving his Montero sports utility vehicle when on nearing his gate, two gunmen alighted from a parked Toyota Corolla motorcar and began firing at him.

Warren reportedly returned the fire but was shot in the right shoulder during the exchange. His vehicle was badly damaged.

It is not clear if any of the gunmen were shot.

The deputy mayor was later taken to the Percy Junior Hospital in Clarendon where he was treated and released.

The 53 year-old Warren, who has been a councillor since 1998, replaced the late Errol White as deputy mayor for Falmouth in March.

Composed by Ricky Bless.
Produced by Rado
E-mail: armzhouserecords@hotmail.com
ricky_bless2000@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/armzhouserecordsent
http://www.myspace.com/rickyblessmusic
Production list

NIGHT VISION 2010 link
01-SIZZLA-SOMETHING GIRL
02-TEFLON-PRETTY DREAD
03CAPLETON-WHINE MEK U WIGGLE
05-EINSTEIN-TENDER TOUCH
06-SHANE O-MORE LOVE
07-TWINS OF TWINS-FRIEND TING
08-GENERAL B-MI BELIEVE
09-BUGLE-HAND TO MOUTH
10-D'ANGEL-TOUCH A BUTTON
KIPRICH - CYAA BOX MI
BLOND RAS - SET THE TABLE

RR RIDDIM 2009 link
01.BOUNTY KILLER - BADMAN IN THE BUILDING
02.TWINS OF TWINS  - HOUSE
03.FLIPPA MAFIA - START WAR
04.BEENIE MAN - YUH  P**Y
05.MR VEGAS - I SHALL NOT BE  MOVE
06.KIPRICH - POPEITO
07.BLONDE ra** - NUH BWOY
08.UNKNOWN - f**k YUH WANT
09.UNKNOWN - BRUK
10.UNKNOWN - MORE MONEY
11.LEFTSIDE AKA MR EVIL - GET HIGH
12.UNKNOWN - ROLE OUT
13.MACKA DIAMOND - BALANCE WHEEL
14.UNKNOWN  - LIQUOR
15.PAMPUTAE - DASH IT OUT
16.AFFI GET RICH
17.BEENIE MAN  - MI NUH TEK PROGRAM
18.DEVA BRATT - DEM A NUH GANGSTA (GOLD DISS)
19.RR - VERSION
GOLD - DEM A P**Y (DEVA BRATT DISS)


DOUBLE ACTION RIDDIM 2009 link
MAVADO - GYAL OVA GUN
MR VEGAS - NO GYAL CLOWN
SHANE O - LIFE SOON CHANGE
STEIN - CYAN GO ROUND ME
TEFLON - EVERYWHERE ME GO
TURBULANCE - WHADDAT
DOUBLE ACTION RIDDIM INSTRUMENTAL
GENERAL B - GULLAZA
HARRY TODDLER - LOW MI NAME
DEVA BRATT - GALLIS SWAY


STAR 9 RIDDIM 2009 link
1- Kiprich - Changes
2 - Lutan Fyah - Dem a fake
3 - Turbulance - It's not true
4 - Giudance - Life is a journey
5 - Iceman - Deliver us
6 - Star Nine riddim version



-- Edited by djtaliban on Wednesday 19th of May 2010 10:55:11 AM

-- Edited by djtaliban on Wednesday 19th of May 2010 10:56:47 AM

well umm wud u??

no funny question, but u feel seh that is too masculine for u??

happm to a fren a mine

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NEW YORK, USA The US State Department yesterday greeted as "an important first step" Prime Minister Bruce Golding's decision to authorise the attorney general to get the extradition process underway for accused Tivoli Gardens drug and arms trafficker Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

"The evidence against Mr Coke was gathered after a lengthy and credible series of investigations and so this is an important first step in resolving this protracted dispute," State Department spokesman Noel Clay told the Observer.

Clay was asked for his comments after Golding announced Monday night he would give the all-clear to Dorothy Lightbourne, the justice minister and attorney general, to hand the extradition request over to the local courts.

Clay insisted that the US request for Coke had "met all the requirements of Jamaican laws and the Extradition Treaty to which both Jamaica and the United States are signatories".

Since August last year when it first asked that Coke be handed over, the US had maintained that the Jamaican Government should put the matter before the local courts, but Golding had refused, on grounds that the evidence against Coke was illegally obtained and had breached Jamaican laws.

The about-turn by Golding followed mounting pressure for his resignation as prime minister after he admitted to the nation last week that he had approved the ruling Jamaica Labour Party's hiring of US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby US authorities against the extradition matter.

Prior to the prime minister's announcement Monday, reports were circulating here that the US was considering sanctions to force Jamaica's hand on the matter.

But the State Department's Clay told the Observer that he had no information to that effect, stressing that both countries enjoyed an excellent relationship, had successfully worked on extradition and other law enforcement matters and that "the US looks forward to a continuation of that co-operation".

But the US has still not yet dispatched an ambassador to Kingston, almost 17 months since the last ambassador ended her tour of duty. Jamaica, however, last Saturday sent off ambassador-designate to Washington, Audrey Marks to replace Ambassador Anthony Johnson.

Marks apparently had to swing into action immediately, as the Jamaican Government sent word of its latest decision to the White House. Highly placed Observer sources in Kingston said the two sides began talking and that the stalemate appeared to be broken.