The Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA) is reviewing a case involving a female corporal of police who owes her landlord more than $1 million in rent and, despite an order from the Sutton Street Civil Court, has refused to make payments.

The corporal, who reportedly has more than 35 years of service in the force, rented the four-bedroom house, located in Pembroke Hall, in December 2002. According to Carmen Tomlinson, whose sister owns the house, and who has power of attorney, the policewoman stopped paying rent in October 2003.

The monthly rent of $22,000 therefore accumulated to an outstanding figure of $1,172,863. This is the amount owed for the period November 2003 to October 2007. The corporal was evicted in January 2008.

 

Obesity high among young children
published: Monday | July 7, 2008

Tendai Franklyn-Brown, Staff Reporter

Soares-Wynter

Nearly one-fifth of Jamaican children, aged three and four years old, are clinically obese, an unpublished study has revealed.

The study, conducted in 2007 by the University of the West Indies UWI, revealed that 17 per cent of the children in that age range are overweight.

Dr Leslie Gabay, head of obstetrics, gynaecology and child health at the University of the West Indies (UWI), told The Gleaner that obesity was likely to follow children into adulthood. The incidence of obesity in Jamaican women is twice that of men.

He appealed to educational institutions to develop healthy meal plans for students at lunchtime to curb the spiralling rate of obesity in the country.

Global epidemic

Jamaica struggled with malnutrition as recently as 15 years ago, but has now become part of a global epidemic of obesity.

Gabay explained that excessive portions and an imbalance of fat, protein and carbohydrates were major contributors to obesity here.

He also highlighted the importance of sustained exercise, as many children were now spending much of their time in sedentary activities, such as watching TV and playing video games.

"The other part is that PE (physical education) and extra-curricular activities, for most of the children at school is almost non-existent. That creates a situation where, in fact, energy expenditure is less than (food) intake and these children are at risk of obesity," Gabay stated.

Stunted growth and early puberty, in addition to health-related problems such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension, are some disorders expected. Gabay said more children are showing signs of Type Two diabetes, commonly found in adults.

The Tropical Medicine Research Institute (TMRI) at the UWI, Mona, has been conducting research on obese children by identifying diet plans, consumption patterns and lifestyle behaviours.

Suzanne Soares-Wynter is leading the research at TMRI, which aims to devise preventative measures for obesity and intervention at an early age. She stressed that such measures would have to be culturally appropriate.

Alternative ways

"Obesity interventions used in schools in the United States, such as swimming, would not necessarily work in our school settings. We don't have a lot of gyms and they are expensive, so we need to find alternative ways," Soares-Wynter explained.

She suggested, instead, that specific areas of playing fields at schools and in communities be designated for children to go jogging or walking to encourage physical activity.

Gabay told The Gleaner that many of the convenience meals, such as sodas, patties, snacks and fried food, sold at schools are high in fat content and calories.

"In those situations, the children are getting exposed to foods which have high-calorie density and high volumes. The other problem is that they are not getting a good balance in their nutrition," Gabay said.

A SUICIDE car b**** exploded outside the Indian Embassy in central Kabul today, killing 40 people and wounding 141 in the deadliest attack of the year in the Afghanistan capital.

The massive b**** exploded near a row of metal turnstiles outside the embassy, where dozens of Afghan men line up every morning to apply for visas.

Rubble

 

The embassy is located on a busy, tree-lined street near Afghanistans Interior Ministry in the city centre.

Several nearby shops were damaged or destroyed in the blast, and smouldering ruins and wounded Afghans covered the street. The explosion rattled much of the Afghan capital.

 

"Several shopkeepers have died. I have seen shopkeepers under the rubble, said Ghulam Dastagir, a shopkeeper wounded in the blast.

Abdullah Fahim, the spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health, said the explosion killed at least 28 people and wounded 141. The ministry collected information from the scene and several Kabul hospitals.

The explosion was the deadliest attack in Kabul this year and the worst since a suicide b****er attacked an army bus last September killing 30 people.

Afghanistans Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta visited the embassy shortly after the attack, ministry spokesman Sultan Ahmed Baheen said.

India and Afghanistan have a deep relationship between each other. Such attacks of the enemy will not harm our relations, Spanta told the embassy staff, according to Baheen.

The Indian ambassador and his deputy were not inside the embassy at the time of the blast, Baheen said.

Militants have frequently attacked Indian offices and projects around Afghanistan since launching an insurgency after the ouster of the Taliban at the end of the 2001.

Many Taliban militants have roots in Pakistan, which has long had a troubled relationship with India.

NEW YORK - Weeks after giving birth to daughter Maddie Briann, Jamie Lynn Spears is showing off the newborn, sharing memories of a "perfect" delivery and longing to be a Southern soccer mom.

Spears and fiance Casey Aldridge welcomed Maddie at a hospital in McC****, Miss., on June 19. The younger sister of Britney Spears poses with her on the cover of OK! magazine as expected, given the fact that Spears announced her pregnancy through an article in OK! and reportedly was to receive a large payday for exclusive pictures of the baby.

The photos were taken at the pair's Mississippi home. The magazine does not comment on the terms of its deals with celebrities.

In an interview with OK!, the 17-year-old Jamie Lynn said she had been nervous about giving birth "but it all fell into place. I was right on schedule. I had a perfect pregnancy and a perfect delivery. I was very blessed."

Jamie Lynn said watching Aldridge, a pipe-layer from Liberty, Miss., hold Maddie for the first time "was the coolest thing. ... He was so happy, and that made me the happiest person alive."

Jamie Lynn's immediate family including big sister Britney were there for the birth, though Aldridge was the only one allowed in the delivery room.

"It was such a big day," she said. "And being able to have your sister there, your whole family there, meant a lot. Everybody flew in to celebrate."

Lynne Spears, already grandmother to Britney's young sons, told the magazine: "You never remember how little they are, and then you hold them. I purred like a kitten, and I remember saying, `Jamie Lynn, she's so beautiful.'"

Jamie Lynn thinks Maddie takes after daddy.

"As much as I'd like her to look like me I just carried her for nine months she looks like Casey! He reminds me of it every day," she said.

Jamie Lynn said Maddie sleeps in a bassinet by the couple's bed because she's "not ready to put her (in the nursery) all the way across the house."

She said Lynne Spears is a hands-on grandma.

"Mama has been here a bunch," she said. "She wants to see the baby all the time. She told me the doctors are always going to be real strict and tell you, `Don't do this and don't do that.' Just follow your instincts. You're the mother and you know what your baby needs. That's what I've done and it seems to have worked."

Jamie Lynn, who recently starred on the Nickelodeon sitcom "Zoey 101," said she plans to raise Maddie down South where "the focus is family."

"I would love being the soccer mom," she said. "They don't have soccer down here, but I would love being the softball mom driving the kids around."

___

VIDEO

-- Edited by BUSHKASH at 13:52, 2008-07-09

Reports are circulating that bitterness over a broken promise erupted in violence as The Game and first cousin Robert Kirky Kirkwood fought at the funeral for Kirkwoods sister on July 5. Kirkwood told tmz.com that The Game had promised to pay half of the $14,000 bill to bury his sister. According to Kirkwood, after making the promise, the Compton MC changed his phone number and deliberately began avoiding him. After an unspecified time of no contact, The Game then showed up unexpectedly at the funeral, and Kirkwood became upset as the rapper spoke at the service about family values and kinship. Outside he confronted Game about the unpaid debt, and Kirkwood alleges his cousin punched him in the face. Kirkwood has since filed a police report, and the precinct has confirmed that the altercation was over money. An investigation is ongoing. The Game is prepped to release his highly anticipated third LP entitled L.A.X. on August 26th , which he has hinted may be his last album. The Game has not commented on the altercation or alleged debt at press time.

CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice -- responding to Iran's latest test-firings of missiles -- has made it clear Thursday her country is determined to prevent Tehran from threatening the interests of itself and allies like Israel.

Rice was speaking at a news conference in the Georgian capital of Tblisi after Iran test-fired a long-range missile. According to Iranian state media, Iran conducted more test-firings Thursday.

Rice said the United States has been working with allies to "make certain that they are capable of defending themselves" against any threat from Iran.

"We take very strongly our obligation to help our allies defend themselves and no one should be confused about that," she said.

July 06, 2008. Interscope lost another artist. Rapper Busta Rhymes was dropped from the label over the weekend. Word on the street is that Busta Bus was popping off at the mouth with Interscope head Jimmy Iovine. And that a heated conversation the Interscope boss sent word to Busta that his services were no longer needed.
Another casualty of the fluttering music biz

Damion McIntosh, a Jamaican recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Graduate Student Scholarship in 2006, has been selected by the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) as the Most Outstanding MBA student for the academic year 2007/2008. He was selected from a field of hundreds of distinguished scholars enrolled at the SIUC's School of Business.

Damion, in his thanks to the US Embassy for selecting him for the Fulbright Scholarship, said that studying at SICU is an "amazing opportunity" and an "enriching experience".

Damion has been accepted into SICU's Ph.D. Business Program where he will specialize in Finance. As a reward for completing his MBA in one year instead of the usual two his Ph.D. tuition will be waived. He will also receive a grant renewable for up to three years.

Damion who expects to complete his doctorate in 2010, plans to return to his position at Bank of Jamaica as Assistant Director in the financial institutions supervisory division.

SENIOR RESIDENT Magistrate Glen Brown is to make a ruling today in connection with a man who has been detained at the Half-Way Tree Police Station lock-up for 48 days. 

The man, who is a security guard, has not been taken before the court since he was detained on May 22. An identification parade has not been held and the man has not been charged with any offence.

He was taken into custody following a complaint that he committed a sexual offence. 

Breach of rights 

Defence lawyer Melrose Reid, who is representing the man, said his constitutional rights have been breached.

She sought the intervention of Glen Brown in having the man released from custody.

Reid spoke of attempts she made to have an identification parade held for the man but, to date, no parade has been held. She said she made three previous applications in court to have the man released from custody but was unsuccessful.

Senior RM Brown, after hearing an application yesterday, ordered that the man be taken to court today.

Woman Allegedly Kills Drunken Husband With A Folding Couch

An argument between a Russian couple may have gotten out of hand.

A woman in St. Petersburg was reportedly angry with her husband for being drunk and refusing to get up off the couch, a hide-a-way that folds up into the wall.

In concluding the run-in, she is said to have kicked the handle that flips up the couch-bed, and her husband went with it.

She left the room, returning three hours later to check on her mate - who she thought was unusually quiet.

Rescue service workers say the man got caught between the mattress and the back of the couch, killing him instantly.

St. Petersburg media reported the incident Wednesday, saying police refused to comment.

 

 Dancehall Queen Carlene asks "What would you do if you found a used condom in my bag?" Beenie Man replies "Me woulda kill yu!" This is after returning from a three-day trip to New York when she finds a used condom in his luggage.

When Milton Wray, author of the book Who Am I? The Untold Story of Beenie Man ended his reading of a passage from the ace deejay's biography with that exchange from dancehall's once hottest couple, there was a collective laugh at the Devonshire, Devon House, Hope Road, St Andrew last night.

And the first passage he read had ended on a similarly, sexually tense note, as after detailing Moses Dean Anthony Davis' birth and the joy of his parents, Wray read that that joy soon turned to suspicion after people questioned "whether Lloyd was truly the biological father of the child".

Who Am I, dubbed the first dancehall biography, was launched to a full house, music being as much a part of the evening as literature. Beenie Man walked the red carpet into the Devonshire to King of the Dancehall and ended the official launch, hosted by Empress, with a freestyle jam encouraging all to "buy de book".

 

 

A Portmore senior citizen, who allegedly dressed as a woman in an attempt to attack another elderly man recently, found himself in trouble with the law.

On June 27, Glenmore 'Gabba' Johnson, 65, of Garveymeade, Portmore, St Catherine, reportedly uttered a serious threat to a man with whom he had an argument.

The police report that Johnson had an argument with one of his friends. During the argument, Johnson allegedly threatened the man and left. He reportedly returned later dressed as a woman in a black spandex dress, a multicoloured wig and a walking stick.

The police reported that Johnson told the man in their presence, "a must kill him today, a must kill him, him nah get weh." Johnson was subsequently charged.

When the case appeared in the Spanish Town Resident Magis-trate's court on Tuesday, the senior citizen did not answer to his name. The police, however, promised to locate him.

Sweet $2.7b sugar payout Sugar workers to get redundancy package by Sept

PATRICK FOSTER, Observer writer fosterp@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday, July 10, 2008

A $2.7-billion redundancy package will be made to sugar workers by September 30 this year, upon divestment of the Government-owned sugar estates, Prime Minister Bruce Golding disclosed yesterday.

Golding, addressing his first annual general meeting of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) as prime minister, at the Denbigh show ground in Clarendon, assured the
farmers grouping:

"At the end of September, we will be in a position to make redundancy payments to sugar workers. It will cost in excess of $2.7 billion."

He said that two-thirds of the redundancy package was being funded by the European Union and the other third by the Jamaican Government.

The Brazilian-owned Infinity Bio Energy Limited will take over five state-owned sugar estates - Bernard Lodge, Frome, Hampden, Monymusk and St Thomas (Duckenfield) - on September 30.

Yesterday, Golding told the farmers that he could not say how many workers would be rehired by the new company after the redundancy, but said that provisions were being made to assist displaced workers in starting new business ventures.

"It's not that we are going to hand you the redundancy money and walk off," Golding said, adding that funds allocated through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) would be on-lent by

PC banks and credit unions for the displaced workers.
"We have put in place an alternative option for persons who may not want to be re-employed or are not re-employed by the new company," Golding said.

He advised that sugar workers could present their redundancy cheques to the specified financial institutions and make applications for assistance through the programme.

"Just show your redundancy cheque and a viable project and you will be able to get a loan to start a new business venture," said Golding. He, however, cautioned that trading would not be accommodated in the projects for funding.
"We are not into buying and selling," the prime minister declared. "It has to be either producing goods or a service."

Under the terms of the sugar industry divestment, sugar factories would be sold to the Brazilian company, but sugar-producing lands were being leased, the prime minister said, noting that the Jamaican Government would retain 25 per cent equity in the venture.

Chris Sorensen
Business Reporter

Wireless giant Rogers Communications Inc. continues to be buffeted by rumours as it prepares the Canadian launch of Apple Inc.'s much-ballyhooed iPhone on Friday.

With criticism of its iPhone rate plans simmering for over a week in some quarters of the Internet, a high-profile website that focuses on Apple gossip took things a step further yesterday when it claimed Apple was "disgusted" with Rogers' approach and is responding by shelving plans to sell the iPhone in its Canadian Apple stores.

But it's not clear whether Apple actually planned to sell the iPhone in its Canadian stores in the first place.

Unlike the United States, the iPhone is not available in Canada without a contract through Rogers or its Fido subsidiary.

"Apple stores don't have our activation systems and it needs to be purchased with a plan," said Rogers spokesperson Liz Hamilton.

She added that Rogers would announce retail availability today that would be "unchanged from our original distribution plans."

A representative for Apple in Canada declined to comment about claims the two companies were at odds over the iPhone's Canadian pricing. Apple's Canadian website indicated yesterday customers will only be able to buy the iPhone at Rogers or Fido stores.

Earlier this month, Rogers unveiled iPhone rate plans that began at $60, plus fees and taxes, for 150 minutes of weekday talk time and 400 megabytes of data.

While that's cheaper than existing Rogers plans for competing devices such as Research In Motion's BlackBerry lineup, it's not as generous as the plans offered in the U.S. by AT&T Inc.

Some prospective iPhone buyers have voiced their displeasure on a Web-based petition that, as of yesterday, claimed more than 50,000 signatures, although its impossible to know whether they are all from Canadians.

Industry insiders say Rogers may have misjudged the public's mood, but the dust-up is unlikely to have much impact on iPhone sales.

One of the difficulties when it comes to evaluating the value of the Rogers plans is the lack of a clear standard when it comes to determining how much data the average iPhone user is likely to burn through.

The iPhone's focus on mobile Web browsing and multimedia make it more data hungry than most cellphones, but even the entry-level 200 megabyte plan would allow subscribers to view between 1,400 and 3,400 Web pages a month.

John Henderson, an analyst at Scotia Capital, said in a recent research note that most iPhone users won't come close to exceeding their data-usage cap.

Andrew Bradford, the 19-year-old charged with the murders of three women, will return to court on July 30 as the case against him continues in the Mandeville Resident Magistrate's Court.Bradford, 19, of Great Ground in Manchester, is accused of stabbing his victims and slitting their throats after allegedly raping them and then having sex with their bodies.

The women's murders took place during a 20-month period. All the bodies had multiple stab wounds and their throats were slit.

Yesterday, scores of curious onlookers gathered at the Mandeville RM Court to catch a glimpse of the alleged teenage serial killer.

When Bradford appeared before RM Frank Williams, he was remanded until July 30.

Bradford allegedly murdered 30-year-old Bridgette Bryan of Three Chains District whose body was found in bushes with multiple stab wounds on December 15, 2006. In October 2007, the body of 60-year-old Vera Bradford (the accused cousin) was found in bushes. And earlier this year, 41-year-old Patricia Clayton, also of the same address was also found dead in a similar fashion.

Detectives from the Mandeville CIB in Manchester have arrested and charged a teenager with the murders of three women. The murders occurred between 2006 and 2008. Charged with three counts of murder is 19-year-old André Bradford of Grey Ground district, Manchester. Reports from the Constabulary Communication Network's (CCN) liaison officer are that Bradford was picked up during an operation in the Grey Ground area in early June. He was held in connection with last May's murder of 41-year-old Patricia Clayton of Grey Ground. He was formally charged for Clayton's death on June 23. Further investigations linked him to the murders of 30-year-old Bridgette Bryan on December 15, 2006, and 60-year-old Vera Bradford on October 12, 2007, both of Three Chains district, Manchester. The additional charges were subsequently laid against him. Stab wounds The CCN had earlier reported that about 6:30 a.m., on May 31, residents of Sherwood Acres in Heartease district stumbled upon Clayton's body and called the police. The body was found in an open lot with stab wounds. About 8:30 a.m. on October 12 last year, family members of Bradford went to visit her at her home in Three Chains. They discovered her nude body with multiple stab wounds in a section of the house. In the third incident, which occurred on December 15, 2006, about 8:30 p.m., Bryan left home to visit a friend in the community. When she did not arrive as expected, her friend became suspicious and alerted residents who launched a search. Her body, with multiple stab wounds, was later found in bushes in the community. Bradford is scheduled to appear in the Mandeville Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Parents of secondary-school children are this year forced to dig deeper to pay auxiliary fees, with at least one school charging $15,500.

When the Government last year abolished tuition fees in secondary schools, many parents expected a reprieve from exorbitant rates.

But, Nadine Molloy, president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, says increased operational expenses have made fee hikes inevitable.

"I am not aware that there is any hike. We are facing increasing operation costs, based on an increase in inflation," Molloy told The Gleaner Tuesday.

Auxiliary fees, which generally cover developmental, Parent-Teacher Association, insurance and laboratory fees, range between $2,000 and $20,000. These fees are not mandatory, but schools usually request that parents pay them at the beginning of each school year.

Inadequate funding

Molloy argued that government funding for the education sector was inadequate, adding that schools make up the shortfall by using the auxiliary fees.

"We are trying to meet the needs of our students. If you don't spend, you don't earn," Molloy said.

Meanwhile, Dr Walton Small, principal of Wolmer's School for Boys, says while his school was charging $13,000 for development fees and $2,500 for PTA fees, it was done in consultation with parents and members of the board.

No penalties

He said some parents were even willing to pay more than the specified amount.

Small said students, who cannot afford to pay, will not be penalised.

"They are not mandatory. The Ministry of Education has mandated that parents, who cannot afford to pay, their children should not be turned away," the principal said on Tuesday.

The wife of a veteran NYPD officer was arrested yesterday for fatally shooting a young Brooklyn man who had groped her 13-year-old daughter last month, The Post has learned. Veronica Nickey, 40, walked up to Ellison Butler, 22, as he watched a basketball game at about 9 p.m. on June 27 in Lincoln Terrace Park in Crown Heights - then pulled a .380-caliber handgun, a source said. She put one bullet into his chest, shouting, "That's what you get for messing with my children! That's what you get for messing with my daughter!" witnesses told cops. She tried to shoot Butler again, but the gun jammed, according to sources. Butler had been on the basketball court waiting to play the next game. After the shooting, he staggered to a men's room, collapsed and died. "He was always very playful with girls," said a neighborhood friend who gave her name as Jacynta. "He . . . probably didn't take [the encounter with Nickey's daughter] seriously." Cops initially did not know the motive for the shooting of Butler, who had several prior arrests. They now believe he was killed by an overprotective mother, according to the sources. Butler had allegedly grabbed Nickey's daughter about two weeks earlier, the sources said. After the mother fled the shooting scene, witnesses told cops they recognized her as "Veronica" from a nearby building. Police gathered pictures of every woman named Veronica in that building and witnesses picked Nickey out. Law-enforcement sources said her husband, Officer Arnold Nickey, a 14-year veteran out of the 73rd Precinct, has only two 9 mm pistols registered to his name. It was unclear where she allegedly got the .380. Veronica Nickey was charged last night with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Lee lands gold Blake finishes 4th in Men's 100m final

PAUL A REID, Observer Writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday 10, 2008

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland - Men's 100-metre champion, Dexter Lee, celebrates with the Jamaican flag on the second day of the IAAF World Junior Championships at the Zawisza Stadium yesterday. Lee clocked 10.40 seconds for victory. (Photo: Paul Reid)

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland - World Youth 100m champion, Dexter Lee, created an upset yesterday when he sped to victory in the Men's 100 metres here at the Zawisza Stadium on the second day of the IAAF World Junior Championships.

The strapping 17-year-old, who qualified for the semi-finals via the best losers' route and was second in the second-round race, got off to a brilliant start and left the quality field for dead as he crossed the line in 10.40 seconds, on a cool evening as the entire Jamaican delegation cheered him on.

Lee became only the third male athlete to win both the Youth and Junior titles in consecutive years, joining Great Britain's Mark Lewis Francis in 1999/2000 and Trinidad & Tobago's Darrell Brown in 2001/2002.

Lee, who is eligible to defend his title in Moncton, Canada in 2010, is also the first Jamaican male to win the World Juniors 100m title, following bronze medals by Dwight Thomas in Annecy, France, in 1998, Remaldo Rose in Grosseto, Italy, in 2004, and Yohan Blake in Beijing, China, in 2006.

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland - Jamaican quarter-miler Latoya McDermott looks back at the stadium clock after being eliminated in the semi-finals of the 400m event at the Zawisza Stadium yesterday. (Photo: Paul Reid)

South Africa's Wilhem Van der Vyver was second in 10.42secs and American Terrell Wilks third in 10.45. Lee's teammate and bronze medallist in 2006, Yohan Blake, was a disappointing fourth in 10.51.

Blake, who sat out three months due to injury, set himself up as a favourite for a medal after an easy semi-final victory the previous day.

Lee was the man of the moment, however, and lifted a slight gloom that had settled over the Jamaican team after long jumper Tarik Batchelor failed to make the last eight of his event, and quarter-miler Latoya McDermott dropped out in the semi-finals of the 400m earlier.

After two less than perfect starts in the previous two rounds, Lee got the start he needed and by the 30-metre mark had edged to the front and would not be denied as he outleaned the South African at the tape.

Not a man of many words, Lee told reporters after the race he knew he would win.

"I just came out here to do my best and it paid off," the Herbert Morrison High student said. "I was relaxed as I knew I could win all the time."

He said while 10.40 seconds was not fast, he was happy with the time as "conditions were not favourable, but you can't think about that when you are at the starting line."
He admitted he was "a bit anxious" at the start, but once the gun went off he was in control.
Claude Grant, Lee's high school coach and a member of the coaching team here, described the victory as a "job accomplished".
Grant said that "in terms of execution, we worked on the first 40 metres. I told him no one has ever beaten him over the first 40 and just to go there and keep the body moving and the race is his to win".

While saying he was pleased with Lee's win, head coach Danny Hawthorne said he had expected both Jamaicans to finish with a medal.

Blake blamed a bad start but extended congratulations to Lee. "I am proud of Dexter. I got a medal in my first year as well, really proud of him, trust me."

Earlier in the day, Jamaica's two intermediate hurdlers, Nikita Tracey and Shana-Gay Tracey, both advanced to today's semi-finals as automatic qualifiers.

Nikita Tracey of Edwin Allen High ran the fastest time of the morning, pushed in lane eight to a personal best 57.58 seconds by Trinidadian, Janeil Bellille (58.40) in the fastest heat of the day, which provided six qualifiers.

Tracey was happy with her race, saying, "I think it was a good race. I broke my personal best, so I am doubly satisfied."
Looking ahead to the semi-finals she said, "I would like to run as well as I can in the semi-finals and maybe get to the final."

Shana-Gay Tracey, who ran in an earlier heat, was second in 58.95 seconds behind Canadian Sarah-Lynn Wells' season best 58.89 as both crossed the line together.

Shana-Gay was tentative in her race, according to her coach at Manchester High and the technical leader here, Jerry Holness. He said she was working her way back to fitness after being sidelined last month with a hamstring injury.

Today, both athletes will run out of lane seven in the semi-finals set for 12:10 pm local time (5:10 am Jamaica time). Nikita will run in the first semi-final heat, with Shana-Gay in the second.

The first three from each heat and the next two fastest will advance to the finals tomorrow.

Latoya McDermott, Jamaica's only 400m semi-finalist, finished a disappointing fifth in her heat in a season best 54.15 seconds, but said she was not satisfied.

She had crossed the line in sixth place, but Trinidad & Tobago's Britany St Louis was later disqualified.

The World Youth silver medallist told the Observer she was aiming to run sub-53 seconds and her training was geared towards that.

"The time is not acceptable," she said. "I didn't come here to run 54.00 seconds; I was aiming at a 52-seconds time," she pointed out.

Batchelor failed once again in a major final when he finished a disappointing 11th, after jumping only 7.02m on his third effort and did not advance to the final eight.

Batchelor, who finished seventh in the final at the World Youth Championships last year, fouled on his first attempt, just inches over the board, in what appeared a big jump in excess of 7.80m.

His second attempt was cautious and got him only as far as 6.93m, while his third was just over 7.00m - well below his best.

An obviously distraught Batchelor was seen about 45 minutes after the event, walking and talking to himself. He did not respond to the Observer's attempt to get a few answers from him, instead walking straight ahead.

MAKE SURE UR THERE

"What makes RTI special is the fact that people can look forward to exclusive parties. Stages is only held once a year, and the same can be said about Colours, Pretty in Pink and Wild Sides. We are the inventors of the original event and concept. We bring people to Negril to party for a weekend. When I said that I was going to have nine parties in one weekend they used to laugh at me and say that I was mad," reasoned Alex Chin of Absolute Entertainment.

Seven years later and the Negril invasion is still going strong. With Red Stripe as its partner, the Absolute Entertainment family has once again set its focus on the Western-most end of the island.

 

 

Jamaicas newest female star Stacious who recently shoot a video for her hit single Fallen Down is presently the talk of the town both locally and international. This over night controversy all started when Stacious video premiered on a local TV network which features the Gully 'God' Mavado making several cameo appearances.

OutAroad.com has received multiply emails from readers wishing to know if Mavado and the curvy Stacious are intimately involved. Recently Mavado performs in the Asylum Night club and then moments after he called up Stacious to take a piece of the action.

Yendi Phillipps - Peta-Gaye Clachar

STAR of the Month Yendi Phillipps is offering one special male fan a date.

The talented and fun beauty queen represented Jamaica proudly at the Miss World pageant recently.

Her most recent undertaking is that of presenter on the island's most popular television show, Digicel Rising Stars.

If you are a 'tall glass of handsome' and between 18 and 30 years old, this is your chance to get up close with the starlet. To enter to win the date, email a photo of yourself, along with the answers to the following questions about Yendi, to: entertainment@gleanerjm.com.

Answer correctly for a one-of-a-kind date with the beauty:

1) What is Yendi's middle name?

2) What is Yendi's zodiac sign?

3) What year did Yendi win the Miss Jamaica World title?

4) Which area did the funds of Yendi's 'Hurricane Dean relief' benefit?

5) What was Yendi's place in the Miss World Beach Beauty competition?

Deadline for entries is Friday, July 11.

Yendi fact

According to STAR of the Month Yendi Philipps, she has a 'serious sweet tooth', loving all kinds of sweets, but regards herself as a chocoholic. On occasion, Yendi also loves strawberry, whether it's ice cream, jam or syrup.

Coming off two successful stint in Tortola and Dominica Dancehall bad boy Mavado is showing no signs of slowing down, well at least not for the summer.

Just a few weeks ago 876radio.com told you that since doing the remix for 'On The Rock' with rap mogul Jay-Z, many other international acts have come knocking on the Gangsta's door. Heading the long list is none other than G-Unit's frontman 50cent who recently requested that the Gully Gad lend his vocals to their upcoming album titled "Terminate On Sight (TOS)".

The song titled 'Let It Go' sees Mavado unleashing some of his signature melodic vocals while the G-Unit clan laced some very grimey street commentary to complement the gangsta's voice.

This album which is the groups' second is set for release on August 26th 2008.  876radio.com understand that the original proposed names of the album was 'Shoot to Kill' and then 'Lock & Load' before eventually being renamed to 'Terminate on Sight'.

The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 24, 2008 the same days as former G-Unit member Game's album L.A.X but was later changed by Interscope records execs.

It must have been a New Years resolution for G-Unit to shake things up. Think about it, they start the year with a brand new mixtape series, and conspicuously Young Buck is left out. It sounded like Buck was given his discharge, and lo and behold, by June, there are multiple diss tracks and taped conversations all over; from print to pixel.

 

Like battle hardened soldiers, G-Unit seems the best when they are in battle. General 50 Cent is a mastermind of controlling the heat and keeping the beef fresh in peoples minds. Hate it or love it, it has kept us talking about them even after a relatively quiet 2007, whose high point was CURTIS. 

 

As such, their latest offering, T.O.S. (G-Unit), probably has more press based on the conflicts and beef than the actual music. Fans expecting the same as their first commercial outing, Beg For Mercy, may find themselves a bit out of sorts. However, those whove enjoyed the recent tactical barrages of Whoo Kid tapes will find themselves at home within T.O.S.s musical trenches.

 

The opener, Straight Out of Southside pays homage to N.W.As original gangster posse cut Straight out of Compton with each member giving their toughest introductions to their personas. Banks takes the cake with harsh lines like F*** the police with an HIV carrier / No Vaseline and an M-16. If you need another reason to realize that Banks is the lyrical sharpshooter within the clique, look no further than T.O.S., where Banks delivers potent bar after bar with deadly accuracy.

 

No Days Off features elements that made G-Unit famous in the first place. The gloomy harp and tapping bass resembling rain creates a terrific drop for a sinister track. Also the smoothly produced Piano Man catches the entire Unit dropping potent verses. Fan Favorite Rider Pt. 2  made the album, featuring 50 on a synthesizer and some nowironic lyrics from Buck like If 50 ever dropped me, I still wouldnt sign: 

 

This isnt to say this disc is all grit grime and good times. There are two songs (The Way She Do It,  Kitty Kat) are just down right awful. You can tell that 50 and company aretrying to recreate a "Wanna Get to Know You," but the magic just seems to be missing in action.  

 

By the time Money Make The World Go Round delivered by sergeant at arms Tony Yayo finishes the disc, you have an idea of what they have been building towards with the mixtape push and makeover they experienced this year, shedding some of their commercial feel and replacing it with more hardcore sound.

 

Is the mission accomplished? Not by any means, as some of the forgetful tracks (Close To Me) on this album makes their flaws that much more visible. However, Terminate On Sight at its best, creates the sound their hardcore fans felt their individual albums were missing. While it does not win the war, its at least a tactical victory.

If yes, ur my type of girl.

Lil Wayne's The Carter III remains at the top of the Billboard's 'Top Rap Albums Chart' by pushing 156,300 units this week.

After four weeks on the charts, Carter III has sold a total of 1,681,800 copies.

Entering the charts at No. 2 this week is G-Unit with their sophomore album titled Terminate On Sight (T.O.S). The set sold 101,800 copies in its opening week.

Memphis duo Three 6 Mafia hold it down at No. 3. Last 2 Walk pushes 37,100 discs this week, pushing its total to 114,000.

Debuting at No. 4 is Kansas rapper Tech N9ne with his latest album titled Killer. The album reels in 36,200 copies in its first go-around on the charts.

Posted at No. 5 is Florida rapper Plies. Definition Of Real scans 30,700 copies this week. So far, the album has sold a total of 356,200 discs.

Entering the charts at No. 6 is Jim Jones and The Byrd Gang with their debut compilation titled M.O.B. The set scoops up 17,200 copies in its opening week.

The Flobots slide three seats to No. 7. Fight With Tools scanned 11,600 units this week. To date, the alb um has sold 146,500 copies.

Rick Ross slips two spots to No. 8. Trilla shelves off 10,600 CDs in its 18th week on the charts. So far, the album has sold 609,800 copies.

Rap/reggaton duo Wisin Y Yandel hold it down at No. 9. Los Extraterr ropes in 8,800 copies this week. So far, the album has sold 308,100 copies.

Wrapping up the Top 10 is Houston's Bun B. II Trill moves 8,700 units this week. After 7 weeks, the album has sold 215,300 copies.

A notable debut under the Top 10 this week is C-Murder with his latest album titled Screamin' 4 Vengeance. The set sells 5,200 copies in its opening week.

-- Edited by JamaicanShem at 21:21, 2008-07-09

My main goal iz 2 b a dj on my country's top radio station. Guess wat my dj name will b? Dj Slide!

Which artist started well but lost now in the business ?
There are too many but there are few that come to mind right way, you can add who u think should be on the list. I honestly thought munga would have gotten bigger but then again dam autotunes lol.

-- Edited by kolonji at 17:10, 2008-07-09

RTI (Red Stripe) The official presentation include a line-up with events such as 'Tempted - Delano Birthday Bash', Daydreams', Stages', Jokers wild', Colours', Wildsidez', Xtatiq', Pretty in Pink', Temptation live I & II' and Fushion. While rival drink company and promotors ATI (Appleton) will have rhythm & Booze', Extreme Wet & Wild', Twisted Spiritz', Yush', Siritz',  MIA', Chill,' Wet Waves and Appleton Jouvert completing their line ups.

WINNER: Trudy Simpson

Voice journalist Trudy Simpson, has been named a winner of the fpas Rosemary Go*o*dchild Award for Excellence in Journalism- for the second year running.

Our star reporter beat scores of entries to become one of two winners awarded this year for her article, Why its a Secret Mums Dying from Aids- How the Young deal with the issue. The article appeared in The Voice in December 2007.

 

The fpa, one of Britains leading sexual health charities, gives the award for the best published newspaper or magazine article on a sexual health topic.

 

The fpa said Trudys article tackled and dealt with a sensitive issue in a very thoughtful and elegant manner. It challenged people and their attitudes towards HIV and could really help change peoples behaviour and attitudes.

 

Jamaica born Trudy also won the award in 2007 for her article Theres life after HIV and it can be good.

 

Trudy, who previously worked at the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, will receive the award and a cash prize at the fpas annual summer reception at the House of Lords next month.

Protest at dump as smoke blankets capital city

COREY ROBINSON, Observer staff reporter robinsonc@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday, July 10, 2008

A worker carries out his duties as Jamaica Defence Force soldiers keep watch over activities at the Riverton landfill yesterday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

THE National Solid Waste Management Agency's (NSWMA) efforts to control a blanket of thick smoke over sections of Kingston, caused by a huge fire at the Riverton City Landfill, were disrupted yesterday by men who prevented heavy equipment from entering the area.

The men, said to be associated with the scrap metal trade, set up roadblocks along the road leading to the dump to protest against the clampdown on the island's scrap metal industry by the Government.

The blockages were, however, removed and the NSWMA's efforts to bring the fire under control continued following the deployment of a large contingent of police and soldiers to the area.

"The man them a prevent the truck them from go down at the dump cause them cannot make any money because of the pressure on the scrap metal business," said one resident of Riverton Meadows, a poor community that sits next to the city's dump.

"Right now if it was not for the police and soldiers in the place nothing could pass go down there," the resident added, as heavy duty equipment and several trucks loaded with silt entered the landfill, while the heavily armed soldiers and police looked on.

Inspector Everton King of the Hunts Bay Police Station said that more than a dozen policemen and about 89 soldiers were deployed to ensure that there were no further interruption of work being done to bring the fire under control at the dump.

The fire, which started Monday morning, pushed smoke to as far as New Kingston and sections of Portmore in St Catherine, according to the NSWMA. The dump was on Tuesday closed because of the fire.

Winston Wilson, the manager for the Riverton Landfill, said Tuesday that during the hotter periods, methane gas coming from underneath the garbage will ignite in sections of the dump that are not covered with dirt and sand.

Yesterday, rush hour traffic on major roadways leading into Kingston, the Jamaican capital, came to a creep yesterday as visibility was greatly reduced by the blanket of smoke over the city.

Several pedestrians were also seen holding handkerchiefs to their noses to prevent breathing in the noxious fumes.
While there were no reports of the smoke coverage interfering with air traffic at the Norman Manley International Airport, travel at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome along Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston was made difficult by the hovering smoke.

"Earlier, during the morning hours, visibility at the airport went down to nil because there were no wind to blow off the smoke but during the afternoon, however, when the wind came the problem was not so bad," said Keston Witter, an air traffic controller. He added that pilots were asked to use the other end of the runway for take-off and landing.

The Ministry of Health is now reviewing the contract of a senior medical doctor at the National Chest Hospital in St Andrew, following several complaints by other doctors and patients at the institution. 

Dr Dennis Pyne, a consultant vascular thoracic surgeon who has been registered with the Medical Council of Jamaica since August 8, 1971, is at the centre of the complaints.

The health ministry is to make known the findings of his contract review by Friday.

Some doctors who spoke with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre had complained that the senior surgeon was charging patients for services at the public health institution, even though the ministry had abolished user fees since April 1.

In addition, they expressed concern about the level of treatment meted out to some patients who, they said, were forced to pay for their surgical procedures.

When contacted, Pyne declined to comment on the issue.

Following an emergency meeting involving Pyne and health officials yesterday, Health Minister Rudyard Spencer announced that the senior medical officer at the National Chest Hospital, Dr Mikael Tulloch-Reid, who is currently on leave, was not seeking to have his contract renewed. 

Request for early retirement 

Senior Medical Officer at the Kingston Public Hospital, Dr Patrick Bhoorasingh, is to assume responsibility for the operations at the institution. In addition, Spencer said the ministry was considering a request for early retirement by Hazel Waite, the chief executive officer at the National Chest Hospital.

Regarding complaints about the use of hospital equipment for private use, Pyne, the hospital's chief executive officer and the executive of the South East Regional Health Authority are to determine by way of invoices the ownership of the devices. 

Restricted access

Charging that the health ministry was determined to see its user fee-abolition programme sustained, Spencer further announced that, effective immediately, private practice by doctors would no longer be allowed at the National Chest Hospital.

"Anyone who is caught charging public patients any money for hospital care is going to feel the full brunt of the law," he warned during a press conference at the ministry's downtown Kingston offices yesterday.

"We are not going to allow a few greedy doctors to put this thing into disrepute."

A LEGAL battle is looming between the Attorney General's Department and former executive director of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, Dr Omer Thomas, as the Government moves to recover an $8-million compensation package paid to him when he left the organisation in 2006. 

Parliament's Public Accounts Committee was informed Tuesday that Thomas was suing the agency for sums owed to him. However, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, through the Attorney General's Department, is also preparing to pull back millions it said were paid to Thomas, in breach of established government guidelines.

Thomas, who is also the Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for East St Thomas, told The Gleaner Tuesday the Government was merely responding to his suit. He said last week that he filed the suit in court to recover some $20 million owed to him.

"The matter is in court. I have sued them for my money," said Thomas. "I have ample evidence that they owe me this money." 

Suit filed 

Reginald Budhan, permanent secretary in the commerce ministry, told committee members that Thomas had filed the suit against the bureau in the Supreme Court.

"The ministry has written to the attorney general's office, seeking guidance on how to proceed," Budhan said.

Eyebrows were raised during the committee meeting when members were told that the former permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Jean Dixon, had raised strong objection to the payment of the sum to Thomas.

According to Budhan, the then permanent secretary had advised against a decision by the Standards Council of the bureau to pay Thomas $8,743,030 in compensation. However, he said, her advice was overruled by the council. 

Strongly disagreed 

The committee was told that Dixon, who was a member of the council, had disagreed strongly with the payment, noting that it did not conform with the former executive's contract.

Committee member Dr Morais Guy requested that the committee continue its deliberations on the matter at its next sitting, as the details of the compensation package and the contractual arrangements with the former executive were not known.

Chairman of the committee, Dr Omar Davies, agreed, saying the members would be provided with the necessary information. 

Compensation package 
Emoluments - $4,457,611
Gift of office equipment - $326,249
Motor vehicles (2) - $3,422,920
Life insurance - $536,250
Total - $8,743,030

Spanish Town calm amid threats of protest

Karyl Walker Thursday, July 10, 2008

SPANISH Town remained calm yesterday after dozens of police and soldiers descended on the old capital and held positions in communities 'controlled' by the Klansman criminal gang, amid threats of protest to free alleged gang leader Tesha Miller from police custody.

Streets in the usually bustling town were quiet and the few vendors who came out to do business were on edge.

"This is Spanish Town and anything can happen. Me a keep my eye open as the man dem out yah nuh business but we just hope say the place stay quiet so me can eat some food," one vendor said.

Meanwhile, only a few children and some women were seen in sections of De La Vega City, which police say is the main base of the Klansman gang, while Rivoli, Brunswick Avenue, Jones Avenue and New Nursery, all said to be communities supportive of the gang, resembled ghost towns.

"It better to stay off the street if you have no business doing," a resident of New Nursery said.

The municipal bus park was also noticeably quiet while some residents who waited at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus stop next door only nodded their heads slowly when asked if they felt safe.

There was also a noticeable absence of vendors who sell in front of the bus depot where former JUTC chairman Douglas Chambers was killed two Fridays ago. Burnt wood was all that was in the area where the vendors used to sell their wares.

Holness top of the class Education minister rated as best performing Cabinet member

Thursday, July 10, 2008

EDUCATION Minister Andrew Holness is perceived to be the best performing minister in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government, the latest Observer/Don Anderson Poll has shown.

According to Anderson, 17 per cent of the 1,000 Jamaicans polled between June 25 and July 2 islandwide, rate Holness as outperforming his peers, as they see in him a genuine interest in improving the country's education system.

"It is not surprising that Holness should be so rated, as one of the strong positives that people generally associate with the JLP Government is free education," said Anderson. "But the general feeling is that he is not only very visible, but that he also appears to be rising above political lines and is genuinely interested in moving education forward."

The poll, which has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent, said that 10 per cent of respondents placed Transport Minister Mike Henry as the second best performing member of the executive, while Finance Minister Audley Shaw, Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett and Health Minister Ruddy Spencer each received eight per cent rating.

Holness, a protégé of former prime minister and JLP leader Edward Seaga, came to national prominence when he beat the People's National Party's Warren Blake to take the West Central St Andrew seat in the 1997 general elections. At the time, Holness was 25 years old. Between 1999 and 2002 he served as Opposition spokesman on land and development, after which he shadowed the housing portfolio for the Opposition between 2002 and May 2005. In June 2005, he was given the education portfolio and was eventually appointed minister in September last year when the JLP won the general elections after 18 1/2 years in Opposition.

For the two years that he served as Opposition spokesman on education, Holness demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues affecting the sector and often articulated a credible vision for the island's education system.

His ability to rise above the sharp political divide was often displayed during his regular appearances on the popular morning radio talk show The Breakfast Club as both a club member and co-host.

Anderson, in his analysis of the poll results, said that
"Holness has good support amongst all the socio-economic groups, but moreso amongst females, younger persons and those in the lower socio-economic group".

Anderson noted that rating the performance of government ministers is also a function of their visibility as well as the respective portfolios they hold. "Generally, it is easier to rate the more visible ministers," he said. "At the end of the scale, therefore, persons such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ken Baugh, Works Minister Horace Chang and Attorney-General Dorothy Lightbourne receive relatively low ratings for this reason.

"By extension, Industry Minister Karl Samuda and Energy Minister Clive Mullings, it is felt, are being judged purely on the basis of their performance and in this regard they receive relatively low ratings."

50 Cent was confused by Lil Waynes big first week sales. But the G-Unit CEO said he has no doubt hes gonna push a million copies the first week of his next album. Fourth quarter, Fif told Mixtape Monday about his next release, Before I Self-Destruct. I want to focus on the positive, and I feel Im one of the more vocal people in hip-hop, he continued. Even when its not about the music, people pay attention to me, because I have something to offer. Ill continue to create quality music at a pace they never seen. [MTV News]

While the rap dudes are aiming for one mil status, Will Smith just cracked the 100 million mark with his latest movie, Hancock. The Philly rapper-turned-actors latest raked in $107.3 million over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The flick opened Tuesday night, but just over the weekend, the superhero tale took in $66 million alone. Disney/Pixars Wall-E was second at the box office over the weekend with a $33 million haul. [AP]

Kanye West finally debuted his much-discussed fashion line over the weekend. The Chicago star was in France for Paris Fashion Week and made his way to plenty of shows. While in attendance at other designers shows, he made sure to rock his own duds, premiering his collection Pastelle. The most talked about item was a faux shark fin adorned hoodie Ye took a pic in. A few years ago, West was snapped in the LRG skeleton hoodie and the item quickly caught on and sold out everywhere. [LA Times]

A man seeking more than $25, 000 in damages, filed a lawsuit against Eminem stemming from an alleged incident that occurred two years ago in the bathroom of a Detroit strip club. Miad Jarbou claims Em punched him. No charges were filed at the time.

The way times r going now, by the time i get a wife, if i do happen 2 get 1, i kno i'll b living on fast food. The ladies nowadays, knows nothing bout home cooked food.

American TV Host Stirs up Controversy about Women and Dancehall Music

Anthony Bourdain of the Emmy nominated Travel Channel series, "No Reservations" has stirred up controversy with remarks he made about women and dancehall, on the Jamaican themed episode of his show.

"There's no rootsy, laid back Rasta vibe," he says. "This ain't about standing up for your rights or praising Jah or anything like that. Like Reggaeton, its mutant cousin, dancehall is the hardcore beat behind lyrics concerning for the most part: acquiring possessions, getting respect on the street, beating down perceived enemies and enjoying the physical charms of varied, if not multitudinous bitches."

Asked how she felt about Bourdain's statement, veteran dancehall reggae artiste, Nadine Sutherland says that she was offended but not angry at him as "...that is what is being perpetuated (by our music) so why is it a foreigner can't do it?"

Stahhr says that female artistes such as Lady Saw and Sasha use derogatory terms in their music when referring to other females. Sutherland has also acknowledged that demeaning terms such as 'sketel' and 'gyal' which is similar in meaning to bitch are used in dancehall music. Stahhr also says, "I guess its like the N-word ...some women feel the entiltlement to use it on each other."

Installing cameras on the streets and extending some police powers were among measures which emerged out of a spirited discussion yesterday by business executives and members of the legal fraternity, as crime continued to occupy the nation.

There was broad support for a raft of measures outlined by Cornwall Bar Association president, Clayton Morgan, and Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) head, Chris Zacca, at the latest in a series of news luncheons hosted by Observer chairman Gordon 'Butch' Stewart at the company's Beechwood Avenue headquarters in Kingston.

Stewart pledged the first $1 million towards the $20-million fund recently launched by private sector groups towards the Crime Stop reward for information campaign.

"Crime is out of control. I think our citizens are living in fear. I don't know of any citizen that goes out at night and isn't looking (nervously) behind his back." Stewart told the gathering. "You have a community that is crying out for protection."

He repeated his recent call for support for the police, saying: "Personally, I think the police are getting a bad rap. What I don't hear people talking about enough. is how many good police there are. At the end of the day, the force has to be motivated, has to be trained, has to be led in order to protect the citizens of this country."

However, Stewart, Jamaica's leading hotelier, argued that despite the limited resources to fight crime the police must first make better use of their own resources in order to generate any form of success.

"This business where you can't fight crime because you don't have 2,000 more cars or you can't fight crime because you don't have the high powered weapons [is not good enough]. You start fighting crime with what you have and motivate people around you and give some respect to the people that are out there exposed to the crime every day," he said.

Morgan disclosed that Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne had approached members of the legal fraternity with 15 recommendations outlining how her ministry proposed to deal with crime.

While he was not able to publicise the details of the recommendations, Morgan said if accepted, the proposals would transform the way the country dealt with crime.
"If these proposals, whether we agree with them or not, are accepted by the Government, they will be far-reaching in the way in which crime is dealt with in Jamaica," he said. 
"It is a very difficult situation. Crime is out of control in the country and something has got to be done about it. It has to be cauterised. The question is how we do it?," asked Morgan.

At the same time, Morgan said the manner in which the security forces were given extra powers was of grave importance and must be taken into consideration. "Are we going to scoop up hundreds of thousands of young men and women?"

"We all know from experience that one has to be very careful of how much power we give to the security forces, because in a lot of instances they abuse these powers," he said.

The group, for the most part, endorsed the legislative changes proposed by the private sector bodies last week.
Zacca rehashed the suggestions which included mandatory imprisonment on conviction for any gun-related crime, DNA evidence, video evidence and three-strikes-you-are-out legislation, among others.

Calling for radical measures to control crime, which he said was destroying the economy, Morris Facey of Pan Jamaican Investment Trust Limited, declared: "We need to find some way, some way of dealing with crime and if necessary we lock everybody (criminal) up," he said. "What is clear is that there is no teeth in the justice system that is going to bring people to heel."

However, Veteran journalist John Maxwell insisted that the issue of community responsibility in terms of helping the police to bring criminals to justice was key.

"If you give people incentives to turn [people in], but if people have no incentive and they are terrified they will not do anything about it and will allow themselves to be victimised," he said. "We need to get at this level in the society to put strength in the people's hands so that they can take charge."
Mandeville Councillor Sally Porteous called for installation of surveillance cameras all over Jamaica and more street lights in dark and secluded areas.

"There are 100 small things that we can do to prevent crime. I believe that we need to heavily invest in cameras," she said, noting that: "The Manchester Chamber of Commerce is going to be paying for cameras to go in the town of Mandeville. It is going to cost $6 million, but the private sector have said that they will do this, and we need them everywhere, not just uptown, but we need them in all the streets."

July 09, 2008. Last week was 50 Cent's birthday. And what do you think that his girlfriend Ciara gave him? According to one of our readers who claims they have inside info, she got him two exotic dancers. Here's the report: Want to know what Ciara got Fif for his b-day?...A man who has everything .... She held a private party with some 'exotic girls' and they all (50, ciara, and 2 girls) had an even more private sitting in a private room. No word on what other gifts were given or performed. OH MY!!!!

Limelinx.com just like zshare only way faster an u still can hear the audio track b4 downloading
soo wat u say
change from zshare>>>>LimeLinx????

-- Edited by Demitri at 21:06, 2008-07-04

DENVER - A man accused of checking out hundreds of books and DVDs from libraries around the Denver area and then trying to sell them will be doing all his library borrowing from now on behind bars.

Denver prosecutors say 34-year-old Thomas Pilaar was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered Tuesday to pay $53,549 in restitution. He pleaded guilty in May.

Of an estimated 1,400 books and DVDs that were taken, about 500 have been recovered.

Denver Public Library estimated it had lost $35,000, while Douglas County said it had $11,000 worth of overdue items.

Authorities were tipped off by a woman who recently bought books on Craigslist and noticed the library identification stamps.

Only 9,000 troops of a planned 26,000-strong force have been deployed

Six members of the joint United Nations African Union peace mission in Sudan's Darfur region have been killed in an attack, a UN source has told the BBC.

Those who died included four Rwandan peacekeepers, one policeman from Ghana and another from Uganda.

State media reports that a convoy of 40 armoured vehicles ambushed the peace force while on patrol in North Darfur.

The UN-AU mission has been struggling to contain the violence and has just 9,000 of the planned 26,000 troops.

Reports say at least seven other peacekeepers were wounded and a number of others remain missing.

'Outraged'

Ten vehicles from the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (Unamid) were destroyed, Sudan's state media reports.

"The mission is obviously outraged by the attack," Unamid spokeswoman Shereen Zorba told Reuters news agency.

It is unclear who was responsible. Numerous armed groups operate in Darfur - rebel factions, pro-government militias and criminals.

Last week, Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Djibril Bassole was appointed as the new UN and AU Darfur peace envoy.

Two outgoing peace envoys have questioned whether armed groups in the region are committed to ending the conflict.

Talks have been complicated recently because the rebels have split into more than a dozen factions.

Since the conflict began in Darfur five years ago, the UN estimates that some 300,000 people have died and two million have fled their homes.

The conflict began when rebels took up arms in protest at alleged government discrimination against the region.

Pro-government Arab militias have been accused of widespread atrocities against the black African population.