THE STAR has learnt that dozens of persons fled from inside a prominent store in Port Antonio on Friday, after they claimed that a ghost had entered the building and was creating mayhem.

Reports are that the incident took place shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, when customers were packed inside the store.

women fleeing

When THE STAR spoke to a taxi operator, who gave his name only as 'Zeeks', he said that on the day of the incident he was on the outside when he saw at least 14 women fleeing the store and shouting. "A muss duppy dat, ah wah dis a gwaan?"

He said that he also overheard screams from other persons, who were still inside the store, and shortly after he heard a noise which sounded as if glass was being shattered. It is also said that windows were being slammed and that there was some unseen force there.

The taxi operator, however, said that at no time did he attempt to enter the store, but he instead drifted further away from the business place.

Another man who works at a store close by, who refused to give his name, said he saw persons on their knees inside the building praying, but he was not aware if the incident involved a ghost.

THE STAR visited the store yesterday but was told by workers that they were not aware of any such incident. However, at least 10 other persons who claimed they were nearby at the time of the incident, insist that an incident took place. The incident is also now the hot topic in the town.

Buju Banton (left) accompanied by his lawyer David Oscar Markus

Tampa, Florida:

BUJU BANTON'S attorney does not intend to use the artiste's recent victory at the Grammy Awards to assist in arguing his innocence and neither does he believe it will have a bearing on the case.

Instead, David Oscar Markus says he will be fighting to prove 10 crucial points to the jury that the Jamaican superstar is merely a victim of a pay cheque seeking confidential informant paid by a United States Agency.

He has already accused the informant, Alexander Johnson, who has been paid more than US$50,000 to help the US law enforcement on the case of being 'a master manipulator.'

"It is about a con artist trying to set up a recording artiste," Markus told the court.

The prosecutor has said there is no evidence Buju invested any of the $135,000 into the cocaine deal nor did he get a dime out of it.

During opening statements yesterday, Markus showed the jury a huge chart plastered with album covers and photographs of Buju Banton. He told them that all Buju wanted to do and has ever been involved in was music.

"He grew up very poor and he fell in love with reggae," Markus told the court. He even told the jurors that Banton has produced more number-one hits than Bob Marley and that 'The Gargamel' was just being set up.

"This is a reggae musician who loves what he does," he said of Banton.

Banton, 38, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been accused of conspiring with two associates to buy a shipment of cocaine from an undercover officer. The reggae superstar has claimed he was entrapped by a confidential informant.

Banton is facing charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm during the course of a drug trafficking crime, and using a communication facility in the commission of an act constituting a felony.

After the court adjournment yesterday, Markus said Buju's Grammy success on Sunday, when he won the best Reggae Album category, "does not have any bearing on the case but I do think it shows how this man believes in his music."

"This is what his life is about, that is what his whole life is devoted to. He is not a drug dealer, he is not about drugs. He is about making music and it is beautiful music and that is why he is so thankful that his fans appreciate him," Markus added.

In a brief statement to the media, Banton expressed gratitude for the support he has received en route to winning the Grammy. He also said once the jury pays attention to the facts, he will be a free man.

"I would like to thank all my fans who voted for me and I also want to thank the Lord God for giving me a good jury and all I hope and ask is that they listen to the entire case and hear the fact," said Buju.

LOS ANGELES Reporter Serene Branson is hospitalized after a slurring Grammys speech (video below) last night. CBS2 has yet to confirm if Serene Branson suffered a stroke.

Branson appeared live for CBS 2 News Los Angeles, covering the telecast. During the post-telecast recap, a CBS2 studio anchor sent the report to Branson who appeared outside the Los Angeles venue in a full winters jacket.

Branson appeared calm, smiling, and apparently fine. But shortly after she began speaking, it was apparent something had clearly gone wrote. With the exception of very, not one word in her sentence was intelligible. Bransons facial reaction changed from smiles to frustration as she realized she was apparently unable to formulate a word.

Despite reports, CBS has yet to confirm if a medical matter, or a stroke, prompted the condition Sunday. The DailyRecord.co.uk is reporting that she may have suffered a stroke, but CBS2 has not confirmed that.

Shortly after the telecast aired, John Schneider, a Los Angeles executive, wrote on Twitter that he called the CBS2 tip line to inquire if Branson was okay. He was told she is hospitalized but wasnt informed what prompted the slurring. When my wife and I saw what happened we were concerned. Serene Branson could be ill I called the CBS news desk about Serene Branson and the fellow who answered said she was being checked out.

A Thai couple has sealed a new record for the longest kissing, after locking lips for 46 hours, 24 minutes.

The Guinness World Records still have to verify the latest "kissathon" for it to become official.

Husband and wife team Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat were one of 14 couples taking part in a contest in Pattaya.

The pair won a diamond ring worth 50,000 baht (£1,016) and a 100,000 baht (£2,032) cash prize.

The couple began smooching at 0600 local time on Sunday, and were announced the winners just before dawn on Tuesday.

Contestants had to be either married or a serious couple, with a marriage certificate or letter from both parents required as proof.

The Colombian military has nabbed a sophisticated, 100-foot long submarine capable of transporting eight tons of cocaine to the coast of Mexico, authorities said Monday.

The fiberglass sub, which was seized in a jungle in Timbiqui, near the Colombia's southwestern Pacific coast, could carry a crew of four to six people, had two diesel engines and navigational equipment allowing it to remain fully submerged up to 30 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, navy officials said.

It also had a 16 ½ foot periscope and an air-conditioner to keep the crew cool during the trip. Authorities estimated it cost about $2 million to build.
The vessel was a step up technologically from previous narcosubs found in Colombia, which could not operate completely underwater.

Last July, authorities in neighboring Ecuador seized a fully submersible drug submarine.

Gen. Jaime Herazo said he believed the sub belonged to "narco-traffickers coupled with narco-terrorists, who received a heavy blow [due to its capture]."

Col. Manuel Hurtado, chief of staff of Colombia's Pacific Command, told The Associated Press that intelligence reports and tips from informants led soldiers to the sub.

Jay Z and Beyonce are taking what an insider calls a "trial separation." According to the insider the couple has been at odds for the last year. The insider explains,"The biggest thing [they argue about] is about kids, [Jay Z] wants them and Beyonce doesn't. It's all about her career, and she doesn't want to slow down." Jigga is so animate about having kids, that CaribbeanFever.com learned he just ENTERED A LEASE to a Los Angeles mansion - without his wife!!! The insider claims, "For now [Jay Z's] going to be staying in LA. Beyonce will be in NY. . . The hope is that with the time apart, the couple will decide to either have kids, or go their separate ways." WOW. And we have SECONDARY confirmation of what our insider is claiming. According to multiple [CELEBRITY] guests on Saturday's RocNation lunch, there was "definitely something wrong" between Jay Z and Beyonce. As one celeb puts it, "They didn't even look each other in the eye." The staff here at yardflex.com are HUGE fans of Jay Z and Beyonce. We really hope Jigga changes his mind and works things out with wifey. . . .

Teenager, 19, found knifed to death after flat fire two weeks before her baby was due

• Nikitta Grender had been stabbed twice before blaze broke out, say police

The grieving parents of a pregnant teenager who was stabbed to death before her home was set alight have spoken of their struggle to come to terms with her violent murder.

Nikitta Grender, 19, was found dead by firefighters who were called to a blaze at her flat in Newport, South Wales, on Saturday morning.

It was initially thought she had died in the fire but, following a post-mortem examination, police have confirmed that she had been stabbed twice and killed before the fire broke out.

Miss Grender's parents released a brief statement paying tribute to their daughter and unborn grand-daughter who was to be named Kelsey-May.

'As a close family we are trying to come to terms with the tragic events which have led to the untimely death of our beautiful daughter Nikitta and grand-daughter Kelsey-May,' they said.

'We wish to appeal for any persons with information to contact the police in an effort to find out why this has happened.

'We ask to be left alone at this time with Nikitta and Kelsey-May's family to come to terms, if possible, with the tragic events which have taken our daughter and grandchild from us.'

Neighbours in the community on the estate in Broadmead Park, Liswerry, where she lived, have spoken of their shock and anger at the killing.

Detectives are appealing for anyone, particularly close friends of the murdered woman, to come forward with information.

Detective Superintenant Geoff Ronayne, of Gwent CID, said she was last seen at 1am after returning to her flat after an evening out with friends.

He said: 'We need to know who called at the flat after that time.

'Someone knows who was in that flat after 1am and later.

'We are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

'It is fair to say that she was looking forward to the birth of her child and there were no difficulties.

'The key to this is to find our the previous history and we are looking for anyone she was associating with which her family may not have been aware of.

'She was living with her boyfriend who was not at the address at the time.

'He is one of the individuals we have spoken to and he is obviously distraught as well.

'I can confirm she was stabbed twice.'

Police have launched a murder investigation into the deaths of both the teenager and her unborn child.

Det Superintendent Geoff Ronayne said: This is a horrific crime where two innocent lives have been lost.

Nikitta was two weeks away from giving birth to a baby girl. This is particularly callous and something we very rarely see.

When Nikittas family should have been looking forward to the birth of her baby they are now absolutely grief stricken.

She added: 'We are working on the basis that this crime is locally based. Somebody knows where the knife is and we urge them to come forward.

'Someone will know who is responsible. Please come forward to give us that information that we need.'

Floral tributes have been placed outside the semi-detached block containing the blackened flat, at Broadmead Park on the Liswerry estate.

Neighbours thought the flat was rented by Miss Grenders boyfriend and that she moved away from her family after becoming pregnant.

Kiprich who is not new to controversy ....a matter of fact the DJ once went in what appeared to be exile when it was said he dissed some political rep. That has long gone ..and these days Kiprich spends his time jabbing with lyrical wit that more often than not grabs the listeners attention with his ever fresh style. One of his latest musical product is with Lysa Hyper.. they recently did a song called Blow Blow... and this is a bit surprising to me to see how Lisa Hyper is still well received throughout the dancehall even though she was caught with what appeared to be a non-musical microphone in her mouth some time ago.. Since being kicked out of the Empire Lysa is still doing relatively well and has done songs with the likes of Beenie Man and now Kiprich.. which goes to show you ...even though the culture of dancehall condemns "bow cat" behaviour.. if you get caught it seems you are sure to get a pass. Mr Lex, Bounty Killer among others were being accused of being "bow cat" in the pass although there is no concrete proof of this, no one really put any serious ban nor condemnation on the artistes..this needs further investigation but right now it seems Bow Cat Behaviour is No Longer Condemned in dancehall.
check out the lysa and kiprich track

Old demons die hard as singer El Debarge is finding out.

Debarge has checked himself into a rehab center to deal with substance abuse issues that have plagued him for 25 years reports Billboard.

"I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share my music and my story with everyone," the singer said in a statement. "I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time."

Debarge was arrested 4 times for cocaine, crack and domestic abuse issues from 2001 to 2008. Following his last arrest in 2008, his probation was revoked and he was sent to federal prison on a 2 year sentence.

He was released in October 2009 and began working on a comeback album titled 'Second Chance.'

The album has features from 50 Cent and Faith Evans, it has been very well received.

The single "Lay With You" featuring Faith sits at # 20 on Billboards Top R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.

Debarge also had to cancel his upcoming tour that was scheduled to start February 17 in Houston, Texas. Singer Musiq Soulchild will take his place.

We wish nothing but the best for El and hope he can get a handle on things.

The plaintiffs, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Service Women's Action Network, and Yale Law School students, are seeking access to the records through a district court in New Haven, Connecticut.

The groups say official records of rape, sexual assault and sexual ha****ment in the military are needed to determine the extent of the problem and what has been done to address it.

They have also underlined the fact that withholding the documents is against the Freedom of Information Act.

The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are yet to comment on the lawsuit, which was filed against them on Monday.

According to the case, tens of thousands of service members have reported some sort of sexual assault or trauma in the past decade.

It underlines that about 80 percent of unwanted or threatening sexual acts are not reported.

The lawsuit also says the government only prosecutes eight percent of sex offenders in the military.

In the 2009 fiscal year, a Pentagon report showed an 11 percent increase in sexual assaults in the military over the previous year.

The shocking survey also said that one in every three women report being sexually assaulted during their service in the US military.

This means that women, who join the military to help fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, are more likely to be raped by a fellow American soldier than they are of getting killed by enemy fire.

This is while sexual abuse is believed to be the primary cause of post traumatic stress disorder among female service members.

Many say the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have raised the demand for additional military personnel, and that is why people with criminal backgrounds, who were turned away ten years ago, are now among the ranks of the US military.

"Putting these types of individuals into situations where they are confronted with an opportunity to do things of a criminal nature, it should not surprise anyone that a much higher percentage of these types of things are going to go on," former US Senate candidate, Mark Dankof, told Press TV on Monday.

However, even though President Barack Obama's administration is quite aware of the problem of sexual assault in the US military, it has been very slow in addressing the issue, and has only asked US Congress to advance additional funds for more prevention programs.

Looks like NBA player Kobe Bryant may have a secret love childIm hearing that Kobe was served paternity papers Gilbert Arenas style at a recent basketball game? Heres what I found out: This mess started right around the time Tiger Woods had his drama A chick Kobe was mixed up with earlier in the year gave birth to his alleged child, and Kobe paid for her to live in Italy for the last year..Shes now back in the US and is now seeking legal rights. Take a look at the video:

Left: The broken windscreen of the car where Osbourne Melburn was driving when he was killed. Right: The stone which lay between the car's front seats. - Rasbert turner photos
Police are trying to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a 62-year-old man who was killed after a stone penetrated the windscreen as he drove along the Spanish Town leg of Highway 2000 yesterday.

Osbourne Melburn, who was visiting from New Jersey, USA, was driving a Toyota Probox with relatives towards Spanish Town when the freak accident occurred.

They were reportedly coming from visiting the grave of a family member. "Another funeral again, this is unbelievable; it's really sad," one relative said. "We just bury one brother and now Osbourne dead."

It is reported that about 1:30 p.m., the stone smashed into the windscreen of the car and hit Melburn in the face. He was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The stone was seen resting on the console of the ill-fated vehicle. The St Catherine North police are investigating the incident.

"We just buy patty and eat and everything and the car just got hit by the stone. Is my nephew why we didn't all died," Melburn's sister Veronica Wilson said.

THE STAR was told that upon hearing the explosion, Melburn's son grabbed the steering wheel and eventually stopped the car.

Wilson could not hold back the tears as she retraced the final moments with her brother. "We buried one of our brothers in Alston, Clarendon, earlier. He was to go back tomorrow. I just can't believe he is dead after we had so much fun last night until this morning," she said.

Melburn's son Phillip said his father had taken over the driving as they entered the toll road. He said he fell asleep but was awoken by a loud bang and took control of the vehicle.

Singjay Buju Banton has not had a lot of good news in the past 14 months, but yesterday's announcement that his Before The Dawn won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, is bound to lift his spirits as he goes on trial for a second time today in a Florida court. Buju, 38, is facing drug and weapons charges. A first trial in Tampa, Florida Federal court last September ended with a hung jury. He and two men were arrested and charged in December 2009 for conspiracy to possess and intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine. Last month, he was hit with an additional charge for illegal possession of a firearm. The Grammy Awards took place yesterday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Interestingly, last year gay rights groups were up in arms over the nomination of Buju's Rasta Got Soul album in the same category. They protested that much of his earlier work, including the infamous 1993 song Boom Bye Bye, encouraged violence against homosexuals and lesbians. Before The Dawn was released last summer just before Buju went on trial. It beat five other rivals for the Grammy; Isaacs Meets Isaac by Gregory Isaacs and Zimbabwean singer King Isaac, Legacy - An Acoustic Tribute To Peter Tosh by Andrew Tosh, Revelation by Lee 'Scratch' Perry and One Pop Reggae and Made In Jamaica from Sly and Robbie were the other nominees. It is the first Grammy win for Buju whose career reached an international peak in the mid-1990s with the inspirational Til Shiloh album. He has had other strong sets including Inna Heights and Unchained Spirit, but his overseas tours have been dogged by protests from gay advocates. Several shows on his 2009 Rasta Got Soul tour of the United States were cancelled due to pressure from powerful gay groups. Some persons, including respected musicologist Roger Steffens, believed the 2011 Grammy would go to the Isaacs Meets Isaac set. Steffens, who is also part of the Grammy's reggae selection committee, said Isaacs' death four months ago made him a sentimental favourite. Federal agents claim Buju, Ian Thomas and James Mack negotiated a cocaine deal in a warehouse in Sarasota, Florida. Buju, who is best known for songs like Untold Stories and Driver, has pleaded not guilty, but if found guilty, can be sentenced to life in prison. Thomas and Mack, career criminals, pleaded guilty. Last month, Buju headlined a Miami concert that featured an all-star cast to raise funds to help pay his legal bills.

A female high school gym teacher in Ohio has been accused of having sex with five students over a period of five-months.

Stacy Schuler, 32, is said to have had a sexual relationship with the students, who were mostly football players, from last August to December.

Warren County jury heard the sexual acts happened off school grounds, and that the single teacher also bought alcohol for the students at Mason High School in Mason, Ohio.

Schuler, of Springboro in Dayton, Ohio, faces up to 81 years in jail if she is convicted of 16 counts of sexual battery and three offences involving an underage person.

She has been under investigation after an anonymous tip was called in to officials last month, according to a spokeswoman for the school, which has more than 3,000 students.

"I am committed to the safety and well-being of our students, and will not tolerate behaviour that does not conform to that goal," the Daily Mail quoted Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart as saying.

"Our staff are prepared to help our students during this situation, and know how important it is to continue to build trust with our students and families," she stated.

She added the Ohio Department of Education is expected to tell the Mason Board of Education to suspend Schuler without pay. (ANI)

BWOY MI SEE ALOT BUT DI ONE WEH CAUGHT MI EYES IS "BIG DUTTY RAT" WAH DAT DEH SUMADY DEH DID DEH THINK BOUT FI NAME DEM SELF SO

-- Edited by {*~*Ch@m$*ZoNe*~*} on Sunday 29th of August 2010 10:40:36 PM

ongrats to Buju Banton.. who has won the the Grammy Award for the Best Reggae Album. Im not sure if this will put a smile on Buju's face... because the Jamaica reggae music superstar will be back on the court case tomorrow with additional charges to face.
Buju's "before the dawn" album beat the albums of Lee "Scrtach" Perry, Sly and Robbie and Gregory Isaac.

On a night where Lady Gaga arrived in an egg, the biggest surprise of the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards had to be Drake and Justin Bieber losing out to Esperanza Spalding for Best New Artist.

The consensus amongst most people heading into the night was that the award would go to either Bieber or Drake, but Spalding, a jazz singer and bassist walked away with the coveted prize.

Also how did Florence Welch and Martina McBride end up in a tribute to Aretha Franklin? That kind of tribute should be done by singers who can belt out an Aretha tune. Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams and Christina Aguilera also took part in the tribute.

Eminem gave a spirited performance as he teamed with Rihanna, Skyler Grey and Dr Dre for "Love The Way You Lie" and "I Need A Doctor."

Here's a list of the winners so far!

Song of the Year: "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum
Country Album: Lady Antebellum, Need You Now
New Artist: Esperanza Spalding Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster
Rock Album: Muse, The Resistance

POP:

Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Train, "Hey, Soul Sister (Live)"
Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé, Crazy Love
Female Pop Vocal Performance: Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance," The Fame Monster
Male Pop Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars, "Just The Way You Are," Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Pop Collaboration With Vocals: "Imagine," Herbie Han****, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare, The Imagine Project?
Pop Instrumental Performance: "Nessun Dorma," Jeff Beck, Emotion & Commotion
Pop Instrumental Album: Take Your Pick, Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto

R&B:

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: Fantasia, "Bittersweet," Back to Me
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Usher, "There Goes My Baby," Raymond V Raymond
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Sade, "Soldier of Love," Soldier of Love
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: John Legend & The Roots, "Hang On In There," Wake Up!
Best R&B Song: John Legend & The Roots, "Shine," Wake Up!
Best R&B Album: Wake Up!, John Legend & The Roots
Contemporary R&B Album: Raymond V Raymond, Usher

RAP:

Rap Song: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind," The Blueprint 3
Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind," The Blueprint 3
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz, "On to the Next One," The Blueprint 3
Rap Solo Performance: Eminem, "Not Afraid," Recovery
Urban/Alternative Performance: "F*** You," Cee Lo Green

ROCK:

Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Paul McCartney, "Helter Skelter," Good Evening New York City
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: The Black Keys, "Tighten Up," Brothers
Rock Song: "Angry World," Neil Young, Le Noise
Hard Rock Performance: New Fang, "Them Crooked Vultures," Them Crooked Vultures
Metal Performance: "El Dorado," Iron Maiden, The Final Frontier
Rock Instrumental Performance: Jeff Beck, "Hammerhead," Emotion & Commotion
Rock Album: Muse, The Resistance

COUNTRY:

Female Country Vocal Performance: Miranda Lambert, " The House That Built Me," Revolution
Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban, "'Til Summer Comes Around"
Country Song: "Need You Now," Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum) (Need You Now)
Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum, "Need You Now"
Country Instrumental Performance: Marty Stuart, "Hummingbyrd" (Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions)
New Age Album: Miho: Journey to the Mountain, Paul Winter Consort
Contemporary Jazz Album: The Stanley Clarke Band, The Stanley Clarke Band
Jazz Vocal Album: Eleanora @#$an (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee, Dee Dee Bridgewater

LATIN:

Latin Pop Album: Paraiso Express, Alejandro Sanz
Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album: El Existential, Grupo Fantasma
Tropical Latin Album: Viva La Tradición, Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Tejano Album: Recuerdos, Little Joe & La Familia
Norteño Album: Classic, Intocable
Banda Album: Enamórate De Mí, El Güero Y Su Banda Centenario

DANCE:

Dance Recording: "Only Girl (in the World)," Rihanna
Electronic/Dance Album: La Roux, La Roux

Early nineties King of the Dancehall Beenie Man who recently was very upset about Vybz Kartel's song "dancehall hero" to the point that he made a counteraction ...and was the talk for at least 48 hours... even recently Beenie Man was disgusted at the fact that Tads Records (which apparently has some affiliation with Vybz Kartel through Corey Todd) went behind his back and bought the rights of some of his music from local producers and included those tracks in a compilation for sale on the digital market...
Jamaicandancehallmusic.com understands that despite all of this Beenie is showing some support for Vybz Kartel after kartels music was banned by radio disc jock Dubb Master Chris of New York Radio station and host of program Irie Jam Radio. According to media reports Beenie was quoted as saying ...."Dancehall is dancehall, when it comes to hardcore dancehall, I dont support any ban of dancehall music. If Kartel is sending a bleaching message, then he can understand why a man would not play it because we love our black skin, and black is beauty, but for the disc jock to say that hes not playing dancehall music because Kartel is advocating bleaching is going a bit too far ... not all (of) Kartel songs are about bleaching,"

-- Edited by gamepun on Sunday 7th of February 2010 08:08:00 AM

Ronaldo says he is retiring from soccer because he can't stay fit anymore, ending a stellar 18-year career in which he thrived with Brazil and some of Europe's top clubs.

The 34-year-old Ronaldo said Monday a string of injuries in the past two years had kept him from performing at a high level with Brazilian club Corinthians.

Ronaldo won two World Cups and holds the record for most goals scored in the tournament.

With his uncanny sprints toward the goal and an incredibly accurate finishing touch, he captivated fans everywhere he played, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

All despite having to come back from three serious knee injuries that threatened to end his career earlier than expected.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

SAO PAULO (AP) Three-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldo has scheduled a news conference where he is expected to announce his retirement from soccer.

The 34-year-old striker is set to speak Monday afternoon, ending an 18-year career in which he thrived with Brazil and some of Europe's top clubs.

He told the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper Sunday that "it's time" to stop because he can't stay fit anymore.

The news comes just days after Ronaldo was heavily blamed by Corinthians fans for the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores.

Ronaldo won two World Cups breaking the record for most goals scored in the tournament and starred for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Rum Bar "Chug it"
Feb 6, 2011
Sugarman's Beach
Hellshire Main Rd, Portmore, St. Catherine, Jamaica







-- Edited by BoaseyT0niiB0nii (Mod) on Saturday 12th of February 2011 01:48:42 PM

Christine Jackson of the Toronto, Canada-based Who Duz That Entertainment outfit has been trying for two years to get deejay Vybz Kartel to come to the land of the Maple Leaf. Although she readily concedes that she eventually wants him to do a show which she promotes, for this trip Jackson wants Kartel to just talk to the youth in violence-prone Toronto communities.

 

She readily identifies Regent Park, Jane-Finch, Scarborough, Malvern and Brompton as areas where there is a high level of violence against and among youth and insists that Kartels influence would go a far way towards addressing a situation. Him have an influence on the youth there, she said. Everybody sing him songs.

Even The Building, the New Kingston venue where Kartel is involved in many promotions, is a source of fascination for many Canadian youth who have never been to Jamaica.

On November 19 last year, the Toronto Sun reported a shooting at the Jane-Finch Mall in which a 17-year-old male was injured and two 23-year-old men were arrested for the attack. And on October 9, 2010, the same newspaper reported that despite millions of dollars being spent to refurbish and revitalise Regent Park, the killings continued in the notorious community.

Then, the most recent killing had been of a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old, both male.

Jackson has been on the Kartel hunt for two years and volunteers that he is hard to deal with or maybe get to, because she tells The Gleaner that to date (including a just-concluded, five-week trip to Jamaica), she is yet to speak to Kartel directly.

This despite spending hours at a studio waiting for him and sending a text message to which she got no reply.

She says that the youth listen mainly to Kartel and Mavado and figures that it is Di Teachers songs which really get to them. So, Jackson says, I figure a man like him can get to them, make them listen, just tell them that there are better things out there, it is not just guns and drugs.

It is not only a matter of Kartels songs, but also his image, Jackson saying that a policeman in Toronto pointed out he is tattooed down, he is dressed like them, he is everything like them.

There have been her personal efforts, which Jackson says have kept many people out of jail. So, she opines, If a simple person like me can do something amazing like that, stop couple people from going to jail, can you imagine what he can do with the thousands?

Me jus want him look into him heart and say make we do something, Jackson said.

Claiming that there are several organisations already on board with the initiative to staunch youth violence in Toronto, including Mothers Against Violence, the mayors office and York University, Jackson says on this trip to Jamaica she has received email encouraging her to continue the effort.

I just want him to say my thing is not about guns and violence, it is about upliftment, she said.

If him want him, pay him get him pay. Is not a free mission. When people like Trump do him conference, him get paid, Jackson said. Me nah stop. As long as me have breath a blow, me deh pon the mission. Me nah stop. Vybz Kartel needs to do it.

-- Edited by SCOOPA-!NK on Saturday 12th of February 2011 09:02:28 PM

The debris found a day ago was reported to not being that of the Air France flight, but that of a ship, also was the oil spill that was seen. Now They have scowered almost all the Atlantic Ocean and still no visual of one piece of debris from the air craft nor a passenger. Now If The plane had indeed crash in the water it would have nosed dived and that force it's entering the water with, debris would be all over the place, It is almost 1% out of a hundred for a plane to sink below surface.
Now ppl what Im saying is that there was bad whether yes and that the aircraft entered a black hole or it was a victim of the Great Bermuda Triangle causing it to dissappear off radar screens without trace, that would be a perfect explanation dont you think??????

It is as if Air France 447 crashed in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle -- even though the Bermuda Triangle is thousands of miles away from the crash site, and most pilots will tell you its dangers are nothing more than urban legend.

Still, this was a tragedy of unusual proportions. The plane fell from the sky in mid-flight, something that almost never happens in modern aviation. The cause is still a mystery; the pilot is reported to have sent a text message about stormy weather, and the plane sent automatic signals reporting an electrical fault, but not more. 228 people are believed dead.

Recovery experts say the equatorial Atlantic where the plane went down is an especially bad place for a plane crash. The waters there, not far from where Atlantic hurricanes take shape, are often stormy. And the ocean floor near the mid-Atlantic ridge is deep and uneven, worsening the chances of recovering anything from the Airbus 330, which went down on a flight from Brazil to France.

The police on Friday had to prevent persons in the Half-Way Tree area of St Andrew from beating two men they are said to have discovered in a compromising position.

Reports reaching THE STAR are that the policemen were on duty in the area when they accidentally encountered the men.

"Did inna di tenement yard when dem hear some mourning and groaning inna one of di rooms. Di news immediately started to spread dat when di officer dem open di door dem see a partially naked man who had a towel wrapped around his waist and di other man naked as di day him born inna di bed," one woman who was on location and who requested anonymity said.

When THE STAR visited the yard in the evening, a number of persons were still talking about the incident.

One young man declared; "Fada if yuh nuh busy come yah so cause di country need you, and dem lucky di police did deh yah so."

Based on information received at the scene, it is said that the team of officers had to shield the men from angry crowd for about five hours. "A long time di police dem did deh down deh until about four service vehicles had to come because di amount a people did deh pan di scene a lucky di man dem lucky seh dem nuh get some beaten," another woman said.

When contacted, Senior Superintendent Derrick Knight, head of the St Andrew Central Division said he was not aware of the incident.

Source In The Street & media Told TuffChin.Com that the Gaza Emporer Vybz Kartel and Producer Russian are having a fallout.

The question is what happened? Well this is what the source said:

Russian who did the hit song Jeans N Fitted with Vybz Kartel, has reportedly signed some new artists who were supposed to be signed to Kartel Portmore Empire. The source said because of some allegations that Vybz Kartel is beating members of Gaza, the new and upcoming artists opt to sign with Russian who is a producer with his own label.

Di yute dem neva waan sign with Empire cuz dem fraid a Kartel. Di man a beat di man dem when him buss dem like some lickle yute, the source said.

The source who have strong links to Kartel Gaza, also said Russian has been doing work with artists from rival Bounty Killer Alliance.

Kartel a tell di yute fi no do no work with Alliance man dem, but di man is a producer and him a fi eat food and work wid everybody, the source said.

Di man a mash Empire and him no see it, the source added.

Earlier this week  reported that members of the Alliance release a new diss track called Nuh Bad Like We, which attacked the whole Gaza both past and present. Kartel is rumored to be busy recording two counteractions .

A 30-odd-year-old man said to be a thug from Portmore, St Catherine, had to flee his community last week after his mother loudly alleged that he has made several sexual advances towards her.

Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that the man's friends gave him the option to leave or die following the incident which occurred in Newlands. During a visit to the community earlier this week, residents were still having their way with the topic, some expressing their disgust at the alleged incest-curious man, while others were a bit more on the humorous side and argued that there must be more to the story.

THE WEEKEND STAR learnt that the man shares a house with his mother and father who though still married, are no longer involved.

It is said that on the day of the revelation, the man and his mother had a verbal altercation. The verbal battle is said to have become heated and drew the presence of a number of residents who listened to the two arguing.

It is said that it was all jokes as the two argued but a number of jaws dropped when the man said "gweh a that's why mi fada nuh want yu ...," to which the mother replied "yea since yu want mi talk mi ago talk, a feeling yu a carry cause yu a beg mi sex and mi run yu. Yu too nasty."

The woman's remark is said to have raised the ire of those who moments earlier were enjoying the moment as the mother and her sibling took lyrical shots at each other.

everybody get serious

"Wen di woman seh dat everybody get quiet and a look pon each other. About 15 a wi did roun deh and a laugh until she seh di sex part, afta dat everybody get serious," said 25-year-old Marcia Cummings, who claimed to be a witness to the argument.

It was further said that instead of making any effort to counter his mother's claim or declare it was a lie, the man went silent and eventually walked away as persons urged him to defend himself. "A deh so everybody start think different and a seh it look like a true di woman a talk. Di man jus get quiet and then go inside a him house. All now him nuh seh nuttin," another witness explained.

The incident did not stop there.

THE WEEKEND STAR was told that news of the argument soon reached the ears of other residents, some of whom held nothing back as they expressed their anger at the man.

The group of individuals are said to have included members of a gang who are close friends with the man at the centre of the fracas.

The men reportedly ordered the mom and the son to a meeting, after which the man, who is said to have not said enough to clear his name, was given the choice to flee the community or else.

"We and him was fren eno, suh wi call meeting and mek him know seh him a gi wi bad name. Wi ask him bout wah him mother seh and him couldn't convince wi seh a lie suh wi mek him know is either him leave or wi ago deal wid it di hard way," a known thug from the area explained.

THE WEEKEND STAR located the mother but she expressed her reluctance to speak with the media.

Police sources from the St Catherine South Division say they have only heard of the incident.

The police have been left puzzled by the discovery of skeletal remains near busy Wellington Drive in Liguanea, St. Andrew.

They were found shortly after 6 o'clock Wednesday evening in a gully.
Detectives are awaiting the results of a post mortem to ascertain the identity and the cause of death.

Vybz Kartel is at it again.. as he needs to be.. it cannot be over emphasised that these Jamaican artiste need the US market to really make it worth their while. In the case where they don't have a UK nor US visa then chances are you perhaps should take a leaf from Vybz Kartel's "colouring book".
According to media reports Jamaicandancehallmusic.com understands that the Jamaican pop culture entertainer Vybz Kartel real Addijah Palmer has more or less launched his latest line of products. These include his new shoe called Addi's, dog tags, belt buckles and T-Shirts all aimed at the teen market.. (the impressionalbe minds). Kartel indicated that the T-shirts are not quite ready as yet, they will be available in female and male designs. The dog tags and belt buckles are now available for sale alongside his other products which includes the street vybz rum and the daggering condoms.
I'm not sure if the Addi's products will draw the attention of Addi .. the guys who makes needles and scissors or more importantly draw the attention of the famous shoe company Adidas.  It was some time ago that Mr Lexx got in trouble for his original name Lexxus and Mavado was in a bit of a tick with the watch company Movado.
To promote his products Mr Palmer will be tagging the sale of the items with a raffle. The first 10K items sold a prize of $1mill will presented to the winner..... oh boy!!

Mavado sounds as if...(like a number of his tracks..even after the war) he is throwing words at Kartel in this song called "Pepper" on the Pepper Riddim. Now why would Jamaicandancehallmusic say some thing like that.. Knowing the history between Vybz Kartel and Mavado.. and knowing even though there is peace words are still thrown by "subordinates in each camp with little or no attention...
In the new track produced by Steven the Genius ..former friend and producer for Vybz Kartel.. Mavado refer to 2 issues in this track these are...
1.Gully never buy out no chart (since kartel seem to be all over the charts and the awards)
2. Dem a use some Style that is not for them..(.oh awoa.. etc)

These are speculations at this time.. things will unfold as the clock tics.. it has been some time that we were promised a Mavado and Vybz Kartel collaboration.
You can check out the Pepper song ...click .here


-- Edited by SVG on Monday 7th of February 2011 10:38:32 PM

The Portmore Empire ...gaza family is to launch their latest album compilation. Dubbed Empire Universe the second chapter, the compilation as can be seen above contains a number of tracks from the Portmore Empire family. Notably absent are Vanessa Bling, Dotta Coppa and School Boy.
Most of the tracks are from Vybz Kartel and the other main stalwarts in the group which includes the likes of Jah Vinci, Shawn Storm and Popcaan. Dosa Medecine who has been around for some time only has one tune... and that should tell you how good this guy is.
We already know quite a few of the tracks on the list with the only dancehall hero 2 and colouring book...the ones that are not readily available.. Record sales from the empire has always been dismal ... we would be surprised if this gets anywhere.
The double CD album is expected to be released by the 28th of February..

The controversialLisa Hype and deejay Kip Rich have joined up to do a saucy collaboration entitled Blow.

what do you think listening to the song bellow , do you think she should have done a song like this at this time ?

what will the media say about this . With all thats going on with vybz kartel wouldn't you say the gaza produced nothing but bad influence for our youth ?

Or maybe that the direction the music is going these days down stream .

Leave your comments

Some people will do anything to break into the world of entertainment. A growing number of women are turning to cosmetic surgery to enhance their butts, faces and breasts.

For aspiring singer/model Claudia Aderotimi aka Carmella James, a botched butt enhancement surgery proved deadly when she suffered a heart attack after silicone got into her *la*hdstream.

Claudia had made arrangements to have the procedure done for around $1300, through emails and texts with a go-between, who is now a witness in the case for police.

It was the 2nd time she had come to America to have it done. After the 1st procedure she told her ex-boyfriend, Paul Djimo it hurt so bad she would never do it again, but obviously changed her mind.

"Claudia had big dreams, she wanted to be a superstar," Djimo told The Telegraph. "It sounded like it cost a lot so I assumed it was all done properly. She didn't need it. She was a pretty girl, anyone could see that. But she told me having the injections made her feel better about herself. Every girl has something they don't like about their looks and she mentioned her bum a few times. The industry she was trying to break into is competitive and dominated by US stars. And over there the size of your bum is extremely important."

The procedures are illegal in both the U.K. and in the U.S., but an underground black market where unskilled, untrained amateurs perform the enhancements is booming.

The Daily Mail reports that Claudia wrote about wanting to become a star.

"Im really interested in becoming a full-time actress and model. I also dance and write music. I truly believe I can take the world by storm I just need an agent." she wrote on one website.

Police are now searching for a transgender person who performed the surgery on Claudia and also a hip augmentation on one of her friends.

Doctors suspect the silicone was accidentally injected into a vein instead of the flesh, and that ultimately caused her death.

 

CAIRO -- Egypt's Hosni Mubarak resigned as president and handed control to the military on Friday, bowing down after a historic 18-day wave of pro-democracy demonstrations by hundreds of thousands. "The people ousted the president," chanted a crowd of tens of thousands outside his presidential palace in Cairo.

Several hundred thousand protesters massed in Cairo's central Tahrir Square exploded into joy, waving Egyptian flags, and car horns and celebratory shots in the air were heard around the city of 18 million in joy after Vice President Omar Suleiman made the announcement on national TV just after nightfall.

Mubarak had sought to cling to power, handing some of his authorities to Suleiman while keeping his title. But an explosion of protests Friday rejecting the move appeared to have pushed the military into forcing him out completely. Hundreds of thousands marched throughout the day in cities across the country as soliders stood by, besieging his palace in Cairo and Alexandria and the state TV building.

"In these grave circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave his position as president of the republic," a grim-looking Suleiman said. "He has mandated the Armed Forces Supreme Council to run the state. God is our protector and succor."

Nobel Peace laureate Mohammed ElBaradei, whose young suporters were among the organizers of the protest movement, told The Associated Press, "This is the greatest day of my life."

"The country has been liberated after decades of repression," he said adding that he expects a "beautiful" transition of power.

Police personnel from Spanish Town, St Catherine, were left shocked recently when they found out that a sexy woman with bountiful breasts they arrested was in fact a man who is going through a sex change.

Reports reaching THE WEEKEND STAR are that about 3 a.m. on Wednesday a police party spotted a silver Honda Civic motor car driving carelessly.

The lawmen are said to have stopped the vehicle and asked the driver for her licence. She was not able to produce it or any other identification card and was taken to the police station.

It was while she was at the station and plans were being made to transfer her to the Central Village Police Station that it was discovered that she was really a man who was going through a sex change.

The accused reportedly told the cops that he went to the United States where he did hormone treatment to change his body.

"This is how I want to go to court; this is who I am and it's only in Jamaica that it is a problem," the man supposedly told the cops.

He further stated: "I just want to go home and get some needed rest; this is a drag."

The police told THE WEEKEND STAR that the man said that he is scheduled to return to the United States to remove his private parts as his desire to be a woman is overwhelming.

He also reportedly told the cops that he does private parties abroad and travels extensively. "She really look hot with nice clothes and false eyelash and want to teach persons how to dress," a policeman told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The accused man was charged with various traffic violations and granted bail to appear in court later this month.

Leftside Hopes teggae reggae will be the new Jamaican craze

Craig 'Leftside' Parks, the brain behind Keep Left Records is about to unleash another of his grand ideas. He is aiming to introduce a new genre to Jamaica's music industry and, in time to the world.

He calls it 'teggae reggae' and its sound can be heard on the track Jump Up Around, which is a collaboration between Leftside and Shaggy.

Speaking with THE STAR, he said: "It was originally a track I did myself and I made him (Shaggy) listen to it to get some feedback. Him listen to it and love it until him all ask weh my verse deh," laughed Leftside.

The track has not been officially released to the public as yet. Only those doing promotional work to get the new sound out have it.

Leftside says he plans to work closely with artistes such as Pretti Looks, Gina Savage, Syon (all from his Keep Left Records label), Sean Paul, T.O.K. and anyone who will appreciate the new sound.

He sees the genre taking off in 2011 as he has big plans for it.

"A just crazy music rite now, innuh, this is the year of movement and teggae reggae is going to be one of those movers this year. There's going to be a lot of buzz surrounding it," he said.

"The end result will definitely be that there will be an increased demand for Jamaican music," added Leftside.

savage surprise

The newest addition to the Keep Left Records family Miss Jamaica World 2001, Regina 'Gina Savage' Beavers, may also come as a surprise to most persons.

She recently collaborated with Leftside on Coffee In My Cup, a song which cleverly hides the sexual meaning behind its lyrics.

"It's something that she always wanted to do. She reached out to mi and I listened to a few of her demos and stuff. The thing is, she is somebody mi know fi years and it came as a surprise to me that she has the talent," said Leftside.

He continued: "She's very talented and easy to work with and she knows her notes. Trust mi, she knows music, all that is needed is a good production team and that's what we're providing."

Success continues to come in favour of Keep Left Records as Leftside and Mystic Davis' Want Your Body Remix video hit the number-one spot on the Caribbean Charts last week.


The artistes of Keep Left Records, (from left) Gina Savage, Leftside, Pretti Looks and Syon. - Contributed

MTVreports:

It's official. 50 Cent is back.

The Queens native was a guest last night (February 9) on the late night talk show Conan with host Conan O'Brien. The dapper rapper was both charismatic and entertaining, with the crowd warming up to his well-timed jokes and recanting of some of his antics on Twitter - including making over a $1000 shoveling snow in New York City with the help of some kids the rapper posted pictures of via his Twitter account.

"We made a $1000," shared 50. "We shoveled ten houses in our actual neighborhood 'cause we showed them the pictures. I was telling them 'look, you can take a picture of me but we're gonna charge you'. You know, a celebrity shoveling your front yard."

Until recently, 50 Cent's first love of music had taken a bit of a backseat while the G-Unit mogul continued to remain a force in the world of business. From inking a distribution deal with Lions Gate to release ten films for his Cheetah Vision film company to collaborating with high-end headphone company Sleek Audio and getting his acting career buzzing again, the rapper born Curtis Jackson has been everywhere in the media. The budding thespian also showcased his latest film "Gun" at this year's Sundance Film Festival in Utah. There is also a buzzed about performance from the rapper in the upcoming film "Things Fall Apart" where 50 dropped from 214 to 160 pounds to portray a football player suffering with cancer.

50 Cent's rise to relevance also includes the rapper releasing the tracks "Happy New Year," "When It All Goes Down," and the menacing diss track "Old 2003 Ferrari" - where the controversial MC takes jabs at past rival Rick Ross and name drops Kanye and Wiz Khalifa.

LONDON, England (AP) Usain Bolt will be competing at the 2012 London Olympics with the legend of Bob Marley on his shoulders. The world-record holder in the 100 and 200 metres and the rest of his Jamaican track and field teammates will be wearing uniforms designed by the reggae great's daughter, Cedella Marley.
"We both break records," Marley told The Associated Press yesterday in a telephone interview. "Marleys. Bolt. Legendary."
Marley, the first-born daughter of Bob and Rita Marley, is a singer, author and fashion designer. She was picked by athletic apparel company Puma, the Jamaican team's sponsor, to create the clothes that the athletes will wear on the track, on the podium and in the ceremonies.
"I can't think of a better person to design our Olympic outfits than Cedella," Bolt said in a statement. "Puma got that right... hooking up with a legendary Jamaican.
"It's going to be inspirational to run in London with that energy surrounding me."
Bolt broke the records in the 100 and 200 at the 2008 Beijing Games, and then did the same at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. With the possible exception of Bob Marley, Bolt is the most famous Jamaican there is.
"Being a Jamaica No 1, being a Marley No 2, and then being able to outfit not only Usain, but the entire team, it's a proud moment for all of us, everyone in my family," Marley said.
Marley said she took her inspiration for the uniforms from music, various cultures and Jamaica from the 1970s and 80s.
"I want to bring the old and the new Jamaica together," she said. "It should be Grace Jones meets Bob Marley on the track, and we're going to have fire on the field."
And when it comes to the uniform Bolt will be wearing next year in London, fans can count on something a little bit different from his teammates.
"We're going to have something special for him. Only for him," said Marley, who has yet to meet Bolt, but said she is expecting to work with him in March in Jamaica. "We're going to work together."
The names of Marley and Bolt are probably the two most recognised from Jamaica in the world, so it only made sense to put them together for the Olympics in London.
But it took a chance phone meeting between Marley and Puma chairman and CEO Jochen Zeitz to get the collaboration up and running.
"I said, 'Yo Mr Puma, how come you've not done anything with the Marleys? Come on, you know, Puma, Marley, Jamaica. It makes sense,"' Marley said.
"And he just said, 'Well, you know, Cedella, everything takes time.' And like two weeks later I got a phone call. I guess it was time," said Marley.
For Puma, the desire to create something that will both aid the team in winning medals and make a splash in the design world was strong. And they'll work together to make sure the fashion end of the deal doesn't interfere with the performance specifications.
"A lot of people are going to be looking at Mr Bolt," Puma chief marketing officer Antonio Bertone said of the 2012 Games.
"It's going to be London. It's going to be an amazing location for the Olympics."
As for the Marley legacy, Bob's daughter said her father is already enjoying the fruits of her labour.
"Oh man, he loves it," Marley said of her late father, who died in 1981 but would have celebrated his 66th birthday this weekend. "This is a nice birthday present for him."

Mavado's "gullyside" Cassava Piece in St. Andrew was described in a recent news report as scavengers paradise. The Gully that Mavado sings so often about where he was raised and still visits very often is a tributary to the Kingston Harbour. Kingston harbour is being described as the second largest dump in the Corporate area and the garbage comes through Cassava Piece gully... the gleaner report indicated that...

The harbour, lined with garbage, is home to items such as plastic bottles (which top the list), old appliances, tyres, plastic bags and raw sewage mixed with a high stench. Many would wonder where the garbage comes from, so I decided to rove the Corporate Area gullies. The first stop was the Cassava Piece gully, the one dancehall deejay Mavado sings about. Mavado was not in sight, but the garbage that residents of the area dump inside the gully should make him sing another tune.

Check Out Mac Tay Capone, The Gangster Rapping Midget in the Videos below. Do you think the world is ready for this?------------------------------------------------------>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Police are probing allegations made in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court that a 27-year-old man from a St Catherine address paid a hit man to kill his mother.

The man, who is charged with forgery and uttering forged documents, is accused of withdrawing about $4 million from his mother's account without her consent.

He pleaded guilty to forgery but not guilty to uttering false documents. He is to return to court on March 1, for sentencing.

Allegations are that on July 8, the accused forged his mother's signature on a certificate of title for a 2003 red Ford motor truck and had a preliminary transfer done at the Collector of Taxes in St Andrew.

It is also alleged that he withdrew about $4 million dollars from an account that he and his mother shared without her consent.

It is reported that the complainant told the police, "I did not give my son or anyone else permission to write my name or affix a signature to the motor-vehicle title on my behalf."

The court was also informed that detectives are probing allegations that the accused paid to have his mother killed, this, after she was shot in March 2010.

Former Miss Jamaica World, Sara Lawrence (left), and Michael Ammar addressing members of the media at Bacchanal Jamaica's launch of the 2011 carnival season.

A colourful display of costumes took centre stage last night when Bacchanal Jamaica hosted its media launch of the 2011 carnival season, under the theme 'Once Upon A Dynasty', held at The Blue Mountain Inn Suite, Knutsford Court Hotel on Ruthven Road in St Andrew.

The highlight of the launch came in the form of the costumed models who paraded around the suite displaying the different carnival costumes which reflect the 'Once Upon A Dynasty' theme for the 2011 bacchanal season.

Macedonia, Princess of Persia, Zanzibar, Ming Dynasty, Moroccan Sands, Simyria, Atlantis, Shangri La, and Avalon themed costumes were showcased to the audience who showed their approval of the designs through cheers and handclaps.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, sent greetings and congratulated the organisers for once again putting together wonderful costumes as well as for enabling another season of bacchanal. She also spoke of the opportunities that the series of events would make available for different persons such as the vendors with stalls and the youngsters selling water outside the gate.

An exciting display from a swordsman and acrobatic ninjas welcomed sponsor Digicel's Shelly-Ann Curran who gave a short but entertaining speech about the telecommunication company's relationship with Bacchanal Jamaica.

Now in its 11th year, Bacchanal Jamaica will have Bacchanal Fridays at the Mas Camp for a total of nine Fridays starting February 18 and running through until April 15. The Soca'cise party series will also be held at the Mas Camp, Mondays and Wednesdays from February 28 through to April 13.

The highly anticipated bacchanal events, Beach J'Ouvert, Bacchanal J'Ouvert and the Bacchanal Road March will be held on April 23, April 29, and May 1, respectively.


Some of the colourful costumes being displayed at Bacchanal Jamaica's Media Launch of the 2011 carnival season, under the theme 'Once Upon A Dynasty, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Ruthven Road, last night. - Winston Sill photos

A California teen confessed to killing his mother, cutting up her body and putting the remains in a freezer, authorities said on Sunday.

Moises Meraz-Espinoza walked into a police station in Huntington Park, just south of Los Angeles, and allegedly told police of the murder and where the body could be found.

 

A dismembered body was found in the 19-year-old's home, but the identity of the body has not yet been confirmed, authorities said.

"The condition of the body precludes making her readily identifiable," said Coroner's Lt. Brian Elias, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

 

Meraz-Espinoza is being held without bail and was booked on suspicion of murder, police said.

"I knew either he was gonna harm himself or someone but... not her," a family member said, according to CNN.

 

The woman did not want to show her face or share her name, but said she got a call from her cousin Meraz-Espinoza, who she claims admitted to her that he cut up his mother's body with a saw.

"[He's] very mentally unstable," she said.