DMX is making headlines these days, but not for his music.

The 37-year old rapper, real name Earl Simmons, was arrested on Tuesday (May 6), and was booked on two counts of endangerment, three counts of criminal speeding, racing on a highway, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license, according to the East Valley Tribune.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a camera on Loop 101 through Scottsdale registered X driving in speeds up to 114 mph. The posted speed limit is 65. This occurred on the night of Jan. 21.

"Mr. Simmons wasn't singled out because of his notoriety," DPS Director Roger Vanderpool said. "We have made several arrests in the last few months of those people who flagrantly violate the speed limit and therefore endanger the lives of everyone else on the road."

As previously reported, DMX is also under an ongoing investigation for an August raid which revealed guns, drugs, three dead dogs and over a dozen malnourished dogs.

Eight months after a raid on DMXs Cave Creek home, a sheriff assures press that the Yonkers emcee isnt off the hook just yet.

Even though no charges have been filed since the raidwhich turned up guns, drugs and dead animalsSheriff Joe Arpaio told Phoenix news outlet KTAR that the case is still active.

When I say Im going to do something, I do it, okay? Some of you may think I do it just to get publicity and then hide, Arpaio told KTAR. No. The DMX investigation is in full progress. Very soon, I will announce a resolution to that case.

According to KTAR, the question about DMXs case stemmed from a news conference in which Arpaio talked about crime suppression sweeps that have garnered accusations of racial profiling. The article also says that DMX has denied any wrongdoing.

As previously reported by HipHopDX, three dog carcasses were found on Xs property after an anonymous tip to the sheriff offices animal cruelty complaint hotline that reported undernourished dogs with dry water bowls. A dozen more dogs were discovered that had been left outside in the 100-plus degree Arizona heat without water and food.

8 most deadly men The Kingston Central police have released the names of the eight most wanted men in the division. These men are being sought for questioning in connection with the recent upsurge of violence in the area. A recently intensified turf war, specifically between the communities of Southside and Tel-Aviv, has left several persons dead and many others injured, and the police believe these men may be of assistance to them. All are wanted in connection with gun-related incidents, including murder, shooting with intent, robbery with aggravation and breaches of the firearms act. Wanted by the police are Marlon McMillian, otherwise called 'Truety', of 31 Johns Street, Kingston 20; Dwayne Leslie, otherwise called 'Blagga', of 6A Barry Street, Kingston, and his brother, Dwight Leslie, of 4A Barry Street. Anthony Stewart, also known as 'Delung', from 11 Maiden Lane, is also on the list and is being sought in connection with the shooting of a police officer. He is described as armed and dangerous. A man known only as 'Nicholas', or 'Meeko Fras', whose address is unknown, is also wanted. Next on the list is Leebert Thompson, otherwise called 'Vado' or 'Anti-crime', of Steven Street, Kingston. Dave McFarlane, otherwise called 'Cudjoe', of 15 St James Street, is also being sought by the police. Duell Williams, also known as 'Fross', is said to frequent the Text Lane and Laws Street areas of the division, and the police say he may be of help to them. He is wanted for shooting at the police and is considered very dangerous. Two men, who were previously on the list, were shot dead last Friday during separate shoot-outs with the police. They have been identified as Nicholas Gordon and a man identified only as 'Chinna Man'. The addresses provided for these men are their last known ones. The police are requesting the full cooperation of the public, and request anyone with information about any of these men to call the Kingston Central police at 922-5076, 922-0421, or the Major Investigation Task Force at 924-9848.

Will Sizzla be denied European Visa? 08 May 2008 | by A.K.A., Contributing Writer One876Entertainment.com understand that Jamaican artiste, Sizzla may not be granted a Schengen visa for his European tour because of the 'homophobic nature of his songs". According to the website, pinknews.com, the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany (LSVD) has said it has been told by the country's Interior Ministry that homophobic Jamaican performer Sizzla will not be granted a Schengen visa for his proposed European tour this month. sizzla.jpgOne876Entertainment.com understands that the German Foreign Office also phoned the gay rights group to say that their embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, confirmed that the singer has songs in his repertoire that meet the legal criterion of "incitement of the people." The Schengen Agreement between 29 nations on the continent of Europe allows free movement across their borders. A common Schengen visa allows tourists access to all the countries party to the agreement, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone. "The Jamaican citizen Miguel Collins (Sizzla Kalonji) calls in several of his songs for the murder and homicide of gays," pinknews reported an LSVD spokesman saying. "It appears that Sizzla's name is now in the Schengen information system, with the consequence that he does not receive entry in the Schengen zone. Into this non-public data base persons are registered, that among other things are unwanted or have an outstanding arrest warrant in Schengen zone." The LSVD spokesperson seemed to celebrate the outcome. "The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) communicated to us today, that due to our letter to BMI and the Foreign Office (AA) - responsible for the granting of visas - " the necessary legal measures for the prevention of entry in the Schengen zone have been taken. At the end of March we had asked BMI and AA for exactly this outcome," the LSVD spokesman said. However, when One876Entertainment.com contacted Olimatta Taal, Sizzla's publicist, she said that Sizzla had already left the island enroute to Poland where he would kick off his tour tomorrow. "It's just one organisation that has issued a release, I have not heard it from any other news organisation, but I don't know why they are still messing with him...he never signed the Reggae Compassionate Act...but there was an agreement that they would be leaving these artistes alone. The majority of his catalogue of 40 albums are clean songs, it just shows how organised the gay community is, we in reggae music have to unite," she told One876Entertainment.com. "Why don't the gays talk about the molestation of black boys by gays, Sheldon Pusey was raped and molested by former trade ambassador Peter King and the incarceration of black men in jail, they need to stop trying to force their Eurocentric ideals on us and spread their propoganda. They have been doing it for centuries, trying to oppress black people, and our artistes represent poor black people and their continued efforts is depriving the communities which these artistes support of necessary income. We have a right to freedom of speech, and we will continue to exercise that right," she said. Several of Sizzla's tour dates are slated to take place in Germany. Checks with Sizzla's Myspace revealed that the first 15 dates have the words 'To Be Advised' assigned to them.

OUT AND RAW Melville Cooke and Krista Henry, Staff Reporters Left: Tanya Stephens sings about 'public sex' in 'Don't Play' a song from her 'Rebelution' album. Right: In 'Pharmacy' Busy Signal puts a social spin on public sex. In this age of cameras probing everywhere and recording what was once considered private and even taboo to venture too far into public, dancehall has brought sex out into the musical open. This does not mean, of course, that sex is a new topic, any number of dancehall artistes from General Echo to Shabba Ranks and Mavado, Lady Saw to Spice and any number in between have delved deeply (very deeply) into the subject. In the same way the video light has moved from showing off what is on a female to making public what is under her. But bringing the matter physically into the open in a county where it is still unusual to see couples holding hands, is something different. In Pharmacy Busy Signal puts a social spin on public sex, as he introduces a 'high society' to the other side of the tracks. Or, more accurately, the bushes. He deejays that "me buy a pack a condom uppa de pharmacy, wuk a stoosh gal inna de bush an mek de farma see." While Busy Signal is happy to expose his conquest and prowess to the man who tills the soil, in Squeeze Breast Mavado makes the publicity of the private act an audio style one, as he encourages the lady to make noise "because de lane waan hear". And Tanya Stephens wishes to silence the sound that masks the evidence of pleasure in Don't Play, as she instructs her partner to "pass de remote mek sure de Magnavox mute, so when de neighbour dem see yu dem sey respec' my yute". Sex in explicit terms One of the latest songs to explore sex in public comes from Assassin in his collaboration with Usher for Love In This Club. The song itself talks about sex in explicit terms but Assassin brings it to the public area as he deejays "di way wi inna di zone is like nobody else no inna di club" then sweetly croons to the girl "because yuh looking so fine and yuh have di likkle miniskirt weh mi like so yuh can mek it ride up pretend no one's beside us." Vybz Kartel, known for his risqué lyrics takes sex into the light of a national reggae festival. In Tic Toc Kartel talks about women being proud of their 'assets' and body by having sex in public, as he says "Gal pull yuh bre mek u man tun bres/&% him all inna Reggae Sumfest." A changing world seems to explain why there is a sexual shift. In an interview with the STAR, writer and lecturer at the University of the West Indies Dr Donna Hope explained why dancehall drew so much on sexuality rather than its predecessor reggae music. She said, "reggae music is a part of our culture, it produced dancehall. Dancehall is the more contemporary version and it draws from contemporary issues such as sexuality." Whereas Jamaicans were once reticent about sex it seems to have become more accepting in the public domain as the songs get more raunchy. Vybz Kartel in 'Tic Toc' talks about a woman being proud of her assets.

Long-haired man molests infant? Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer spanish town The Central Village police in St Catherine are searching for a man who reportedly sexually molested a three-year-old boy, which resulted in the child being hospitalised. It is alleged that on Monday, the child's parent left the boy at home to get transportation for another sibling who was going to school. When the parent returned the infant was missing. He was later located nearby in distress. He reportedly told his parents that a man with long hair took him into the bushes, took away the food that his parents had packed for him to take to school and violated him (via anal sex). The child was rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital but later transferred to another institution. Several concerned policemen expressed sadness at the cruel act meted out to the child. "Bwoy, if a did fi mi pickney, mi woulda a walk pon di road naked right now. It really wicked man," said a corporal. The police said although persons have been warned of strict penalties when offences are committed against children, the child-abuse incidents are still prevalent.

Young bwoy and older woman By: Buffilous Buffilous_2.jpgYeah man, me Buffilous again. Mi back broad, mi nuh gi two cents whey nobady waa write bout mi. Rootz girl can tan deh meck everyting badda har, if yuh duh dat yuh neva meck a move. Anyway, all a di YardFlex reader dem a mi friend so mi nuh care how dem cuss mi out...mi love almshouse and mi nah tap. And speaking bout mix up and blenda check out dis ya one yah. And before unno chat, no a nuh mi friend, mi just know bout di situation alright. Dis 69 year old rasta woman deh wid a 27 year old guy who waan fi marry har. But how she suh lucky. Dat deh young stud waan har fi di rest a har life and yuh have some young ooman whey can't find a man a har own! Mi sey, mi hear how di man treat har wid maximum amount a respect. Mi a talk bout open car door, pull out har chair meck she siddun, drop har off, pick har up any hours a di night she happen fi need a ride and it seem as if di man contented as long as she deh near him. But wid all a dat, di most shocking part a di whole mix is dat him still nuh sleep wid har yet. Him claim sey him not rushing anyting, him want to marry her and den him visit har promised land. Bwoy mi nuh know di man sound too good fi be true...a wonda...well so mi get it so mi share it wid unno. Till mi have more people business nex' time. Posted by yardFlex at May 8, 2008 10:50 AM

Over the past couple of weeks there has been a rumours circulating via the streets that internationally acclaimed record producer Don Corleon and Munga Honorable an artiste sign to his label are at odds.

876radio.com understands that rumour on the mill is that the deejay wants to record for other producers in the industry, but this intent is allegedly being frown upon by his record label.

When Munga was contacted he declined to comment on the matter, but Don Corleon was quick to point out that everything was good between himself and his artiste and credits the rumour to the fact that Munga was to not added to the cadre of artiste(s) on his latest project titled "Double Joint Riddim".

Munga recently released a new single titled "Black Pull-over" which is enjoying favourable airplay on the local airwaves, and he's getting ready to jet off to Japan for some performances later this month. The deejay is said to be adding final touches on his album titled 'Bad From Mi Born' set for release this summer.

After a June 22 arrest in Arizona, Lil Wayne has pleaded not guilty to drugs and weapons charges.

An MTV report states that the New Orleans emcee is due to return to court on June 19, where he will face several charges: possession of dangerous drugs, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, misconduct involving weapons and a possession of drug paraphernalia.

Border patrol and the DEA found 105 grams of marijuana, 29 grams of cocaine, and 41 grams of ecstacy and drug paraphernalia in Waynes tour bus, along with more than $22,000 in cash and three firearms. Each of the guns were registered, one of them to Wayne himself.

The Arizona episode is the most recent of multiple Lil Wayne arrests over the past year. Last July saw him hit with gun possession charges in New York, and felony fugitive charges in Boise, Idaho in October. Waynes lawyer blamed the latter on a paperwork mix-up.

WASHINGTON - The top U.S. diplomat in Myanmar says 100,000 may have died in the cyclone and that 95 percent of buildings in the affected area are demolished.

Shari Villarosa heads the U.S. embassy in the capital Rangoon. She says food and water are running short in the Myanmar delta area inundated by the storm. She called the situation in that area "increasingly horrendous."

Villaros told reporters Wednesday: "There is a very real risk of disease outbreaks as long as this continues."

She said that almost all the deaths are in the delta area. In the capital, some 600-700 people may have died. Villarosa also said she does not think the military rulers in Myanmar are blocking U.S. assistance because of the Bush administration's past strong criticism of the junta.

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

WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. military put people and airplanes into position to work on any relief effort for cyclone-hit Myanmar, as officials awaited word on whether the Asian nation would accept American help.

An Air Force C-130 landed in neighboring Thailand and another was on the way, Air Force spokeswoman Megan Orton said Wednesday morning at the Pentagon.

"When they accept, or if they accept and we know what supplies they need those planes will be there to transport those," she said.

A rapid deployment unit designed to be the first people inserted into an operation already works out of Thailand and is at the ready as well. "This is just a positioning of the planes and people," Orton said.

Three U.S. officials said they understood it was possible the Myanmar government would only accept money from the United States and want to buy its own aid supplies or that it would only accept U.S. assistance as part of the broader United Nations effort.

Navy and Marine Corps officials said they were in a holding position, awaiting word on whether they would be needed.

The Navy has three ships participating in an exercise in the Gulf of Thailand that could help in any relief effort the USS Essex, the USS Juneau and the USS Harper's Ferry.

The Essex is an amphibious assault ship with 23 helicopters aboard, including 19 capable of lifting cargo from ship to shore, as well as more than 1,500 Marines.

One official said that if there is a U.S. relief operation, the Essex group would likely leave some of its assets behind so the multinational exercise can still be held, while moving other equipment forward to help Myanmar.

Because it would take the Essex more than four days to get into position, another official said, the Navy is considering sending some of its helicopters ahead. The aircraft would be able to arrive in a matter of hours, and the Essex could follow, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because that effort was still in the planning stages.

The White House said Tuesday the U.S. will send more than $3 million to help victims of the devastating cyclone in Myanmar, up from an initial emergency contribution of $250,000.

The additional commitment of funds, announced by press secretary Dana Perino, came as Myanmar continued to resist entry for a U.S. disaster assessment team. The Bush administration said permission for such a team to enter the Southeast Asian nation and look at the damage would allow quicker and larger aid contributions.

The State Department said Wednesday it was pressing Myanmar authorities directly in Yangon and Washington to accept the aid and was also asking Myanmar's neighbors and traditional friends, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand to help make the case.

The message is: "Use what leverage you have with the Burmese government to get them to allow in outside assistance teams so they can help make an assessment and provide on-the-gound assistance to help out with what is very clearly a humanitarian disaster of immense scope," said spokesman Sean McCormack.

In the meantime, the decision was made to funnel $3 million more to the disaster-stricken zone. Perino said the money would be allocated by a USAID disaster response team that is already positioned in Thailand.

The Treasury Department moved to make it easier for relief agencies and religious organizations to provide assistance to cyclone victims by issuing a blanket license for them to receive financial contributions from United States. Under existing U.S. sanctions on Myanmar, such transactions normally require individual licenses.

Jus a hear it pon IRIE FM, anybody have the audio link it?


Killa has beef with the sun for shining:
Da p*ssy deh bright nuh b*m*o. But mi a notice seh a di en a di day him start fall off.

Killa has beef with the year 2007:
Two year ago everybody a wait fi him drop. All a hole big release party an ting. But whe him deh now?

Killa has beef with dirt:
Everybody a chat bout mi have chune like dirt. Bout mi have hits like dirt. Every minute a compare mi an dirt. Tell dirt fi guh suck him gyal. Mi walk all ova dat an it cyaan do nuttn.

Killa has beef with vaginas:
A p*ssy dem.

Killa has beef with his father:
Mi nuh know wha tek him, bout him a call mi "son". Him nuh know seh mi use to suck pon him wife titty back inna di day? Mi all deh inna har p*ssy right afta him jus dun phuck it. She even have mi picture dem hang up inna him house an da fool deh cyaan seh nuttn.

Killa has beef with Captain Hook:
All da p*ssyhole deh have a hook. Wha happen to lyrics? Eeh? Wha happen to verse? Plus di whole industry know seh a pirate dat.

Killa has beef with worms:
Dem bwoy deh a bait.

Killa has beef with popcorn:
Mi hear seh him have man a spread butta pon him. Yu nuh si seh a b*ttyman dat?

Killa has beef with his newborn son:
Mi tell da bwoy deh fi guh suck him modda an him dweet. All a bawl. A nuh gangsta dat a bl**o*dcla*t.

Killa has beef with suicide b****ers:
Alright yeah, mi nah lie, dem always a blow up yes. Dem murda everytime dem perform. But yu never yet hear nuttn from dem afta dem drop. A some one-hit wonda di whole a dem.

Killa has beef with nerve endings:
Dem sensitive p*ssy deh. Always a ketch feelings.

Killa has beef with beef:
Beef use to move like him a bad man, a run roun all ova di place an a hype up himself. Now look pon him. Sof an corny n*gga.

Killa has beef with gravity:
Bad-mind p*ssyhole always a try hole man down.

Killa has beef with the sky:
Mi si it an it blue. Mi seh alright, a NDM. Inna di evening mi si it an it red. Mi seh oh, it tun PNP now. Nex day it tun showa. An den run guh hide. A hide behind cloud. Scared and confused. Like Beenie.

Killa has beef with the speed of light:
Da b*ttyman deh too r*sscl*at fass.

Killa has beef with the stars:
A some part time thugz dem. Anybody can come out an gwaan like dem bad a night-time. But whe dem deh inna di day, eeh? Real bad man run sh*t 24 hours.

Killa has beef with bl*od:
Mi nuh know wha mek everybody a pump it. Di beat lame an yu cyaan even dance to dat sh*t.

Killa has beef with his reflection:
Everytime mi look inna di mirror mi si dis ugly n*gga a stare pon mi. A try move like mi an a copy man style. Well b*mbohole, yu a nuh mi. Mi name Killa yute, who the phuck is you? Stop try be me.

Killa has beef with clocks:
ME seh when a time fi do tingz. Nuh clock cyaan tell mi nuttn.

Killa has beef with Canada:
Laas time mi deh T-dot mi guh fi exchange some billz. Dem p*ssy deh gimmi pink money. Pink b*mbora**cl*at money. Is a subliminal ting. Dem a try disrespeck Warlord. But I are the one.



Missed some of the interview though..... anybody else catch the rest?

April 18, 2008. UH Oh!!!! MediaZoneJa.com has learned that Jay Z and Beyonce had their first PUBLIC FIGHT a few night's ago at a Barack Obama rally in Los Angeles. According to reports, Jay Z was all set to perform on stage in front of a packed audience - and Beyonce was at his side supporting him. Then, all of a sudden, things went left!!!!

Here's what a UK paper is reporting:

Flicking through his box of oldies, the DJ slapped on one of Beyonce's biggest hits, Crazy In Love. But as the fans grooved, Jay-Z growled. Storming to the mic, he yelled: "F*** that. Sorry Bey but f*** that - let's play something else."

Furious, Bey stalked off... before laying into her man later away from prying eyes.

"Beyonce had been side stage for most of the night, dancing and singing along," says a fellow reveller. But when Jay-Z got the song pulled, her mood soured. He meant it as a joke, but Beyonce didn't take it that way.

"After he came off stage, she confronted him, demanding to know what the hell his comments had been about. She was gesturing wildly and not looking happy.

"Like any good husband would, Jay-Z grovelled and tried to get out of it with compliments.

"It's a shame because earlier the pair had been flashing their tattooed wedding ring fingers. Both have 'IV' - the date of their wedding' - inked on.

"Later peace was restored and they were smiling and holding hands again."

You knew that once Jay put a ring on her finger things were bound to change. LMAO at Beyonce making dude run back apologizing ....

The cost of precious fuels is going up. From pain at the pumps to pressure at the taps, Canadians are shelling out for gas and beer.  While some drivers got a break Friday morning, thanks to BT, the price is continuing to climb.

It's enough to drive you to drink. But that may be a problem, because the cost of a pint is on the rise.

The beer companies are facing a one-two punch. They're suffering with high oil prices for deliveries, but they're also facing a worldwide shortage of a key ingredient.

Hops give beer its characteristic bitterness and the flowering vine is in short supply, thanks to drought in many European countries. C****ined with worldwide high prices for grain, it's caused a huge spike in cost.

Andrew Oland, president of Moosehead Brewery says that "whether that would be for hops, for barley or for corn products, [the prices] are just going through the roof. It's a challenging time for consumers, and for beer manufacturers."

That's backed up by Greg Taylor of Steamwhistle. He's worried about the long-term implications of the shortage.

"This has created the situation where you don't have as many people growing hops and malt across the world, and now the supplies are starting to dwindle," he points out.

He says other suds companies are calling him. "We've had people calling us wondering if there were any hops available to us, and good luck to those guys."

One consumer admits that, "basically the price is the major factor." But drinkers may be left high - and dry - in a summer that could see the cost of a case climb $2-$3.

What are hops?

 

---

Here's a look at what you're paying, coast to coast, for the big four beers.  Bottles are all 341 ml, sold in packs of 24; cans are 355 ml, sold in packs of 24.

Coors Light (brewed by Molson Ontario Breweries Ltd)

Ontario, bottle: $36.50

Ontario, can: $39.95

BC, can: $38:85

Nova Scotia, bottle: $38.99

Molson Canadian (brewed by Molson Ontario Breweries Ltd)

Ontario, bottle: $36.50

Ontario, can: $39.95

BC, can: $38.85

Nova Scotia, bottle: $37.98

Labatt Blue (brewed by Labatt Ontario Breweries Ltd)

Ontario, bottle: $36.50

Ontario, can: $39.95

BC, can: $38.45

Nova Scotia, bottle: $37.98

Budweiser (brewed by Labatt Ontario Breweries Ltd)

Ontario, bottle: $36.50

Ontario, can: $39.95

BC, can: $38.85

Nova Scotia, bottle: $38.99

 

 

It's expensive to be a drunkard in Canada :(

Microsoft's answer to Apple's iPod is finally coming to Canada.

The Zune digital music player will go on sale on June 13.

It will be available in three different sizes and range in price from $139.99 to $249.99 Cdn.

The Zune supports video and pictures and users can listen to FM radio and also can share music, photos and audio p*o*dcasts with other Zune devices nearby.

What is different about the Zune is it's social networking, which allows users to do such things as see what music their friends are listening to and post their own music reviews.

Microsoft Canada spokeswoman Elana Zur says the social networking aspect sets the Zune apart from the iPod and also offers Canadian consumers another choice.

Fraser said these departments must develop a system for periodic review of their fee structures.

I wonder what kinda effect it will have on jamaica's society.. 

multidimensional strategy including a strong emphasis on improved police-community relations has been credited for Brazil's success in curbing crime in its second largest city.

The anti-crime push - which is also hinged on rehabilitating troubled youths and seizing guns from the streets - has been critical to Cesar Rubem battling lawlessness in his native Rio de Janeiro.

"Our work has tried to look at these three components - working with young people, gun reduction and gun control, and you must have police action if you want to control guns," he told The Gleaner Tuesday.

GUN CRIMES

Rubem, founder and executive secretary of the non-governmental group Viva Rio, has seen some of the worst forms of gun crimes and juvenile deviancy. However, he has been able to effect change in Brazil and Jamaica's neighbour Haiti, a Caribbean nation wracked by endemic poverty, widespread illiteracy and political upheaval.

Rio and Jamaica's cities share similar experiences on the subject of crime and violence. In 2006, Jamaica, with a population of 2.6 million, tolled 1,340 murders. Rio, with more than six million persons, in the same year tallied 2,273 deaths.

Violent crime in both countries is fuelled by a jigsaw puzzle of urban shantytowns teeming with unemployed youth, some of whom are wooed by gangs. In Jamaica, they are called ghettos; Brazil dubs them favelas. The use of small firearms figures prominently as the weapon of choice in both countries.

Rubem, who is in Jamaica as a guest of the United Nations Development Programme and the Violence Prevention Alliance, shared some of the strategies his organisation has pursued in taming the crime monster in Brazil's former capital.

"We have a lot of gun violence in Brazil, very, very tough, especially in Rio de Janeiro. The main issue is that you have a c****ination of community control and drug dealing. The control comeswith guns and the money comes from the drug dealing."

Rubem told The Gleaner that since his organisation's inception in 1993, it has been able to help more than 100,000 marginalised youths through its programmes. He also said the state had adopted the idea of helping dropouts and juvenile delinquents reintegrate into society.

Out of school

"Young people who have dropped out of school, if you are in school you can still make a career, a strategy of life. When you drop out of school, you are out, and unless you have studied, it is hard to go to the labour market," the activist pleaded.

Rubem is also a firm believer in negotiating with gangsters and providing incentives in order to reduce crime. This approach, he said, was used in Haiti to great effect.

His organisation approached gang leaders and offered them 30 scholarships a month for children in the five warring sections through a lottery system.

Viva Rio also offered an extra training incentive for gang leaders if they held to an agreement to ensure that no violence was committed over a two-month period. They have held to that commitment since May 2007.

"We managed to facilitate a peace accord among gang leaders in Bel-Air in the centre of Port-au- Prince (Haiti's capital) and that was very surprising for us since that has been achieved, it is possible to negotiate peace."

In terms of gun control, Rubem has pointed to the Disarmament Statute and the gun amnesty in his country between July 2004 and October 2005 which yielded more than 500,000 guns.

Gun ownership

The Disarmament Statute has several limitations with gun ownership. These include the right to own a gun but not carry it in public, and strict conditions on gun licence issuance. Also, all ammunition must be traceable.

A person who is under 25 years old cannot own a gun, and civilians are prohibited from purchasing semi-automatic and automatic guns for personal use. Rubem also said that gun convictions carried a minimum sentence of four years.

Historically picking function over form, Nokia continues to grapple with the true meaning of "sexy phone" -- but its latest two business-class smartphones are pretty much the closest thing we've seen to date. We've got the visuals all scooped up ahead of Espoo's official announcement, so head on over to Mobile for the lowdown!

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (AP) -- A man who was supposed to be returning divorce papers at a courthouse pulled out a gun instead Wednesday, opening fire in the lobby before two bailiffs fatally shot him.

Glen Lee Powell, 30, entered the courthouse wearing a backpack shortly after 1 p.m. and approached a security checkpoint. A deputy ordered him to remove the pack and place it on a conveyor belt, but instead, he threw it on the ground and opened fire with a semiautomatic handgun, Pinellas County Sheriff's Sgt. Jim Bordner said.

Deputies B.J. Lyons and Marvin Glover returned fire, seriously wounding Powell, who later died at a St. Petersburg hospital. Lyons, a 58-year-old firearms instructor, was wounded.

A representative speaking for Powell's family said he had been living with his parents after returning from duty in the Air Force in California.

whats are you people plan fi do inna di sunner holiday

"Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely on for July 13-19, and will once again set standards as the greatest reggae show on earth", announced Johnny Gourzong, executive director of the festival.

2008 will mark the 16th presentation of the festival and, by all accounts, it's shaping up to be another first-class event. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17, top dancehall performers will energize the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars.

Dicigel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, the JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event while for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor.  Negotiations are underway with several other companies who have expressed interest in supporting the event. Media support is once again very strong with CVM on board as the official TV station, Irie FM as the official radio, and the Jamaica Observer as Official newspaper. In addition FAME, HYPE TV, RE TV, TVJ, Linkz FM, ZIP FM, Vybz FM, Megajamz, Buzz Magazine, Jamaican Lifestyle and Whaddat.com, have added their support to the event.

After a seven-year stint as title sponsor, Red Stripe has taken the decision not to renew their title sponsorship for 2008. Organizers Summerfest Productions report that while Red Stripe's contribution was significant and they will miss working with the company on Sumfest it will in no way deter the festival. They believe in the importance of Reggae Sumfest as a national event that contributes in a large way to the overall economy and are determined to make Reggae Sumfest 2008 a big success with the help of their current sponsors.

The line-up for Reggae Sumfest this year promises to be excellent. While not all contracts have yet been signed, a peek at the wish list for the festival revealed that the local line up promises to be as strong as ever.  A long list of artists are being targeted, including Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond, Brick & Lace, Tami Chynn, Erup, Queen I-Frica, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Voicemail, Vybz Cartel, Demarco, Courtney John, and Harry Toddler. No clues were revealed for the international acts, however, it was hinted that negotiations were ongoing with some very 'big names'.

So while there have been some rumblings in the music concert arena, Reggae Sumfest 2008 promises to once again surpass the standards set in previous years.

Some people never seem motivated to participate, 
But are just content to watch while others do the work. 
They are called 'Spec Taters'. 

Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted 
At finding fault with the way others do the work. 
They are called 'Comment Taters'. 

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what
To do, but don't want to soil their own hands. 
They are called 'Dick Taters'. 

Some  people are always looking to cause problems by 
Asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. 
They are called 'Adgie Taters'. 

There are those who say they will help, but somehow 
Just never get around to actually doing the promised help. 
They are called 'Hezzie Taters'. 

Some people can put up a front and pretend to  be 
Someone they are not. 
They are called 'Immy Taters'. 

Then there are those who love others and do what they
Say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand.
They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. 
They are called 'Sweet Po Taters'.

If you know any 'Sweet Po Taters', send this to  them!! 

Then there are those who can't decide whether to forward this email or not... 

New York, Dijah British, when mi wear the Haterblockers shades, it affi be name brand, so a Prada mi say, straight, nothing less than Bvlgari sun shades, image we say. On a softer note, Tamaki Nami, I feel your pain, but this is not the right forum to air such a story, I believe that you need to find a guidance counselor and tell your story to that person, and seek help. I am truly heartbroken over what your father did to you, he is an evil man to have robbed you of that most precious of gifts the ability to trust another human being again. Seek help and be well my friend.

MODELLING A GWAAN
How come when DAngel go pon stage at IRAWMA the other day and a perform Blaze, Barbee and har madda nuh stop skin up dem face? Wah happen, di girl decide fi leff yuh wid har husband weh yuh tek weh and now yuh nuh want har fi move on and happy?

One ah mi girlfriends tell me say when di driver come pick you up yuh neva even wah leff till DAngel look pon yuh again. Di driver haffi mek up noise fi yuh get innah di vehicle. Bwoy mi ah tell yuh, in the words of Beenie Man, Modeling a gwaan Dawn

WAR AT THE STRATFORD REX
Mi hear say man get stab up, bottle and fist ah fling at the Stratford Rex on Sunday night during a show featuring the likes of Capleton, Fantan Mojah and two other artistes. What is going on in the business? Why the promoters keep putting reggae and dancehall in these troubled low-class venues where shit keeps going down? We need some real promoters inna the ting fi mek sure the events dem secure and the music no get no more bad PR at this time. Why the man dem caan just 'chillax' and hold a meds?

DANIELLE AND FULLER BREAK UP
Mi hear say Danielle and Reggae Boy forward Ricardo Fuller are no longer an item. Word is that they had a big argument and she decided to call it quits, and this time for good. She has decided to focus on her music career and she has take on the challenge of losing 16 pounds to get back to her 'fighting weight'. Since taking on the al-liquids diet and a strenuous exercise regiment she has lost 10 pounds and counting. Some people say she ah fret over Ricardo cocky, but her close friends say ah the 'summer body ah do it'. Ricardo's Stoke City finished in the top two in their league and Fuller will be showcasing his dazzling dribbles in the top flight English Premiereship next year. Ah so the ting go, him ah come Jamaica next week so who knows, the flame might ignite again.

THE PEOPLE WAAN FI KNOW
Is which man who look like a big-name artiste ah sort out Mr. King pon the sex tapes dem?

Which gal come ah Cha Ching Tuesdays and ah gwaan hype and she ah sweep out dirt outta her house because the one-room no tile out yet? Heheh!

What was Barbee really wearing at the awards show?

Why Beenie neva go IRAWMA and him win two awards? Him probably caan tek the drama wid Barbee and D'Angel.

Which big artiste live inna apartment and caan afford the rent and get notice fi move out on the 25th of this month?

Rumours have been circulating that dancehall artiste Munga Honourable has left the Vendetta family after being dismissed as being "false" by producer Don Corleon.

The rumours had been circulating on the Internet and radio since last week that Munga and Don Corleon have parted ways.

It was reported that Munga Honourable, real name Damian Rhoden, might be leaving the record company, which he has been working with since 2005 when he recorded Bad Like I on Corleon's 'Sweat' rhythm.

Munga now works exclusively with Don Corleon with whom he recorded popular hits like Bad From Mi Born, Wine Pon It, Talk Dem A Talk, Flipping Rhymes, Nuh Fraid and Take My Place.

Unofficial reports are that an argument erupted between the two over musical matters. One entertainment website recently wrote, "the streets ah talk say Munga and Don Corleon nah link straight again because Munga waan voice fi some other producers and Don ah screw pon that. To the vibes, mi hear say dem kick off wicked and arguments and all these things."

However, when contacted about the rumours, producer Don Corleon denied that this was true. He told THE STAR, "No me and Munga is good."

Adding, "I think that the reason for this (the recent rumours) is people didn't see him on my new rhythm 'Double Joint', so people jump to conclusions."

When THE STAR tried to get a comment from Munga however, he declined to speak on the matter.

Munga Honourable recently released Spray It Like A Hose, which is also a Don Corleon production. Munga is scheduled to perform in Japan and Cayman this month and then in England in June.

For most, Alienware's AlienNetwork debut was somewhat of a letdown. Nevertheless, at least one good thing did come out of the whole event, and that's the availability of the m17x gaming monster. This 17-inch beast of a laptop finally has its own dedicated page, and yes, you can get your order in starting today. Packed within, you'll find your choice of Intel Core 2 Duo processor, twin GPUs for that sweet SLI action, a WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) display, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, oodles of hard drive space, a dual-layer DVD writer (or optional Blu-ray burner), enough ports for you and your cousin and a 12-cell battery that'll likely last an hour on a good day. Sadly, this Crysis destroyer starts at $2,949 (and breaks the $5k mark with ease), and it looks as if units won't start arriving until late May at best.

Popular publicist and journalist Olimatta Taal was robbed of her laptop while at home last Saturday night.

Taal, who is a publicist to reggae act Sizzla Kalonji, among others, as well as a well-known activist was born in the United States and raised in Gambia, in Africa.

Taal has been working in Jamaica for a number of years. An obviously upset Taal told THE STAR what happened, "I went to bed early cause I was real tired and fell asleep watching TV at around 4:30 a.m. I woke up and went to the kitchen, I had left my room window open cause the apartment is high. Like 10 to 15 minutes later, I woke up and realised my laptop was gone and I heard the noise of someone jumping down."

According to Taal she screamed and knocked on her neighbours' doors for help, but by then the person had already left through the back lanes of the apartment in the Barbican/Liguanea area. For Taal, her years of work in the music business internationally and locally was on the laptop, as well as family pictures, her university essays and her writing.

"This is a middle-class area and honestly, if it was the ghetto I don't think this would have happened. There have been several laptops stolen in that community but no one talks to each other and nothing is done about it. It just goes to show that we need to address the issues of the poor in this country. I should be able to feel free in my own house. We gotta change the society, there are too many rich people in this country for there to be crime," she said.

Taal has reported the incident to the police and is glad that her life was not threatened but pleads with the thieves to give back the information she had on the computer. She said, "Please, give me back my things, I beg you. I don't really want the computer, all I want is my work, my years of work."

I was listening to this radiostation on the internet, that was a topic of discussion. If you hear some of the answers they were givin', it's like them nah really care about money while being in a relationship. As for me, I think that money does matter, because how would you survive? Everybody working to save up the litte money them get to raise family, buy house, whateva them want it for. My question is does it really matter if you have money or not to survive in a relationship whether u have kids or not?

Reggae Sumfest 2008 alive without Red Stripe 07 May 2008 | by Contributed Article "Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely on for July 13-19, and will once again set standards as the greatest reggae show on earth", announced Johnny Gourzong, executive director of the festival. 2008 will mark the 16th presentation of the festival and, by all accounts, it's shaping up to be another first-class event. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17, top dancehall performers will energize the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars. Dicigel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, the JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event while for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor. Negotiations are underway with several other companies who have expressed interest in supporting the event. Media support is once again very strong with CVM on board as the official TV station, Irie FM as the official radio, and the Jamaica Observer as Official newspaper. In addition FAME, HYPE TV, RE TV, TVJ, Linkz FM, ZIP FM, Vybz FM, Megajamz, Buzz Magazine, Jamaican Lifestyle and Whaddat.com, have added their support to the event. After a seven-year stint as title sponsor, Red Stripe has taken the decision not to renew their title sponsorship for 2008. Organizers Summerfest Productions report that while Red Stripe's contribution was significant and they will miss working with the company on Sumfest it will in no way deter the festival. They believe in the importance of Reggae Sumfest as a national event that contributes in a large way to the overall economy and are determined to make Reggae Sumfest 2008 a big success with the help of their current sponsors. The line-up for Reggae Sumfest this year promises to be excellent. While not all contracts have yet been signed, a peek at the wish list for the festival revealed that the local line up promises to be as strong as ever. A long list of artists are being targeted, including Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond, Brick & Lace, Tami Chynn, Erup, Queen I-Frica, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Voicemail, Vybz Cartel, Demarco, Courtney John, and Harry Toddler. No clues were revealed for the international acts, however, it was hinted that negotiations were ongoing with some very 'big names'. So while there have been some rumblings in the music concert arena, Reggae Sumfest 2008 promises to once again surpass the standards set in previous years.

Di gay dem a guh hard By: Rootzgirl Rasta-Girl-Posters_edit.jpgHey peeps, from di odda day mi a hold a meds and kip quiet. Cause whether unno want to believe it or not mi nuh feel suh good when mi read unno comments and si some a whey unno haffi sey. Memba sey mi have an opinion like everyone else and unno nuh si mi a cuss unno off fi it. Straight up mi nuh suh strong like Buffilous cause it come een like sey comment just roll offa fi har back. Although some a fi har friend sem really outa whack. But mi have something pon mi mind and mi caan kip it nuh more. Mi fed up! Mi tiad! Mi caan teck di way how di fish dem just a teck ova everything. Yuh have money gay, powerful gay, committed gay and di whole a dem a attack di straight people a Jamaica. Not to mention how di artistes dem a feel it. Red Stripe stop sponsor live shows, some artiste caan even perform any and anywhey and pon top a it, it come een like dem waa fi tell wi how fi run wi country. Wha happen man, how di gay dem a guh suh hard? Dem nah stop till dem get every single soul fi accept dem lifestyle? Tell mi, how much more damage dem can duh. And while mi on mi crusade, whey di people dem a guh duh fi start protecting dem turf. It caan galang suh, fi real. At the di rate dem a guh, mi nah guh can find any man fi deal wid cause if we follow dem, dem corrupt every available straight man wid dem money and mi nuh know what else. Dem have tuh much chat inna wi country. Straight people, unno start talk up di tings dem man and get a voice, whey unno banner and placards deh, fi guh march sey 'no gays around here!' straight! Well mi get dat offa mi chest, mi wi si unoo nex' time when mi nuh suh bex. Posted by yardFlex at May 7, 2008 10:21 AM

WHO DO U THINK THE BEST BEST AND PUREST STRIKER IN THE WORLD...BASED ON GOALES SCORED, ASSIS, SPEED, VISOIN, VISITILITY, SKILL, CONTROL AND COMPLETENESS

THEME SONG "DEM WANT FI WAR MI SO MI SEN FI MI ARMY"

The history of Mother's Day is centuries old and goes back to the times of ancient Greeks, who held festivities to honour Rhea, the mother of the gods. The early Christians celebrated the Mother's festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honour Mary, the mother of Christ. Interestingly, later on, a religious order stretched the holiday to include all mothers, and named it as the Mothering Sunday. In 1872, Julia Ward Howe organised a day for mothers dedicated to peace. It is a landmark in the history of Mother's Day.

In 1907, Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), a Philadelphia schoolteacher, began a movement to set up a national Mother's Day in honour of her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. She solicited the help of hundreds of legislators and prominent businessmen to create a special day to honour mothers. The first Mother's Day observance was a church service honouring Anna's mother. Anna handed out her mother's favourite flowers, the white incarnations, on the occasion as they represent sweetness, purity, and patience. Anna's hard work finally paid off in the year 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national holiday in honour of mothers.

Slowly and gradually Mother's Day became very popular and gift-giving activity increased. All this commercialisation of the Mother's Day infuriated Anna as she believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit. Regardless of Jarvis's worries, Mother's Day has flourished in the United States and other countries. Actually, the second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year. Although Anna may not be with us, Mother's Day lives on and has spread to various countries of the world. Many countries throughout the world celebrate Mother's Day at various times during the year, but some such as Jamaica, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.

HAITIANS smuggled into Jamaica as part of a human smuggling ring have been receiving measly wages for work done on construction sites, among other jobs offered.

"Recently we heard that in Portland people were paying them (Haitians) $250 per day to do work, which is pathetic. They give them food then pay them $250 a day to do construction work and all those things," according to Inspector Steve Brown, spokesman for Operation Kingfish.

A group of Haitians after their arrival in Jamaica.

"We know that when Jamaicans go up to Haiti to smuggle drugs, they bring back Haitians with them and use them to do odd jobs but as far as a number, we don't have that," Inspector Brown added.
He did say however that since the middle of 2007, 11 persons (mostly Jamaicans) have been arrested on charges including human trafficking and that there are now seven such cases befor ethe court.

"Not every Haitian who comes here does so of his own will," a Haitian source with intimate knowledge of the situation told the Observer. "I know of Jamaicans living in Haiti, particularly in the south in places like Cité de Soleil, they are the ones taking people here. They smuggle arms and promise people, especially young girls, that they will get them jobs in Jamaica and when they get them here they hand them over to other people," the source said.

Another source, who does work with Haitians detained here, reported that victims paid up to US$600 for trips after being told they would have taken them to Miami, but taken to Jamaica instead.
"These are people who sell their goats, their house, any and everything they have to get that US$600 and when they come here there is nothing. And it's not like they can return because there is nothing to return to," said the source.

Haitians have always been coming to Jamaica but they started fleeing in droves in 2004 when a rebel coup ousted then President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Observer that of the number of Jamaicans who have arrived here since 2000, only 25 have been granted asylum. Spokesman for the ministry, Wilton Dyer, couldn't immediately supply the total number of asylum seekers to have come but said that it had been "less than 1,000 since 2004".

Chargé d'affaires at the Haitian embassy in Jamaica, Max Alcé, told the Observer that between 2005 and 2007, 751 Haitians were repatriated. Four hundred and six were done in 2005 alone while the remainder is split between 2006 and 2007. He couldn't say however, how many were being detained because "(the police) do not advise us when they hold Haitians until months later when they need an interpreter to take them to court or when they are getting ready to deport them".

Observer investigations revealed, however, that another 13 were sent home via a chartered flight on April 25. Up to that date, we were only aware of three others who were in lock-up. The three Haitians and a Honduran who have been charged with illegal entry and illegal possession of firearm have been in custody since last year when they were picked up at sea by local police. When they turned up in the Gun Court last Tuesday, they were remanded in custody because their legal aid attorneys reportedly had other cases.

"They are all over the place illegally but it's difficult sometimes to identify them when we go into the areas unless they speak. Asylum has been granted to a number of them but there are a number of them here who are illegal and they become involved in other things like the guns for drugs trade between Jamaica and Haiti," Inspector Brown said.

"Some of them may come to find jobs and they'll work sometimes with the fishermen and other people on the beach (but) people take them and use them for different purposes... (and) some of them are being used by Jamaicans," he said.

Our sources agreed that the frequency of smuggling trips between Haiti and Jamaica and the openness of Jamaica's borders made it difficult to keep track of the number of Haitians who come to Jamaica by boat. They said, however, that trafficking in persons plays a considerable role in the trafficking of arms and drugs between the two countries. And according to them, Jamaicans are heavily involved.

Said Brown: "There is evidence to support the guns for drugs trade between Jamaica and Haiti. Drug dealers leave from almost anywhere in Jamaica. You have to understand that our borders are porous and against that background, they just go anywhere and exchange guns. They can leave from Manchester, from St Catherine, from Portland and bring back guns to Jamaica.

"We arrested some in St Elizabeth last year coming from Haiti. We arrested another St Elizabeth syndicate led by this man 'Lazarus'. We have 15 persons before the court from the St Elizabeth syndicate alone. The drugs for guns trade is major challenge for us and we have focus groups looking directly at that. For the human trafficking aspect, what we do is once they are caught we give them the full book. We don't go after the bigger charge and leave the one that may seem lesser," he said.

"Once they are caught they are arrested then sent home," said Brown, who later added that a public education programme warning Haitians of the consequences of entering the island illegally would be ideal but has not been pursued because "it's not our jurisdiction".
Since Operation Kingsfish began the 'Get the Guns' campaign in the middle of last year they have seized 115 firearms and 12 motorboats and have arrested 43 persons, both Jamaicans and Haitians.

Other than human trafficking and the search for a better life, the Kingfish spokesman said Haitians, particularly women, also come to Jamaica searching for the Jamaican fathers of their children.
"Jamaicans go up there and father children with some of these women and these women then come to Jamaica to find the fathers of their children."

Nonetheless, a Haitian lawyer with whom the Observer spoke said Jamaicans are discriminating and are giving Haitians a bad name. He alleged that some locals who get in trouble with the law here pretend they are Haitians, and use the opportunity to join their criminal network once they are deported.

"I'm sure there are some involved in drugs and gangs and things like that but we're not the worst in the world. It's Jamaica that's known all over the world as one of the most violent countries...We're paying for something we did 204 years ago. We're being accused of everything and I don't know when it's going to stop," he said.

"Most Haitians we've talked with have complained about the treatment they've been receiving at the Horizon Remand Centre," said another lawyer who requested anonymity.

"In terms of food, they say they don't eat well. They get things they don't eat and if they complain, nobody pays attention. They sleep on the floor, they don't have clothes and even after the judge orders deportation, they stay in jail for a long time."

He gave the example of a woman who was arrested in St Thomas and fined $5,000 for illegal entry. The sum, he said, was paid by the woman's Jamaican boyfriend but up to two weeks ago, she was still in custody.

"In court, they are not questioned. It is decided beforehand whether they'll be sentenced to a fine, jail or be deported (...) They'll always give them a lawyer but he tells them to plead guilty even when the guys are not guilty," he said.

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Barbee brother gone a lead barbee_brother_IRWAMA.jpg YardFlex nuh stop get comment from people whey go a di International Reggae and World Music Awards pon how Barbee likkle bredda impress dem. Yeah man when Beenie Man couldn't collect di award di likkle nine year old bwoy go pon di stage and sey him a collect on behalf of Beenie Man and to top it off, di pickney sey Zagga zow! When him done talk...place pop up. Him guh back di next time and collect again and him personality done di place. Mi nah tell nuh lie, di pickney did cute and people a wonder sey him fit di video light. A wonda him him plan fi guh pon broadway? . Posted by yardFlex at May 7, 2008 11:09 AM

Residents of Rose Town, Kingston, demonstrated on Spanish Town Road yesterday, protesting against Monday's killing of Richane Ellison, 22, who was gunned down while heading to work.

The residents, bearing several placards, say Ellison, who stayed overnight in the community after visiting his mother, was an innocent casualty of an ongoing war between the neighbouring Greenwich Town and Boat Island communities.

They say Rose Town is not a part of that war and does not want to be drawn into it. "We nuh inna nuh war, a nine years now we a keep the peace. Money over gun and peace over gun. Wi nuh know a weh dem a try," a resident says, calling for the killer(s) to come forward.

Up to late yesterday the Hunts Bay police were still trying to gather information regarding the circumstances surrounding the killing, but residents say Ellison was at a bus stop when he was approached by persons and asked where he lived. When he responded, they shot him several times.

-- Edited by alligcold at 23:08, 2008-05-06

Joseph Brown has been in the world for only five months, yet he is already facing a large obstacle to his development. That is if his mother does not find the money to do a test so he can receive urgent surgery.

Brown has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, sometimes called water on the brain. The condition, according to United State's-based National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain."

Kerine Sewell, Joseph's mother, said he has also been diagnosed with meningitis and has developed an infection in one of his kidneys. He also has trouble seeing and hearing. "It's painful, he cries a lot and without the scan, he can't do the surgery and him head keep growing. It is now 49 cm, which is above normal. The doctor says that is the size of a two-year-old's head, " Sewell said.

She added that her son needed to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination done so doctors could see exactly how much of the brain had been affected and exactly how to operate.

That will cost her $45,000. However, with the free health care, she will not have to pay for the surgery. He also needs to have ear and eye assessment tests done and that costs $4,000 each.

She is pleading for help to have her son do the MRI soon so he can get the surgery as quickly as possible. "The doctor says if he gets the surgery, the water that surrounds the brain would flow into his body and pass out and his head would stop grow," she said.

A single, divorced mother, she said the responsibility of caring for her sick son has been left to her. "I am a single parent. I was trying to get help from my church, but they cannot come up with it (the money)," she said.

Anyone wishing to assist Sewell and her son are asked to contact them at 567-7372 or 438-1391.

Leave or die Several residents of Solitaire Road in Seivwright Gardens, St Andrew, are now homeless after they were reportedly chased from their homes by gunmen on Friday night. The approximately 26 residents, including young children and the elderly, have sought refuge in other sections of the community. They told THE STAR that they were approached by persons and told to vacate their homes by 9 p.m. last Friday or be killed. "Mi deh inna mi house and a man come up to mi and seh 'hey gal come ya'. I did not move and him repeat seh mi mus come ova weh him deh, then mi get up and him seh drop the Bible and read this," one resident said. The 'this' she referred to, was a note which she said read, 'Unoo better leave by later. Notice - Leave or Die'. She said she immediately took the note from the man and showed it to the other residents. Without delaying, she said, she and the other residents grabbed what they could and fled their homes. Since then some of the residents have been 'kotching' with people in the areas they have run to, while some have found 'alternative' accommodations. no war The residents say they do not want any war, they just want to go back for their belongings because they were not able to move with anything. "All a wi furniture, wi clothes and everything lef ova deh, yuh see a one suit a clothes mi have. Mi cyaa badda, mi waan somewhere fi live. Mi jus waan move out," one said. They say they have reported the matter to the Hunts Bay police but have not been given any assistance. However, crime chief at Hunts Bay, Deputy Superintendent Michael Phipps, told THE STAR that he was not aware of residents being ordered to move from their homes nor of any such reports to the police. When the STAR team visited Solitaire Road, the area looked very deserted. The houses where the 'dislocated' residents lived were shut tight and efforts to speak with people proved futile. The 'dislocated' residents, most of whom are relatives, theorised that they were chased from their homes as a result of the killing of a man to whom they are related. The man, Donovan Bailey, 34 , from Solitaire Road, was killed by gunmen on Chisholm Avenue, St Andrew, last week Wednesday. Some of the residents believe he was not liked by men from the Solitaire Road area, so when he was killed they used the opportunity to chase his relatives from that section of the community.