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The Parliamentary Opposition is calling for the Prime Minister's resign. The Prime Minister Bruce Golding in a statement during Tuesday's sitting of the House of Representatives that he sanctioned the engagement of Manatt Phelps and Phillips. He added that he stands by his March 16 pronouncement that the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) had not engaged any legal firm to act in the extradition issue which is now before the courts. According to Mr. Golding, the initiative was sanctioned by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and not the GOJ. He added that the payment of nearly US$50,000 to Manatt, Phelps and Phillips was sourced from financial contributors to the JLP. He further denied that the US firm was paid by Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher Coke. However the People's National Party (PNP) has declared that it will not allow the issue to die. Implications of the Golding's admissions  Robert Pickersgill, PNP Chairman. According to Robert Pickersgil, PNP Chairman, the Prime Minister's revelation also has other major implications for the country. "(His) statement in Parliament Tuesday has only confirmed what we have said all along that he has not been telling us all he knew. All of Jamaica must be concerned as his statement has serious and negative implications for the country's reputation at home and abroad and in the interest of Jamaica and its people, we will not allow it to rest," Mr. Pickersgill said. NDM seconds the PNP's call for Golding's resignation  In the meantime, the National Democratic Movement (NDM), the political party formerly led by Mr. Golding, is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately tender his resignation. In a statement, the NDM said Mr. Golding's actions have compromised the integrity of his government and deceived the people of Jamaica. According to The NDM, the Prime Minister should do the honourable thing and step aside. The party is also demanding answers from Mr. Golding on the source of the money which the JLP received to pay Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. Golding a grave disappointment - O'Brien Chang  Kevin O'Brien Chang. Kevin O'Brien Chang says the Prime Minister's handling of crucial information on the dealings with the US law firm also raises serious questions about transparency in the JLP administration. "The confidence of the people in what Mr. Golding say will be severely shaken. We expect our Prime Minister to speak with one voice not with a voice as Prime Minister and then a voice as Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party. "This is same Bruce Golding who while as National Democratic Movement (NDM) Leader, use to talks about transparency, accountability and trust. I really wish he would revisit his NDM utterances because he has been a grave disappointment," Mr. O'Brien Chang contends. |
i dare some to try and take my jewelry
bling-bling POW!
MANDEVILLE, Manchester - Assistant Commissioner of Police Keith 'Trinity' Gardner says he does not believe that the islands politicians are still giving guns to criminals, but stopped just short of blaming them for the appalling crime rate now gripping the nation.
Gardner, told a Manchester Chamber of Commerce forum at the Golf View Hotel that while politicians were accused in the past of giving guns to their supporters, I now dont believe, and Im saying this honestly, that politicians are giving guns to people, theres enough to go around, they dont need them from politicians anymore.
And that makes it even more dangerous because there is absolutely no control. I remember in the 1960s and 70s when certain so-called area leaders could be told to cool it, now because of financial independence and the drug trade, I hear that some people are saying to others, you cannot talk to me because you dont buy my gun, he said.
Gardner said politicians on both sides of the political fence have had to distance themselves from the practice, because of calls from the private sector in particular.
People are more sophisticated and are demanding that politicians come clean, so they cant be seen associating, but certainly in the past, accusation has been made and I believe theres more than enough information. All you have to do is review the politicians speeches coming down and the accusations that were madebut in the last decade or two that practice has de-escalated, he said.
But while Gardner said he did not believe politicians were still issuing guns to criminals, he hinted at their dealings with criminal elements over the past decades. In the 1960s in my experience, the older men in politics were the ones carrying the guns and they never had the means of acquiring those guns themselves, he said.
An Atlanta teacher remains on administrative leave amid allegations that he wanted to put a hit on a student after questioning the teens sexuality.
Police have charged Randolph Forde who teaches at Mundys Mill High School in Clayton County with making terroristic threats.
According to the police report, on October 9 Randolph took a student off a school bus and told him he would pay him to kill the victim. When the student asked who the target would be, Randolph said hed write the name on a note. On that note was the name of a student who he a run-in with days prior. On about Sept. 29, the student said Randolph summoned him outside the classroom and asked him if he is gay. Then, according the students attorney, the teacher and student had an argument in class and Randolph threatened to hit him in his F*cking mouth.
What?!
The student made complaints to the school and according to his attorney, nothing was done until a police was filed on may. 5.
Randolph was arrested on may. 11. Hes free on $10,000 bail.
Heres a local news report with the boys mother and attorney.
CRESTVIEW A 44-year-old man was charged with battery April 10 after his girlfriend told police he had sealed off one nostril and blown the contents of the other nostril all over her.
The nostril contained *lo** and other bodily fluids, according to his Crestview Police Department arrest report. He had been in another altercation, which caused his nose to bleed.
The woman had *lo** splattered on her face, chest, arms and pants, but no signs of any injury that could have caused the *lo** to be hers, the officer noted.
He is due in court May 25.
Supreme Court judge Roy Jones has called for the United States government to make its voice heard in court proceedings seeking to determine if Minister of Justice Dorothy Lightbourne has the authority to decline the extradition request for West Kingston strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Jones made the recommendation yesterday while releasing Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller and Joseph M. Matalon, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), as defendants in the proceedings initiated by Lightbourne, who is also the attorney general.
Lightbourne had initially declined to sign a request to proceed with the extradition of Coke on the grounds that the evidence on which the United States' case is based was acquired illegally.
In court documents, the justice minister contends that she properly exercised her discretion with respect to the extradition request.
"In my view, the party whose legal interests may be affected by the grant of the declaration sought by the minister is the government of the United States of America," the judge said.
"They (US), however, enjoy sovereign immunity and cannot be named or served to be a party in this matter. The minister says, however, that they have been made aware of these proceedings and can elect whether they wish to intervene in any capacity they so choose."
Jones ruled that Simpson Miller had no legal interest in the proceedings and should not be a defendant. She had filed an application seeking to be removed as a defendant in the matter.
Lightbourne had conceded last week that the PSOJ should not have been a defendant in the proceedings.
Hunt on for Dudus
Coke, who was one of the defendants, was not served with the claim form and was, therefore, not party to the proceedings.
Dr Adolph Edwards who, along with Dr Lloyd Barnett, is representing the minister, told The Gleaner yesterday that "further attempts will be made to serve Coke".
The case-management conference for the declarations Lightbourne is seeking is set for June 1 in chambers at the Supreme Court.
No order was made as to legal costs for the two defendants. Lightbourne's lawyers said yesterday that they were taking instructions from her as to whether they should appeal the judge's ruling removing Simpson Miller as a defendant.
Coke, 41, has been named as a defendant because he is the accused in the extradition request. He is wanted in the United States to face charges for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana and conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms.
Portia Simpson Miller, for her part, said she would not be commenting until the matter had come to its end.
Attempts to reach Matalon proved futile.
A representative of the US government could not be reached for comment.
(AP) Police say a motorist fleeing officers in Cleveland abandoned his car and jumped a fence landing in what turned out to be a prison yard.
Garfield Heights police say the chase started in that suburb early Monday over a traffic violation and reached speeds of 90 mph.
Police say that after a race through several communities, the driver and a passenger bolted from the car and headed for a fence.
They apparently did not realize it was on the outside of the state womens prison in Cleveland.
They were arrested along with two other passengers who also tried to flee.
10. Jamaican-British Yardies
Jamaican-British Yardies were the Jamaicans who immigrated to Britain in 1950s. They were involved in gang violence and got to be known as Yardies. They conduct organized crimes like drug trade and other gun crimes. They havent tried infiltrating the law enforcement system so they arent considered to be as strong as other mafia groups. All the crimes involve the use of firearms the use of which is strictly controlled in Britain.
9. The Albanian Mafia
The Albanian Mafia consists of a large number of criminal organizations which are based in Albania. They are active in US and European countries as well. It is said that the Albanian mafia spread to international levels in the 1980s. Organized crime prevailed in Albania right from the 15th century. In United States and United Kingdom, they run sex and drug trafficking rackets and are known for quick use of violence for vengeance.
8. The Serbian mafia
The Serbian mafia operates in more than ten nations including Germany, United States, United Kingdom, France, etc. They are involved in diverse activities like drug trafficking, smuggling, contract killing, protection rackets, gambling and gen thefts. It has three major groups called Vozdovac, Surcin and Zemun which control the smaller groups. Presently there are about 30-40 groups working in Serbia.
7. Israeli Mafia
Israeli Mafia works in a lot of countries in activities like narcotics, drug trafficking and prostitution. Times have changed as the Israeli mafia was once looked at with awe and known for its patronage but today they are ruthless and dont think twice about killing by standers. The Russian-Israeli Mafia has permeated the US political system so well that the US forces are failing to make any significant progress in stopping them.
6. Mexican Mafia
Mexican Mafia is a very strong prison gang in the United States. It was started in the late 1950s to protect prisoners against other inmates and from the officers. This gang has also been involved in extortion and drug trafficking. It has about 30,000 members all over the United States. The gang members sometimes sport a tattoo with a common design which is a Mexican national symbol over a flaming circle and crossed knives. It is said that there are 150 prison members who have the authority to command murder and 2000 associates who will execute these commands. They force gangs and dealers to pay a protection tax and the ones who refuse will be killed.
5. Japanese Yakuza
Japanese Yakuza is a native organized crime group which uses threat and extortion to get their way. Its origin is found to be in the 17th century. A missing joint of the little finger is a tell tale sign of the gang members. This is often offered to the leader as an act of appeasement or apology. Some of the members even have full body tattoos. It has 110,000 active members in this group who are from 2500 families. They are involved in protection rackets, importing uncensored pornography from Europe and America, prostitution and in illegal immigration.
4. Chinese Triads
Chinese Triads consists of many criminal organizations which are based in Mainland China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. They are also very active in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver as well as San Francisco. Their organized crime involves theft, contract killing, drug trafficking, extortion, piracy, etc. It is now involved in piracy as well. They started in the 18th century but were called Tian Di Hui then. Even though it is steadily increasing in power, the activities have been low key. The triads can have 50 to over 30,000 members. They are also involved in counterfeiting Chinese currency.
3. Colombian Drug Cartels
Colombian Drug Cartels were formed mainly for controlling and trafficking drugs. They operate in a lot of countries. They have many organizations that deal with political, military and legal aspects of the cartels. The important cartels from Columbia are the Cali Cartel, Medellin Cartel and the Norte del Valle Cartel. At one point these cartels were threatened by the extradition treaty between the US and Columbia. The lords went into hiding and ordered its members to kill its supporters. They have also been involved in a lot of kidnappings and terrorism
2. Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra
Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra is a relatively new group. It was started in the second half of the nineteenth century in Italy. In spite of it being a young mafia, it has a great ability to plan large crimes and get away with it. It is involved in protection rackets, drug and arms trafficking, mediation of criminal business are some of the things the Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra are involved in. It has a small number of members ranging from 3500 to 4000. In addition to these members they have associates who arent true members. A member will have to undergo the initiation ceremony where he will probably have to murder somebody to prove his worth. Every member will have to follow the code of silence.
1. Russian Mafia
Russian Mafia originated in the Soviet Union and now has influence all over the world. It has between 100,000 to 500,000 members. They are involved in organized crimes in countries like Israel, Hungary, Spain, Canada, UK, US, Russia, etc. They have also immigrated to Israel, America and Germany by using Jewish and German identities. Their activities include drug and firearm trafficking, bombings, smuggling, pornography, internet fraud, etc. One of their rules is to never co-operate with the authorities. If any of the members squealed when captured, they would be killed on release. They are feared for their vandalism, terrorism, organ trafficking and contract killings.
Stephen 'Di Genuis' McGregor - Contributed
Big Ship's Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor's latest rhythm release, 'Catalog', has more than its share of surprises.
The latest rhythm release since February's 'Bad People' rhythm, 'Catalog' features 20 artistes from across genres and generations.
Premiered last week on the radio, the rhythm will officially be made available this week on all digital platforms. When THE STAR spoke to McGregor he explained that the rhythm has an authentic '90s dancehall vibe but is still relevant to current dancehall music.
He said: "I came up wid my song on the rhythm, Nah Forgive Dem,one day from just vibing melodies in the studio, and I had the idea for the music in my head and when I started to compose the track, I thought to myself 'nah this too bad to be a single'. Also a lot of critics been talking about all current producers inability to produce 'authentic dancehall'. So a part of the decision was to shut dem up and show them that the 'now' crop of producers are capable, and they've been silent since."
comeback
The rhythm is named after the song of the same name by dancehall veteran Terror Fabulous who makes a surprising come back to music after years of being away from the spotlight. Still in prime form in Catalog,Fabulous talks about having "nuff gal inna mi catalog." On working with Terror Fabulous, McGregor said, "the vibe was great, it was amazing to see how easily he recorded and most of the recording was done in one take."
Another surprise is the producer's father Freddie McGregor making an appearance on the dancehall rhythm withThey Don't Know. The smooth-sounding singer stands out on the compilation, singing, "Big Ship a sail and we tougher than di average. Tell dem sey Big Ship a we set di trend."
Catalog features all three of the McGregor men with No Gyal from Chino and Stephen McGregor's second single,Nah Forgive Dem. McGregor sings, "dem neva kno sey mi serious, di boy dem tink sey dem smart but I'm di genius, so none of dem can't gimme no talk."
Other veterans on Catalog include Capleton with Stage Show and Beenie Man with Sketel Shadow.
badmind
The topic of 'bad mind' is a popular one with Laden's Red Eye, Bramma's Dem Anuh Fren, Wayne Marshall who warns to stay away from "dutty minds" and Elephant Man with Worry Dem.
For the females, Aidonia represents with We A Tek It Off, deejaying, "some bwoy a buy clothes a gi gal and a we a tek it off... the skirt weh yuh buy, a we a tek it off."
Assassin also goes on the 'gyallis' route with Dem Sick and Mavado's You Know What It's Worth will also have the girls dancing. The rhythm also has songs from Savage, TOK, Voicemail, Tony Matterhorn, Singing Sweet, Flippa Mafia and Macka Diamond.
Next from the Big Ship is the 'Labwork' series which was made available on digital platforms on Tuesday.
'Labwork' is McGregor's own compilations of his singles and rhythms which persons can purchase in volumes.
He commented, "I thought that I'm very prolific with making singles and rhythms, so I figured compiling them into my own series would be a great idea. Instead of waiting on a company to license individual songs from me, and they're all quality songs, so it'll be nice for people to have them on a one compilation, sorta like a collectors item."
Labwork Volume 1 & 2 have singles that were released last year and this year, the upcoming volumes are expected to have exclusive singles.
Labwork Vol 1
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/di-genius-presents-labwork/id371216611
Labwork Vol 2
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/di-genius-presents-labwork/id371212429
STAGALAG: Juke Box Records: Remake of the 80s
Best Rhythm which featured Ring the Alarm by Tenor Saw
SUDDEN CHANGE: Stainless Records
WORD OF PRAYER: TJ Records
STILL FRESH
Money Round by Ricky Blaze, Chino and Genius
Walk and Talk by Ding Dong
My Heart by Wayne Marshall
One Day by Seanizzle
We a Tek It Off by Aidonia
Ting by Savage
FRESH TO DEATH TUNES
Can't Wait by Lady Saw and Ding Dong (Notice Production) - Its been a while since we have heard from Lady Saw and this is an unexpected yet sexy combination.
Nutting Nah Gwaan by Raine Seville and Wasp (Daseca Productions) - Male and female combination that is not about relationship as is the norm but more social commentary from male and female perspective which makes it fresh.
Nah Go See Wi Suffer by Jah Vinci (Don Corleon Production) - Despite negativity of even those close to you, you continue to work hard and no matter what you will continue to achieve.
A Prayer A Day by Demarco (TJ Records) - Continuation of his hit Fallen Soldier a song that those who have lost their close friends unexpectedly can relate. Especially relevant with the current situation of Oneil from Voicemail.
Not Afraid by Eminem (Slim Shady Records) - Fresh tune because it remind you of the 'original' Eminem. This song suggests he is never afraid to do anything he sets his mind to - Tune to watch for Summer.
FRESH TALK
'The time is now' pioneered by Fidel (Road Manager for Mavado)
Fresh spot to catch ZJ LIQUID:
1. IKANDI - This and every Tuesday night at Club Privilege.
2. Twisted Spiritz - Palisadoes Go-Kart Track on Saturday May 15, 2010.
3. UWI Final Fęte - Students' Union on May 14.
4. May Daze - Ranny Williams on May 14.
Remember to catch Fresh to Death Wednesday on ZIP103 2 p.m.-6 p.m. to catch these Fresh Tunes.
Listen to ZJ Liquid Tues - Fri; 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. and Sun; 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Several entertainers, well-wishers, political representatives and government officials gathered outside the Casualty Ward of the Spanish Town hospital tonight to show their support for deejay Mad Cobra a.k.a Helter Skelter who had been injured by a gunman's bullet a few hours ago. At the time of this report, the deejay was listed as stable but doctors were still conducting x-rays to determine the extent of the injuries suffered by the bullet to his right shoulder.
According to friends of the deejay, Mad Cobra was shot and injured in the vicinity of the Braeton Seventh Day Adventist church on the Hellshire Main road in Portmore, St. Catherine. Eyewitnesses say there was a barrage of shots fired close to the church at about 7:35 p.m., and a few seconds later, a car burst onto the main road, dissecting crawling line of"Ah pure shot mi hear a squeeze off over the church way,over 20 shot and then mi see the car shot out pon the main road, and speed off. Mi nuh know if the car did a carry Cobra or ah the man dem who do the shooting a speed off. Right now, mi no know what a gwaan over Braeton right now," one resident said. "Mi hear say the man dem did a run him down and ah buss it offa him."
Several police radio cars, their roof rack of lights spinning silently, cordoned off the area and forensic investigators took photographs and collected evidence. cars on the road, and roared off.
"Ah pure shot mi hear a squeeze off over the church way,over 20 shot and then mi see the car shot out pon the main road, and speed off. Mi nuh know if the car did a carry Cobra or ah the man dem who do the shooting a speed off. Right now, mi no know what a gwaan over Braeton right now," one resident said. "Mi hear say the man dem did a run him down and ah buss it offa him."
Several police radio cars, their roof rack of lights spinning silently, cordoned off the area and forensic investigators took photographs and collected evidence.
Members of the entertainment industry reacted in shock and dismay at the news of tonight's shooting, especially since it occurred on the heels of Sunday night's shooting of singer O'Neil Edwards of the Voicemail group.
"A second shooting in three days? Are they targetting entertainers? Why dem a turn pon the industry now?" one music insider asked.
An obviously shaken DJ Stacious stood in front of the ward, her hands crisscrossed over her ample chest, muttering: "mi caan manage this, mi caan manage".
Mayor of Spanish Town, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, and Minister of Entertainment Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and her advisor Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon also turned up to offer support to the injured deejay, who grew up in the community of Braeton Phase Two in Portmore, St. Catherine. The shooting reportedly occurred close to Braeton Phase One which has had a history of friction with neighbouring communities in the area.
Cobra - Contributed
Popular entertainer Cobra is now recuperating in hospital after being shot twice in Portmore, St Catherine, last night.
The deejay, whose real name is Ewart Everton Brown, was admitted to the Spanish Town hospital after receiving two gunshot wounds to his shoulders.
A close friend of the Portmore-based deejay said that he was shot when he stopped his car to speak to someone in a section of Braeton Phase One. Police reports further claim that the incident occurred about 7 p.m.
Cobra, according to the STAR source, drove himself from the shooting to the hospital.
Several artistes, entertainment personalities and politicians turned up at the hospital after news of the incident began spreading. Brown is the second dancehall artiste to be attacked in two days, as Oneil Edwards of the group Voicemail, was shot and injured at his home Monday morning. He is still in hospital and remains in critical condition.
unified approach
Among the entertainers who turned up at the Spanish Town hospital were Wickerman, McNuffy, Beetle Bailey, Tiger, Stacious, Craigy T, and Benzly Hype. Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, minister of youth, culture and sports, and Mayor of Spanish Town Andrew Wheatley were also among the persons present.
Grange in an interview after visiting Cobra last night said that a unified approach is needed to fight the crime monster.
"We must stop pointing fingers and unite to fight the crime, we have to fight back," Grange said.
Several of the artistes also spoke of their concerns for Cobra and the crime situation. "Da one ya mi can't manage. Mi can't manage it," Stacious said.
reports of gunfire
For his part Wickerman said; "We are just here praying for him. We have to go now and spread the word that we can't tek the gunshot thing no more."
Cobra is known for hit songs such as Flex and Legacy. On Saturday, the deejay appeared as a guest judge on the popular Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.
There were also reports of gunfire in the Braeton community following the incident.
Checks with the St Catherine south police confirmed there were reports of gunfire in the Phase One section of the community.
The police were, however, quick on the scene and normalcy was restored.
The police say they are keeping a keen watch on the area in aim of hindering any reprisal attacks.
The Portmore police are investigating the incident.
The U.S. president said the two countries have a "shared goal to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida."
"We will sustain a robust commitment to Afghanistan going forward," he said speaking at a press conference.
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"The child is in good condition and is in hospital undergoing checks," Libyan Transport Minister Mohammed Ali Zaidan said. His injuries were not life-threatening, he added.
The plane crashed on approach to Tripoli's airport, leaving a field scattered with smoldering debris that included a large chunk of the tail painted with the airline's brightly colored logo. There was no immediate word on the cause, according to a statement by the airline posted on its website.
A jury retired for more than four hours and failed to arrive at a verdict in the case of 22-year-old Alecia Samuels, dancer, of Arnett Gardens, Kingston 12, who is charged with the murder of 20-year-old dancer Sheree McKnight of Tivoli Gardens, west Kingston.
Defence lawyer Peter Cham-pagnie asked Supreme Court judge Ingrid Mangatal to grant Samuels bail and the judge granted the request.
Samuels, who is also called 'Mumzel', is a member of the Swizzle Body Dance Crew. She is to return to the HomeCircuit Court on June 21 when another trial date will be set.
The Crown led evidence at the trial, which began last week Wednesday and ended late Monday night, that on November 21, 2007, Samuels got into a fight with McKnight outside the Quad nightclub in New Kingston. It was alleged that they were fighting over a male dancer called 'Chicken and Beer'.
During the fight, Samuels was stabbed in the back. Evidence was given that Samuels went across the road and stabbed McKnight in the chest. She was rushed to the University Hospital and died three days later.
Samuels said in her defence that she was attacked and she acted in self-defence. She said during the incident one of her friends was injured by the deceased.
Champagnie, in cross-examining the Crown witnesses who were from Tivoli Gardens, suggested to them that because they were motivated by politics they were lying as to how the incident took place, but they denied the suggestion.
A St Catherine farmer who took the law into his own hands by beheading three goats that ate his cultivation, pleaded guilty in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Convicted for cruelty to animal is Fitzroy Brown of Guanaboa Vale, St Catherine.
Facts before the court are that on May 1, the complainant's ewe and two kids, valued about $37,500, were chopped to death by Gordon, who caught them in his field. Gordon is said to have got angry, after warning the complainant that his goats were eating down his cultivation.
The complainant admitted the mother of the accused had told him of the problem with the animals.
"The court understand your frustration, however,you cannot carry out such a cruel act. You needed to have taken the matter to the court for action to be taken," Resident Magistrate's Marcia Dunbar-Green said.
The accused was told to return to court on July 13, with $37,500, for sentencing.
ZURICH (AP):
US sprinter Sanya Richards says the prospect of losing the first of her two Olympic gold medals because of a teammate's doping is heartbreaking.
Richards said yesterday that the United States team's 4x400-metre relay victory at the 2004 Athens Games was special because it was her Olympic debut.
"It was my first Olympics and one of the highlights of my career, one of my best memories," Richards said.
"To have that stripped away is not a good feeling. It's heartbreaking," she said, at a launch in Zurich for the city's Diamond League meeting on August 19.
Now the individual 400 world champion, Richards said she's praying that the five Athens teammates of Crystal Cox, whose doping offences came to light in January, can eventually keep their title and medals.
"I haven't heard anything so I'm just praying it might go away, but I know that's probably not going to happen," Richards said.
The US Anti-Doping Agency said in January that Cox had admitted using anabolic steroids during her career. She accepted a four-year suspension and disqualification of her results from 2001-04.
Cox ran in the Athens preliminary heat with Moushaumi Robinson, Monique Henderson and Richards. The US quartet in the final was DeeDee Trotter, Henderson, Richards and Monique Hennagan.
The IAAF governing body recommended in March that the US women's team be stripped of their Athens victory.
It changed its rules before the 2004 Olympics so that relay rosters could be disqualified for the doping of just one member.
suspension
An International Olympic Committee panel led by vice-president Thomas Bach is examining the case.
Richards said US officials broke the news of Cox's suspension by conference calls with the Athens medalists.
"Disappointed is not the word. We were really, really upset about it," Richards said.
Cox later reached out to some team members, said Richards, who rejoined with Henderson when the US women defended their 4x400 title at the 2008 Beijing Games.
"She hasn't spoken to me herself," Richards said. "I definitely would love to speak to Crystal to get her perspective."
Richards, who married NFL cornerback Aaron Ross in the off season will miss the opening Diamond League meet on Friday in Doha, Qatar. She will stay in Zurich to speed her recovery from an injury to her right quad muscle sustained last month at the Penn Relays.
She plans to make her debut in the new, 14-city elite series on June 4 in Oslo, and stay undefeated through the season.
"That's why I filed the suit," said Graham, who is representing himself in his lawsuit. "(USADA) continues to slander my name to the public as if I had been found guilty by the USADA, and I have not been found guilty. I've never been tried."In 2008, Graham was sentenced to a year of home confinement for lying to federal investigators during a doping investigation.
It was Graham who provided the government with its first evidence in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroids probe, mailing a vial of a designer drug called "the clear" to USADA in 2003. Graham initially was granted immunity for his cooperation, but the agreement did not protect him from prosecution for making false statements.
Graham says USADA violated his First Amendment and due process rights by not granting him a hearing before the American Arbitration Association.
"Mr. Graham was afforded a full legal process established under federal law prior to being sanctioned by USADA," agency spokeswoman Erin Hannan said. "This is obviously just another attempt by Mr. Graham to rob clean athletes of USADA's limited resources by forcing us to defend this meritless suit, which we have not even been served."
According to the lawsuit, Graham wants a hearing before USADA and the arbitration association and that "my good name be reinstated with all sport agencies and the media as well as the ability to once again coach."
A tenant accused of using a knife to stab her landlord in the back was taken before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Charged with unlawful wounding is Trudy-Ann Reid.
The allegations are that on the day in question, Reid and the landlord had a disagreement. It is alleged that during the argument, the accused retrieved a knife and used it to stab the complainant in the back. It is also alleged that she threatened to burn down the house with the complainant inside.
When the matter was mentioned on Tuesday, it was suggested that both parties receive counselling from the Dispute Resolution Foundation. The complainant agreed to that proposal, but informed the court that he was afraid of the accused and her threats.
Resident Magistrate Georgianna Fraser, however, told him that based on the amount of trouble the accused was already in, she would be very 'stupid' to do anything further or to carry out her threats. The accused nodded in agreement.
Both were instructed to make appointments with the foundation for counselling and to return to court at the end of the month.
Since the increased popularity of Cash for Gold vendors, and the subsequent increase in the amount of jewellery being stolen, the police are warning the public to be extra careful when it comes to personal property.
In a release issued yesterday, the Jamaica Consta-bulary Force urged persons to be especially aware.
The release stated, "This call by the police follows increases in the number of persons entering the Cash for Gold trade as buyers and sellers and the increases in larceny by criminals seeking gold to sell. In addition, criminal gangs, (those located in Spanish Town) are heavily involved in the trade.
It further urged citizens to practise the following precautionary measures :
1 . Do not leave jewellery loosely around at home. Keep and secure jewellery in safe places known only to a few trusted persons.
2. Make regular checks on jewellery in your possession.
3. Do not leave jewellery items and other valuables (example laptops) in vehicles especially in public parking areas.
4. Make assessments on the amount and type of jewellery worn depending on places to be visited.
The Old Harbour police in St Catherine are searching for a pastor who is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl who went to him for counselling.
The police told THE STAR that in early April, the child was referred to the clergyman.
She reportedly went to the church where the pastor operated.
The police claim that when she was there she was lured inside a bathroom, where she was sexually molested.
The child is said to have related her ordeal to some of her relatives who reported the matter to the police. An investigation was launched into the matter.
So far the police claim that their search for the man of God has turned up empty. It is said that the accused man has left the church and has not been seen for sometime.
Police told THE STAR that while their investigation revealed the pastor's absence, they have not been able to ascertain if it were as a result of the incident why he left the church.
In the meantime, the child is still undergoing counselling as a result of the alleged incident.
A group of about five men invaded a section of Steer Town, St Ann shooting six people, one fatally, in the wee hours of yesterday morning.
The man killed has been identified as Bryan Johnson while injured are three women and two men, all of the community.
According to investigators from the St Ann's Bay Police Station, about 12:20 a.m., the men brandishing guns went to a house where Johnson, another man and a female were sitting on a verandah and opened gunfire hitting them.
They then walked through the community and opened fire on several premises, injuring three other persons. Those injured have all been hospitalised in stable condition.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of the men involved in this incident to contact the St Ann's Bay police at 972-2209, Crime Stop at 311, Kingfish at 811, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.
Entertainers Timberlee, D' Angel and Tifa among a group of supporters at the vigil for Oneil Edwards at the Kingston Public Hospital yesterday. - Krista Henry
The rain couldn't deter the supporters of Voicemail's Oneil Edwards at the second vigil for the artiste, held in the car park of the Kingston Pubic Hospital (KPH) yesterday.
On Monday, hours after Edwards was shot several times at the gate of his home in Duhaney Park, the entertainment fraternity came together in Half-Way-Tree to offer prayers for his well being. Yesterday the entertainment fraternity called another vigil this time at KPH where the entertainer is currently being treated. With more awareness surrounding the incident from after 2 p.m. onlookers were seen gathering around the car park awaiting the arrival of the entertainers expected to show.
not disappointed
After 3 p.m. they were not disappointed when artistes such as, Mr Vegas, Macka Diamond, Omari, Ashley Martin, D 'Angel, Timberlee, Tifa, Bugle, Raine Seville, Craig Jackson from Voicemail, Rising Star's Adena Myrie, Stacious, Iceman, D Major, Chase Cross, Nicky B, Assassin, Stitchie, producers Mikey Bennett and TJ White, designer Carlton Brown, Cutty from Coppershot, Solid Agency's Sharon Burke, Big Yard's Robert Livingston and Mavado's manager Julian Jones-Griffith, formed a prayer circle in the rain that was steadily falling Mr Vegas exclaimed that no rain would stop the prayers for Edwards.
The artistes started singing Its Coming Down before starting on other songs such as When The Saints Go Marching In. Mikey Bennett started off the praying which was soon picked up by a tearful Macka Diamond in an emotional prayer as she said, "get him up Lord, tell him we love him and we need him ... get him up in the name of Jesus Christ." Other prayers were soon given by gospel artiste Omari who declared that "no weapons will prosper" against Edwards. Mr Vegas told the crowd, "yesterday we prayed for a miracle, its been 24 hours and he's still alive."
When The STAR left after 4 p.m. more persons had joined the singing and praying that continued into the evening
As we anticipate the start of the 7th season of Digicel Rising Stars on Sunday, June 6, we take a look at the successes of the past winners. Today we feature Christopher Martin.
In 2005, a teenager from a little known rural community in St Catherine called Back Pasture placed his talent on the line in a bid to be discovered. It was season 2 of Digicel Rising Stars and by the end of the competition, Christopher Martin would become a household name.
Since winning Digicel Rising Stars, Christopher Martin says he has been busy in the studio writing lyrics for and completing his first album. Martin says the work has finally paid off and in addition to releasing several more singles this year, he has secured a deal with a distribution company in Japan, that will see his first album hitting the streets this month.
The album is a self-titled venture and the singer is looking forward to it. Martin says fans should expect some newmusic along with some old favourites: "We have a little of everything, songs which have been released already and some exclusives. We have lovers rock, dancehall, you can call it a fusion between dancehall, R&B and HipHop. It's a mixture of everything."
remain in the spotlight
The album is coming five years after he won Digicel Rising Stars but the singer assures fans that it will be worth the wait.
The singer says he has always tried to remain in the spotlight, constantly releasing singles so Jamaicans would not forget him:.
"Some people might have a strategy where they say they want people to miss them and keep their worth, but I'm not one who agrees with that. I always want to be ever present, always a part of something positive. I always want to be in the know so even if I'm not putting out a song every week or every month, I ensure that whenever I put out a song it makes an impact."
The singer who is also a student says in addition to his first album hitting the streets soon, another major goal for him this year is completing his University degree in Finance and graduating from the University of Technology later this year.
The singer says balancing school and a career has been difficult but he's coping: "At times when some people sleeping I have to be on the road, I have recordings, performances and all of that but I try to cope and there are people at school who always try to help me out with notes. It's very hard but as long as you give both of them the same level of importance it will work out. They both go hand in hand because God forbids one day I wake up and can't sing, I will have my education to fall back on."
Martin will be off to Japan in the coming weeks for a promotional tour as the 2005 Digicel Rising Stars winner prepares to drop his first album.
Dancehall singjay/producer, Don Sniper, recently teamed up with veteran dancehall artiste Cobra to record his latest single which is a techno influenced track titled I Like To Party.
Don Sniper says that he decided to record I Like to Party after returning home from a recent trip to the Bahamas where he performed at an event called Caribbean Collaboration at the Arawak Key Fish Fry in Nassau, alongside Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Gyptian and Etana.
"I wanted to do something different so I went into the studio to do some work with Kalfani who is the musician who creates most of the beats for my songs. As an artiste I want my music to appeal to various markets and since I had already experimented with soca music I decided to do a techno track. After we made the rhythm and I recorded the song, Mad Cobra heard it and told me he liked it and we decided to make it into a collab," said Don Sniper.
It seems as if the there is no limit to the Pleasure Time recording artiste's versatility as Don Sniper has continued to display his creativity both as an artiste and a producer since his emergence on the local music scene.
Several of his rhythm projects have spawned popular dancehall numbers for the likes of Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man and Lady Saw.
Don Sniper has also made an impact on the local airwaves and the dancehall with several of his own recordings such as How Many, Gal Yuh A Murder and the soca influenced No Body Business.
Laranzo Dacres, Gleaner Writer
The thunderous bark of a Rottweiler greets welcome and unwelcome visitors to the red metal gate of Ruby Hall's yard. A thud on the gate was followed by my quaking call, which awakened the centenarian from her slumber.
"Who is dat?" asked Hall, her strong voice masking her age.
Cautiously, I entered the yard. She barely looked more than four feet tall, wore a headscarf with a floral design, and cl**tched her walking stick while signalling me to pass the chained dog.
Hall, who lives at Higholborn Street in Kingston, was born on May 10, 1910, and hails from the hills of Gordon Town, St Andrew.
The creases etched on her face tell tales of a vivid past, and 'Mama', as she is affectionately called, was not shy to share a story or two. She had a gleam of youthful zest in her eyes - though dimmed by the passage of time - as she sat on a mattress that urgently needs replacing.
"Mi neva know seh mi woulda live so long," she told The Gleaner.
Bygone era
She recalled a bygone era when she earned three shillings per week as a household helper. She said three shillings was not sufficient to raise her children but she was "glad for it".
"When I asked mi boss fi a raise, him jus' fire mi," she said with a smile, "but whatever work we do on earth, we will get repaid."
Hall, who lives with a grandson, said only one of her three sons were alive. That surviving son, whom she calls 'Duduh', has 13 grandchildren in a fruitful genealogical line.
At 100, Hall is still able to stand on her own, but cannot walk without the aid of her cane, and her hearing is not as sharp as it used to be.
She expressed disgust at present-day Jamaica and the tumultuous tide of violence.
"Today is nutten like my time. You could walk from night 'til mornin' an nuhbody nuh trouble you; now you 'fraid fi even walk a day. ... All dem young people yah do, dem fight, dem cuss an' dem kill!"
Hall, a Christian, credits her faith as key to her longevity, as well as a possible genetic predisposition to sticking around. Her siblings were past 80 when they died and her remaining son is almost 80. She is, however, less optimistic about the lifespan of today's youths.
"Dem yah young people nah live so long, because dem a gwaan like seven devil in hell," she said, laughing.
TRIPOLI, Libya A Libyan plane carrying 104 people crashed Wednesday on approach to Tripoli's airport, leaving a field scattered with smoldering debris that included a large chunk of the tail painted with the airline's brightly colored logo. A 10-year-old Dutch child was the only known survivor.
The Dutch prime minister said everyone on the Afriqiyah Airways Airbus A330-200 arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa, was killed except the child, whose survival was hailed as a miracle.
The youth was taken to a hospital in Tripoli and was undergoing surgery for injuries including broken bones. Officials initially said the child was a boy, but the Dutch Foreign Ministry later said there was uncertainty over the survivor's gender.
The Royal Dutch Tourism Board said 61 of the dead came from the Netherlands.
"This is a large group of Dutch nationals after all, so it's a deeply sad message we have this day," Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende said.
Libyan TV showed video of the dark-haired child lying in a hospital bed with a bandaged head and wearing an oxygen mask. The child had intravenous lines in one arm and appeared to be conscious.
An embassy official planned to visit the survivor in the hospital later Wednesday, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ozlem Canel. She said officials were still trying to verify the identity.
The Libyans "say and think it is a Dutch child, but that must be determined by our colleague," she said.
The crash left a large field scattered with small and large pieces of plane debris and dozens of police and rescue workers with surgical masks and gloves, some of them carrying at least one body away. They gathered small personal items such as wallets and cell phones from the wreckage.
Others sifted through debris some of it still smoldering including a flight recorder and green seats with television screens on them. A large piece of the plane's tail was visible, bearing Afriqiyah's brightly colored logo with the numbers "9.9.99," a reference to the date of the founding of the African Union.
The plane was carrying 93 passengers and 11 crew.
"Afriqiyah Airways announces that our flight 771 had an accident during landing at Tripoli International airport," a statement said. "At this moment, we have no information concerning possible casualties or survivors. Our information is that there were 93 passenger and 11 crew aboard. Authorities are conducting the search and rescue mission."
Libyan Transport Minister Mohammed Ali Zaidan said 96 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage and rescuers were searching for the rest of the victims.
The head of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek said the child's survival was "truly a miracle."
The plane was approaching the airport in the Libyan capital Tripoli when it crashed at around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT, 11 p.m. EDT Tuesday) There was no immediate word on the cause, according to a statement by the airlines posted on its website.
The company that runs the Johannesburg airport said the flight departed at 9:37 p.m. local time (3:37 p.m. EDT) Tuesday.
The airline later issued a second statement saying a search-and-rescue operation at the crash site "has now been completed and casualties have been moved to various hospitals."
It said Tripoli was the flight's final destination.
The aircraft that crashed was delivered from the production line in September 2009. It had accumulated approximately 1,600 flight hours in some 420 flights, according to Airbus.
Weather conditions over Tripoli's international airport were good on Wednesday, with three-mile (4.8-kilometer) visibility, scattered clouds at 10,000 feet and winds of only three miles per hour.
A NASA Web site said an ash cloud from Iceland's volcano had reached North Africa by Monday, but a map from Britain's meteorological office showed it was well west of Tripoli at the time of the crash.
Brussels-based European air traffic management agency said the thinning volcanic ash cloud that disrupted air traffic over parts of Europe and the Atlantic in the past few days had moved into mid-ocean and was unlikely to have affected an airliner in Libya, more than 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) to the west.
Daniel Hoeltgen, spokesman for the European Aviation Safety Agency said Afriqiyah has undergone 10 recent safety inspections at European airports, with no significant safety findings. He said a team of French crash investigators was already on its way to Tripoli.
"We are currently talking to Airbus and with the French accident investigator BEA, which will be involved in the investigation," said Hoeltgen. "We will lend our support if this is required by authorities in charge."
Afriqiyah Airways is not included on the European Union's list of banned airlines. The list has nearly 300 carriers deemed by the EU not to meet international safety standards.
According to initial reports, the plane crashed as it neared the threshold of Tripoli International's main east-west runway, while preparing to touch down from the east.
The main runway at Tripoli Airport is 3,600 yards (meters) long. According to international airport guides, the airport does not have a precision approach system that guides airplanes down to the runway's threshold, but has two other less sophisticated systems that are in wide use throughout the world.
Wednesday's crash was the fourth deadly landing accident at Tripoli airport in the past 40 years, according to the Web site of the U.S.-based Flight Safety Foundation.
In 1970, a Czechoslovak Airlines Tupolev 104 crashed 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) from the airport, killing all 13 people on board. A year later, a United Arab Airlines Comet crashed 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) from the runway threshold, killing all 16 on board. In 1989, a Korean Air DC-10 crashed, killing 75 of the 199 people on the aircraft.
Afriqiyah Airways operates an all Airbus fleet. It was founded in April 2001 and is fully owned by the Libyan government.
Dancehall artist Mavado is one bad dude. In the Anthony Mandler-directed clip for Drake's latest single, "Find Your Love," the singer delivers on his promise of a threat against Drizzy, who was warned to stay away from the Boss' lady. As a result, Drake pays the ultimate price for his decision to move forward with his romantic pursuit of Mavado's leading lady (or does he? The ending of the video is left open). But when the cameras are off, Movado says he Drake are good friends.
"Me and Drake were friends for quite some time now," Mavado told MTV News on Tuesday (May 11). "He ended up coming to Jamaica together with me while I was finishing my album. And he said, 'Yo, I want to do this in Jamaica.' The video with me and Drake, it's a bit different, but trust me, it's very perfect. I'm loving that video."
Mavado's character in "Find Your Love," Puffy, is first introduced in the video at Kingston's landmark Asylum Club, although it's called "The Building" in the clip. Mavado said that's just one of the ideas he brought to the table for the dramatic clip.
"They came up with the script and I knew what they really wanted," he said. "Me and my man, we're in Jamaica and I'm on the 'Gully Side,' so I know just the perfect spot."
Contrary to the storyline in the video, which ends with Drake's capture by some of the island's most notorious thugs a.k.a. "dogs" Mavado said his people had nothing but love for the Canadian. "It's a good vibe on the 'Gully Side' and the part where I'm from, the people love him there."
Last month during his Away From Home Tour, Drake echoed Mavado's words "We went to this 'hood. They call it the 'gully' side' " Drake said. "It's bad out there, real bad. They had 'Young Money' sprayed on the gates, 'Drake and Wayne,' 'cause I came to shoot the video out there. I'm talking about you drive by people's homes, they had 'Drake,' 'Young Money,' 'Drake, Welcome Here,' 'Drake We Love You' crazy sh--, man. It was so crazy. This dude was like, 'Original Weezy tha God! You tha boss! Weezy tha God!' It's crazy. They love us, 'cause we show love out there."
According to Mavado, the collaboration on "Find Your Love" is just the first offering between the pair, and fans should expect more to come.
"Me and Drake, we already been talking about it but you know, Drake is on his tour doing his thing. But I guess when it's the right time, it's going to happen. I believe it's soon. I'm supposed to do a remix for that song."
What do you think of Drake's new video? Let us know in the comments below!
It was me Golding confesses
Golding confesses he sanctioned Manatt deal over Dudus as JLP leader
AMID mounting criticisms over the Government's credibility, Prime Minister Bruce Golding yesterday admitted in Parliament that he had given the green light for the ruling party to engage the services of US law firm Manatt Phelps and Phillips.
Golding confessed that he had "sanctioned" persons in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to approach Manatt Phelps and Phillips to lobby the United States administration to drop its extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to face drug and gun-running charges there.
"I sanctioned the initiative, knowing that such interventions have in the past proven to be of considerable value in dealing with issues involving the governments of both countries. I made it absolutely, unmistakably clear, however, that this was an initiative to be undertaken by the party, not by or on behalf of the Government," the embattled Golding said.
Prior to the admission yesterday, the Government had fiercely denied any involvement in engaging the firm. Instead, it had said it was "persons within the JLP" who approached attorney-at-law Harold Brady in September last year to seek his assistance in facilitating the opening of discussions between the US authorities and the Government of Jamaica in seeking to resolve what had become a treaty dispute between the two countries.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the prime minister, also held firmly by an earlier statement to the House on March 16 this year in which he said "the Government of Jamaica has not engaged any legal firm, any consultant, any entity whatsoever in relation to any extradition matter other than deploying the resources that are available within the Attorney General's Department".
Said Golding: "That was the position then. It remains the position to this day."
He added that the only diversion since was a recent move by the administration to retain the services of constitutional lawyer, Dr Lloyd Barnett, QC, to seek a declaration from the court as to the duties of Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne as it related to the scope of her authority under the Extradition Treaty.
Amidst shouts of 'nonsense', 'rubbish', and 'I nevah know a man lie so' from Opposition benches, an unfazed Golding said the Government would without hesitation, facilitate the extradition of any Jamaican citizen wanted to stand trial for extraditable offences once the obligations under the Treaty were met.
"Christopher Coke is wanted for an alleged crime in the US for which he ought to be tried and the Government of Jamaica, consistent with its obligations under the Treaty, will do everything necessary to facilitate his extradition once it is done in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty and the laws of our country," the prime minister said.
The Jamaican Government has maintained that the US has acted in contravention of the Interception of Communications Act, arguing that evidence gathered by the US was illegally obtained.
"The Government maintains that the information presented in support of this particular request is unacceptable because it has been used in violation of Jamaican law and in contravention of the expressed order of a judge of the Supreme Court," Golding said, noting that from as far back as September of last year, the Government formally requested additional or separate information from the US authorities that would enable the minister to fulfil the request.
"We assured the US authorities that once this is done, the minister will sign the authorisation to proceed," Golding added.
Yesterday, under persistent questioning from Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Peter Phillips who had first questioned the engagement of the US law firm in March this year, Prime Minister Golding sought refuge in Standing Order provisions governing the conduct of questions when asked why he had not admitted to being the one to 'sanction' persons within the party to seek legal representation in the first place.
"...Why didn't you say so then?" Phillips asked.
"The question I was asked was whether the Government of Jamaica had engaged the services of Manatt," Golding said emphatically, noting that he had answered what was asked of him at the time.
When Phillips continued to press he said: "There is a great deal of latitude, many courtesies extended in this House but the member ought to be aware that in Standing Order 16 he can only ask a question of a minister in his official capacity in relation to his portfolio responsibilities; you cannot ask in the House anything about my responsibilities as party leader.
"Ask any question of me in terms of my official responsibilities and I am prepared to answer that...you cannot ask in this House anything about my responsibilities as a party leader," Golding said to shouts of disapproval from the Opposition.
Despite the intervention of House Speaker Delroy Chuck, who insisted that Golding was within his rights, an incensed Phillips charged that the prime minister was attempting to intimidate. Furthermore, Dr Phillips said there was nothing in the Standing Orders barring Golding from responding to questions about an issue which he said impugns the reputation of not just the Government but the entire country.
"Don't try come here and intimidate no one. Nobody not afraid and I don't think it is an appropriate way to treat the business of Jamaica," he said.
In his statement, Golding also maintained that Brady's firm was the one to hire Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. He also insisted that the US$49,892.62 paid to Manatt for its services was not paid from Government coffers, nor by Coke as rumoured, but by 'persons within the party'.
Producer, Rick Warren, has remixed Jah Cure's recent hit, Never Say Never, with a Techno flavour. The reggae version of the song was released in February of this year on the Stonehenge Riddim and was the first single of that compilation.
The Stonehenge rhythm also features artistes such as Anthony B, George Nooks, Pressure, Bryan Art, Lutan Fyah, Gyptian and Courtney John among others.
Now Rick Warren has again shown his ingenuity by remixing the song. Warren reveals that the remix involves a significant amount of automation and the production is more technical that would be necessary on the reggae track.
The track for the techno version was built using Protocols. Warren says the building of a techno beat is very tedious as the finished product is focused a lot on the arrangement and less on the vocals. He says that a techno track also has a lot of other elements that would not be included on a Dancehall or Reggae track such as crescendos and filter sweeps.
"I made the electronic remix to Jah Cure's Never Say Never to open up new doors for Reggae music. I'm trying to get fans that don't normally listen to Reggae artistes and would probably never of heard of Jah Cure, to get a chance to listen to his music," Warren explained.
"I think it will be well received. Even though we changed the genre of the original song to make it more appealing to dance music fans, we still kept some Reggae elements so the hardcore Reggae fans will still appreciate it," he said.
According to Jah Cure, he is very happy that Rick decided to remix the song: "My fans in Europe don't only listen to Reggae music they also listen to House and Techno and I think that this is just another way for me to connect with them in their space".
The Techno remix of Never Say Never has been released online and is also getting rotation on several radio stations in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Warren says he will be releasing the song to European stations in the coming week as there have been several requests from that part of the world for the remix.
Jah Cure
What is due to caeser i am going to give it. Vegas Thanks for the vigil and prayer meetings that you have kept and still keeping for Oniel. You are always cursing so this is d time when yuh tongue come in handy
The Jamaican music industry has lost another pioneer with the passing of veteran studio engineer Sid Bucknor, who died of cancer at the St Charles Hospital, Ladbroke Grove in London on Sunday.
Bucknor, who migrated to the UK in 1970, was one of the early innovators responsible for the evolution of Jamaican music from ska to reggae. The artistes on whose music the producer/songwriter has left his indelible mark include Bob Marley and the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Alton Ellis, John Holt, Ken Boothe and Bob Andy to mention a few.
Some of his finest recording projects were done at such studios as Studio One, Channel One, Dynamics, Federal, Treasure Isle, Harry J, Randy's King Tubbys, Joe Gibbs among otherrs.
A short tribute by close friend, guitarist Cecil Smith stated that Sid Bucknor was a musical giant whose contribution to Jamaican music cannot be overlooked.
"Sid (Bucknor) was a giant in the music business. He was instrumental in the development of the Jamaican music sound, ska, rock steady and reggae. He was a great studio engineer, producer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of the music alongside the musicians of the time and pioneered new ways and techniques of capturing the feel and spirit of the music. His contributions to Jamaican music cannot be overlooked," Smith noted.
According to Smith, much the industry success can be directly attributed to Bucknor's creative genius and pioneering style. Sid Bucknor was described as "a very patient teacher who was always happy to pass on his knowledge and skills to anyone wishing to learn".
Sid reportedly worked with all of the greats in the Jamaican music industry.
"He recorded and mixed Catch a Fire, Burning and Natty Dread for Bob Marley and the Wailers. He also recorded, mixed and produced songs with Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, Alton Ellis, BB seaton, Ken Boothe, John Holt, Bob Andy. Before migrating to England in 1970, where he contined to spread the sound of reggae, he worked at Dynamics, Federal, Studio One, Channel One, Treasure Isle, Harry J, Randy's King Tubbys and Joe Gibbs' studios," the release concluded.
MAVADO ON CO-STARING IN DRAKE'S 'FIND YOUR LOVE' VIDEO
Dancehall artist Mavado is one bad dude. In the Anthony Mandler-directed clip for Drake's latest single, "Find Your Love," the singer delivers on his promise of a threat against Drizzy, who was warned to stay away from the Boss' lady. As a result, Drake pays the ultimate price for his decision to move forward with his romantic pursuit of Mavado's leading lady (or does he? The ending of the video is left open). But when the cameras are off, Movado says he Drake are good friends.
"Me and Drake were friends for quite some time now," Mavado told MTV News on Tuesday (May 11). "He ended up coming to Jamaica together with me while I was finishing my album. And he said, 'Yo, I want to do this in Jamaica.' The video with me and Drake, it's a bit different, but trust me, it's very perfect. I'm loving that video."
Mavado's character in "Find Your Love," Puffy, is first introduced in the video at Kingston's landmark Asylum Club, although it's called "The Building" in the clip. Mavado said that's just one of the ideas he brought to the table for the dramatic clip.
"They came up with the script and I knew what they really wanted," he said. "Me and my man, we're in Jamaica and I'm on the 'Gully Side,' so I know just the perfect spot."
Contrary to the storyline in the video, which ends with Drake's capture by some of the island's most notorious thugs a.k.a. "dogs" Mavado said his people had nothing but love for the Canadian. "It's a good vibe on the 'Gully Side' and the part where I'm from, the people love him there."
Last month during his Away From Home Tour, Drake echoed Mavado's words "We went to this 'hood. They call it the 'gully' side' " Drake said. "It's bad out there, real bad. They had 'Young Money' sprayed on the gates, 'Drake and Wayne,' 'cause I came to shoot the video out there. I'm talking about you drive by people's homes, they had 'Drake,' 'Young Money,' 'Drake, Welcome Here,' 'Drake We Love You' crazy sh--, man. It was so crazy. This dude was like, 'Original Weezy tha God! You tha boss! Weezy tha God!' It's crazy. They love us, 'cause we show love out there."
According to Mavado, the collaboration on "Find Your Love" is just the first offering between the pair, and fans should expect more to come.
"Me and Drake, we already been talking about it but you know, Drake is on his tour doing his thing. But I guess when it's the right time, it's going to happen. I believe it's soon. I'm supposed to do a remix for that song."
LINK--http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1638934/20100511/mavado.jhtml
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga thinks alcohol will ''kill'' her one day and claims she would rather die on stage than take a break.
The eccentric Poker Face singer thinks her alcohol intake will kill her one day but refuses to slow down, insisting she would rather risk exhaustion than take a break.
Speaking on stage in Sweden this weekend, she told the crowd: "I know that I work really hard and run myself into the ground, and I also know that alcohol will kill me one day, but I would rather not die on vacation. I'd rather die on stage with all my fans."
The singer, who cancelled several performances in January due to exhaustion, showed signs of feeling the pressure during the last song for one of her recent sold-out Monster Ball shows in Auckland, New Zealand
NP: Carterwang- Damion Marley gave me mine. Data- Mikey Binns gave me mine. I used to be in a band named No Credit and because I didn't dance when I played he said I reminded him of the character Data from Star Trek. Unga- My older brother had the name first. I think it came from a cartoon. (laughs) Because I was always with him, people started calling me "Little Unga" and when I got older I became just Unga. Then Bugle added the Barunga part. Bass- Um... I guess because I play bass. (chuckle) Stripes; Ding Dong named him that 'cause he used to always wear striped shirts. Riff... we were playing at a hotel and how he was dressed and playing the keyboard, started calling him Riff Raff.
TEENage: What is the history of Notice Productions?
NP: (Unga) We first started as the band Further Notice during our first year at Edna; me, Carter, Jason and Riff. After we graduated, we didn't get to play much as a band. We all played for different artistes like Damion and Stephen Marely, but we'd still link up. Serani was the one who actually asked why we don't record and that's when we turned it into the production company.
TEENage: So as musicians, what do you each play/do?
NP: Carter and Data both play lead guitar, Unga is on the drums, Bass plays the bass guitar, Chevaughn sings, Riff is on keyboard, and Greg is engineer.
TEENage: So is Chevaughn the only artiste? Anyone else ever voiced on a track?
NP: Unga is featured on Damari's Work. He also has a song with Ding Dong and Chevaughn that soon release. (Carter) Unga always wants to sing, but he doubts himself. (Unga) I don't doubt myself, I just go with the wind. Is more that I follow my father, Percival Thompson (Big T). And when he started to sing, I wanted to sing.
TEENage: You guys are obviously passionate about music. When did you decide to take it up professionally?
NP: (Bass) When I left high school and started college. I loved music from primary school. (Carter) When I realised it was the only thing I'm good at. (laughs) Serious ting. Never pass any exam 'til I reach music school.
TEENage: Do you guys produce only dancehall?
NP: We produce everything, but our most recognised work is in dancehall. Some of our reggae is recognized as well, like Ras Penco's So Free.
TEENage: Who in the business do you look up to?
NP: (Data) I more look up to producers like Donovan Jeremy. Also, I work with him. (Unga)
Kanye West, 'cause him nah nuh sense. (Carter) Bob Marley, always. The Marleys in general. (Bass) The Almighty! Daseca too stillz.
TEENage: You guys are friends and colleagues. How does that relationship work?
NP: We been friends from college days. Wayne n Riff were friends from before, they're both from Mobay. We're friends always but when it's business, it's business.
TEENage: What are some of the riddims you have produced?
NP: We did Gyallis Riddim in '07, Splash in '08, Holiday in 09, and Dream Riddim this year.
TEENage: What artistes have you worked with?
NP: Ding Dong, Bugle, Elephant Man, Jah Cure, Sizzla, Richie Spice, Morgan Heritage, Serani and Ras Penco. And Damari is being signed. He's our main focus now.
TEENage: Thanks to Holiday, everyone knows Notice Production. What has the response been like since then?
NP: (Carter) It's a good feeling u nuh. People weh nuh usually talk to yuh talk to yuh now. Wagonists, yuh nuh. (Bass) It jus brings more recognition to the group, internationally and locally. Before, internationally we were recognised as musicians.
TEENage: Describe Notice Productions in three words.
NP: Musical, unique and fun.
TEENage: So what can we expect from NP for the rest of 2010?
NP: Airplay for Tables, the video premiered last night. There's an Unga feat Chevaughn tune in the near future. More from Damari. A tune with Chi Ching Ching and Forever Bless Crew (Vegas) named Party Time. Did a song for Lady Saw for her album, she and Ding Dong. Listen for that.
TEENage: Many TEENs want to go into music; any advice for interested TEENs?
NP: (Carter) Learn the business side of it. (Data) Yeah, make sure you have that down so you don't get tricked. (Unga) And just work hard, yuh nuh. Don't give up.
The strain on the diplomatic relationship between the United States and Jamaica caused over the handling of the extradition case of Tivoli strongman Christopehr 'Dudus' Coke -- now eight months past -- shouldn't affect business between the two countries, reckons Donald Sweitzer, a senior strategic advisor on international business and a former political advisor to President Bill Clinton.
Sweitzer, who was the keynote speaker at the American Chamber of Commerce in Jamaica (AMCHAM) Breakfast Forum held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, yesterday told the Business Observer that the current impasse is a minor one on the scale of potential impact on business activities between the countries.
"I don't think this issue rises to that level," Sweitzer said. "I'm aware of the issues that's going on between the two governments, but I don't think that would affect the attitudes that my company or others would have about investment in Jamaica."He went on: "Having come out of government and being very active and having many friends in the Obama administration I know this: that the relationship between the United States and Jamaica is an important one for our country. It's also an important one for your country, but it is a long-standing warm and friendly relationship and it will remain so. There are always tensions and individual problems that exist between countries. I'm sure all of that will work out, but it will not affect the very positive relationship that exists with these countries, that I know."
The theme for AMCHAM's forum was "building strong relationships across international borders in the new global environment".
Investments, Sweitzer believes will depend more on the resolution of the economic challenges facing both countries.
"You are going through your economic troubles just as we are in the Unites States," Sweitzer said. "You are taking some steps here recently with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and others that are very constructive. I think the economic opportunities that are here are very positive and not affected by issues that are going on between the governments."
Sweitzer, is also chairman of GTech, the gaming and commercial technology and services company that provides Supreme Ventures Limited with its technology platform for online gaming.
"In our business, it is an intersection of government, politics, business and gaming and that can be a very volatile mix," Sweitzer added. "Sometimes the things that happen in government are well beyond your control. You must be ready for anything. You must adjust and be sensitive to the issues affecting the country."
Seet deh, Kentucky Kid dead and gone and wi still nahy hear peep fire bout di policeman dem whey shoot him.
Di likkle youth come out and sey him life inna danger and all have video fi support it. But still nutten.
Kentucky Kid, you may be gone, but you certainly not forgotten
A 72-year-old St Catherine man who was accused of buggering his eight-year-old grandson has been charged by the Ewarton Police in St Catherine.
THE STAR was informed that it was alleged that on May 1 the senior citizen sexually molested the boy who lived with him. It is said that the child's parents also live in the same yard, however, the boy lived with the old man.
After the ordeal, the child was alleged to have been threatened by his attacker and warned not to tell anyone about what had happened. However, it is said that relatives observed the child behaving in an unusual manner and when he was questioned, he alleged that the accused man had molested him. The child was medically examined and it was reportedly proven that he had been buggered.
An investigation was launched in the matter, which resulted in criminal charges being brought against the elderly man.
The accused man, whose name is being withheld, is to appear in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court later this week to answer to the charge.
THE STAR was also told that additional charges could be brought against the accused under the Child Care and Protection Act.
NAGOYA (Kyodo) A 30-year-old man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of stabbing five members of his family, killing two, at a house in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, and setting the building on fire.
Takayuki Iwase is suspected of stabbing his father, Kazumi, 58, around 2:15 a.m. Saturday while he was sleeping in a bedroom, the police said. He was later confirmed dead.
Tomomi Kanemaru, the 1-year-old daughter of Iwases younger brother, Fumihiko, was also confirmed dead.
Iwase, who is unemployed, was taken into custody at a funeral hall near the house after admitting that he stabbed the five with a kitchen knife and set fire to the house, the police said.
Iwase reportedly told police under questioning that he was angry that his account with an Internet service provider had been canceled by his father.
After receiving an emergency call from a neighbor at around 2:25 a.m., the police arrived and found the house on fire and the five family members inside with stab wounds. Police are treating the investigation as a murder case.
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| Sterling Hospitals / AFP - Getty Images file |
| Prahlad Jani was studied for two weeks. |
The underground music scene is having, a private screening of a five year movie project called Rise Up.
The film was directed by Luciano Blotta who has done several projects with Stephen Spielberg and Executive Producer, Mark Heart, who produced Indiana Jones, and other top Hollywood flicks.
The movie won Best Music documentary in 2009 at the Discovery Channel film festival, and will be coming to Jamaica for general release, says Carlo less known as Amlak, who is the Jamaican producer on the project.
Carlo is known for the Notorious rhythm that gave Turbulence his fist hit song.
For further details on Rise Up and underground music visit
*Contributed by Melissa Fearon
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