At first glance, Jonah Falcon is just another statistic.
Unemployed and living with his mother, Falcon is but one of the 20% of working-age American men without a job. Yet Falcon has something no other man has: the record for the world's largest penis.
Yes, that's a fact.
Since being profiled in Rolling Stone and appearing in an HBO documentary about his 13.5 inch penis, the 39-year-old Brooklyn native has struggled to find a steady job.
Falcon had been working as a video game reviewer for a website as well as a small-time actor. But in a recent interview with Sphere, Falcon talks about how he his now "between jobs" due to the "rough economy."
And despite seemingly being tailor-made for the adult industry, Falcon says that he doesn't do porn because if he did, "Nobody would take me seriously. Nobody."
Thanks to his dad, hip-hop mogul and businessman Sean "Diddy" Combs, now Justin Dior Combs is the proud owner of a $360,000 luxury sedan.
His dad didn't just throw Justin a huge, star-studded birthday party at the Manhattan club M2 Ultralounge on Saturday night. He also presented the youngster with a brand-new Maybach, wrapped in a red bow and parked outside the club.
The two-hour telethon aired Friday night on the major networks and dozens of other channels, including MTV, Bravo, and PBS, and was also streamed live online. Stars like Brad Pitt, Beyonce, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and more used their presence to encourage donations for Haiti, following a Jan. 12 earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people.
A statement released Saturday said the money raised was a record. It does not include donations by corporations or via iTunes, where people are able to buy performances of the event for 99 cents.
People can still donate via text, phone or through the "Hope for Haiti" Web site.
STARZ AT THE HATI TELETHON
The Buddhist monks refer to their style of teaching as Buddhism 2010 in an article on CNN.
The new style of monks have dropped traditional Buddhist chants and have incorporated rap and Hip-Hop as a way to introduce new people to the faith.
"Getting the young people back to religion is key to Buddhism's survival," Kansho Mr. Happiness Tagai told CNN. "In Japan, it's a religion in crisis."
The monks are also putting a spin on traditional Buddhist temples to attract young people, by serving alcohol while they teach.
They reason that their followers talk at ease in a bar like setting, as opposed to the traditional temple, because they are disconnected with modern times.
According to Tagai, Monks new recruiting technique are paying off.
"Twice as many people, especially the young, are now visiting the temple," Tagai said. "Other monks are even calling me up for advice."
The recent actions of a man said to be mentally challenged, has become the hot topic on the lips of residents from Gutters, St Catherine.
THE STAR heard that some two weeks ago, the 43-year-old man, Patrick McMasters, ventured on to a churchyard in the community where he saw a Hiace bus parked with the key in the ignition.
"Him nun play eno, di man see di key inna di bus so him jus drive it weh an all stop fi look gas to eno ... . Him hype!" remarked Sandy, a 26-year-old resident.
It is said that the McMaster drove away the vehicle despite several cries of people who begged him to stop.
Further reports are that he stopped at a nearby gas station where he ordered $5,000 worth of diesel. McMaster reportedly sped off without paying for the petrol.
It is said that the owner of the Hiace bus alerted the Old Harbour police and an 'All Points Bulletin' was issued throughout the Area 5 police division.
After speeding off from the gas station, McMaster is said to have headed for Spanish Town where he was eventually held and subsequently charged with driving away a vehicle without the owner's consent and obtaining credit by fraud.
He is scheduled for court on February 25.Modeled after the famed annual Grammy Awards, with all the pomp and pageantry characteristic of such a ceremony, and now in its sixth year, the EME Awards are the brainchild of renowned Hot 102-FM radio personality Richard "Richie B" Burgess. They emerged out of a need for an authentic and g**** roots based recognition of achievement in Jamaican music and entertainment.
Efforts are underway to make this year's event the best award show ever staged on the shores of Jamaica. The overwhelming support and popularity of the awards are why they were relocated from the studios of Hot 102-FM to a venue that can accommodate
the large following the ceremonies have amassed over the years.The EMEs have garnered the full backing of the CVM Group, including CVM-TV, X-NEWS Newspaper as well as Hot 102-FM and many other local media entities, with coverage also provided by international media like BETJ, and an endorsement from the Jamaica Tourist Board
"We are so delighted to become a part of this," said Capsicum CEO and A&R Director Roger Meltzer. "It has concerned me for years that the winners of Grammy Awards in reggae and dancehall music are never even televised accepting these coveted awards. If we're lucky, there might be a 'crawl" at the bottom of the screen announcing those winners. It's like achievements in our genre aren't accepted as an authentic and legitimate music worthy of recording industry recognition despite it's world-wide following. People forget that Bob Marley's songs are played all over the world more frequenty than those of Elvis Presley's".
The Awards recognize achievements in approximately 30 categories including DJ of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Voclist of the Year, Producer of the year and Album of the Year among others. Winners are determined based upon performance in the Jamaica Music Countdown as compiled weekly by Richie B from the island-wide contributions of sound system selectors, night clubs, record shops and radio dj's,
as well as internet voting on the emeawards.com website.
This year, Role Model Awards will be presented to the Legendary Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan, while the Special International Friend or Reggae Awardee will be India Arie, who will be honored for her embrace of the reggae music genre.
Posted by Dancehallreggaeweseh.com
Left: Carey Wallace, president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce. Right: Egbert Parkins File
Western Bureau:
The rigorous enforcement of the Noise Abatement Act, heavy-handed policing and the banning of several established venues are said to be crippling the entertainment industry in the resort town of Negril, resulting in massive dislocation and the loss of millions of dollars in potential revenue.
At a meeting called by Negril's 80-member strong Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the resort town last Thursday, stakeholders in entertainment, commerce and tourism blamed their plight mostly on Negril's police chief, Superintendent Egbert Parkins, who they described as "unapproachable."
"Negril earns in excess of $100 million daily from tourism and contributes $300 million to the Tourism Enhancement Fund annually," said Lenbert Williams, the chairman of the Negril and western Jamaica MSMEs. "However, because of the insensitive stance by Superintendent Parkins, the entertainment sector, which is the life *lo** of Negril, is being destroyed."
In seeking to strengthen his point, Williams pointed to a recent joint Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA)/Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) statement, declaring that occupancy was down in Negril and expressing the view that orderly entertainment could have an impact in retrieving the situation.
anxious to cooperate
"We are not advocating for the breaching of the Noise Abatement Act or any other laws," said former bank manger turned entertainment consultant Ryan Morrison. "We are anxious to cooperate but we have a police superintendent who is unapproachable.
"He basically does as he pleases without due consideration of the impact his action is having on the town itself and the people who are involved in business and entertainment."
While repeated efforts to get a comment from DSP Parkins proved futile, a senior officer in the police hierarchy in western Jamaica told The STAR that he is fully aware of the situation in Negril as many complaints have come to his desk from entertainment stakeholders in the resort town.
"I have been receiving several reports and it is something we will have to look into," said the senior lawman on condition of anonymity. "While we cannot allow unlawful activities to flourish, our action cannot be detrimental to legitimate business."
However, as pressure continues to mount on promoters and venue owners in Negril, the 20-year old MXIII Lawn, which has been home to established events such as the Reggae Marathon Victory Party, the annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash, the Crab and Sea Food Festival and annual Bunny Wailer Live showcase, did not stage any event over the recent Christmas holidays.
"All my applications were turned down by the police and all my attempts to have dialogue with them have been futile," said MXIII's CEO Clive 'Kubba' Pringle. "I feel helpless at this time as the business I have worked so hard to build over the past 20-years is being strangled by this so-called ban by the police."
significant sums
Promoters and vendors are not the only ones suffering as a result of the so-called heavy-headed crackdown as the Westmoreland Parish Council (WPC), which generally rakes in millions of dollars from the issuing of permits to stage events, has also been losing significant sums.
"Every time we stage an event in Negril, the parish gets a fee of $25,000 and Negril is a place that formerly feature a minimum of four such events per night," said Pringle.
"If the WPC is losing $100,000 each night for seven days of the week, you can work out the maths and see that millions of dollars in potential revenue is going down the drain."
Businessman Carey Wallace, the president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, said they are very concerned about the existing situation and want to see a return to the days when stakeholders in the resort town could work with the police for the mutual benefit of all.
"Because Negril is a tourist town, in former times we used to operate like an endless weekend, so we had a general cut-off time of 2 a.m. for events right through the week," said Wallace. "We would like to see a return to those days ... naturally the music would have to be at a level that does not constitute a nuisance to those persons who want to sleep peacefully in their homes."
In addition to losing their livelihood, some promoters said while their venues have been banned, others operating in a similar manner have been allowed to operate with impunity and without regards for the law. That situation is said to be causing a rift between those who have been barred and those who are being allowed to operate.
suspicion
"I have my suspicion about what is going on and I believe it is something worth investigating," one promoter, who asked not to be identified, told the Negril meeting. "If there is a plot to wreck some businesses so that others can benefit, it is wrong and should not be allowed to continue."
The Negril MSMEs is now putting measures in place to seek the assistance of the JTB, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of National Security to develop a plan to revive and restore their businesses.
"We will be pushing to create an entertainment zone in Negril with special designation to extend our nightly entertainment hours to 2 a.m.," said Wallace. "We believe it is something that can work."
To give greater legitimacy to their cause, the entertainment stakeholders used the meeting to create a new organisation, the Negril Entertainment Association (NEA), which they hope to use to promote and protect their interest. Morrison was installed as chairman.
"For the 50 to 60 vendors who have been benefiting from entertainment over the years, this is how they provide for their families," said Morrison. "To rob them of their livelihood is to take away their ability to provide for their families."
honest bread
Pringle, who is still bemoaning the financial beating he took over the Christmas because of the ban on his MXIII Lawn, said he wants to see the situation settled in an amicable way as he does not see confrontation as the way to go.
"We are law-abiding people who just want to make an honest bread," said Pringle. "I have seen special consideration being given to Reggae Sumfest and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival because of their importance to tourism ... Negril is the hub of our tourism so why can't we be treated in the same way?"
As the entertainment and tourism stakeholders continue to hope and pray that a new day will soon dawn on entertainment in Negril, some promoters said they are anxiously waiting to see how the authorities will treat this year's staging of the popular ATI and RTI series, which are both stellar attractions on the local entertainment calendar.
"Over the years, ATI and RTI have been given special treatment," one promoter noted. "All we are asking for is the chance to operate without whatever legal limitations are in place."
THE CHART AIRED FRIDAY'S @ 9:15pm WITH REPEATS DURING THE WEEK ON HYPE TV CAN BE VIEWED IN THE WEEKEND CHATON FRIDAY'S, YOU CAN ALSO WATCH THIS WEEK TOP 20 SINGLES CHART ON HYPE TV WEBSITE JUST LOG ONTO www.hypetvjam.com
TW ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL
01 Baby Tash - Facebook - Yellow Moon
02 Tiana ft. Chi Ching Ching - Skippin Feelin - Media House
03 Beenie Man - Ever Clean - Young *lo**
04 Junnior Reid - I'm So Crazy - Sankofa Prod.
05 Khago - Caan Cool - Pot Of Gold.
_______________________________________________________________
TO GET HYPE TV CALL YOUR LOCAL CABLE PROVIDER OR LOG ON TO www.hypetvjam.com TO WATCH HYPE TV ON YOUR INTERNET FOR FREE.
Compilation was done based on information received from the following Sound Systems, Record Shops and Club: Derrick Harriot - Record Shop - St. Andrew, TNG Muzik-Sound System-Kingston, Love Stone-Sound System- Portland, Lazeme- Sound System- Westmoreland, Unique Super Mix-Sound System- St. Catherine, Copper Shot- Sound System- St. Andrew
Posted by Dancehallreggaeweseh.com
Tehran, January 21: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says hegemonic powers wage wars under different pretexts to take over other countries' natural resources.
Ahmadinejad, in a meeting with Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo in Tehran on Wednesday, said that there are certain powers that are seeking to gain control of natural resources in the Middle East by waging wars in the region under the pretext of "freedom, human rights and fight against terror."
"If countries avoid seeking things beyond their rights and relations among countries are established based on justice, peace will be established in the world," Fars news agency quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
He also called for expansion of ties between Iran and Guyana.
Jagdeo, for his part, urged strong ties between the two countries, noting that Western powers are trying to dominate other nations through media propaganda and their plot should be confronted using organized measures.
The video was shot last Sunday at the Jamaica Trade and Invest building in New Kingston and directed by Delano Forbes of Phase Three Productions. According to Busy's producer Shane Brown, this video willbe vastly different from previous Busy videos saying, "This is Busy's first action video; it's not a regular performance video. In the video,you see Busy's first role as a security guard at a multimillion-dollar company called 'Signal Enterprise', where he gets involved with a top female executive of the company."
Persons can expect to see the video within the next two weeks. Busy is also preparing to release his third album called D.O.B and also has a lot of touring planned. The artiste will be in Trinidad for the carnival season where he will havea number of soca songs to perform. After which, he will be off to Africa, Dubai and Europe for two months promoting D.O.B.
A 24-year-old man from Old Harbour, St Catherine, is probably wishing he could have seen what was about to happen to him after he was hit in the head twice and knocked unconscious by a blind man who he allegedly tried to rob.
Reports are that sometime around 9:30 p.m. last Thursday, the man went into a community known as Red Ground in the parish, where the incident occurred.
It is said that the man, armed with a knife, approached the blind man who was standing by the gate of his home and demanded that he hand over his money and cellular phone.
Further reports are that the blind man refused and the the alleged thief tried to hold on to him. The blind man reportedly began swinging a piece of stick wildly and the robber was hit across the head two times and fell to the ground unconscious.
A corporal from the St Catherine North police told THE STAR that the man was handed over to a police team by a group of men from the community who witnessed the ordeal. Up to late yesterday the man was still in custody.
He is expected to be charged later this week.WARSAW (Reuters) Poland's tax office has levied a fine of 2.3 million zlotys ($820,000) on an unemployed woman for failing to pay tax on income worth at least 13.7 million zlotys she said she had earned as a prostitute.
The woman told the tax office in the southern city of Katowice that she had very "generous" customers, the website gazeta.pl, which is linked to leading Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza, reported Tuesday.
One of her clients paid the woman 5 million zlotys during the 1997-2002 period, she was quoted as saying.
Why The US Owes Haiti Billions - The Briefest History
By Bill Quigley. Bill is Legal Director for the Center for Constitutional Rights and a long-time Haiti human rights advocate. Quigley77@gmail.com
Why does the US owe Haiti Billions? Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State, stated his foreign policy view as the "Pottery Barn rule." That is - "if you break it, you own it."
The US has worked to break Haiti for over 200 years. We owe Haiti. Not charity. We owe Haiti as a matter of justice. Reparations. And not the $100 million promised by President Obama either - that is Powerball money. The US owes Haiti Billions - with a big B.
The US has worked for centuries to break Haiti. The US has used Haiti like a plantation. The US helped bleed the country economically since it freed itself, repeatedly invaded the country militarily, supported dictators who abused the people, used the country as a dumping ground for our own economic advantage, ruined their roads and agriculture, and toppled popularly elected officials. The US has even used Haiti like the old plantation owner and slipped over there repeatedly for sexual recreation.
Here is the briefest history of some of the major US efforts to break Haiti.
In 1804, when Haiti achieved its freedom from France in the world's first successful slave revolution, the United States refused to recognize the country. The US continued to refuse recognition to Haiti for 60 more years. Why? Because the US continued to enslave millions of its own citizens and feared recognizing Haiti would encourage slave revolution in the US.
After the 1804 revolution, Haiti was the subject of a crippling economic embargo by France and the US. US sanctions lasted until 1863. France ultimately used its military power to force Haiti to pay reparations for the slaves who were freed. The reparations were 150 million francs. (France sold the entire Louisiana territory to the US for 80 million francs!)
Haiti was forced to borrow money from banks in France and the US to pay reparations to France. A major loan from the US to pay off the French was finally paid off in 1947. The current value of the money Haiti was forced to pay to French and US banks? Over $20 Billion - with a big B.
The US occupied and ruled Haiti by force from 1915 to 1934. President Woodrow Wilson sent troops to invade in 1915. Revolts by Haitians were put down by US military - killing over 2000 in one skirmish alone. For the next nineteen years, the US controlled customs in Haiti, collected taxes, and ran many governmental institutions. How many billions were siphoned off by the US during these 19 years?
From 1957 to 1986 Haiti was forced to live under US backed dictators "Papa Doc" and "Baby Doc" Duvlaier. The US supported these dictators economically and militarily because they did what the US wanted and were politically "anti-communist" - now translatable as against human rights for their people. Duvalier stole millions from Haiti and ran up hundreds of millions in debt that Haiti still owes. Ten thousand Haitians lost their lives. Estimates say that Haiti owes $1.3 billion in external debt and that 40% of that debt was run up by the US-backed Duvaliers.
Thirty years ago Haiti imported no rice. Today Haiti imports nearly all its rice. Though Haiti was the sugar growing capital of the Caribbean, it now imports sugar as well. Why? The US and the US dominated world financial institutions - the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank - forced Haiti to open its markets to the world. Then the US dumped millions of tons of US subsidized rice and sugar into Haiti - undercutting their farmers and ruining Haitian agriculture. By ruining Haitian agriculture, the US has forced Haiti into becoming the third largest world market for US rice. Good for US farmers, bad for Haiti.
In 2002, the US stopped hundreds of millions of dollars in loans to Haiti which were to be used for, among other public projects like education, roads. These are the same roads which relief teams are having so much trouble navigating now!
In 2004, the US again destroyed democracy in Haiti when they supported the coup against Haiti's elected President Aristide.
Haiti is even used for sexual recreation just like the old time plantations. Check the news carefully and you will find numerous stories of abuse of minors by missionaries, soldiers and charity workers. Plus there are the frequent sexual vacations taken to Haiti by people from the US and elsewhere. What is owed for that? What value would you put on it if it was your sisters and brothers?
US based corporations have for years been teaming up with Haitian elite to run sweatshops teeming with tens of thousands of Haitians who earn less than $2 a day.
The Haitian people have resisted the economic and military power of the US and others ever since their independence. Like all of us, Haitians made their own mistakes as well. But US power has forced Haitians to pay great prices - deaths, debt and abuse.
It is time for the people of the US to join with Haitians and reverse the course of US-Haitian relations.
This brief history shows why the US owes Haiti Billions - with a big B. This is not charity. This is justice. This is reparations. The current crisis is an opportunity for people in the US to own up to our country's history of dominating Haiti and to make a truly just response.
Popular dancehall deejay Sheldon 'Aidonia' Lawrence after enjoying a memorable 2009 is now looking to take his career to new heights and stamp his dominance on the Jamaican music industry. Last Saturday the J.O.P recording artiste and his management left the island for a two weeks mini tour of the United States.
He is slated to headline a number of concerts throughout the New York Tri-State area, New Jersey and Connecticut alongside popular Kingston-based sound system Darkcide International also on a month long tour before returning home for a performance at the 2010 Youth View Awards. Aidonia also nabbed a nomination for Male Dancehall Artiste of The Year going up against fellow dancehall heavyweights Mavado and Vybz Kartel.
The Youth View Awards is a people choice award that offers a creative vehicle for Jamaican teens and young adults to be heard. The 3rd Annual Awards show and After Party will be held at National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday February 6, 2010.
Following the award show the potent lyricist will begin preparations for an extensive tour of Europe. Meanwhile with his current street anthem Wi Sick on the Outbreak Riddim featuring fellow J.O.P member Suhverto creating waves across the local musical Diaspora, Aidonia is poised for greatness and is working assiduously on his highly anticipated debut album.
2009 had some disturbing news but this year it seems like its going to continue. Recently the Star carried a headline about a 10 year old that gave birth; yes you read right. We hear of child trafficking through Trinidad; Zebra once again in jail for alleged pedophilia and these are just some of the dread child cases of note. Now it's quite fascinating that Jamaica is a country with a dense church population. There is no lack of articles and persons who chastise gays quite vividly because the bible says so, yet the numerous songs on gallis behaviour (infidelity anyone) draw not even a bicker. Then there are the songs on having a young girl or even virgins; pardon me what of the Bible here. Well maybe the church should keep mum again given the numerous cases or priests and pastors having sexual relations with youngsters. What is
apparent is that the bible is used as a selective defense.
Now there aren't many books available, show with scenes and many person purporting pedophilia sex so how is it that it happens with such regularity here, how is it that many persons know of it happening and remain virtually mute, to what extent does the fact that it is taking place and not being address help shape a nation of dysfunctional relationships (because the children become adults with
unresolved emotional issues). Why don't we as a nation defend our children or maybe harbor pedophiliac fetishes and only the brave ones exercise them and get caught. Nb: I find it interesting we love to have retro parties (parties that take you back to the past - often to youth and childhood), we like schoolas parties (where you dress in high school uniform like outfits - to childhood again), we love Madonna's Like A Virgin insanely, cartoons and we turn a blind eye to the money men with young girls.
Maybe we can initiate change here.
Posted by Dancehallreggaeweseh.com
( L - R ) Lisa Hyper, DJ Face - Contributed
'The Settlement', to be held on Saturday, February 13, may see more than one lyrical face-off outside of L.A. Lewis and Mr G (formerly Goofy), as there could very well be one between female deejays Face and Lisa Hyper.
The event, which is being staged by Tommy Thompson, owner of Brite Lite Funeral Services, will take place at Links in St Thomas.
Rumours began circulating on the streets, this week, that a clash between Lisa Hyper and Face could materialise at the Settlement. When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to Thompson he said, "we don't want to use the term 'clash', but a 'face-off' might happen between Face and Lisa Hyper."
extra casket
He continued, "People waan see the clash, so there's a possibility we might need an extra casket 'cause the one can't hold everyone."
A $200,000 casket, which was originally commissioned by L.A. Lewis for his clash with Mr G at Sting, is supposed to materialise on stage at The Settlement, which is being advertised as the end of the argument between Mr G and L.A. Lewis. The two started trading 'words' shortly before Sting, and an agreement was reached to duke it out in exchange for dropping criminal charges filed against Mr G by L.A. Lewis. Now the casket may contain another occupant.
When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to Face, real name Shanique Wilson, she was more than willing to face-off with Lisa Hyper, who's real name is Felicia Gooden. Face, a former Digicel Rising Stars contestant, has been gunning for Hyper since Hyper called her name in a song titled Sting Aftermath. In the song, Hyper threw insults at female deejays Spice, Stacious, I-Shawna, Ikaya, Pamputae and Timberlee.
ready to fight
Now Face says she is ready to fight back saying, "mi have nuff chance against her, anytime, anything, anywhere, mi ready." According to Thompson, he too believes Face can stand her own. Efforts to reach Lisa Hyper were unsuccessful as calls to her phone went unanswered.
As for the L.A. Lewis and Mr G match, everything is going ahead as scheduled.
Singer Jah Cure is now requesting privacy following DNA test results that revealed that he is not the father of a child as was previously claimed.
The singer yesterday released a statement after getting the results of the paternity test on Tuesday.
There has been ongoing controversy on the Internet surrounding the paternity of the child in question. Rumours have been circulating that Jah Cure was not the father early into the babymother's pregnancy and persisted up until recently.
Yesterday the reports continued when it was revealed that the test that the singer took confirmed that he was not the father of the ten-month-old girl. Rumours have also been circulating that the child's father could be another entertainer or person involved in the business.
Efforts to contact the mother were unsuccessful.
According to Jah Cure's release, he has been supporting the mother of the child throughout her pregnancy and when the child was born.
The release said, "now that the DNA test has been done and it has been shown that he is not the father, Jah Cure wishes to move on. The fact is that the most important individual in this whole affair is the child and the longer that this continues the more damage is being done to the child. Jah Cure will not now abandon the child but wishes that the media respect the privacy of the parties as the child is indeed innocent and did not contribute to the mistakes of the adults involved."
The police say they are concerned about the possibility of local thugs welcoming Haitian in criminals as that country tries to recover from last week's earthquake.
A number of high-ranking police officers have admitted to THE STAR that the dangerous drugs-for-guns trade between both countries make it possible for Jamaican thugs welcoming their Haitian cronies into Jamaican communities but said it would not be new.
"We know that they are already being welcomed ... .There are a number of areas across Jamaica where Haitians settle, have kids and even husbands and wives," CIB Head, Assistant Commissioner Les Green said.
Consequently, ACP Green added that the police have already stepped up their efforts as they look to curtail any increase in violence which may occur."I will not disclose the areas where we know these people to be but we have already stepped up our efforts by working with residents and even the health authorities who can help us to identify them," ACP Green explained.
Earlier this week, National Security Minister, Senator Dwight Nelson said security arrangements are being put in place to combat a likely increase in the flow of illegal guns from Haiti into Jamaica. He said, "greater emphasis will be placed on border control" while explaining that the possibility for an expansion of the trade has increased with Haitians seeking to leave their island.
illicit trade
In 2008, THE WEEKEND STAR broke a story about deadly Haitians living in Hellshire, Portmore in St Catherine. At that time it was reported that most of them were allegedly involved in the illicit trade.
In September 2007, fisherman Mackero Manderson, 18, was shot dead. Police found his bullet riddled body on the Hellshire beach. A Haitian 50 Gourd note was taken from his trousers pocket when his body was searched.
The teenager's death was the third incident in about three weeks which was believed to be linked to the drugs-for-guns trade.
involving Haitians
Two weeks later, Robert 'Ninety Nine' Levy, 40, was shot dead and a 32-year-old man injured at a popular seafood restaurant on the beach. Two days later, a 22-year-old fisherman was also killed on the beach.
All these incidents were theorised by police to be linked to the illicit trade involving Haitians.
When contacted yesterday, a resident of Hellshire said the situation is once again a hot topic.
"Well from long time di Haitian dem deh ya eno but we a wonder if more a dem ago come ya like how dem place mash up ... Everybody concerned bout it ya now cause is a serious and dangerous situation," the resident, Mr X said.
These past incidents and the Government's decision to welcome Haitian refugees have placed the police on alert.
Information Minister Daryl Vaz on Tuesday announced that the Government has no intention of turning back Haitian refugees.
Vaz said the Government has already put preliminary measures in place especially on the eastern end of the island in areas like St. Thomas and Portland to address the possible influx of Haitians.
Checks with the police on that end of the country found confirmed that efforts were indeed in place already.
"Well we know of the situation so yes we are working with some initiatives ... We know the worries of residents so we will continue to protect them," Deputy Superintendent Rex Swearing of the Portland police told THE STAR.
Haiti was rocked by a devastating earthquake last Tuesday which left thousands dead and injured.PARIS Senegal's president on Sunday called for Africa to make room for victims of Haiti's earthquake to restart their lives on the continent from where their ancestors were snatched as slaves.
"The repeated calamities that befall Haiti prompt me to propose a radical solution -- to take measures to create somewhere in Africa... the conditions for Haitians to return," President Abdoulaye Wade told France Info radio.
"They did not choose to go to that island," he added, referring to the mass deportation of African slaves to Haiti, then a French colony, from the 16th century.
"It is our duty to recognise their right to come back to the land of their ancestors."
His spokesman Mamadou Bamba Ndiaye gave further details of the proposals.
"If it is just a few people, we will offer them a roof and a patch of land," he told the radio station. "If they come in large numbers, we will give them a whole region."
A massive earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving more than a million others homeless, according to the Haitian government. The island is also often hit by deadly hurricanes and floods.
"It wouldn't be the first time that former slaves or their descendants were brought back to Africa," said Wade, citing similar measures taken in Liberia.
"Now the problem is to know how, and who will bear the cost."
It's been almost a year since the birth of her octuplets, and now Nadya Suleman, 34, is showing off her bikini body in Star Magazine.
She claims she has had no surgery and snapped back with exercise.
"I would feel like I cheated," she tells Star. "I wanted to prove to myself that I can do it on my own, naturally. My friends call me Rubber Band because I always snapped back so quickly after my other kids!"
PHOTO NOW:
PHOTO THEN FROM TMZ: