Renowned for its efficient organisation and smooth production, the Magnum GT Taylor Christmas Reggae Extravaganza will see a diverse mix of performances and talents. Veteran entertainers Leroy Sibbles, Admiral Tibet and Edi Fitzroy will also be entertaining the massive expected to turn out for the annual Christmas stage show which has become a staple of the local entertainment calendar.

Not to be outdone, the sweet singing Cocoa Tea will be jetting in from Canada for his only performance on local soil for the holiday season. He will be joined by Mykal Rose, whose voice graced the first Grammy winning Reggae album. Tarrus Riley, songbird, Etana and the blazing Chuck Fenda will complete the lineup for the culture segment. Also included in the lineup are singers Terry Linen, Anthony Cruz and the LUST quartet.

Independence Park will be ignited by firey performances from giants, Beenie Man and Bounty Killa, man of the moment Mavado, along with the perennial stage show maestro, Ninja Man and the versatile Assassin. Female trio of Macka Diamond, DAngel and Spice are also set to take patrons on a memorable journey.

The organizers have given their commitment to providing patrons a secure concert environment, free of hecklers and with easy access to food, drink and sanitary conveniences. To this end, promoters advise that no weapons will be allowed in the venue. Firearm holders will be asked to leave their weapons at the Black River Police Station.

Title sponsor Magnum Tonic Wine has remained true to its commitment to support the event, bringing to bare their unwavering support of the dancehall. Gary Dixon, Magnum Brand Manager, reiterated the commitment of Lascelles Jamaica Limited, the entity responsible for the distribution of Magnum Tonic Wine to Jamaican music and dancehall culture and by extension GT Taylor and the annual event. When we give someone our word we dont back off. We have to support the industry that supports the brand, Dixon said.

Magnum GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza takes place on December 25 at Independence Park, Black River, St Elizabeth. Tickets are VIP $2,500.00 AND $1500.00 for regular tickets. Magnum Bucket deals will be on sale all night.

On November 4, 2007 at University Hospital, Hamilton County, Cincinnati, an 11 year old gave birth to a baby girl.

The troubling part of this tale of children having children is that the newborn's DNA matched that of her 11 year old mother's "step-dad." This new 'child mom' was impregnated by her own mother's boyfriend when she was only age 10.

An intense investigation was set off following the baby's birth, that in itself was shocking to the Department of Job and Family Services, because the child's mother was so young.

On Wednesday, prosecutors were in Hamilton County Dependency Court to
discuss the future of both children at what is called a status session
where an update on both mother and baby was disclosed.

While court was in session, Lockland police were in Columbus talking to Michael Chaffer, the 40 year old, whose DNA matches that of the newborn. In jail for an unrelated matter, Chaffer now faces charges for impregnating and sexually molesting a girl under the age of 13, Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, Lee Slocum said.

"Unfortunately sexual abuse is pretty common in the cases we see," JFS Director, Moira Wier said, "But it is unusual and extremely sad to see a case where a 10 year old becomes pregnant." She added, "This is an example of why everyone in communities need to be extremely vigilant about watching for the signs of abuse and [notifying authorities.]"

Police in downtown, Kingston, said they are extremely concerned about the circulation of counterfeit notes in the commercial district.

Special Inspector Joseph Donaldson of the Darling Street police, said based on police intelligence it is suspected that a group of persons are responsible for an upsurge in the number of the fake notes discovered over the past three weeks.

"A man told us that another man was trying to recruit him to buy goods with some fake notes, had about 20 of them," the Special Inspector explained to THE STAR recently.

SIMILAR CONCERN

Checks by THE STAR also found that shoppers and vendors within the area share a concern similar to that of the police.

"Yea man dem a gwaan bad inna di Christmas ya, mi haffi a keep mi eye dem open wide wide...Wa day ya dem ketch mi wid bout four different one hundred dolla," vendor Iris Graham, 43, said.

Another vendor Lloyd Hunt said, "More time mi woulda tek all a five bills (a $500 note) and jus pocket it, mi cyaa run dem risk deh now cause a whole heap a people a get trick, when mi get dem mi look pon dem all 50 different time."

One shopper who overheard the conversation with Hunt then added, "Afta a nuh di seller dem alone a get trick, we di buyers dem get ketch more time to..Mi know quite a few people whe get ketch..Wi haffi a get extra careful cause it look like a nuff fake money deh ya."

As such, the police are urging persons to be on the lookout for notes bearing the serial numbers; F2752256, Fb904049 and LL049145.

A Saudi court has rejected a plea to divorce an eight-year-old girl married off by her father to a man who is 58, saying the case should wait until the girl reaches puberty.

The divorce plea was filed in August by the girl's divorced mother with a court at Unayzah, 135 miles north of Riyadh just after the marriage contract was signed by the father and the groom.

Lawyer Abdullar Jtili said:"The judge has dismissed the plea, filed by the mother, because she does not have the right to file such a case, and ordered that the plea should be filed by the girl herself when she reaches puberty."

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A white- Jewish congressman, who is up for re-election this year and an advocate for the US apologizing to minority groups for past mistreatments, and a sponsor for Memphis blacks, is pleased as the US government will be taking a vote in the House of Representatives to offer a formal apology to the black Americans for "enslavement and racial segregation".

The US has officially recognized that "lingering consequences" from slavery and segregation continue to haunt black Americans, as they embrace their first black presidential nominee, Barack Obama.

The US government has apologized for the abuse of ethnic minorities twice in the past: in 1988 they apologized to the Japanese Americans for WW11 and the Hawaiians in 1993.

SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) It really does pay to be a doctor, with an international survey showing the medical profession is the most trusted, among the most admired and includes the most eligible marriage partners.

By contrast, actors and musicians, along with journalists and advertisers, were among professionals that people trusted the least, and were also least likely to choose a partner from, according to a survey by Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group plc.

"Much of who we are is tied up in what we do in the hours from nine to five, and often way beyond," a Synovate statement said.

"Asking someone what they do for a living is often the first question you ask them; right after 'what's your name?'."

The survey polled about 5,500 respondents in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Malaysia, South Africa and the United States.

It asked people what makes for an admirable job, which professions they trust or do not, who is overpaid, and which profession they would prefer to marry.

Sixteen percent nominated doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals as their preferred marriage partners, higher than any other profession.

Other eligible -- and admired -- professions were education, at 14 percent, and science and technology, at 10 percent.

Educators and doctors were also voted the most trusted by an overwhelming 86 and 87 percent, followed by homemakers and those in science and technology.

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It seems that everyone under 40 who dies takes their cell phone with them, says Noelle Potvin, family service counselor for Hollywood Forever, a funeral home and cemetery in Hollywood, Calif. Its a trend with BlackBerrys, too. We even had one guy who was buried with his Game Boy.

Anecdotal evidence suggests being buried with a favorite tech device is on the upswing. The Future Laboratory, a London-based think tank, has commented on the behavior, noting it in places like the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. But experts are seeing it happen in the United States as well.

Ed Defort, publisher and editorial director for American Funeral Director magazine, says it's a definite trend.

Ive even heard of cases where people are being buried with their iPod. Or one guy who was prepared for his viewing with his Bluetooth (headset) in his ear.

But its the cell phone, in particular, that seems to be the burial gadget of choice.

Read more

An assault case against Neville Davis was yesterday thrown out of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court after the complainant expressed her desire to not pursue the matter any further.

Allegations in the case are the the accused went to the shop of the complainant, Alga Farquharson, his ex-girlfriend, to purchase goods. While there, both parties got into a fight during which blows were exchanged.

Davis was subsequently arrested and charged. Before the matter was dismissed, the complainant sought to clear the air, stating that she only bit the accused because he hit her.

The Port Antonio police are still seeking the driver of the ill-fated truck that plunged over a precipice in Stanton district, Portland, on Friday night, killing 14 persons and injuring seven.

The police do not know the driver's name, but he is believed to be from the Boundbrook community in the parish.

Reports are that about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, a truck was transporting persons from Cornwall Barracks in the parish to Coronation market in Kingston. On reaching Stanton district in an area called 'Dam', the driver was negotiating a corner when the rear wheel hit the kerb and the truck plunged into the ravine. The driver fled the scene.

Dead are Winston Taylor, 51; Faston Telfer, 20; Aaron Lewis, 39; Beverly Johnson, 41; Fay Dillon, 68; Carmen Leslie, 49; Joyce Scott, Lebert Rogers, 49; Leroy Deans, 36; Beverly McDonald, 49; Lassandra Dyce, 33; Althea Anderson, 59; Alrita Fuller, 76; and 11-year-old Renaldo Palmer.

Police say admitted to the Port Antonio Hospital in serious but stable condition are Balford Richards, 52; Veronica Cochrane, 41; and Novelette Fuller, 43. Linford Jackson is in critical condition at the St Ann's Bay Hospital. Joyce Whyte, 47; Derrick Fuller and Headley Evans were treated and released.

A man who told the court that he only had ganja in his possession because he wanted to use it to help his niece who had asthma, was fined $1,000 in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. The accused man, Clifton Marshall, was also fined $100 for possession of an offensive weapon.

Allegations in the matter are that Marshall was recently accosted by the police who requested a search of a bag he was carrying. The court was told that during the search, the lawmen found one ounce of the drug inside the bag.

MONTEGO BAY, St James - A pregnant 26-year-old interior designer who had expected to escape jail time after pleading guilty to possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export three pounds of cocaine, had her hopes dashed yesterday when St James Senior Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry sentenced her to 18 months in prison.

Kerry Ann Bailey-Roach, the court heard, was making her 11th trip to the United States - ostensibly to visit her husband, a student there - when the police nabbed her with the illegal contraband in November.

Her lawyer, George Thomas, begged the judge to structure the sentence so that his client's baby - due next March - would not be born in jail.

"I'm asking, not so much for Kerry Ann but for the unborn child who has done nothing wrong and shouldn't have to be born with a stigma," he pleaded.

However, the judge, who noted that Bailey-Roach was the third pregnant woman to come before her court for drug-smuggling this year, said she couldn't oblige him as the effect would be to send a message to the masterminds behind drug-smuggling attempts that pregnant women could get away with the crime. Additionally, the judge pointed out, Bailey-Roach would have ended up wreaking havoc in the lives of other young innocents if she had succeeded in getting the contraband through.

Bailey-Roach will serve concurrent sentences of 18 months plus $250,000 for possession; 18 months for dealing and 18 months plus $500,000 for attempting to export the drug.

Failure to pay either of the fines will result in the imposition of additional six-month sentences.

Our report on the court case between NCB and Olint in yesterday's edition of the Daily Observer erroneously said that Olint was seeking the Supreme Court's permission to close an account with NCB and that the bank was fighting to keep one of the accounts open.

In fact, Olint's application is only to discontinue its claim against NCB. NCB's contention is that the application should await next month's Privy Council hearing. NCB is not contending, and has never contended, that it wishes to keep any of Olint's accounts open. NCB's position is that Olint can close the accounts at any time. We apologise to NCB for the error and for any inconvenience caused.

One week after a snake believed to be poisonous was discovered inside a container at Kingston Wharves Limited, the reptile has still not been removed and the container remains unstripped, racking up hundreds of dollars in charges for the importer.

A credible source at the wharf, who requested anonymity because he is not authorised to give statements to the press, told the Observer that the snake, estimated to be between six and eight feet long and with a head the size of a clenched fist, hissed at his colleague who went in to strip the container. The container had come into the harbour on a vessel from Miami, Florida on Friday, December 19.

"The guy went in there on Monday and heard some movement and the snake made after him and he ran out and shut the door," he said.

"We reported it to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and they came on Wednesday," said the source. "When they came they said they were not prepared to capture the snake; they thought it was contained and only needed removal. They then said they referred the matter to the Veterinary Services division, but the work week ended (Friday), and nobody has come from Veterinary Services."

Natalie Fearon, NEPA's public education and corporate communication manager, confirmed that the agency was contacted and that they had visited the wharf. "We did respond and the matter is being handled," she said. "Veterinary Services has been contacted. Two officers have been assigned and are dealing with the matter on location."

Up to Saturday evening, however, our source said the container was still locked.

"The container is still on the wharf and this man is suffering because for each day the container goes unstripped it costs him [more than] US$100."

The Observer was unable to get in touch with the importer up to yesterday evening but officers at the wharf reported that among the things packed inside the container were auto parts, a weed wacker and food items.

It was not immediately clear to what species the snake belonged. Fearon told the Observer that based on the area from which the animal had come, it was not a protected variety.

"In this particular case, the container came in from Florida, so we know it is not a protected species," she said. "So what we have to do is decide on how to manage the fumigation of the animal. So basically [our action] is to fumigate and remove the animal."

She was, however, not sure why they were opting to fumigate as against capturing the snake. Fearon said she would have to read the report that was being prepared on the matter for her. She made it clear, though, that it had nothing to do with a lack of equipment.

"It has nothing to do with equipment, staff or expertise. It is about the agency that takes the lead and in this case it is Veterinary Services," she said.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website, there are 44 snake species in Florida, six of which are venomous.

The Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) is calling on the Government and Petrojam to do whatever is necessary to rectify the current shortage of the recently launched E10 gasolene.

A release from the JGRA secretariat yesterday stated that the Petrojam Refinery has been finding it difficult to cope with the rising demands for the product. This, it said, has resulted in late deliveries and stock out for retailers.

"The retailers are peeved about this as it is impacting negatively on their operations," the release stated.

JGRA President Trevor Barnes said yesterday that, since the introduction of the product, dealers have been getting their deliveries late.

Not enough

"Petrojam has only two bays using to load the E10. But with the significant demand this is obviously not enough," he said. Barnes suggested that the oil refinery use its additional two bays to load the fuel.

He said that, especially with the onset of the festive season, concern has been mounting among gasolene retailers.

"Drivers have to line up at many gas stations from 4 a.m. to get E10, sometimes the lines are there way into the afternoon," he said.

Energy Minister Clive Mullings last week announced a significant increase in the demand for the E10 fuel.

He said that, with some 62 service stations providing the fuel, demand has grown to as much as 8,000 barrels per week.

LIME landline customers will begin paying more to call Digicel mobile phones, starting January 1, The Gleaner confirmed yesterday.

The rate for calls from LIME landlines to Digicel mobiles will be hiked by 21 per cent from $7 to $8.50 during peak hours. However, off-peak and weekend rates will be reduced by seven per cent, from $7 to $6.50.

The move is fuelling a new tele-communications dispute.

Officials of LIME, recently rebranded from Cable and Wireless, confirmed the rate increase but argued that not one cent of that amount would go into the firm's coffers. According to LIME, Digicel imposed the rate increase, which it cannot refuse to pass on to its customers.

Geoff Houston, country manager for LIME, charged that the rate increase was discriminatory, as Digicel is maintaining a lower price for fixed wireless to its mobile phones.

"This is a clear case of discriminatory pricing and abuse of dominance because Digicel is asking LIME landline customers to pay twice as much to call Digicel mobile phones as they charge their own fixed-wireless customers to call those same Digicel mobile phones," said Houston.

"The reality is that almost 70 per cent of the calls from LIME landlines are made during the peak period so the overall impact on our customers is going to be extremely negative," Houston added.

The country manager said LIME has already brought the matter to the attention of the authorities and will take any action necessary to protect its customers.

Break for customers

But Digicel scoffed at LIME's claims, arguing that it was rebalancing its charges, which would result in a break for residential customers.

"We are now seven per cent cheaper than both LIME and Claro for off-peak and weekend rates and it is mainly residential customers who use services at this time, so we believe the response to the rate rebalancing will be, by and large, welcomed by the public," Helga McIntyre, legal and regulatory manager at Digicel, told The Gleaner.

"LIME gets to keep a percentage of the retail price, so for off-peak and weekend calls, they will be receiving less, which might explain why they are unhappy," McIntyre added.

She said the two companies were already in a legal battle because Digicel believes LIME is overcharging for its interconnection service.

Increase within cap

In the meantime, telecommunications watchdog, the Office of Utilities Regulation, (OUR), said it had received notice from LIME about the pending increase.

The OUR said while it had set a cap on the price that companies could demand for calls terminating on their networks, the average increase from Digicel did not breach the cap.

According to the OUR, the price of calls from a LIME fixed line to a Digicel mobile includes retention and termination charges, which Digicel could decide to increase.

The brothers who share the bond of burns. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

When 50-year-old Carol Myers* takes a stroll on Jamaica's streets, she feels the piercing stares of passers-by. Crude snickering and probing questions are poignant reminders that she is different. The desire to fit in is trumped by the reality that she stands out.

Myers, whose right hand was incinerated in a workplace acci-dent, and subsequently cut off, knows well the pain of burn victims who struggle to shake off the scorn and social discrimination that disfigurement sometimes brings.

Persistent inquisitions

In public, they fend off persistent inquisitions about the source of their wounds and are followed around by nagging children. In private, they battle with depression and low self-esteem and often retreat into isolation. Though the wounds are external, hurt resonates beneath the surface.

"Life is different and it makes me feel left out sometimes because I don't go out anymore," stated Myers, whose home has become a reclusive cocoon from the hail of questions and insults about her condition. "Persons pass a lot of inferior remarks about me on the street, which I feel funny about, but I won't allow it to overthrow me."

But during an interview with The Gleaner, her steely resolve faltered as rivulets of tears ran down her face. The pain is palpable. Though Myers doesn't bear the trademark skin wounds of traditional burn victims, negative reactions to her injury exacerbate her trauma. A frequent remark which angers her is, "Man chop off yuh han'."

The father of Oshane, two, and his four-year-old brother Vincent Richards, who were burnt when a coal stove exploded, said he is worried about the ridicule his children will face as they grow up.

"Mi children spoil up, but I am praying they will grow it out because if they don't, they are going to have some terrible scars to cope with," lamented their father. As he took a deep breath, tears welled up. The pause was pregnant with pain. But in a show of defiance, he quickly contained himself. "They are going to make it though and if them must become a doctor or lawyer, they are still going to be it 'cause this won't stop them."

Cassandra Rigg, 24, oozes similar confidence. Despite being scarred from head to foot, Rigg, who suffered severe burns at age two when her house was set ablaze, believes she is still beautiful.

"I don't try to hide the scars in any way, and I go out just like anyone else," she stated.

Rigg said she tries to ignore insultive comments and remains, for the most part, unfazed. However, she told The Gleaner that criticism and meanness sometimes caused her to question God about her challenges.

"I have a high self-esteem, so I don't allow my misfortune to get me down because I know I am no way lesser than anyone. However, the remarks I have to go through on a daily basis sometimes make me think otherwise," she explained.

Beneath the veneer of strength exuded by Delores Marshall, Rigg's mom, signs of depression are evident when she speaks about the horrific incident that changed the looks of her youngest daughter, forever transforming her life.

"I am still hurt over the situation and when I think about it, I can't help but to cry," Marshall said. "I know God have her here for a purpose, so I won't worry myself too much."

Real name withheld for privacy

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com

Cassandra Rigg says despite her scars, she knows she's still beautiful. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

High hopes

Rayon Robinson has an almost other-worldly cheerfulness that belies his physical incapacity. The 42-year-old, who was blinded by acid in a workplace accident, has an uncanny optimism despite contention with jeers from critics.

"I know I am going to achieve my goals just the same because I have quality and I know I can make it," he declared.

Robinson, whose hopefulness is buttressed by his Christian convictions, said his dream is to be blessed with two children and a job in religious ministry.

Engrossed in singing responsibilities at his local church, Robinson said he is also hoping to take his talent to a higher level soon.

"My present condition won't set me back as I am nothing short of a human being," he added.

Fabian Letman, 28, who suffered scars to his body in a freak accident three years ago, said though he feels isolated from society, the tragedy has helped to build his self-esteem.

"This incident motivates me to go on to higher heights," remarked Letman, a security guard at Hampton School in St Elizabeth. "The whole situation affects my life in every aspect you can think of, but I'm trying to be strong and remain positive. I believe one day I will overcome my distresses," he said.