Teens Staged There Own Kidnapping

Last Friday two teenage girls (15 years old) from Catherine Hall, left their homes, no one knew where they had gone. Several hours later, both families received a phone call from a man who said the teens had been kidnapped. He demanded $300,000 for their release. The police were contacted.

On Monday, the girls turned up at their respective homes refusing to explain where they had been.

According to the police their actions have led them to believe that the alleged kidnapping was a plot to swindle money from their families.

I can't print what I would do if those were my children. Can you imagine the worry those children put there parents through.

Source: RJR NEWS

Gang of Housebreakers Stealing and Eating Baby Cereal

Has it come to this? If you live anywhere near the Portmore Area, it seems that a gang of housebreakers have been cleaning out people's homes, only pausing to mix their favourite drink, baby cereal.

So, these people have the nerve not only to break into the homes but steal the baby formula and "mix it and eat it" as well. Sad. Detective Constable Lloyd Knight, told THE STAR that the thieves have become so slick at their 'trade' that only a little evidence is left for the police. "After they break into the houses, they mix baby feed and have even snacks to eat before leaving with items," he said.

The police state that so far close to 50 houses have been broken into and in at least 10 of the cases, baby cereals were stolen or drank at the scene of the crime.

READ MORE HERE <-------

In Other News

So much news can't print all, here are some recent news stories

• Bahamanian man charged with illegal plane landing
• Cash Plus Boss and Brother Get Bail
• Politicians caught on King Tape
• Superintendent of Boys Home Fondles Youth
• Caretaker freed of Abuse Charges
  

READ MORE HERE----> HERE



Bad Road

This stretch of road which runs near Kingston wharf, off Marcus Garvey Drive, St Andrew, is in desperate need of repairs. It is often used as a means of avoiding traffic along the main road, but its deplorable state makes it just as time consuming.

Current Things a Gwan

So much tings a gwan in Jamaica, I found it would take more then two days, just to post for one day. So below is a summary of the current happenings.

• Two more students charged for assault of fellow student
• Cash Plus four remain in lock up
• Caribbean in for an active hurricane season
• Issue on Garbage Disposal to be solved soon
• Miss Kingston an St Andrew Contestants Sashed
• Suspects in the Retired Nurse Killing remanded
• Man to be sentenced for crack possession
• Downtown Kingston shooting claims one
• Mixed feelings in NE Manchester

For additional News Click Here

86 year old man begging for Sex gets stabbed.

This was the reason given by Maria Pessoa (58 year old). She claims self defense. Jasper Fung (86 year old) apparently, according to Pessoa was in love with her, visited her home. He demanded sex from her and when she did not comply he stabbed her all over her body. She overpowered him, took the knife from his and stabbed him back. He died on the spot.

Well, no always mean no. Not maybe. Some folks don't understand that. No matter what age you are.

Source: Jamaican Observer

Latest News from Jamaica

• Fish Leaving Jamaica-According to Kenrick Leslie, Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (Belmopan, Belize) that is a great possibility.
• Jamaica Drums up European Tourism- There seems to be a grassroots movement to attract tourist to come to Jamaica from Europe. Minister Ed Barlett was among the officials who have come have concluded Europe is a big market place for Jamaica.
• More Bloodshed this Weekend-This seems like a daily report, (when will it end?)

• Jamaica's gets a silver medal -1600 meters men relay boosted the medal count to 4 in the IAAF World Indoor track an field championship in Valencia Spain.
• Bushman ( Dwight Duncan ) arrested at Carnival in St . Thomas- Popular singer Bushman claims, it was because they (police) would not let his wife in the concert. He claims the police disrespected him and threatened him.
  

What do these Men have in Common?

Jemmell Holgate, 20, from Kingston; Ryon 'Rasta' Bailey of Gobay, St Catherine; Christopher 'Chicken Back' Barrett, of Gregory Park, St Catherine; and Adiff Washington of Milk River, Clarendon and Alligator Pond, Manchester.

Well these men are on Jamaica's most wanted list. Others that make up the list are the list are: Linton Dryden, the third of the Dryden brothers; Wilberforce Matterson; Lincoln 'Harry Dog' Powell, who is wanted for the murder of Detective Corporal Dave Daley in February last year. Carey Rose, 19, who is wanted for the murder of Detective Sergeant Egerton Brown along Sundown Crescent, Kingston; Alton Gordon, wanted for shooting with intent and escaping police custody at the Frankfield Police Station, Clarendon, and Richard Brown.



Recently they captured Robert "Deniro" Brown was arrested after a police team carried out an operation in Rose Hall district, St James. He was reportedly wanted for several counts of murder.

There are only three photographs available of the men on the list, but police stated that as they will be releasing more photos later.

Source: Jamaica Star

Harold Berbick-Life Sentence

Well, the verdict is complete in the case of Harold Berbick for the 2006 killing of his uncle Trevor Berbick. His 19 year old accomplice received 14 years of hard labor.

Portland Circuit Court found him and Kenton Gordon (19) guilty of manslaughter in the October 2006 killing.

Trevor was the first Jamaica to hold a World Heavyweight title. (this was in 1986).

I for one know I would not want to do any life sentence in a Jamaican Jail. Just kill me already.

Source: Jamaican Observer

A Jamaican the Oldest Woman in the World?

Ida Stewart

Well according to Ida Stewart from Devon (a small place outside of Brown's Town) she is. Ida claims to have been born November 5, 1886. Which means she was born during the Polish uprising with the Russian Empire and she would have been 4 years old when the had the last American War battle (which would of been the Massacre at Wounded Knee).

According to the article in today's Jamaica Star, Miss Ida (as she is known ) is very alert and very witty as well. She is quoted as saying, " Is di first mi see seh people in di world change because dem doomed to hell. Nuff a dem a di generation of vipers whe mi read bout inna di bible. First time manners did deh wid children, none nuh deh deh again and everything raise. Everyday price raise like aeroplane Kerosene oil whe mi used to buy one gallon fi a shilling, now dat a sell fi but $300"

In order for Ms Stewart to be recognize as the world record holder she has to make sure forms are filled out at WWW.GUINNESS-WORLDRECORDS.COM. Upon verification, which accepts evidence of her birth date and origin then that record can be updated.

Currently the title is held by 114 Edna Parker, from Shellbyville, Indiana

This is entirely true because Jamaicans have been known to live long. (actually many people in the islands). In Glascow, Jamaica near retirement in Saint Anns there was a man name Septimus Ferguson and he was reported to be 114 when he died. I believe longevity is more common then we think. Recently when Sturge Town celebrated their 10 year anniversary, it was noted that they had a large majority of town members that were over 100.

Many Apprehensive About The New Year

Many Jamaicans celebrated the New Year with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. There was the usual parties at Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston and Cable and Wireless Golf Academy with French Connection. Of course many celebrated with the many midnight Mass that could be found in many of the churches around the island.

Located by Mas Camp at the Red Planet were live performances by Beenie Man, and Christopher Martin among others. Many of the patrons there expresessed joy at seeing the New Year. This sentiment was expressed moreso by those who lost love ones in 2007.





As reported by the Jamaican Observer, packed watch night service at Fellowship Tabernacle on Half-Way-Tree Road, a message of covenants and blessings was transmitted via a wedding skit. 'Enter the Covenant. A guaranteed blessing' was the theme and the congregation prayed, sang and listened to exhortations between scenes. Two women there, who gave their names only as Auntie Mitsie and Jackie, wished that 2008 would bring a return of "the good old days"

Bloody Christmas

Sadly this Christmas season has turned out to be one of the bloodiest in Jamaican History. There is no other Christmas season in recent memory when Jamaicans had to think about the murder of a senior police officer and the shooting of major politicians, as they have to do in 2007.

The Following Stories seem to sum up the recent events.

• 7 year old boy dies in Fire
• Remains of Gang Leader found
• Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin is Island's top Cop.
• Nephew Convicted in Trevor Berbick's Death
• Thieves target Dogs
• Old Woman Stoned

Sadly I can't keep up with some of the news in Jamaica. I would rather focus on the historical events of the country.

Munga Honorebel Attacks Deva Bratt

The funny thing is this was dubbed, "The Stone Love Anniversary." There was no love when a boxing match broke out at the concert, held on December 16. Well, if you have a song which attacks people this can happen. In his song "Talk Dem A Talk," he openly disses Deva Bratt.

Deva Bratt, who was also at the concert, tried to rush the stage during the sung and get hit on the head with the mike by Munga. Boy is it that serious that people have to be fighting at a concert? Deva Bratt was also reportedly pulled a knife.

For more informaton see: Jamaican Star

A fan that was there put up this video.

Jamaica Labour Party Wins

Bruce celebrating his birthday ana the victory of his party

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is celebrating its second straight victory at the polls in just three months, its third in four years, having swept yesterday's local government elections.

Once the dust cleared it was declared that nine of the 13 Parish Councils were won. In St. Ann's Parish a tie was declared. This was due to the fact that the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labor Party won eight divisions each in the 16 seat council. The PNP has also picked up Portland, Hanover and Manchester.

A lot of dead streets were viewed throughout the election process yesterday. This probably due to the increase of crime that generally sweeps the area during election time. All I know it is time for change in Jamaica. The message sent with the Labour party is that the people want a change, tired of the corruption and want to see bigger and better things for the island.

Of course the usual cries of "foul" and the voting was rigged was stated, not to mention that many claimed the EIBIS (Electronic Identification of the Voter and Ballot Issuing System) was rigged.

Source: Voting results

Journalist To Play More Active Part In Reporting

With the current climate in Jamaica (crime wise), Journalist have been asked to assist the police in reporting anything suspicious. President of the Press Association (PAJ), Desmond Richards said the surge in crime has reached crisis proportions.Mr. Richards was addressing the PAJ's breakfast in observance of National Journalism week Tuesday.

Source: Radio Jamaica

Army and Police want to merge in Jamaica

I tell you the new regime is not playing mon. Today, a new joint task force is coming together. They will operate out of the Police Commissioner's office on Hope Road. Former Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin is set to accept the position of post of Commissioner. This will be the first time the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) and the JDF (Jamaica Defense Force) will combat crime together. I see they are not playing. The rude bwoy dem and gang bangers better take heed, they intend to clean up Jamaica by hook or crook. Seems like Jamaica might need some more Jail built.

Source: Jamaican Observer

Clamp Down on the Foreign Nationals

Boy, it seem like Jamaica a clamp down on the Foreign people working in Jamaica without the proper paperwork. The Jamaican Observer reports today that their is a mad rush on applications and other paperwork needed to fall into compliance for proper work permits.

It is also stated that many are not bothering to fill out the time consuming forms and are simply just leaving the island. Minister of Labour, Pearnel Charles on Friday, however, refused to comment on the alleged exodus, saying only that he had heard that some airlines were "unable to handle the traffic".

In the meantime, Cabinet has agreed to increase the current penalty for breaches of the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens Employment Act from $200 or six months imprisonment to $500,000 or six months in jail.

I wonder what impact this will have on Jamaica. Many of the Foreign Nationals working in Jamaica put a lot of money in the banking system as well as providing jobs for the locals.