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op-ed JET BLUES: FLIGHT ATTENDANT’S REVENGE, Page 22 NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

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Caribbean News

JAMAICANS ENJOY BIRTHDAY PARADE

JAMAICANS at home and in New York observed the country’s 48th year of independence from Great Britain.

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Sports News

BOLT ENDS SEASON WITH BACK INJURY

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LAKESIDE JAMMIN! FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

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LONG ISLANDERS SET FOR CARIBBEAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

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USAIN BOLT is said to be in good spirits despite being forced to close his 2010 season a month early.

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Director of Community Development for Nassau County Raymond Thomas (second from left) address the gathering at Nakisaki Restaurant in Hempstead, L.I. last night, during a collaborative press conference for the Annual Long Island Caribbean-American International Festival and Reggae By The Lake. (L-R) Radio Personality Bob Fredericks, Nassau County Director of Minority Affair Herbert Flores and Earl Lyn Jr. looks on. (Photo by Marjorie Flash)

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NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Local News

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

IN BRIEF Sons & Daughters Hosts Annual 5K Run Sons and Daughters of Jamaica is scheduled to host their Annual 5K Run to celebrate the life and achievements of The Honorable Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s national hero.

The event is a 5K run/walk and caters to all ages. It will be held at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY on August 2. Registration begins at 7:30am. Race time is 9am sharp. There will be trophies/t-shirts and surprises for various age groups.

For more information, call (718) 712-5034.

Ky-Mani Supports UWI Scholarship Fund NEW YORK, NY — The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) continues its fundraising efforts with Summer Groove 2010, featuring Reggae Singer, Ky-Mani, son of Reggae legend Bob Marley on Friday, August 20, 2010, at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum located at 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn New York at 6:30pm.

Jamaicans Nabbed In Triple Homicide ROCHESTER, NY – United States federal authorities have indicted three illegal migrants from Jamaica with murder in Rochester, NY.

The Rochester District Attorney said Wednesday that the men were previously charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

The indictments accuse 45-yearold Richard Emanuel Anderson, 41-year-old Aston Johnson and 40year-old Andrew Wright of being part of a marijuana trafficking ring along with the three victims in western New York between January 2008 and March of this year.

Court documents said the defendants targeted and killed their compatriots inside an apartment in the town of Greece, a suburb of this up-state New York city.

Federal prosecutors said that the defendants travelled to Greece on March 9, after “substantial planning and premeditation” to kill Christopher Green, 40, Robert Moncriffe, 29, and Mark Wisdom, 38.

Prosecutors said the defendants targeted the victims after they failed to return the full cash for marijuana dispatched through the mail from California for sale in New York.

Police reported finding scales, plastic vacuum-seal bags, a plastic bin with marijuana residue and al-

Publisher: Ivrol D. Hines

LENECIA HINES Publisher / Editor-In-Chief IVROL HINES Publisher / Managing Editor KHADINE BRYAN Editor VANESSA BARNES Staff Writer MARJORIE FLASH Photojournalist LEONARDO HARRISON Webmaster

Richard Emanuel Anderson most $20,000 in $1,000 bundles in the apartment where the men were killed.

Federal prosecutors have moved to seize the house and are seeking $1 million from the eight defendants named in the drug case.

Arizona police said they arrested

Wright, Johnson and Anderson during a raid in Phoenix on March 18.

Prosecutors said all three could face the death penalty for the federal charges.

Five other defendants were also charged with drug conspiracy.

DMV Boasts Hi-Tech Success Over Drivers License Scheme ALBANY, NY — Governor David A. Paterson announced the initial results of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) use of facial recognition technology to identify fraud cases on Tuesday.

Use of the innovative software began in February, 2010, and in the six months since its implementation has been instrumental in identifying more than 1,000 cases of possible fraud.

“As we enter the new economy based on knowledge, technology and innovation, these tools

NYS Governor David Paterson

“New York Liberty Star hopes to develop a platform wherein the contributions the Caribbean immigrant and the African American can be showcased in its most positive light.”

New York State Enforces ‘One Driver, One License’ Law

provide us with enhanced abilities to protect and serve all New Yorkers. Through facial recognition technology we have bolstered national security, neighborhood security, and highway safety,” Governor Paterson said. “I am tremendously proud of the success we have seen in the past six months and I look forward to seeing more progress in the months and years ahead.”

Facial recognition software is used by the DMV to help identify persons across the State who try to obtain more than one driver license or non-driver identification document. The system is designed to advance DMV’s important goals of “one driver, one license” and improving highway safety. Those seeking a second identity document may be trying to do so for a number of reasons including evading license suspensions, stealing an identity, committing financial fraud or presenting a false identity to law enforcement or transportation security officials.

“Although we have essentially just begun to utilize this innovative technology, we are seeing amazing results,” DMV Commissioner David Swarts said. “I applaud Governor Paterson for his ongoing efforts to ensure that the DMV has the most updated and advanced tools to better serve

New Yorkers. Facial recognition software is already proving to be a strong tool to help our staff uncover identity fraud as well as keep our highways safer.”

Facial recognition software essentially converts DMV’s digital, facial photographs into mathematical algorithms. The software presents trained staff with photo images that have been identified as having similar algorithms. This review includes new photos taken each day at the DMV, as well as about 15 million photos already in DMV’s database. Identity documents associated with a new photo are not produced until any photo identified as a potential match is reviewed by trained staff. The DMV strives to issue each applicant only one identity document and seeking a second identity document is a crime since it requires the submission of a false instrument.

Over 100 Felony Arrests Made As a result of this program, more than 100 felony arrests have been made to date. Arrests have included an Egyptian citizen holding four New York licenses under separate names, one of which was on the Federal “no-fly” list, and a former hit man who sought to establish a second identity after release from prison. In April, DMV’s facial recognition program identified an individual wanted for a 1990’s-era bank robbery in Nassau County. As a result, the individual was arrested by the Nassau County Police Department. Others charged have had license suspensions or a large number of tickets and accidents under multiple identities.

DAVID LESTER NEAL JOHN COLIN WILSON JOAN GOBOURNE Accounts Managers EARL “JR JAMROC” LYN VP of Operations Telephone: (718) 785-9722 Fax: (215) 294-5903 nylibertystar@yahoo.com www.nylibertystar.com NEW YORK CITY CORPORATE OFFICE 397 Rockaway Ave Brooklyn, NY 11212 LONG ISLAND OFFICE 276 Fulton Ave Hempstead, NY 11550 Send all Mail to: New York Liberty Star 1930 Rockaway Pkwy.

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NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Marty Offers Huge Savings On Back To School Shopping It’s almost fall, and in Brooklyn that means enjoying cool, crisp weather, shopping for the latest fall fashions and “Back to School” supplies as well as reconnecting with friends and dining out at Brooklyn’s diverse culinary hot spots.

As you shop for new clothes and household items in preparation for the coming season, remember to Shop Brooklyn and save! No matter what you’re looking for—from backpacks and notebooks to the latest fall decor and fashion trends to early Halloween costumes and holiday items—shopping local means personal service, convenience and “green” sustainable shopping.

From Wednesday, August 11, to Sunday, August 22, Brooklyn retailers and restaurants are showing their gratitude to customers and offering Brooklyn Bonuses—everything from free gifts to discounts to limited-time offers. Now’s the time to plan your Brooklyn “Back to School” fall shopping spree. Remember, Brooklyn ’s got the goods!

How do you know what bonuses are offered in your nabe? Just look for the Shop Brooklyn logo in store windows or visit ishopbrooklyn.com and check out the Brooklyn Bonuses at your local stores.

You can browse by neighborhood or by category.

“Of course, when we Shop Brooklyn, dollars circulate back into our vibrant Brooklyn neighborhoods, ensuring the health of our small businesses, keeping our retail streets Brooklyn Borough brightly lit and acPresident Marty tive and providing the jobs so essenMarkowitz tial to our families and future,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “Take it from me, Brooklyn retailers and restaurateurs understand their customers. That’s why shopping and dining in Brooklyn is a win-win all year long. With hundreds of retail shopping corridors full of hip and diverse fashion boutiques, bookstores, hardware stores, pharmacies, restaurants, galleries, specialty food emporia and gift stores, Brooklyn’s renowned diversity means endless retail variety!”

Shop Brooklyn is also partnering with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID and the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce to present “The 3/50 Project: Building Business from the Ground Up.” Relying on the simple premise of “pick 3, spend 50, save your local economy,” The 3/50 Project is a national program that helps brick and mortar businesses reclaim consumer dollars in a positive, effective manner. On Wednesday, August 18, 7pm – 9pm at St. Francis College (180 Remsen Street in Downtown Brooklyn), nationally renowned speaker and retail consultant Cinda Baxter, founder of The 3/50 Project, will address the business community.

African Drums To Roll Like Thunder In Brooklyn

NY Rev Replicates T&T Emancipation Celebration Brooklyn, NY – To describe the emotions stirred by music is a task which goes beyond words. To put the magic of drum music into words is an even more daunting task.

Drums of Thunder is a unique musical experience which, for the first time in New York City -- puts the spotlight on the African drum in an all day festival.

The event-- though a celebration of the wonders of African influenced drumming-- is also a unique competition. It is designed to give an opportunity to drummers from across the Diaspora to showcase their musicianship and artistry.

making this the veritable “World Cup” of drumming. The day long competition will feature ensembles from Trinidad & Tobago, Ghana, Haiti, Guyana, and the United States. Ensembles will be required to play a piece of choice which incorporates the beats of three nations Participants will be judged by a panel of expert drummers who also reflect an eclectic Diasporan mix.

The event is the brainchild of Rev. Andy Edwards who is the leader of the Brotherhood of Man Spiritual Baptist/Orisha Church.

“This idea was born out of a desire to replicate the Emancipation celebration which takes place annually in Trinidad & Tobago,” says Rev. Andy.

“Though we hope to one day have a full scale festival like in Trinidad & Tobago, we felt that African drumming -- which is the cornerstone of that celebration-- was the most transportable segment and hence Drums of Thunder was born. “I believe that it is incumbent upon us as Caribbean n people living in the United States to engage in a meaningful celebration

of the abolition of chattel slavery in the region, “he adds.

As part of the celebration there will be lectures on the history of the African drum, drum making workshops and demonstrations, poetry and dance workshops. Audience members will not be left out of the winnings as there will be opportunities to win a free djembe among other giveaways.

In addition to the ensembles competition, there will be a category for individual male and female drummers.

Prizes will be awarded to the three top place finishers in the ensemble category and the best overall drummer in the male and female individual categories. A special prize will also be awarded for the best percussion section in the competition and the oldest and youngest drummers.

The celebration kicks off at 1:00 p.m. with a libation and a street drum call. Competition begins at 3:00 p.m.

On Saturday, August 21, the sound of the drums will roll like thunder when the event kicks off at the Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn. A production of the Brotherhood of Man Youth Connection and C.A.R.E (Concerned Americans For Racial Equality). Drums of Thunder has attracted audiences from Boston to Washington who are expected to come by the bus loads to support their favorite drummers.

In Drums of Thunder, master drummers and drum ensembles from across the Diaspora will compete for cash prizes and a challenge trophy Sons of Thunder, one of the participating groups in the competition.

Rangel Stays Put Despite Accusations WASHINGTON, DC – Embattled Harlem Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel, an ardent supporter of the Caribbean, has vowed to remain in office, even as he faces serious accusations of violating Congressional rules.

The veteran Congressman offered an extended defence of his conduct on the House of Representatives’ floor, demanding a prompt ethics committee hearing.

“I am not going away,” he said, asserting his right to take the floor between votes on other issues and drawing applause from some Democratic colleagues when he pledged to fight on. “I am here.”

Rangel, a former chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, said he had been losing sleep over his predicament and was draining financial resources to mount his defence.

He said he had he had been unable to get the ethics panel to provide a date for his hearing.

“I’m 80 years old,” he said, arguing that his constituents deserved to know whether he had done anything

wrong. “I don’t want to die before the hearing. Don’t leave me swinging in the wind until November.”

“I am asking for exposure of the facts. If I can’t get my dignity back here, then fire your best shot of getting rid of me through expulsion,” said the 20-term Congressman, who was charged recently with 13 counts of ethics violations by the House Ethics Committee.

Rangel is facing allegations he misused his congressional staff letterhead to solicit donations, accepted rentstabilized apartments in Harlem, made errors in financial disclosure forms and failed to pay taxes on rent he collected from a villa in the Dominican Republic.

In March, Rangel had stepped down as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee after the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct admonished him for trips he

and other Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members took to the Caribbean in 2007 and 2008 that were indirectly paid for by corporate sponsors, such as Pfizer, Verizon and AT&T. The trips, made to St.. Maarten and Antigua and Barbuda, were organized by the New York-based Carib News newspaper. While admitting he had made mistakes in handling his personal and public business and apologizing for any wrongdoing, Rangel said he had not committed any corrupt acts.

He referred to the charge that he had improperly solicited donations using Congressional letterhead.

“The rules have changed,” said the Congressman during his 37-minute speech.

“And so there has to be a penalty for grabbing the wrong stationery and not really doing the right thing. But it’s not corrupt. It may be stupid. It may be negligent. But it is not corrupt.”

Rangel was unequivocal that he will not resign his congressional seat just to mollify colleagues who were unhappy that he was causing political headaches for Democrats facing a tough election cycle.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Caribbean

PNP MP Shot, Killed

By Vanessa Barnes NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR MANCHESTER, Jamaica - Western St. Mary’s former Member of Parliament Dr. Neil McGill was shot to death last Friday. The sixty year old fell from a bullet to the chest in the presence of a Northern Caribbean University student, who also received minor cuts from the knife of one of their attackers. McGill is the third PNP previously elected member to die in over seven months.

According to local reports the survived told police that while walking to his vehicle, she saw a gunman wrestling with McGill following which she heard a loud noise, leading to Dr. Neil McGill the death of the former MP. The gunman and his other two accomplices took off with the student’s handbag which held a camera, cellular phones and ATM cards. This was taken from her during a contest with the other two men, one of which stabbed her in the arm with a knife.

Mandeville police have detained and questioned one of the three allegedly and are still investigating.

Condolences were offered from the political peers of the man who greatly impacted the lives of many in his role as a Doctor, Member of Parliament and Reserved of the Jamaica Defense Force Opposition People’s National Party leader Portia Simpson-Miller, who condemned the murder of McGill, which she said came as a shock to the PNP family.

Oracabessa Police Station saw many persons coming together in sadness and disbelief of his death.

“Is a doctor weh nuh turn back nobody, even if yuh can pay him,” one mourner expressed.

Suspect Charged For Kingston Rape Two women were beaten, raped and forced to perform oral sex on a group of men in the Kingston 13 vicinity. Donald Francis, one of the accused men was charged for indecent assault, abduction and rape, in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate Court on Monday.

Reports are that one of the victims fell to the ground after being hit in the face by Francis, after which he continued to hit and drag her to the back of a house where she joined the next female, a friend of hers. Francis and the other men later dragged her to a deserted building and forced the victim to carry out oral sex on the entire group. Following which Francis had sex with the victim, then allowed her to leave.

Donald Francis is scheduled to appear in court on the 17th of August.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

St. Lucia National Security Minister Guy Mayers

Escaped Cons Still On Run Minister Blames Deficiencies For Jail Break

CASTRIES, St. Lucia – National Security Minister Guy Mayers has blamed “deficiencies” at the Bordelais Correctional Facility for contributing to the escape of three prisoners, including two Venezuelan nationals, after gunmen stormed the main prison facility on Sunday.

None of the men has been recaptured, but Mayers said an exchange of gun fire between the security personnel at the prison and the intruders failed to foil the planned escape which occurred while the prisoners were in the yard during their recreation period.

“I can’t release a lot of details about the incident, not until the report of an independent inquiry now being conducted is made available, but it is clear that we inherited a facility with a lot of deficiencies that will need to be attended to,” Mayers said, adding that the government would be issuing a statement later on Tuesday.

“We need to allay public fears given the fact the reports have got around the world that masked gun men had stormed the facility and freed the prisoners. That is certainly not the case as the perpetrators never entered the prison facility, they remain outside the compound and facilitated the escape from its perimeter,” he said.

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Mayers said that the security fences at the prison were made from very poor quality material and the absence of walls around the prison made it easier for persons to escape.

“The holes they made were not big, but just wide enough for them to squeeze through, and make their escape through the many tracks in the heavy forested area beyond the facility.

“The prisoners were being supervised at the time of the escape but there were armed persons on the outside perimeter who apparently sent a fence cutter to them and they able to make their way out, in view of wardens who are not armed,” he said..

The National Security Minister said that it was clear that the armed gun-men were there to protect the escapees to ensure that they were able to get safe passage, “and you cannot expect unarmed officers to be challenging gunmen who are standing on the outside of

the fence.”

Law enforcement officials said that three or four heavily armed masked gunmen were able to penetrate three security fences in order to free the Venezuelans who were in jail on drugs related charges.

Media reports said that there had been an exchange of gunfire, but no one was reported injured.

In the statement, the police named the three escaped prisoners as 33-year-old Marino Luna, who was serving a four year jail term; Egardo Boada Redriguez, 29, who was also jailed for four years on cocaine related charges and St.. Lucian Mohammed Duncan, who is serving a seven year jail term on firearm related charges.

The police said that “an aggressive and wide-spread effort is underway across the island to return the escaped inmates to lawful custody”.

Mayers said that investigators were not ruling out any possibility of internal collaboration in the escape or that the plan may have been hatched from outside the country and executed by foreign elements.

“Everything is being looked at, we are not ruling out any possibilities,” he said, adding that the Venezuelan authorities had been contacted and were collaborating

with local personnel in efforts to recapture the convicts.

He said the members of the Regional Security System (RSS) were continuing their land and sea searches for the escapees.

Mayers said that the prime concern of the Stephenson King government was to ensure that there is no repeat of Sunday’s attack given the fact that there are other Venezuelan nationals serving time in the local prison.

“We are moving to put appropriate measures in place to ensure to try to nullify any future attempt, we are now and remain on high alert,” he added.

Mayers also dismissed calls for his dismissal by the main opposition St... Lucia Labour Party (SLP) as “continuing mischief” by the opposition grouping.

“I am the Minister responsible for giving policy guidance to a number departments of government and the prison is one of them, so the continuing call by the opposition is more of the political mischief which stems from the inroads that I have been making in the Castries East constituency.

“That is their way of trying to dampen the impact I have been having in the community, so it simply has everything to do with my work in the constituency and nothing to do with my work in the Ministry,” he said

T&T Building Industry Collapsing Government Owes Contractors $7 Billion PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The construction industry in Trinidad and Tobago could collapse within three months if the government does not pay contractors the money owed to them.

The Trinidad Guardian newspaper carried a report stating that Mikey Joseph, president of the Contractors’ Association of Trinidad and

Tobago, estimated that figure to be more than $7 billion. He recommended that the government dip into the Heritage and Stabilization Fund (HSF) to pay contractors the outstanding debt.

Joseph made the announcement at a media conference on Monday in Port of Spain.

He said, “The entire industry is at risk of coming to total collapse. It’s about payments to contractors, consultants, suppliers within the construction sector. It is no secret that the construction industry has had problems with payments in a timely manner from the principal client with the sector, which is the government,

for the last three years.”

The situation has become worse since the general election date was announced, Joseph said.

He added, “According to press reports last week, Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams said the government cash account showed it had a deficit of $700 million, but when one takes into account other debts is actually comes of $7.7 billion, which represents debts owed to contractors and suppliers.”

Joseph told the media that, although national unemployment was at five to six percent, in the construction sector it is much higher.

“Unemployment in the local construction sector stands at 35 per cent,” he claimed.

Guyana Man Jailed For Illegal Re-Entry To USA Kwame Wilson, a citizen of Guyana who was first removed from the United States in 1998 to face cocaine-distribution charges in the United Kingdom, has been sentenced for attempting to return to the US through Vermont.

Wilson, 36, was reportedly sentenced on Tuesday to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of illegally

re-entering the US after previous deportation. US District Court Chief Judge William Sessions III also sentenced Wilson to two

years supervised release and ordered him not to re-enter the US without permission.

According to court docu-

ments, Wilson was caught by US Customs and Border Protection officers who spotted a vehicle going the wrong way on a road near Derby Line, with the Guyanese national as the passenger.

Wilson had been removed on two previous occasions, in 1998 and again in 2007 after he had served a prison sentence in the United Kingdom.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Murder Charge For Ja. Cop Residents Say Police Action Justified Caribbean Consulates In New York City

By Vanessa Barnes NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 212-541-4119

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Video footage sent to a local news medium, from the cellular phone of an unidentified person, shows the excessive inhumane beating and killing of a 27 year-old man from Buckfield, St. Ann, by three police officers, recently.

Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 2nd Fl. New York, N.Y. 10017 212-551-4300 Belize 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400G New York, N.Y. 10017 212-421-6934 Cayman Islands (Dept. of Tourism) 641 Lexington Ave, Suite 1435 New York, NY 10170 (877) 874-5104 Dominican Republic 1501 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 212-768-2480 Grenada 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900D New York, N.Y. 10017 212-599-0301 Guyana 370 7th Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017 212-947-5110 Haiti 271 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016 212-697-9767

Ian “Cheng Singh” Lloyd was badly beaten with a baton while laying helplessly on the ground, as residents looked on in glee and in full support of the police. It is seen where one of the lawmen stood over Lloyd and shot him, shortly after which the video ended. Reports are that he later received

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Central and local government officials in Central and South Trinidad are on high alert for dengue cases following the heavy floods in the areas due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage.

The Guardian newspaper reported that the Mayor of Chaguanas, Orlando Nagessar, said he was advised by the Borough’s Chief Medical Officer that a large number of cases of dengue have been reported and as a result he visited several areas and propose to implement measures to prevent an outbreak.

He said that steps are taken to ensure that all the areas are sprayed. He added that the borough had its own vehicle-mounted spraying machine.

The mayor said that flooding and abandoned lots were proving a problem in the borough. He disclosed that there were more

Jamaica 767 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017-2993 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 212-840-2450

St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Ste. 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, #4 New York, N.Y. 212-742-8021

but dem shoulda leave it to di court fi decide,” one woman said of Lloyd.

“Disappointment and sorrow” was the reaction of Dwight Nelson, the Minister of National Security in relation to the incident.

Jamaicans for Justice’s Carolyn Gomes said she was not shocked by the incident. She and her team have been working to expose many abusive cases by Jamaican lawmen the over the years.

Mayor Preps For Major Outbreak than 100 abandoned lots overgrown with bushes and debris. He added that these lots were breeding grounds for mosquitoes, rats and other vermin.

Nagessar said what was more upsetting was the fact that several prominent business people owned these lots. He threatened to enforce the city’s by-laws to ensure that the areas are cleaned.

He pointed out that the flood waters that remained stagnant were breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

He said illegal construction of bridges, blocked waterways, illegal fencing, derelict vehicles on the roadways and abandoned buildings would be dealt with next week.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar (C) visits the residential area of Richplain in Diego Martin, northwest Trinidad, which was one of several affected by recent flooding, last week.

Puerto Rico 666 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, N.Y. 10103 800-223-6530

St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 212-697-9360

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington

Dengue Alert Follows Trinidad Floods

Honduras 80 Wall Street, Suite 415, 4th Flr New York, N.Y. 10005 212-269-3611

St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 212-535-1234

further injuries which led to his death.

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington immediately ordered that the officers be arrested and questioned, to the upset of many residents, who argued that the officers’ actions were justifiable, stating that Lloyd was a very bad man, who broke into residents’ houses and shops and stole their belongings.

According to reports, police caught up with Lloyd after he allegedly stabbed Lovida Wilson in her neck, killing her inside her home, and later attacked two other persons.

Most residents showed little sympathy for Lloyd. One man said “Probably him woulda continue rob and stab up more people if him did still alive.”

Detective Sergeant Lloyd Kelly, the shooter in the video clip, was charged for murder on Monday, in the Home Circuit Court, in Down Town Kingston.

“Him neva innocent like some a dem a try seh,

Excessive Shooting Draws Inquiry Special Commission Set Up Investigate Police Killings KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican government has set up a commission to investigate the large number of shootings by members of the security forces.

So far nearly 1,000 cases have been reported.

Well known Jamaican criminal

law attorney, Terrence Williams, has been appointed Commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigations.

The caseload includes at least 617 fatal shootings by members of the security forces, and according to local reports 961 cases now being probed by the Commission, including 296 cases where civilians were shot and injured by law enforcement officers.

Some of the cases date from as far back as 2005, and Assistant Commissioner, Granville Gause, who heads the Bureau of Special

Investigations (BSI), said that his department is ready to hand over the outstanding files to Williams.

Williams, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the British Virgin Islands, and is now a Tutor in Criminal Law Procedure at the Norman Manley Law School, told a local newspaper that the BSI will remain in operation and continue its investigations even when the independent commission is up and running. “The law allows us to supervise its investigations so it will remain in operation under our guidance,” he said.

Wendy’s Cooking Caribbean BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Wendy’s/Arby’s International, a popular United States restaurant chain, says it has cooked up a recipe to expand its presence in the Caribbean.

As part of a 10-year Caribbean drive set out in a “long term agreement”, the company that has existing franchises in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas said it will open 24 Wendy’s restaurants in the region starting with , Trinidad and Tobago next year.

Other countries on the Wendy’s radar include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname.

“This agreement will enable us to expand Wendy’s brand presence throughout the Caribbean basin,” Wendy’s/Arby’s Group president and chief executive officer Roland Smith said in a statement.

“In the north, our franchise restaurants in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas generate some of the highest annual unit volumes in our international system; and, in the west, we have a growing presence in Central America,” he added.

The company has struggled to keep up with its competitors in the United States domestic market and is hoping to emulate the Caribbean success of the KFC brand, where McDonald’s has failed to take root.

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JAMAICANS ENJOY 48TH BIRTHDAY IN KINGSTON

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Rival Gangs Mount Killing Spree 11 Year-Old Among 8 Killed

By Kathy Barrett

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Police have mounted a large scale operation in the volatile community of Tredegar Park, in the central parish of St. Catherine, following this morning’s multiple killings by gunmen linked to rival gangs.

SCENES FROM JAMAICA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY STREET PARADE: citizens celebrate the country’s 48th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain in Kingston, Jamaica, last week.

Police have said that eight people - Hopelyn Dennis, 43, her daughters Nekisia Anderson, 24 and Angel Anderson, 11 as well as her 16-year-old son Joey Anderson, 64-yearold Eldon Heron, Sr., his son Eldon Heron, Jr., 28 and Heron’s 22-year-old grandson Gary Stewart as well as 26 year old Orrett Miller, 26 – were shot and killed by the gunmen during the early hours on Friday.

Two of the gunmen were later killed during a shootout with the police. They have been identified as Kevin, otherwise called “Bilbo”, and Jerome “Crab” Williams, both of whom are members of the Klansman Gang which operates in the Spanish Town area.

Police investigators said the heavily armed men started their mayhem in an area known as “Monkey Town” where they shot and killed a woman and her three children at a house.

The men then went to another house where they killed three other people, including an elderly man and his son.

The identity of those killed has not been released but police said that another attack by the gunmen was thwarted when a woman and her daughter managed to escape. The gunmen also burnt a house in the community.

Former senior superintendent of Police, Reneto Adams, who visited the area told reporters that the gunmen should be killed and that his visit was to show sympathy for the families of those murdered.

“If you want me to be more explicit, have them found and killed....my policy and philosophy where criminal elements are concerned are that we are

to identify them and treat them like the ferocious alligators that they are.

“Kill them in the very eggs before they hatch; that is my charge to the police force, this country and the people,” he said, adding that his information suggests that the incident was politically motivated.

The main opposition People’s National Party’s (PNP) has expressed shock and dismay at the murders.

PNP spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting, said that the party was condemning the action of the gunmen and called for swift action by the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He said that the Tredegar Park incident is particularly disappointing since police statistics reveal that the murder rate has continued to decline since the State of Emergency expired on July 22.

The figures had shown that murders had declined from 2.3 to 1.3 daily and so far this year, more than 750 people have been murdered in Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the police have issued a list of members of the Klansman and One Order gangs that they say they want to question in relation to the murders.

The statement said that the gang members should turn themselves in to the authorities immediately.

Early media reports said that both gangs are responsible for more than 150 murders and that the members run a multimillion dollar extortion racket in Spanish Town, Linstead, Old Harbour and other towns in the neighboring parish of Clarendon.

Jamaicans In New York Observe Independence NEW YORK, NY – Jamaicans in New York observed the country’s 48th year of independence, at a Thanksgiving Service, held at the Beulah Church of the Nazarene, in Brooklyn, on Sunday.

“The spirit of independence can never die,” Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding said in a message to the Jamaican community, read by Consul General in New York Hon. Geneive Brown Metzger.

In building on “the foundation that our forefathers laid,” Jamaica is committed to unity, economic development, investment and trade, the

creation of jobs and is determined to “eliminate social and economic inequality that differentiated us, by lifting up those at the bottom,” Golding said.

“There were times we took the wrong turn and many opportunities were missed,” the Prime Minister said, adding that his administration is committed to building a Jamaica

where people can peacefully live, work and raise their families.

Consul General Metzger said the Diaspora was crucial to the economic and social viability and the future of Jamaica, adding that serious inroads were being made in stemming crime and corruption.

“This will bode well for attracting investments and for encouraging each Jamaican citizen with regard to the outlook for the future,” she said.

Dignitaries representing various countries also came to pay their respects to the country. They included representatives from Haiti, St. Vincent and St. Lucia. Local politicians

included Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, representing Brooklyn, and her Jamaican-born mother, former New York City Councilmember Una S.T. Clarke. Jamaican-born Yvonne Graham, Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn, was also present at the celebration.

The Reverend Rose HudsonWilkin, Chaplain to Her Royal Highness, The Queen, was guest speaker at the service.

“We want to hold up the positive things and do more of these things,” Hudson-Wilkin said. “Let it never be said that we can’t. We can,

not just as athletes and musicians, but in all walks of life,” she added.

Quoting from the late reggae icon, Bob Marley, Hudson-Wilkin said the singer was correct when he said “we need to ‘emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.’ We need to truly emancipate ourselves.”

She offered a word of advice for Jamaica’s future. “You and I must make a resolve to be the best, under God, that you and I can be,” she said.

The service was followed by a reception, where many Jamaicans recalled fond memories of their island home.

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Happenings

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Irwin Clare (second from left) addresses the gathering.

The “Spice Man” Bob Fredericks and Donovan Gopie at Nakisaki, Thursday night, during the LICAIF and Reggae By the Lake launch and press conference. (Photos

by Marjorie Flash)

Earl Lyn Jr. with the legendary Freddie McGregor.

LICAIF chairman Earl Lyn Jr. (c) with sponsors and participants of LICAIF.

Lyn poses for a picture with his guest.

Having a good time at Nakisaki, during the launch of the Long Island Caribbean American International Festival and Freddie McGregor’s Reggae By The Lake, Thursday night.

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Entertainment

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Teenage Designer For Fashion Caribbean 17 Year -Old Vincy Student Among Fresh Faces

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent -- In keeping with its theme: ‘Fresh Faces For Fashion Caribbean’, the Image Modelling Agency will feature one of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ youngest designers at this year’s Fashion Caribbean, the premier fashion event on the Caribbean island.

She is Kavonne Bacchus, 17, a student who is now pursuing Computer Science and Mathematics at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

A check with Fashion Caribbean’s website reveals that Kavonne “inherited her father’s artistic abilities” from her father while a student at the Girls’ High School and designing has become for her a passion.

“I would see in my mind every line, shadow and dimension before placing it onto a canvas,” Kavonne says of her designs. The influence of Japanese arts, music and nature has played a role in helping to shape what Kavonne brings out as her final product.

For Fashion Caribbean, Kavonne’s designs will be placed alongside designers who are more seasoned but she is confident of receiving reviews which can propel her into a future of fashion.

Kavonne is among 14 designers from across the region that will be taking part in Fashion Caribbean on Saturday 14 August 2010

at the Emerald Valley Casino, which is situated on the South Central Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent.

It’s a night when some of the top designers will be placed on one stage for the gala event that is Fashion Caribbean, which was started in 2000 by Image.

The event will be staged this year as a three-day affair, with a Cocktail Party and Cultural Evening at the Grenadine House, one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ landmark historical site, which was built in 1765 as the Great House. The best of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Culture; steel pan music, carnival costume portrayals, calypsos and more will be the order of the day.

The day before Fashion Caribbean commences, the overseas contingent will enjoy a ‘Vincy Day Lime’ which will take the form of a day tour and the pre Fashion Caribbean party at the International Aquatic Club.

Apart from Kavonne and other local designers, Fashion Caribbean will have designers

from Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana along with Roland ‘Scrapie’ Dopwell’s accessories

Gyptian

Cultural Explosion Hits NYC Teenage Fashion Designer, Kavonne Bacchus, whose designs will be on display at Fashion Caribbean

Rayvon Back And Backing It Up NEW YORK, NY -Rayvon is back with “Back It Up” a hot new single from the forthcoming self-titled album Rayvon .

Simply put, this a great song that will get your feet, but and who knows what else shaking.

Bajan reggae singer Rayvon

All the elements you’d expect are here-Reggae/R&B/Dancehall and it flows so, so well. It’s the vocals that stand out however, Rayvon’s interesting accented tenor coming through with a very distinctive style.

Everyone remembers Rayvon for collaborating with Shaggy on the #1 hit “Angel” from 2001, but in 2010, “Back It Up” should be a summertime smash for the man himself.

Rayvon is a major figure in the world of reggae, and one of the biggest musical draws around the globe. Having toured almost constantly since the late ‘90s, dazzling crowds in such cities as Beirut, Bombay, Rome, Copenhagen, Tokyo, and London, the charismatic crossover star has systematically cultivated a diverse, devoted and frenzied fan base.

Over the past 15 years the Barbadian-born/New York-bred singer/toaster kept the planet partying with international hits like “Summertime” and “Angel” (which rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 100), collaborations with his Grammywinning partner-in-crime Shaggy. With a voice that’s at once throaty and velvety, his own singles – including “No Guns, No Murder,” “Stallion Ride” and “Hear My Cry” – helped to further reinforce the artist’s

steadily-burgeoning stardom. Indeed, while Shaggy kicked doors open for Rayvon, only real talent could have kept them from closing.

And as a new decade dawns, Rayvon is gearing up to make another massive impact on the game with the launch of his new label GTC Entertainment.with international distribution through MVD/Poppyseed Leading the new assault on his self tittled solo album “Rayvon” is “Back it Up,” a hard-edged pulsating groove that will have guys jumping and ladies gyrating and “One N Only” a swinging Caribbean grove with a R&B Hip Hop swagger. “My intention was to hit my fans with a real party anthem ,” says Rayvon. “’Back It Up’” is a song that, when you’re in the club, you’re gonna want to get up and dance when it comes on. It’s something people who want to have a good time will automatically latch on to.”

Rayvon’s new self titled album “Rayvon”, due out August 18th, will include “Back it Up” and feature production from Salaam Remi, White Bread and others. Rayvon promises that the album will feed his universal appeal as it maintains his deep dance hall roots.

“It will be a combination of reggae, hip-hop and pop music,” he explains. “I’m singing on it and I’m chatting too. It’s party music, music to drive to, sounds to chill with: It’s happy and feel-good with social consciousness and a good

sense of fun.”

Born Bruce Brewster, Rayvon moved from Barbados to the Flatbush section of Brooklyn when he was 12. In New York he almost immediately delved into the worlds of dance hall and rap.

“Despite being from Barbados, I’ve always gravitated to reggae and hip hop,” he recalls.

Rayvon spent his high school years as a turn tablelist and emcee, before working at perfecting his dance hall style. A chance meeting with another aspiring reggae artist, Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, occurred in 1988 at a Flatbush recording studio – and the rest, as they say, was history.

“We were there to record separately, but we started talking and things clicked, so the producer asked us to record one track as a combination,” Rayvon remembers.

“The vibe was there immediately, so we just took that and ran with it.”

Later, the pair linked up with beat master, Sting Int’l, who produced “Big Up,” which propelled the duo to ever higher levels of exposure while coining a popular phrase. More strong songs followed, and Rayvon and Shaggy took the opportunity to tour.

“At that time I was working for UPS,” Rayvon remembers. “One day I got an offer to do a two-week tour and I’d used up all my sick leave and vacation days. So I took a formal leave of absence from the job and I still haven’t returned.”

Gyptian And Werrason Join Top Haitian Bands At Karibana Pre-Labor Day Concert

NEW YORK, NY – The Haitian Music Industry will be captivated this Labor Day Weekend with a very special concert. The event, which promises to be the preeminent industry musical celebration on the east coast, will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 4 PM at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. SICC Productions and Destiny Enterprises will bring together the lyrical stylings of renowned reggae artist and singer Gyptian, internationally acclaimed Congolese musician Werrason and all of the greatest Haitian Bands of our time. Headliners include Carimi, Harmonik, Jakout, Nu Look, T-Vice and the legendary Tabou Combo. Their collective body of work is most notable for vibrant rhythms and elegant expressiveness.

“The people of Haiti have certainly seen their share of tragedy this year,” said James Auguste, Co-Founder of Destiny Enterprises. “With this groundbreaking event, we hope to invoke a sense of harmony and strength to help the rebuilding nation and the Diaspora see past troubled times and reflect on the promise of a better tomorrow. In spite of all the devastation and tremendous loss, Haiti rises and we are resilient. ” Partial proceeds will go to relief efforts in Haiti.

In addition to the show, attendees will also enjoy the fine art and food of the island nation. Tickets to the premiere concert are now on sale via Ticketmaster and at the Nassau Coliseum box office.

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First Annual Caribbean Fest Launched At Nakisaki Staff report

HEMPSTEAD, L.I. – The First Annual Long Island Caribbean American International Festival (LICAIF) officially kicked off, last night, with an opening ceremony and press reception held here at Nakisaki Restaurant.

Elected Officials, members of the clergy, community and business leaders, entertainers, dozens of spectators, members of the media and various other dignitaries joined the organizers of the event for what turned out to be a night to remember.

Reggae icon Freddie McGregor, who is slated to perform at the festival and Adlib Steel Pan Orchestra, gave the packed room a preview of what to expect on Monday at Eisenhower Park.

The Harry Chaplain Lakeside Theatre is set to come alive with the hosting of LICAIF in Eisenhower Park in Westbury, L.I., under the theme “We Are All One”, featuring performances by the Soca king and queen, Mighty Sparrow and Calypso Rose, Freddie McGregor,

Adlib and the Angel band, on Monday, August 16th at 5 p.m.

The theme is geared towards bringing communities together in unison and celebrating one another’s passions, heritage and cultures, according to the Vice President of the Jamaica Cultural Alliance (JCA) and chairman of LICAIF, Earl Lyn Jr. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, who partnered with the JCA to produce the festival, was well represented last night. Director of Minority Affair Herbert Flores and Director of Community Development for Nassau County Raymond Thomas were on hand for the opening ceremony.

Also in attendance were: Nicholas Melendez, Vice president of General Banking Group; Monique Booth of Wachovia Bank; Andrea Bullins of Bullzii Marketing & Lime; Chris Chin of VP Records; Joseph Bouquet, Regional Marketing Director of Health Plus; Amun Handa, Community Relations Liason for HealthPlus; Adrian Powell of Hyundai; Patrick Buddington of IMC Media; Bobby Clarke from Irie Jam Media; Joy Rathan from MGN Funding; Bob Fredericks, President Wee Radio; Dalevera Henry of Mama Lous Sauce; Victor Babb from Allstate Insurance; Chris Perry of Ligero Energy; Jewel Shannon, President of Jewel Shannon Designs; Gwen Williams of Dream Castle Villa and Dream Castle

Models and many others.

LICAIF will also join the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry in celebrating their 25th anniversary. CACCI is a membership organization which provides business assistance to start-up business in areas of planning, financing, import/export opportunities and more.

While honoring the birthday of civil rights champion, Jamaica’s national hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey, LICAIF will also acknowledge the work of legends, which have significantly impacted the lives of millions of New Yorkers. Honorees include the late Earl Lyn Sr., founder of Nakisaki Restaurants; Carlos Lezama, founder of the West Indian American Day Carnival; and Vincent Chin, founder of VP Records.

The festival is a family fun-filled event showcasing a wide array of Arts and Craft, Caribbean displays, Steel Pan performers and a cultural fashion show. Sponsors include Nassau County Parks and Recreation, Canon (USA), MGM Funding, Wee Radio, Caribbean Style TV, MD TV (Jamaica), Culture Jam Radio, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Irie Jam Media, VP Records, New York Liberty Star Newspaper, Jewel Shannon Designs, Khanami Kreations, Padlock Records, Ruff Stuff Studios, Jam Roc Records, House of Hits Records, Digi Waxx Media, and Sam’s Caribbean Market Place.

For more information, contact the Jamaica Cultural Alliance at (646) 750-0045 or New York Liberty Star at (718) 785-9722 ext. 104.

REGGAE BY THE LAKE Freddie McGregor announced at Nakisaki on Thursday the launch of the 2010 Reggae by the Lake, an event that is geared towards bringing together family and friends and create a perfect fusion of community.

Produced by Big Ship Music Inc., in association with Umbrella Entertainment & Biggs Ent., Reggae By the Lake features McGregor, Reggae pioneer John Holt, the Big Ship Crew with Chino, Stephen Di Genius, Shema McGregor, Laden, saxophonist Dean Fraser, Taurrus Riley, the “Energy God” Elephant Man, Gramps Morgan, Trinidad Soca star Destra, Mickey Spice, Frisco Kid, Duane Stephenson, and Singing Sweet.

The Dean Fraser and Dis’ and Dat bands will provide music alongside Mikey Bojangles, Big Ship Sound Station with Sigma, Supa Mark, Nico Bam Bam and Road Int’l.

Reggae By The Lake is supported by VP Records, Irie Jam Media, WEE Caribbean Radio 87.7FM, Winner’s Circle, Radio, WVIP 93.5 FM, Nakisaki Restaurant, WESU 88.1 FM, Flava FM, Vibes FM, Busy 103.3FM, FUNSATION4 Media and Benash Roots and Juices.

St Lucia Mourns Passing Of ‘Queen Of Culture’ the development of music in her native land.

The CDF official said the 1972 recipient of the British Empire Medal also had a strong spiritual link to the island, having paid significant attention to spiritual side of life as menDame Marie, who was more bered for her mention in the poem tor, teacher, and religious leader. affectionately referred to as “Ses- “Homecoming” by Nobel laureate “Anybody who spoke to Seenne”, died late Wednesday at her Dereck Walcott, in which he wrote senne was amazed at the level of Micoud home on the island’s east “my country heart, I am not home counsel that came from her, it foltill Sesenne sings, a voice with wood lowed many through life so she was coast. She was 96.

Executive Director of the Cul- smoke and ground-doves in it…” larger than just her community or the In 2000, she was awarded the life that we know here and we will tural Development Foundation (CDF), Kennedy “Boots” Samuels, honour of Dame Commander of the miss her tremendously.” in paying tribute to the late cultural Order of the British Empire for folk Samuels said his organisation activist, said Sesenne was the spiri- culture and art and community ser- could only hope that the strength tual personification and embodiment vice on the occasion of St. Lucia’s that she has given to the nation will 25th anniversary of Independence. of the island’s cultural heritage. leave the country in good stead for The cultural icon has also re- the future, and that St Lucia now has “We have lost a lot both tangible and intangible. She has been respon- ceived numerous other honours, in- a responsibility to hold her name sible for the survival and sustain- cluding the St Lucia Medal of Merit and work with high regard for the ability of a lot of our cultural forms, and being inducted in the Caribbean generations that come after “so that whether it be in song, dance, story Broadcasting Union Music Hall of they too can continue that legacy as telling, games, her use of the Creole Fame for her lasting contribution to a unique people”. language, and for the intangibles The government issued a stateshe was able to identify with just ment to express its sadness at the who we are. death of the cultural icon.

“She was like a reference “She has touched the hearts point for us, for our foundation of Saint Lucians for many decades as a people and a unique nation through her irresistible folk music among a diversity of nations in the and numerous songs. She was gifted world, telling us that we are spewith one of the most melodious and cial, unique and have a lot to be sweet sounding voices one can find. proud of,” Samuels said.

“She earned the accolade of From her discovery by the Queen of Culture in tribute to the late Harold Simmons and Eric indelible mark which she has made Branford in the 1950s, Sesenne on the Saint Lucian Cultural Landhas inspired several generations scape,” the statement added. of St Lucia with her unique voice The government is currently in and her musical compositions and the process of putting in place plans was declared a National Cultural to “adequately recognise” the life of Hero by the Folk Research Centre the colossal cultural figure and will in 2005. issue a more comprehensive stateShe will be widely remem- Dame Marie Selipha Descartes ment shortly.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia - The cultural community here is mourning the death of Dame Marie Selipha Descartes, widely regarded as St Lucia’s Queen of Culture.

Miss Universe 2010 Competition Rozanna Purcell, Miss Ireland 2010; and LaToya Woods, Miss Trinidad and Tobago 2010, pose in their swimsuits during the registration and fitting process in preparation for the Miss Universe 2010 Competition at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Sunday.

The Miss Universe 2010 competition will conclude with a live telecast on Aug. 23.

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Health

Poultry Fingered As No. 1 Food Poisoning Culprit

By Mike Stobbe

ATLANTA – Cooking chicken on the grill this summer? Be careful. Poultry is still the leading culprit in food poisoning outbreaks, health officials said Thursday.

Chicken, turkey and other poultry accounted for 17 percent of the food-borne illness outbreaks reported to the government. Beef and leafy vegetables were close behind, at 16 percent and 14 percent.

The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covers outbreaks in 2007.

Poultry was also the No. 1 source of outbreaks in 2006.

Salmonella and other kinds of bacteria caused about half of the outbreaks, the CDC said. Viruses — like norovirus — caused about 40 percent, mushroom toxin or other chemical agents were blamed for 7 percent. Parasites accounted for 1 percent.

Several things can cause an outbreak. For example, an infected person might contaminate the food while handling it. A contaminated food may be left out a room temperature for hours, allowing bacteria to multiply. It may not be cooked enough to kill the bacteria.

The CCD counted more than

21,000 illnesses in about 1,100 outbreaks in 48 states and Puerto Rico. There were 18 deaths from food poisoning.

It’s far from a complete picture, however. Experts estimates that only about 5 percent of people who get food poisoning are part of a recognized outbreak, which is a cluster of two or more cases.

“It’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Michael Doyle, head of the University of Georgia’s food safety center.

An estimated 87 million cases of food-borne illness occur in the United States each year, including 371,000 hospitalizations and 5,700 deaths, according to an Associated Press calculation that combines a CDC formula with recent population estimates.

The CDC also closely tracks food-borne illnesses in 10 states to watch for food poisoning trends.

Its report for last year showed rates of food-borne illness have been holding steady for the past five years.

In Thursday’s report, the CDC only counted instances in which one food — like grilled chicken — was clearly to blame. That was the case in about 45 percent of the outbreaks. Outbreaks involving multiple ingredients — like chicken salad — were not part of that accounting. A diarrhea-causing bacteria called Clostridium perfringens was commonly linked to poultry. A more deadly bacteria called E.coli O157:H7 was most often linked to beef.

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Parents, Kids Urged To Get Immunized Get Shots Early & Beat Back To School Rush BROOKLYN, NY — As National Immunization Awareness Month kicks off this August, Senator John L. Sampson began urging parents to schedule appointments for themselves and their children to protect against dangerous viruses.

“This is a great time for parents to get themselves and their kids immunized,” said Senator Sampson “Parents can help their kids prepare for the upcoming school year, and get their own immunizations at the same time.”

Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background, or country of origin, the senator said. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue through life.

National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance to emphasize the importance of immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly. Since children are especially vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other

immunizations are recommended avoidable.”

Vaccines are among the most during adolescent or adult years, and, for certain vaccines, booster immuni- successful and cost-effective public zations are recommended throughout health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only prelife.

Immunization is one of the most vent disease, but also reduce costs resignificant public health achieve- sulting from missed work days, docments of the 20th century. Vaccines tor visits, and hospital stays. They have completely wiped out smallpox are extremely safe to use, thoroughly and wild poliovirus in the United tested and monitored by doctors, reStates, while significantly reducing searchers, and public health officials the number of cases of measles, diph- before being approved for public theria, rubella, and other diseases. use.

August is also a great time for However, despite these efforts, tens of thousands of people in this coun- families to beat the flu vaccine rush. try still die from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Continuing immunization is important. Even if there are many diseases that have been eliminated or controlled by vaccine, taking away the protections provided by vaccinations will allow diseases to spread to more and more people.

Over time, this could undo the progress that has been made over many years fighting these diseases.

“Immunization is not just about your personal wellbeing, but it is about the community’s health as well,” said Senator Sampson “If everyone, of all ages, does their part by getting their vaccinations, it keeps us all protected from infectious John L. Sampson, New York State diseases that are entirely Senate Majority Conference Leader.

College Campuses See Rise In Cases Of Severe Mental Illness

By Alan Mozes

More cases of severe mental illness are being reported among college students than a decade ago, as more young people with mental health issues tackle a post-secondary education and are open to getting help when they need it, a new U.S. study shows.

The use of prescription medications by students to treat psychiatric illness has also risen significantly over the past decade, the research team noted.

“If we look at the average college student and their level of psychological and emotional functioning and distress, on the whole they are not necessarily worse off than they were 10 years ago,” explained study author John C. Guthman, director of student counseling at Hofstra University’s division of student affairs. “However, there are some students who are outliers and they have some difficulty in some areas. And these relatively few students that present in significant distress seem to have increased to a greater percentage than they were a decade ago.”

Guthman and his colleagues are to report their findings Thursday at the American Psychological Association annual meeting, in San Diego.

The authors noted that their observations appear to be in line with what mental health professionals have observed and reported anecdotally in recent years.

To get a handle on the current state of affairs, Guthman and his team analyzed diag-

nostic records concerning nearly 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students who had sought college counseling at some point in the 10 years between 1997 and 2009.

After examining intake information concerning mental disorders, suicidal tendencies and behavioral reports, the team determined that over the years most students had been diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders and that, on average, the nature of these cases had remained relatively mild over time.

That said, Guthman and his associates did note a slight rise in the number of in-counseling students who were diagnosed with a single mental disorder, bumping up from 93 percent in 1998 to 96 percent in 2009.

In addition, among those students who sought counseling, the percentage who suffered from moderate to severe depression had risen over the years, from 34 percent to 41 percent, they found.

What’s more, while just 11 percent of students in counseling had been prescribed psychiatric medications in 1998 (for depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), that figure had risen to 24 percent by 2009.

One silver lining: Among students in coun-

seling, the percentage who reported having had suicidal thoughts during the first two weeks of treatment had declined over the decade, from 26 percent in 1998 to just 11 percent by 2009, a drop the researcher attributed to improvements in suicide prevention treatment and outreach.

Although the study team did not pinpoint exactly what accounts for the apparent changes, Guthman offered up some theories.

“First of all, maybe expectations are such that in general more people are attempting to get a college degree, as it’s become more essential to employment,” he said. “It could also be that colleges are seen as more supportive environments, and there is more outreach to help students than a decade ago,” he added.

“It could also be that medications have improved, and students that may not have been able to go to campus a decade back are now able to function well enough to go and succeed,” Guthman added. “Or it could be a function of the national health-care crisis -- that folks just aren’t able to access support in other areas of their life, and so they seek help when they get on a college campus.”

Lawrence Marks, a staff psychologist at the University of Central Florida’s Counseling Center, said that all of these factors are probably contributing to the current state of affairs.

“I’m glad to hear this empirical data is being

put out there, because I know that when you informally ask clinicians in university counseling centers it seems that everyone is seeing an increase in the severity and an increased demand for services,” he noted. “Of course, universities have grown in student body over the years, so it’s hard to measure increased service use as there is typically a much larger student population to deal with, as is certainly the case on our campus.”

But, Marks added, “I do think that counseling centers are doing a better job letting students know they are there. And, to some degree, some of the stigma surrounding these services has dissipated over the years. So we’re certainly seeing a greater accessing of services today than we did before.”

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Travel

First ‘Six-Star’ Hotel For Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The former Dorado Beach Resort in Puerto Rico is to be developed into an ultra-luxury, eco-friendly travel destination, and the island’s first ever ‘sixstar’ hotel.

In a recent press release, the government of Puerto Rico, together with private financing, investor and development groups, announced the investment of US$342 million in the new world-class Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach Resort & Spa, located in Dorado, Puerto Rico.

Jose Perez-Riera, Puerto Rico’s Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce, said that this development program is the key pillar for the island’s economic progress.

“We are thrilled that Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach Resort & Spa is on its way to being a reality.

Only 18 months after the start of the administration of Governor Luis G. Fortuno, this major prestigious hotel development project has been made viable by a coalition of the government with the private sector,” said Perez-Riera.

The new hotel is expected to open at the end of 2012 and will consist of 130 ultra-deluxe rooms nestled in extensive secluded tropical beach-front grounds.

For the first phase of

Proposed Regional Ferry Service Acquires 900-Passenger Vessel

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — BEDY Ocean Line, the Grenada-based owners and operators of a new regional ferry service, to be launched shortly, have acquired a large vessel with accommodation for some 900 passengers, 175 motor vehicles and cargo.

Benjamin Ross, the company’s CEO, in providing an update on the project, said the specifications of the new vessel had already been approved by the relevant authorities, and the decision to secure its services was prompted by requests from numerous potential users across the region.

Ross said two other vessels, La Palma Express and Nutmeg Express, with a capacity of 260 and 300 respectively, will provide charter and tour services between St Lucia and St Vincent.

When operational, the new ferry service will connect the countries of Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad, Grenada and St Vincent, providing daily services to all these islands.

the project, US$231 million was financed by Puerto Rico’s Government Development Bank together with FirstBank, UBS Financial Services, Popular Securities, and the Puerto Rico Tourism Development Fund.

The second phase includes an investment of US$300 million for expansion, while the third phase includes an investment of US$600 million for the construction of another hotel as well as residences.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (which is part of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce umbrella) and the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico are

the key entities responsible for bringing about this project, according to Perez-Riera.

“This initiative represents an extraordinary step in the advancement of our Tourism Development Strategic Plan. World investors and development groups should take notice. The Islands of Puerto Rico are committed to harnessing their exceptional tourism development potential. The Government of Puerto Rico has the will to support the private sector to bring about new hospitality development projects. Where there is the will, there is a way,” he said.

The Dorado project is expected to be noted worldwide because of the complex financing

arrangements, especially in the light of global economic conditions. Private financing for the development of major hotels is very limited, which is why there is less construction of hotels in the region.

However, the Dorado project, the largest of its kind in the Caribbean region, became viable because of the full support provided by the government of Puerto Rico.

Perez-Riera thanked the private investors for their perseverance and creativity leading to the development of the hotel.

“They have worked tirelessly to conceptualize a world-class, financially viable project, aside from committing substantial funds to make it happen,” he said.

Executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Jaime Lopez-Diaz, believes that the arrival of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Puerto Rico represents a significant advancement for the island’s positioning as an exceptional place to visit, do business and live.

“We are sending the message to the world that ‘Puerto Rico Does It Better.’ What better partner than Ritz-Carlton Reserve to evidence this?” he said.

According to Lopez-Diaz, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve will appeal to a very discerning travel market, with very high purchasing power.

“The government of Puerto Rico is absolutely committed to the progress of the island’s tourism sector. We will continue to work closely with the private sector, to facilitate their lead in making Puerto Rico one of the premier destinations worldwide for visitors,” Perez-Riera concluded.

Keeping Crime At Bay On Cruises FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (MCT) -- Crime on cruise ships is rare, considering 10 million North Americans sailed last year.

But some crime victims believe that justice also is rare -- due to overlapping investigative powers, difficulty obtaining evidence and witnesses, and a lack of sworn officers aboard ships.

Some of that could soon change.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, aimed at strengthening safety and reporting standards, was signed by President Obama last week.

The new law requires the cruise industry to install video surveillance systems in common areas, as well as door viewers and security latches on cabin doors.

Each ship must carry equipment and materials to perform sexual assault medical exams and to collect forensic evidence. Ships also need to have drugs to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after an assault.

Another provision requires cruise ships to log and report all deaths, missing persons, alleged crimes and complaints involving some thefts, sexual attacks and assaults involving US citizens.

Those records will be available to the FBI and the Coast Guard

electronically and to all law enforcement officers upon request.

The Department of Homeland Security will make cruise line crime statistics available to the public.

Cruise lines say they follow a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to crime on their vessels, and safety is their number one priority.

The new law will “bring consistency and clarity to the security and safety laws and regulations for our industry,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association, in a written statement.

The Sun Sentinel analyzed hundreds of incidents that the cruise lines sent to the FBI starting in

2007, after pressure from Congress and cruise passenger advocates led to a voluntary reporting agreement.

Cruise lines serving US ports said they would voluntarily report serious crimes, which the FBI defined as homicides, suspicious deaths, so-called “sexual matters,” assaults, kidnapping, acts of terrorism and theft of items worth more than $10,000.

Despite the 2007 agreement, passenger advocates and Congress continued to press for increased regulation because the hodgepodge of rules was inadequate for many victims. “They get the run-around,” said Jim Walker of Miami-based law firm Walker and O’Neill, P.A.

President Obama signed off on a new law aimed at strengthening safety and reporting standards on cruise ships, last week.

The newspaper’s analysis of 363 incidents voluntarily reported by cruise lines to the FBI from December 2007 through October 2008 shows: -- The FBI rarely launched full-fledged investigations, saying there wasn’t enough evidence, the allegations weren’t serious enough, or the agency wasn’t authorized to act; -- Florida police agencies have authority to investigate crimes at sea, but few do, saying the crimes are outside their jurisdiction and often victims refuse to cooperate; -- Ship security officers lack the power to arrest and the tools to investigate when most U.S. law enforcement agencies would; and -- In at least 84 situations, cruise lines and ship captains responded to complaints on their own. The worst punishment was kicking off alleged offenders at the next port. In other cases, passengers were warned or had their shipboard alcohol privileges yanked.

On February 28, 2008, a fight broke out among passengers aboard the Carnival Paradise while the ship was in international waters on the way to its home port in Long Beach, Calif. One passenger claimed another punched him, causing minor injuries that required shipboard medical attention.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

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US To Ease Cuba Travel Restrictions

By Juan O. Tamayo MIAMI, Fla. (MCT) — The Obama administration will soon ease some restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and other sanctions following Havana’s promise to free political prisoners, according to growing but unconfirmed reports.

Two persons close to the administration told El Nuevo Herald on Friday the decision has been made and will be announced in the next two weeks. Another said he’s heard the reports but cautioned they could be “trial balloons.”

The key change will be an expansion of educational and cultural travel, which accounted for about 2,000 visits in 2009, said two of the sources. Many academics have urged President Barack Obama to expand those visits, drastically trimmed by the George W. Bush administration.

One of them added that Obama also will restore the broader “peopleto-people” category of travel, which allows “purposeful” visits to increase contacts between U.S. and Cuban citizens.

Though that category requires prior U.S. licenses for the trips, it is fuzzy enough to allow for much expanded travel to Cuba, the source added. All asked for anonymity because they did not want to be seen as pre-empting a White House announcement.

The people-to-people category was established by the Clinton administration but was closed in 2003

by Bush, both because of his more aggressive policies toward Cuba and

complaints that too many people were abusing it for purely tourist trips.

An estimated 150,000-200,000 U.S. travelers visited the island in 2001. The figure dropped to 120,000 during Bush’s last year in office, but rebounded to 200,000 in 2009 after Obama lifted virtually all restrictions on Cuban Americans’ travel to the island.

Another change will be permission for U.S.-Cuba flights from all of the about 35 U.S. airports that have top-level security arrangements, according to two of the sources. Cuba flights are now approved only for Miami, Los Angeles and John F. Kennedy airport in New York.

Obama also will make it easier to pay in the United States for telephone and other services rendered in Cuba, the sources added, in hopes of increasing communications between the island and Cuban exiles.

Francisco “Pepe” Hernandez, president of the Cuban-American National Foundation, told El Nuevo Herald he could not confirm the reports but noted that CANF opposes U.S. tourism in Cuba but favors easing the travel restrictions.

“For a long time we have been making an effort with the (Obama) administration to extend the licenses and spectrum of people-to-people travel because we believe this is a proactive measure that is going to help to provide people in Cuba with the support they need,” he said.

Mike Hammer, spokesman for the White House’s National Security Council, said only that the Obama administration “will continue to pur-

It may soon be easier to travel to Cuba, according to unconfirmed reports.

(Hector Gabino/El Nuevo Herald/MCT) sue policies that advance the U.S. national interest and support the Cuban people’s desire to freely determine their country’s future.”

But the reports drew quick condemnations from opponents of easing sanctions, who all noted that U.S. government subcontractor Alan Gross and at least 30 political prisoners remain jailed in Cuba.

“This is not the time to ease the pressure on the Castro regime. They have made no significant concessions that should be rewarded,” said Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, a Cuban-American and head of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, a powerful post in an election year.

“Promoting travel and widespread remittances will give the regime a much-needed infusion of dollars that will only allow the Castro brothers to extend their reign of oppression and human rights violations,” Menendez added in a state-

ment.

Said Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.: “Concessions to tyrants like Fidel Castro simply embolden them in their ruthless brutality. History teaches that lesson .... But President Obama continues to err.”

U.S. regulations allow only 12 categories of travel to Cuba, including family reunification, official U.S. government business, journalism, professional research and meetings, educational and religious activities, and performances or athletic competitions.

Some fall under “general licenses” that do not require prior U.S. approval, but most require applications for “specific licenses” issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The “people-to-people” travel, if it is restored, would require specific licenses, but the president has the power to change it into general

license, said Robert Muse, a Washington lawyer who follows U.S. sanctions on Cuba closely.

Congress has been considering a bill that would lift all U.S. restrictions on travel to Cuba. Its backers insist it has a good chance of passing, though congressional staffers monitoring the bill say it’s short of the needed votes.

One of the three sources said the easing of the travel and other restrictions is the Obama administration’s “calibrated response” to the Raul Castro government’s promise to free at least 52 political prisoners by September. More than 20 already are free.

Because the changes will be the result of presidential decisions, rather than changes in the maze of U.S. laws regulating relations with Cuba, Obama “can backtrack if it all goes bad,” he said.

One Democratic Party operative in Miami said, however, that any decision to ease the restrictions would not be a reply to the Castro promise, but rather a continuation of the Obama policy of doing whatever he believes benefits U.S. interests in Cuba, no matter what Castro does.

The operative said he was not worried that Cuba might complain that the Obama changes would be a too-meager response to Castro’s promise to free the 52 political prisoners — the biggest such release since 1998.

“The last thing we want is Cuba saying, ‘Thanks, Obama,’ “ said the man, who asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to speak on Obama policies.

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Commentary

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What Can School Districts Do To Raise Their Achievement Standards And Scores?

Q. School is about to reopen in a few weeks and I’m concern about my district’s ability to really educate my children.

Moving is not an option but do you have any information on what school districts can do to raise their achievement standards and scores?

A. This is a great question! It’s one that district superintendents and their administrators meet about and create plans for over numerous hours in the school year. Each district has it’s unique set of needs, challenges, problems, delays and successes. Money is a big issue in school districts today. For example, in a school district where 90% of the students are considered poor, free breakfast and lunch must be offered along with other accommodations necessary to meet their needs. This means that monies from the state must be spent for these accommodations.

In a nearby district where the student body is 90% above the poverty line, those monies can

be spent on literacy or math programs or other academic ventures. The key to academic success is for school districts to adopt research based and proven to work programs designed to meet their students needs!

The Broad Prize for Urban Education is awarded to large school districts that show the most progress. Heather Zavadsky, who writes for the Los Angeles Times, followed the process of selecting districts over a four year period. Five districts were chosen.

Two of the districts are in Southern California — the Long Beach and Garden Grove unified school districts. The others are the Boston Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia and the Aldine Independent School District outside Houston. As different as the five school systems are in location, funding and, to some extent, demographics, all have raised achievement notably using five common-sense steps: Developing a challenging, clear, and specific curriculum.

Set no more than six long-term strategic district-wide goals, and used them to drive practices in every school.

Developing strategies to attract and retain effective teachers, support them, and cultivate a collaborative working environment.

Use data to select, pilot, and monitor programs and eliminate those that weren’t working.

Successfully build relationships with parents, community organizations, area businesses, and others with a stake in student success.

As a parent, you can join your district’s PTA, attend board meetings and create a writing campaign to request from your district what their current plans are and urge them to take specific steps to improve the academics for their students. To read this full article visit: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/07/opinion/ la-oe-zavadsky-broad-20100707

Lisa-Anne Byers is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist who has worked in education for over two decades. She holds graduate degrees in speech-language pathology and multicultural education.

She is also holds certification in educational administration. She is the author of the book, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas. You may contact her at speechlrb@yahoo.com or visit

If It Sounds Like Racism And Acts Like Racism, Then It Probably Is

By Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. NNPA Chairman

(NNPA) - This is America, but you wouldn’t think so in light of recent events wherein two high-profile, long serving African-American congressman have come under attack. They are being dragged through the mud in a rush to judgment regarding alleged ethics violations.

Rep. Charles B. Rangel (DN.Y.) and Rep. Maxine Waters (DCalif.) are the accused. Rep. Rangel has been found guilty by a House ethics subcommittee of violating ethics rules and will face trial within the next couple of months. He has been under investigation since 2008 due to allegedly using his House position for financial benefit.

Rep. Waters is also under the microscope of the House ethics subcommittee for allegedly using her congressional authority in a meeting with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on behalf of OneUnited bank, in which her husband owns $250,000 in stock.

It is important that our elected officials, those to whom we give our public trust, be ethically sound, but in this current spate of accusations, there is something fishy in the proverbial Denmark! As of 2010, there are presently 42 African-American members in the 111th U.S. Congress - 41 in the House of Representatives (39 representatives and 2 non-voting delegates)

Rep. Maxine Waters and one in the Senate.

The fact is that African-Americans represent only 10 percent of the Congress, and 19 percent (8) are under investigation! This raises the question as to whether or not Black lawmakers face more scrutiny over allegations of wrongdoing than their White counterparts. We conclude that if it sounds like racism and acts like racism, then it probably is racism! In America, we need to presume innocence until proven guilty, and we need not be led to judgment.

Congressman Rangel and Congressman Waters are valuable members of the African-American community who have fought valiantly for our community.

The National Newspaper Publish-

her website at www.AskLisaAnne. com.

ers Association (NNPA), therefore, urges you to stand behind them. We want them to know that we are there for them; that all 200+ NNPA publishers throughout America stand solidly behind them, and urge them to continue on the course and stay strong.

Black publishers are on the way with pen in hand!

History has shown that Black people make no progress in America without a struggle for what is right and good for the Black community.

Many people want to call this situation something other than what it is, but it is racism at the core. It is daunting, but not surprising that this is the case, but Rep. Rangel and Rep. Waters are far too valuable to our community to give up without a fight!

JetBlues: The Revenge Of The Flight Attendants

By Anthony L. Hall Like most people I got a good laugh at the way JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater went off after a difficult passenger spewed expletives in his face and another gashed his forehead while opening the overhead bin and then refused to apologize.

This abuse proved to be the last straw. Because as soon as his flight (1052 from Pittsburg) reached the gate at JKF on Monday, he reportedly commandeered the plane’s public address system and spewed forth.

He then grabbed a beer from the galley, deployed the emergency exit slide and jumped off the plane – kissing those unruly passengers, and his career, goodbye. Which, to correct a mistaken allusion other commentators are making, is fundamentally different from saying to an abusive boss, “take this job and shove it”.

This meltdown has turned Slater into a folk hero – no doubt for venting the professional frustrations many people suffer in quiet desperation.

But it’s the revenge-of-theflight-attendant angle that must truly resonate. For I suspect Slater’s reaction filled all flight attendants with a vicarious sense of vindication. And the rest of us are cheering because we’ve all witnessed some idiot passenger treating a flight attendant like his personal servant and wished that attendant would “accidentally” spill hot coffee in that passenger’s lap.

This is what Slater should have done if he wanted to keep

his job with JetBlue, or to ever work as a flight attendant again.

Instead, going berserk the way he did says far more about his mental stability than it does about the manners of the passengers who provoked him. A hero? I don’t think so….

In any case, he would be well-advised to milk his 15 minutes of (international) fame for all it’s worth. Specifically, he should demand fees for all interviews and, who knows, given the caliber and character of the stars on reality TV, he could parlay this episode into a very lucrative gig.

God knows the private life he leads with his boyfriend would probably prove far more entertaining than watching Snooki and others on the Jersey Shore get paid to act like fools.

That said, it behooves all parents hailing this guy as a hero to explain to their children that Slater’s behavior is nothing to emulate; i.e., that it was appropriate only for this one occasion.

After all, if the United States Supreme Court can excuse its bad ruling in Bush v. Gore 2000 by saying it’s not a precedent to ever be followed or cited, then parents can excuse Slater’s bad behavior by the same logic.

JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

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Sports

ALL-DACOSTA VS. ALL-MANNING

MASTERS SOCCER FESTIVAL

QUEENS, NY, AUG. 21. /1:30 PM

Soccer Honors ‘Chicken’

All-daCosta Looks To Avenge Loss Against Aging All-Manning Crew

By Aubrey Campbell

QUEENS, NY — Leonard Mason does not remember how he got his nickname “Chicken” that has stuck to him the same way the soccer ball was stuck to his cleats during his playing days at Excelsior High school in the Manning Cup competition in the 1970s.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt jokes prior to his 100m heat during the Diamond League Athletics meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, Friday.

Bolt In Good Spirits

Having graduated high school in Jamaica with ‘playing honors’, and college in the Midwestern USA, he has stayed out of the sporting spotlight, using the time to build a successful accounting business.

For someone who shuns the limelight, it was very interesting to hear “Chicken’s” animated response over the telephone when told – in late July – that he was selected as the 2010 recipient of the Manning Cup Award for “outstanding contribution and dedicated service to the development of soccer in Jamaica”.

The award will be presented to Leonard “Chicken” Mason, during the half time ceremonies of the feature match, at the second annual All-daCosta vs. All-Manning Masters Soccer Festival in Queens, NY, on Saturday, August 21.

The all day, family themed event is being presented by the Comets Club International organization, the overseas affiliate of the Montego Bay Comets Athletics Club, Jamaica.

Mason, whose only goal of the match was enough for Jamaica to beat the USA in Kings-

Sprint king Usain Bolt is said to be in good spirits despite being forced to close his 2010 season almost a month ahead of schedule due to a problem he discovered in his lower back Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls suffered a region almost a week ago.

The 23-year-old was advised to call time humiliating 69-42 on his on-track activities for the rest of the seato topson after meeting with noted physician Dr Hans thrashing MŸller-Wohlfahrt in Germany on Monday, days ranked Australia in after losing to American rival Tyson Gay in the 100m at a Diamond League meet in Stockholm, their second match Sweden - his first defeat in over two years. of their best-of-three As a result, it is now common knowledge Wednesday that the 100m and 200m world record holder series will be missing from action at the upcoming at the Sydney State Weltklasse Zurich and Memorial van Damme, Brussels Diamond League meetings, which are Sports Centre.

ton in l972, has been hailed as one of the most talented schoolboys to play for the Mountain View-based institution.

He was particularly pleased to know that the daCosta Cup equivalent of the award will be presented to Barrington ‘Scarrie’ Ferguson, the pocket-sized Hercules and midfield general for Cornwall College in the mid 1970s.

On their way to what seemed a certain championship in l976, legend has it that coach Bob Campbell gave specific instructions to his Vere Technical players to “contain the general”.

In front of the entire population of western Jamaica, just before half time, Ferguson had to be helped off the field after he was poked in the eye so badly, he lost vision.

Allie McNab’s boys went down to their worse loss of the season, a 3-0, first leg, semi-final defeat. They tied the return leg 1-1 in Hayes, Clarendon, four days later, but the damage was already done.

Enemies (town vs. country) in Jamaica, both players would later ‘hook up’ overseas, forming a deadly attacking combination for a club team in metropolitan Chicago, USA. It’s been an unbroken friendship since then.

“I’m honored and it will be a greater honor to stand beside that little man on that evening, in front of my peers,” Mason said with unbridled excitement.

Asked if he is in any shape to help the ‘AllD’ selection defend their title this year, Ferguson would only say that, “for right now, it’s all about the family, I’m a family man”.

Karl ‘Digga’ Largie (Wolmer’s Boys, Jamaica) and Alton ‘Noah’ Sterling (STETHS, Seba United, Jamaica), were the honorees for 2009.

The All-daCosta vs. All-Manning game which brings together players 35 years and old-

Sunshine Girls Fall To Austies In Sydney

both scheduled for later this month.

Bolt was expected to run a relay leg at the Zurich meet before facing off once again with Gay in Brussels for what was a highly anticipated rematch.

The athlete’s long-time manager Norman Peart told The Gleaner yesterday that the Olympic and World champion is currently receiving treatment and that though disappointed, he is doing well particularly because of the fact that there were no major championships scheduled for this year.

“I haven’t spoken to him since Monday but he is quite fine,” Said Peart. “Though his season has ended earlier than expected, the good thing is that it’s not like he was getting in shape for a World Championships or some other major meet; if that was the case, I’m sure he would clearly be in a different mindset.”

Peart added that the main focus now is to get the athlete rested up and ready to go for next year’s IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

The Connie Franciscoached team now trails the series 2-0 following their 58-39 loss to the Australians on Sunday in Melbourne.

Francis, while speaking to The Gleaner during a telephone interview, said that she was disappointed with the team’s performance during the contest.

“It was a below-par performance, especially from our senior players inside the midcourt area because I think that is were we lost the game,” said Francis.

“I thought Romelda (Aiken) and played an excellent game for us and despite being constantly double-teamed by the Australian defenders, she was able to keep us in game for a while,” she added.

“However, but as you

know, we have two rookie goal attacks (Vanessa Walker and Ann-Kay Griffith) and they were very nervous and this affected us for the entire match,” Francis said.

“I thought we could have played much better; I believe that we lost game in the third quarter because we allowed the Australians to out-muscle us,” Francis noted.

She added that they will stage three training sessions before their next game on Sunday and that they will be working on their mistakes in these practice periods.

“I am looking for a better performance in our final game on Sunday because I know that the players believe in themselves that they can do it,” said Francis.

Jamaica trailed by just one point midway the opening quarter, with ace goal shooter Aiken scoring 11 goals from 11 attempts.

However, Australia’s proficiency at getting the ball down court was eventually too much for the Sunshine Girls, as the Diamonds took a 23-12 lead at the end of the period.

Aiken finished the match with 33 goals. Walker and Griffith scored seven and two goals, respectively.

Leonard “Chicken” Mason, Excelsior High School, Jamaica er, will be the feature presentation on the three (3) match festival schedule. A Springfield Gardens HS Alumni selection will play Rosedale Eagles in the opener at 1:30 pm., followed by Lions United FC (Long Island), meeting Santos FC (Bronx) in the second game at 3:00 pm.

Last year, the All-daCosta selection, managed by Clennon Clarke (Vere) and captained

by Lloyd Matthews (Vere), defeated the Corporate Area selection (Manager/Captain – Douglas Bell, KC), for the first hold on the Comets Club Int’l/Grace Kennedy-Western Union Challenge trophy. This year the losing team will get the LIME trophy.

AUSTIES THRASH JAMAICA 69-42

Nadine Bryan of the Sunshine Girls gathers the ball during game one of the Netball series between the Australian Diamonds and the Jamaican Sunshine Girls at State Netball Hockey Centre on August 8, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR * FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010

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Jamaica Falls Short In Mayor’s Cup

After their double overtime match left them with a 4-4 tie, Poland NYC went on to defeat Jamaica NYC in penalty kicks, and won the 2010 COPA NYC Championship. Pele and NYC Mayor Bloomberg presented the Mayor’s Cup trophy. Queens, NY.

Soccer Legend Pele (R), New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (C) and President of the United States Soccer Federation Sunil Gulati (L) pose for a photograph with the NYC Poland Football Team Captain.

Guyana To Bring Unique Style, Says Dowlin GEORGETOWN, Guyana – West Indies player Travis Dowlin says Guyana will bring their unique brand of cricket to Airtel Champions League as they seek to leave their mark on the lucrative club Twenty20 tournament in South Africa next month.

Guyana will have large shoes to fill, following on from Trinidad and Tobago’s outstanding performance in last year’s Champions League in India.

Written off before the start of

the tournament, T&T shocked the international fraternity by playing unbeaten to reach the final before losing to Australian state side New South Wales Blues.

However, Dowlin said Guyana would be looking to carve out their own niche with their distinctive style of cricket.

“As a Guyana team we want to bring our own brand of cricket. We want to create our own legacy,” the 33-year-old stressed.

“Trinidad and Tobago had a great legacy. Last year they did really well for the region, reaching the final, and everyone is expecting us to play a similar sort of game.

“In many ways we are similar to the Trinidadians in terms of the make-up of our squad, but what we want to do is to have people see us as the Guyana team playing the game in

our way – workmanlike and efficient and enjoying what we do.

“We have our own style and our own way of playing and that’s what we plan to do in South Africa.”

Since their qualification, the side has been hard at work preparing for the tournament which will pit them against the likes of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Highveld Lions and South Australia Redbacks.

Under coach Ravidranauth Seeram and skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan, Guyana have been doing nets sessions, fitness drills and gym workouts all week. They are expected to play several friendly matches next week to further enhance their preparation.

Dowlin said be believed the fact Guyana were an unknown quantity would be an advantage.

“We have the element of surprise. We have a number of new players – several players who have never yet played at the international level – so this can very well work in our favour,” he pointed out.

“We have some players who can hit the ball powerfully including Jonathan Foo, Christopher Barnwell, and the Crandon brothers (Royston and Esaun) and we also have myself, Sarwan and Narsingh Deonarine, who are ‘workers’ of the ball.

“The one major area we have been working hard on is our bowling at the ‘death’. We have to sharpen up in that department as that is one area that can hurt any team in this version of the game.”

Dowlin said the squad was brimming with confidence and this had been enhanced by the country’s pride in the team’s performance in the

CT20.

“There are very high levels of enthusiasm in the squad. Everyone is really excited now we have this great opportunity to play in the Champions League and represent our beloved country on the international stage,” Dowlin noted.

“Everyone is full of enthusiasm.

There is real expectation among the people of Guyana. Everywhere you turn, people including the taxi drives, bus drivers … just about everyone, has been congratulating us for our performance in winning the Caribbean T20 and also wishing us all the best as we prepare for South Africa.

“It feels really good to see that people here paid so much attention to our performances in the CT20.

We hope to maintain that same level of intensity and commitment to the cause,” Dowlin said.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

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