New York Liberty Star

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

50 CENTS

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AIR JAMAICA CL OSE TO DEAL WITH CARIBBEAN AIR CLOSE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010

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Page 6

Caribbean News

BAJAN PM WANTS DUAL CITIZENSHIP FULL STORY, P. 3

BARBADOS PRIME MINISTER DAVID THOMPSON says the laws governing dual citizenships for Caribbean leaders should be reviewed.

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Entertainment

JACKSON’S DOCTOR SET TO BE CHARGED

CONRAD MURRAY is set to be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the pop star’s death, says prosecutors.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 186

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

CONTENTS

W E AT H E R

CHRISTOPHER COKE

PM BHARRAT JAGDEO

TODAY AM Snow High: 33° Low: 18° TOMORROW Sunny

High: 28° Low: 20°

US BLOCKING HELP

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Jagdeo believes the United States is creating obstacles to the involvement of the Caribbean Community.

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A senior United States official says Washington has no plans to reverse the extradition request for “Dudus”.

TEDDY PENDERGRASS

HEALTH NEWS

SITTING CAN KILL YOU

DUDUS STILL WANTED

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59 Y-O SINGER DIES

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Scientists are increasingly warning Teddy Pendergrass died recently after that sitting for prolonged periods could a long illness and spending his last 28 be bad for your health. years in a wheelchair.

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

EDITORIAL STAFF

Haitians In US Begin Filing For Temporary Protected Status

By Nelson King WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States immigration authorities say tens of thousands of Haitians living here illegally began filing applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Thursday.

Last Friday, US Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that the US had granted TPS for Haitians “living and working in our country for the next 18 months.”

“Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this administration’s continuing effort to support Haiti’s recovery,” she said in a statement.

But Alejandro Mayorkas, the director of the US Citizenship and Im-

“Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this administration’s continuing effort to support Haiti’s recovery.”

US Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

migration Services, said only Haitians who had been in the US before last week’s catastrophic earthquake would be eligible for TPS. An estimated 100,000 Haitians live in the US illegally.

Mayorkas said the agency was bracing for an onslaught of applications, adding: “We are drawing on expertise from the past.”

The Obama administration had come under heightened pressure to grant TPS to Haitians here, espe-

Andrea Quarantillo, district director for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), field questions during a community briefing in New York, Wednesday. More than 200 representatives of community based organizations attended the briefing to learn of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, a 18-month legal immigration status for Haitians affected by the earthquake. Applicants must prove their Haitian citizenship as well as their residence in the U.S. before the earthquake struck Jan. 12.

cially in the wake of last Tuesday’s massive earthquake.

eligible for TPS are allowed to remain in the US. But a Jamaican-born legislator in New York, who had also called for TPS for Haitians, has gone further in urging the Obama administration to grant “total amnesty” for the undocumented Haitians.

New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry, who represents the predominantly Caribbean 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said the 18month TPS is too short a reprieve for Haitians.

“The best thing America can do for Haitians is to put the amnesty bill in quick motion,” Perry said.

“That would benefit the Haitians here and elevate their status to permanent residence,” added Perry “Haiti is a special case. People [Haitians] who are here have nothing to go back to,” he continued, warning that if the US does not grant amnesty to Haitians, the impoverished, French-speaking Caribbean country could become a “Protectorate” State.

“It’s likely that America will be de facto running Haiti,” Perry said.

“America will have so much responsibility in keeping order that Haiti will be in a protectorate status. Short of that, Haiti will be another Somalia.”

Assemblyman Urges Amnesty For All Haitians Jamaican American Congresswoman Yvette. D. Clarke, who represents the 11th Congressional District in Brooklyn, the largest district of Caribbean immigrants in the US, welcomed the latest move by the US. “I am extremely pleased that Temporary Protected Status has been extended to Haitian nationals in the United States,” said Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants.

“I commend the president and Secretary [Janet] Napolitano for the dedication to the Haitian people in the light of such a dark and challenging time,” she added.

“This is, indeed, a giant symbol of this administration’s support for the people of Haiti – both in this country and (in Haiti).”

TPS is usually given to certain immigrants in the United States who cannot safely return to their countries because of armed conflicts, natural disasters or other emergencies. Those

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FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

A woman is transferred for examination by U.S. soldiers at the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince. Cash became available and buses started running in Haiti's wrecked capital but earthquake survivors are still desperate for food and aid.

Help Pours Out For Haiti As Death Count Grows

By Pharoh Martin and Kendra Desrosiers NNPA National and Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) - It’s been described as “The world’s Katrina”. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that completely devastated and uprooted the Black island nation of Haiti, leaving an estimated 100,000 dead and millions more homeless, injured and in despair.

Government officials are predicting that the death toll could eventually rise to half a million, making it one of the most destructive natural disasters ever.

Already reeling from a string of recent national setbacks, including political upheavals and an overwhelming series of hurricanes in 2008, one of the poorest nations in the Western hemisphere now has to deal with this tragedy.

“Port-au-Prince is destroyed. We have a lot death, a lot of casualties, human casualties, material casualties, we are dead,’’ said Cassandra Valbrun in a phone interview from Haiti. The 34-year-old married mother of two works in the Pout-au-Prince suburb of Pétionville. She was still at work when the earthquake struck Jan. 12.

“We need water, medication and tents because people are sleeping outside of their house,’’ she said. “We are sleeping on the street, on yards, on open fields and it’s cold at night. It’s like 21-Celsius degree. It’s cold. I’m sleeping in a neighbor’s back yard. We are surviving. We are on our own with food we’ve had at home. We’ve come together and we’ve tried to give some cereal to the kids. We adults eat once in the day to make the food last, so we don’t spoil it. And I don’t know how long we will keep doing that.’’

Howard University international student Roberte Exantus is also from the Haitian suburb of Pétionville. The 20-year-old was in Washington, D.C. when the earthquake hit and while she was fortunate enough to hear from her parents she still has heard no news from other members of her family.

“My father, I recently heard from him, but my friends, my brother is still there. But I’m waiting, I’m hoping and waiting and praying,’’ she shared. When Exantus spoke to her father by phone she said that he seemed to be in a delirious mental state. He just told her to stay strong.

“He was just saying the dead people are everywhere,’’ Exantus said. “Everyone is on their own right now. A lot talk about a lot of the help they are getting but, according to my dad, they are waiting. Nothing has gotten there yet.

Food is scarce in Haiti right now so, I don’t know what the deal is how he’s getting food but … he doesn’t care about food at the moment he only cares about finding family members.’’

The recovery of Haiti in the aftermath of the country’s biggest earthquake in 200 years is enormous. In fact, the recovery will involve one of history’s largest international relief efforts.

Americans were just getting over the perceived donor fatigue tied to the Gulf Coast recovery after Hurricane Katrina that hit nearly five years ago. Nevertheless, based on reports from relief organizations, the American public has responded fervently upon hearing news of Haiti.

President Obama has pledged $100 million dollars in U. S. aid as and spared no expense in resources for relief for the Caribbean nation.

“At this very moment one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history is moving towards Haiti,’’ the president said. “More American search and rescue teams are coming. More food. More water. Doctors, nurses, paramedics. More of the people, equipment and capabilities that can make the difference between life and death.’’

Flanked by former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, he also announced the formation of a relief fund under their names, which can be found at www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.org The Department of State, USAID and the United States Southern Command have begun working to coordinate an assessment on humanitarian assistance.

“This is one of those moments that calls out for American leadership,’’ Obama said.

Not even a week before the disaster, USAID swore in new administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah and its mission director for Haiti, Dr. Careene Dei, two officials who will likely be responsible for spearheading the United States’ relief efforts.

According to USAID, the federal government’s agency that is responsible for administering civilian foreign aid will provide 14,550 tons of food aid that consists of rice, corn soy blend and vegetable oil, which they hold will help feed 1.2 million people for two weeks.

“Food aid will be critical in the coming weeks,’’ said Shah. ‘’By acting quickly now, we can help those most affected by this disaster in their time of need.’’

The U.S. Navy will send more than a half dozen ships to Haiti and the Pentagon will be sending thousands of Marines to assist with relief and security.

The federal government has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian nationals currently in the U.S. This designation will provide temporary refuge to Haitian nationals already in the country for the 18 months by legally allowing them to live and work in the U.S. living and working in the country for the next 18 months.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo

U.S. Marine Corporal Stephen Tillman sits in a field near Leogane, Haiti, Wednesday. The Marines have secured the area waiting for the arrival of aid. TDespite relief aid flowing into Haiti after last week’s deadly earthquake, many people are still without food and water.

Jagdeo Says US Blocking Caribbean Help In Haiti GEORGETOWN, Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo believes the United States is creating obstacles to the involvement of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other countries in earthquake-devastated Haiti.

with lots of their policies and viewpoints now and then,” the Guyanese leader said, stressing that “many of the moves of the Americans around the globe are against the norms and merely ensure their own interests”.

Jagdeo referred to the economic advancement of Asian countries, saying “today the Americans openly declare that they are concerned about some developing countries’ rapid advancement, such as China, towards becoming developed economic poles, since those countries can leave behind the United States economically in the future.”

He reiterated, “there are many countries and During a meeting with the Iranian Vice President Veep Rahimi on Wednesday in the Islamic Re- nations in the world today that do not seek salvation through attachment to public, Jagdeo said he was the United States, having informed that a delegation chosen other paths.” comprised of Latin American A high level CARICOM leaders who were seeking to mission to Haiti, comprising visit Port au Prince faced obheads of government and jection from the US governleading technical officials, ment and therefore could not had to be aborted last Friday make the humanitarian move. after it was refused to permisIn the wake of the disassion to land in Haiti followter and the decision of the ing the impact of the massive Haitian authorities to hand 7.0 earthquake on January 12. over control of the airport to On Friday afternoon, the the US, Rahimi also raised US State Department conobjection, saying the presence firmed signing two Memoof US forces in Haiti was seranda of Understanding with riously affecting efforts by the Government of Haiti that other countries to provide asPresident Bharrat Jagdeo made “official that the United sistance to the country in its States is in charge of all inhour of need.

“I am agreed with the entire axes of your com- bound and outbound flights and aid offloading”.

Further, according to the agreements signed, US ments,” Jagdeo told the Iranian official.

He added that Guyana has always pursued in- medical personnel “now have the authority to operdependent policies. “Although we live in the vicin- ate on Haitian citizens and otherwise render mediity of the United States, we are not agreed with their cal assistance without having to wait for licences entire stance, and we do express our dissatisfaction from Haiti’s Government”.

“Although we live in the vicinity of the United States, we are not agreed with their entire stance, and we do express our dissatisfaction with lots of their policies and viewpoints ...”

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Youth’s Risky Behaviors A High Cost To The Region GEORGETOWN, Guyana — A study on the situation of Caribbean youth has revealed that youth ‘risky behaviors are wreaking serious havoc on the economies of the Caribbean.’

The Study was conducted by former World Bank Economist Jad Chaaban as part of the research done by the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development (CCYD) in keeping with its mandate from CARICOM Heads of Government to analyze the situation of Caribbean youth and recommend policy interventions to empower them and improve their well-being.

According to the Study, murder rates in the Caribbean - at 30 per 100,000 annually - were higher than any other region of the world and that youth were the primary perpetrators as well as the victims of crime and violence.

The Study revealed that the economic costs of youth crime had two components: the first were direct financial costs related to public expenditure on security, policing, arrest, judicial processing, and incarceration. The second component was indirect costs, linked to the foregone earnings of the criminal while he/she was in prison, and to the losses in tourism revenues linked to youth crimes. Lost tourist revenues as a result of crime had reached in excess of US$200 million per year for the CARICOM region, and overall youth crime was costing at least 7% of the region’s Gross Domestic product (GDP).

Based on the findings of the Study, teenage pregnancy was seemingly costing CARICOM governments on average $US2000 per year for every young pregnant mother. These mothers were also losing potential earnings they could have achieved, if they had been able to delay their motherhood and continue to higher educational levels.

With regard to HIV/AIDS, the Study illus-

trated that CARICOM countries were spending US$17 million per year on HIV treatment, with an average cost of antiretroviral therapy estimated at US$641 per person.

But this is not the only costs imposed by HIV/AIDS: according to the Study, every young man or woman with untreated HIV faced a risk of death, and society would lose much of its human capital as a result of the AIDS epidemic.

“Each person dying from AIDS could have joined the labor market at prevailing conditions and earned annual income, which if summed up across individuals would represent a potential for each youth cohort of nearly US$1 billion for the CARICOM region in future earnings,” the Report noted.

In quantifying the costs incurred by Governments and individuals as a result of these risky behaviors, the Study pointed to estimates that indicated that if youth unemployment were to be reduced to the level of that of adult unemployment (i.e. on average for the Caribbean a reduction from 23% to 8%), the Caribbean economy as a whole would benefit from an average increase of 1% in GDP. The findings of the Study have been incorporated in the Report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development and will be submitted to CARICOM Heads of Government at a Special Summit in Suriname next week-end (29-30 January), under the theme: YOUTH NOW for the Community Tomorrow.

The Summit has been supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP); the European Union and the Caribbean Development Bank. The Commission’s work has been supported by the Governments of Spain and Italy; the United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

American Found Dead On Antigua Beach ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - Police say they are seeking to determine the motive behind Tuesday’s killing of an American visitor to the island that has prompted emergency talks involving tourism stakeholders.

The body of Nina Elizabeth Nilssen, 29, who arrived in Antigua and Barbuda aboard the pleasure boat “The Royal Clipper”, was discovered at the popular Pigeon Point Beach by a British tourist at around 5PM Tuesday.

A police statement said the victim was wearing a multicolored wrap skirt, a beige blouse and leather sandals. Her body was found lying face up, bearing a stab wound to the neck and while her shoulder bag with belongings were found close to her body, Senior Sergeant William Holder said it was too early to rule out robbery as a motive.

An autopsy has been scheduled for next week.

The police spokesman said investigators were looking for a person of interest who may have information that could move them closer to finding Nilssen’s killer.

The individual is described as a tall and slim black male with an afro-type hair style. He had a gold tooth, was missing some teeth and was wearing 3/4 length jeans.

Meanwhile, tourism stakeholders spent Wednesday afternoon in a meeting discussing a coordinated response to the country’s first homicide for the year.

Grenada MP Banned From Using Cell Phones ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - Speaker of the House of Representatives George McGuire has banned the use of cell phones by parliamentarians during sittings of the Lower House.

He made the announcement at the end of the 2010 budget debate on Thursday.

McGuire said that he would no longer tolerate disturbances from electronics devices and gadgets when the House is in session.

“It’s not only intolerable to have electronics devices disturbing the proceeding but it’s wrong and should not be accepted,” he told MPs in his wrap up comments.

During the four-day debate which began on Monday, ringing cell phones were frequently heard.

While imposing the ban, McGuire said that he would make provision for his staff to answer members’ phones and to provide messages to them once the House is in session.

President Bharrat Jagdeo

Barbados’ Prime Minister David Thompson

Bajan PM Wants Dual Citizenship Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson on Thursday added his voice to the raging debate in the region over the issue of dual citizenship, saying he believes the current situation in which persons can be disqualified for leadership on such grounds is flawed.

“This is a matter that I consider worthy for analysis at this crucial juncture in our history,” said Thompson, in making his position known on the issue.

Addressing a large gathering for Errol Barrow Day celebrations in Barbados that included the Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who is facing such a challenge at home, Thompson said he was very concerned that “on our present trajectory, if something sensible is not done

that soon we may not have a competent cadre of individuals from which to choose our leaders in the Caribbean.

“I find it somewhat flawed that we educate our children, send them abroad for education to gain valuable insights and experiences in other lands and then we tell them that the legal status they would have acquired while residing in those countries prevents them from serving in and helping to build their own countries as legislators.

“It gets even worse. Some existing constitutions also stipulate that even holding citizenship or having a passport from a sister Caribbean island disqualifies you from serving in our own country as a legislator,” he said, adding that the time had come for a review of the provisions “as they will hamper and prevent us from attracting vitally needed talent in the management and administration of these islands at this critical period in our development”.

Skerrit, whose Dominica Labour

Party (DLP) scored a resounding victory in the December 18 general elections, faces the possibility of being disqualified on the grounds that he is a holder of French citizenship.

The opposition United Workers Party (UWP), which claimed three of the 21 seats in the Dominica parliament, has taken the matter to court.

While not making specific reference to the Dominica situation, Thompson chose to highlight the life work of Barrow who he said could have qualified for citizenship in quite a few Caribbean countries and elsewhere.

“Could you imagine the void that might have existed in Barbados’ history had he been denied the right to serve in the parliament of Barbados in 1958 because he was a citizens of another Caribbean country?” he asked.

In the case of Jamaica, where the matter of dual citizenship has been settled by the court the pre scri ption has been to order a by election in cases where the candidate is disqualified.

Jamaicans Sentenced To Hang For Murder Of Prominent Businessman KINGSTON, Jamaica - A Jamaica court on Wednesday sentenced two men to death for the kidnapping and murder of a prominent businessman and his wife in 2006.

The Home Circuit Court sentenced Lennox Swaby and Calvin Powell to face the gallows for the death of Richard Lyn and his wife, Hulia, who were from the central parish of Manchester.

Government prosecutors had sought the death penalty, which was strongly opposed by the defence. But in her summary, presiding judge

Marva McIntosh said the men had shown no remorse for their actions and were beyond reform.

Prosecutors had argued that there was serious concern about the rise in kidnappings and murders in Jamaica and the two were prime candidates for the death penalty. Lyn and his wife were kidnapped from their home on December 9, 2006.

After killing the Lyns, the men contacted their family members demanding a ransom.

Investigators, who had searched for the couple for several weeks, testified that Powell, a garbage truck driver, was the man who led them to the bodies that were hidden at a dump site on December 29 of that year.

The two accused had claimed that the Lyns were killed by a policeman.

However, the prosecutors dismissed the allegations and argued that appliances stolen from the Lyns residence were found in the possession of the men.

Jagdeo Displeased With Teachers, Healthcare GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Despite huge increases in budgetary expenditures for almost 20 years results from the health and education sectors are below par and this must be reversed this year President Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Jagdeo outlined his position during the ongoing cabinet retreat in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) more than 100 miles from the capital.

He said that his administration has invested heavily in expanding social services such as education and health and in upgrading the physical infrastructure of the country, but “the results that have been achieved from this focus have not been satisfactory”.

To highlight his discontent Jagdeo referred to unacceptable levels of absenteeism among teachers “which is affecting students,” warning that in 2010 government will work to reverse the trend.”

“There must be a cultural shift,” Jagdeo said pointing to public sector doctors who also operate private practices “that limit the amount of time they spend with patients in the numerous newly constructed public hospitals across the country.”

He said that the country must demand greater value for projects funded from the public purse and that unless punitive measures were implemented mediocrity would continue.

“Unless we put penalties people will not change,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo noted that since 1992, when the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) came to office more than G$300 billion (US$1.5billion) in external debt had been repaid ensuring the previously Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) is now a low-middle income country which uses four per cent of its revenues to service external debts as compared to 94 per cent in previous years.

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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CRIME&PUNNISHMENT OP-ED

REAL TALK

What Happened To Leadership By Example

By Carlyle McKetty The US stands by its extradition order for Jamaican Christopher “Dudus” Coke

‘Dudus’ Still A Wanted Man KINGSTON, Jamaica – A senior United States official says Washington has no plans to reverse the extradition request for Jamaican Christopher “Dudus” Coke on drugs and gun related charges.

“As of now we have no intent to remove the request. We believe we have sound grounds to make the request, we wouldn’t have put it forward without it. We do our due diligence quite well before we take any measures of that type,” the US State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central America and the Caribbean, Julissa Reynoso told a news conference here.

“We are working with the government. Extradition is an issue of utmost importance to our judicial system and to our domestic and international policies. This individual is considered to be a person of very high interest and we are actively engaged with the government of Jamaica to make this happen as soon as possible,” she said.

Last August, US prosecutors said they wanted the Jamaican government to hand over Coke over to them to face gun and drug-running charges. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

We consider this individual to be a person of very high interest,” Reynoso said.

The Jamaica government, however, has stalled signing the order, requesting additional information on the case against Coke, 40, a well known supporter of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Reynoso, who is scheduled to leave here on Wednesday, said that the issue of Coke’s extradition and other topics of national importance had been discussed with Foreign Affairs Minister Kenneth Baugh on Tuesday.

She, however, did not disclose the details of talks, indicating however that the delay in extraditing Coke has not affected the relationship between the two countries.

“We are actively engaged in having this thing resolved but it is not the heart and soul of our relationship,” she said.

tradition of Christopher “Dudus” Coke.

Last year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Within a few days of the start of the new Agency (DEA) added Mr. Coke to its list of year, homicides in Jamaica were occurring at the world's most dangerous drug dealers, charga pace that threatens to exceed the record rate ing him with conspiracy to distribute ganja and of 2009 when the country recorded 1680 ho- cocaine and conspiracy to illegally traffic in firearms. micides, 241 at the hands of the police.

In August, the DEA requested his extradiIn 2008, only 29 percent of the homicides were “cleared up”, which usually refers to tion, claiming that "The charges illustrate the dangerous connection beidentifying a suspect for the crime, tween the international trade in not necessarily solving it. As the narcotics and illicit firearms." murder rate climbs, and the percentYet in December, four months age of crimes that are cleared up later, the extradition paperfalls, it comes as no surprise that work remained on the attorney Paula Llewellyn, the Director of general's desk, with some Public Prosecutions, is warning that clamoring for her to sign it so corruption will remain a major probMr. Coke can have his day in lem until Jamaicans decide to accourt and a decision can be tively fight against the scourge. made as to whether to extra"Jamaicans will have to be predite him. When questioned in pared to assist in exposing corrupparliament, the Prime Ministion," she says. "They have to be pre- CARLYLE MCKETTY ter made it clear that the govpared to give a statement and give the evidence, cost it what it will," she told The ernment would not go into details about the Sunday Gleaner, and she is supported by Dr. extradition.

A recent Gleaner editorial pointed out that Trevor Monroe, director of the National Integrity Action Forum, who also contends that Western Kingston, where Dudus is known as Jamaicans must be prepared to take a stand The President, is also the prime minister's conagainst corrupt practices even in the face of stituency, and suggested that in that area, Dudus is perhaps more powerful there than Mr. possible violent actions.

In pursuing this course, Ms. Llewellyn Golding. Ms. Llewellyn and Mr. Munroe and Mr. Munroe will face a few problems. should know the value of leadership by exFirst of all, as Bob Marley pointed out, “Rasta ample. If they truly want Jamaican people to don't work for no CIA” but perhaps more im- put themselves in harms way to solve the crime portantly, it appears that Attorney General, problem in Jamaica, I recommend that they Dorothy Lightbourne and Prime Minister begin by directing their admonitions to the Bruce Golding are themselves, dragging their Prime Minister and the Attorney General, befeet when it comes to cooperating with the fore they ask anyone else to take a stand against U.S. Department of Justice regarding the ex- corrupt practices, cost it what it will.

Caribbean Consulates In New York Antigua & Barbuda 610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311 New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel. 212-541-4117 Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 421-6420 Barbados 800 Second Avenue, 2nd Fl. New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-867-8435 Belize 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400G New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-599-0233 Cayman Islands (Dept. of Tourism) 420 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10170 (212) 682-5582 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel. 212-768-2480 Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-599-0301 Guyana 866 UN Plaza, Room 304 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-527-3215 Haiti 271 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor New York, N.Y. 10016 Tel. 212-697-9767 Honduras 80 Wall Street, Suite 415, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10005 Tel. 212-269-3611 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10017-2993 Tel. 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel. 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel. 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel. 212-840-2450 Puerto Rico 666 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, N.Y. 10103 Tel. 800-223-6530 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel. 212-535-1234 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel. 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Ste. 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 733 Third Avenue, Suite 1716 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel. 212-682-7272

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Air Jamaica Close To Deal With CAL?

KINGSTON, Jamaica Workers at the financially troubled national carrier Air Jamaica have received the clearest indication yet that a take over deal may soon be signed with the Trinidad national carrier, Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

In a memorandum to staff, the Air Jamaica President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Nobles updated them on the divestment process.

The memo, which has been made available to the media, said bidders for Air Jamaica were narrowed down to two finalists - one being Indigo Partners, the owners of several airlines, including Spirit airlines and the other, Caribbean Airlines, owned by government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Nobles stated that Air Jamaica’s divestment committee initially recommended that an agreement be reached with Indigo partners but informed that after several months of negotiations, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. The government then turned to Caribbean Airlines.

“A letter of intent is now required and this is being finalised with Caribbean Airlines,” the communication to staff said.

“The letter is non-binding and requires that Caribbean Airlines undertake the necessary due diligence before final documents are completed and approved,” he added.

This approval process is likely to take several weeks and according to Nobles press reports suggesting a specific deadline are incorrect.

He noted that the proposal with Caribbean Airlines is to create a larger, stronger more robust airline serving the region by combining CAL’s routes with the key routes of Air Jamaica.

“The proposed strategy would be to create a

seamless transition for Air Jamaica passengers and there will be no disruption to operations,” he said.

Staff was also told that as with any consolidation, there will be efficiencies gained in operation, resulting in some job reductions.

The memorandum went on to state that presently there were no estimates of personnel going forward since major decisions about fleet, schedules, administration and other issues are still to be determined.

Talk of the proposed Air Jamaica/CAL deal comes amid a statement released by CAL and the other carrier, which is responsible most of the regional aviation business in the southern Caribbean, LIAT of closer cooperation.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the two said officials had ended “frank, cordial and productive” discussions with “agreement between the parties to put measures in place immediately for further direct discussions between the management of CAL and LIAT. “The focus of the planned meetings will be to explore the nature and extent of LIAT and CAL cooperation in the best interests of the Caribbean region,” the joint statement said.

Meanwhile, the National Workers Union (NWU), which represents some categories of employees at Air Jamaica is still seeking to have a meeting with Prime Minister Bruce Golding to get an update on the sale of the airline.

NWU Vice President Granville Valentine said the union was upset as Golding did not show up for a promised meeting earlier this week nor has he rescheduled.

“We believe that it’s a little disrespectful that the Prime Minister has still not contacted the unions to try and get that meeting off. The workers are very distraught at this time and feel that the government has (no) respect (for) them,” Valentine said.

He also noted that the union still hopes that the government will make an about turn and seriously look into the bid put forward by the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association to purchase Air Jamaica.

Government Seeking To Bring Down High Debt KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Bruce Goldingled administration and some of the nation’s wealthiest holders of government bonds were due on Thursday to sign off on an unprecedented deal to ease Jamaica's mammoth debt burden.

The Prime Minister and some holders of high interest rate bonds were scheduled to meet at the headquarters of the Bank of Jamaica to cement the government's debt exchange programme.

In a national broadcast late Wednesday, Golding came to the country with more details of the debt management programme that was crafted as part of a three-pronged economic plan that will get the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to release US$2.4 million to Jamaica over the next two years.

The debt restructuring programme will see high cost debt being replaced by low cost debt.

All financial institutions were invited to come on board and the Prime Minister assured them of the full backing of the government.

"We will formally invite the holder of these bonds to exchange them for new bonds that will carry much lower interest rates and extended maturity. The offer will remain open until January 26 and the actual exchange transaction must be completed by February 16. The principle amount of these bonds will be fully honoured," he said.

On Monday, the government concluded talks with the Washington-based financial institution, with the government outlining the structure of the programme.

Golding said the programme is expected to save the country US$14 million per year.

In his national broadcast, Golding called on Jamaicans to fully support this initiative and promised that the government would place the country

on a path for economic growth and prosperity.

"I have asked the financial institutions for their full support. Tonight, I ask for the support of the individual bond holders - the businessman, individual investor, the pensioner who have invested in these bonds. “You have earned good returns on these bonds up to now. Tonight, I am asking you to share the burden that must be borne at this critical juncture in our journey through this unprecedented period of crisis."

"Some of you will ask: Have we not heard this before? Yes, you have, but this time it is different. It is different because under the IMF agreement we won't be left on our own. We will have to meet rigid performance tests dealing with, among other things, the fiscal deficit, inflation, debt levels and debt-toGDP ratio," Golding said.

He argued that the public will be able to monitor the performance of the government.

"It is a belt-and-braces approach because, make no mistake, we can't afford to deviate from this programme; we can't afford to slip back into the ways of the past. Slackness, skylarking and failure are no longer options that are open to Jamaica," the prime minister said.

While pledging that there will be "no more GCT or gas tax" Golding said the state’s tax administration programme will go into overdrive targeting property owners.

"Come April 1st, adjustments will be made. the level of adjustments will be tempered by an aggressive drive to collect property tax from those who have not been paying... we are going to get tough.

We will use our powers to advertise for sale those properties whose owners refuse to pay their tax," he said.

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FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

SPIRITUAL READING Man from Jamaica Woman from Haiti

“Saint Philomena help us all.”

“Saint Joseph keep us steady in our doings.”

Read this prayer before going to bed.

One Remedy To Remove Jinx And Bad Luck & Bring You Good Luck

1 Elegua candle, 7 green lime, 1 cananga water, 1 ball blue, 7 stalks scallion, 1 chinese wash, 1 hay sup wash, 1 go away evil wash, 1 btl. verbena wash, 1 btl. white lavener wash, 1 dragon blood wash, 1 hand full rock salt, 1 btl. protection oil, 1 btl. cinamon oil, 1 btl. dragon blood oil.

“Saint Peter open all doors for us all.”

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

How To Care Your Floors (ARA) - Whether it’s the dog tracking in mud or the kids carrying in dirt and leaves, there are many ways floors can become dirty and unattractive. Unfortunately, for many people the process they use to clean their wood flooring might be doing more harm than good.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about floor care that lead to premature deterioration,” says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the largest retailer of specialty hardwood flooring.

Some cleaning techniques to avoid, because they can damage hardwood flooring, are: * Vacuuming. Contrary to the belief that vacuuming is the best way to rid wood flooring of dust and debris, it’s actually harmful. The hard bristles on the rotating brush can scratch the wood, and small amounts of damage to the wood over time will make the surface look worn and uneven. * Damp mopping. Many people think that damp mopping is a quick way to clean wood flooring, but the water in the mop causes deterioration of both the wood and the floor’s finish. This increases the likelihood that the wood will warp or squeak in the future. * Cleaning with vinegar and water. While many people clean wood flooring with a homemade mixture of vinegar and water, the acidic nature of the solution actually eats away at the wood finish. Corrosion of the wood finish de-

tracts from its healthy appearance and increases vulnerability, making the wood more prone to wear and tear. * Applying oil soaps. Although oil soaps are a typical way to clean wood flooring, these soaps and detergents can leave a harmful film.

Eventually, this film causes the wood finish to yellow, “alligator” or crack, requiring refinishing.

Instead of using one of the above methods to clean hardwood floors, it is recommended that homeowners follow a few simple cleaning guidelines. * Lightly sweep wood flooring with a softbristled broom twice a week. This is a quick and easy way to clear away debris particles so that they do not build up. * Clean wood flooring once a week with a terry-cloth mop and a cleaner specifically made for wood flooring, like Bellawood’s soy-based hardwood floor cleaner. This will get rid of the heavier dirt build-up that can cause a dull appearance.

“Soy-based products clean and shine hardwood flooring without being harsh on the finish and without producing harsh fumes that can irritate your family and pets,” says Sullivan. “It doesn’t take a lot of effort to give your floors the maintenance they deserve, and in doing so you’ll not only improve the look of your home, but extend the lifespan of the flooring.”

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

(ARA) - If you are still searching for that silver lining in the present economic doldrums, going back to school this year might be the remedy for you. Whether you are a first-time freshman or a returning student looking for a new degree to move your career forward, for many the timing could not be better.

College enrollment across the United States has risen more than 40 percent, according to an October report issued by the Pew Research Center that was based on data released from the U.S. Census Bureau. America is still witnessing not only record highs in unemployment rates, but also in setting college enrollment records during the recession.

Of course, the age-old dilemma still remains for most present and potential scholars: “How am I going to pay for college? If I’ve lost my job, or I’m still looking for a job, how do I start to fund my education?”

“Dedicated students who want to study can always find a way to make it happen,” says Tressa A. Brush, director of Student Financial Services at South University in Savannah, Ga. “After a student applies to college, the first place students should look for financial aid is with the U.S. Department of Education. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.”

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Department of Education bolstered student financial aid resources for post-secondary education. Hope Scholarship Credits are widely used, and the moneys available via Federal Pell Grants for students who are eligible have been increased.

“When students begin looking for money to attend college, I provide them with many

possibilities, but then, the real work begins. Students must begin conscientious and thorough searches for scholarships and loans. These searches can reap very positive results from public and private organizations,” Brush says.

In addition, the current outlook for interest rates on some federal college loans is favorable.

The current rate has held at 5.6 percent since July 1, and the rate is expected to be even lower in July 2010.

“Funding, and sustaining funding, for educational endeavors can be a rigorous, but worthy task. If you do the work well, great payoffs can happen, and of course, the biggest payoff is the investment you will make by getting an education. Earning a college degree can lead you so much further on your career path,” Brush says.

Seeking financial aid for education?

Where to start: * Visit the Department of Education online, www.fafsa.ed.gov. * Check out the benefits of your present workplace. Often, employers offer their employees tuition reimbursements. Ask your human resources department. * Talk to your close friends and family. New trends indicate increasing financial assistance is coming through the benevolence of one’s own kin. * Check with your local college’s financial aid office to research the availability of loans. * Check with your local civic and non-profit entities such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lions’ Club, and Elks’ Club for scholarship opportunities.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Sitting Too Much Could Be Deadly LONDON – Here’s a new warning from health experts: Sitting is deadly. Scientists are increasingly warning that sitting for prolonged periods — even if you also exercise regularly — could be bad for your health. And it doesn’t matter where the sitting takes place — at the office, at school, in the car or before a computer or TV — just the overall number of hours it occurs.

Research is preliminary, but several studies suggest people who spend most of their days sitting are more likely to be fat, have a heart attack or even die.

In an editorial published this week in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Elin Ekblom-Bak of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences suggested that authorities rethink how they define physical activity to highlight the dangers of sitting.

While health officials have issued guidelines recommending minimum amounts of physical activity, they haven’t suggested people try to limit how much time they spend in a seated position.

“After four hours of sitting, the body starts to send harmful signals,” Ekblom-Bak said. She explained that genes regulating the amount of glucose and fat in the body start to shut down.

Even for people who exercise, spending long stretches of time sitting at a desk is still harmful. Tim Armstrong, a physical activity expert at the World Health Organization, said people who exercise every day — but still spend a lot of time sitting — might get more benefit if that exercise were spread across the day, rather than in a single bout.

That wasn’t welcome news for Aytekin Can, 31, who works at a London financial company, and spends most of his days sitting in front of a computer.

Several evenings a week, Can also teaches jiu jitsu,

a Japanese martial art involving wrestling, and also does Thai boxing.

“I’m sure there are some detrimental effects of staying still for too long, but I hope that being active when I can helps,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to think the sitting could be that dangerous.”

Still, in a study published last year that tracked more than 17,000 Canadians for about a dozen years, researchers found people who sat more had a higher death risk, independently of whether or not they exercised.

“We don’t have enough evidence yet to say how much sitting is bad,” said Peter Katzmarzyk of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, who led the Canadian study. “But it seems the more you can get up and interrupt this sedentary behavior, the better.”

Figures from a U.S. survey in 2003-2004 found Americans spend more than half their time sitting, from working at their desks to sitting in cars.

Experts said more research is needed to figure out just how much sitting is dangerous, and what might be possible to offset those effects.

“People should keep exercising because that has a lot of benefits,” Ekblom-Bak said. “But when they’re in the office, they should try to interrupt sitting as often as possible,” she said. “Don’t just send your colleague an e-mail. Walk over and talk to him.

Standing up.”

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FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Smokers With Cancer Could Quit And Double Survival

By Maria Cheng LONDON – People with early lung cancer who quit smoking could double their chances of surviving, a new study says.

Until now, there has been little proof that quitting smoking after developing lung cancer makes any difference to survival.

British researchers analyzed previous data from 10 studies examining how long smokers survived after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

People with lung cancer who continued smoking had a 29 to 33 percent chance of surviving five years.

But those who kicked the habit had a 63 to 70 percent chance of being alive after five years. The research was published Friday in the BMJ, formerly known as the British Medical Journal.

Lung cancer is the top cancer worldwide, and the prognosis is usually poor. Only about 7 percent of patients make it to five years, though about 20 percent of patients are diagnosed early enough to be treated.

“The message is you should never give up on giving up (smoking),” said Amanda Parsons, of the U.K. Centre for Tobacco Control Studies at the University of Birmingham, who led the study. “Even at the stage where you have been diagnosed with early stage lung cancer ... if you give up smoking, your body can still partially recover and your risk is reduced,” she said.

While some doctors recommend lung cancer patients quit smoking, not all do. Some doctors and nurses “think it is inhuman to dwell on the matter — that it adds to feelings of guilt and takes away a lifelong comfort from the dying patient,” wrote Tom Treasure of University College London and Janet Treasure of King’s College London in an accompanying editorial in the BMJ. They said patients and their families should now be told about the study results, “because the potential benefit is great.”

The research might also provide some clues on how smoking causes cancer. Scientists aren’t sure if tobacco smoke or nicotine affect lung cancer once it has developed, though there is some evidence they may speed up the disease. Knowing how cigarettes impact cancer could potentially lead to new treatments, Parsons and colleagues wrote.

The study was paid for by the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research U.K. and other governmental bodies.

Erectile Dysfunction Signals Heart Attack

By Ed Edelson Erectile dysfunction is a strong warning sign that a man might be at increased risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, a long-running study indicates.

“We saw that adjusting for age and Framingham [Heart Study] risk factors, men with erectile function still had a 40 percent increased risk,” said Andre Araujo, director of epidemiology at New England Research Institutes and lead author of a report published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Though adding erectile dysfunction to the list of known risk factors determined by the Framingham Heart Study — cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure — doesn’t improve the prediction of future cardiovascular trouble, it can be a quick, free addition to risk assessment, Araujo said.

“If a man presents with erectile dysfunction, the physician should work him up for cardiovascular disease,” he said. “It is low cost — indeed, no cost — with no risk associated with it.”

The study is the latest of several that have linked erectile dysfunction to cardiovascular disease. That is to be expected, Araujo said, because the same artery-blocking conditions that reduce blood flow to the heart and brain can also reduce flow to the penis.

The study followed 1,057 men, aged 40 to 70, for an average of 12 years. Overall, 37 percent of the men with erectile dysfunction were in the high-risk category according to the Framingham standards, compared with 17 percent of men without erectile dysfunction.

Once the link to cardiovascular problems was established, “we started modeling to see if we added erectile dysfunction to the Framingham risk profile we could reclassify some men,” Araujo said. “In fact, it doesn’t do much.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Entertainment

WHAT’S PLAYING AT THE MOVIES? New Releases AVATAR THE BOOK OF ELI THE LOVELY BONES ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS SHERLOCK HOLMES THE SPY NEXT DOOR IT'S COMPLICATED LEAP YEAR THE BLIND SIDE UP IN THE AIR

Michael Jackson’s Doctor To Be Charged

By Linda Deutsch LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors are prepared to seek an indictment of Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the pop star’s death, the Associated Press has learned.

A law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation remains open said Friday that Murray would be prosecuted on a theory of gross negligence alleging that his treatment of Jackson was an extreme departure from the standard of care normally followed by physicians.

Miranda Sevcik, a spokeswoman in Houston for Murray and his lawyer, Edward Chernoff, said the doctor had no comment and reiterated he neither prescribed nor administered anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.

Jackson died at his Los Angeles home in June while under Murray’s care as the singer prepared for an ambitious concert schedule.

The district attorney’s office is waiting for the Los Angeles police to turn over the case before presenting it to a grand jury.

To prove a charge of involuntary manslaughter, authorities must show there was a reckless action that created a risk of death or great bodily injury. If a doctor is aware of the risk, there might also be an issue of whether the patient knows that risk and decided to take it.

Before an indictment can be sought,

the person said the Los Angeles Police Department will follow the formality of presenting the case to the district attorney.

A large number of witnesses have been interviewed including those who were present during Jackson’s last days and those who worked with him in preparation for his comeback concert, This is It. Authorities have also lined up medical expert witnesses who will testify about the normal standard of care in a situation such as Jackson’s and will give opinions on why Murray’s actions constituted gross negligence, the person said.

Dr. Conrad Murray

Teddy Pendergrass Dies

THE SPY NEXT DOOR Bob Ho is an undercover CIA superspy who decides to give up his career in espionage to settle down with his next-door neighbor and girlfriend, Gillian. But Bob has one more mission to complete before Gillian agrees to marry him: winning over her three opinionated kids. When Gillian suddenly has to leave town, Bob volunteers to babysit the children so he can earn their approval. But when one of the kids mistakenly downloads a topsecret formula from his computer, Bob's archenemy, a Russian terrorist, moves in for the attack, forcing Bob to juggle the roles of spy and prospective stepfather in the most challenging mission of his career!

NEW YORK, NY — Legendary singer Teddy Pendergrass, dead after a long illness at age 59, spent his last 28 years in a wheelchair, left to wonder what life might have been like had a car crash not completely altered his destiny.

Before the crash, Pendergrass was one of the most electric and successful figures in music. He established a new era of R&B with an explosive, raw voice that symbolized masculinity, passion and the joys and sorrow of romance in songs such as Close the Door,It Don’t Hurt Now,Love T.K.O. and other hits that have since become classics.

He was an international superstar and sex symbol. His career was at its apex — and still climbing.

Friend and longtime collaborator Kenny Gamble, of the renowned production duo Gamble & Huff, teamed with Pendergrass on his biggest hits and recalled how the singer was even working on a movie.

“He had about 10 platinum albums in a row, so he was a very, very successful recording artist and as a performing artist,” Gamble said Thursday. “He had a tremendous career ahead of him, and the accident sort of got in the way of many of those plans.”

Pendergrass, who was born in Philadelphia in 1950, suffered a spinal cord injury in a 1982 car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down — still able to sing but without his signature power. The image of the strong, virile lover was replaced with one that drew sympathy.

But instead of becoming bitter or depressed, Pendergrass created a new identity — that as a role model, Gamble said.

“He never showed me that he was angry at all about his accident,” Gamble said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “In fact, he was very courageous.”

Pendergrass died Wednesday in suburban Philadelphia, where he had been hospitalized for months.

The singer’s son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had “a difficult recovery.”

“To all his fans who loved his music, thank you,” his son said. “He will live on through his music.”

Pendergrass left a remarkable imprint on the music world as he ushered in a new era in R&B with his fiery, sensual and forceful brand of soul and his ladies’ man image, burnished by his strikingly handsome looks.

Gamble said Pendergrass was one of a kind as an artist and boasted a powerful voice and “a great magnetism.”

“He was a great baritone singer, and he had a real smooth sound, but he had a real rough sound, too, when he wanted to exert power in his voice,” Gamble said.

Teddy Pendergrass

We Are Our Brothers And Sisters With the horrific disaster unfolding in Haiti, charitable giving seems ever present in the news with the many cases of generous outpourings, too many stories of questionable activities and the ever present matter of straight up bandulu dealings. Charity however, is always in the news with an occasional eyebrow-raising story every now and then. I must admit that it raised my eyebrows when, after hearing about the success of Buju Banton’s summer tour, I saw a story from his manager that he was loosing weight in jail from not eating well until Shaba Ranks donated $100 to his commissary account so he could buy and prepare his own food, based on his dietary code. It has since been reported that Buju has donated $1,000 to Haiti disaster relief.

Then there is the story of Connie Campbell, Tarrus Riley’s back up singer who became ill in September while on his U.S. tour and remains comatose in a Maryland hospital today, her family reaching out to the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board for funds to tackle mounting bills while her plight is not widely known to the music fraternity and the public.

Then there are the heart warming stories. One such story started more than a year ago and only gets better. Without the motivation of a dire emergency, (beyond the devastated economy of everyday Jamaica), or the promise of personal gain, while the Jamaican economy was faltering, international dancehall artist, Shaggy stepped up to make a difference and established the Make a Difference Foundation to benefit the Bustamante Children’s hospital, the only pediatric hospital in the English speaking Caribbean. His goal was to raise US $2 million for the hospital with an event called Shaggy and Friends, held on the lawn at Jamaica House. The first staging took place on January 3, 2009 and although he did not reach his goal, after the festivities were over, the foundation had raised J$20 million, and was able to provide the hospital with much needed equipment including an ENT (ear nose and throat) Microscope, Vital Signs Monitors, Volumetric Pumps, Stretchers and a Blood Warmer.

This year, the second staging of Shaggy and Friends was held on January 2nd and was even more successful than the first, raising J$30 million at a time when Jamaica is hurting, Crooner in Chief, Beres Hammond cancelled his previously profitable Moment in Time holiday concert and Prime Minister Golding is petitioning the IMF to raise US $1.3 billion.

Maya Angelou said it well when she said “…do all good things, knowing that we are more than keepers of our brothers and sisters. We are our brothers and sisters.” Indeed we are, and we should make this successful start of the Make a Difference Foundation the beginning of greater things to come.

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Delcita Back In NYC With New Hit Play

BROOKLYN, NY -- Comedienne Andrea Wright, who is popularly known as Delcita and hailed as Jamaica’s queen of comedy, will grace several New York city stages this valentine’s weekend in the outrageously funny stage play, The Extortionist.

Andrea in her signature role as Delcita, is undoubtedly the funniest woman on stage from the island of

Jamaica and has been attracting massive audiences to her performances, never failing to entertain, as she sends her audience into fits of laughter.

Delcita’s most recent productions were “The Driva” and “Money Worries”, both of which were huge box office hits due to the very talented cast and Delcita’s uncanny style of comedy.

Anyone who has seen Delcita on

Andrea Wright plays Delcita in Money Worries. (File photo)

stage or on DVD, in the past, will most definitely agree that she will indeed give you a good dose of laughter for your money.

The Extortionist is currently playing in Jamaica to sold-out houses and has been receiving rave reviews. Theater goers and play lovers in New York and its environs will most definitely enjoy this play which tells the story of Mavis, a married woman with three children, and a citizen of the USA, who runs off to reside in Jamaica out of a dire necessity for her to conceal her identity and flee the FEDS because of her involvement in a robbery that resulted in three murders.

After thinking that the heat on her may have subsided, she is ready to return to the USA to claim her share of the ill-gotten gains. However, when her cover is blown, all hell breaks loose and what follows is unique mix of crime, loyalty and betrayal of trust and of course sly, slick and outrageous Jamaican comedy.

The Extortionist is definitely not to be missed, to see a preview of the play visit www.itpOnStage.com.

The EXTORTIONIST will be playing in Queens on Friday Feb. 12th at 8 pm; in Brooklyn on Saturday Feb. 13th at 8 pm; and in the Bronx on Sunday Feb. 14th at 6:30 pm.

Tickets and information can be obtained by calling 718-739-4764 or 347-398-4872.

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

W E E K LY W O R D S E A R C H

COMICS

EXPLORERS

AMUNDSEN, BARBOSA, BASS, BOONE, BURKE AND WILLS, CABOT, CARTIER, COLUMBUS, COOK, CORTES, DIAS, DRAKE, ERIKSSON, FAWCETT, FLINDERS, FROBISHER, GRAY, HAWKINS, HERIOLFSSON, HUDSON, KINGSLEY, LIVINGSTONE, MAGELLAN, MARCO POLO, PARK, RALEIGH, SCOTT, SHACKLETON, STURT, TASMAN, TENZING, VANCOUVER, VASCO DA GAMA, VESPUCCI.

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DPH’s Connect The Dots

See solution, Page 23

Pop’s Brain Teasers Find the Letters Some letters of the alphabet are missing from the circle.

Can you use the missing letters to find something to eat?

Answer: Page 23

Connect the dots and color the picture.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

DINING Help Your Heart Stay Healthy (ARA) - Americans know what they need to do to keep their hearts healthy. But is their heart really in the effort? A new survey seems to indicate many of us aren’t as diligent about making heart healthy choices as we know we should be.

More than 80 percent of those polled by the Florida Department of Citrus in a new survey said they felt well-informed about ways to maintain heart health. Yet fewer than half choose heart healthy options when they eat out or shop for groceries, and only slightly more than a third (37 percent) stock their pantries with heart healthy foods, the survey revealed.

Those who failed to make healthy choices cited time pressures and perceived expenses as the most common reasons why they felt challenged to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle to be heart healthy,” says Dr. Richard Collins, The Cooking Cardiologist and director of wellness at South Denver Cardiology Associates.

“You can take many easy steps to improve heart health, from substituting ingredients in recipes to choosing the right beverages and making the most of the activities you already enjoy.

Many heart healthy steps can be relatively quick and easy to incorporate into your lifestyle, and they don’t have to break your budget.”

Dr. Collins offers these easy-to-

The orange juice that starts many Americans’ mornings provides nutrients such as potassium, which may help maintain healthy blood pressure and promote heart health. follow heart healthy tips: * Be careful to avoid rebound hunger following your workout. If you maintain a moderate level of daily exercise, you burn roughly anywhere from 13 to 18 calories per pound of body weight a day and should only consume that amount of calories to maintain your current weight. * When reading nutrition labels, look for foods that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C can support heart health by helping to neutralize free radicals

that can cause cell and tissue damage - damage that may contribute to the development of chronic health issues like heart disease and cancer. Many fruits and vegetables, such as 100 percent orange juice, are excellent sources of vitamin C. * Not all fats are bad. While you should avoid saturated fats and trans fats, omega-3 fats may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Omega-3 fats are found in foods such as walnuts, flaxseed and fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna.

Since many of the risk factors for heart disease may be impacted by diet, Collins says supporting heart health may be as simple as learning which foods are heart healthy and how to incorporate them into regular meals.

For example, the orange juice that starts many Americans’ mornings provides nutrients such as potassium, which may help maintain healthy blood pressure and promote heart health. Additionally, drinking one serving of citrus juice a day was associated with a 25 percent reduced risk of stroke, according to a study published in “The Journal of the American Medical Association.” Orange juice can go beyond the breakfast table. One cup added to your favorite salad dressing, smoothie or marinade is an easy and delicious way to incorporate the beverage’s nutrients into your meals.

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Recipes

Curried Goat

INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs. Mutton or lamb trimmed and cut into cubes ¼ cup chopped onion 2 tbsp. Turmeric 2 cloves chopped garlic ½ tsp. Hot pepper sauce 2 tsp. Grated ginger ½ cup red wine ¼ tsp. cooking oil ¼ cup tomato ketchup 1 tsp. curry powder ½ tsp. Salt 1 tsp. vinegar 3 tbsp. Chutney METHOD / DIRECTIONS: Season meat with garlic, salt, vinegar and hot pepper. Allow to marinate for about 1 hour.

Heat oil, add curry powder, then meat and brown. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer over low heat until meat is tender. Adjust seasoning. Serve on a bed of rice.

Jamaican Festival Recipe Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves: 10 people INGREDIENTS: · 1/2 cup flour · 1 tsp. baking powder · 1 Tbsp. Margarine · 1 cup cornmeal · 1/4 cup sugar · 1 tsp. nutmeg · 1/2 tsp. salt · 1 tsp. lime juice · 1/2 cup water · 1/2 cup vegetable oil METHOD / DIRECTIONS: In one large bowl, sift flour and baking powder. Add cornmeal, sugar, nutmeg, salt, margarine, lime juice and enough water to bind mixture to a manageable dough.

Leave to stand for two minutes.

Heat Grace Frying Oil in a pan, shape festival into fingers and fry.

Drain on absorbent paper.

People’s Delight Restaurant & Caterers For the Very Best Jamaican Cuisine

Having a party or event?

Let us handle the cooking!

Call Bro. Danny at (917) 215-8416 or visit us at: 1347 Flatbush Ave (Bet. Foster & E26 St) Brooklyn, NY We have all your favorite Jamaican dishes.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

SPORTS

Berto Pulls Out Of Title Fight Warner

MIAMI, Florida – Distraught Haitian world boxing champion Andre Berto has pulled out his scheduled month-end title defence against American Shane Mosley following the catastrophic earthquake in his Caribbean country.

Florida-based Berto, holder of the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title, announced in a press release Tuesday that he is “physically and emotionally unable to prepare” for his clash with Mosley and has withdrawn from the January 30 main bout in Las Vegas.

The entire card, which should have also featured Jamaican light heavyweight Glen Johnson against American Yusaf Mack, has been cancelled.

Given the close proximity to the date of the event and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Berto, promoters abandoned the entire card.

Johnson and Mack should have clashed in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator, the

co-feature on the card.

The undefeated Berto announced that he is focusing on his family and the Haitian people, who are facing an “inconceivable battle for survival” and had no choice but to withdraw from the bout.

“I lost several family members to the earthquake and after two days without word, was relieved to learn that my sister, Naomi and her daughter, Jessica survived, but were left homeless,” Berto said.

“I have seen the pain in my parents’ eyes as they attempt to understand what has happened to our homeland and recognize a place they once

called home,” added Berto, who became world champion in June 2006 when he defeated Mexican Miguel Angel Rodriquez to lift the vacant WBC 147-pound crown.

Berto boasts an impressive record of 25-0 with 19 knockouts.

Mosley expressed disappointment over the cancellation but accepted the Haitian’s decision.

“I’m disappointed that the fight has been called off, but I understand that Andre is going through a very difficult time. My heart goes out to him, his family and the people of Haiti during the aftermath of this terrible tragedy,” Mosley said.

Boxers Shane Mosley, left, and WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto.

VI’s Jones-Ferrette And Malone Win Indoors

HOUSTON, Texas – Virgin Islands standouts Laverne JonesFerrette and Chantal Malone recorded victories this past weekend at the Leonard Hilton Memorial Indoor meet at the University of Houston.

US Virgin Islands’ Jones-Ferrette clocked a personal best and worldleading 7.14 seconds to land the women’s 60 metres and British Virgin Islands’ Malone captured the women’s long jump at 6.06 metres.

After equalling Jamaican Michelle Freeman’s meet record of 7.20 seconds in the preliminaries, Jones-Ferrette went even faster in the

final and broke Carlette Guidry’s 14year-old track record of 7.18 seconds.

American Gloria Asumnu was second in 7.20 seconds and Trinidad & Tobago’s Wanda Hutson (7.50) was seventh.

Hutson (25.18) was second in the 200 metres behind Olivia Kizzee (25.02).

Malone, who won the BVI’s youth Athlete of the Year award earlier this month, easily landed the women’s long jump crown.

Her winning effort was 6.06 metres, topping Tai’Shea Reese at 5.92 metres

Laverne Jones-Ferrette

Pledges $100K To Haiti

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Regional football mogul Jack Warner has thrown TT$100 000 (US$ 15 797) of his own money behind relief efforts for disaster stricken Haiti, and says he plans to lobby football’s world governing body, FIFA, along with the Caribbean Football Union, to follow suit.

Speaking while opening a FIFA training course here Thursday, Warner said it was imperative the Caribbean showed solidarity with Haiti, also a member of CONCACAF and the CFU. “I am a son of the Caribbean soil [and] I cannot and will not stand idly by and allow my brothers and sisters to endure such inhumane hardships,” said Warner, who is an influential FIFA vice-president.

“I am as much a Trinidadian, as I am a Haitian, I will make every effort possible to assist in ensuring that the lives of those affected by this tragedy return to some level of normalcy soon.”

On Tuesday, Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. It resulted in massive damage and widespread loss of life in the capital Port-auPrince.

Since then, a colossal global relief effort has been launched and Warner said he wanted to ensure that FIFA and the CFU also played significant roles.

“I have written to FIFA and I have asked that relief efforts to Haiti be discussed at the Finance Committee meeting next month,” said Warner, who is the president of CONCACAF.

Jack Warner “Sport has always been a tool of social transformation, it is a beacon of hope when we seem to be in an abyss of hopelessness. The pictures published on the international media depict a grim and desolate people.

“I know that we at FIFA and CONCACAF understand our role, not only as sport administrators but our role in ensuring that we harness sport to improve the lives of those who need it most.”

Following the meeting of the FIFA Finance Committee on February 5, Warner will also discuss the Haiti crisis at the next CFU Congress scheduled for February 27.

“We are our brother’s keeper.

We are a region which shares a common history, we face common challenges and we share a bond that is unbreakable,” said the Caribbean’s most powerful football figure.

“We must unite for the sake of our region. Our children and our grandchildren will judge us harshly is we fail to act on this matter. Let us not turn our backs but let us unite as a Caribbean region to save one of our own. At the CFU Congress, I know that the football family will stand united on this issue.”

Haiti have been a powerful presence in Caribbean football, winning the region’s premier tournament – the Digicel Caribbean Cup in 2007.

They are currently ranked 10th in CONCACAF and 90th in the FIFA World Rankings.

FRIDAY, JANAURY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Estwick Disappointed With Windies Showing Against PNG CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Assistant West Indies Under-19 coach Roddy Estwick has knocked his side for their lacklustre performance against Papua New Guinea on Tuesday and says they need to improve if they are to win the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The young Windies stuttered and stumbled before overhauling a modest target of 188 set for victory in their final Group D preliminary match in Palmerston North.

They were struggling at 43 for four at one stage before pulling themselves around to reach their target and post a comfortable five-wicket win in the end.

“I was very disappointed with the players approach to the game,” said Estwick.

“They looked very flat, they were not motivated for some reason and they expected to just show up there and win the match.”

West Indies needed a lively, fifth wicket century stand between prolific opener Kraigg Brathwaite and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich to engineer a recovery.

Brathwaite stroked 82 from 79 balls, his second half-century of the tournament, while Dowrich slammed a near run-a-ball 84 from 85 balls, as the Barbadian pair featured in an entertaining stand of 118 off 119 balls.

It steered the Windies to their second win and into the quarter-finals where they will face a powerful England side on Saturday (Friday, Eastern Caribbean time).

Estwick said he believed West Indies could win the tournament once they played to their potential.

“I don’t mind who we play in the rest of the draw. I believe that one has to beat everybody in order to win the World Cup and be true champions,” he contended.

POP’S BRAIN TEASERS From Page 18 Answer: BREAD

SOLUTION to Sudoku, P19

West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin was axed this week as Chris Gayle’s deputy for the upcoming one-day tour of Australia.

Ramdin Takes Axe In Positive Light PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin says he will use his time away from the vicecaptaincy of the West Indies team to focus on his form.

The 24-year-old was axed on Monday as Chris Gayle’s deputy for the upcoming one-day tour of Australia next month after serving just over a year in the position.

“I am not disappointed at being relieved of the vice-captaincy. It will give me more time to focus on my batting and wicketkeeping and make a more positive contribution to the West Indies team,” Ramdin said before his departure for Trinidad & Tobago’s third round game of the WICB Regional first class tournament against Barbados in Bridgetown this weekend.

While Ramdin’s glove-work has

been impressive, his form in front the stumps has been disappointing. The right-hander averages 23 from 39 Tests and has scored just one century – 166 against England in the Caribbean almost a year ago.

Since then, he has managed just 249 runs at an average of 22 in a lacklustre batting display.

He signalled at a return to form last week when he slammed a century against Guyana in the second round of the WICB Regional first class championship in Antigua.

“I am placing a little more emphasis on my batting. I am being very cautious and trying not to be too aggressive,” Ramdin said.

He was first appointed vice-captain on the tour of New Zealand in late 2008 when Ramnaresh Sarwan quit the post.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

SPORTS

WARNER GIVES $100K TO HAITI P. 22