NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

50 CENTS

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NEW YORK’S CARIBBEAN D AIL Y NEWSP APER DAIL AILY NEWSPAPER

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

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Copyright © 2006, New York Liberty Star

WWW.NYLIBERTYSTAR.COM

VOL. 9 ISSUE 182

LOCAL NEWS NY PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE DIPLOMAT Page 16

KEITH MEREDITH JOHNSON was an exceptional Jamaican diplomat and a much respected and admired humanitarian.

Page 20

SPORTS

JONES’ TITLES GO TO CARIBBEANS

MARION JONES’ Sydney 2000 Olympic medals went to several Caribbean sprinters.

SEE STORY, PAGE 4

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

CONTENTS KEITH MITCHELL

WEATHER

PM DENZIL DOUGLAS

TODAY Sunny/wind High: 31° Low: 25° TOMORROW Sunny

High: 37° Low: 27°

WIFE WON’T GIVE IT UP

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The wife of former prime minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has found herself at the centre of a row with the Grenada. government LATE J’CAN DIPLOMAT

GENERAL ELECTION

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St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Douglas has ruled out a December general election.

SABRINA HOSANG

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

16 Keith Johnson was an exceptional NY OFFERS TRIBUTE

18 Caribbean Food Delights a key JAMAICA BOOK DRIVE

Jamaican diplomat, a much respected components in a book drive that and admired humanitarian. benefits school children in Jamaica.

EDITORIAL STAFF

JN LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO MESSAGE SERVICE A customer replays a video message before sending while JN Money Transfer staff looks on.

Spike Lee Honored By BP Markowitz At Auction Benefiting Camp Brooklyn Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presented the 20th Anniversary Mickey Mantle Community Service Award to director and actor Spike Lee as well as Denise Arbesu of Citibank, Wednesday, at an annual sports and entertainment fantasy auction at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant benefiting Camp Brooklyn .

Camp Brooklyn was founded by BP Markowitz to give children from low-income homes an opportunity to attend a sleepaway camp at no cost to the camper. The Camp Brooklyn Fund gives these children a chance to leave their urban environment and learn about teamwork, loyalty, wholesome health habits, responsibility, personal respect and appreciation for nature, all of which are a part of a child’s education at summer camp.

“Every year that we’ve done Camp Brooklyn , I’ve seen the transformative effect it has on kids,” said BP Markowitz. “They come back changed for the better—they are more mature and they have a new level of respect for the adults in their lives.

They keep a little bit of that camp

LENECIA HINES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IVROL HINES MANAGING EDITOR DAENECIA HINES NATHANAEL HINES EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS PAUL HAUGHTON COMMUNITY RELATIONS LIASON DERRON BROWN BERNARD BURKE SALES EXECUTIVES A BRAND MARKETING abrandmarketing@gmail.com MARKETING & SALES

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www.nylibertystar.com Spike Lee; Denise Arbesu, Citibank; Marty Markowitz; and Davina Reeves, Miss New York USA 2010. (Photo by Butch Moran) experience with them, and carry it for the rest of their lives.”

Zane Tankel; BP Markowitz; Spike Lee; Mitch Modell

Since 2002, Camp Brooklyn has sent more than 1,500 Brooklyn children to summer camp. To help raise funds—and send over 400 children to camp in 2010— Camp Brooklyn auctioned off a number of unique and exclusive items at the event, including: · A walk-on role in Spike Lee’s next movie · A Bruce Springsteen signed acoustic guitar · A week-long stay along the Amalfi Coast in Italy with breakfast and gourmet dinners in a sea view room at the four-star rated Hotel Bonadies · Four- or five-day Carnival Cruise, sailing from the Port of New York · An Alex Rodriguez #13 autographed New York Yankees pin-

stripe jersey In addition, a vacation package with Carnival Cruise Lines, VIP seats to the Late Show with David Letterman, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, getaways to Orlando , Salt Lake and Las Vegas and more than 50 other items were auctioned.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Explore Jamaica With The Caribbean’s First GPS Navigation System KINGSTON, Jamaica – Exploring Jamaica just got easier with the creation of the Caribbean’s first GPS Navigation map data known as JAMNAV. The Mona GeoInformatics Institute of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica has developed and released JAMNAV, offering turn by turn, voice assisted navigation across Jamaica. The technology includes over 9,300 miles of roads and 15,000 points of interest including petrol stations, hotels, restaurants, shopping places and attractions.

“JAMNAV has been created by Jamaicans

that have an intimate knowledge of its terrain, and is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Jamaica is a wonderful island and JAMNAV will help both locals and tourists discover it in a safe and efficient way,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch. “Jamaica continues to be a leader in the Caribbean tourism industry, and JAMNAV is another example of how the island seeks innovate ways to meet the needs and interests of its visitors.”

JAMNAV is based on the Garmin platform, the worldwide leader for personal navigation devices. The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at the University of the West Indies worked as the local developer ensuring local complexities were taken into consideration such as one way streets and parochial roads.

JAMNAV is currently available from Avis Car Rental at both of Jamaica’s international airports in Kingston and Montego Bay, and is available with or without a rental car.

The technology has been available since summer 2009.

Visitors to Jamaica can use the new JAMNAV technology to explore the island’s most authentic offerings.

With over 150 attractions – more than any other Caribbean island – Jamaica offers travelers many reasons to navigate their own adventure. Plus, major enhancements to Jamaica’s road network make driving even more comfortable.

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St Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Rules Out December General Elections BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CUOPM) — St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas has

Prime Minister Denzil Douglas

ruled out a December general election. His parliamentary term automatically ends on 16 December, following which an election must be called within 90 days.

In a telephone interview with BBC Caribbean, Tuesday afternoon, Douglas said Parliament can still be dissolved before December 16, as under the constitution, the Prime Minister can request the Governor General to dissolve Parliament at anytime.

“We can have the elections at any time after its dissolution, but I am one of those who believe that people should be allowed to have Christmas uninterrupted. Christmas is a time for unity among families and friends and

so I would not want to in any way disrupt what has been a longstanding family tradition. I would safely say that the elections would be held in the New Year,” said Douglas.

BBC Caribbean also reported on the latest opinion poll conducted by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES) in the last two weeks of November that revealed that the ruling St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party would win a fourth consecutive term in office, without increasing the number of seats it currently holds in parliament.

The Labour Party controls seven of the 8 seats on St Kitts in the 11seat National Assembly.

Global Caribbean Art Artist Arthur Simms, of Jamaica, is shown with his sculptor in the background at the opening of “The Global Caribbean” exhibit in the Little Haiti area of Miami, Dec. 4. The exhibit includes paintings, sculpture and other installations by 25 contemporary artists from Cuba, Trinidad, Haiti, the Bahamas and other Caribbean countries.

Former US President Determined To Eradicate Malaria In Haiti ATLANTA, Georgia - Former United States President Jimmy Carter says he hopes to see an eradication of malaria by next year in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the last two countries in the Caribbean with known cases of the disease.

“The Dominican Republic government and the Haiti government have never got along well, but both trust me, and trust the Carter Center,” Carter told reporters here Wednesday, stating that he has visited both countries recently in an effort to get them to cooperate to rid the island of malaria “once and for all.”

He also said he is determined to rid the island of Lymphatic filariasis, a painful swelling disease also spread by mosquitos. Haiti and the Dominican Republic are two of the last outposts in the Western Hemisphere for the disease.

This year, malaria infected about 30,000 people in Haiti and several thousand more in the Dominican Republic, Carter said.

A pilot programme established by the Carter Center in 2008 helped to curb the disease by donating insecticide treated nets for beds and microscopes to diagnose malaria samples.

“Having him there focuses attention on the problem,” said Dr. Donald Hopkins, director of the Carter Center’s health programmes, who also oversees the organisation’s efforts in the neighbouring Caribbean nations.

He credited Carter’s recent visit with progress on an unprecedented cross-border eradication effort. “(It) gave us leverage in helping to encourage both countries to develop a bi-national plan with a budget and with a target date for getting rid of ma-

Haitian President Rene Preval (R) welcomes former US president Jimmy Carter (L) in Port-auPrince. laria on the island all together by 2010,” Hopkins said.

In the wake of Carter’s visit, Hopkins said the emphasis on fighting the disease is shifting.

“What we sought to bring that was value added was a focus on elimination, not just on continuing to treat and control the malaria problem,” he said.

“The Dominican Republic expects to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by the year 2010. Haiti also announced a plan to eliminate lymphatic filariasis on their side of the island by 2020 because they have much more lymphatic filariasis remaining,” Hopkins said.

“Which means when we are successful, there won’t be any more of these diseases anywhere in the Western Hemisphere,” Carter said.

In order to reach that goal, Carter said much depends on the willingness of both sides of the island to continue their cooperation.

Top Cop Appeals For Calm Ahead Of December 18 Vote

ROSEAU, Dominica - The top cop in this Eastern Caribbean island has called for calm as campaigning intensifies ahead of the December 18 general election.

Police Commissioner Hobbes Jno Baptiste told reporters Wednesday that it was important for Dominicans be united after the election process and so, needed to avoid all violent activity ahead of the poll.

“While the campaign period is relatively short, we trust that tolerance and tempers are not as short and we seek your support and enlist your contribution in having these elections proceed smoothly and as far as is practicable, incident-free,” Jno Baptiste said.

The Dominica Labour Party, headed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, is seeking its third straight term in office and is being challenged by the United Workers Party and the Dominica Freedom Party. A number of independents are also contesting the poll.

Both opposition parties have accused the government of being a corrupt regime – charges Skerrit has vehemently denied while calling on persons

claiming to have evidence of misbehaviour in public office to take their concerns to the Integrity Commission.

Jno Baptiste said he expected that the level of excitement and exuberance among supporters of rival parties and candidates would likely increase as an intense campaign, dominated by divisive and contentious issues, enters the final stages.

He said he had spoken to all police officers in relation to their professional and impartial conduct, especially on polling day, and has also met with the political leaders who agreed to act to ensure a peaceful and trouble free election process.

“We would like to urge those concerned to exercise an enormous degree of sensitivity to those you wish to cast their votes on your behalf,” he said.

The police commissioner also encouraged political parties to share information on public activities with the police for the purpose of early resolution of conflicts.

“We would certainly like to urge the parties to share this information with other parties and other candidates. Let me remind you that we are not at war,” he said.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

Wife Of Former PM Refuses To Return Passport

Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn

Judges Reserve Judgement In Death Penalty Appeal KINGSTON, Jamaica The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the case of convicted killer Peter Dougal, who has challenged the death penalty imposed on him.

In submissions in court on Tuesday, Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn conceded that the recent ruling by the London-based Privy Council in a case from St Vincent and the Grenadines makes it virtually impossible for the local court to arrive at a hasty decision.

In June, the Privy Council ruled that the death penalty was excessive in the case of a Vincentian, Daniel Trimmingham, who was sentenced to death in 2004 for killing a goat farmer during a robbery.

Llewellyn said the Privy Council is trying to push the Jamaican government towards abolishing the death penalty based on the recent ruling.

But according to her, legislators here are hoping that the death penalty remains on the books.

As a result, she urged the court to dismiss Dougal’s appeal and confirm the death penalty.

Following the submissions, the judges on the special appeal panel said they would reserve their judgment until a later date.

Dougal, 40, was sentenced to death in 2007 for the 2005 murder of the past president of businessman Lloyd Brown and his companion, Sandra Campbell.

Last week Dougal’s co-accused 41-year-old Donald Whyte, was freed by the Court of Appeal.

The court found that the prosecution’s case against Whyte was weak because the Crown relied on indirect hearsay evidence.

Whyte was serving a sentence of life imprisonment and was ordered to serve 40 years before being eligible for parole.

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada - The wife of former prime minister Dr Keith Mitchell has found herself at the centre of a row with the Grenada government over her alleged refusal to return a diplomatic passport given to her while her husband was in office.

Marietha Mitchell was among several persons whom official travel documents were issued to by the previous New National Party (NNP) administration but are no longer qualified to possess official or diplomatic passports and were asked to return them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following general elections last year.

However, the government said that within the past three weeks, Mitchell, whose husband is now Opposition Leader, had the diplomatic passport in her possession while travelling on personal business.

The government daid she was questioned by an immigration officer because her name appeared on a list of persons who failed to return the travel documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It is even more disturbing that Mrs Mitchell refused to surrender the document when requested to do so by the immigration officer at the Maurice Bishop International Airport on the morning of Friday November 27th 2009, citing the need to use the diplomatic passport to facilitate her return to Grenada,” said a government statement issued late Tuesday.

The statement further explained

Former Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell that it is not the norm for the spouse of the Opposition Leader to be granted a diplomatic passport and that the matter is further compounded by the fact that the passport that Mitchell possesses describes the holder of the document as the “spouse of the Prime Minister ”.

“Whilst it is generally known, it must be made absolutely clear that Mrs. Marietha Dian Mitchell is not the wife of Prime Minister Hon. Tillman J. Thomas, and as such the decision by Mrs. Mitchell to continue to use the diplomatic passport, amounts to impersonation,” said the Prime Minister’s press secretary, Ri-

chard Simon.

“It is important that Mrs. Mitchell follow the legal requirement and surrender the document, which, as with all diplomatic and official passports, are kept in the possession of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until it has to be used by the holder, while undertaking official duties,” Simon added.

The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) has been unable to contact Marietha Mitchell and her husband he declined to comment on the matter. He advised that NNP executive member Brenda Hood would issue a statement on the matter later in the day.

Nation Remembers VC Bird’s Legacy On National Heroes Day ST JOHN’S, Antigua - The people of Antigua and Barbuda are Wednesday celebrating the lives and accomplishments of the country’s national heroes as the twinisland state marks National Heroes Day. The occasion has taken on added significance as the day also marks the centenary of the birth of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the country’s first premier and prime minister, who is fondly remembered as the father of the nation. Sir Vere who was declared a National Hero in 1994, the year that he stepped away from active politics, died in 1999.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said that while all four national heroes were being honoured, several activities have been planned specifically to mark the centenary.

“We will be having a series of activities throughout the day and into the night starting at the bust of VC Bird with the Salvation Army having a service and the usual wreath laying ceremony,” Spencer said.

The Antigua and Barbuda Post Office has also unveiled four commemorative stamps in Sir Vere’s honour in denominations of 30 cents, 75 cents, 90 cents and $1.50.

Spencer recalled that the late prime minister was a “very strong proponent of Caribbean integration”. “…when the ‘little eight’ was formed some issues arose with respect to who should be in charge of post offices throughout the region… and VC Bird was very strong that while he was a great proponent of integration he felt that the post office was such an important aspect of revenue generation and so on that he told them in no uncertain terms that he will not be allowing the Post Office of Antigua and Barbuda to be ceded to anyone,” Spencer said.

“So we are delighted to be here…unveiling these commemorative stamps in memory of our national hero and founder of the nation.”

Sir Vere’s fourth son, Ivor, represented the Bird family at the ceremony and was presented with a souvenir commemorative set of the four stamps by Prime Minister Spencer.

“I want to thank the prime minister and the government of Antigua for all they have done to recognise this hundredth birthday of the founding father of this nation,” Bird said. “I say this proudly and I am here on behalf of the family to do the honours.”

The stamps show various stages of Sir Vere’s development.

Antigua and Barbuda has four national heroes; the others being Nellie Robinson, Prince Klass and global cricketing icon Sir Vivian Richards, the country’s only living National Hero.

Police Officer Gunned Down Outside His House KINGSTON, Jamaica - National Security Minister Dwight Nelson has described the latest killing of a police officer as a sign of “evil running rampant in the society” as security forces deployed more personnel to the frontline in the fight against crime.

Traffic cop Tussaine James was attacked by gunmen as he opened the door to his home late Wednesday. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Police said the attackers stole the constable’s service pistol during the attack.

James was the 11th member of the force to be killed this year and the third within a two-month span.

Acting Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington said the “senseless and brutal murder of a policeman highlights the dangers being faced by police personnel”.

Overall, more than 1,500 persons have been murdered in this Caribbean country this year.

Meanwhile, in an effort to stem the crime wave, law enforcement officials announced Wednesday that an additional 700 police officers will be transferred from the Office of the Police Commissioner and other areas in Kingston to boost security across the island.

The additional officers, including 200 recent graduates, will be called upon to bolster security at financial institutions, shopping malls and plazas throughout Jamaica.

“You are going to have more persons going out in the commercial districts, more persons travelling from the urban to the rural areas, so there will definitely be a need for more officers on the road,” said Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Glenmore Hinds.

Tourism Director Suspended ST GEORGE’S, Grenada Grenada’s most senior tourism official, William Joseph, has been suspended amid allegations that Canadian airline Sunwing was snubbed on its inaugural flight to the island last month.

Joseph, the director of the Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT), began his two week suspension on Tuesday and is the first person to face disciplinary action over the incident since the government said it would look into the embarrassing affair.

Tourism officials said Joseph’s suspension is specifically linked to comments he made on a television programme this week after the GBT decided that it would not issue a public statement on the matter until the investigation is completed.

The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has also written a strongly worded letter to government protesting the treatment meted out to Sunwing.

GHTA, an umbrella body that represents the interest of hotels on the island, also condemned an earlier statement from the GBT which said no welcoming ceremony was planned due to the early morning arrival of the airline’s inaugural flight.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Charles Town Maroons Revive Old Time ‘Tings’ PORTLAND, Jamaica -Bammy, cassava flour, cassava chips, coconut oil and Busta Sweetie are traditional products made by Maroons, and - a winning combination in cultural preservation and community entrepreneurship. This was the thinking of the JN Foundation’s Members Advisory Council (MAC) of Port Antonio, Portland when they approved grant funding for the construction of a 50x 20 feet Cassava House in Charles Town, Portland.

“With the ‘Eat What You Grow’ campaign now on, and knowing that unemployment is one of the major problems in Charles Town, we were happy to fund this project,” says Ms. Nadine McLean, MAC member.

Noting that the Charles Town Maroons were a group that worked on their own initiative, Ms. McLean said she knew this income generating project would be sustainable.

Mr. Frank Lumsdem, leader of the Charles Town group explained that when the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton made his call for Jamaicans to eat more cassava, they were happy, as farmers in the community were always planting cassava. While others scoffed at the suggestion, the Maroons decided to seek funding to start making by-products of this versatile tuber that grows all year round.

“We are grateful to the JN Foundation for this, as we now have a house big enough not only to make bammies, cassava flour and cassava chips but, we have decided to revive another tradition of making our own coconut oil as well as Staggaback, also known as Busta Sweeties from

the trash of the coconut, which is usually used to feed fowls,” Mr. Lumsden said.

Employing ten persons to grate the cassavas and coconuts, the traditional way, the Charles Town Maroons to date are turning some 100lbs. of cassava weekly into bammies, flour and chips which is supplied to two hotels and six supermarkets in the parish. Alongside this, approximately 3,000 sweeties are made; and as much as 40 bottles of coconut oil, based on the supply of coconuts.

“We are looking for more markets locally as well as overseas, so that more persons can be employed,” Mr. Lumsden explained, adding of plans to “spruce up” the area and make it into a community tourism attraction.

Already, students from the Paul Bogle Junior High School spent a day amongst the Maroons and watched as bammies were prepared for lunch, the traditional way. Mr. Lumsden is willing to accommodate more school visits as he felt the exercise was important for the younger generation to learn these cultural traditions.

“It was a wonderful experience for the students and when we were served the bammies it was the first time most of them were eating it,” Ms. Annmarie Lewis, the Literature Teacher of the book the Young Warriors, explained. She had taken the students on a field trip to the area “to get a feel of the book” which recounts the life of some young Maroons Warriors.

Everard Palmer, a visitor to the site is pleased to see these traditional products back on the market. “I am impressed with the Staggaback

Island Nations Make Proposal To Secure Their Survival The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) on Thursday announced a proposal designed to safeguard the Earth’s climate system and to secure the future survival of its 43 members.

“AOSIS members are at the front line of the devastating impacts of climate change. Today we have put forward a proposal for a legally binding agreement to secure the twin objectives of survival of the Kyoto Protocol and to strengthen the UNFCCC with a new ‘Copenhagen’ Protocol that can be adopted here in Copenhagen”, said Ambassador Dessima Williams of Grenada.

“Our proposal does forward amendments to secure a strengthened second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and put forward a new Protocol to be adopted under the Convention which would result in legally binding targets for the USA”, said Ambassador Collin Beck of the Solomon Islands.

“We believe our proposal provides a fresh way of looking at how the existing proposals from many different countries can be assembled into a coherent legal form whilst maintaining the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol and the primacy of the UNFCCC as the legitimate international forum for combating climate change and its adverse effects”, said Ambassador Antonio Lima of Cape Verde.

“This proposal will help countries not only to adapt to climate change but also to achieve our national goal of becoming a carbon neutral country”, said Minister Mohamed Aslam of the Republic of the Maldives.

sweetie, it is good that they could use this by product of the coconut in this way,” he stated.

He pointed out that now that coconut oil is being touted as a good source of fat, it is great that the group can make a living using the product, and maintain the methodology from their traditional way of life.

Mr. Edison Taylor, Manager of the Port Antonio Branch, of the Ja-

maica National Building Society, which supports the JN Foundation and its MAC projects, said on a recent visit to the Cassava House he was pleased to see the positive impact it has had on the community. “We need more locally grown and produced products to get our economy to grow,” he added, pleased with the number of things this MAC project has generated.

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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, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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Minister Says Regional Obligations Putting Stress On Local Resources CASTRIES, St Lucia - National Security Minister Guy Mayers has complained that the country’s regional security obligations are putting a strain on the resources of the police force.

Speaking at the close of this week’s inaugural Tourism Advisory Council meeting, Mayers disclosed that in order to meet some security obligations to the regional grouping, St Lucia is left with fewer police officers to patrol the streets and fight crime.

“With the agreement in CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) and the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) to protect judges, the fact that St Lucia is the headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court we require an additional 60 police officers to provide protection,” he said.

“What’s even more disconcerting is the fact that there is a specific requirement for high rank of officers to fulfil this duty, so you can’t even send a constable to accompany judges. And there are other security requirements that don’t allow us the use of these more efficient officers for duties for which they were hired,” Mayers lamented, adding that magistrates have been asking for the same level of protection as well.

He also expressed frustration with bureaucratic

red tape that holds up the process of justice and that there was a dire need for the speedy allocation of resources for the police to fight crime.

In this regard, the National Security Minister challenged the private sector to provide more financial support to law enforcement.

“You have more to lose if these measures are not implemented than waiting solely on government to implement them and only to hear that it is taking five years to get off the ground because of delays by the people in the Ministry of Finance - people who don’t understand the implications for national security if these arrangements are not put in place.

“As far as the allocation of finance is concerned other departments are usually given priority over these security needs despite the fact that in some cases we are talking about small amounts of money for simple things, which once implemented can have a significant impact on crime prevention, we are unable to get them because of a lack of funding,” Mayers said.

Just recently, the government indicated that National Security would be it main priority, especially in light of the current global economic crisis which could influence an upsurge in anti-social behaviour.

Authorities Restrict Night Time Access To Some Communities BRADES, Montserrat - Authorities on this British Overseas Territory on Thursday restricted access to some of the southernmost areas of the occupied “safe zone” in the north of the island due to the threat of increased volcanic activity.

Acting Governor James Wood said “careful consideration” was given before the decision that was taken at an emergency meeting involving scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and senior government officials including the acting Chief Minister.

“There was a significant event this morning…following that and following the discussions that have just taken place, a decision has been taken that it is no longer safe for persons to remain in Zone B during the hours of darkness and to that effect, an order has been made that persons must evacuate between certain hours,” Wood said on local radio Thursday afternoon.

Among the areas affected by the order are the affluent communities of Old Towne and Isles Bay Hill, where many North American and British expatriates reside. In the past, some members of those neighbourhoods have resisted efforts to get them to leave their homes.

“The first priority is safety and we have determined that due to the levels of risk that currently apply that it would be imperative that this order be made,” Woods said.

Authorities scrambled following a large pyroclastic flow of smouldering rocks, ash and gas down the north-west flank of the Soufriere Hills Volcano shortly before seven o’clock Thursday morning.

Following their deliberation, the volcano hazard alert has been raised to level four, the second highest.

“The event this morning was a particularly large event but it was a single event and the kind of event that we could have now could be a much larger event,” said MVO head Paul Cole.

He stressed that scientists monitoring the volcano that roared to life in 1995 and has been constantly active since were not of the view that a larger event was “imminent”. He said for that reason, they have recommended leaving the zone open for daytime access.

“We think that we can recognise and this event will develop over a number of hours and we will have enough time to warn people but during night time we can not be confident that we would identify such an event, a dome collapse-type event occurring beforehand and so this is the reason why we can not allow people to stay in that zone,” Cole said.

Access to the zone will be restricted between the hours of 5:30 pm and 6:30 am.

The latest development comes as hundreds of Montserratians return home for the annual year end Festival celebrations and Christmas holidays.

Since the volcano began erupting more than 14 years ago, most residents migrated to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and other Caribbean islands, reducing the population to around 5,000 people.

The worst of the activity was in 1997, when 19 people we killed by pyroclatic flows that also devastated the capital, Plymouth.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

WHAT’S PLAYING AT THE MOVIES? New Releases ARMORED BROTHERS EVERYBODY'S FINE SERIOUS MOONLIGHT TRANSYLMANIA UP IN THE AIR THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON THE BLIND SIDE 2012 OLD DOGS DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL NINJA ASSASSIN PLANET 51 PRECIOUS FANTASTIC MR. FOX THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS

Everybody's Fine A widower embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children only to discover that their lives are far from picture perfect.

Golding Intervenes In Gully-Gaza Feud KINGSTON, Jamaica - Prime Minister Bruce Golding has stepped in to quell the feud between supporters of two popular dancehall artistes in what has become known as the GullyGaza war.

The country’s leader sat down with David “Mavado” Brooks and Adijah “Vybz Kartel” Palmer at Jamaica House on Tuesday, when a five-point plan was outlined to diffuse the tensions between the rival supporters.

The measures agreed upon include both artistes participating in a peace concert, a “paint out day” to remove Gully/Gaza graffiti from walls in communities and schools across the island, the creation of t-shirts bearing the image of both artistes, and doing a collaboration single.

Following the meeting, the entertainers said there was no bad blood between them and that the feud was sparked by over exuberant fans.

“Me and Vybz we’re not really enemies...we never threw a stone after (each other). It’s just about music (but) the fans take it to a next level,” Mavado said.

The rivalry has in recent times spilled over from the dancehall into the education system and fans have taken to acting out the violence described in the Mavado and Vybz Kartel songs.

Last month the St. Andrew South Police seized several buttons and other paraphernalia which were being sold by vendors outside several Corporate Area schools depicting the darker side of the feud. Both artistes denied any involvement in the distribution of the items.

Palmer said he expected the upcoming single to show fans that there is no need to continue fighting against each other.

“We have plans to do another collaboration because the first time Mavado and I did a song, it was a collaboration (and) those were the happiest days of my life, so that’s what we’re bringing back.

“The collaboration is afoot and people need to know that David and I have never had any personal animosity over the years; people just took things out of context, especially impressionable minds, so this is a good move by the government,” he said.

Meanwhile, entertainment consultant Clyde McKenzie said the Prime Minister’s decision to intervene was a good one. He said the Golding administration has acted responsibly by trying to nip in the bud, the Gully/Gaza feud.

“I think it’s a good first step and I think it speaks to the whole question of how seriously the society takes the whole thing of the influence of artistes on the culture. So yes, let’s see if it will work. I give it my best wishes,” McKenzie said.

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Old Dogs Two best friends -- one unlucky-inlove divorcee and the other a funloving bachelor -- have their lives turned upside down when they're unexpectedly charged with the care of 7-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. The not-so-kid-savvy bachelors stumble in their efforts to take care of the twins, leading to one debacle after another, and perhaps to a new-found understanding of what's really important in life.

Vybz Kartel

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Etana Rocks Thousands In St. Vincent And Dominica On Multi-Island Blitz KINGSTON, Jamaica — With her newly formed band Strong Roots behind her, Reggae music’s burgeoning chanteuse Etana delivered powerful performances before thousands of fans in St. Vincent and Dominica recently.

These powerhouse shows were a part of Etana’s extensive promotional tour, which kicked off in November.

In addition to enchanting St. Vincent and Dominica with her magical presence, Etana also visited Guyana, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Marteen on this 10-day excursion.

During these explosive performances, Etana belted out spirited renditions of her hits including “Not Afraid,” “Roots,” “Warrior Love,” “Wrong Address,” and “Jah Love” among others. And her 45-minute set wouldn’t have been complete without smooth deliveries of her latest songs “August Town”, “Free” and “Happy Heart,” which are at the center of her promotional efforts and rapidly gathering momentum among Reggae music fans.

At both shows, the swollen audience rocked relentlessly to Etana’s soul-tinged Reggae vibes. The crowd’s adulation of Etana left her with a great feeling. Not only was Etana a hit — Strong Roots was also a crowd pleaser, as they provided Etana with an impressive musical backdrop. This is just the beginning of this union, as Etana and Strong Roots are billed on a number of upcoming events in December.

“Performing before my Caribbean fans has been a warm, reward-

Etana ing experience for me,” says Etana.

“I was especially happy that I could bring my new band with me — as they allow me to creatively entertain my fans without boundaries.”

Following the performances, Etana continued her media-heavy visits to other islands. Etana’s presence was further cemented in the Caribbean market, as she interviewed with leading DJs and TV personalities. Her visits sparked quite an interest among media and fans alike, including a number of politicians. “The Strong One” also landed coverage in popular Caribbean print publications.

Based on the turnout of people wherever Etana touched down, one thing

was clear — she has a massive Caribbean fan base. Over and over again, DJs and fans credited Etana with being one of Jamaica’s best new artists.

“This recent leg of Etana’s promotional tour was very worthwhile,” says Etana’s manager Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. “DJs and other members of the media have the potential of turning artists into stars — not everyone grasps their pivotal role.”

Etana returned to Jamaica for a number of Holiday performances and the launch of her video contest on RETV, in which fans will be able to win top prizes including a lap top, blackberry, ipod and more.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NY Community Offers Massive Tribute To Late J’can Diplomat

By Donovan Gopie & Ian Edwards

Very long will his memory live, because Keith Meredith Johnson, OJ, CD, LLD, was an exceptional Jamaican diplomat, a much respected and admired humanitarian, a devoted father and husband, and an extraordinary Jamaican and Caribbean patriot. Many were the lives he touched and influenced for good.

The community in New York City, and the Empire State in general, holds especially fond memories of him, because not only was he the first Consul-General appointed to New York (1962 - 1967), upon Jamaica’s attainment of independence in 1962, but his accomplishments there had set a very high standard, for which he is remembered to this day. In the words of his former colleagues from around the world who have lionized him – Keith Johnson was the quintessential diplomat.

Ambassador Johnson passed away peacefully on October 1, aged 88, at home in Brooklyn, where he had resided with his twin daughters Rev. Hope Johnson and Janice Marie Johnson since his retirement.

Testimony to extent of his influence and to the admiration and respect he commanded among his Jamaican and Caribbean “compatriots,” As well as internationally, was on full display during the official funeral accorded him in Jamaica in October and in the massive outpouring of tributes at memorial services held in his honor in Washington, DC, on November 29th, and in New York City on December 6th.

On Sunday, December 6th at the Community Church of New York Unitarian Universalist, a Service of Thanksgiving in honor of Johnson’s life and legacy was led by Rev. Bruce Southworth, Senior Minister, with a reception and cultural presentation after the service - organized by his daughters and a team of friends. The Washington event was organized by representatives of various Jamaican and Caribbean organizations and under the auspices of the Embassy of Jamaica, at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel. Leading the Washington event were current Jamaican ambassador Anthony Johnson, community stalwarts such as E. Leopold Edwards, Dr. Basil Buchanan, and other leaders in the community as well as representatives of the Caribbean diplomatic corps.

Everywhere he was memorialized; Ambassador Johnson was remembered and celebrated in many glowing tributes as one of his country’s preeminent diplomats.

Jamaica’s Permanent Representive to the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Raymond Wolfe, in tributes he delivered at the New York service, remarked that “Ambassador Johnson’s diplomatic service,

A dance and poetry tribute to Ambassador Keith Meredith Johnson (Photo by Donovan Gopie)

0to Hope & Marie Johnson, daughtes of Ambassador Johnson at his memoral service in NYC. (Photo by Amadu Dabo) spanning more than 50 years, has secured his place in the history of the Foreign Service, as one of Jamaica’s most accomplished and successful career diplomats. It is my sincerest hope that all officers in the Jamaican Foreign Service will seek to emulate the very high standard of excellence in diplomacy that Ambassador Johnson had left as his legacy.” Former New York City Council member Hon. Dr. Una .S.T. Clarke was eloquent and upbeat in her recollections of her many years of friendship with Ambassador Johnson, underscoring with fondness the mentoring he provided her, a Jamaican-born educator and politician in New York.

On offering at the Brooklyn tribute service included the singing of the old Negro spiritual If I Can Help Somebody, sung beautifully by Ray Mendez, a KC Old Boy and a member of St. Marks Church choir; emotion-filled remembrances by Rev. Dr. Tracy Robinson Harris, eliciting appreciative nods from the packed church; Drums of My Father, an African poem set to dance, was magnificently and dramatically interpreted by Valerie Forbes; and Ambassador Johnson’s twin daughters and his beautiful granddaughters, Lehna and Jova, added very personal memories praising father and grandfather, leaving few dry eyes among the appreciative guests gathered in the beautiful Eastside church for the memorial. The Rev. Desmond Green, a pastor from Jamaica, presented the late diplomat with the posthumous Peace Ambassador Award, which his daughters accepted.

A well-orchestrated and wonderfully received cultural presentation followed the formal tributes. Many guests offered personal tributes and anecdotes from their relations with the beloved Ambassador, revealing much of his lighter side as well.

Excellent performances of traditional folk songs, Jamaican ballads, poetry and drama highlighted the reception by performers, all volunteering their professional services.

The Brawwta Folks Singers sang many popular and spirited Jamaican folk songs – Ambassador Johnson was fond of Jamaican folk songs. He endeavored to promote his country’s culture and music during his long diplomatic services.

The famed Brooklyn-Jamaican balladeer Ed Robinson sang with joy in all his notes that elicited tumultuous applause from the very appreciative guests. Former member of noted WorlAGirl reggae singing group, Charmaine DaCosta sang gospel songs that proved a big hit with the audience. Talented Keisha Martin, a young singer/songwriter and actress, captivated

everyone with her a cappella renditions of gospel songs by the late Sam Cooke. The noted Caribbean actress Diane Dixon stole the evening with her stellar performance of selections from the poetry of the prolific “Miss Lou” (Hon. Louise Bennett– Coverley, OJ), the Jamaican cultural icon and late cultural ambassador. A pan- Caribbean group, The Afro CaribA Singers, led

by Minna Hamilton LaFortune, capped the enjoyable evening tribute with a medley of Caribbean spirited songs with enthused audience participation. Michelle Thompson, a local radio personality and the mistress of ceremonies, in her humorous style made the tribute performances to the beloved Jamaica ambassador most festive. Ambassador Keith Johnson would have been well pleased!

The Planning Team along with Hope and Marie Johnson included Hon. Una Clarke; Donovan Gopie, Valerie Forbes, Esq.; Rev. Desmond Green, Marlon Hew; Minna Hamilton LaFortune and Raymond Mendez all did a magnificent job.

Ambassador Johnson was a native of Spanish Town and a graduate of Kingston College, Columbia University and Oxford University. Among other career highlights, he served as his country’s United Nations ambassador (1967-1973); ambassador to Germany (1973-1981); and concurrently ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (1981-1991). Among his international credits, he is remembered for advising Hugh Shearer, then Prime Minister of Jamaica, to propose the United Nations resolution declaring 1968 as the International Year of Human Rights.

He was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by the government of Jamaica, and later the Order of Jamaica. The University of the West Indies bestowed on him the Honorary Degree of Doctors of Laws, on which occasion the citation underscored how “he was an ambassador by aptitude, by his concern for his people, and by his love of service.”

The distinguished ambassador was accorded an official funeral in his homeland on October 15 by the government of Jamaica. The funeral was attended by the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Hon. Bruce Golding, and the leader of The Opposition Hon. Portia Simpson. Ambassador Johnson was buried at Dove Cot Cemetery just outside Spanish Town, Jamaica.

He will be missed and always very fondly remembered ….not only by Jamaicans.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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Sabrina HoSang, Chief Operating Officer of Caribbean Foods Delight (left) was credited with the idea of setting up the sites at retail stores in the Bronx and Mount Vernon.

Book Drive For Jamaica Two retail stores and the factory operated

by Caribbean Food Delights and Royal Caribbean Bakery have become key components in a book drive that benefits school children in Jamaica.

Thousands of books have so far been collected at the sites, according to Winthrope Wellington, one of the chief organizers of the book drive, who praised the two companies for their involvement.

“We’re really thankful they’re taking part,” he said. “Not only do they help with collecting the books, but they also let a lot of people know about it.

When people come in and see the books, they want to know how they can contribute in other ways.”

Cash and computers are among other items that have been donated in the drive, which helps pupils in Negril, Jamaica. Wellington credited the companies’ Chief Operating Officer, Sabrina HoSang, with the idea of setting up the sites at retail stores in the Bronx and Mount Vernon and the factory in Tappan.

“She’s done a lot to see our organization succeed,” Wellington said.

At the Dyre Avenue store in the Bronx, one of the managers, Vincent Hugh, said the book drive has almost become a community effort.

“It’s encouraging to know that our staff can interact with our customers and neighbors for a worthy cause,” Hugh said. “Sometimes the people who donate the books stop for a chat about how the cost of educating people these days is exorbitant.”

The store drive has also brought in school supplies. “So far, we’ve filled up eight barrels,” Hugh said. He added that the material has now commanded its own space...

“Right now we’re waiting for barrels so we had to put aside some area to store the stuff,” he said.

Hugh hails from the Portland area of Jamaica on the island’s east end. When he was told the books and other items were headed for Negril, which is all the way west, he said, “No matter. The books are going home. It’s a wonderful idea!”

The book drive was actually started in Negril four years ago and has been critical in helping to solve a book shortage there. In fact, school administrators have come to depend on the donations.

“We have school principals and superintendants coming to us requesting different kinds of books, and we pass on those requests to donors,” Wellington said. “And often, those requests are filled.”

And the book drive has also become a source for other entities with local hospitals and libraries submitting requests.

Negril is one of Jamaica’s popular tourist destinations. Wellington’s family operates the Travellers Beach Resort there and the facility has taken on the role as distribution center for the books.

“Some of the staff helps to sort the books, and we have a 40-foot container on the site that we use for storage,” Wellington said, admitting that sometimes the volume of books spills over into the hotel’s lobby.

Recently, he said, about 1,500 books were distributed to children who visited the hotel.

“Our guests don’t mind,” Wellington said, “and when they see what we’re doing many of them have contributed to the effort, even paying for school uniforms and fees.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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

Gail Lewis

Mt. Vernon Business Owner Gail Lewis Honored

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MT. VERNON, NY - Gail Lewis, founder of Gail’s Graphic Designs, was honored in New York Real Estate Journal’s 7th Annual Women in Real Estate Spotlight issue. In this issue Ms. Lewis answers the question “What impact has social networking had on your success?”

The special issue recognizes women and their achievements. “I am truly grateful to be named amongst the esteemed list of women honored this year,” said Lewis. “This recognition is a great way to end 2009 and start off 2010 as Gail’s Graphic Designs

continues on its path towards great success.”

Ms. Lewis has more than 15 years of marketing experience, including senior level corporate marketing positions in leading commercial real estate investment and service compa-

nies. Ms. Lewis has extensive background in advertising, website management, events & sponsorships, marketing collateral, and email-marketing initiatives.

A graduate from Bernard M. Baruch CUNY, Ms. Lewis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Operations Management. She is a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) as well as the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (CACCI). Ms. Lewis is also a contributing writer to “Mind Your Business” column in Your Money eZine (Jamaica’s premier business and financial eZine).

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

SPORTS

TAMAR LAMBERT

Jermaine Mackey

Mackey Confident He Can Repeat Against Sinnette

Lambert To Lead Jamaica In WICB Four-Day Tournament KINGSTON, Jamaica – Three months after being axed for Jamaica’s President’s Cup campaign, Tamar Lambert has resurfaced as captain of an 18-man squad announced Thursday for next month’s regional four-day championship.

The 28-year-old will take charge of a strong side that includes eight players with Test experience, and which will be defending the title the won in a canter earlier this year.

Wavell Hinds, Xavier Marshall, Carlton Baugh, David Bernard jr, Donovan Pagon, Brenton Parchment, Nikita Miller and Daren Powell have all been included in the squad which will be whittled down to 14 prior to the start of the tournament on January 8.

Lambert is a consistent middle order batsman who has developed a reputation for astute leadership and was inspirational in leading Jamaica to their second successive first class title this year.

The right-hander emerged as his side’s leading batsman with 759 runs but though he was named in an 18-man training squad for the President’s Cup in October, he failed to make the final cut.

Chairman of selectors Nehemiah Perry said Lambert’s lack of fitness was to blame for his exclusion.

As expected, Chris Gayle, Brendan Nash and Jerome Taylor who are duty with the West Indies in Australia have not been included. Fast bowler Taylor is expected home this week after suffering a hip injury in the opening Test at the Gabba.

The squad was named following the conclusion of the third four-day trial match last Monday.

SQUAD – Tamar Lambert (captain), Brenton Parchment, Xavier Marshall, Shawn Findley, Danza Hyatt, Wavell Hinds, Donovan Pagon, Carlton Baugh, Odean Brown, Bevon Brown, Andrew Richardson, Daren Powell, Jason Dawes, Andre Russell, Nikita Miller, Horace Miller, David Bernard jr, Andre Dwyer.

Marion Jones

Jones’ Title Goes To Bahamian LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Bahamian Pauline Davis-Thompson and other Caribbean sprinters are the beneficiaries after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally reallocated Sydney 2000 medals from drug disgraced Marion Jones on Wednesday.

Nine years after the event, Davis-Thompson is the new holder of the women’s 200-metre gold medal after Olympic leaders redistributed some of the five Sydney medals taken away from Jones for doping.

Davis-Thompson had clocked 22.27 seconds chasing Jones (21.84) in the half-lap sprint in Sydney and is now elevated to gold medal status.

Sri Lanka’s Susanthika Jayasinghe (22.28) moves up from bronze to silver and Jamaica’s Beverly McDonald (22.35) from fourth to the bronze medal third spot.

But in an unprecedented move, the IOC executive board denied Greece’s Ekaterina Thanou, the Sydney runner-up, the 100-metre gold for “moral” reasons because she was at the centre of her own drug scandal at the 2004 Athens Games.

Thanou never failed a drug test and was not linked to doping in Sydney, but she was accused — four years later — along with fellow Greek sprinter Kostas Kenteris of dodging drug-testers at the Athens Olympics and faking a motorcycle crash as a cover-up.

The IOC decision means the women’s 100-

metre title in Sydney will remain vacant.

Jamaican Tanya Lawrence, Sydney’s 100metre third place finisher in 11.18 seconds, moves up to second and becomes the duplicate silver medallist with Thanou (11.12).

Jamaican Merlene Ottey (11.19) is promoted from fourth to third, now securing a sixth career Olympic bronze medal to go with two silver medals in a record seven Olympic appearances.

Jones, the current wife of retired Barbadian star Obadele Thompson, had been resounding winner in 10.75 seconds.

In the long jump, Jones had placed third and the Russian Tatyana Kotova is now upgraded from fourth to bronze.

Jones, who had long denied doping, admitted in 2007 that she used steroids at the time of the Sydney Games where she became the first woman to win five medals at a single Olympics.

She served a six-month prison sentence last year for lying about doping and her role in a cheque-fraud scam.

The IOC is yet to decide on the fate of the 4x400 relay gold and sprint-relay bronze the USA – with Jones – won in Sydney.

Jamaica (3:23.25) had placed second to the USA (3:22.62) in the 1600-metre relay and France (42.42) placed fourth in the sprint relay behind champions Bahamas (41.95), Jamaica (42.13) and the USA (42.20).

NASSAU, Bahamas – Bahamian Jermaine Mackey is confident he can repeat his 2007 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Kirt Sinnette when the two clash this weekend in Trinidad for the World Boxing Association (WBA) FedeLatin super middleweight title.

Fighting at home in Nassau 2-1/2 years ago, Mackey whipped Sinnette inside two rounds.

Mackey expects a tougher challenge in Sinnette’s home town at the Woodbrook Indoor Facility on Saturday night but he is convinced he will win again.

“I’m feeling great and I’m confident that I can do it,” Mackey told reporters Wednesday before travelling to Trinidad.

“I know he (Sinnette) is going to give it his all because he’s got the home base, he’s got family and friends and so I have to overcome that and win,” added the 29-year-old Mackey.

In their first meeting on June 22, 2007, at Nassau’s Kendal Isaac National Gym, Sinnette started positively and appeared to have the edge until Mackey connected with a powerful left hook that floored the T&T boxer and ended the bout at one minute, 54 seconds of round two.

Sinnette, 35, has identified defensive carelessness as the reason for his first loss to Mackey and has pledged to “correct the mistake” and avenge the only loss in his pro career.

After defeating Sinnette, Mackey went on to capture the Commonwealth title – beating Nigerian Michael Gbenga in July 2008 – but was stripped of that belt after a loss to Canadabased Haitian Adonis Stevenson in September.

Mackey is anxious to rebound from his recent setback and resuscitate his career with a victory over Sinnette.

“The challenges will come in my way and sometimes will not go your way, so it’s just a matter of picking yourself up and moving on.

I’m prepared to do that 100 per cent,” he said.

Mackey has a ring record of 18 wins (14 knockouts) against four defeats and Sinnette has 18 wins, with 14 knockouts, against one loss.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

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Barbadians Win Opening Matches In Under-13 Invitational

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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Local teams recorded a pair of wins as the Barbados National Sports Council’s (NSC) Invitational Under-13 cricket tournament started Wednesday.

The Barbados National U13s battled to a tense 12-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago and the Barbados NSC Development Squad recorded a six-wicket victory over St Kitts and Nevis All-Stars.

At the Carlton Ground, Barbados U13s profited from Jafari Toppin’s fine all-round performance and a five-wicket haul from Ricardo Small-Boyce to defeat T&T. Electing to bat, Barbados scored 149 for two in 30 overs with Toppin (56 not out) and captain Lee Gaskin (53) scoring heavily.

T&T replied with 137 all out in 29.4 overs.

Small-Boyce snared five for 17 and Toppin supported with two for 21 to stifle T&T’s bat-

ting that was led by Kamil Tooran (31) and Carl Viala (25).

At Dover, St Kitts and Nevis won the toss and crashed to 115 all out in 23.1 overs after choosing to bat against the NSC All-Stars.

Avier Christian stroked a fighting 45 to be the only significant scorer for the Leeward Islanders.

Dominic Drakes (2-20), Jarion Hoyte (222) and Ngozi Seale (2-33) shared six wickets for the NSC All Stars, who replied with 116 for four in 24.4 overs.

Leniko Boucher (51) and Nicholas Kirton (28) guided the local team’s innings against Lejay Outerbridge (2-8) and Clyde Smithen (217).

The tournament continues Thursday with Barbados playing NSC All-Stars and T&T facing St Kitts and Nevis.

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Jamaican Stakes Spotlight On Eight-Race Card PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association of Jamaica (TOBA) will hold the spotlight in Saturday’s eight-race card, scheduled to be run off at the Santa Rosa Park Racing Facility in Arima.

TOBA will sponsor the final race in the card – the Jamaica Stakes worth TT$ 45 000 (US$ 7 177) which is open to West Indian bred, threeyear-old horses.

Several other races will be named after some great Jamaican-bred horses – Swing By, Mr Lover Lover, Border Dispute, Terremoto, Uram and Pride ‘N’ Glory.

Howard Hamilton, head of TOBA will be in Trinidad for the day’s racing and is expected

to assist with the presentation of prizes.

The feature event will be the Union Park Turf Club Juvenile Sprint for imported two-yearolds and WI bred two-year-olds, which has attracted a field of nine runners including the impressive unbeaten Bristling from the powerful John O’Brien stables.

In the TOBA Jamaica Stakes, 12 horses will face the starter including five Jamaican-bred animals in Sound Of Thunder, Mission King, Hurricane Watch, Damage Control and Marathon Man, who won his last start.

They will have much to fear from the inform Mister Kingston, who is conditioned by O’Brien, and will have the services of top jockey Nela Mohammed in the saddle.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR *

Aussies Not Surprised By Windies Fightback, Says Opener PERTH, Australia – West Indies’ impressive showing in the Adelaide Test did not catch Australia unawares, claims opener Simon Katich.

“All along, all the players, we knew the West Indies would be competitive,” said the lefthander, reflecting on the second Test where Australia were forced to fight in order to stave off defeat on the last day.

“I don’t think you’ve heard any negative stuff coming from any of our players. They (West Indies) got out there and played some really good cricket. Started well and we obviously tried our best to win the game but was always going to be a tough task given 330 to score on the last day.”

West Indies were lifted by their batsmen who tallied 451 after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Their bowlers then limited the Aussies to 439 before the Caribbean side, led by a superb, unbeaten 165 from captain Chris Gayle, put up 317 in their second innings.

In pursuit of their victory target, Australia tumbled to 139 for five at one stage before hanging on to draw at 212 for five.

Katich, who has scored 193 runs from his three innings and narrowly missed out on three figures twice, said he believed the third and final Test in Perth next Wednesday would be a competitive affair especially with the wicket expected to suit faster bowlers.

“Going on the last Blues (New South Wales) game there about a week or so ago the boys said it was one of the quickest wickets they’d played on in a while,” the 34-year-old said.

“Doug Bollinger got eight wickets for the match and was apparently pretty quick. From that point of view, if it’s like that we’ll be expecting an interesting Test match because both teams have got very good quick bowlers, guys who can bowl 150 km/h plus, which will be an interesting workout for us batsmen.

He added: “It’s been a very good series so far and I’m sure Perth will be a very good Test match.”

Australia retained the Frank Worrell Trophy by virtue of winning the opening Test at the Gabba and drawing the second match of the three-match series in Adelaide.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009 * NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

NEW YORK LIBERTY STAR

SPORTS

JONES’ TITLE GOES TO BAHAMIAN P. 20

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