Carib Net News

Guyana: Sweet Steelpan music rocks CASH in pre-mash jump up

2012-02-24T00:07:00.000-05:00

Sweet, sweet steelpan music echoed through the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last Sunday evening as the 2012 Republic Bank Mashramani Pan-o-rama Steel Band Competition delivered in full throttle, another evening of splendid metallic symphony under its “Power to make a difference” banner.
The night’s events which were hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Russell Lancaster, and begun with the subtle sounds of the Belladrum Community Band and the Shemroy Anthony Programme which performed the classic Bob Marley tune, ‘By the rivers of Babylon’ in memory of a youth who had lost his life to violence in his community and whose name was the band’s title.
The opening remarks were delivered by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony who expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for continuing its initiative.
Officials representing Republic Bank also gave their remarks, revealing their willingness and pleasure in being part of the Pan-o-rama idea.
And with this, the night’s competition commenced as the crowd continued to pack the venue. Six school bands kicked off the contest with each having to play their own rendition of the test tune ‘A better life’ by George Noel.
North Ruimveldt Multilateral School rocked the crowd with their ‘high and low’ take on the piece and got really positive feedback from the gathering. They took second place along with Pan Wave Academy who also delivered an energy-packed performance. But the winners, Queen’s College, gave a masterly performance to take first place. (read more)

Jamaica: Jamaican among top US fighter pilots

2012-02-24T00:04:00.000-05:00

Jamaican-born Diego McKnight has been designated one of the best-trained and most highly-skilled pilots in the world. McKnight, at 25 and at one time the only black person in his squadron, has not only attained the Lieutenant Junior Grade in record time, but is now among an elite group of some 400 persons who can operate the Navy's MH-60 Romeo multi-mission helicopter, the world's most-advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter.

"Aviation came pretty natural for me, and part of the reason for that is because I used to spend a great deal of time as a child playing flight simulator on video games," said McKnight with becoming humility, in an interview with the Observer. (read more)

Trinidad and Tobago: Nephew, Ex-Wife charged in murder of millionaires

2012-02-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

KRISHNA Rampersad, nephew of murdered millionaire Mahase Rampersad, appeared in court yesterday charged with killing his uncle and his uncle's wife, Darling.

Rampersad, 37, was jointly charged with his former wife Hilda Donna Bullock, 28, with the murders which happened almost a decade ago.

Both appeared yesterday before acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan in the San Fernando First Magistrates' Court.

They were charged by Cpl Terry Tambie of the San Fernando Homicide Bureau.

It is alleged that on a day unknown between August 3 and 8, 2002, at La Fortune, Woodland, the two murdered the millionaire couple, Mahase, 64, and Darling, 62.

The Rampersads, who had founded an auto supply business that expanded to several successful companies, were abducted at the gates to their Palmiste, San Fernando home, shortly after leaving the home of their daughter Geeta Ramjattan, who was celebrating her birthday. (read more)

Trinidad and Tobago: Machel takes Road March

2012-02-23T00:45:00.000-05:00

Triple-crown winner Machel Montano said he will “gladly accept” a role as an official cultural ambassador of T&T if offered at this time.
Planning and Development Minister Bhoe Tewarie suggested on Tuesday that “Machel should lead the charge in selling Trinidad and Tobago internationally”. In an interview at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, in Port of Spain, Tewarie said this will be his proposal when the discussion comes up in Cabinet.

In response to the suggestion, Montano said:
“I will glady accept this offer because I think its something I’ve been doing since I was nine years old. I think we have been putting tourism on our front board whenever we go to Madison Square Garden (New York, USA), whenever we have a great Carnival, whenever we release great music; I think it makes people want to buy a ticket and come to Trinidad and Tobago. Kudos to this Government, beyond the others in the past, for recognising who we are and what we do and how much it contributes to the economics of the country and the infrastructure of a nation moving forward.” (read more)

Carib Comment:

Dominican Republic: The government downplays US visa sandal

2012-02-23T00:37:00.000-05:00

The visas cancelled by the US of active and retired military officers close to president Leonel Fernandez won’t harm relations with Washington, and much less foreign investments, said Economy minister Temistocles Montas Wednesday.

He said he has no knowledge that the US canceled visas of Dominican military, and discarded any influence over the economy or foreign investment. “You must ask those military involved in the suspension of visas or to the embassy of that country.” (read more)

Jamaica: 876: Welcome To Jamrock

2012-02-23T00:28:00.001-05:00

They know our number in Breckenridge, Minnesota. In Wahpeton, North Dakota, they're calling our name. The local news in Pocatello, Idaho, is reporting about us. From municipal squares in idyllic little towns across America to city centres in the country's metropolises, the biggest little island on earth is stirring up waves once again. "Jamaica to the world."

One problem: We're not making these headlines for winning Olympic medals or thrilling concertgoers. The recent publicity is not the result of technological or biomedical innovations on our part. No, the Jamaica that America is getting to know and not-quite-love is not the serene portrait of a charming island paradise with white-sand beaches and Red Stripe beer.

In this Jamaica, everything isn't 'irie' and the people aren't spreading 'one love'. America is beginning to know us as an incensing and indistinct voice at the other end of an unsolicited phone call, baring promises of riches and threats of death.

'Welcome to Jamrock'

As Damian Marley sang in his hit tune of the same name: "Sandals a nuh 'Back-To', the thugs dem will do what dem got to, and won't think twice to shot you." Or, in this case the thugs wont think twice to threaten to 'shot' you - or your wife and baby. (read more)

Guyana: Elderly man survives attack from vicious pit bulls

2012-02-22T02:00:00.008-05:00

Thanks to the bravery of some neighbours, a 63-year-old Campbellville man escaped death from the jaws of two pit bulls during a vicious attack early yesterday morning.
Nevertheless, Mabarak Ali still had to undergo emergency surgery at the Georgetown Hospital for his severely damaged hands and other body parts, which he sustained while trying to ward off the animals.

Ali had left his home just after 05:00 hours, heading to the Kitty Masjid for his usual early morning prayers when the attack occurred.

The vicious canines were earlier engaged in a bitter battle with some other dogs in the area, having managed to escape from their owner’s yard, which is situated about six doors from Ali’s.
The owner of the dogs was arrested by the police after the matter was reported, but this newspaper understands that he is on station bail.

According to reports, Ali was just two yards from his home when the two pit bulls left their initial targets for the easier prey. (read more)

Trinidad and Tobago: Machel, Fay Ann in close race for Road March title

2012-02-22T02:00:00.005-05:00

Masqueraders literally pumped their flags and rolled on the ground as they pranced across one of the main judging points at downtown South Quay, Port-of-Spain, during Carnival Tuesday celebrations. It was Machel Montano’s Pump your Flag and Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez’ Miss Behave, which seemed to be running neck and neck for the 2012 Road March title. Following close behind is Iwer George’s No Pain.

Some may argue that George’s song could be the second runner-up, but according to sounds of downtown mas yesterday, the race was between Montano and Fay Ann. In the latter part of the evening, band after band played Pump Yuh Flag and Miss Behave, one after the other. The two popular soca tunes had masqueraders in a frenzy. Those who were daring enough, released all inhibitions and misbehaved, as they rolled on the road, unconcerned about the dirty road or even risking being trampled on by others. (read more)

Carib Comment: OK compare the two....Machel's "Pump Yuh Flag" and Fay Ann's "Miss Behave".

Dominican Republic: Dominican Narco drama continues from US to Spain

2012-02-22T02:00:00.003-05:00

Two gangs of Dominican contract killers and thieves which assault houses of rival cartels of compatriots, steal their drugs to sell in Latin American enclaves in Madrid, Spain news source ABC.es denounced yesterday.

In its report “The disembarkation of the Metrallas,” it said the Madrid Police detected the criminal network a few months ago and arrested more than a dozen, whom it affirms belong to the gangs “Metrallas” and “Tigres.”

The authorities also suspect that at least two other groups could be operating. “Many had been expelled from the US after having committed homicides and cruel acts of vengeance among members of rival drug cartels. Now, in Spain and especially in Madrid, they look to make a living the only way they know, breaking the law.” (read more)

Jamaica: JEEP To Drive 5,000 Jobs

2012-02-22T02:00:00.001-05:00

Some 5,000 Jamaicans are to get jobs under the the JamaicaEmergency Employment Programme (JEEP).

Details of the much-talked-about programme were unveiled in Parliament by Works Minister Dr. Omar Davies today.

Dr. Davies disclosed that an aspect of JEEP will be rolled out next month at a cost of $1.2 billion and will focus on labour intensive projects.

He further disclosed that funds are to be redirected from other projects and ministries to supplement the JEEP budget.

Among the entities from which the funds will be drawn are the controversial Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme, the PetroCaribe Fund, the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the National Housing Trust. (read more)

United States: Former lesbian, Ex Playboy Playmate awarded cool million after NYPD cops use excessive force

2012-02-21T23:04:00.000-05:00

Carib Comment: OK.....so this story has nothing to do with the Caribbean but it is certainly news worthy.

A former Playboy Playmate stripped the city of a $1.2 million payout Tuesday after suing the cops for excessive force.

Stephanie Adams, 41, said that cops threw her to the ground at gunpoint, after a 2006 confrontation with a cab driver who claimed she “flashed vampire teeth” at and threatened to shoot him.

Miss November 1992, the first openly lesbian playmate, said that she was never armed when cabbie Erik Darko called her a “b---h” and slammed the door on her stomach during the flap

Darko called police and when they arrived, cops said she refused their commands to get on her face.

Sgt. John Rajan told the jury he made “controlled drop to the ground” to subdue the worked up hottie.

“We didn’t know if she had a firearm,” he testified.

Later he admitted that she “was wearing tight-fitting clothing, and there was no place to conceal a weapon.” (read more)

Dominican Republic: Juan Luis Guerra left former church due to wife's jealousy

2012-02-21T02:00:00.005-05:00

Juan Luis Guerra and his wife Nora arrive for an evening to honor him as this year's Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year in Las Vegas November 7, 2007

Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra stopped attending the church where he was baptized some time ago due to the fact that his wife became jealous of the friendly relationship that he and the pastor shared. The pastor (a woman) guided him in his new walk (Christianity), as revealed by a very religious in local publications disseminated today.

The pastor and broadcaster, Lucy Cosme, who heads the ministry " Villa Bendición ," said Guerra's wife, Nora, accused her of being in love with him, taking his money, and speaking with the award-winning artist to leave his congregation.

The woman said she was the first person who baptized Juan Luis Guerra when he decided to follow Christianity, and claimed she was his spiritual guide for about four years, during the time that he wrote " La bilirrubina " and when he decided to retire and take a break from the scene.

Cosme admitted in her statements, issued on the TV show " El especial con Colombia Alcántara " and disseminated by various electronic means, that the departure of Juan Luis Guerra from her ministry was "very sad" but that given the situation filed with the artist's wife, they decided to move away from each other permanently.

She said that she met Juan Luis Guerra when he was a customer of a bank in Santo Domingo where she worked and years later they met again in the evangelical church she was leading. According to other publications, Cosme said that she came to Christianity about 20 years ago. With no job and abandoned by her boyfriend, she "received the Lord's call." She said that today, at 48, there is a lot of satisfaction and joy. She continued that she is happily married and runs a foster home where dozens of children are rescued from the streets and receive education, shelter, and spiritual support.

Juan Luis Guerra has the most international presence of Dominican artists and, just today, the local press revealed that in April he will hold three performances in Australia as part of the world tour "Asondeguerra". (read the article in Spanish here)

Guyana: Man critical after gas stove explosion

2012-02-21T02:00:00.003-05:00

Anand Persaud, 25, of Bella Dam, West Bank Demerara, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after a gas stove in his home exploded at around 15:00 hrs yesterday.
The mishap reportedly occurred after someone accidentally left a burner on for several minutes. He suffered burns to almost his entire body.

“He was badly burned to the head, face, chest and his hands,” a source said.
The man’s mother, Parbattie Persaud, told Kaieteur News that her son was about to make tea for his two children, and did not notice that the burner was already turned on.

Persaud’s wife had just returned from running an errand when she heard her husband scream.
“He wife de just come back, and she hear he holler. When she run to see he, smoke was coming out he skin,” the man’s mother lamented.

An alarm was subsequently raised and neighbours assisted in rushing the injured man to the Best Hospital. He was immediately taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital before being transferred to the GPHC. He has been admitted to the Burns Care Unit. (Link to the source)

Germany: British Bob Marley documentary electrifies at Berlin film festival

2012-02-21T02:00:00.002-05:00

A hotly awaited documentary on Bob Marley has premiered to cheers at the Berlin film festival, tracking his journey from bullied biracial Jamaican boy to reggae superstar.

"Marley" by Oscar-winning Scottish film-maker Kevin Macdonald is a two-and-half-hour-long tribute to a child of the Kingston ghettos who made reggae a global phenomenon by the sheer force of his talent and charisma.

"For me, Bob is really one of the greatest cultural figures of 20th century. I don't think anyone in popular music has had the same lasting impact that he has," Macdonald, 44, told reporters after a rapturously received screening.

"Anywhere you go in the world, you find his image, his music, his wisdom -- literally anywhere you go. So it's nice to be a small part of that and hopefully to bring to people around the world a sense of who this man was as a human being, not just as the legend, not just as the great icon."

Macdonald bagged an Academy Award for his 1999 documentary "One Day in September" and Britain's BAFTA for his 2006 feature about Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, "The Last King of Scotland".

"Marley" features around 50 of his songs, including rare early recordings and electrifying concert outtakes of hits with his band the Wailers such as "Jammin", "Get Up, Stand Up", "No Woman, No Cry" and a duet of "I Shot the Sheriff" with Stevie Wonder, who helped him break into the US market.

The film maintains a strict chronological approach, telling of his 1940s childhood of grinding poverty in the mountains of Jamaica after his black mother is abandoned by his white father, Captain Norval Marley. (read more)

Carib Comment: We missed posting this story but figured we should share it. Kick back and relax and enjoy Bob (1979).

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico trying to kill millions of iguanas and export their meat

2012-02-20T17:52:00.000-05:00

Carib Comment: We knew about the monkey problem but this one is a new one that we never knew about. Click here to read about the monkey problems. Now on to the current story below.

Iguanas of Puerto Rico: Your days are numbered.

The island's government is announcing plans to kill as many of the reptiles as possible and export their meat in hopes of eradicating an imported species that has long vexed residents and entertained tourists.

The U.S. Caribbean territory has roughly 4 million iguanas, which is a little more than the island's human population, according to Daniel Galan Kercado, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.

"This is a very big problem. We have to attack it," he said in an interview Friday. "It has impacted structures, the economy, crops and the ecosystem."

Puerto Rico has long struggled to eradicate the bright green reptiles that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and have a life span of some 20 years. Iguanas are considered an endangered species throughout most of Latin America, but Puerto Rico is overrun with them, in part because they breed so quickly and have few natural predators. (read more)

United States: Chris Brown wishes ex Rihanna a happy birthday on Twitter amid rumors of music collaboration

2012-02-20T17:20:00.000-05:00

Rihanna's fans showed an outpouring of love and well wishes on her birthday Monday, but the singer — and the rest of the world — took notice of one message in particular.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYN!" her ex Chris Brown, 22, tweeted early Monday morning, to which the singer, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, replied with a quick "Thanks!"

Rihanna turns 24 this year.

The "We Found Love" singer's fans quickly posted responses of disbelief and disapproval, with "OMG" and "WTF" comments flying around the Web.

The musical pair, who split in 2009 after Brown assaulted Rihanna during a dispute the night before the Grammys, have been recently rumored to have reconciled.

According to Vibe.com, Brown may appear as a guest vocalist on Rihanna's "Birthday Cake (Remix)." (read more)

Trinidad and Tobago: Rick Ramoutar cops ‘National’ chutney crown

2012-02-20T01:19:00.000-05:00

Despite no government funding, the National Carnival Chutney Soca Monarch scored big at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Saturday night. It was an overwhelming crowd turnout at the first edition of the show which saw Guardian Media Limited’s Radio Sangeet 106.1 radio host Rick Ramoutar taking the first prize of a new Ford Fiesta car. With the thousands in attendance, former San Fernando mayor and show promoter Ian Atherly said he was happy with the overall show, but was a bit disappointed that more people did not show up at the park.

Many shared Atherly’s sentiment that is was good that chutney soca had returned to San Fernando. The original event, hosted by Southex Promotion, was relocated to Port-of-Spain which caused much displeasure and debate by lovers of the art form. (read more)

Carib Comment: Listen to Rick Ramoutar featuring Ravi B. Love it!!!

Bermuda: Former trash collector that struck rude teen loses appeal

2012-02-20T00:56:00.000-05:00

A trash collector who slapped a foul-mouthed schoolgirl after she insulted his job and his mother lost an appeal against a $2,000 fine.

Chief Justice Richard Ground said former Corporation of Hamilton worker Michael Pond “should have been able to take a little verbal abuse” from the 16-year-old without resorting to violence.

The case hit the headlines last August when Pond, now 44, lost his job and ended up in court. He admitted assaulting the girl “in the heat of the moment”, causing her a cut lip.

He told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner he felt disrespected by the girl, and said: “We were working and she walked across the back of the trash truck with her friends and said the ‘trash truck stinks and you stink’. I said ‘young girl, watch your mouth’. She said ‘your momma’s p****y stinks like the trash truck’.”

He admitted striking the girl with an open hand after she continued to taunt him and ignored his warnings to watch her language. (read more)

Jamaica: Inner-city Jamaican youth now captain in world-famous LAPD

2012-02-20T00:47:00.000-05:00

In his early teens, Peter Whittingham had an unmistakable choice — succumb to the mind-bending pressures of the sprawling slums of Canterbury, St James, or rise above its desperate poverty, senseless violence and wanton waste of often promising young lives.

Today, as a highly regarded police professional, captain of police and expert in anti-gang enforcement strategies in the world-famous Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Whittingham can celebrate the choice he made to become a career police officer, first in Jamaica and then in the United States of America. (read more)

United States: While world mourned Whitney, unarmed Jamaican teen, shot by cops laid to rest

2012-02-19T17:04:00.001-05:00

Carib Comment: While the world mourned Whitney, there were many others that mourned the death of an unarmed Jamaican teen that was shot to death by cops in his home in the Bronx. He was hunted like a wild animal by men that are supposed to protect and serve, not murder.

Hundreds gathered in a Bronx church Saturday to mourn the death of an unarmed teen shot and killed by police inside his home this month.

The body of Ramarley Graham, 18, lay in an open casket as more than 400 relatives and friends began to fill Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church in Williamsbridge for the teen’s funeral.

Franclot Graham kissed the forehead of his teenage son, dressed in a white suit, before the service began at 10 a.m.

“There is no reason for all of us to pretend, even in our sorrows, that we are here under a natural act,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton. “This is an unnatural and inexcusable occasion.”

Ramarley Graham was chased into his parents’ Williamsbridge apartment on Feb. 2 by officers from the NYPD’s street narcotics enforcement unit after the cops spotted what appeared to be a gun.

After bursting into the apartment, Officer Richard Haste confronted the teen in the bathroom and fired the fatal shot as his grandmother and 6-year-old brother stood nearby. Only a bag of marijuana was found near Graham’s body. (read more)

Guyana: Mother calls for safe return of “stolen baby”

2012-02-19T01:32:00.000-05:00

A woman is pleading for the safe return of her 23 –month-old son who she claims was stolen from

Nephlyah Archer

the home of a relative in early January of this year by a woman known to her.

Nineteen- year-old Nephlyah Archer is blaming the absence of her son Yenessie Archer, on a woman whom she said once cared for her. The mother is upset for what she claims is the neglect of persons in authority in assisting her in getting her child back.

Archer said that she had a troubled past and met the woman who allegedly stole her baby some four years ago while attending a floral course at the Drop-in Centre located on Hadfield Street. Archer said the woman offered to take her into her home and care for her. But according to Archer, unfair treatment and constant disagreements forced her to move out of the woman’s house in late December of last year.

Archer said ever since she has been working in the interior as a shopkeeper and had been sending money to take care of her son who she left in the care of her mother-in-law, a woman whose name was given as Valerie.

According to Valerie, a woman (name provided) appeared at her home in Sophia on more than one occasion claiming to be the grandmother of young Archer. Valerie said the woman asked for the child and claimed that the boy’s mother had called from the interior giving her permission to take the child away. (read more)

United States: Dominican teen charged as accomplice in machete attack in U.S.

2012-02-19T01:24:00.000-05:00

Carib Comment: This story is a bit late but we needed to share it.

Police on Friday charged a 16-year-old boy from the Dominican Republic as an accomplice in the machete attack of a GAR student, while the man who is believed to have wielded the weapon remained at large.

Yansy Abreu allegedly carried a black-handled machete in a book bag the afternoon of Feb. 9 when a fight broke out outside the school. Arrest papers filed against Abreu said Juan Borbon, 19, also of the Dominican Republic, took the bag and machete from Abreu while chasing after a group of African-American students. Borbon allegedly swung the machete at a student who was knocked down during the fight and nearly severed the left hand of another student who intervened.

The unnamed victim underwent emergency surgery to reattach the hand at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township. He has been released from the hospital. (read more)

Jamaica: Seize Them! Assets, cash worth more than J$100m owned by J'can woman forfeited

2012-02-19T01:09:00.000-05:00

The Financial Investigations Division (FID) scored a major victory yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled that US$1.3 million which was found in a freezer at the house of a Jamaican woman in St Catherine must be forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The division had brought a claim against Delores Elizabeth Miller and three others to recover assets which include money and properties.

Justice Donald McIntosh heard the matter and ordered that the assets, which include properties, a minibus, a motorcycle and money in several bank accounts and building societies, must be forfeited.

The assets were frozen by the Supreme Court pending the outcome of the case.

One of the properties is at West Cumberland, St Catherine; two are at Hellshire Glades, St Catherine; and two at Plantation Village, St Ann. The judge said the money deposited on the properties must be confiscated.

Disappointed with outcome. (read more)

Haiti: Troublemakers Fingered In Attack On President Michel Martelly

2012-02-19T00:55:00.000-05:00

Haitian authorities have blamed troublemakers for the attack on President Michel Martelly as he walked in a Carnival procession yesterday.

Martelly was not injured in the incident, but a statement issued by the National Palace blames troublemakers who had taken refuge in a nearby university for the attack.

Yesterday’s attack led to clashes between students and supporters of the Haitian President, resulting in damage to cars and other property.

The Red Cross says it had to provide a bus to safely evacuate about a dozen university students from Canada, France and Brazil who were attending a conference with Haitian students.

Two months after his inauguration, protesters lobbed rocks and soda bottles at Martelly’s entourage as they walked through a street in Cap-Haitien, Haiti's second largest city. (Link to source)

Trinidad and Tobago: BREAKING NEWS - Machel sweeps Soca Monarch

2012-02-18T10:02:00.000-05:00

Machel Montano retained his Power Soca Monarch crown at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain this morning. He was also crowned Groovy Soca Monarch.

Montano sang "Pump Yuh Flag" in the Power category and "Mr Fete" in the Groovy competition. (Read more results)

Carib Comment: Enjoy Machel...