The Dynamic Fuente De Entretenimiento

NEW SONG: Vybz Kartel - Born Bad

2012-09-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

NEWS: Usher and Shakira join 'The Voice'

2012-09-18T05:59:00.004-07:00

The Voice is shaking up its judges panel.

The NBC reality hit has hired R&B singer Usher and Latin singer Shakira as “coaches” for the upcoming spring edition of the series. They’ll replace Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera, who are expected to return to the show next fall. The new additions are part of a plan by NBC and producers to develop an ongoing tent of talent for The Voice that can be mixed and matched as needed. Given the judges’ level of success and tour schedules, it’s difficult to have any of them appear on the show all season now that NBC has decided to run the series in the fall and spring.

“Having award-winning artists as coaches means they need to be able to tour,” said executive producer Mark Burnett. “Whether in the red chair or on tour, our coaches have their chairs for life. This is exactly why, after three seasons, we needed to allow them to rotate out so they can get on the road amongst their fans. Meanwhile, we’re incredibly excited to have singular artists like Usher and Shakira joining the fold.”

Aguilera is releasing a new album and going on tour. CeeLo is developing new music plus working on a scripted comedy series for NBC based on his life. Blake Shelton and Adam Levine will continue on The Voice this spring (and you make your own snarky assumptions about that). The Voice recently returned for its third season and though its ratings were down from previous seasons, it still managed to outshine the Britney-fueled second season premiere of Fox’s The X Factor.

You want some statements shamelessly pimping new projects? We got statements shamelessly pimping new projects!

“Being a coach on The Voice is a wonderful experience and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family,” Aguilera said. “I am so proud of being part of the show from the beginning, all the work we’ve done, and proud of what the show stands for as a whole. As I have expressed since day one of the show, that I am a singer and performer first and I am so excited to get back to that love. Since this year NBC and The Voice have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it is important for me to take season four off, allowing me to support my music that my fans have been waiting for — with the release of my new album Lotus on November 13. By pursuing my first passion of music during the break, I am also able to come back and offer even more to my team on The Voice in the future.”

“First, thank you NBC for supporting my decision to take this season four hiatus!” Green said. “It says that I’m seen and respected as a complete artist and not just a cast member. I’m highly enthusiastic about focusing my undivided attention on my additional endeavors and interests like my upcoming solo album, new Goodie Mob album, Las Vegas residency Loberace, new memoir, and new NBC comedy. It’s great to also give a host of other talent the chance to experience what a joy it is to be part of what is truly the best show of them all, The Voice! I will return for season five and will be watching season four. NBC is home and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned – ‘mi casa su casa’.”

CARTOON OF THE DAY

2012-09-18T04:48:00.004-07:00

NEWS: Police burn over 10,000lbs of ganja

2012-09-16T08:19:00.003-07:00

POLICE attached to the Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division (TCND) yesterday burned over 10,000 pounds of ganja and destroyed hash oil, both with an estimated street value of $82 million.

The drugs had been seized from drug dealers and abusers in the last two years.

NEWS/PHOTO : Chris Brown GF Gets back at chris by kissing another guy

2012-09-16T07:32:00.001-07:00

Something is definitely NOT KOSHER about Chris and Karrueche's relationship. Either they got an open/swinging relationship .. . . or Kae is trying to GET CHRIS BACK for kissing Rihanna at the VMAs.

Cause yesterday she RELEASED a pic of herself KISSING another man on the mouth!!!

CLICK TO ENLARGE

NEWS:Jamaican Prime minister ,Portia Simpson Miller under pressure

2012-09-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

NEAR panic about the rising numbers of the jobless, unanswered questions about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, dissention in its ranks over scarce benefits and spoils, and a persistent social media campaign clamouring for more public pronouncements from its leader are among the issues likely to take centre stage at the highly anticipated public session of the 74th Annual Conference of the governing People's National Party (PNP) today.

PNP President and Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller is expected to use her main address to respond to critics who have been contending that her Administration has failed to deliver on significant promises made in the run-up to last year's General Election and which helped to propell her party to its landslide victory.

In a similar address one year ago, Simpson Miller, who was then Leader of the Opposition, created waves through a bombshell announcement in which, she promised jobs under an initiative dubbed

the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP).

"Comrades and fellow Jamaicans, while they fiddle and fumble, there have been rapid increases in unemployment among young people, unemployment among women, unemployment among the unskilled and among graduates of secondary and tertiary institutions. Comrades, you know the importance of having a job, jobs are avenues out of poverty. Being gainfully employed gives the people a sense of independence," said Simpson Miller as she provided details of the job creation plan.

"Comrades, we have called it the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP)," said the PNP President to rousing applause from the thousands of party supporters who were attending the organisation's 73rd Annual Conference on September 18 last year.

The announcement created a frenzy because of the extent to which it resonated with thousands of jobless Jamaicans. However, several members of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rubbished the proposal, describing it as an "empty election promise".

The sudden resignation of then prime minister and leader of the JLP Bruce Golding was followed by the swearing-in of Andrew Holness as prime minister. Holness then called the General Election, more than a year before it was constitutionally due.

Holness, who had been in office for under two months, declared that the election was needed to "get certain things out of the way," referring in part to the aggressive election campaign that was being led by the PNP, and the need to create an atmosphere that would facilitate crucial decisions linked to discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Holness's plan backfired, and on December 29, his party suffered a humiliating defeat to Simpson-Miller's PNP, which officially took over the reins of government after the successful campaign that had the JEEP as one of its main deliverables.

Despite officially launching the JEEP, and although claiming the programme has already created some 15,000 jobs, the Simpson Miller Administration has not been able to make any clear statements on how it intends to address the plight of the increasing number of job seekers.

Based on figures released last month by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the country, in April of this year, recorded its highest unemployment figures for more than a decade.

According to the data, 180,000 people are actively searching for a job, nearly 8,000 more than last year's recorded average.

STATIN, in its overview, attributed the results to employment declines in several groups, including construction, education and wholesale and retail.

Today, thousands of party faithfuls, along with Jamaicans throughout the country are expected to devote their attention to Simpson Miller as she takes on the challenge of restoring hope to many crestfallen supporters.

For party Chairman Robert Pickersgill, Simpson Miller, will be using her presentation to motivate Jamaicans.

"I am convinced that after the party leader's speech, hope would have been kept alive and some meaningful pronouncements would be made regarding jobs, housing and other kinds of prospects," said a confident Pickersgill as he addressed reporters at a pre-conference briefing on Thursday.

But for one academic, Simpson Miller is partly responsible for the debacle, as she should not have reinforced the promise that the Government, under her leadership, would be creating jobs for the thousands of unemployed persons.

Lecturer in Financial Management and Economics at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Kirkland Anderson says instead of focusing on job creation through the JEEP, and other similar initiatives, the Government should spend time creating the environment in which people can create their own jobs. "My view is that the Government, especially the PNP, is wrong, as their duty is not to provide jobs, but to create a platform for job creation, and that's the mistake in the first place," Anderson argued.

"Why not focus on educating people about the types of ventures they can explore. One example is agriculture; people should focus on agriculture and that is where we can capitalise and encourage our people to produce food. You want people to come up with jobs for themselves, look at providing start-up grants," said Anderson who disclosed his reservations about the JEEP, which according to him facilitates a waste of taxpayers' money, in some instances. "Fifty per cent of people employed by the JEEP should not be employed. Where I live, you have 8 -10 people just walking on the road doing the job that two persons should be doing. That is a waste of taxpayers money," added Anderson as he voiced his support for embattled PNP member and East Rural St Andrew Member of Parliament, Damion Crawford, who has come under fire from some of his constituents who believe he should spend less of his constituency funds on educational initiatives and more on other activities including the disbursement of vouchers to party faithfuls. "When people are educated, they are more likely to think about doing something for themselves, rather than waiting on somebody to take care of them," Anderson argued.

For Danny Roberts, the head of the Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute, Portia Simpson Miller will have to use the conference to present a strategy that will provide a buffer against what he cited as the pain and distress that is likely to result from the pending agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"We are going into an IMF agreement that is likely to result in further pain and distress. People need to brace for that, it is an inescapable trap that we have to recognise. The IMF policies and conditionaities are clear, they are about contraction," said Roberts.

He also said that the PNP president should seek to use the conference platform to mobilise Jamaicans to grow the economy.

"What the prime minister must give is a parallel track that will involve a mobilisation similar to that which took place in the 1970s, in which you bring together all stakeholders around a common focus. How do we grow the economy? How do we enhance the Gross Domestic Product? In the same way we were focused on the 50th anniversay and the Olympics, we need growth as the new focal point for every individual and agency; public and private," said Roberts.

NEWS: A female police talks about policing in Jamaica ( SHOCKING)!!

2012-09-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

POLICEWOMAN 'X' remembers well the day she was assaulted by a senior officer.

'X', then a recruit, told the Sunday Observer the officer kicked her in the chest, called her derogatory names, and threatened to kill her.
Years have passed, but the memory lingers and the psychological scars remain.

"It has never left me," she said. "It has never left me... The most trauma I've ever suffered in my life was joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The cop, who asked that her name, rank and station of assignment be withheld because she was not permitted to speak to the press, said the incident opened her eyes to what she describes as the true nature of the force.

"I had no idea the force was like this. We are treated with such disregard, such disrespect... If you're sick, you're not visited.

"I've never seen so much slackness, so much disrespect, so much unfaithfulness; and there's nobody to talk to, because if you make a report to your senior officer your career is over," she said.

'X' had dreamed of enlisting in the force from she was a little girl. She was drawn to the smartness of the uniforms and the discipline with which the cops behaved. She said once she joined, however, she was in for a rude awakening.

"It changed me," she said, shaking her head and with a far-off look in her eyes. "It changed me, and it's not for the better."

Asked how she had changed, the woman said she has taken to smoking and has become irritable and short-tempered. She said, too, that her children confessed that they were afraid of her.

"I'm short-tempered, really short-tempered, and the least little thing ticks me off... In a relationship, even when my partner is trying to play with me by tickling me or pulling my hand, and if I say stop once and he doesn't, the next time I say stop it's like my head is going to blow off...

"There are so many things that you're upset about. There are so many things you find unacceptable, but you can't speak about it, you can't do anything about it. Imagine having your anger and you can't vent it, you can't share your concerns, and it builds up over time," she said.

For that reason, most of us remain single and miserable," the policewoman said.

One highly placed policeman, with over 12 years' service, could relate to the changes in persona brought on by the job. He said, recruits usually come in innocent and naive. They are usually unexposed, fresh out of high school often with the bare minimum requirements of four Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects, from rural Jamaica, and often from the lower economic/ working poor stratum. By the time they transition from civilian to cop, however — after an intensive four or six-month training period, which many argue is inadequate given the scope of the JCF's operations — the shock quotient alone is enough to make them hardened. Subsequent to that, the conditions to which they are exposed on a daily basis only serve to spike the stress level, he said.

"Most people who join the force are usually docile, but after a while they become harsh, callous."

"After six months of cramming and 'swotting', and all the pressure, you are suddenly given a gun; given the power to arrest anybody. It's an awesome responsibility," another policeman said, making reference to the chasm between civilian life and that of a cop.

"I know a young man who just graduated. He is 20. He grew up in church and every night he goes out there with an M-16. He patrols Tivoli, Central Village; these volatile areas, but when he leaves work he takes the bus with some of these same people who he reprimanded or arrested during the day, and he is unharmed," said the second policeman.

In last Sunday's Observer, several cops pointed to 15-hour workdays, the lack of good working vehicles and the lack of toilet facilities at some posts and/or the derelict state of those in use, as well as the fact that they have to purchase uniform accessories out of their own pockets as major issues.

To that list officer 'X' adds the fact that she has not been promoted once in her almost 20 years, as advancement, she believes, is largely determined by friendship and sexual favours.

"(Training) course ah fi special people," said a police sergeant, in apparent support of her claim.

The pressures manifest themselves in anxiety attacks, stress-related back spasms, and a host of other health problems.

"These 16-hour shifts must stop," another female said, pointing out that when they leave work in the dead of night, the JCF doesn't provide transportation home.

"After we spend all day putting robot taxis on wreckers, is the same robot taxi wi haffi tek at night to go home."

It's not an isolated complaint, for in a separate interview, the Police Federation said it was one of the areas many of its members referenced.

"Police are demotivated. Police don't care because nobody cares about them, so they don't put out their all. I'm not saying there aren't dedicated cops among us, but the majority don't care. When you see us out there it's just the face and the uniform you're seeing," said another female cop, suggesting an absence of heart, emotions, feeling.

But they find ways to cope. "They smoke weed, the drink, have multiple sex partners.

Newspaper reports yesterday said Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington had instructed divisional commanders, supervisors, and the general leadership of the JCF to be vigilant and watch for signs of "behavioural shifts" among members.

"While we build our professionalism, I am placing increased prominence on the well-being of members, [for] policing by its very nature is a physically and mentally challenging occupation.

He said he would meet with the Medical Services Branch and the Chaplaincy Unit to "seek better solutions as to how better we can care for members".

"Most of us are seriously depressed, but we're not going to talk to them because it's used against you in the force. It's not good to be known as a stressed- out cop... They will take your firearm, not send you on certain duties, and it will follow you throughout your career; you won't be promoted," she said.

"No matter how stressed I am they are not going to know. Many people have marital problems, financial problems, health problems, and they just have to smile and continue cause wi corner dark if we open wi mout'."

Said policewoman 'X': "I'm not telling no force chaplain, no senior officer about my problems, because it's not designed to assist you. They don't help you. You can't confide in them. You have to seek help outside."

PARTY CORNER-:Halloween Party -Anonymous

2012-09-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

Young Famous Productions Presents "ANONYMOUS" the Halloween party!!, this party promises to be one of best Halloween parties to be held in a long time, are u a fanatic of good music,tattoos,piercings and liquor but with the twist of Halloween to it? well this is the place to be OCT 27,2012 come and experience Halloween like u have never experienced it before..

CARTOON OF THE DAY

2012-09-16T06:11:00.001-07:00

NEW MUSIC: Tommy Lee-Goat Head "Killa Diss"

2012-09-15T05:11:00.002-07:00

This song was done for the Alliance head "bounty Killa" the war is on between tommy and killa lets keep a listening ear out for the counteraction.....

NEWS: Tommy Lee with ‘bare’ badness

2012-09-15T03:39:00.001-07:00

Having enjoyed a successful summer including a captivating performance at Reggae Sumfest, Tommy Lee has become one of dancehall's in-demand acts.

Lee has several songs in various local charts. His Uncle Demon's mixtape is also a hot commodity.

"I'm really happy with the direction my career is heading 'cause I have placed my all into it. I am a freshman in the game, so there is lots more for me to learn," Tommy Lee told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Tommy Lee, 24, hails from the tough Flankers community in St James and was a member of Vybz Kartel's Gaza camp. He emerged in 2010 and is best known for songs like Holding Out The Pressure, Some Bwoy Warn Dem, Tom and Jerry, and Psyco.

Tommy Lee, along with another Kartel protege Gaza Slim, recently joined a new label called PG 13 after the deejay's Portmore Empire was disbanded months ago.

NEWS: A Year has passed since Vybz Kartel was convicted

2012-09-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

DESPITE being behind bars for almost one year, controversial deejay Vybz Kartel remains a hot topic. But even though he faces a lengthy prison term, his lawyer says he is in high spirits.

"We are in the process of preparing his defence team and he is very much involved in the preparation. He is very confident that he will beat this case based on the work that his legal team has been putting in," attorney Christian Tavares-Finson Said.

According to Tavares-Finson, he and other members of Kartel's legal team visit the deejay once a month. He says his client spends a lot of his time reading and writing songs.

Asked if the entertainer has expressed any fear of a long time behind bars, Tavares-Finson said although Kartel has not openly admitted it, like any accused he may have his doubts.

"Everyone who is going through that process or is behind bars must have that sort of emotion creeping over them every once in a while...It is only natural that one will think about being incarcerated for a lengthy period if found guilty," he stated.

Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, and his co-accused Vanessa 'Gaza Slim' Saddler and Andre 'Pim Pim' Henry will return to court on November 12 when they will be tried for perverting the course of justice.

Kartel, along with his protégé Shawn Storm and fashion stylist Calvin 'Moonie' Haye, is also charged for the murder of Clive Williams who was beaten to death in August of last year.

His arrest in September last year ended a controversial run of incidents that ranged from the banning of some of his songs for lewdness, to kidnapping.

While Kartel languishes in jail, several artistes from his 'Gaza Empire' including Tommy Lee and Pop Caan, have emerged.

Has Kartel's absence helped their success?

Cultural commentator Clyde McKenzie says this is questionable.

"Artistes like Popcaan, Tommy Lee and Potential Kid have emerged and done well for themselves but one cannot rightly say this is a result of Vybz Kartel being locked away from society, as no one knows what would happen if he was here," McKenzie reasoned.

"Vybz Kartel is definetly a most important figure in dancehall and since his physical absence, clearly there hasn't been any other artiste that has got his stature," he added.

McKenzie said Kartel remains a force as many songs un-released before his legal troubles, are lapped up by his fans.

"There are still new recordings that keeps him very active in the system. His absence will be felt among his fans though, as he cannot be as productive behind bars and, of course, they cannot watch him perform live," he concluded.

NEWS: Clash For Sting 2012 Bounty vs Tommy Lee?

2012-09-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

Leader of the Alliance, Bounty Killer appears to be lashing out against fast rising star Tommy Lee Sparta because of his lyrical content.

Tommy Lee rose to prominence with his unique sound and style. His songs often times evoke a feeling of fear among persons because of his 'demonic' lyrics.

Bounty Killer tweeted a link in reference to the 'Sparta' persona that Tommy Lee dons.

"All a who a call dem self "SPARTA" Click this Rassc**** Tell Mi If Unu A "SPARTA" Again zeen?" Bounty Killer tweeted, citing a link that associates the 'Sparta' ideology to homosexuality.

It seems as though the feud will spill over into a sting confrontation.

"Christmas is 4 Christ so nuh demon or devil cyaah win we a bloodcl*** all a dem a dead a Sting!!!" he said. "Mi nuh business who waah agree or disagree, i care zero mi naah look nuh support god blessed me enuff 4 me to put it all on the line 4 his cause any thing opposed GOD'S word mi and dem bumbocl**** God have him Killer to inna the name of Jesus i wash dem in dem own blood now!!!"

Tommy Lee stated that he had no comment on the matter and that he would not be disrespecting Bounty Killer.

CARTOON OF THE DAY

2012-09-15T02:30:00.000-07:00

NEWS/NEW MUSIC: Mavado ft Karian - Take It

2012-09-13T07:08:00.001-07:00

DANCEHALL artiste Mavado recently released Take It featuring Jamaica-born R&B act Karian Sangas.

Producer Troyton Hinds of Troyton Music said Mavado wanted to do a collab track with Karian.
"Within a few days we had a beat and vocals.

The energy and creativity is evidenced in the result. It has a great sound and the response has been fantastic," he said. "The song definitely has a wide range appeal and will appease local and international audiences. They are great artistes and there is a lot of buzz surrounding them both."

SONG BELOW

NEWS: Jamaica's First Animation studio opens

2012-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

JAMAICA'S first full-fledged animation facility, Reel Rock GSW Studio, was launched Monday evening at its Braemar Avenue headquarters in St Andrew.

The company, which has a 12-member staff, is headed by directors Lorna Green, Wayne Sinclair and Fayval Williams. According to Sinclair, Reel Rock GSW Studio will work on various projects, a lot of them educational.

One is an animated guide to the importance of intellectual property which Sinclair says should be complete in a year's time.

This is being done in collaboration with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO).

Sinclair told the Jamaica Observer that Reel Rock GSW Studio is in discussions with Bento Box out of Hollywood, California, and Paris-based Studio Red Frog on possible ventures. Sinclair believes there is a lot of scope for local animation.

"It (animation) is an industry that is ripe for the talents that we have here. Because we are very deep in our creativity in all areas and animation touches all areas of the creative industry, not just illustration and artistry," he said.

One of Reel Rock GSW Studio's strategic partners is Toon Boom Animation Incorporated, located in Montreal, Canada.

Joan Vogelesang, president and CEO of Toon Boom Animation, said her company's software enables Reel Rock to collaborate with studios around the world.

"We will introduce this studio to as many international studios as we can. We are in 122 countries and we deal with every major studio in the world," Vogelesang said.

Minister of Science, Technology and Mining Phillip Paulwell was also at the launch and shared his perspective with the Observer.

"I am thoroughly impressed with the unfolding of this venture. It is clear to us that Jamaica can corner a significant share of this animation market," he said.

NEW MUSIC: Jah Cure - All By Myself ft. 2Pac [Lyric Video]

2012-09-13T06:22:00.002-07:00

Thank you to all my fans for helping me reach 700k ‘Likes’ worldwide! Listen NOW and Download for FREE “All By Myself” ft. 2PAC – Thank you for your support! One Luv – #WorldCry

CARTOON OF THE DAY

2012-09-13T06:16:00.001-07:00

VIDEO: Vybz Kartel - Ghetto Life (Official HD Video)

2012-09-13T06:09:00.004-07:00

#WORLD PREMIERE
Song: Ghetto Life
Artist: Vybz Kartel
Label: UIM Records
Video By: Icey Jace
Edit: Icey Jace Film Factory

NEWS: Make Abortion illegal say's Earl Witter

2012-09-13T05:49:00.001-07:00

Public Defender, Earl Witter, has recommended that the Government devise legislation that makes the death of a child in the womb an offence when the mother is killed.

Public Defender, Earl Witter

Witter’s comments come on the heels of the murder of two pregnant women in the last three weeks.

"While all murders will cause concern, grief and suffering, the killing of pregnant women “represents a species of depravity that offends all notions and standards of basic decency and morality,” He said in a media release.

Witter referenced the British law, The United Kingdom Infant Life (Preservation) Act, 1929, which makes one liable for the death of an unborn child if an illegal act, such as shooting, is committed to a pregnant woman, which causes the death of the child.

Last week Chantal Davis, who was nine months pregnant, and her spouse, Easton Chambers, were shot dead by men who opened fired on a jerk centre located at Maroon Town in St James. Two other persons, 74-year-old Alvin Reid and Ashmarie Plummer, were also shot and killed in the same community the same night.

Days earlier, 27-year-old Kayann Lamont was shot by a police constable during a tussle in Yallahs, St Thomas after the cop tried to arrest Lamont for using expletives.

Lamont's sister Novia was shot in the shoulder and injured while another sister escaped injury after taking evasive action and the cop was restrained by his colleagues after reloading his service pistol.

The cop has been charged with Lamont's murder but cannot be charged for the murder of her unborn child as no such law exists in Jamaica.

CARTOON OF THE DAY

2012-09-12T10:40:00.001-07:00

NEWS: October Celebration's on behalf of our olympic heroes

2012-09-11T08:52:00.001-07:00

Heroes' welcome - Olympians return to word of October celebrations

The Government yesterday announced it would stage a special celebratory event in honour of the country's Olympians in October, during the Heroes weekend festivities, after the island's historic 12-medal haul at the London Games a few weeks ago.

Making the announcement however, Natalie Neita-Headley, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for sport, was quick to underline that the event would not be on the scale of the massive road parade and pageantry that welcomed athletes home from the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Neita-Headley said the Government was this time around looking for more tangible ways to show the nation's appreciation for the efforts of the athletes.

The minister was speaking during a special reception at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), staged to welcome some of the island's Olympic athletes back to the island.

Olympic stars

Several of Jamaica's Olympic stars, primarily from the Racers Track Club and including 100m and 200m silver medallist and 4x100m relay gold medallist Yohan 'The Beast' Blake; 200m bronze medallist Warren Weir; 110m hurdles bronze medallist Hansle Parchment; 4x100m relay gold medallist Kemar Bailey-Cole 4x400m relay bronze medallist Rosemarie Whyte; and United States-based triple jump finalist Kimberly Williams, were among the group.

On stepping off the aircraft that brought them home, the athletes were met by a Jamaica Cadet Force guard of honour on the NMIA tarmac.

"We wanted to have this so that we could extend to you a cordial welcome back home," Neita-Headley told the group of athletes, which also included other Racers Track Club charges, Ristananna Tracey, Allodin Fothergill and Jason Young.

"There is going to be one special celebration, which will be on the weekend of the National Heroes Day. This year we are not doing any big floats, or motorcades and parade because we believe that you are coming back and are exhausted. But we also believe that this year, whatever it is that we do, we want to ensure that the promises we make to you, that on the night of the celebration, we can actually put it in your hands," Neita-Headley added.

Jamaica Olympic Association President Mike Fennell, who also shared in the event, expressed a great sense of pride in the country's achievements in London and underlined to the athletes that they had raised the bar for future Olympic teams.

"It has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice but this country must demonstrate how grateful it is for what our athletes have done yet again. It is not just London, it is not just Beijing, but even before and you have now blazed a new trail, set new standards and set the bar really high and we congratulate you," Fennell said.

Blake thankful

Blake, who spoke on behalf of the athletes, was thankful for the gesture.

"On behalf of the athletes that are here and those who are not here like Usain (Bolt), who got in early, I want to say thank you for this and it really means a lot to us coming back to such a warm reception," Blake said. "We are thankful for your interest and warm support because that is what we really need."

Women's 100-metre gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returned to the island over the weekend, while former 100-metre world-record holder Asafa Powell returned last month.

The athletes were met outside the terminal building by a throng of supporters and students of several schools.

A large contingent of University of West Indies students was on hand to welcome Parchment and Young, with the Olympic medallist also treated to a surprise party on the campus' Taylor Hall later on.

CARTOON OF THE DAY

2012-09-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

Jamaican Movie: Dancehall Queen

2012-09-10T23:44:00.002-07:00

VIDEO: Tommy Lee explains the demon mentality

2012-09-10T22:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a drawing done by the Jamaican artist Ricardo "Ink" Edwards "R.E Ink" CLICK TO ENLARGE.

ENJOY THE INTERVIEW