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WASHINGTON, USA (AFP) — Earthquake-hit Haiti faces a high risk of possibly damaging aftershocks for at least 30 days and is set to suffer further tremors for months or even years to come, the US Geological Survey said Friday. The capital Port-au-Prince was hit by two fresh aftershocks on Friday. read more…

Status quo until ‘status aparte’

Ruling parties in St Maarten and Curacao were the victors in Friday’s final parliamentary election in the Netherlands Antilles.

In St Maarten the National Alliance which is the local governing party won the three seats assigned to the territory in the 22 seat parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.

In Curacao, where the parliament is based, The Partido Antiyas Restructura (Par), won six of the island’s 14 seats.

The Par heads the current ruling federal coalition which comprises parties from the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

The result of the polls means that the coalition will remain in power as it controls 14 of the 22 seats in the federal parliament.

It was the final parliamentary election of the Netherlands Antilles before what’s being referred to as the 10-10-10 ‘status aparte’.

The federation will be disbanded on 10 October this year with individual islands having more control over their internal affairs while maintaining ties with Holland.

al-Faisal back in Jamaica

Controversial Muslim cleric Abdullah al Faisal is back in Jamaica.
He arrived late Friday night after being deported from Kenya on Thursday.

	al-Faisal is now back in Jamaica.

Jamaica police released Faisal after questioning him about where he would be living.

The police had already said that since he had not committed any crime in Jamaica they could not detain him.

Jamaican authorities say they’ll be keeping close watch on the activities of the Muslim cleric.

al-Faisal was met on arrival in Kingston my Muslim friends and whisked away in a minivan after the police questioning.

Election fever

Colourful buntings in the capital, shiny banners, glossy posters of candidates, radio political advertisements and broadcasts, are setting the stage for the St Kitts and Nevis General Elections this coming Monday.

	Kittitians and Nevisians will be voting on Monday

The two main parties in the race are Prime Minister Denzil Douglas’ governing Labour Party, and the Peoples Action Movement (PAM) led by lawyer Lindsay Grant.

Dr Douglas says he expects to win a fourth term in office.

Lindsay Grant says PAM has campaigned on three key planks: “crime, cost of living and corruption”.

Anguilla slate confirmed

Twenty candidates have filed papers to contest general elections in Anguilla on 15 February.

Seven seats are at stake in the British territory.

The governing Anguilla United Front is contesting all constituencies, while the Anguilla United Movement and the Anguilla Progressive Party are each fielding representatives in five.

There are three independents.

Cruise passenger dies

The authorities in the Cayman Islands are investigating the death of a cruise ship passenger.

Police in the territory say foul play is not likely involved in the death of the 37 year old unidentified man.

He was found inside a cabin on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas.

The ship docked in the Caymans on Thursday.

The police say they are investigating.

Havana unsure about games

Cuban authorities say the island is unsure whether it will attend the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico.

Officials in Havana say they are unhappy with visa restrictions and other regulations.

Cuban Olympic Committee representatives have been quoted as saying that none of the responses from Puerto Rican sports authorities and games officials had met their demands.

The games are set for 17 July to 1 August.

Bahamas

Report on allegations of high school sexual molestation tabled in Bahamas parliament NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) — The Select Committee of the House of Assembly to investigate allegations of sexual molestation in the Eight Mile Rock High School tabled its report to Parliament in the morning session last week. The Committee was formed to review all matters pertaining to allegations of sexual abuse. read more…

Belize

Successful Belize retirement programme for expats to be scaled down BELMOPAN, Belize — The Belizean government’s expat retiree incentive programme is being scaled down due to its own success. New retirees wanting to settle in Belize from Canada, United States and United Kingdom are advised to apply now to take advantage of the generous current programme. read more…

Dominica

Official opening of Dominica’s Carnival - The real MAS 2010 - set for Saturday ROSEAU, Dominica — Officials from the Carnival Development Committee have promised an extravagant display of originality, colour and pageantry for the opening parade and official ceremony for Dominica’s carnival, ‘The Real Mas’ 2010. The opening ceremony will begin Saturday at 6:30pm. read more…

Haiti

US to send home illegal Haitian immigrants arriving after earthquake TOLEDO, Spain (Reuters) — Haitian citizens who arrive in the United States illegally after the January 12 earthquake will be sent home, US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said on Friday. Although the US has said it will allow eligible Haitians living in the country to stay and work. read more…

US rejects Latin American claim it is ‘occupying’ Haiti WASHINGTON, USA (AFP) — The United States rejected accusations from several leftwing-ruled Latin American countries that its massive military deployment to quake-hit Haiti amounted to an “occupation.” The United States has sent one of its biggest aircraft carriers to Haiti, along with other navy and coast guard vessels. read more…

Jamaica

All in place for Jamaica Jazz Festival MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS) — All is in place for the 14th staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival from January 28 to 30, which, for the first time this year, will be held at the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny. Executive Producer of the festival, Walter Elmore, told JIS News that preparations are well advanced. read more…

Jamaica to host Caribbean Forum on Youth Development KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Jamaica’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MYSC), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will be hosting the first Forum of Ministers Responsible for Social and Sustainable Development in the Caribbean. read more…

Plan being mapped out by Jamaican government to deal with Haitian refugees KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Ministry of National Security are currently mapping out an operational plan to deal with a possible influx of Haitians to the island, in the wake of the recent devastating earthquake. Addressing a post-Cabinet press briefing… read more…

Netherlands Antilles

Aruba hopes for approval of refinery tax deal HOUSTON, USA (Reuters) — Aruba’s government hopes the settlement of a tax dispute with Valero Energy Corp over its idled refinery on the island will win approval from parliament “as soon as possible,” a government spokesman said. The dispute has been seen as a roadblock to the sale of the refinery. read more…

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico bank parent posts narrower Q4 loss SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Reuters) — Popular Inc, the parent of Banco Popular, posted a narrower fourth-quarter loss on lower loan loss provision, but said it expects adverse economic conditions to continue to hurt its earnings. Net loss applicable to common shareholders for the quarter was $213.2 million. read more…

St Kitts & Nevis

Nevis premier welcomes CARICOM electoral observer team CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — Premier of Nevis Joseph Parry welcomed representatives of the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Electoral Observer Team late Friday, during a fact finding mission to Nevis, ahead of the Federation’s General Elections on Monday January 25, 2010. Parry said it was good to see Caricom involved. read more…

St Kitts breaks ground on new mega-yacht marina BASSETERRE, St Kitts — A groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, January 19 for the construction of Christophe Harbour’s mega-yacht marina marked the latest step forward in the overall development of the luxury tourist resort and residential project on St Kitts’ picturesque Southeast Peninsula. read more…

Venezuela

Venezuela home generators threaten fuel exports CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) — Sales of gasoline and diesel powered electricity generators are skyrocketing as failures in the national grid leave swathes of Venezuela in the dark, threatening to further depress exports from OPEC nation. A further drop in fuel exports could slow the country’s recovery. read more… Venezuelan oil belt could produce 513 billion barrels WASHINGTON, USA (Reuters) — Venezuela’s Orinoco oil region contains about 513 billion barrels of crude that could technically be recovered by energy companies if cost were not an issue, a new US government report said. It is the largest crude oil resource assessment ever done by the US Geological Survey. read more… source: bbccaribbean.com, caribbeannetnews.com

Rocksteady pioneer Nerlin Taitt dead

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Taitt

Nerlin ‘Lynn’ Taitt, the Trinidadian guitarist many musicologists credit with the birth of rocksteady, has died. The WACK 90.1 radio station in Trinidad reported on its website that he passed away at age 75 on Wednesday in Montreal, Canada.

No cause of death was given.

Taitt, who was born in Trinidad’s San Fernando region, emigrated to Canada in 1968. He first came to Jamaica in August 1963 as a musician to play in celebrations to mark Jamaica’s first year of Independence from Britain.

He became a regular session player in Jamaica during the ska era, recording with the genre’s biggest acts including The Skatalites and Derrick Morgan.

But it was the rocksteady sound that Taitt is most associated. He perfected that beat by playing in influential bands such as The Cavaliers, Comets and The Jets, which was the most prolific.

His bandmates in The Jets included guitarist Lynford ‘Hux’ Brown, keyboardists Gladstone Anderson and Winston Wright and saxophonist Headley Bennett.

Among the many hits Taitt played on was Take It Easy by Hopeton Lewis, which many argue is the first rocksteady song. He also worked on Girl I’ve Got a Date by Alton Ellis.

musicians

Taitt recorded with Jamaica’s biggest producers of the 1960s, including arch-rivals Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd and Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, Bunny Lee, Sonia Pottinger and Leslie Kong.

Some of Taitt’s most appreciated work was done with Kong, a Chinese-Jamaican who was the first person to record Bob Marley. Taitt played on most hit songs by singer Desmond Dekker, Kong’s star act.

His jangly opening riffs helped make Dekker’s 007 (Shantytown) a classic.

Taitt also recorded several songs with African-American impresario Danny Sims and singer Johnny Nash.

In the 1970s, Taitt was part of a colony of rocksteady musicians living in Toronto. Others included Leroy Sibbles of The Heptones, and keyboardist Jackie Mittoo who Taitt worked with in The Skatalites.

Audrey Reid back to her roots

“One more dictionary! Unu see how me haffi buy one more dictionary fi me son? I don’t know why him caan stop lose tings!” This is the greeting from Audrey Reid, dictionary in hand, as she hurriedly alights her SUV, in an attempt to make up for lost time. The star of stage and screen is not typically late for appointments but this morning a meeting with her son’s teacher has delayed her arrival. Those who know her would not be surprised. Reid is a very committed mother of three, a fact which is underscored by her decision to join the cast of Passa Passa Daily, the latest comedic offering from Stages Productions. “I had other offers on the table but that would mean extended time away from my children. Passa Passa Daily presented an opportunity to remain at the top of my game while taking care of my family, so it was a win-win situation,” offers Reid.

Popularly known for her role as Marcia in the film Dancehall Queen, she reminds us that this is a minute fraction of her work having showcased most of her craft overseas, particularly in England. Her impressive repertoire includes Shakespeare, melodramatic and religious-themed productions and now having started her career in roots, she is excited to be back. “Establishing my own style has been central to ensuring my longevity as an actor. Audiences can expect me to be unpredictable but at the same time they know that I am going to be true to the character, nothing watered down. If I don’t think I can do justice to a role, I don’t do it. I ensure that even the costumes make a statement about my character”, says Reid.

This time around she takes on the role of Bibsy whom she describes as colourful, mouthy, cantankerous, inquisitive, coarse, a big “set-on”, even while being one of the biggest cowards in the community. Bibsy is the ‘out-a-road’ correspondent for Chu Chu (Cleve Warren) who is trying to establish herself as a reporter for the newspaper Passa Passa Daily. Bibsy manages to get her new employer Chu Chu in a world of trouble. They are both a match made in…well, definitely not heaven. Garfield ‘Bad Bwoy Trevor’ Reid, director of the production, is happy to have the star on board. “Audrey has excellent command of the stage and the ability to manipulate the audience without even saying a word. I articulate my vision and she’s good to go, it just happens. It’s a riot to see her teamed with Chu Chu.”

Written by Everton Dawkins, Passa Passa Daily is the third instalment of the highly successful Passa Passa series and places Reid in a cast including season favourites Chu Chu, Pearl (Suzette Barrett) and Officer Roy Lickshot (Stede ‘Jooky Jam’ Flash). The cast is completed by seasoned actors Orville Hall (Nyah), Patrick Smith (Mayor Blackwood), Felisha Lord (Darling), Luke Ellington (Stylish) and newcomer Evelyn ‘Carnival Mumma’ Forbes (Icilda). Passa Passa Daily opens on Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Green Gables Theatre.

CHERINE
MAKES JAZZ FEST DEBUT
Dancehall Soulstress to share stage with Babyface, Joss Stone and more…

She’s passionate, soulful, empowering and full of youthful positive vibes. Dancehall Soulstress Cherine Anderson, arguably the busiest  and one of the most talented young female Jamaican singers today,  is set to grace the mainstage of Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival on Thursday, January 28, at The Greenfield stadium in Trelawny.  Anderson will perform alongside Babyface, The Whispers, Joss Stone, Monty Alexander and Joe Roy Jackson.

A musical breath of fresh air, the young artist hails from the tough streets of East Kingston, Jamaica, and has spent the last two years building a reputation of hard-hitting songs and captivating live performances.  Cherine became familiar to Jamaican audiences first as an acclaimed child actress, having starred in two of Jamaica’s most successful films, Dancehall Queen and One Love.  She has been nominated for multiple awards and was named Best Actress in a feature by MTV2 for the film One Love.

Movies aside, the singer/songwriter’s debut recording “Good Love” appeared on Sly & Robbie’s Grammy Award nominated album Anniversary.  Media and reggae music lovers both at home and abroad quickly took notice of Anderson’s powerful voice .  She has been steadily rising with local hits like “Coming Over Tonight”, “Kingston State of Mind”, “Good Love” and more recently “Talk if Yuh Talking” and “Shine On Jamaica”.

When asked what we can expect from her performance on Jazz, she responds, “Come out and expect to have a good time. There is a lot going on in the world right now so this performance is more than just entertainment, it’s for a cause.  Jazz & Blues has decided to donate to Haiti’s Earthquake Relief, and I’m gonna give it my everything.  I’ll be performing  something extra special for my supporters and those who will be seeing me for the first time.”

Last year was a big year for Anderson.  She performed at three events celebrating the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington DC (The Green Ball, The Peace Ball, Rock the Vote/Calvin Klein inaugural party), as well as the World Games Special Olympics in Idaho, USA. In August 2009, Cherine made history by becoming the first Jamaican female singer to hit the Billboard Rock charts.  She is credited as a featured performer on Michael Franti and Spearhead’s “Say Hey (I Love You)” single.  The song peaked at #1 on Billboard Heatseekers charts as well as iTunes Alternative Charts.  “Say Hey (I Love You)” also reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts, and simultaneously registered on six other Billboard charts (Digital Songs, Pop Song, Adult Contemporary, Adult Pop Songs and the Radio Songs charts).

Only in her twenties, Anderson has already collaborated on official remixes with legendary artists including Madonna, Sir Paul McCartney, Britney Spears and Wyclef Jean, all before releasing her much anticipated debut album, which is scheduled to be released in 2010.  Anderson spent last year touring Europe, Australia and North American with drum and bass legendary duo Sly & Robbie, the prolific Michael Franti & Spearhead and multi-platinum rock band Counting Crows.  She also made her US television debut with Spearhead, appearing on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and recently performed live on the Ellen Degeneres Show.

Tyrical Gives Exciting Performance At Pepsi Rebel Salute

Fast rising deejay Tyrical who has been nominated by the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards in the Break through Artist of the Year category, gave a delightful performance at the just concluded Pepsi Rebel Salute which was held on Saturday night. Clad in a yellow outfit Tyrical came on stage sometime after 10:PM singing his big hit tune Want My Own, which immediately drew a very positive response from the large audience.

The very creative deejay showed off his versatility by performing a reworked version of Reggae King Bob Marley’s classic No Woman Nuh Cry, entitled No Haiti No Cry. His passionate tribute to the people of the earthquake stricken country was all also a winner with the audience. He closed out his short but entertaining set with Ghetto Prayer and World Lock.

Tyrical is currently enjoying good rotation on radio stations both locally and abroad with new singles such as Want Mi, Too Close, War Inna Reggae and Bless Mi Soul.

Protoje Collaborates With Don Corleon

2010 is shaping up to be an explosive year for talented new reggae artist Protoje, who is looking to take his career to new heights under the guidance of his cousin Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett. Since he began working with the topflight record producer last December he has been writing and recording a number of tracks to complete his upcoming album The Seven Year Itch. The first fruit of this wonderful collaboration is a haunting reggae track titled Dread which has been getting heavy radio play both locally and abroad since its release two weeks ago. Dread has been endorsed by the likes of top jocks such ZJ Liquid (ZIP FM), ZJ Elektra (ZIP FM) and DJ Wayne (IRIE FM) among others.

“A Don Corleon production will be very good to build on my current momentum,” said Protoje, whose given name is Oje Ollivierre.

“Dread was the one,” explained Corleon as he recalls listening to a selection of his kin’s tracks one day in his studio. After being told that the tune had been recorded and remixed on three separate occasions without the desired outcome, the prolific hit making producer decided it was time for proper execution. The first verse begins with a reminiscent reference to the recently arrested Buju Banton (“hockey jersey inna heat, Patrick Ewings on the feet / Buju Banton on the beat, uunu ‘member dat! / ’92 December dat!”), a mere coincidence since Protoje wrote the song a long time ago.

Don had been following Protoje’s music for much longer than most in the industry but wanted to give the artiste more time to grow and develop as a vocalist and a songwriter. However after watching Protoje perform at the Seven Year Wish concert last December at Weekenz Don was thoroughly impressed. Protoje who was the headline act for the event which was staged by his record label and management company House Of Diggy, had delivered a very exciting performance that left everyone in the venue in awe. Dread was among the songs he performed and Don was there to witness it up close.

Since then, industry insiders have been implying – indeed expecting – that Protoje is destined for international stardom. This has lead many to wonder why it took Don Corleon so long to collaborate with the artiste given the blood connection.

“Not because he’s my cousin means I was going to just give him a buss in the business. He had to prove himself first,” said Don. “Now his writing is better and his vocals have improved tremendously.” “He is indeed ready for the big break now.”

Timmi Burrell Scores His First Number One

After several weeks on the RETV MVP video charts Westside Konnection Records recording artist Timmi Burrell has finally jumped into the number one spot with his music video for his self produced single, titled Why Did You Leave. The Negril based artist and his management team is very happy about the response the video has received since it was released late last year. The music video is also receiving good rotation on other television stations such as HYPE TV, CVM, CVM PLUS and NTV.

“I am very happy that my video is number one right now on RETV.” “It’s my first of many to come, I am looking for great success this year and the year is young”, said the artist whose real name is Clive Timothy Burrell.

Timmy Burrell is also booked to appear on this year’s staging of the Miss Beaches Sand Bay beauty pageant. This event will be held at the Kool Runnings Water Park in Negril on Saturday the 30^th of January.

Richie Spice Wows Negril Escape crowd

Written by TORI SHAE

An overwhelming amount of patrons came out to see topflight reggae artist Richie Spice in performance on Tuesday the 19th of January at the Negril Escape Resort. The event was the weekly Negril One Love Reggae concert series, which is proving to be quite a hit amongst music lovers in the western end of the island. On Tuesday night Richie Spice delivered that could possibly be the performance of the series, which has had some very memorable performances so far from the likes of Sanchez, Tarrus, Riley, Jah Cure, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Etana, Freddie McGregor and Queen Ifrica. Dressed causally in a white T shirt, Blue Jeans, Sneakers and a white Turban Richie Spice entered the stage to thunderous applause at 11PM. However his performance was far from casual as the prolific hit maker delivered a very potent performance that lasted over an hour long. The audience was in a tizzy as Spice reeled of hits such as What A Day, Blood Again, Earth A Run Red, Black Like A Tar, Brown Skin, Grooving, Ghetto Girl, Street Life, A No Me Dat, Don’t Call Me No Dog, Marijuana Pon Di Corner, World Is A Cycle, Plain Land and Kings & Queen. Even after his encore the fans were begging for more. The opening acts were Ali C and Singing Honor who both did very well. Richie Spice’s younger brother Snatcha who was not officially billed for show also delivered a well received performance.

source: entertainment by Rallo, one876entertainment.com, jamaicagleaner.com, jamaicaobserver.com