"There's a lot of opportunities that's going to happen over the next 18 months," [Bill Zakarow] added. He, however, could not give a definitive figure on what percentage of the businesses that have already submitted proposals were actually black-owned or Caribbean-owned. TO2015's procurement director said additional opportunities will come on stream by the end of October, as there will be an information session to discuss a large category of spending that is called "overlay". This includes services for portable toilets, fences, landscape, lighting and seating. "They made certain commitments when they went down to the Caribbean to get our votes so that Canada would get the games so all we're asking them to do is ensure that they fulfill those commitments and that there are economic benefits that do flow to the Caribbean," [Courtney Betty] said. "Realistically, the ship has sailed and we weren't a part of it," he added.
An exhibit, curated by well-known photographer Michael Chambers, entitled "Bathurst Stripped" is celebrating the history of a street in Toronto that was home to many immigrants from the Caribbean. Chambers has produced a photo-based installation of a barrel. This piece recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of the new immigrants and "The Barrel Children." A recent photo of Linda Carter who was the first black model in Canada to achieve prominence in the 1970s wraps the barrel which is filled with items such as corned beef, books and toys - things sent back to families in the Caribbean.
[Carolyn Cooper] said there is a dissonance between "the brand" and the "representation of the brand" and that "until in Jamaica we come to acknowledge Jamaica is not an "out of many, one people" country but it is really a country of black people with small numbers of ethnic minorities, we're not going to get the brand right." 'At Independence, Emancipation Day just disappeared. Because if you have Emancipation Day, then you have to ask yourself what you were emancipated from. And then certain people would have to say, well, we were mixed up in it. Slavery, that is. So Emancipation Day was just erased,"she said. "But Garveyites and Rastafari kept the tradition of celebrating Emancipation Day. And it's now back on the national calendar. We even have an Emancipation Park!" "This book is a celebration of Brand Jamaica, the authentic Brand Jamaica and I hope that as you read it, you'll understand why I'm so passionate about the subject," said Cooper as she ended her remarks.
"Was talking about how we keep our creativity flowing with a group of friends around a kitchen table last winter. Visiting friends from Sri Lanka mentioned that they organise regular readings to encourage themselves to write fresh work and connect with likeminded types. Very ol' skool approach. WRITE ON! was born that nite," says Akhaji Zakiya, the founder, producer and host of the series. "We'll also have an open mic part of the showcase and a panel discussion exploring how we can support Black queer art and culture. We've also commissioned a special spoken word piece, #IAmAnAfrican, by co-host Naomi Abiola to celebrate our achievements," she said. The other cohost of the evening is triple threat Twysted. With a repertoire that is expanding to include short stories and plays about women loving, [Zakiya]'s work has appeared in several publications, including "The Great Black North - Contemporary African Canadian Poetry" (Frontenac, 2013) and "Does Your Mama Know? - An Anthology of Black Lesbian Coming Out Stories" (Red Bone Press, 1997).
Dr. [Alvin Curling], master of ceremonies, opened the celebration with "Still I Rise," a poem by Maya Angelou. The Canadian national anthem was sung by Tiffany Gooch followed by the singing of 'Lift Every Voice" by Jemini Campbell. Premier Kathleen Wynne said [Herb Carnegie]'s impact on the community was profound. She spoke of Alexander. Ontario's former lieutenant governor, who lived in his home for 48 years in Hamilton before passing away in 2012. She said the deed for the house read 'no Blacks or Jews shall live here'.
[Nicole Brooks] says part of her mission as an artist, whether in film or theatre, is to really uphold looking at stories about her roots. "And so when I discovered that the catalyst of the witch trials was because a slave named Tituba from Barbados was accused of teaching obeah to young white women in the town, I sat back and reflected on how did these Puritans knew the word 'obeah'," says Brooks. Brooks says she is not breaking any rules or being untraditional because the definition of an opera is "a play that's sung." 'It doesn't have any attachment to say it has to be in classical form or that a particular genre of music makes it an opera," says Brooks who is giving a voice to these women. When she held a workshop of Obeah Opera she had to deal with some people who thought she was critical of the Puritan's Christianity and others, including her mother, who were concerned about her exploration of obeah. She answered them by noting that in the contact between captured Africans and white Puritans, there was a connotation that everything African was bad.
"I think we will do fairly well," said [Aiken]. "I think we have a good set of girls going over there that will do us very proud. We know the task ahead, and we know what we are going to come up against, and so we just need to put it together as a team," added Aiken, who plays for the Queensland Firebirds in the ANZ Championships in Australia and New Zealand.
Two-time Olympic 100 metres champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (second left), winning the women's Olympic Development 100 metres in 11 .47 seconds at the Queen's/Grace Jackson Invitational meet at the National Stadium Saturday, January 26. Two time Olympic 100-metre champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce displayed good early-season form to win the women's sprint event at the Queen's/Grace Jackson Invitational meet at the National Stadium on Saturday, January 26.
I thought that when we played against the last teams in the (Caribbean) final leg, those teams gave us an idea of what is to come in the CONCACAF final in terms of the physical characteristic of those players. I think that they will be a lot more explosive and also stronger than the Caribbean teams," said [Donovan Duckie]. "This will help us to enhance the develop - ment of our physical condition to be very competitive against them. It will also help us in our injury rehabilitation and to prevent injuries and also to develop specific explosiveness with more resistance training."
Christoper Hunt co-chairmen of the [David Hunt] 'Wagga' Hunt Memorial Scholarship Fund stands with this year's scholarship recipients, Delroy Matterson of Calabar and Kingston College's Hamani Henry during last Saturday's award ceremony which was held at the Norman Manley Law School at the University of the West Indies. Harmani Henry of Kingston College (KC) and Delroy Matterson of Calabar High are this year's recipients of scholarships, valued at J$100,000 each from the David 'Wagga' Hunt Memorial Scholarship Fund.
American Carmelita Jeter winning the women's 100 metres final in 1 0.93 seconds at the Samsung Diamond League meet at Crystal Palace Stadium in London, yesterday. Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce right) was third in 11. 10 seconds. Trinidad and Tobago's Kelly-Ann Baptiste was second in 1 0.97 while Jamaicans Schillonie Calvert (11.23) and Aleen Bailey (11.36) were fourth and seventh respectively.
The murder of the three children Dwayne Davidson, 15, Sue-Ann Gordon, 13, both students of St. Mary High School, and Shadece Williams, 4, has torn at Jamaica's 'heart strings'. "I am not really related but hearing about the deaths. It was so horrible I had to come," said Amy Bailey from Portland who broke down in tears when she was unable to "even get a glimpse of the casket," due to the massive crowd at both church services. Bishop Dunn challenged the crowd, stating, "Don't let those children die in vain."
'It wasn't easy," said Jamaica coach Winfried Schäfer. "Costa Rica are a very good team. At 1-0 down, I change team. The goalkeeper did well in the first half and not too well in the second half. We still have [a] chance. Next game is against US in US in a month's time. We thank 'Tuffy'." Striker [Jermaine] 'Tuffy' [Anderson] hails the Jamaican crowd following the 1-1 draw against Costa Rica in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying action at the National Stadium. Anderson scored for Jamaica.
New York: Cruising into History was the theme at a luncheon last Wednesday, hosted by editorial director of Essence Magazine, Susan Taylor onboard the Serenade of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean luxury liner. To commemorate Haiti's bi-centennial anniversary of independence, Ron Daniels, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, developed the concept of Cruising into history. On August 12-21, 2004, `Cruising into History' will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haitian Independence.
Launch of Caribbean Culture Week on January 18 at Savacou Gallery, NYC. Loris Crawford is Director of the Savacou Gallery, which hosted Caribbean Culture Week.
Long before reggae became a global superstar in the 1970s and since then the iconic expression of Jamaican culture, it was Jamaica's performing arts groups that were the standard bearers of the nation's image, chief among them the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and the Jamaica Folk Singers which were established in 1962 and 1967 respectively. New works have similarly been introduced into the repertoire, many choreographed by the young members. The NDTC's organic relationship with the School of Dance and the entire cultural umbrella of the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts and the Little Theatre Movement ensures that there's a continuous and dynamic exchange of ideas, teaching and talent. A number of the senior dancers and choreographers are in fact lecturers at the School of Dance.
Spectacular and devastating were the two words being used in abundance last Saturday night, as fans described the fourth-round knockout victory scored by World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion, Jamaica's Nicholas 'The Axeman' Walters, over Mexico's Alberto Garza at the American Bank Center, in Corpus Christi,Texas.
Three local non-profit groups, the African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), and Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre (WHIWH) hosted an event called Black Queer Resistance: "Are We Unified in the Fight Against Homophobia?" during Pride Week in Toronto, Canada.
"We have a magnificent group of veteran and talented young calypso and Soca artists. The orchestra, The Sunshine Band, is led by Don Diaz, son of the famed Cyril Diaz," explains Michelle Young, coordinator of the Festival & Tent. "Fans of every age and nationality will enjoy five tantalizing nights of strictly calypso and soca plus celebration of Trinidad & Tobago 51st independence birthday." "Come show love and support to our artists that live amongst us," says Yankey Boy who sang in the 2013 Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organization (TUCO) Calypso Tent and in this year's Trinidad and Tobago (International) Soca Monarch.
Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Hon. Herman G. LaMont, has called on Jamaicans in the Diaspora to remember the land of their birth at this time. Addressing members of the Clergy Coalition at a recent meeting at the offices of the Consulate General of Jamaica in Manhattan, CG LaMont said that he was looking forward to this year's Jamaica Diaspora Day of Prayer & Fasting, on Thursday, August 1. 'We firmly and unabashedly believe that prayer changes things and avails much. Please join us in prayer for Jamaica, Land we love. This call and challenge goes out to every denomination, Jamaicans in every walk of life, and all who hold the affairs of Jamaica near and dear to their hearts," noted Rev. Neilson, New Life Christian Church of Philadelphia, PA.
Jamaica is drawn in Group A', along with Cuba, Canada, Chile and Venezuela. Group 'B' consists of Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The top two teams from each group qualify for the semifinal where the top team of group A' will play the runner-up of Group 'B', and vice versa. The semifinal winners will advance to the Final. "This is a brand new experience for me and I am excited for the opportunity," said [Monique Salmon]. "I am new to the team, so I am looking forward to learning and contributing in every way possible. This is a dream come true."
-, Continued PM Simpson Miller, "As we celebrate 'triumphant, proud and free,' - the theme of this year's Independence celebration - let us not forget the road we travelled to create a more prosperous, productive and peaceful Jamaica. Let us draw on the history of our ancestors, a history of triumph over adversity." Noting that Jamaica is on a journey with one, urgent mission, PM Simpson Miller said that the mission must take us briskly along the path of economic growth and national development. 'Let us reconstruct our society so that all Jamaicans can meaningfully participate in the economic life of the nation. Let us remember that Jamaica is more than a brand, more than a name, it is the pride of a people."
The group (JFS), which was founded by the late, Dr. Olive Lewin, OD, one of the world's foremost musicologist and authority on Jamaican folklore, will launch Jamstar's ambitious World Series of Concerts project with three performances in New York City from October 11 thru' 13. Performances are scheduled for St. John's University (Queens), On Friday, October 11; Hunter College (Manhattan), on Saturday, October 12; and Calvary Tabernacle, Hempstead, on Sunday, October 13. Billed as "The Jamaican Folk & Reggae Essay Competition", the project is a Grade based initiative, targeting Elementary through High School age students, and focuses on exploring aspects of Jamaica's Folk and Reggae music. Two of the recommended reference texts are books by the late Dr. Olive Lewin, "Rock It Come Over, The Story of Jamaican Folk Music", and "Roots of Reggae" by Dr. Ptah Shabazz.
August 17 marked the 123rd year of PanAfrican leader Marcus Garvey's birth. It is also 35 years since Burning Spear recorded 'Marcus Garvey', one of the seminal albums of popular music. [Spear] agreed, and in a matter of weeks, he and back-up singers Rupert Wellington and Delroy Hines were at Randy's studio in downtown Kingston, where [Ruby] had assembled several of Jamaica's top musicians to record a passionate homage to the country's first national hero.
The island's lone female jockey, Georgina Sergeon, made her long-awaited return to the saddle at Caymanas Park on Saturday, February 1 after she was seriously injured in a riding spill just over two years ago. The 23-year-old Sergeon secured two rides on the 10-race programme: GOOD LIFE, who finished third at odds of 11-1 in the second race over 1100 metres for maiden three-year-olds; and the rank outsider, QUIET RULER, who finished down the track in the eighth race over 1200 metres. On Saturday, January 21, 2012, Sergeon fell from her mount, TRICKY TRAIN, after the filly clipped the heels of another horse in a crowded field at the home turn. She came out of the spill with serious injury and had to be hospitalised. Having injured her spine and lower back, Sergeon had to undergo surgery, followed by a long period of rehabilitation.
"The voice of Miss Lou, the honourable [Louise Bennett-Coverley], helped to shape the psyche of the resilient people in Jamaica. People are conscious of the diverse roots of our heritage, but mindful that the African presence was as valued as any other. And people must come to realise that the linguistic roots of that melding of cultures in Jamaica, our patwa, however we write it or spell it, is a worthy and necessary instrument of self expression". "She [Miss Lou] made me understand what it really means to be a Jamaican and how to appreciate and embrace all the various facets of our culture and heritage... No longer is it shameful to express the way we feel in the true Jamaican way... There that you cannot translate into english to give the same impact. Miss Lou made it OK not to nice it up".
Just when patrons may have thought the party was coming to a close, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires returned to the stage at 2 a.m., and gave the St. Bess patrons a blast from the past. The band did old soca/calypso favourites like, 'Butterfly', 'It's Carnival' and 'Dolla Wine'. When the band, however did another of their popular songs, 'Soca Train', patrons needed no instructions for this one, as they immediately assumed the position and formed a soca train around the venue. With women in front and men behind, the train went around the venue, but soon broke up when [Keisha] changed gears and did 'Passe', another popular soca song. After the band did their slate of songs, they showed the crowd just how versatile they were, as they did a few renditions from a Jamaican collection of reggae songs.
"I'm really surprised. I did not expect the OD, but I'm delighted to be awarded." "Some of us seem to see 'Yard' as a place where we go and have a good party and walk away to return to our centrally heated houses in other lands. Why, I don't know, but what I do know is that there is a growing number of Jamaicans in the diaspora who are swinging toward my way of thinking." 'And that is in the first year after the start of the fund." [PHILIP MASCOLL] added: "This would free the tax base to raise the salaries of teachers, police officers, firefighters, soldiers and civil servants."
St. George's Slayers stopped Braves' one-man team 79-67 in KFC/Cable & Wireless National Basketball League action at the National Stadium's basketball courts on Tuesday, April 6. Despite his team's domination over Braves and getting the win, Slayers' coach Winston Harvey graded his team's performance as `sub-standard'.
'It is a cause to celebrate, for slavery is the worst abomination that one set of people can, through their power and might, inflict on another," said [Bruce Golding] in his message. "In that celebration, we honour the courage of those leaders who fought the battle against slavery at times when it seemed to be a battle that would never be won, those who sacrificed their lives so that our forefathers could be free and our nation be built."
"I was very impressed with Minister [Lisa Hanna]'s presentation," said Carmeta Albarus, Forensic Social Worker and Death Penalty Mitigator and author most recently of the The Making of Lee Boyd Malvo: The D.C. Sniper.
Rise Up channels the spirit of the elders with cameos by Fred Locks, Sly Dunbar. Robbie Shakespeare, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Toots Hibberts and Brushy One String among others. Industry stalwarts like producers Mikey Bennett and Carlo Less are among those narrating the story which highlights the unique musical quality of Jamaicans.
Roots reggae artist, Chronixx and his band, Zinc Fence Redemption were the victims of a "dread and terrible lie" during the last week of their "Dread and Terrible" European tour. In an online release from Platinum Camp, that stated that Chronixx and members of his band were beaten by French police using "baseball bats" when they "refused to wear armbands" at the Paris show on April 6, was the cause of many fans taking to social media to express their concern. The Dread & Terrible Tour has continued with successful performances by Chronixx, Dre Island and Kelissa in various cities around Europe every night since the April 6 date in Paris."
We appreciate that in Mrs [Campbell-Brown]'s case, JADCO operated merely as an agent for the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), under whose auspices she performed last year when she returned a positive drug test. It is also noted that JADCO was not the agency responsible for the adjudication of Mrs Campbell-Brown's case.
Holmwood Technical's Shanieke Watson and Munro College's Herbert Thomas were the best junior female and male athletes in their respective categories. Competing in the four-kilometre event for females, Watson recorded 15 minutes 52 seconds for the win, getting the better of the St Jago High duo of Monique McPherson (16:09) and Roshae Burrell (16:11).
Coach Glen Mills is predicting 'fireworks' from his 21-year-old charge, Yohan Blake, at the upcoming World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, following the athlete's close second to former world record holder Asafa Powell in the men's 100 metres at the recently concluded Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships. "Yohan was not healthy at the meet, and come World Championships we will see the best from Yohan as I expect a lot of fireworks from him," said Mills, whose athlete clocked 10.09 seconds. Powell won in 10.08.
Vaz Prep's Travis Johnson practices his technique under the watchful eyes of World 400 metres champion, Sanya Richards-Ross, as she assisted in the school's track-team training session. Looking on are Jahvid Ferguson and Alija Cox. The school is preparing for the upcoming inter-Prep Schools track and field athletics chamionships. "I am happy to be back at Vaz Prep because this school has a special place in my heart, because this was where it all began." said Richards-Ross, who pointed out that the institution played the most important part in her track and field career.
World Youth 400 metres hurdles champion, Marvin Williams, of St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and Calabar High's Javon Francis were the stars at S's Youngster Goldsmith Meet at the National Stadium as both athletes clocked fast times in their respective events. Williams clocked 52.70 seconds to win the Boys' Under-20 400 metres hurdles event.
Friday night also doubled as a welcome party and was dubbed 'Inferno' for all the festival patrons to party to a few of Jamaica's finest entertainers. The night's DJs straight from the rock were DJ Marvin, Christuff from Renaissance, and Fame FM's DJ Nicco, who afforded patrons the opportunity to party the night away to the latest dance hits while mingling with a few of South Florida's socialites and movers and shakers. 'Dubbed the biggest Caribbean food festival in the United States, the Jamaican Jerk Festival has the reputation for delivering an experience of the highest quality to patrons'
"While the work of the Jamaican Diaspora is being praised for its success in keeping the linkage with Jamaica very strong, I submit that a look at the experience of other Diasporas will provide us with valuable lessons of how we can even more effectively utilise the resources available to us to enhance both the Diaspora as well as our homeland."
Morgan Heritage though, on their part, should bring out tons of new fans to the festival because of their legendary musical accomplishments. The band of brothers, sisters and other relatives, off springs of famed singer Denroy Morgan, have been able to comfortably navigate the various manifestation of reggae, from dancehall to lovers rock and roots rock. Along the way they have scored numerous hits gleaned from their several well written albums. They include Reggae bring back love, Don't haffi dread, She's still loving me, Nothing to smile about and Down by the river.
Harriet Tubman, William Hall and Mifflin Wistar Gibbs were among those whose courage and conviction advanced our nascent society's ideals of freedom and equality. Thousands braved a perilous path to freedom through the Underground Railroad, conducted by valiant leaders like Harriet Tubman.
"We do it in the rural areas more than we do it in Kingston and I think events such as Kingston Pon Di River really need to happen more. It's a way of giving people a voice. I really congratulate the organisers, and it's one of those events that people should put on their calendar," she said. "I thought the audience reception was very positive. It's encouraging me to write some more stories. Kingston Pon Di River buss me as a creative writer, so mi haffi go through," she told The Gleaner.
"I could not have asked for a better start to my new position as Puma's CEO than to announce the best second quarter in Puma's history in terms of sales, a performance that underlines our ambition to achieve our sales target of euro3 billion for this year," said Franz Koch, CEO of Puma.
"I was scared for a bit (to come public) because everybody always know me as Novlene Williams-Mills and now they will know me as Novlene, the breast cancer survivor," Williams-Mills said. "It is approaching that time soon, being faced with breast cancer and for me, it is time to start thinking about my family and that is something I want to do soon," Williams-Mills shared. "I am just going to take it month by month and see everything, but I would love to be at the Commonwealth Games. I am not sure about Indoors as yet."
"Usain (Bolt) and I said let's go to Australia and play some cricket; let's check out the Big Bash and see what it is all about," he noted. "With this hard training in track and field and I know that cricket training is not that hard and I can make the team and it is my first love, I would go to play cricket," he declared. "I want to finish this (athletics) as early as possible, so I can play my cricket: like somewhere around 30, 29, 28. in that region," he added. [Yohan Blake] was last month given the honour of being the first noncricketer to ring the bell at the 'home of cricket', Lord's, in England. He did so ahead of the start of the third Test match between England and South Africa.
[Veronica Campbell-Brown] found herself back in seventh place at one stage in the race, but powered her way past the field, which included longstanding nemesis Allyson Felix, to win in 11.01 seconds. Felix (11.13) placed fifth, with Trinidad and Tobago's KellyAnn Baptiste (1 1 .06) second and Jamaica's Carrie Russell (11.08) third. "I felt a little bit of energy in my last couple steps to push forward. It was so electrifying (inside the stadium), I could hear people in the stands saying, 'It is your home, don't let anybody beat you." It is always good to compete here, it is very fun and the crowd motivates me a lot, so it is great."
Alphanso Cunningham hit world record form last Friday, July 26 to capture Jamaica s first gold medal at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France. The 32-year-old Cunningham won the F52-54 Javelin final with a throw of 24.30 metres to claim the country s second medal to date.
"The team that Jamaica currently has, I am confident will make us all very proud," [Horace I Burrell]- said, while speaking at a sponsorship announcement cere^ mony for the local coaching school held at the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) head office, Wednesday, April 4. "I was speaking with the President of the United States Football' Federation and he tells me that the US are now trembling because they know that Jamaica has a strong front line and of all the teams in CONCACAF, they are afraid of two teams. Jamaica and Mexico." Burrell said.
"The coaches have assured me that all our elite athletes are in great shape, fit and ready to perform," MVP's president, Bruce James, disclosed while speaking at the press conference to launch the meet last week at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston. "However, the meet is on April 16 and the athletes will only come out to perform if they are fit and healthy to do so," ne hastened to add. "The challenge is that last year at the [UTech] classic she was not feeling well, but decided to take a chance and in so doing she ran and hurt herself badly and was unable to run for the rest of 2010," James explained, while pointing out that the MVP athletes are not all likely to participate in their customary events.
"The thing that stands out most, because it is something that people have been asking for, is the opportunity to see the top MVP - remembering that MVP has Asafa [Asafa Powell], Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, among others, versus the top Racers track club team, remembering they have Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake," [Paul Francis] disclosed. MVP fastmen Powell, Carter and Frater are already confirmed for their 4x100m team, and comeet organiser and MVP president, Bruce James, is anticipating Racers team comprising of and Olympic champion Bolt World champion Blake.
"I decided to change citizenship and jump for Jamaica, as I just felt like I needed a change," [Nicholas Thomas] explained. "I am in good shape but the weather messed me up - the rain and the wind. So it set the standards down a little bit." Thomas said after the event. "But it was good competition and I enjoyed it and, hopefully, I can go further in the next couple of weeks." "I am yet to burst on the senior level properly, but I have had a lot of injuries ... over the last four or five years." Thomas explained.
"I want to go," [Warren Weir] revealed. "From a very long time, I have said that there should be a meet somewhere on the European circuit that allows us to run the 4x200m." "Seeing that there is a meet in the Caribbean, I would want to go, even if the other Racers athletes are not thinking of going. I would like to put a team together and go," Weir said. "I want to have my name on a world-record plaque somewhere that will stand for a very long time and I don't think the big man (Bolt) will turn down a world record, so we should look forward to that." "It was a wonderful season and I am pleased with everything I have accomplished," Weir said. "Hopefully, I will be number one for the 200m. We will see when next season ends. But that would be only the icing on the cake."
With Bolt emerging as the overall 100m champion of the recently concluded Diamond League series he, along with defending 100m world champion Yohan Blake, qualified for a bye to the World Championships. "I think Blake has earned his right to compete in the 100m by winning the 100m at the last World Championships, so I was always going to run the 100m," he added. "For the 200m, that will have to be determined based on what the JAAA decides, because I think that they are the ones who pick which wild card they want," [Bolt] said.
He might not be related to the West Indies' devastating opening batsman Chris Gayle, but Delbert Gayle was just as devastating as he led Wolmer's Boys to their first Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Grace Shield cricket title in 20 years on Thursday, April 1 1 . Gayle, a Jamaica under- 19 representative, was the main architect of Wolmer's win as he made 1 74 not out in the first innings followed by 1 1 not out in the second innings to go along with a match haul of 7-94. Wolmer's, in reply, established a 116 runs firstinnings lead as they were dismissed for 242 with Gayle carrying his bat to end not out on 174. [Denniel Griffiths] made 25.
Now there are at least two places in Jamaica called [Mocho]. There's one in St. James near Garlands, but most persons agree that the Mocho from those infamous insults is the tiny town in Clarendon, between Thompson Town and Green Park. "Well Mocho is basically what you see here. There isn't much more. Things are quiet and we all know each other. We don't have anything to worry about, like crime. So whatever anybody want to say about Mocho, that is their problem. We are all quite alright," the perky woman grinned. We eventually stumbled on to a heated game of dominoes well in progress. It was like a festival of profanity as these self-proclaimed 'country people' enjoyed themselves in the best way they know how. One man got a bit excited and threw his hands into the air and ordained himself the domino king of Mocho. But a whisper from a female bartender confirmed that it was just the alcohol talking.
'It ranks right up there with getting my Test cap in 2000 at Queen's Park Oval and being knighted by the people of the Caribbean to say 'we want you to represent us'," [Wavell Hinds], president of the West Indies Players Association, said after topping three other nominees at the ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel last Wednesday night. The award's selection panel, headed by chairman Brian George, thought the 37year-old Hinds best exemplified the tenets of the award, which seeks to recognise a sporting personality who displays a high level of humility, integrity and discipline.
Alando Terrelonge, the lawyer representing embattled national sprinter Steve Mullinge, says in light of last weeks ruling by members of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) disciplinary panel not to accept into evidence an affidavit by Mullings, it is very likely that the case could be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). According to Terrelonge, who along with Patrick Bailey are representing Mullings, they are looking at taking the case to CAS. They will base their argument on an unfair hearing, as Mullings in the affidavit explained to the panel that he could not attend the hearing due to the fact that he is being 'set up', and he is 'fearful for his life'.
"I can't believe what has taken place," said [Marshall]. "I would like a fair chance where every match I don't have to fret and worry that if I fail this game that could be it for me for the season." Marshall, who played three four-day matches two seasons ago before being dropped, also vowed to fight on amidst the setback. "It is not the first time this is happening to me," he said. "It is about the third or fourth time.
Hi-Lyte sport drink brand manager, Julette FoxHosang, says the calm demeanour and character of West Indies Women's all-rounder Stafanie Taylor were two of the reasons behind her company's decision to sign the world-ranked cricketer as a brand ambassador. The one-year deal, which includes cash, kind and incentives, will see Taylor joining 2008 Beijing Olympics 100 metres silver medallist Kerron Stewart as Hi'Lyte 's lead ambassadors.
[Jason Morgan], 30, who broke the national record twice this season, and who along with Traves Smikle became the first two Jamaicans to ever represent the country at the Olympics by achieving the Olympic 'A' standard of 65 metres, went into the Games with a season best of 67.15m. However, at the Games he was a shadow of himself, failing to throw beyond 60 metres and was subsequently eliminated during the preliminary round. "Yes, I should have competed better at the Games but I think I became too relaxed, too complacent," he conceded.
Professor [Wayne McLaughlin], a biochemist, responded saying that while the stimulant was of a higher concentration in the athlete s sample - 720 nanograms per millilitre - it would be difficult to say since the effects of the stimulant on an athlete vary depending on the individual. He did acknowledge, however, that the stimulant could have had a direct effect on the athlete s neurotransmitters, which could mean that the athlete may have been aware of the effects on his body.
His season-opener, which is just six centimetres off the A standard mark of 66 metres, saw [Jason Morgan] being ranked number one in the world at the time. He has since been supplanted by Australia's 22-year-old phenom, Julian Wruk, who since March 30 has recorded throws of 66.0lm, 66.05m and 66.32m. Morgan's mark now ranks him the second-best thrower in the world this year.
News broke on July 14 that five Jamaican athletes had failed drug tests at the national championships in June, setting off one of the biggest drug scandals ever faced by Jamaican athletes and authorities. In addition to [Smikle], global stars, former 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic 100-metre silver medalist She rone Simpson, as well as Allison Randall and 19-year-old Damar Robinson also failed drug tests. The news broke one month after it was announced that Veronica Campbell Brown, another global star and two-time Olympic 200-metre champion, had failed a drug test after competing at the Jamaica International Invitational in May.
Rupert Green and Judith Dinnal on Sunday, January 5 won the respective male and female Run sections of inaugural LIME Foundation 6K Walk/Run held in Waterford in Portmore, St Catherine. Green, who ran unattached, won in 19:00.82 minutes over Kemar Leslie, 19:25.09, and Robin Rowe, 20:09.42, both of Mavis Bank Track Club. Among the women, Dinnal was a comfortable winner in 25:37.43, over Jilliane Lewis, 28:38.89, of We Got The Runs, and Floret Kelly of Double Marchers, who was third in 30:49.38.
[Simpson]'s case will be heard on January 7 and 8 while [Powell]'s will come up a week later on January 14 and 15. Powell was not happy about the January hearing dates but the challenge faced by the panel is that [Robinson] will be representing JADCo in the cases of Allison Randall, Demar Robinson and Través Smikle which are set to be concluded by December 17 this year. Both athletes were present at the preliminary hearing held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston.
Jamaicas sprinter Steve Mullings winning the men's 100 metres in a personal best 9.80 seconds ahead of American Michael Rodgers during the Prefontaine Classic track and field meet yesterday in Eugene, Oregon. Rodgers was second in 9.85 Mullings said the two wins were a timely boost of confidence ahead of next month's World Championships in Daegu, South 'Korea.
[Jason Morgan], who finished 10th in qualifying at the IAAF World Athletic Championships in Daegu, South Korea, last year with a throw of 61.75m, well below his best, has been improving each week so far this outdoor season. He opened up with a 62.07m throw to win at the McNeese University Cowboy Relays at Lake Charles, Louisiana, in early March. Then, on March 17, he hurled the implement 63.82m for another win at the Louisiana Classics. That throw ranked him seventh in the world this season.
"[Bush]'s proposal soared like a rocket and ended like a squid," [Colin Moore] said. "It's not an immigration reform but a temporary status to immigrants coming in, but what about those living here already?" he asked. Moore wanted to know what would happen to immigrants in the fifth year after applying for permanent residency, when in fact it takes 10 years for legal permanent status to be effected. "It's not an amnesty, but most thought it was," [Joan Foy] said. "However, it's better than nothing and it opens the issue for discussion where there was none. There has been no discussion on immigration since 1996 with the Antiterrorism and Death Penalty Act when many were caught by surprise and residents who were affected faced deportation.
"It's the training of PE teachers, and if they don't have a PE teacher, then another that's interested in physical activity and getting children healthy! its not only about getting them involved in a formal sport, there are many children with abilities and we iust want our children to know now important it is for them to be physical and see the emotional and health benefits of getting that habit from an early age, [Heidi Clarke] added. "It helps to foster leadership, friendships and all of those things to exert energy positively."
"I don't know, I really hope that I am there though. I will be working hard and hopefully I can improve my times and start to run some really fast times again," [Asafa Powell] said. "But if I keep doing that, then I will be there (2016 Olympic Games)." "I would love to be in Brazil," said Powell Thursday, August 23 during an interactive online question and answer session with his fans through his sponsor LIME. A very light-hearted Powell, while joking about his age, says he will be working hard to give himself a chance of making the trip to Rio and he is hopeful that he will still be active by the time the next instalment of the Olympic Games comes around.
[Yohan Blake], who will be defending his 10Om crown in Moscow next summer, is widely known to be an avid fan of the sport. Several decent showings in local cricket competitions were expected to be a precursor to his appearance at the massive Big Bash Twenty20 league in Australia in a few weeks. However, it seems Blake and his coach, Glen Mills, have struck a deal of sorts. "Coach (Glen) Mills had a talk with me and he told me that I have the (100m World) title to defend, so I should focus on that and then the other year (2014) is going to be an off year, so I can play my cricket and also run, so I am just going to wait until next year to look at the cricket," Blake told The Gleaner.
MORE ACCUSTOMED breaking records at high speed, sprint sensation Usain Bolt will slow his pace later this with the staging of the 'Usain Bolt Walkathon'. "I run really fast but the truth is that I'm a really slow walker." [Usain Bolt] laughed during Sunday's. May 15 launch at the Bustamante Hospital for Children for the event, which is scheduled for sometime in November this year. "This partnership is very important and will help to protect the future of this country," Bolt said. 'It's a big step for me. Over the years, I nave been saying that kids are the future so when I was approached to do this, it was a real honour and I'm looking forward to continue doing my best to do what I can to help the kids."
As expected, the world's top athletes - Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce - walked away with top honours at Scotiabank/Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Golden Cleats Awards. I will be looking forward to an extraordinary year with these young athletes as they continue to dominate, said Fraser-Pryce, in reference to the likes of IAAF World Youth stars Bryan, Thompson, Michael 0'Hara, Jaheel Hyde, Martin Manley and Marvin Williams, who helped Jamaica to a historic table-topping performance at the championships held in Donetsk, Ukraine, earlier this year.
"Overall, I'm just happy to come away with a win," said [Fraser-Pryce]. "Today I didn't run according to how I wanted but still came out with a viotory. That made me happy. There is a lot more room for improvement in the 200m, and I'm looking forward to more races to see how best I can put a complete race together." The men's 100m also featured three Jamaicans, but it was American Justin Gatlin. 9.97 - the Olympic lOOm bronze medallist, who crossed the line first in a tight finish; barely bettering his compatriot Mike Rodgers and Jamaican Olympic 4x1 00m relay gold-medal winner Neata Carter, who both posted season-best times of 9.99. Jamaican Shericka Williams struggled in sixth place, despite posting a season best 52.23 with 200m specialist [Felix] running second in 50.19 and Great Britain powerhouse Christine Ohuruogu finishing third in a 50.53 season's best.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, believes that newly crowned World 100m champion and the second-fastest man over 200m, Yohan Blake, is a source of inspiration for Jamaica's youth and encouraged the 21-yearold to remain humble and respectful. "I have a soft spot for Yohan and have always felt that he is a special athlete, having followed his career since he was a student at St Jago," Grange said. "So when Usain false started, I was confident that he would rise to the occasion and win. When Everyone was shocked about the false start, I was focused on Jamaica winning because I knew Yohan would make it happen."
The manager of a "shocked and devastated" Jermaine Hue is questioning the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) liability after the Jamaican international midfielder was banned for nine months by the FIFA Disciplinary Panel following a antidoping rule violation. 'Jermaine (Hue) is shocked and devastated," said the Harbour View Football Club (HVFC) talisman's manager and uncle Michael Hue. "When he heard the news he was actually in training because he was hoping to be able to play in a short time. "In terms of the verdict, a nine month ban for the player; if you remember they had three matches in a short space of time ... Jermaine went to Honduras and complained about fatigue and was given the medication by the JFF's team doctor ... the doctor is employed to the football federation and it could have happened to any of the players there," Michael Hue said.
Vanessa Gidden and Simone Edwards were in impressive form as Jamaica's female basketbailers romped to a historic 69-58 victory over the Virgin Islands, to claim the team's first ever medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
[Bolt], who continued his global domination at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, winning gold medals in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay, added to his IAAF World Athlete of the Year Award by copping the Most Outstanding Performer (Male) for 2012 and 2013 awards at the function.
"A few months ago, a representative from Alpha Boys' Home reached out to [Nugent Walker] (Walker) asking if he would consider asking me to visit the boys', home. NJ shared the convo with me and I considered it a no-brainer to accept the invitation. The rep thought it would be great motivation to the boys for me to come by and just share my experience with them, and most importantly believing in one's dreams and working hard towards it. I said to NJ, however, I just didn't want to go share just words of encouragement, but also offer some gifts, thus we contacted Puma and got some items." Bolt, one of the German sportswear company's most recognisable brand ambassadors explained.
"We put that deal together with [Sheri-Ann Brooks] because we believe that her commitment to Caribbean sports, to Jamaica and to young people is consistent with what Solotel wants from its brand ambassadors and also mirrors Solotel's commitment to providing support and quality service throughout the Caribbean as well," [Kenneth Lewis] added.
'It's a phenomenal season, starting from the first track meet indoors when I ran two personal best times in the 60m and 60m hurdles and it just transferred to the outdoor season. I'm very happy about how things have gone this year," said Williams, a student at the Graham-coached Johnson C. Smith University. 'It really didn't cross my mind at all, to be honest. During the season my coach and I spoke and he asked me if I wanted to go to Jamaica and to the trials and naturally my answer was 'yes', because I always look forward to competing in Jamaica. But making the team and winning at trials was never in my head," Williams admitted.
"When I look at the 200m, the record is so far out there, so for me I just try to improve each year and it's definitely not at the top of my list," said Felix touching on the records. "I never like to say never as far as the record is concerned but realistically speaking, I do think that they are very fast; I don't think at least in the 200m where my focus is. I don't think that record is going anytime soon. I can be wrong because track is like that, where amazing things happen that you are not suspecting." "I love running with Veronica and I love high-quality races and I wish we could meet more, it's just how it works out sometimes," Felix added.
Usain Bolt and his Jamaican teammate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have been shortlisted for the United States Sports Academy Athlete-of-the-Year Award 2013.
"Certainly within the United States all of the top level athletes are excited about it. I think we will also get a lot of Caribbean athletes involved and hopefully a lot of the top Caribbean athletes as well," [Paul Doyle] added. 'We have five dates so far but we have interest from other cities since we made the announcement. We are adding entertainment aspect with a live band and cheerleaders." Doyle said. "We are hoping that within a couple of years the momentum of the series will build very quickly and it will grow into a viable option. These are very much made-for-tv events."
"One of the initiatives that the JFF has embarked on is getting exposure for our Premier League coaches. We got in touch with our Brazilian friends and so an arrangement was made where all 12 Premier League coaches for next season will be sent to Brazil between June 29 and July 12," JFF president, Captain Horace Burrell announced on Thursday night. May 19, at the 2010-11 Digicel Premier League awards ceremony, at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.
"Two of our distinguished athletes, Asafa [Powell] and [Sherone Simpson], have been advised of adverse analytical findings in their A' samples taken during an in-competition test on June 21, 2013," read [James]' release. "Whilst the Adverse Analytical Findings are unfortunate and disappointing, the club continues to stand by and support Sherone and Asafa during this time, and we will be following the developments in this matter closely and will endeavour to support and protect the rights of these two great athletes, so as to ensure a fair hearing for them and a just resolution of the issues involved."
Cases brought by the Jamaica AntiDoping Commission (JADCo) Disciplinary Panel against track athletes [Dominique Blake] Blake and Ricardo Cunningham have been adjourned until December 3-5 and November 1, respectively, because of the absence of adequate documentation and witnesses. Blake and Dixon were clearly not in favour of an adjournment at the outset, with Dixon pointing out·' "My client is here now, she does not reside in Jamaica and we are here now and believe we can present a good rebuttal. We are prepared to present a case to you." Blake in turn is to file with the JADCo Secretariat a comprehensive brief no later than November 7, 2012.
'The plan is to run the Stawell Gift meet, it's something that we have been trying to get done for years," said [Paul Doyle] during a telephone interview Thursday. "It's a pretty awesome meet ... Asafa is excited to get over there and compete. "I've been ready to come down a couple of times over the past few years but I'm happy to say that this year will be the year," [Asafa Powell] said. "This year being the World Championships, there will be a lot of focus on that, it's not as if the competition in Jamaica has got any easier, but then again, he is well, he is more mature and focused in what he is doing," Doyle continued.
Olympic 400m champion Sanya Richards-Ross presents cheque worth US$10,000 (J$900,000) to her alma mater on Wednesday, October 17. "I expect it to help in a big way. You hear of the parents who have very talented kids but sometimes just can't afford it, and it really breaks my heart because I am very thankful that my parents made the sacrifice to keep me in school. So if I can help the next Sanya Richards -Ross then it's all worth it," Richards-Ross noted.
The Weekly Gleaner understands that Scotland-based winger Chris Humphrey has been called up by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) for their three-week camp in Brazil, ahead of this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States. "Even though I also qualify for Scotland, Jamaica was the first to pursue me and I am looking forward to linking up with the squad," Humphrey added, before pointing out that he is, however, focused on his upcoming clash with Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. Humphrey moved to Walsall at the age of five, and was at Walsall's Centre of Excellence, until later joining West Bromwich Albion.
Discus thrower Jason Morgan and 800m specialist Kenia Sinclair are left considering their options after being left out of Jamaica's 45-member team to the IAAF World Championships in Athletics.
Olympic 200m bronze medallist Warren Weir, and Kemar Bailey-Cole, a 4x100m relay gold medallist and Jamaica's newest member of the sub-10 seconds 100m club, with a best of 9.97, lead that group, which also includes Jason Young, who has a personal best of 19.86 200m, and World Junior Championships 100m finalist Jazeel Murphy. "It's going to take a little time and depends on how well he adapts to the corrections and training and so forth though," [Mills] warned, before explaining some of the issues the lanky sprinter has had to overcome.
"The suggestion that [Veronica Campbell-Brown] was cleared on some technicality is simply not true. She was cleared because no anti-doping violation was proven and the reason none was proven was because she didn't do anything wrong, period, end of story," said attorney Howard Jacobs during a press conference yesterday at The Jamaica Pegasus. "It's not a technicality, it's a fundamental point," [Jacob] noted. "The question remained, what happened to the third sample?" "My inability to defend my 200m title was a huge loss. In fact, just being unable to compete was financially and emotionally devastating. This ordeal cost me in excess of 90 per cent of my possible earnings. The ripple effect affected my charities, most notably my foundation and my contribution towards my alma mater and others," said Campbell-Brown. "I now have a renewed appreciation for my talent and relationships within the sport that are important to me."
Jamaica closed out the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in explosive fashion, bringing down the curtains with the championships' only world record; a blistering 37.04 seconds run in the men's 4x100m relay. In a race not void of incident, Bolt kept his cool, collected the baton from 10Om champion Yohan Blake and powered through to the finish to better the country's own 37.10 world record, which was set at the Belling Olympic Games in 2008.
A notice published by the Jamaica Stock Exchange in its daily stock market report on Tuesday, February 8, advised "on December 17, 2004, AIC Barbados Limited transferred 6,274,263 shares in National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd. to Mr. [Aubyn Hill]." The disclosure by the JSE contradicts previous reports published elsewhere in the print media which suggested that the former NCB executive had collected a settlement amount of between US$750,000 and US$1 million. It is clear that, excluding NCB's board and Mr. Hill, no one knows for sure what were the exact terms of the settlement at the negotiating table.
[Yohan Blake], regarded by many as a potential heir to top local athletes like former world record holder Asafa Powell and current double world record holder, Usain Bolt, has been creating waves at the senior level for the past few seasons. Add the above to his impressive achievements at the junior level, the national junior record holder and tied with Nigeria's Seun Ogunkoya as the youngest sprinter to have broken the 10-second barrier, it seems Racers may well have another star in their midst.
Now, after coming to Howard as a freshman and Capstone scholar in 2005, he is not only playing chess, which is said to be one of the most popular games in the world, but is President of the Howard University Chess Club since 2006. [Samuel Peter Francis] considers himself a critical thinker, an aspect of his personality that he feels attributes greatly to his successes, thus far, as president of the University Chess Club. Chess, in fact, is advocated as a way of enhancing mental prowess! Meanwhile, this young man who was the unrated chess champion of Howard University (HU) in 2006, was selected to the HU Dean's list and also to the National Dean's List of US Colleges and Universities in 2006. With his excellence in the game of chess, his absorption in scientific matters and his penchant for being clear and concise in his undertakings, Samuel could be expected to be a rather scholarly, 'nerdy' individual. Not so! He is full of life and laughter - a very pleasant, friendly Caribbean person.
My companion and I chose the same things, so I can leave 'the person' out after this sentence. Sorry mi dear. Next, I had a Scelta Di Pasta Farfalle Bella Casa, which basically means Bow Tie Pasta with wonderful things from the house. As I am not a lover of Bow Tie Pasta - not wanting to ruin my dinner by eating a man in full suit and, yes, bow tie -- I opted for my favourite, Fettuccine. A small bowl arrived, just perfect for the occasion. The sauce -- a tomato basil mixture with loads of delish mushrooms and artichokes enhanced with bella crema and sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese -- was absolutely perfetto. I followed that with Agnello Alla Rosmarino, which is a Parmesan Crusted Lamb, marinated in Rosemary and Garlic Au Jus with Potato. The lamb was exactly as I ordered it - medium rare - and it was, to tell the truth, melt-in-your-mouth good. I have to tell you, it's as if the gods just didn't want me to divulge this little Italian secret. This morning, all settled in to begin the procedure it takes to write one of these Thursday reviews, I could not find the notebook I had so carefully written all my information in this last time. Hello. I was suicidal. Not again, thought I. The possibility of having to visit Hedo III yet again sent shivers throughout my body. But I persevered. Hours later all was found, buried on my desk which is unfortunately covered almost to the ceiling in notes, papers, CDs and heaven only knows what else.
The search is now on to find a new public defender as the current holder of the office, Earl Witter, is to demit office in about two months. Witter was sworn into office on September 13, 2006, as Jamaica's second public defender. Witter is, to date, the only member of the outer bar (body of junior barristers) to have been appointed ombudsman or public defender.