Jamie beats the odds!

With no support from the Saint Lucia association in Canada, Jamie Lynell Ellis went on to win the 2009 Miss Creole-Canada, in Toronto Saturday night.

The first ever Miss Creole-Canada Pageant took place at the La Villa Ballroom and was organized by Paul Letang-Loblack of Star Power Entertainment and Ross Cadasse of TalentBank Canada.

According to the organizers the Miss Creole-Canada Pageant was designed as a vehicle to foster stronger ties between the people from the Creole speaking Diaspora living in Canada and the Caribbean itself. It was also held to coincide with Creole Month which is observed in the French-Creole speaking Antilles in October.

In an interview with the STAR, Jamie, who is no stranger to pageants and modelling both here in Saint Lucia and Canada says she came out on the night fully confident and willing to give it her all.

“The level of competition was good, but I really wanted to go out there and bring the title to Saint Lucia and I think my confidence level and my consistency in each category was what gave me the edge,” she told us.

On the night the nine contestants appeared

in swimwear, traditional wear, talent and evening wear. Jamie’s swimwear was designed by Sangola designs and her evening wear by Ooh la la Divas of Toronto. Her traditional wear she told us was sponsored by Irwin Louisy of Barefoot Holidays Saint Lucia and for her talent she delivered a poem.

Ahead of Saturday’s event Jamie said she sought the support and sponsorship from the Saint Lucia Canada association. All of the other contestants had the backing of their communities, associations and affiliates.

“At first I got only a casual promise but just about a week before the event I was told by someone in the association that they were not in a position to help or sponsor me,” Jamie informed us. But as if that was not bad enough no representatives from the organization showed up at the event or have called since to congratulate Jamie.

Still, Jamie told us that she felt proud to have won and prouder still that she represented Saint Lucia. She told us that she was able to pull through with support and sponsorship from her friends and family as well as her personal commitment.

The second runner-up position went to Tatiana Sylvain of Haiti, and first runner-up, Kanika Ambrose of Dominica.

Shyne To Be Deported To Belize

Former Bad Boy rapper Shyne is being deported back to his homeland Belize on Wednesday (October 27) after serving almost nine years in jail for his role in a shooting in New York that involved his then mentor Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jennifer Lopez.

Media reports monitored in Belize confirm that the rapper is being deported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.).

Shyne's family has enlisted the services of Harvard Law Professor and President Obama insider Professor Charles Ogletree to try and secure a pardon from New York Governor David Paterson to allow the rapper to re-enter the U.S.

Under U.S. law, convicted felons are deported to their country of origin following the end of the sentence. Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) was born and raised in Belize but moved to Flatbush, New York as a teenager but never gained U.S. citizenship,


A television station controlled by the ruling United Democratic Party of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who is Shyne's father, reported today that the rapper has been expelled from the U.S. and will arrive in Belize on Wednesday via a Continental Airlines flight from Houston.

The station reports that Shyne's father and other relatives will be on hand to receive the rapper at the Belize City airport.

One Belize radio station is reporting that rather than immediately attempting to emigrate to Europe to re-start his rapping career, Shyne will now try to utilise his Belize passport to move to a Caribbean country such as Jamaica to use as a base for re-igniting his recording career.
Jah Cure and Alison Hinds have decided to conquer the soca world for 2010.

December 2009 Kingston Jamaica:-Jah Cure and Soca Queen Alison Hinds have teamed up to remix Cure’s reggae smash Call On Me. The soca refix was released last week and comes just in time for the carnival season.

The original for Call On Me featuring Phyllisia, was released earlier this year and dominated the local and international radio charts. The video for Call On Me was also number one on several cable and free to air TV charts. Now Jah Cure and Alison Hinds have decided to conquer the soca world for 2010.

The remix was produced by Shawn Ma$tamind Noel for Ma$tamind Productions. Ma$tamind Productions is one of the foremost production houses for Soca and Calypso music. The outfit has produced for the who’s who in the genres from Bunji Garlin to Benjai.



Alison Hinds believes that the Call on Me remix is a hit: “I feel very happy and blessed to be able to work with Cure. His spirit is so nice; he is so humble, down to earth and easy going. His voice is totally unique and I am really looking forward to doing a song from scratch with him. When he came to Barbados for Hennessey Artistry on December 5 it was the first time I met him and from there everything just clicked. We decided to do the remix and I know my soca fans will love it.”

The remix is already a favourite on Trinidadian and Barbadian radio stations and is set to be another chart topper for Jah Cure. Jah Cure is excited about the remix and the chance to work with a musical great like Alison Hinds: “It was magic, I met Alison at Hennessy Artistry and we decided to do some music together. The remix is wonderful and is a good start to 2010 and the carnival season"

Jah Cure also has several new tracks on the airwaves; notably his collaboration with Christopher Ellis and Stephen Marley dubbed End of Time. The Cure is also set to release a highly anticipated collaboration with Grammy nominated R&B superstar Keri Hilson called World Cry.



Banton waived his bail hearing Wednesday in Miami federal court.

According to court documents Banton attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover officer in Florida.

Banton's attorney said He is completely innocent of the charges.

Miami Dec 2009 : Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton was arrested on federal drug charge, coming off good news of a Grammy nomination.
Mark Anthony Myrie aka Buju has been in U.S. federal custody in Miami since Thursday December 10th for possession and intent to distribute charges. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. DEA spokesman David Melenkevitz told media He was in possession of 5 kilos of cocaine at the time of the bust



Buju Banton's ninth album, Rasta Got Soul, is currently up for a Grammy. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation launched an online petition protesting the nomination for one of his early composition "Boom Bye Bye."
Teddy Pendergrass died

Teddy Pendergrass, one of the last soul singers of his kind, has died of colon cancer at the age of 59. Possessed of a super-manly baritone, "impassioned" seemed too tame a word to describe his vocal delivery. Known as the "Teddy Bear," he was able to frame a gritty voice within smooth phrasing that made him irresistible to many.

Pendergrass died Wednesday (January 13) in Philadelphia, where he had been in hospital for months. The singer's son told the Associated Press that his father underwent colon cancer surgery eight months earlier and had a "difficult recovery."



Pendergrass was the brightest solo star of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International label during its '70s heyday, bringing symphonic soul to its highest heights then moving in to earthier and more electronic sounds as times changed. A native Philadelphian, Pendergrass started with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes as a drummer in 1969. He graduated to lead singer by the following year, and Gamble and Huff made the group one of their new label's initial signings in the early '70s. They had success immediately with the eternal ballads "I Miss You" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now," and a sex symbol was born. The Blue Notes greatest success came with uptempo dance numbers which presaged disco, such as "The Love I Lost" and "Bad Luck."

By 1977, Pendergrass struck out on his own and recorded three million-selling albums produced by Gamble and Huff and their various protégés (including McFadden and Whitehead). During the late '70s, Pendergrass was known for his infamous "For Women Only Concerts," which, according to anthology liner-note writer David Nathan, "everything you heard was true: young, middle-aged and if-their-husbands-knew-they'd-be-in-big-trouble older women were crowding the stage, throwing phone numbers and occasionally panties at him."

Moving into the '80s, Pendergrass refined his sound to include funky slow jams like "Love TKO" and 'quiet storm' classics like "Turn Out the Lights."

In 1982, he was involved in a major car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, but he continued to make music. He scored again in 1985 with Workin It Back, which went gold, and played Live Aid the same year. He formed Teddy Bear productions to further branch out his musical visions.

Pendergrass continued to experience health problems but rebounded once again to score a No. 1 R&B single in 1991 "It Should Have Been You." He toured with the musical Your Arms Too Short to Box with God in 1996 and wrote an autobiography in 1998.

In 2006, Pendergrass announced his retirement, though he performed one more concert for charity the following year. Last year, he had a medical procedure to address his cancer, but in the end he lost the fight.
Sizzla Kilonji arrested

Popular dancehall artiste Miguel Collins popularly known as "Sizzla Kalonji" remains in police custody on Thursday.


He was picked up on Wednesday night by the August Town Police after they received reports that men were firing guns in the August Town area.


A senior officer at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station told RJR News that the artiste's hands have been swabbed and samples sent to the government laboratory to determine whether he had fired a weapon.


The senior cop declined to give any more details


Sizzla released

Dancehall artiste Sizzla Kalonji whose real name is Miguel Collins, has bene released form jail.

Sizzla was taken into custody for questioning in relation to an alleged shooting incident in August Town, St. Andrew.

His manager, Phillip Burrell said that the artiste had not been charged.

Reports are that Sizzla was picked up on Wednesday night by the August Town Police after they received reports that men were firing guns in the area.

A senior officer at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station told RJR News that the artiste's hands have been swabbed and samples sent to the government laboratory to determine whether he had fired a weapon.



Stephen Marley Wins Grammy

Mega Reggae producer and artist Stephen Marley has won the Grammy
for best Reggae Album.

At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California,
Sunday  31st January 2010.

His acoustic version of Mind Control beat out other note-worthy projects
such as Imperial Blaze by Sean Paul,Rasta Got Soul by Buju Banto,
Brand New Me by Gregory Isaacs
and Stephen's brother Julian Marley with his album Awake.

The original 'Mind Control' album also won the same award back in 2008.
Death of St Lucian native ruled a homicide
Mon Feb. 01 2010

The death of an Ottawa-area man who was severely beaten during a bar fight at a strip club in Peterborough is being investigated as that city's first homicide of the year.

Stevenson Auguste,AKA (Scooby) 41, suffered severe trauma to his head in a fight at Thursday's strip club in Peterborough on Jan. 28.

"Indications are pretty much the whole bar was involved in this fight – it was a large disturbance," Sgt. Rob Maclean told CTV Ottawa.

When police and paramedics arrived at the scene, a man was on the floor unconscious, he said.



The victim was rushed to hospital in Peterborough where doctors determined he suffered a blunt force trauma to his head. He was later flown to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto where he died of his injuries on Saturday.

Auguste was from St. Lucia. However, he had been living in the Ottawa-area on a work visa and was employed with a scaffolding company. He was in Peterborough working on a contract with that company at the time of the beating.

Peterborough police say Auguste's death is the city's first homicide of the year. They are in the process of interviewing witnesses. So far, no arrests have been made.

"We're interviewing people. We don't have a definitive suspect at this time. There's lots of people to interview. We're going through everybody as we get them," said Maclean.

Police want anyone with information to call the criminal investigation division at 876-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Today's Daily Word - Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Positive Words

I choose positive words and experience positive results.

The thoughts I think and the words I speak have tremendous power. They can influence my life in either positive or negative ways, for they affect the expectations I hold in my heart and the outcomes I experience in my life. Today I choose to use positive words. I make a conscious effort to think positive thoughts and to act in positive ways. By doing so, I open my life and the lives of those I pray for to the ever-present abundance of God.


If I am anxious about a particular situation or event, I change my thoughts about it. I approach it with new eyes--spiritual eyes. By expressing my faith in God and holding positive thoughts, my expectations are elevated to a higher level and the outcomes I envision are revealed in wonderful ways.

The kingdom of God is within you.--Luke

Posted by Absolucianent at February 3, 2010

Police officer killed in attack by armed bandit

CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – A police officer was one of two people killed during a shooting incident at the Castries Waterfront on Friday night.

Corporal Vincent Peters and his partner, Corporal Timothy John, were fired upon by an armed bandit when they pulled up outside the National Commercial Bank in the Heraldine Rock government building to make a nightly deposit shortly after 9 PM.

Although they were armed, the lawmen, who were inside a vehicle at the time, were hardly able to return fire when bullets came raining down on them.



Peters was killed on the spot, while John was injured after being shot multiple times and has been hospitalised. He is said to be in a stable condition.

Members of the Special Services Unit who responded immediately to the attack are reported to have chased down and killed the suspected shooter in the Barnard Hill area, a short distance from the scene of the crime.

The suspect, who police said was armed with a high-powered rifle, wore a ski mask and bullet-proof vest was not immediately identified. However, Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis said the man was well-known to the law enforcement authorities and was wanted for a number of gun-related crimes, and some months ago openly threatened police on local television.

Regis warned that the country’s police officers were infuriated by the increase in criminal activity, more so by the killing one of their own and would leave no stone unturned in flushing out the criminals from their hideouts.

He said that it appeared that criminals had declared war on the police, as this was the second such attack against the police so far this year.

The top cop warned that officers would respond within the confines of the law.

The latest incident brings to nine, the number of murders in St Lucia this year.

GO TO TOP
Today's Daily Word - Friday, February 26, 2010
Protected

I am confident and secure in the presence of God.

If I am feeling discouraged or disappointed about any circumstance in my life, I take time now to become centered in prayer, to be at peace in the presence of God. No matter where I am or what is happening, I still my thoughts and move into a quiet place of communion with God.

In this place of serenity, I remember the truth of my being, the part of me that never changes. I say to myself: "I am God's beloved today and always. The Christ Spirit is within me. Everything that is true about me remains. All the power of the universe is in me."


Black Ryno leaves Portmore empire

It's now official that deejay Blak Ryno, one of the Portmore Empire's top guns, has officially left the Gaza.

Earlier this week rumours had begun circulating once again that Ryno had officially left the Empire. The deejay, however, confirm that as of yesterday, he is no longer in the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire.

Born Romaine Anderson, Ryno has been a member of the Portmore Empire since January 2007, where he was officially signed to Kartel's Adidjaheim Records and made his name with songs such as Thugs Anthem,Bend Over among others.

Months prior to this, rumours had been circulating in the streets and on the Internet that relations between the young deejay and his Gaza camp had not been good, with speculations that he, among other members have been beaten on a regular basis. Ryno has however, denied all rumours of being beaten or having witnessed any beatings on the Gaza.



Speaking briefly, Ryno was unwilling to say much on the matter yesterday, only admitting that relations between himself and the Empire were still good.

Ryno is the third deejay to have departed the Empire recently, the first being late last year when Lisa Hyper was expelled from the organisation after the Empire 'unanimously agreed' to end their professional relationship with the female deejay. This development came shortly after a compromising picture was leaked on the Internet of Hyper.

In January, a newcomer to the Portmore Empire, Gaza Kim willingly left the Empire after an incident which took place in the 'Big Yard' community off Mannings Hill Road. Gaza Kim, who now goes by the name Kym, was severely beaten on the Gaza by what sources say was orders from Kartel. However, Kartel denied the claims.

This week rumours also began circulating once more that singer Jah Vinci had also left the Empire as well, when contacted on Tuesday, however, Jah Vinci responded, "Gaza fi life."



Returning to my day, I feel my confidence restored and my sense of peace renewed. I remain in the strong and protected presence of God as I get back up and begin again.

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone.--John 8:29

Posted by Absolucianent at February 26, 2010
Kartel speakes out against shooting

Another Twist in the GAZA drama, as wild speculation fly that the Gaza President might be behind the latest attack on Blak Ryno Vybz Kartel comes out to clear the air.

Angered by today's shooting incident concerning former Portmore Empire member, Dancehall deejay Blak Ryno in the Waterford Community of Portmore, St. Catherine, Adidjahiem Records President and Portmore Empire leader Vybz Kartel condemns the attack, and issues a firm warning to those who seek to harm the artist:


"I condemn today's shooting in Waterford, and I condemn any attack made on Blak Ryno," states Kartel firmly. "Regardless of what transpires between the Portmore Empire and Blak Ryno, whether or not he is a part of the Empire, I will not tolerate any acts of violence against him. ANYBODY who does ANYTHING to Ryno has to answer to me."

the Waterford Police confirmed that shots were fired into a house believed to belong to the family of Romaine "Blak Ryno" Anderson. No one was injured. The incident is currently under investigation.

Today's Daily Word - Sunday, March 14, 2010
Free

I am free!
I choose to use my freedom to experience something wonderful and life-affirming, rather than something I consider negative. I affirm what is true: I was created out of the life, love and intelligence of God. I was created to live a full and fulfilling life. I speak my affirmations of truth aloud or hold them silently in mind; then I act with confidence and faith.



There is no need to blame others or myself for mistakes or missteps. I am not held back by any past condition or circumstance. I let go of all ideas that restrict my free expression and embrace each new day as another opportunity to give expression to my spiritual nature. The indwelling Spirit is the source of my freedom to be all that I want to be. I am free!

You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.--John 8:32

Posted by Absolucianent at March 14, 2010
Jimmy Cliff Inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Reggae super star Jimmy Cliff will be among the latest inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday.

Jimmy Cliff, OM (born James Chambers; 1 April 1948) is a Jamaican ska and reggae singer, musician and actor. He is the only currently living musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honor that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievement in the arts and sciences. He is best known among mainstream audiences for songs such as "Sitting in Limbo", "You Can Get It If You Really Want", and "Many Rivers to Cross" from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come. Among his many honors, Cliff will have Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee to add to the list.


Others to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Jimmy Cliff includes Genesis, The Hollies and the Stooges. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were chosen by a voting committee of the foundation. Artists are eligible 25 years after their first recording is released.
ASHANTI releases CD Compilation and DVD

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia (March 17, 2010) - Ashanti and his Management team will release two (2) CD compilations of his music featuring 'Live' and 'Studio' recordings today, Saturday, 20th  March.   This covers the period of the 80's to present. The title of the CD and DVD is labeled "Ashanti - Red Hott ".
The DVD will feature video performances as early as the late 80's to 2010. This includes the years when he won the Monarch.


The debut for the DVD is next Saturday 27th March 2010. Both CD and DVD will be available in Castries mainly from one street vendor named 'Wilfred' located by the treasury building, opposite Valmont and other selected street vendors at the Gros Islet bus stand who will display a sign indicating that they are authorized distributors of the CDs and DVD.

The Management team noted that much of the artiste's early music in the 80's has been lost by the radio stations and other media houses, as they were live tent recordings on 'reel'. Fortunately, some of the latter have been retrieved and digitally remastered.

The artiste and his Management have advised that each product would be presented in a full colour poster or cover.  Each CD and DVD will be signed by Ashanti and his Management. There is a token inside each DVD for every customer purchasing a copy.

Both Management and artiste stated that tough economic times call for smart economic responses, hence, the products were very reasonably priced, an offer that cannot be refused for the purchase of good, timeless and priceless music.  They indicated that the sales from the CDs and DVDs would contribute to Ashanti's welfare, and to finance recordings for carnival 2010.

Studio recordings are 'Redunkulous', remarked Ashanti, the latter being a new St.Lucian word penned and copyrighted by V.Soudi, meaning  excessively ridiculous and out of control;  'Redunkulous' being  the name of Ashanti's next CD due for release in early May 2010.  The latter will feature new calypso and soca tracks for 2010, including a medley of  the 'Happy' songs such as Low Population , Shanti Tell Dem, Jail, Debbie and The price is too high and the a prospective road song called "Chock er Block".

Studios on average charge anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 to produce one (1) song; and pirates copy local music for 'freeness' and sell for $10 on the streets, showing gross insensitivity for the artiste's time and investment in the artwork. Ashanti laments that this is sad and inhumane. Hence,  he has asked 'pirates' of local music and video,  not to copy the music and DVD as these will be confiscated by police and that the public should refrain from buying any pirated copies, as the products have been priced affordably.

Ashanti said that he was inspired to do the compilations as a result of requests from numerous fans. He indicated that he was truly overwhelmed by the welcome he got from fans in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey when he performed in the USA last September.  The audience all sang to the old 'Jah Ti' and 'Happy' songs, and were equally acquainted with the new soca tracks.  The responses were equally frenetic when he performed in Toronto, Canada last December at an event organized by Ross Cadasse and Absolucianent.com.

Information on the DVD and CD  can be accessed on the website http://absolucianent.com. On this site, one can access news on anything that is positively St. Lucian taking place in Toronto, including fetes, Caribana, etc. As well, promoters or advertisers can contact the website administrators for banner advertising or promotion of any prospective Lucian concerts or events in Canada.

The CD and DVD will be available for purchase on Amazon.com by end of April 2010.
Ashanti is due to return to Toronto and New York later this year, and has been contacted to perform in the UK.


Today's Daily Word - Friday, March 19, 2010

Comfort

I rest in the comfort of Spirit's abundant love.

At times I may find myself struggling to find an answer to a problem in my life. I may search for a quick and easy solution or look for someone else to fix things for me. But rather than search outside myself, I choose to look within.


I breathe deeply. I relax. I realize that temporary outer conditions are not the truth of me. I release them, and as I let them go, I slowly and surely feel the presence of God. God has been here all along, right here inside me. I feel now the comfort, care and ever-present love. I know that all is well.

In any moment, no matter the circumstances, I can turn within to find that God is here as my steadfast guide on life's journey. I rest in the comfort of this awareness.

The Lord said to him, "Peace be to you; do not fear."--Judges 6:23.

Posted by Absolucianent March 19, 2010

No bail for Bounty

Dancehall star Bounty Killer who has been behind bars for a little over a week will have to stay a little longer as he was denied bail yet again. His next court date will be on Friday.

Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Price is accused of physically assaulting his girlfriend during a domestic dispute.

Guess the DJs troubles are far from over



Gang Starr Rapper Guru Has Died At 43

43 year old rapper Guru member of rap group Gang Starr died Monday April 20,2010 from a long battle with cancer. According to sources  the 43-year-old rapper had been suffering from a "malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed.

Guru had tried to keep the cancer diagnosis a secret, but in March, news leaked that Guru had been admitted to the hospital, having a heart attack.

Guru is a true hiphop legend, May he was in peace.

Vybez Kartel Ban In St Lucia

A Committee commissioned by the Government of St.Lucia to consider a work permit application from Hot FM Communications for Jamaican artiste Vybez Kartel has voted to deny the permit.

In the last week there was much public discourse about the Jamaican ariste’s performance here. In deciding whether or not to grant a work permits to non national artistes to perform in the Hot FM promoted Supreme Weekend show, Government deliberately refrained from rushing to judgement by establishing an adhoc committee to discuss the pros and cons of the request. The committee was provided with the following terms of reference:

To undertake comprehensive research of the history of the artistes, (particularly the controversial artiste Vybz Kartel) to include, listening to related musical repertoire.-      To solicit views and opinions of key institutions and organizations in the country.-      To review the rationale given for the denial of work permits for the artiste in neighbouring countries and -      To determine the general impact of the artistes’ performance on the population, particularly the youth, amidst consistent calls for higher ethical standards and morals from a wide range of persons and institutions in our society. 

The committee’s deliberations were undertaken with the understanding, that notwithstanding its findings and recommendations, the ultimate decision would rest with the Minister for Labour, Information and Broadcasting.Having looked carefully at the significant amount of information presented, and considering the views and opinions of the many individuals and institutions as well as available options, the Government of St. Lucia through the Ministry of Labour, Information and Broadcasting has decided not to grant a work permits to Mr. Adidja Azim Palmer otherwise known as Vybz Kartel for performances at the Hot FM promoted Supreme Weekend show.

This show is scheduled for April 30th and May 1st, 2010.   In light of the foregoing, and in order to ensure consistency and to avoid discrimination, Government has decided that in going forward, it is essential to establish a permanent committee to review applications for artistes seeking permits to perform in Saint Lucia.Government is cognizant that St. Lucia is part of the CARICOM grouping and we will, as we have been doing, encourage and facilitate the free movement of artistes.
However, the Administration holds the firm view that artistes, promoters and Government have a shared responsibility as much as possible, to ensure that standards prevail to the benefit of the country, particularly to the vulnerable youth in our midst.Government has written to the show promoters and has offered them the option of reapplying for the granting of work permits to the other artiste included on the show with the exclusion of Mr. Adidja Azim Palmer, aka Vybes Kartel.
Finally, Government thinks it necessary to encourage structured public discussion on the matter of the granting of work permits to non-national artistes and related issues. Government will therefore seek to work in concert with relevant local entities in organising and facilitating discussion forums that will help to inform Government’s approach and policy on this matter in the future.   Hot FM Communications has accepted the decision issued by the Minister For Labour and Information and is today assuring loyal patrons that the Supreme Weekend Concert will go on. Vybes Kartel will be replaced by another artiste just as talented and internationally recognized.

One of Oneil's Attackers Found Dead – The Other Arrested

one of the men involved in the shooting of Voicemail member Oneil Edwards was found dead earlier today in the community of Chancery Hall in Jamaica .

According to reports the dead man who had several gunshot wounds all over his body was found with Oneil's cellular phone in his possession. The other suspect was arrested last night in the parish of Manchester.

Oneil was robbed and shot several times early Monday morning at his gate in the Duhaney Park community.
"He got two shot in the shoulder and he's at Spanish Town (hospital)," the source said.

Cobra is the second artiste in as many days to be shot.

Meanwhile, the condition of singer Oneil Edwards of the group Voicemail, was still listed as critical, as he battles for life at the Kingston Public Hospital.

However, reports are that the singer's vital signs have stabilised and the swelling on the brain had decreased.

Yesterday, friends of Edwards in the music fraternity, held a second vigil, this time at the hospital, where they sang and prayed for the singer's recovery. Among the persons present were Stone Love selector, Geefus, Macka Diamond, Ashley Martin, Bugle, Raine, Nicky B, Mr Vegas and D'Angel.

The 36-year-old Edwards was shot all over the body and in the head by unknown attackers about 1:30 Monday morning.

According to reports, one finger was shot off and the bullet which struck him in the head had fragmented and was causing swelling in the brain.
Dancehall Artiste Mad Cobra Shot In The Chest

Reports are that deejay Ewart Brown, more popularly known as Mad Cobra, was last evening admitted to the Spanish Town hospital suffering from gun shot wounds.

Information, up to press time was sketchy, but one source close to the deejay said he was shot in the upper body, close to the shoulder.

Mr Vegas, the frontman in organising the vigils for Voicemail member Oneil, is caught up in praise and worship on the grounds of the Kingston Public Hospital. Also pictured are former Byron Lee and the Dragonaires lead singer, Ashley (at back with bag) and (partially hidden), D’Angel. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)