Gunman loses bullets in fight

Flees after left helpless

André Williams, STAR Writer

An alleged gunman is lucky to be alive after the magazine fell from his firearm rendering him helpless during a recent altercation with another man, THE STAR understands.

The gunman, after losing the clip was stabbed several times in his back and upper body by the person he was attacking.

Following the incident, the gunman has been taken into custody while being treated at hospital and police are now in search of the illegal firearm which was brandished by the accused.

Reports about the incident are that during the tussle, the clip fell from the gun and was picked up by the knife wielding man who took the loaded magazine to the police.

An eyewitness told THE STAR, "Mi say I never see this yet, only ina movies. Mi say when the gunman clip drop, the next man just start knife him. A di people dem weh deh bout start scream and beg the rachete man don't kill the mattic man,"

Residents said that since the incident there has been a heavy presence of police in the area.

An elderly resident told THE STAR, "The police dem deh bout di place ya nuff from the incident ... dem a look hard fi the gun. Dem have di clip, so dem want the gun."

Confirmed

When our news team contacted the St Andrew North police, the division in which the incident occurred and where the accused is being held, a senior officer attached to the investigation confirmed the report.

"The alleged gunman is in the custody of the police, our investigations are ongoing as the firearm has not been recovered. We are asking anyone with information to contact or come in and speak with the police," said the senior officer.

Nadz Kidz World host Career Day

Two of the youngsters at Nadz Kids World on Career Day.

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

Nadz Kidz World early childhood institution in Seaview Gardens, Kingston 11, recently hosted its annual Career Day, acknowledging the importance of exposing tots to several vocational possibilities from a tender age.

Upon a visit to the school, the elation and excitement of the day's affairs could be witnessed as the children boasted garbs of various professionals including pilots; doctors; police officers; business professionals; lawyers; soldiers and flight attendants to name a few.

Different choices

Stressing freedom of choice, principal of Nadz Kids World, Patricia Harvey, told THE STAR: "First of all, they should know the different careers around to be open to different choices; some people think some careers are less than some. Some say they wouldn't want their child to be a garbage man but who will clean up the place? So they should be open to choices, to choose their own careers. The parents won't be able to choose it for them."

Having a group of 45 students enrolled, overseen by five teachers, Nadz Kidz World offers basic computer literacy and Spanish, as well as sign language in an extracurricular activity package.

Claudine Jordan, K1 teacher at the school said: "At Nadz Kids World, we're presently registering, so come on board with us. You'll enjoy your child being here, ages 2-5 years old. Registration starts in the first week of July,"

Sending off our news team, one particularly enthused student immaculately dressed in a mini white lab coat shared the general delight of the pack, proudly proclaiming "I'm a doctor!"

St Thomas ends Child's Month with street march

The St Thomas Chapter of the Jamaica Guidance Counsellors Association in Education (JGCAE), with the assistance of the Child Development Agency (CDA), yesterday held a street march in the parish square to mark the end of Child's Month.

Led by the Rising Star Marching Band, students from several schools across the parish, along with their guidance counsellors, marched from Church Corner to the heart of Morant Bay, before making their way to Rudolph Elder's Park for a short ceremony.

Students bore placards and banners, prominently displaying the theme of the march, 'We Love Our Children, Stop the Violence'. Canadian volunteers from the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning, also assisted in handing out flyers, brochures, and other literature provided by the CDA on matters affecting children, including child abuse. Sheldon Howell, President of the St Thomas Chapter of the JGCAE, explained that the march was aimed at sensitising the public.

"It is just to sensitise the community of St Thomas as it relates to the various issues that our children are going through, the plight of our children, and we also want to use this initiative to identify possible solutions as to how we can, through partnership, address the situation," he told THE STAR.

The march was especially poignant for those who were still haunted by the murder of Celeena Headman, and the recent stabbing of a three-year-old child by another in the parish.

Big Dread

--------------------------

by Lindsay Oliver Donald..

14-y-o girl's nude pics posted for revenge - 'She made her dad rape me,' culprit claims

Diandra Grandison, Staff Reporter

The creator of a malicious Facebook page, who uploaded nude pictures of an underage girl, has threatened to commit suicide after being bashed by viewers for the heinous act.

The page, which bore the name of the 13-year-old victim, was created on Sunday and had received close to 12,000 likes within seven hours of being made, and featured nude images of the girl along with other pornographic images.

About eight hours after its inception, Facebook removed the page.

underage girl

The creator of the illicit page, under the guise of the teenager, stated in the 'about' section, "my name is ... am 13 years old, and a bi-sexual and I love girls and love to do oral, I think it's fun,". The creator had also posted the teen's Skype address, which caused many viewers to at first think it was the victim who was posting the images of herself.

Disturbingly, the page had mainly adult male followers, many of whom were requesting the underage girl to privately send them nude pictures as well as to make contact with them to engage in sexual activities.

threatened

However, shortly after being deleted by Facebook, another Facebook page was created duplicating the original, however, on this page the maligner revealed herself, claiming to be the cousin of the teenage girl and threatened to take her own life.

"I must admit, I'm ... cousin. I set her up because she watch her dad rape me! She trick me and led me to him, so I did this back to her, I was only 10, nobody believe me until this very day! Now I am going to kill myself!

And write a note and explain everything!! Goodbye I'm 14," the page's creator posted after uploading an image, which she claims, is of herself.

However, viewers bashed the maligner, with some going to the extreme of encouraging her to take her own life as punishment for her wrongdoing, and others encouraged her to continue posting the nude pictures, while some implored her to shut down the account.

The second page was deleted from Facebook the following day. That page had received more than 1,000 likes before it was deleted.

THE WEEKEND STAR contacted Veronica Gilzean, head of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse, who said she was unaware of the illicit page. She, however, said she will be contacting the Organised Crime Investigation Division to conduct an investigation into the matter.

MIT charges six for 2009 murders

Last week, the Major Investigation Task Force (MIT) arrested and charged six men responsible for murders committed since 2009, the police said.

The six men are scheduled to appear before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.

Five of those charged are from Kingston.

They are 28-year-old Andrew Watson, otherwise called 'Luther', of Waltham Park Road; 25-year-old Damaine Taylor, otherwise called 'Itchy', and 'Demo' of Silver Head Pathway, Arnett Gardens.

Seventeen-year-old Steven Tomlinson, otherwise called 'TeTe', and 19-year-old Fabian O'Connor, otherwise called 'Nicholas', both from Denham Town, Kingston.

Nasahal Thomas, otherwise called 'Nash', of Block C on Bond Street has also been charged with murder.

The police have also charged Rosheed Williams, otherwise called 'Yanks', of Scott Town in New Green, Manchester, with a murder committed this month.

Accused car thieves get bail extention

The matter involving three men who have been charged in an alleged stolen motor vehicle ring was again mentioned in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Charged with larceny of motor vehicle and receiving stolen property is 45-year-old Donald Elliott, 26-year-old Omali Wright, and Christopher Williams also 26-year-old.

Their bails were extended and the matter has been set for trial on September 4.

motor-vehicle ring

The court was informed that Williams is deceased.

It is alleged that on June 5, 2013, a Toyota Hiace motor truck that was reported stolen, was recovered from an open lot where the accused men were also found.

The men were subsequently arrested.

Allegations are that the accused men are part of a gang that operate a stolen motor-vehicle ring in the St Andrew South Police Division. It is reported that the revenue of theft and sale of the stolen vehicles is used to finance firearms and ammunition.

School accountant pleads guilty to fraud

A primary school accountant who has been accused of signing several fictitious cheques on behalf of his institution had his bail extended in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Damian Connell, 33, from Bull Bay, St Andrew, has been charged with forgery and larceny as a servant. He returns to court today.

Connell who has pleaded guilty, is to repay a balance of $133,000 after making a $50,000 payment.

Allegations are that Connell was employed to the Rosseau Primary School as an accountant where he signed several bogus cheques amounting to $183,000.

The court heard that in April, the school was called to verify one of the fictitious cheques and subsequently put a stop to it as the institution had no knowledge of the transaction.

It is reported that an investigation was launched and it was discovered that the accused had signed other fake cheques on behalf of the school.

Thirteen firearms and ammo seized

Rasbert Turner & Bjorn Burke, Star Writers

Police have reported the seizure of 13 firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and the apprehension of the alleged leader of the Scare Dem gang in separate incidents between Wednesday and yesterday.

Reports said about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, police in Red Pond, Frazers Content, St Catherine, observed a man acting suspiciously. When approached, he reportedly threw a bag he was carrying to the ground. The bag was retrieved and reportedly contained a .38 revolver with a one 9mm round. He was then taken into custody where he is expected to have charges laid against him, police said.

gang leader

Later, at approximately 5:20 p.m., a police operation on Percy Street, Denham Town, Kingston 14, led to the capture of the gang leader and a female companion. A Uzi submachine gun, a .38 revolver and a 9mm Bryco pistol containing three 9mm cartridges, were reportedly found in their possession.

It has been further reported that officers attached to the St Catherine South Division yesterday carried out stop-and-search operations along the Cumberland main road when the driver of a Toyota Corolla station wagon was signalled to stop.

The driver refused to comply and a chase ensued. The vehicle was subsequently intercepted and a search of the vehicle revealed a bag containing seven 9mm pistols, two .38 revolvers, more than 2,000 rounds of assorted ammunition. Police said following the massive seizure, the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody.

Operations officer for the division, superintendent Leon Clunis said the seizure is showing how resolute the police are working. ''We believe that this seizure has put a dent in the illegal gun trade, and we believe the action of the police shows clearly that we intend to make the streets a safe place for law abiding citizens. We are using a zero-tolerance approach to crime,'' Clunis said.

Housebreaking lands three in court

André Williams, STAR Writer

A housebreaking and robbery incident, which occurred recently in an upscale St Andrew community, has left both the robber and legal occupants of the property in trouble with the law.

Information reaching our news team is that during the incident, which occurred shortly after 6 a.m., the accused robber was spotted with a garbage bag thrown across his shoulders leaving the property.

An alarm was raised and he was chased and caught.

THE WEEKEND STAR gathered that the robber threw the bag containing a five gallon tin and two quarts of paint into the bushes while attempting to escape. He was soon after collared by the caretakers, who then unleashed a beating on him.

INTERESTING TURN

A relative of the one of the caretakers told THE WEEKEND STAR, "the two a dem run him down and catch him. Dem never chop him, him get couple slap out of the las and him get likkle cuts and bruises."

THE WEEKEND STAR was told that it was the same caretakers who took the robber to the police station and handed him over following which statements were collected. This was when things took an interesting turn.

Our news team understands the caretakers, ages 27 and 28, were also arrested and charged with assault. They are to appear in court on June 25.

The accused robber was also given the same date to attend court to a larceny charge arising from the incident.

When contacted by our news team, The St. Andrew North police confirmed the reports and subsequent arrests.

Cedella Marley

--------------------------------------------------

Lindsay Oliver Donald

Mob attacks, beats grave robber

A grave robber who was caught stealing handles from caskets in a cemetery was not only locked in a sepulchre by the men who caught him, but was recently sentenced for the crime.

The man, who was released from the sepulchre by the police, had to face the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

The accused, Kemar Campbell, was charged with simple larceny.

Allegations are that on April 25, at 10:15 a.m., the accused was seen by a man in the May Pen Cemetery on Spanish Town Road, Kingston. He was said to have a rice bag containing 30 handles from caskets.

The court heard that Campbell was beaten by citizens. Yesterday, he was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

Molynes Road fire displaces families

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

Shrieks of sheer grief filled the air as two families were displaced by a fire of unknown origin, which completely gutted a duplex located off Molynes Road in St Andrew last night.

The eight-bedroom house at Glendale Avenue was destroyed by flames that swept through the entire structure sometime after 6:45 p.m.

York Park Fire Station personnel reported that the damage is estimated at $22.5 million. No injuries have been reported. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

When THE STAR arrived on the scene, scores of curious onlookers gathered as firefighters carried out cooling-down operations, while grief stricken displaced dwellers lamented on how they shall recover from the incident.

20 firefighters

Four fire units - one from Half-Way Tree, one from Trench Town, and two from York Park - with a team of 20 firefighters responded to the scene to fight the inferno which was brought under control at approximately 7:45 p.m.

"We were in the house, and we saw fire coming from the back." said a teary-eyed 11-year-old inhabitant, as she looked on in a daze.

"A di devil from hell light the house afire!" yelled another grief stricken occupant, who revealed that $400,000 left inside had been reduced to ashes.

Twelve persons, including a one-year-old baby, a five-year-old, and an 11-year-old, were displaced. According to the owner of the premises, the house was insured.

No bail for accused fraudster

A man accused of fallaciously offering a house for rent was further remanded when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with obtaining money by means of false pretence is Gallimore McDonald.

The Crown alleged that McDonald offered a two-bedroom house, which was purported to be owned by him, for rent to the female complainant. Subsequently, it is believed McDonald collected a sum of money from the woman under the guise that she would be able to rent the property.

"Indeed, I have a house for rent, and I give 10 days for her to move in and she change her mind. I told her that the money was ready for her, Your Honour." McDonald explained.

Upon hearing this, the presiding judge, Resident Magistrate Simone Wolfe-Reece, ordered the accused further remanded until June 3 pending a mention hearing.

- B.B.

Denham Town police seek wanted men

The Denham Town police are renewing their appeal for the following persons to turn themselves in by 6 p.m. today.

They are:

Ryan Bembridge, otherwise called 'Little Blacks'.

Nicholas Drummond, otherwise called 'Ticky Dollar'.

Romaine Samuels, otherwise called 'Son Son', all of Denham Town, Kingston 14.

All three men are wanted for murders.

In addition, the police are also reminding the public that it is a criminal offence to harbour criminals and that those who are found guilty of this crime will be prosecuted.

These men are believed to be armed and dangerous. Citizens are therefore being urged to assist the police by reporting any information they may have immediately.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Ryan Bembridge, Nicholas Drummond and Romaine Samuels is being asked to contact the Denham Town police at 922-6441, Crime Stop at 311, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

Electricity theft discovered in upscale MoBay communities

The upscale communities of Unity Hall and Montego Gardens in St James were the scene of electricity theft discoveries this week, the Jamaica Public Service company (JPS) said.

On Monday, JPS crew working alongside members of the security forces, unearthed a meter bypass inside a concrete stanchion, at a home in Unity Hall. The bypass carried power to a number of high-energy consumption items, including a water pump which was used to fill an 80,000 gallon water truck, used in the sale of water.

The company said it has not been confirmed whether the water was illegally abstracted from the National Water Commission.

In Montego Gardens, an apartment building was discovered to have three bridged meter sockets. Two arrests were made.

The JPS said on Sunday, an electrician in Anchovy created a stir in his community, after he was discovered by JPS crews to be stealing electricity at his residence. The electrician who was found to have bridged his meter socket, was arrested and charged with the illegal abstraction of electricity.

Anti-theft operations in St James have resulted in 112 arrests since the start of the year. The number of arrests for electricity theft islandwide now stands at 292.

Persons wishing to report theft, including street light breaches, may send a text message to 292-7483 (CYA RITE), or send an email to: stoptheft@jpsco.com.

Accused car thief gets bail extension

Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

A man who is accused of stealing a Nissan motor car in Linstead, St Catherine, and telling the police he paid $40,000 for it, had his bail extended in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

He is Omar Taffe, unemployed of Linstead. When the matter came up before Resident Magistrate Ann-Marie Nembhard, Taffe's bail was extended until June 10 for trial.

Meanwhile, Resident Magistrate Nembhard ordered that the vehicle be released on a $100,000 bond to the owner. She advised the complainant not to make any changes or alterations to the vehicle, nor dispose of it.

The court heard that on May 2, the complainant parked his 1992 Nissan motor car, valued at $250,000, at his home and securely locked it up.

He later realised that the vehicle was missing and reported it to the Linstead police and an investigation was launched. Following investigations, the motor vehicle was found in Taffe's possession.

He was subsequently charged with larceny of motor vehicle on completion of the investigations.

FEMALE STUDENT RAPED IN BATHROOM

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

An alleged case of sexual assault believed to have taken place on the campus of a tertiary institution has forced students to increase their vigilance.

Speaking with THE STAR, a source, who wished to remain anonymous, said that sometime during the first week of May, the female student was believed to have been overpowered by her attacker who assaulted her.

Reports are that on the day in question, a 20-year-old female student was inside one of the female restrooms on the campus, when a 22-year-old male student made his way inside, dragging her to the male restroom, raping her.

Head of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), Deputy Superintendent Veronica Gilzean, was reluctant to divulge further information to our news team, stating: "We can't confirm or deny the report, because as you know the nature of CISOCA cases."

According to the police's Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), the matter was reported and is currently being investigated by CISOCA.

A CCU representative told our news team that the accused was arrested on suspicion of rape, abduction, and buggery. The male student was reportedly taken in by police personnel on May 14 for questioning. It is unclear if any charges have been laid against him.

Meanwhile, a female student at the institution complained to THE STAR that security appears to be far too lax, imploring the relevant authorities to reassess security measures at the school.

Man gets 10 days for assaulting ex

A man who is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, was sentenced to 10 days in prison when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Pleading guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm is 22-year-old Jamar Walford of a Bond Street, Kingston, address.

According, to reports, Walford and his ex-girlfriend, the complainant, were engaged in an argument about their relationship when he allegedly slapped her in the face then proceeded to use his knee to kick her in the chest.

Resident Magistrate Opal Smith, upon hearing the allegations, stated, "I don't want to hear nothing more, 10 days."

Portmore resident wanted by the police

The St Catherine South police have named 24-year-old André Love of Portmore Terrace, St Catherine, as being wanted.

Love is wanted in connection with the double murder of Franklin Robinson and Dane Cross in Washington Mews, St Catherine, on January 07; and four counts of shooting with intent, two of which involved shooting at the police. The incidents occurred on July 16, 2011, May 2, 2013 and July 7, 2013, in the parish.

Love is believed to be armed and dangerous. Citizens are urged to assist the police by reporting any information they may have immediately.

Love is being asked to report to the Greater Portmore Police Station in St Catherine by midday, today.

Anyone, knowing the whereabouts of André Love is being asked to contact the Greater Portmore police at 949-8427/949-8393, Crime Stop at 311, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

The police are also reminding the public that it is a criminal offence to harbour criminals, and that those who are found guilty of this crime will be prosecuted.

SKULL,CLARKS STOLEN FROM GRAVE

Deon P Green, Star Writer

The Morant Bay police are investigating the circumstances under which a skull, pieces of bones, and a pair of Clarks shoes were stolen from a grave at the Red Hills Cemetery in St Thomas, last Friday.

When THE STAR visited the location, family members, the police, and a large crowd were on the scene as they discussed the fact that the thieves had only left behind a black stainless steel watch, a pair of earrings and a few bone fragments.

The absence of a skull prompted talk of obeah among the onlookers. "A obeah; deh skull gone a deh obeah lab. It look like obeah," said one onlooker. "A how somebody get inna dat likkle hole? It must be a small person," another commented.

"We a go knock Kumina as it nah go so," said another.

Family member Sonia Dixon told The Star that the deceased, Bryan Turner, 26, died in his sleep and was buried at the cemetery in July last year. She said there were plans to hold a memorial this year when the news of the desecration surfaced.

"A family member got a call that one of the graves of their family was broken into and that the clothes were on the ground outside the grave and the bones were missing," she said. "On her arrival, she noticed that the casket was smashed, the skull removed and only two pieces of bones and a watch were in the grave."

The Morant Bay police, who are investigating, are now following leads that the grave may have been broken into by a family member in search of money relatives may have buried with the dead. It understood that only $2,000 and a pair of Clarks shoes were with the deceased.

Meanwhile, family members were disgruntled with how the police dealt with the matter. They argued that they should have been notified first rather than being told after they arrived at the scene.

UWI protest to continue this week

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

Some of the scores of protesters who marched up and down the UWI gate yesterday. - Jermaine Barnaby

Following the dismissal of prominent, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Professor Brendan Bain, protests on sections of the campus are expected to continue throughout this week.

Scores of persons against the dismissal of Professor Bain as head of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training Network (CHART) showed up yesterday garbed in black, many of which sported symbolic pieces of tape placed over their mouths, with the phrase 'freedom of speech' inscribed.

The series of protests this week, the first of which was held yesterday, is expected to continue on Wednesday and Friday.

Bain was sacked as head of CHART last Tuesday subsequent to growing concerns from several gay advocacy groups, following statements made in a high-profile Belize court case in which the criminalisation of buggery was challenged.

Meanwhile, the UWI's Marketing and Communications Office issued an official statement to staff addressing the concerns raised about academic freedom at the university.

The UWI denied bowing to pressure from gay advocacy groups, adding that the decision to dismiss Professor Bain was not based on allegations that the UWI stood to lose funding from various factions.

Female defender fined $30,000

A man who told the court he was defending his female colleague against an alleged pervert was fined $30,000 or 10 days in prison when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Pleading guilty to unlawful wounding is Lij Sinclair of a Kingston address.

According to reports, Sinclair and the complainant were engaged in an argument that escalated into a fight when he allegedly used a knife to stab the complainant in the head.

Sinclair, who admitted to stabbing the complainant, told the court that the complainant was harassing his female companion and he was simply defending her.

"I was going about my business with a female companion. This man that I do not know from anywhere, he was touching her on her bottom. When we came out of the wholesale, he was still doing it and she was afraid," he said.

During Sinclair's explanation, the complainant exclaimed, 'What!' to which he added, "Your Honour, him stab me in three places, inna me head, neck and hand."

Presiding judge Resident Magistrate Opal Smith berated the accused stating, "You have to find other ways to assert your maleness, you can't be pulling your knife on people. What if he had died?"

Sinclair was fined $30,000 or ordered to spend 10 days in prison.

Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor

by Lindsay Oliver Donald.

Guard locked in freezer at school

Thieves escape with cash and goods

The police are now investigating a recent case where thieves locked a security guard in a freezer and made off with a quantity of items from a high school.

The crooks are reported to have stolen two cash register machines, believed to have contained a substantial amount of money, as well as several items.

Amomg the items taken by the men were non perishable goods, snacks, and bottle drinks. While they made good their escape, the security guard was left to bare the cold.

The guard who was employed to the school was reportedly found tied up and locked away in a freezer by workers the following morning.

It was high drama at the traditional high school, as several students reportedly watched the security guard being untied, after spending what is believed to be several hours in the cold box.

Investigators have theorised that the robbers gained entrance to the cafeteria by breaking off a lock, while holding up the security officer. There are also reports that four other men, who were assigned duties as watchmen, were asleep during the alleged robbery.

Businessman freed of stolen goods charge

A Clarendon businessman who was accused of receiving stolen goods has been freed of the charge after the prosecution agreed with defence lawyer Dwight Reece that there was no proof that the businessman was actively in possession of the goods.

Everton Sinclair, 59, owner of the New Jacks City Entertainment Complex in May Pen, Clarendon, was freed in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court earlier this week. He appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly Williams

The allegations were that on February 25, 2012, Sinclair was charged with receiving stolen property after 1,671 bags of soap powder were found at his businessplace. The soap was stolen from a container in Kingston on February 21, 2012.

Reece in arguing that Sinclair should be freed pointed out that when the police went to the premises, Sinclair showed them a lease agreement. He said the area where the goods were found was not occupied by Sinclair as he had rented it to someone. He said Sinclair merely had a copy of the keys for the section because he was the landlord.

The prosecution conceded that it could not prove the charge against Sinclair that he was in possession of the goods and had the intention to commit the offence.

Major tax collection drive set for St Thomas

Deon P Green, Star writer

The St Thomas Parish Council is planning a major collection drive of land taxes and other licensing fees. The crackdown is being done to supplement an expected reduction in allocation from the local government ministry this financial year.

Reports reaching The Starare that of all the parish councils and municipalities the cash-strapped St Thomas council is one of lowest in terms of land tax collection.

land taxes

The decision follows a recent meeting of representatives of the local government minister and representatives of the parish council. A report from that meeting highlighted that while the Portmore Municipal collected 95 per cent of land taxes last financial year, St Thomas languished at the bottom of the collection table.

One other intended initiative of the St Thomas Parish Council to make compensation for shortfall in the budgetary allocation, is to charge a fee for each ton of sand coming out of the parish. This is expected to offset road repairs.

Chairman of the licensing authority in St Thomas,Vincent Marshall, also said that a large number of unlicensed bars are operating in the parish, robbing the government of revenue while posing a health risk to customers.

He said that many bars are operating in the parish without seeking a licence to do so and called on the police hierarchy to address the issue.

Seven freed of larceny charge

Seven freed of larceny charge

Seven men including a Justice of the Peace and three employees of the National Water Commission (NWC), have been freed of larceny of a water pump from the NWC's pumping station at Crofts Hill, Clarendon.

They are, 61-year-old Daniel Bajoo, Justice of the Peace and businessman of a Keystone, St Catherine address; Carrol Bajoo, 48, farmer, of Keystone; Timothy Mongal, farmer of Douglas Castle, St Ann; Carrol Walker, a 50-year-old labourer; and three NWC employees, Rock Miller, 36, electrical technician, and technicians 24-year-old Kevin Smith and 54-year-old Thomas Meredith.

Resident Magistrate, Stephanie Orr, freed them after hearing a no case submission from defence lawyer Dwight Reece in the May Pen Resident Magistrate's Court, Clarendon.

Reece argued that from the evidence presented, the prosecution did not prove its case against the men.

The allegation was that on March 30, citizens blocked the road to the pumping station and called the police. When the police arrived they saw the seven men and the two motor vehicles in which they were travelling. The vehicles were searched but nothing was found. On searching the bushes near to the pumping station, the police found a water pump and arrested the men.

Reece submitted that there was no evidence that the men were seen removing the pump and they were never found in possession of it.

Tony Ruption Williams, Lee ´´Scratch´´Perry, Winston , Irvin ´´Carrot´´ Jarrett,

Norval Marley

Funeral fraud? Undertaker accused of hiking gov't workers' burial bills

André Williams, STAR Writer

img src="images/NewsS1602_1_PCMD3233281HK.jpg" >

The Fraud Squad is now investigating an allegation that a funeral home owner may be hiking the prices for the funerals of government workers in order to collect huge sums of money from the government.

Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that one woman, who recently buried her deceased husband, reported that she was overcharged by the funeral home in order to collect extra money from the government, who was responsible for the funeral expenses

Our news team understands that the widow, who resides overseas, recently returned to the island to bury her husband who was a former government worker.

The woman, Charmaine Willis, told THE WEEKEND STAR, "I know say him did a rob me but if him did just give me my receipt when I asked for it I would be alright. A somebody refer me to him."

Willis said that from the start she knew she was being overcharged by the funeral home owner.

"My husband is not a big person and dem quoted me for an oversize casket - $270,000, to prepare the body - $80,000 ... wreath - $10,000. Death announcement - $6,000, and nothing came on air. They even added an Escalade to carry the body - $50,000, and there was no Escalade," Willis said.

THE WEEKEND STAR was told that the total cost quoted for the funeral was $560,000.

high cost

Willis further said that when she asked the 'handlers' of the funeral preparations why the cost was so high, she was told, "Just kool, mi ago give yuh a thing, if you did just talk sooner ..."

THE WEEKEND STAR was told that the Ministry of Finance, through the Accountant General's Department, was the agency that took care of the funeral bill.

"The funeral home told me that they only received $500,000 as payment. The week of the funeral I cashed out my husband's credit union shares. The cheque was made in the funeral home's name for $434,000. He (owner of funeral home) took the balance of $60,000 and handed me $374,000," she said.

Willis said that despite her request, the funeral home owner has failed to produce a receipt to show how much was acquired from the ministry to cover the funeral expense.

The widow said she was compelled to evaluate the cost and sent a family member under disguise to get a quote for the same type of burial. THE WEEKEND STAR was told that $335,000 was quoted as the price for a burial similar to her husband's own.

When contacted, Superintendent Anthony McCloughlin, head of the Fraud Squad, confirmed that a report was made to them and an investigation is under way.

He said, "I am aware of this incident, with us having one report ... It's rather unfortunate, however, I am not fully aware of the details involved in this instance."

Name Changed

Clarendon man on murder rap denied bail

Bail was denied in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday for two policemen, who are accused of killing a man on Sevens Road in May Pen, Clarendon.

Special Constable Shannon-Ceon Allen and Sergeant Mario Taylor have been charged with murder.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey denied bail on the basis of safeguarding due process of the matter, and to eliminate the possibility of interference in the case.

The Crown alleged that on February 28, the policemen allegedly entered a room where Adolphus 'Big Eye' Reader, 25, was fatally shot during a confrontation. A pistol with three live rounds was reportedly seized during the incident.

Witnesses said the police had a significant conversation with the man before shooting him.

In court, it was brought to light that spent shells from the pistol found at Reader's killing match spent shells found at the murder of Adif Washington, 36, who was killed at the May Pen Hospital.

The attorney representing both men, Carolyn Reid-Cameron, had argued that the men would face the court when called upon to do so. She further argued that there was no direct link between the spent shell casings outside the hospital and her clients.

However, Resident Magistrate (RM) Judith Pusey countered, saying there was in fact a link.

The attorney then urged the RM not to yield to the prosecution and its bigger case for which the men were alleged to be a part, but the RM said she could not close her eyes to the bigger picture.

The matter was set for preliminary enquiry on June 23.

Cops find rifle in freezer

Two men are now in custody after police discovered a dismantled rifle hidden inside a freezer at premises they occupied.

The police report that a team of officers attached to the Organised Crime Investigation and the St Andrew South divisions were yesterday conducting an operation on Malhotra Road, Kingston 11, about 2 a.m. when they searched a house.

During the search, a dismantled SK rifle and a magazine were found in a knapsack, which were hidden in the freezer.

The two men were subsequently taken into custody in relation to the discovery; however, their identities are being withheld pending further investigations, the police say.

Video of beggar being mocked angers viewers

Diandra Grandison, Staff Reporter

A video of an elderly woman who was unknowingly captured on tape begging money for food, has angered viewers because of the manner in which she was being treated by the videographer.

In the two-minute long film, the woman, who appears in to be in her 80s, could be seen outside the home of the videographer shaking and scratching her arms as she pleads with the young woman to give her $50.

The elderly woman, upon seeing the girl with her cell phone in hand states shakily, "nuh tek me ... mi nuh like it," to which the girl lies, "a sumn me a look fah inna di phone; if me see di money, me put sumn inna me account."

'me a beg $50 or $100'

The elderly woman could be seen waiting patiently for the girl to 'check her account' for the funds.

The girl continued to lie, stating, "it nuh reach in deh yet Rose, suh weh me a go do is look inna house if me see none, yuh hear!"

When she returned, the elderly woman could be seen sitting on the ground speaking to another woman in the background, "A beg me a beg Deborah waa $50, but if me come back inna one week and beg him, him fi run me weh," to which the girl and the woman in the background laughed.

The elderly woman was then asked to repeat herself, to which she did and added, "me a beg $50 or $100."

The girl recording the woman mocked, "suh yuh have change? Suppose me gi yuh $100 yuh can change and gimmi back $50?"

The elderly woman, in a bid to convince the girl to give her the money pleaded, "give me di $100 and me and you a friend; ah $80 fi di big drinks or $90."

The woman in the background exclaimed, "Eh! A wey bag juice? Now it jump from bag juice to big drinks!" The elderly woman responded, "Big drinks will serve me longer."

me fi run yuh

The video concluded with the girl reiterating the elderly woman's earlier statement, "Suh if yuh come back inna a week come beg me, me fi run yuh?" To which she replies, "Mi nuh kno weh yuh guh do."

The videographer has roused the ire of viewers, with many sharing their disgust with the woman's actions.

"This is so not nice. This is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. How would you feel if someone had done this to a family member of yours? Shame on you girl!" one posted.

Another posted: "Why must she humiliate the lady like this? Karma will bite her in the ass soon enough."

Picture of dead twins on social media upsets audience

Following the recovery of the bodies of the twin boys who were washed away by floodwaters caused by heavy rains in Montego Bay on Monday, persons have taken to social networking sites, to express their grief about the tragic incident.

Nine-year-old Brandon and Brayden Jones were on their way home from the Green Pond Primary School when one of the boys reportedly climbed on to a rail and fell into the gully. According to reports, his brother tried to help him and he too fell into the gully.

After hours of searching by residents, the boys' bodies were found near the Dump Up beach along the Howard Cooke Boulevard Tuesday morning.

Despite the horrific incident, the images of the deceased boys laying in the sand in only their khaki school pants, could be seen circulating across various social network sites, with many viewers expressing their condolences and others their disgust at the circulators.

"My heart goes out to the parents of the boys. I am a mother too and I don't know what I would do if this was to happen to me. I pray they take it a step at a time," a Facebook user commented.

Another added, "This is one of the saddest news I've heard since the year start. I send my condolence to the family."

Another viewer expressed, "This is so insensitive; take this down. You can't be posting the pictures of their dead bodies. show some respect."

Woman hauled to court for robbery

A Denham Town, west Kingston woman, accused of robbing a man of his cell phone, was hauled before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Charged with robbery with aggravation is Tiffany Miller.

The court heard that on Sunday, May 11, Miller, along with a man held up and robbed the complainant of his Digicel DL 600 cell phone. They both beat and battered the complainant before taking the device from his possession.

They also threatened him to not go to the police.

The male suspect eventually sent back the phone to the complainant, while Miller was arrested and taken into custody. She then asked the police not to proceed criminally. She is to return to court on June 4.

Peter Tosh

Bob Marley

Singer Tempa - Cut More Collie

Friday, 23. may 2014 5 23 /05 /Mai /2014 12:00

Singer Tempa - Cut More Collie

2014, 42 Min., 9-track, mp3, 192 kBit/s cbr, 60 mb, Front- + Back-Cover, Trackliste

download zip

1. House Of Jah

2. House Of Dub feat. White Lion

3. Nice To Be Nice

4. Nice To Be Dub

5. Cut More Collie

6. Cut More Dub

7. Make Up Your Mind

8. Make Up Your Dub

9. Long Time (Disco Mix)

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