Jamaican cops robbed me

Visitor to the island accuses police

Chad Bryan, Staff Reporter

A Jamaican living in the United States is accusing the police of taking money from him during his recent visit to the island a few weeks ago.

According to the man, he had just landed at the Norman Manley International Airport and, while passing Caribbean Cement Company, was ordered to stop by the police.

"I noticed in my rear-view mirror flashing lights, so I pulled over, and they came up to my door and the door of my friend," he said.

The man said he proceeded to enquire of the police what he could do for them, and they responded that they were conducting random checks. The man claimed that the police ordered them out of the car and asked him if he had anything to declare.

"I told them no. I told them I just came into the island," he said.

It was at this point, the man claimed, that he was ordered to take his suitcase from the vehicle. He said he took out the suitcase and placed it on the side of the road, but was given further instructions by the lawmen to put it in the pickup they were driving.

pulled a gun

The gentleman said that he refused. He further claims that the police took the suitcase and put it in the pickup and took the car keys from him and placed him, along with his female friend, in their vehicle.

According to the man, the cops drove around with him and his friend before taking them to a street unfamiliar to him.

"The driver said take your this and that out the car. I thought he was joking. The driver pulled a gun on me. I held onto my jacket," the gentleman explained.

The man said more ill-treatment from the lawmen continued before his suitcase was rummaged.

He claimed that relief came when a broadcast came through the police radio that there was a shoot-out in downtown, which caused the lawmen to leave them.

However, the lawmen are said to have relieved the man and his friend of $US40 each.

The victim told THE STAR that he reported the incident to an Inspector of police and was scheduled to attend an identification parade but was unable to attend because the documents were not prepared and he had to leave the island.

The inspector of police, when contacted by THE STAR, confirmed that he was familiar with incident and stated that an investigation will be conducted into the matter. He also added that the lawmen had acted unprofessionally.

Police probe Waterford killing

The St Catherine South police have launched a probe into the shooting death of a man who was fatally shot in Waterford, St Catherine, on Wednesday evening, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching our news desk is that 24-year-old Rushane Smith, o/c Dappy of an Independent City address, was attacked and shot to death by unknown assailants.

Unconfirmed reports suggest he was on a visit to the Waterford community.

Our news team gathered that residents reportedly heard loud explosions, and after checks were made, Smith was seen suffering from gunshot wounds.

The police were alerted, and upon arrival, the deceased man was seen laying along Hannah Way in Waterford.

Our news team was told that Smith was shot multiple times.

The Waterford police are investigating.

Accused foul-mouthed woman offered bail

A woman, who is alleged to have used abusive language to the police who tried to apprehend her, was offered bail in the sum of $5,000 in her own surety in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Shashanna Brown is charged with malicious destruction of property, assaulting a constable and using abusive and calumnious language.

The court heard that on the day of the incident, Brown, after giving a cell phone to a woman in a bar, was accosted by the police. During a heated exchange between herself and the police, she is alleged to have been hit in the face.

Brown claimed in court that she was abused by the police. In court, the prosecutor said she tore the shirt of the constable and used strong language to the police.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey offered her bail with surety and ordered that she return for trial on March 11.

Priority Sound - Irie Again Vol. 4

31. Januar 2015 6 31 /01 /Januar /2015 15:02

Priority Sound - Irie Again Vol. 4

2014, 81Min., 1-track, mp3, 128 kBit/s cbr, 74 mb,

download mp3

01. PROTOJE - STYLIN

02. JAH9 - STEAMERS A BUBBLE

03. MR. G & VERSHON - SOUND AGO DEAD

04. CAPLETON - BLUE MOUNTAIN PEAK

05. BUJU BANTON - DEM LUCKY

06. BUSY SIGNAL & CHRISTOPHER MARTIN - LOCK DI ENDZ

07. TARRUS RILEY & KABAKA PYRAMID - FLY DI GATE

08. TARRUS RILEY - LIV UP

09. ZAGGA - ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

10. JAH CURE - ZION TRAIN

11. KIPRICH - ELEMENT OF SUPRISE

12. BUSY SIGNAL - REAL TALK

13. JAH BOUKS - ANGOLA

14. PROTOJE - RESIST NO EVIL

15. DRE ISLAND - UPTOWN DOWN

16. KABAKA PYRAMID - THE REVIVAL

17. BUSY SIGNAL & RC - DREAMS OF BRIGHTER DAYS

18. CHRISTOPHER MARTIN - LOOK ON MY FACE

19. QUEEN IFRICA - MAKE YOU ROCK

20. MORGAN HERITAGE - WHAT YOU BELIEVE

21. CLAY - ONLY LOVE

22. TERRI - REGGAE ROYAL

23. MR. VEGAS - PROTECTOR

24. DELLY RANX - JUGGLE ME A JUGGLE

25. ANTHONY B - BUN BABYLON

26. RAS ATTITUDE - WARRIOR STATUS

27. BEENIE MAN - SURVIVOR

28. RANDY VALENTINE - LOCKE ME UP

29. ZIGGI RECADO - A NO MY FAULT

30. BURRO BANTON - INNA MI LEAGUE

31. WARD 21 - CUT INNA FACE

32. WARD 21 - PUSH A FOOT

33. DAVILLE - LOVE MI DI SAME

34. VYBZ KARTEL - MY LOVE MY LOVE

35. ALKALINE - 123

36. BUGLE & LADY SAW - INFIDELITY

37. BUGLE - LOVE AFFAIR

38. POPCAAN - FALL IN LOVE

39. ALKALINE - FUCK UP

40. ALKALINE - GYAL BRUK OUT

41. SPICE - MI LIKE IT

42. BEENIE MAN & CEEGEE - ROLL PAN IT

43. MAVADO - TIE YUH

44. I-OCTANE - YOUR EYES

45. I-OCTANE - HAPPY TIME

46. I-OCTANE - FAMILY FIRST

47. VYBZ KARTEL - YOU WANT ME

48. KONSHENS - CLEAN MONEY

49. KONSHENS - WE A HUSTLE

50. GAPPY RANKS - DI BADDEST [JUGGLERZ RMX]

51. MAD COBRA - DI BADDEST

52. QQ - ONE DROP

53. AIDONIA - BRUKI

54. BUSY SIGNAL - TAMARA

55. CHRISTOPHER MARTIN - KENYA

56. MASICKA - FRENZ LIST

57. VYBZ KARTEL - DO DI MATHS

58. VYBZ KARTEL & J CAPRI - MAMACITA

59. SEAN PAUL - FRONT & BACK

60. KONSHENS - SHAKE

61. KONSHENS & J CAPRI - PULL UP TO MI BUMPER

62. KONSHENS - BIG PEOPLE TING

63. VYBZ KARTEL - PUSSY ME SAY

64. AIDONIA - BOOM FLICK

65. BEENIE MAN - DOE WATCH ME

66. ASSASSIN - SEKKLE AN CEASE

67. SUKU 21 - EASY

68. BUSY SIGNAL - GAL DEM LIKE

69. POPCAAN - ADDICTED

70. STYLO G & SISTER NANCY - BADD

! FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY !

.

#Soundsystem_DE

Published by Bob - in Soundsystem DE

Bob Marley and The Wailers

Single Spotlight: Bear With Me - Through The Roots ft. Eric Rachmany

! NOTE ! It is illegal to download any of the music from this site. All music posted is intended to be listened to directly off of the website through the media player on the bottom left. Thank you for complying.

Ex-lover sets man's house on fire!

Shocking video posted online

Diandra Grandison, Staff Reporter

A spurned lover is before the court answering to arson charges, after she allegedly set fire to her former lover's house because the relationship went sour.

THE WEEKEND STAR understands that on January 13 about 2:45 p.m., in Mount Ogle, St Andrew, residents saw fire coming from a three-bedroom house and summoned the authorities.

Police said it took two fire trucks to quell the flames, which caused an estimated $1.5 million damage.

possible causes

A video of the burning house was circulated online and has received over 2,000 shares, with many weighing in on the possible causes.

"Maybe ah her money build it and she have to move out of it, so if she can't live there nobody will," a viewer commented.

Another added, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!"

While another viewer reasoned, "No excuse for doing something like this, I hope they find her and lock her up for a very long time."

In the two-minute video, titled, 'Jealous Girl Set Her Ex-Boyfriend House on Fire,' residents could be seen scampering to remove furniture and other household items from the dwelling, while beckoning for others to notify the police and fire brigade to assist with outing the flames.

A man who claimed to have witnessed the woman setting the house on fire exclaimed, "look how the gyal bun dung di place! Me see har when she a come outta di house and light di place!"

Other residents could be heard questioning the woman's sanity and demanding her whereabouts, "dah gyal yah sick ... weh di gyal deh?"

According to the police, no one was injured during the fire.

Three in custody after female injured on bus

Chad Bryan & Andre' Williams, STAR Writers

A student, his brother and another man were taken into custody following the injury of a female on a public passenger bus at the corner of East and North streets, Kingston, on Tuesday evening.

The incident reduced traffic to a crawl as onlookers thronged into the road to get a front-row view of what was unfolding.

It is understood that shortly before 6 p.m., the conductor and the student, from a well known St Andrew high school, were involved in an argument, during which the schoolboy was hit in the face.

He reportedly contacted his brother and another man who boarded the bus shortly after.

During an altercation between the conductor and the student's brother, a female passenger was cut on the arm.

A licensed firearm holder who witnessed the happening accosted the student, his brother and the other man.

The police were also quick on the scene and took them into custody. By this time, the conductor had fled the scene.

An eyewitness told THE WEEKEND STAR, "Mi know say something like this did ago happen enuh... mi did expect this cause from mi see the little youth go pan him phone after the lick inna face..."

When THE WEEKEND STAR contacted the Kingston Central police, our news team was told that the three suspects were being questioned about their alleged involvement.

Clarendon records second double murder for 2015

Clarendon records second double murder for 2015

The Clarendon police have now recorded its second double murder for 2015, following yesterday's gun slaying of 23-year-old Tario Nelson and Rohan Granderson, 40, in the Juno Crescent area of May Pen.

This has pushed the homicide rate in the restive police division to 11 for January - an almost 100 per cent jump when compared to the corresponding period of 2014, where just six persons were murdered in that month.

Police said both men were walking to work, about 8:40 a.m., when gunmen pounced and shot them several times. Granderson was killed on the spot, while Nelson died during treatment at the May Pen Hospital.

Just two weeks ago, a gunman killed two teens, Romario 'Marco' Whyte and D'Andre Broomfield in Effortville, May Pen. Investigators said they have neither establish a motive nor made any arrest in any of the multiple homicides.

- H.F.

21-y-o MoBay male arrested for alleged scamming

Horace Fisher, Star Writer

A 21-year old man from Montego Bay, St James, was yesterday arrested and charged in May Pen, Clarendon, after he was found with multiple lead sheets and other lottery scamming paraphernalias in the Havannah Heights area of the parish.

According to police reports, the suspect, who is from Springfield in Montego Bay, was held with 38 lead sheets and after being questioned, admitted to investigators that he used the lead sheets to make contact with persons overseas for scamming purposes.

"He (the suspect) was held today (yesterday) with 38 lead sheets and other lottery slamming paraphernalias. He admitted in a caution statement that he used the paraphernalias to make contact with persons overseas," an investigator at the May Pen Police Station told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The investigator also said that the May Pen police will collaborate with their St James counterparts to determine if the suspect, who is booked to appear in the May Pen Resident Magistrate's Court today, is wanted for any crime committed in that parish.

J'can charged with killing American common-law wife

Horace Fisher, Star Writer

The common-law husband of an American woman, who was killed last year, has been charged with her murder.

Maurice Palmer, 30, a labourer from Patrick Street in Old Harbour, St Catherine, was on Wednesday charged with the death of 56-year-old Glenda Campbell, a retired teacher of Paterson, New Jersey, USA, and New Harbour Village, St Catherine.

The Lionel Town police had reported that on Friday, January 9, about 3:45 p.m., Campbell's body was found floating close to the shore of the Welcome Beach in Salt River, Clarendon, after she was reported missing the day before.

According to police report, Campbell came to Jamaica in early December for a vacation. Following the discovery of her body, the police reported that they had picked up two suspects.

A post-mortem was conducted on Campbell's body on Tuesday, which indicated that she died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head. Her throat was also slashed.

Palmer was subsequently arrested and charged with murder and is scheduled to appear in the Lionel Town Resident Magistrate's Court today.

Water meters stolen in Lakes Pen

The National Irrigation Commission Limited (NIC) said several of its water meters in Lakes Pen, St Catherine, have been stolen.

Milton Henry, director of Engineering and Technical Services at NIC, is appealing to the public to desist from stealing NIC's property, such as water meters, pipes and pumping equipment.

"The NIC has been grappling with this problem for years. We have lost millions of dollars due to the theft of our property. This has led to disruption of our operations and significant inconvenience to customers," he stated.

The incident has been reported to the Spanish Town Police Station, which is investigating the matter.

Persons are reminded that the theft of NIC's property is a criminal offence, which can lead to a three-year custodial sentence under the Irrigation Act.

The National Irrigation Commission Limited, an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, is the primary provider of irrigation services to the agriculture sector.

It provides irrigation water within the districts of St Dorothy, Rio Cobre, and, Colbeck, St Catherine; Yallahs, St. Thomas; Mid-Clarendon; Braco, Trelawny; New Forest/Duff House in Manchester; Hounslow and Beacon/Little Park, St Elizabeth and Seven Rivers in St James.

Style Scott

TEEN SKIPS CHURCH FOR ORAL SEX

Online viewers angry over video

Diandra Grandison, Staff Reporter

A teenage girl is at the centre of much ridicule, after she was willingly captured on tape performing oral sex on an older man, while claiming she needed to return to church.

In the minute-long video, that has gone viral online, the young girl, who appeared to be in her early teens, could be seen performing oral sex on the front seat of a car in an undisclosed location.

It is alleged that the young girl, who was clad in blue 'church attire,' was performing the tabooed act in the vicinity of her church, after she was asked by the male recipient, "how yuh a rush di ting, u nuh see rain a fall," to which she responded, "because me waa go back a church."

giggled

Further in the video, the young girl's performance was criticised by the older man, who angrily spat, "yuh think a corn yah eat?!" to which she giggled and continued the act.

The girl's action has stirred feelings of disgust among viewers, with many stating that females need to be more responsible for their actions.

"When will they learn, especially from the mistakes of others and stop letting these guys video and exploit them," a viewer commented.

disgusting

Another added, "how dare her make a mockery of the Lord, there is a time and place for everything, she is disgusting and needs to repent."

When contacted the Child Development Agency (CDA), which is the body that has oversight for providing protection in cases where children are abused, said parents and guardians needed to be more vigilant in preventing children from engaging in such acts.

"The CDA believes that this is risky behaviour and definitely puts these youngsters in moral danger. We encourage young persons to place more value on themselves and urge parents and guardians to be more vigilant in preventing and curbing this kind of activity."

St Thomas women to answer to taxi operator's murder

Jolyn Bryan, Star Writer

Two St Thomas women are expected to face the court in April to answer to a charge of murder, after they were implicated in the killing of a taxi operator in the parish.

Allegations are that Mitzy and Neika Thompson boarded a taxi driven by 50-year-old Donovan Boothe of Prospect, St Thomas, on July 13, 2013, and asked him to take them to Blue Mahoe, also in Prospect.

The women were joined by a teenager. It is alleged that the minor shot Boothe in the forehead upon arrival at their destination, killing him on the spot. The taxi operator was then robbed of an undetermined sum of money.

travel documents

Neika Thompson, who was granted bail in the sum of $1.5 million, had her bail extended. Mitzy Thompson was granted bail in the sum of $2 million when she appeared in the Yallahs Resident Magistrate's Court in January. A stop order was placed on her, and she has been ordered to surrender her travel documents and to reside in Springfield, St Thomas, and observe a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew. She is also expected to report to the Morant Bay police daily.

Investigators are still searching for the minor reported to be involved in the murder. Mitzy Thompson is alleged to have been out on bail on another matter at the time of the incident. The case will be mentioned again on April 7.

Constable on sex rap arrested

Adistrict constable attached to Morant Bay Police Station was arrested and charged yesterday following a recent ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

He is 24-year-old Phillip Thomas, who has been charged for breaches of the Sexual Offences Act.

He appeared before the Morant Bay Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, where he was granted bail and was ordered to surrender his travel documents and a stop order issued.

Thomas is scheduled to reappear in court on March 11.

Accused scammer to be extradited

A magistrate yesterday signed an extradition order for alleged Jamaican lottery scammer Damion Barrett to be handed over to US authorities to stand trial in the US.

According to documents presented during Barrett's extradition hearing in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court, prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida requested that he be sent there to stand trial on two counts of wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

Barrett, who is from Montego Bay, St James, consented to be extradited.

In documents used to support the extradition request, US authorities revealed that another Jamaican, Oneike Mickhale Barnett, confessed that he, Barrett 'and others' were part of a lottery-scam scheme they used to enrich themselves.

In March 2013, US senators Susan Collins and Bill Nelson urged a special committee in Washington to seek to have Jamaican lottery scammers extradited to that country to stand trial. They also chided the Jamaican Government for not acting quickly enough to tackle the scam.

It also claimed that Barrett admitted that the scheme defrauded 10 persons of about US$120,000 (J$13,871,100).

Two charged for perverting the course of justice

Councillor and businessmen Rohan Bryan and Ludlow McWhinney were today arrested, charged and taken before the Morant Bay Resident Magistrate's for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

It is alleged that in November 2014, McWhinney contacted a relative of a complainant in a case of sexual misconduct involving a minister of religion, in an attempt to influence them not to proceed with the matter.

It is further alleged that in January of this year, Bryan contacted both the complainant and relative in an effort to influence the outcome of the case. They reported the incident and an investigation was launched by the Morant Bay police, after which a file was prepared and submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a ruling.

The DPP ruled on the matter and both men were this morning arrested and charged. They were offered bail in the sum of $600,000 with surety and to surrender travel documents. Stop orders were also issued for them. They are to return to court on March 11.

Drug trafficker to pay big fee

A man who ingested more than 40 pellets of cocaine while on his way to London, England, was hauled before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Charged with possession of, dealing in, attempting to export and conspiracy to export cocaine is 45-year-old Derrick Johnson.

The Crown alleged that about 3:45 p.m. on January 19, the accused arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport and was in the process of checking in to board a flight destined for Gatwick International Airport, when he was stopped and interviewed.

During the interview process, Johnson confessed to having ingested 92 pellets of cocaine weighing two pounds, three ounces (1kg).

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey ordered that Johnson pay J$200,000 or serve six months in prison for possession, J$350,000 or six months for attempting and for dealing in J$250,000 or serve six months.

The conspiracy charge was dropped.

Johnson will serve 15 months in prison if he pays all the fines and 15 months and six months if he is unable to pay them.

No-Maddz

Chronixx

Pastor denies killing man at church

Diandra Grandison, Staff Reporter

A pastor is seeking to clear his name, after he was accused of hitting a man in the head, killing him at a church recently.

Stanley Williams, 57, pastor of the Manger Tabernacle Evangelistic Association in Downer district, Clarendon, told THE STAR that contrary to the belief of residents, he is not to be held responsible for the death of 23-year-old Jamar Letford as he died of natural causes.

Williams said on January 13, about 3:30 a.m., Letford, whom he says suffers from epilepsy, visited the church seeking assistance.

"Residents are saying that I hit Jamar in his head and that is not so. He is epileptic and he came to the church for help. During one of his episodes, he slipped and hit his head, on some stones in the churchyard," Williams explained.

He said after Letford hit his head, he was still alive and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

The residents, however, told THE STAR a different tale, insisting they heard the deceased pleading with the pastor to not hit him.

"Is lie pastor a tell, I heard crying in the early morning over the church and me hear when him bawl out, 'whaii nuh lick me inna me head!" a resident said.

The residents said they want the pastor out of their community, as they suspect that something eerie is happening in his church.

"Something over that church is not right, too much secrecy. Every husband lose dem wife because of that church," a resident told THE STAR, under anonymity. "The women dem will go church from 7 o'clock ah night and all 4 o'clock the next morning dem just a leave church. It cause pure problems in them home."

Williams, who has been living in the community for over 30 years, denied this allegation, saying that he does not encourage the women of the church to hang around after 10 p.m.

He said the resentment from some residents is because of the principles of his church. "If you're a Christian, you should live as a Christian, dress as a Christian," he said.

While speaking with Williams, a group of female church members voiced their opinion about the allegations against him and place of worship.

"We are not perturbed because we know it's not true. We know he's a man of God and what they are saying doesn't bother us," a member said.

Another member added, "Pastor is a man of God, he is loving and caring, he's a teacher. Most people in the community, whenever they are sick, here is where they come for healing ... Some of them want to be in the church, but want to wear their false hair and bling-bling and want to have multiple partners and that's a no-no."

five death threats

Williams, who is also a former police officer, revealed to THE STAR that he has received five death threats.

He said a hitman told him that he was paid close to $35,000 to kill him. When THE STAR inquired about the whereabouts of the man, Williams told THE STAR that he died some time after.

"The person who was asked to kill me died, but he told me before he died that he wasn't gonna do it. He said one of the men who paid him, his girlfriend was a member of the church and she got saved and ended the relationship. He thought that it was me who stopped it, and if he could get me out of the way then that would be it," he said.

In the meantime, since Letford's death, the community has been divided and residents are at odds. They said they are awaiting the results of the deceased man's post-mortem to hear the true cause of death.

Checks were made with the Lionel Town police and an officer told THE STAR, "We have been hearing things about the pastor and the church, but we have not received any formal reports, so we cannot conduct any investigations"

nptaj agrees on mandatory Christian devotions

The National Parent Teachers' Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) says it has now agreed that Christian devotions should continue to be mandatory in public schools.

However, the association's president, Everton Hannam, says it is still his personal view that schools should not make it compulsory.

Last week, the NPTAJ said it was undecided on devotions being mandatory after Education Minister Ronald Thwaites announced his support for compulsory religious and mainly Christian activities in schools.

Hannam says the NPTAJ understands that the society is still largely engaged in Christian practices.

special areas

Meanwhile, the NPTAJ head says the education ministry should consider having schools establish special areas where students can be allowed time to observe their religious faiths.

Hannam is cautioning parents and children to take into consideration a school's culture before deciding to attend.

About 40 per cent of Jamaica's schools are either owned or sponsored by a Christian denomination.

Youth development and human rights advocate Jaevion Nelson has argued that devotions in schools are problematic, claiming that it's impossible to cater to all beliefs and the many Christian perspectives.

Madman finds baby's body in Ocho Rios

Chad Bryan, Staff Reporter

A baby believed to be a few days old was reportedly found near the Taj Mahal Shopping Centre complex in Ocho Rios, St Ann, shortly before noon, yesterday.

According to a source, the body of the child is believed to have been found by a madman in a garbage bin on the outside of the shopping centre. The madman is said to have alerted the police.

The incident also reportedly drew a crowd from persons conducted business at the shopping centre.

When the Ocho Rios police were contacted regarding the discovery, a senior policewoman said that she could not confirm the incident.

St Elizabeth man fined for ganja

Launtia Cuff, Star Writer

A St Elizabeth man was fined $271,000 for ganja related charges when he appeared in the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.

The allegations are that on January 23, 2015, about 5:30 p.m., the police were conducting spot checks along the Pisgah main road in the parish, when a blue Toyota motor vehicle was pulled over.

The court was told that upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered four plastic bags containing what seemed to be ganja, weighing approximately 40 pounds.

The driver, Ronald Brown, and the two occupants were arrested and charged with possession of, dealing in and trafficking ganja.

In court, Brown, who pleaded guilty to all three charges, claimed responsibility for the ganja and said he was only giving the men a ride and that they had no knowledge of the drugs. On that account the case against the other two men was discharged.

For the possession of ganja, Brown was fined $15,000 or ordered to serve three months' imprisonment, for dealing, he was fined $128,000 or three months' imprisonment and for trafficking, he was fined $128,000 or three months' imprisonment.

The sentences will run concurrently so failure to pay the fine will result in Brown spending only three months in prison.

Entertainer shot dead in St Catherine

Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter

Detectives from the St Catherine Major Investigation Task Force (MIT) are yet to make a breakthrough with their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of an entertainer in the parish on Monday.

The deceased man has been identified as 24-year-old Steve Smith of Beacon Avenue, Spanish Town, St Catherine.

The police's Corporate Communications Unit reports that on January 26, about 8:30 p.m., Smith and a group of persons were standing along a section of Beacon Avenue when an armed man walked up and opened fire. Smith was shot several times. The others in the group escaped unscathed.

THE STAR understands that Smith was shot dead outside his home.

No motive has yet been established for the attack.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Spanish Town police at (876) 984-3164, the police 119 emergency number, or the nearest police station.

Investigations continue.

14-year-old girl missing

An Ananda Alert has been activated for 14-year-old Tiana Mitchell, ward of the state of Homestead Place of Safety, Stony Hill, St Andrew. She has been missing since Friday, January 16.

She is of dark complexion, slim build and is about 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall.

Reports from the Stony Hill police are that about 6:30 a.m., Tiana was last seen at the facility dressed in a blue tunic, white blouse and a pair of black shoes. She has not been seen or heard from since.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Tiana Mitchell is being asked to contact the Stony Hill police at 942-2223, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

Schoolgirls kissing photo posted online

Chad Bryan, Staff Reporter

A picture of French kissing female students of a prominent central Jamaica high school has gone viral.

The picture reportedly has as its caption, "A wah gwaan on God land doe God". The picture was shared on social networking site Facebook before it became the subject of interest on other websites.

Taken in what appears to be a bathroom, the students, dressed in uniform, appear to be taking the popular 'selfie' lip-locked while doing so.

The photo has also drawn comdemnation from individuals who argue that they have heaped shame upon their school.

When the institution was contacted on Monday, an administrator declined to comment on disciplinary action that the two female students could possibly face. Her response when asked was 'no comment'.

When also questioned as to the grades the students were in, the administrator also responded 'no comment'.

The principal was also said to be out of office.

J'can male in Home Depot murder, suicide

André Williams, STAR Writer

A Jamaican man has been identified as the gunman at the centre of a murder-suicide, which occurred on Sunday, inside Home Depot located in Manhattan, New York.

According to http://ift.tt/1zUtlQv, Calvin Esdaile Jr, otherwise called 'Kirk', has been identified as the suspected shooter in a murder-suicide at a Chelsea Home Depot store in Manhattan at about 2:40 p.m. on Sunday.

Reports are that Esdaile shot his 38-year-old supervisor, Moctar Sy, three times before turning the gun on himself.

When the police arrived on the scene, Esdaile was pronounced dead, while his supervisor was rushed to the hospital, however, despite efforts by doctors, he was later pronounced dead.

Police at the store recovered a .38 calibre revolver.

THE STAR gathered that eyewitnesses reportedly heard someone screaming profanity before the shots were fired.

Esdaile Jr reportedly migrated to the US from Jamaica in 2006 and lived in Brooklyn.

Allegations are that he had been recently fired from Home Depot.

Teen's body found in Rio Cobre River

The Spanish Town police are probing a case of suspected suicide, after the body of a 17-year-old girl was discovered in the Rio Cobre River in St Catherine.

Stacy-Ann Burrell of Kennedy Lane, Gordon Pen, Spanish Town, St Catherine, is suspected to have committed suicide in the parish last Saturday.

According to reports from the Spanish Town police, shortly before 10 a.m., the cops were summoned to the Rio Cobre River where Burrell's body was discovered on its back.

The scene was processed and the body removed to the morgue for post-mortem.

Investigations are reportedly continuing into this incident.

Man of unsound mind damages JUTC bus

Chad Bryan, Staff Reporter

A man, who is believed to be unsound mind, reportedly damaged a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus yesterday afternoon.

The 22A bus was near J. Wray & Nephew on Spanish Town Road, heading towards downtown Kingston, when a stone was thrown into the bus damaging the window and injuring passengers.

The driver then beckoned to a passing police team which assisted the injured passengers.

Passengers reportedly insisted that the man should be arrested, but the police said they were unable to do anything.

There are reports that the 22A bus was not the only vehicle to be damaged by the man.

St Catherine police seek witnesses

Detectives attached to the St Catherine Major Investigation Task Force (MIT) are seeking the public's assistance in locating the following persons who are vital to a case that is currently before the court.

They are: Shaniel Campbell, otherwise called 'Rambo', of Harkers Hall, May Pen, Clarendon, and Job Lane, Spanish Town, St Catherine; Carol Butler and Evon Butler of Job Lane, Spanish Town, St Catherine, and Annmarie Hutchinson, otherwise called 'Hazel', of St Johns Road, Spanish Town, St Catherine.

They are scheduled to appear before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Gun Court in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, on Monday, February 16.

Shaniel Campbell, Carol Butler, Evon Butler and Annmarie Hutchinson or anyone knowing their whereabouts is being asked to contact the St Catherine MIT at 758-5047, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

First ganja business, investors conference set for tomorrow

Jamaica's first Cannabis Business and International Investors Conference, under the theme, 'GreenGold Prosperity for Jamaicans', will take place tomorrow and Thursday at the Jamaica Conference Centre, Kingston.

Several overseas investors have pre-registered to take part in the historic meeting, coming right after the Government's policy announcement for a regulated cannabis industry and a relaxed environment for personal use.

The conference, organised by the National Alliance for the Legalisation and Ganja and supported by the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force and the Ganja Future Growers and Producers Association, has three main objectives:

To appraise international investors and interested parties about the possible regulatory framework of the cannabis industry to be established in Jamaica.

To allow potential investors and interests to have a better understanding the investment climate in Jamaica.

To facilitate partnerships with local interests and potential cannabis business operators.

Under the Theme of 'Going Forward - Government Policy Framework', on day-one the presenters will include several government ministers, including Justice Minister Mark Golding and Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, among others; Delano Seiveright, conference chair & director of the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force and Orville Silvera, chairman, Ganja Future Growers and Producers Association among others.

On day two, the theme is 'Forging Partnerships with International Investors', the main presenters will be, Jeff Wells, CEO, Franwell, USA; Courtney Betty, CEO Timeless Herbal Care, Canada and Jamaica; Professor Archibald McDonald, principal, UWI, Mona.

There will be a panel discussion with representatives from Jamaica Agricultural Society, Small Business Association of Jamaica; Micro Small Medium Enterprises and the Rastafarian Community; and Paul Burke, chairman, National Alliance for the Legalization of Ganja and Programme Director of the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force (CCMRTF)

One of the conference highlights will be the formal declaration of Peter Tosh's Legalise It as the ganja anthem of Jamaica in recognition of his courageous advocacy for the rights of Jamaicans to use the herb and for the industry.

Droop Lion

Daughters forced to give dad oral sex

Mom makes report to cops

Horace Fisher, Star Writer

A 40-year-old man who is alleged to have engaged his two primary-school daughters in oral sex and indecent touching (fondling) was arrested and charged with grievous sexual assault and indecent sexual touching by detectives from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA).

The suspect, a refrigeration and air-condition technician from central Jamaica, was charged by the police after complaints from the minors' mother.

The police, who confirmed the incident, told The Star that the suspect is the children's father and he was arrested on January 13, after allegations of oral sex and indecent sexual touching were made by the children's mother to the police.

"Yes ... he is the children's father, and we arrested him earlier this month on the sexual assault charges. He is currently in custody and is booked to appear in court," a detective from CISOCA told The Star.

J'can killed in British Virgin Islands identified

The Jamaican man who was killed in a boating accident in the British Virgin Islands on Saturday has been identified as Howard Anderson.

Reports are that Anderson, an engineer, died after the inflatable vessel carrying employees of the Oil Nut Bay Resort, crashed into rocks on its way to the resort from an event in The Valley area of the islands.

A Caucasian woman from the United States is the second victim. Her body was fished from waters off Virgin Gorda hours later. Four other injured employees were taken to hospital for treatment.

The BVI News Online reports that when it contacted representatives of the resort to verify whether the victims lived at Oil Nut Bay, they declined to give information, but said they were aware of the incident and noted the resort's main concern was the victims and their relatives.