SmallShop Caribbean News

Amandala Online : "It sounds insane, we know, but this afternoon, a gunman demonstrated just how callous a murderer can become in trying to kill another person, when he opened fire at his target, uncaring that the street was full of hundreds of school children from two schools in the area, accompanied by their parents, going home after school was over. Shortly after 3:30 this afternoon, gunshots rang out along Mahogany Street, where two primary schools, St. Luke’s Methodist and St. Martin De Porres, are located."

The Nassau Guardian "Opposition Senate Leader Allyson Maynard-Gibson testified yesterday that she informed Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, then Attorney General Michael Barnett and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames of an alleged extortion plot by former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater and ambulance driver Tarino Lightbourne, two days after she met with Bridgewater in Grand Bahama on January 15."

The Bermuda Sun "Three men set upon a 21-year-old man as he sat in his car and then attacked him with a knife and a lock and chain, a court heard today. Joshua Wolffe, Steven Iris and Leshaun Scott attacked Kevon Albouy in the early hours of July 10, 2008 just off Middle Road, Southampton, it is alleged. A Supreme Court jury heard that Mr. Albouy suffered six stab wounds to his back and a cut to his scalp, which needed three stitches. Prosecutor Rory Field told the court that Mr. Wolffe, 24, was the 'main attacker'."

Stabroek News "The owner of the White Castle Fish Shop, who was involved in the shooting ruckus last Tuesday at the National Gymnasium, was yesterday granted bail in the sum of $500,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court."

Antigua Sun "Nancy Lalanne testified yesterday that she was attacked three times by who she said was a woman dressed in a red shirt. She also claimed the woman pulled her hair during a confrontation with the police on the 4 Sept., at the St. John’s Police Station. Nancy, Dolores Lalanne, 25, Mike Pierre Paul, 24, 25-year-old Joshua Jackson, 24-year-old Shoshonnah Henry and Rachel Henry, 22, have all pleaded not guilty to charges related to beating a number of police officers during an altercation at the St. John’s Police Station."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "THE DUEL between Attorney General John Jeremie and Law Association president Martin Daly SC, over a controversial ruling by former High Court judge Justice Rajendra Narine, intensified yesterday when Jeremie laid two legal opinions in the Senate which he said supports his assertion that Narine was wrong and Daly was wrong to defend the judge."

Nation News "THE IDENTITY of the mother of the newborn baby found alive in a tied plastic bag on Fitts Village Beach, St James, last Saturday, remains a mystery. That is because the 17-year-old woman who was assisting the police in their investigations has been released."

Nation News "REVENGE belongs to God. Rector of St Martin's Anglican Church Reverend Canon Seibert Small reminded the hundreds of family, friends and loved ones who paid their last respects to 11-year-old Ian Gibson of that fact yesterday. 'Don't think of revenge. That belongs to God and God alone. Pray for Ian and yourselves,' he encouraged the mourners."

Jamaica Gleaner News "David Smith, the former boss of the embattled foreign-exchange trading club Olint, is now behind bars in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Smith was remanded yesterday after he was taken to court on further charges in connection with the management of his Olint TCI operations. He was previously arrested on fraud charges - theft, false accounting and uttering false documents in the British territory."

JamaicaObserver.com : "Declaring that it is time for Jamaica to make a paradigm shift, Prime Minister Bruce Golding early this morning outlined his administration's plan for changes in the size and function of government that, he said, will lead to greater efficiency and reduced costs."

Jamaica Gleaner News "DIRECTOR OF Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn has hinted that audio recordings done by former co-accused Rodney Chin suggest that more persons may have been involved in the Cuban light-bulb affair. 'It is a pity that we had not known from before that these recordings had been done,' Llewellyn told journalists yesterday. 'Perhaps it would have made life even more interesting for other parties that are not here.'"

JamaicaObserver.com : "BRISTOL, USA (AFP) - Triple Olympic and world sprint champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica said yesterday he expects years of fast feats to ease doping doubts in athletics and has no plans to play American football. Appearing on ESPN programmes and in light-hearted races outside the television sport network's studios, Bolt said that he feels he must prove himself to a sceptical sports world in the wake of past doping scandals by rival runners."

Reuters : "HOUSTON (Reuters) - Allen Stanford, the alleged mastermind of a $7 billion fraud, is back in his jail cell after suffering a mild concussion, broken nose and two black eyes in a prison brawl last week, his lawyer said on Monday. Stanford, 59, was injured in a fight on Thursday with a fellow inmate at the Joe Corley Detention Facility in Conroe, Texas, and was hospitalized over the weekend."

Chief Education Officer Augusta Ifell has conducted an investigation and submitted her findings to the Teaching Service Commission. That body will determine what will happen in the case of a senior member of the RC Boys Teaching Staff accused of giving a student 11 strokes and bruising his bottom in the process.

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday A POLICE Constable assigned to the Court and Process Branch, was yesterday shot three times as he attempted to subdue gunmen during a daring robbery at a Curepe pharmacy. Up to late yesterday, PC Dave James was undergoing emergency surgery at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope, to remove a bullet lodged in his stomach."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "THE bloodshed in this country continues unabated with the body count speeding past 400. On Saturday the count was 398. But a murder on Sunday, three murders yesterday and the discovery of a body in a shallow grave in Valencia, have pushed the total to 403 murders."

Kaieteur News : "In a strongly-worded statement, the Childcare and Protection Agency, yesterday, broke its silence on the Kwame-Julius sex tape, saying the adult in question, Kwame, needs to be disciplined in every regard if the contents of the recording is true."

Stabroek News "Relatives of an Albouystown teen who died reportedly following an accident at Middle Road, La Penitence on Sunday night, are questioning the circumstances under which he died."

Nation News "A TEENAGER was yesterday in police custody assisting with the investigations into a new-born baby who was discovered at Fitts Village beach, St James, in a tied plastic bag on Saturday. According to the police, the 17-year-old was at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday morning when police officers spoke to her and asked her to accompany them to the Holetown Police Station for questioning."

 The Trinidad Guardian : "Five police officers were up to late yesterday under probe after three prisoners escaped from the holding bay of the Chaguanas Police Station on Saturday. Senior officers said yesterday that the five, who have been served with notices, face suspension and other disciplinary charges. One of the suspects was recaptured hours after the escape but the others remained at large up to late yesterday."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "RANDELL Ramkissoon was on his way to a Chaguanas night club to celebrate a friend’s birthday on Saturday night. He never made it. Instead Ramkissoon, 31, of Beckles Street, Esperanza Village, died in a car crash on the Solomon Hochoy Highway."

Nation News : "FORMER Barbadian belly dancer Madame Yvette has died. The DAILY NATION understands that the entertainer, whose real name was Yvonne Mason, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital a few days ago after a brief illness."

Kaieteur News : "TAIN, CORENTYNE – The naked body of 49-year old Chintra Punwassy also known as ‘Chandra’ of Fourth Street, Tain Settlement on the Corentyne, was found in her bed early yesterday (Sunday) morning. The details are somewhat sketchy but according to police reports, the discovery was made by a sister, Kawalah Dabidyal, of Tain Settlement about 08:30 hours yesterday."

Stabroek News "The nude body of a 49-year-old woman was discovered at her house at 132 Tain, Port Mourant, Corentyne around 11 am yesterday in a pool of blood with a gaping wound under the chin."

Trinidad Express "The kidnapping of the son of Manchester businessman and aspiring politician, Paul Lyn, has pushed some of the island's rich into defensive mode amid reports that other families with financial clout were being targeted by criminals wanting to make big money from ransom."

Stabroek News : "A Guyanese husband and wife on Friday last pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for their role in a 2008 shaken-baby case involving their adult son, who authorities say may have fled to Guyana to avoid prosecution, and were fined by New York Judge, Richard Giardino."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "A popular pigtail vendor from Valencia died on Friday night three hours after he was stabbed in his back by an unknown man with whom he had had an altercation. Lenford “George” Harry, 56, of No 4 Walnut Drive, Bregon Park, D’Abadie, was popularly known throughout the Eastern district and Trinidad for his special barbecued pigtail, which he sold at his Valencia business place."

Jamaica Gleaner News "THE EDUCATION ministry has launched an investigation into an alleged attempted abduction of a young boy at a prominent Corporate Area primary school. The ministry is also seeking answers as to why the administration of the school has so far failed to file a formal report."

JamaicaObserver.com : "The kidnapping of the son of Manchester businessman and aspiring politician Paul Lyn has pushed some of the island's rich into defensive mode amid reports that other families with financial clout were being targeted by criminals wanting to make big money from ransom."

Nation News "A NEWBORN BABY who was found inside a tied plastic bag, with the umbilical cord still attached, on Fitts Village Beach, St James, yesterday evening is alive and doing fine. The baby girl was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) by ambulance where she was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for observation."

Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida : "Several gay-rights groups are protesting a Halloween-night concert at a city of Miami-owned hall by Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, whose hit song Boom Bye Bye advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire."

Telegraph : "Stanford was badly beaten but his injuries were not said to be life-threatening. The incident occurred at the privately run Joe Corley detention centre north of Houston, Texas. A US Marshalls spokesman said: 'He got into an altercation with another inmate. He's being examined by medical staff and treated for his injuries.' His lawyer Kent Schaffer added: 'Mr Stanford is fine. Contrary to reports, he is not in intensive care at the hospital."

Dominica News Online "The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) mourns the death of one of its former candidates, Terry James. James, who is a former DLP candidate in Marigot, and who served on the DLP’s executive for several years, died early Saturday morning. DLP officials say James will be remembered for his love and commitment to the party"

Police are investigating if a forty-five year old Marchand man died after he was hit by a stray bullet. Preliminary investigations show the man may have died after shots fired at a Leslie Land resident hit him while he was in his home. The mans badly decomposing body was found in his house this morning. His death brings the murder rate so far for the year to 28.

RASTA that used machete on Taxi driver finally caught by the Police with BALD HEAD!

Amandala Online : "The Opposition People’s United Party’s leader Johnny Briceño made a bold move on Wednesday when he tabled proposals at a meeting of the party’s national executive to create a space on the PUP executive for former Prime Minister and ex-party leader, Said Musa, who has retained the Fort George division as his stronghold despite his party’s demise in national electoral politics."

The Nassau Guardian "As the Progressive Liberal Party's convention nears, party leader Perry Christie has acknowledged that there is concern about what impact the money laundering related charge against former PLP treasurer Sidney Cambridge will have on the party."

The Vincentian : "With over 20 cases for murder slated for hearing during this Assizes, some persons are anxious about Justice Gertel Thom’s work load. And with some 65 matters to be dealt with overall on the list, there is the genuine worry that all the matters may not be completed."

Stabroek News "Fire of unknown origin gutted a two-storey building in Rose Hall yesterday morning destroying a home and three businesses and leaving a family of five homeless."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "State-owned Telecommunicat-ions Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) and the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) are moving to have two leading trade unions fired in a fallout over a fracas involving telecommunications workers and a bus strike."

Kaieteur News : "The University of Guyana Council (UGC) has fired one of its lecturers for inappropriate behaviour following a meeting Wednesday night. Although it was unclear last evening whether the lecturer was told of the decision, a top source of the university confirmed that the decision has been taken and the lecturer, Evan Persaud, will have to go."

JamaicaObserver.com : "JAMAICA'S former junior works minister, Joseph Hibbert, was yesterday named as one of a dozen politicians and officials who were allegedly paid kickbacks by the British firm Mabey and Johnson, after the firm pleaded guilty to systematically paying bribes for favours around the world."

Nation News "THEIR VOICES filled with disgust, many students across Barbados have condemned bullying in their schools. While most admitted that preying on younger students was not new, they said it must be stopped before someone else meets their death at the hands of cowardly youths who merely pick on weaker schoolmates."

The Jamaica Star "Residents of the troubled Rose Heights community, Montego Bay, St James, are blaming an argument about a sexually transmitted disease (STD) for a murder/suicide on Monday. A source close to one of the deceased said the fatal fight between the couple began after one party accused the other of passing on the STD."

Nation News "THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH yesterday issued the following guidelines in relation to the availability of Tamiflu - an antiviral medication which is recommended for all persons with suspected or confirmed influenza. It is particularly required for those people who need to be hospitalised or are showing signs of severe illness, and those who are at higher risk for complications."

Houston Chronicle : "R. Allen Stanford, accused of running a massive Ponzi scheme, is expected to remain hospitalized until at least Saturday after he got into a fight with another inmate at a Conroe detention facility, officials said. Alfredo Perez, with the U.S. Marshals Service, said he didn’t know any details about the altercation that happened about 10 a.m. Thursday at the Joe Corley Detention Center. He said Stanford’s injuries were not considered life-threatening. Citing security concerns, Perez declined to say what hospital Stanford was taken to after the fight."

Dominica News Online There has been an increase in flu like symptoms here, and persons are being advised to remain calm, as concerns are being raised about the matter. Chief Medical Officer Doctor David Johnson says while officials are not stating these cases are of the influenza A H1N1 virus, the number of people on island, with flu-like symptoms, is expected to increase during the independence celebrations."

Reversing The Stigma Of HIV In Jamaica: Ida's Story (VIDEO) : "Ida Northover is known fondly in her community as 'Miss Gene.' She is a volunteer community leader battling stigma and discrimination in one of the poorest inner city communities on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica. Miss Gene's leadership has proven to be a successful model for encouraging tolerance and support for people living with HIV."

Sun St. Kitts "The Aggreko containers were mainly responsible for power outages experienced over the weekend into early this week, a release from the Electricity Department stated. According to the release, last Saturday at 11:25 a.m., the 8MB430 protection caused the engine to shut down as a result of an irregularity in the lubrication system. The resulting shutdown caused the Aggreko containers protection to react almost simultaneously, and shut down the generators."

Stabroek News "Fire Chief Marlon Gentle yesterday announced that grassfires are on the rise, warning that the current dry weather conditions countrywide and the low level of water in canals could result in major catastrophes. Citizens have been illegally setting fire to garbage and dry grass over the last few weeks, predominantly in villages stretching from Turkeyen to Mahaica, while canals are being filled with unwanted materials, making it difficult for fire fighters to access water when they respond to fire reports."

Kaieteur News : "Three of the five men who police have nabbed in their latest interception of gangs in Berbice are well known characters, according to a source close to the investigation. One of the suspects was recently released from jail on a murder charge in Berbice. This newspaper was told that the suspect, Samuel Fraser, who was freed only a few weeks ago, is said to be the mastermind for the latest gang captured by the police."

Nation News "SUBWAY WILL SOON BE heading our way. The WEEKEND NATION has learned that the application by the international food chain seeking to open in Barbados, has been given the nod by the majority of Cabinet. Sources close to Government said that an announcement would be made in 'a matter of weeks'."

Nation News "VICTOR CADOGAN believes it was bullying that caused his 11-year-old son's tragic death. The former Princess Margaret Secondary School first-form student was struck by a car on Sunbury Road, St Philip, last Friday after reportedly trying to flee a number of boys who were pursuing him. He died two days later at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital from his injuries."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "In a space of time just over 12 hours, five men, including an employee of Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico), were brutally murdered bringing the murder toll to 395. Dead are Ron Etien, of East Dry River; Clifford Slanders, 25, of Diego Martin; Garth John, 40, of Valsayn; and Garnett Lake, 28, of Bagatelle, Diego Martin and Travis Breedy, 29, of Duncan Street, Port-of-Spain."

Trinidad Express "EVEN as there are growing pockets of resistance to Government's plan to introduce a new property tax regime, Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira was firm last night that there was no chance of backing down from its agenda. Nunez-Tesheira, in a telephone interview, said the Government was listening to the concerns being raised by property owners across the country, but the new system was necessary to ensure equity and transparency."

JamaicaObserver.com : "'The new rates which are to become effective on October 1, 2009 will result in an average overall impact of three per cent on consumers' bills when compared with the effective rates, inclusive of adjustments, that consumers faced prior to the decision,' said the OUR in a press statement. Energy rates were increased, but because of higher efficiency standards the fuel rate was adjusted downwards, resulting in the overall impact being smaller."

Antigua Sun "Debate was nearly as fierce in the Upper House yesterday as it was in the Lower House as the controversial Companies (Amendment) Act was tabled for discussion before senators. Opposition senators forcefully called for more far-reaching changes to the legislation."

Jamaica Gleaner News "Young Dominique Fray wept uncontrollably for her brother and attorney George Thomas seemed listless, shocked and disappointed by the guilty verdict that was slapped on his client, convicted hijacker Stephen Fray, in the Western Regional Gun Court yesterday. After taking a day to deliberate, Judge Sarah Thomas-James reportedly sent shockwaves through the courtroom when she returned with a verdict that the defence team and the family had hardly expected."

AFP: "KINGSTON, Jamaica — Usain Bolt's Racers Track Club is considering legal action against the manufacturer of Muscle Speed, the supplement that led to three-months doping bans for two of its members. Racers president Glen Mills, who is also the coach of triple Olympics and World Championships gold medalist Bolt, says the club has acquired the services of a United States' law firm to look into the matter. Legal advice, according to Mills, was sought because the label on the product, at the time of purchase, stated the supplement was World Anti-doping Agency compliant."

NYTimes.com : "A man accused of hijacking a Canadian jetliner while it sat on the airport tarmac at Montego Bay was convicted Thursday of charges including robbery and assault, officials in Kingston, Jamaica, said. Sentencing of the man, Stephen Fray, 21, was set for Oct. 8. On April 19, Mr. Fray pushed his way into a CanJet Airlines plane with 167 passengers aboard, firing a revolver into the air, took money from passengers and demanded to be flown off the island. The police captured him after a six-hour standoff. Mr. Fray’s motive remains unclear; Jamaican authorities have described him as “mentally challenged.”"

The Canadian Press: "SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A teenage Dominican baseball amateur says he is holding up well in his Caribbean homeland after losing a US$3.1-million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Wagner Mateo, a 16-year-old Dominican prospect, was dropped Tuesday by the Cardinals over what the club called 'pre-existing injuries and physical defects.' The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the left-handed hitting outfielder had vision problems that could jeopardize his career."

Jamaica Information Service : "Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding has indicated that there is a possibility of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) providing Jamaica with budget support, as part of a new agreement with the multilateral lending agency."

Stabroek News "Residents of Laddersville, Aroaima are mourning the tragic loss of one of their star athletes after his throat was slit at a birthday party in the village on Tuesday night. Howard Bovell, 28, an employee of RUSAL, was fatally wounded to his neck after a fight with a young man who was allegedly molesting the mother of his three children."

Kaieteur News : "Chief Justice Ian Chang has issued an order directing the Minister of Finance, the Secretary to the Treasury and the Accountant General of Guyana to forthwith pay to former Attorney General, Doodnauth Singh, $14.6M. The money represents his gratuity."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "The duel between the legal and judicial fraternity and the Government escalated yesterday as Attorney General (AG) John Jeremie called out president of the Law Association Martin Daly SC for “a lie” and defended Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s right to veto."

Worldfocus : "Jamaica, to me, is a land of deep contradictions. On one hand, it’s a lovely, lush tropical country, blessed with sandy beaches, fantastic flowering shrubs, ripe mango and coconut trees, and inhabited by a strong, proud people who clearly share a basic sense of personal dignity and a deep-seated hospitality towards strangers. I found this to be true regardless of whom I was speaking with, be they rich or poor, educated or illiterate, straight or gay. At the same time, I also encountered an intensity of violence and hatred lurking close to the social surface that shocked me. I was amazed at how easily people expressed their disregard for the human rights of gay people. Or how the same individual could argue that most violence against gays is carried out by other homosexuals while also acknowledging how “understandable” it is that gay people would be beaten by a mob, perhaps even killed, if they “flaunt” their sexual identity in a public space."

St. Lucia STAR : "The especially faithful have never been more certain that “we’re living in the last days.” Murder, yes, unresolved murder, has never been more prevalent. Suspect fires too. And rape, assaults on the innocent and defenseless. Never before has our situation—and I speak not of the so-called economic meltdown that began in the United States and has spread like the AIDS virus worldwide."

Dominica News Online "An advocate for women’s rights and gender equality believes any desire to make prostitution legal in the country should first have the approval of members of the general public. “If anything is to become legal it would perhaps need some input or discussion from the general public as to how they see it,” said Rosie Brown."

Jamaica Gleaner News "The family of accused would-be hijacker, Stephen Fray, has apologised to the nation for any embarrassment the April 19 incident may have put the country through. Fray is facing 10 counts of gun-related charges in the Western Regional Gun Court and a number of other charges in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, for taking more than 160 passengers aboard a CanJet charter plane hostage in April at the Donald Sangster International Airport."

Dominica News Online "Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) will win all seats it has in Parliament at the next general elections, and a decision by some of his ministers to step down from politics will not hamper his party's chances."

Jamaica Gleaner News "The Government has tacked on just over $6 billion to its spending plans for the fiscal year despite repeated pronouncements from Prime Minister Bruce Golding that a major shortfall in revenue would lead to a sharp cut in the Budget. The first Supplementary Estimates tabled in Parliament yesterday, which disclosed that the Golding administration now plans to spend $561.4 billion this year instead of the $555 initially budgeted, was met with gasps of disbelief."

JamaicaObserver.com : "The fastest man in the world has the potential to bring in some US$15-20 million in endorsement and merchandising deals, Usain Bolt's manager Norman Peart told the Business Observer. Peart is working to add book, movie, car, video game, and other consumer product deals to the star's current portfolio, which includes Puma, Gatorade, Digicel and Texaco."

Stabroek News "Three suspects were arrested around 4 am at Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice and a white car intercepted one hour after a robbery at Hogstye where a family was terrorized and robbed of over $6 million in cash and jewellery."

Trinidad Express "Legislation to provide for the 'lawful interception' if any communication over any network has been drafted and is to be tabled in the Parliament, National Security Minister Martin Joseph said yesterday."

Reuters AlertNet "“We have to operate underground because of the hostility towards the gay and lesbian community here in Jamaica,” said Griffin, explaining that the location of this meeting is a closely held secret and that every service is arranged through word of mouth. “If it was known publicly where this congregation meets, I’m pretty sure there would be some type of violence toward the congregation.” Jamaica is a hostile place for gay men and women and homophobia is woven into the everyday fabric of society. To travel around Jamaica in a long-distance taxi or commuter vans is to be continuously assaulted by the throbbing lyrics of popular dancehall DJs calling for the killing of 'battymen,' as gay men are known here."

Nation News "SELECTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC have already been identified to get first crack at the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine when it becomes commercially available in Barbados. That was the word from Senior Medical Officer (South) in the Ministry of Health, Dr Elizabeth Ferdinand, yesterday at a media briefing at the Ministry of Health's headquarters, Jemmotts Lane, St Michael."

NYdailynews.com : "The parents of six friends from Brooklyn busted on vacation in Antigua are agonizing over the slow-moving trial and worry they will have to pay hefty fines. If their children are found guilty of assaulting police officers, it could be difficult for some of the families to pay several thousand dollars in penalties."

Graphic image of Taxi driver being attacked by dreadlocked man in Jamaica....

John Travolta will testify in an extortion case against a politician and paramedic in the Bahamas who allegedly demanded money from him, reports Kelly Cobiella.

Antigua Sun "Former prime minister Lester Bird was thrown out of Parliament yesterday after he and the Speaker D. Gisele Isaac got into a heated exchange that threw an already contentious meeting of the House of Representatives into chaos. Isaac-Arrindell eventually showed the opposition leader the door and he was followed by the other members of the ALP, who joined their leader in solidarity."

The Jamaica Star "The notorious lottery scam out of Montego Bay, St James, may have forced at least one major American telecommunications company to bar calls to Jamaica, THE STAR has learnt. A resident of Long Beach in California, USA, on Friday said she recently made the discovery after she tried to call the island. She immediately contacted the phone company."

Nation News "DR VIOLA ADELE BELL yesterday said she had no specialist training in anaesthesiology but administered the potent anaesthetic drug Propofol to about 30 patients. The doctor was testifying at the coroner's inquest into the death of Anthea Burgess, 30, who died on the operating table of ENT specialist Denis Bailey, on April 25, 2007, when she went to have a polyp removed from her nose."

Nation News "IN JUST ONE WEEK, the Princess Margaret Secondary School has been plunged into mourning by the deaths of two of its students. 'It is a sad time for us here at Princess Margaret,' said Dr Wismore Butcher, principal at the school last Monday morning during a memorial service for the late Adriana Price. The 13-year-old, of Breedy Land, Silver Sands, Christ Church, died last Wednesday after an asthma attack which led to a coma. And last Saturday, Ian Gibson, an 11-year-old first form student, lost his life after being involved in an accident with a car the day before at Sunbury Road, St Philip."

Taiwan News Online : "A hearing on a U.S. extradition request for Antigua's former financial regulator has been postponed until December. The public prosecutor's office says the hearing for Leroy King is delayed after defense lawyers requested more time to prepare. King has been fired as Antigua's top financial regulator for ties to an alleged $7 billions scheme to swindle investors by jailed Texas financier R. Allen Stanford. U.S. authorities allege that King accepted bribes to ignore Stanford's activities and wrote false and misleading letters to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. King is under house arrest and declines to speak to reporters. Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Armstrong spoke Monday."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "A night of prayer on Monos Island ended in tragedy for former American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) president and diplomat Michael Arneaud, when his wife was killed after their boat ran aground and crashed into some jagged rocks on the island. Sharon Arneaud, 64, of Westmoorings, died while receiving emergency treatment at the West Shore Medical complex."

St. Lucia STAR : "James Hepple was not ushered into St Lucia on a bed of roses. From the moment tourism minister Allen Chastanet announced that Hepple, Trinidad and Tobago’s former director of tourism, would fill a new tourism consultant spot at the St Lucia Tourist Board, the criticism has been flying in."

The Forestry and Wildlife Department is putting a team of wild pig hunters together to eradicate the wild pig population.

Kaieteur News : "“I think the President should look into who he putting into position…He can’t be picking (sexual) predators…look me child is a prey to he…I really, really mad about this” The mother of the 15-year-old schoolboy from whom Kwame McCoy solicited sex during a recorded telephone conversation is upset that the President has sexual predators working at Office of the President. This newspaper visited the home of the young man’s mother. She telephoned her son who identified himself as Julius."

Stabroek News "A 17-year-old boy of Bush Lot, West Berbice collapsed and died around 4 pm yesterday after his throat was slashed during an argument, and his attacker was taken into custody at the Fort Wellington Station. Part of the crowd at the scene Eyewitnesses told this newspaper that Darshanan Ramanan was seen talking to the attacker before an argument ensued."

Nation News "VICTOR CADOGAN could only weep as he wiped the dust from the sports trophies of his dead son. 'He loved sports. He liked running, football and tennis,' he said, fighting back tears. Cadogan was describing 11-year-old Ian Gibson, who died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday morning after being involved in an accident with a car on Sunbury Road, St Philip, on Friday. Gibson was on his way home."

The Bahama Journal "Babies and toddlers are now being cared for in a school hall after yobs ­targeted Kiddie Academy twice in a week. The auditorium at Mount St. Agnes is full of cribs, high chairs and toys as nursery school staff look after the 40 children under two years old. Kiddie Academy owner Sharon DeSilva accepted the school's offer to relocate the nursery's youngest children because of concerns over smoke damage. Heartless yobs burgled then torched the nursery in Laffan Street overnight on Wednesday last week. They caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage as they set fire to the office and made off with a Dell laptop, children's snacks from the refrigerator and $100 cash."

Antigua Sun "A family is mourning the loss of a loved one who allegedly took his life early Sunday morning. Dead is Roy Trotz Jr. of Guyana. He was fondly referred to as 'Junior.' Reports are Trotz’s body was discovered hanging from a sheet on the gallery of his living quarters by a neighbour. He resided at Fitzies Apartment located on All Saints Road in the vicinity of John Camacho (service station)."

Jamaica Gleaner News "Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller yesterday flayed the Golding for 'bungling' the attempt to renew borrowing relationships with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In what was obviously a morale-boosting presentation to the party faithful, a fired-up Simpson Miller placed the prime minister in the hot seat, challenging him to divulge critical information on the IMF negotiations."

Amandala Online : "City Hall has been under the stern watch of the Audit Department and Central Government for several months, and this week news of a damning special audit, scrutinizing transactions for April 2009, and reports that in excess of $275,000 was unaccounted for between January and April of this year, had many observers questioning whether anyone would face criminal charges."

The Democrat Newspaper : "Without doubt the main institutional victim in the Caribbean from the global recession is the Trinidad and Tobago headquartered CL Financial group. One of the largest corporations in the Caribbean, its insurance and investment arms spread across the region. It’s also said to have had 65 companies in 32 countries worldwide with total assets standing at roughly US$100 billion. It came to a screeching halt this year when the external shock of the global financial crisis laid bare internal weaknesses of the companies operations."

JamaicaObserver.com : "A rejuvenated People's National Party (PNP) yesterday emerged from its 71st annual conference, declaring that the time had come for the PNP to rescue Jamaica from the 'recklessness of the Bruce Golding administration'. PNP President Portia Simpson Miller, in her address to the public session of the annual conference at the National Arena, slapped the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government for what she termed chaos and confusion in government, and blamed some of the country's woes on the reckless pre-election promises that the administration could not now deliver."

The Nassau Guardian "Guyana has received $15 million from the CARICOM petroleum fund, which will be used to reduce the gap between assets and liabilities relative to CLICO Guyana's investment in CLICO Bahamas."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "MERE HOURS after the Law Association issued a press release accusing Attorney General John Jeremie of “bringing the administration of justice into disrepute” in relation to Jeremie’s public criticisms of a sitting judge, the Prime Minister Patrick Manning-led People’s National Movement issued a press release calling the association “a bunch of political opportunists” and “political masqueraders”. The Association yesterday issued a release describing comments made by Jeremie in Parliament last week over the judge as “wrong in law”."

The Jamaica Star "A brazen woman who padded the Sunday dinner for an inmate at the Constant Spring Police Station with ganja, Rizzla (rolling paper) and a lighter ended up becoming a prisoner herself after police discovered the drug and paraphernalia and arrested her."

Jamaica Gleaner News "MARY BROWNsometimes doesn't know how she finds herself at the casino . An impulse or a force of some sort seems to pull her there. 'I'll leave work with the intention to go home and it's when I'm in the parking lot at the hotel that I realise where I am. It's almost like the car automatically takes me there,' she said. Over the years, Brown has lost millions in gambling, on many occasions, even betting away her mortgage and grocery money. 'The other night I lost $50,000, which was, honestly, for my mortgage, but I don't look at it as a loss. They're just holding it for me until I win it back, and I'm not going to stop until I win back every cent,' she declared."

JamaicaObserver.com : "ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC) - Sprint icon Usain Bolt was lauded by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer as he was given an official welcome following his arrival here Friday evening on private business. The Jamaican, who owns both sprint world records, was met by Spencer and Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack, after touching down at the VC Bird International Airport."

Nation News "THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) has recommended to the David Thompson administration that it raise Value Added Tax, reduce its wages bill, and sell off Government assets in an effort to rebound from the world recession. The report, released earlier this month, but not made public until now, also advises Government to improve its tax administration and broaden the country's tax base, so as to generate finance to the tune of one per cent of Barbados' gross domestic product (GDP)."

The Barbados Advocate : "BARBADOS economy is in peril and the Opposition is not ruling out Government entering some kind of programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to save the economy. Opposition Leader Mia Mottley told the media yesterday that the local economy was “one shock away from tipping point” with 4 200 jobs lost between January and June this year and the same period last year alone, while the island’s international reserves fell by a worrying $691 million between June last year and this year."

A 25 year old man of La Clery is the islands latest homicide victim. Sherick St. Rose was slain in Ciceron Castries Tuesday night.

Stabroek News "As the stink of rotting garbage continues to choke Georgetown’s residents, the government will hold talks with City Hall today, to see what assistance can be rendered and if PNCR leader Robert Corbin agrees to an Interim Management Committee (IMC) for Georgetown, this can be put in place “tomorrow”, President Bharrat Jagdeo said."

JamaicaObserver.com : "OCHO RIOS, St Ann - The St Ann police are optimistic that information from reported victims will help them to capture an alleged serial rapist who has been driving fear into women across the parish. According to the police, 11 cases of rape have been reported in the parish in the last five weeks alone, pushing the number of cases since the start of the year to 27."

Antigua Sun "'Nancy Lalanne, while she was biting me, she had her head going back and forth, you know, like when a pit bull bites you. You could see her teeth and her head was going back and forth,' is how Corporal Dee Dee Frederick recounted her ordeal at the hands of one of several American tourists who allegedly attacked and beat the police."

Nation News "ST ELIZABETH PRIMARY SCHOOL in St Joseph closed early yesterday after some staff and students complained of flu-like symptoms. Principal of the school, Cicely King, told the SATURDAY SUN that some of the children returned home around midday. The school will reopen on Monday."

EDGE Boston : "Reggae artist Buju Banton tours on despite pressure from GLBT groups who have rallied against Banton’s U.S. tour due to his song about killing gays, 'Boom Bye Bye.'"

eTurboNews.com : "At first glance, Cuba's business potential looks as pretty as its postcards: A nearly five-decades-long embargo has made the island just 90 miles from Florida's coast hungry for nearly every good and service a U.S. company might provide. But the flip side tells a different story about the most populous country in the Caribbean: that of a cash-strapped state with crumbling infrastructure and an economy in the stranglehold of an authoritarian government."

Taiwan News Online : "A judge in Jamaica has found three men guilty of killing the island's assistant police commissioner. Gilbert Kameka is the highest-ranking police officer to be killed in Jamaica. He was on duty when he was shot in November 2007. Judge Marva McIntosh says 26-year-old Massimassa Adams will likely be sentenced to death. He is accused of firing the fatal shots. An 18-year-old woman who testified she was having an affair with Kameka pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to rob him. At least seven police officers have been killed this year as Jamaica struggles with violent crime on the island of 2.8 million residents."

Bloomberg.com : "Sept. 19 (Bloomberg) -- R. Allen Stanford, the Texas financier accused of leading a $7 billion fraud, will be defended by some of Houston’s most talented lawyers at taxpayer expense. U.S. District Judge David Hittner in Houston assigned Stanford’s case to the local Federal Public Defender on Sept. 15, after finding Stanford had no money for lawyers. Two days later, the judge approved the addition of private practitioner Kent Schaffer, whose clients have included a congressman, a rap entrepreneur, professional athletes and a Hollywood star."

The Examiner "The murder of this handsome, debonair, charming and amusing man is one of many in this island nation which is also known as the murder capital of the world, with more than 1,600 killings a year. It is also condemned as a place where crimes against people who are gay, lesbian, trans and yes, bisexual, are commonplace and almost encouraged by the populace, and overlooked by authorities. Terry lived among the natives for more than 40 years and was dubbed an honorary Jamaican. He was concerned, and spoke out, about the anti-gay rhetoric spouted by reggae singer Buju Banton who sang gleefully about taking a machine gun and mowing down gay men and advocating throwing acid in their faces."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "Four men, including two Icacos fishermen, who have been missing since Sunday after a trip out at sea, are being held hostage in Venezuela. A ransom demand of US$10,000 has been made for their safe return, a relative of one of the missing men confirmed to Newsday yesterday."

Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday "CHIEF Justice Ivor Archie’s stinging condemnation of Government’s draft constitution was the talk of the town yesterday after his warning that the proposed measures threatens the independence of the Judiciary. A stunned Cabinet also discussed Archie’s strong statement, and is due to issue a response today."

Antigua Sun "'The defendants were violent; running, screaming and making a lot of noise,' recounted Sergeant James Clarke who gave evidence yesterday during the fifth day of the trial involving six American tourists. Dolores Lalanne, 25, Mike Pierre Paul, 24, 25-year-old Joshua Jackson, 24-year-old Shoshonnah Henry, Nancy Lalanne, 22, and Rachael Henry, 27, are accused of beating a number of police officers during an altercation at the St. John’s Police Station on 4 Sept."

Stabroek News "An army Board of Inquiry, set up to investigate the circumstances which led to the allegation of abduction and robbery against three former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) coast guardsmen, found the men to be “responsible” for the death of Bartica gold dealer Dweive Kant Ramdass."

Kaieteur News : "A crisis situation seems to be developing in the Magistrate’s Courts on the East Coast of Demerara following the resignation of Magistrate Yohhahnseh Cave."

Nation News "RYAN! Ryan! Ryan! Ryan! Ryan!! The cheers were deafening. The support brought on goose bumps. The Broken Trident stood steadfast yesterday, as Barbados turned a shy 21-year-old country boy from Hillaby, St Andrew, into a national sporting icon with a welcome-home party for the ages. He is this country's first and only world champion of track and field."

JamaicaObserver.com : "'For the Prime Minister to decide to bestow certain things on me, it must be for a good reason,' was Usain Bolt's reaction yesterday to being bestowed Jamaica's fourth highest honour - the Order of Jamaica (OJ)."

The Economist : "IT MAY have a laid-back image of reggae and Rastas, sun and sand. But for gays, Jamaica is closer to hell. The latest apparent victim of homophobia on the island was Britain’s honorary consul in Montego Bay, the tourist centre, strangled in bed at home on September 9th. A note denounced him as homosexual. Openly gay people must contend with the constant fear of violence. The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), a pressure group, reports 33 cases of serious injuries from mob attacks on gays in 18 months. Two female couples were attacked and raped by men in recent weeks. Many attacks go unreported, partly because police do not always investigate them. In court a murder charge is likely to be reduced to manslaughter if the victim was gay and the defendant claims provocation, as happened with the killer of an Anglican priest stabbed in his vicarage in 2006."

The Globe and Mail : "Lord Michael Taylor arrived at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto for the first time in his life this week and he likes what he sees. He'll like it even better if his horse, Daylight Express, wins the $1-million Woodbine Mile on Sunday in his first race outside his home country, Barbados."

JamaicaObserver.com : "THE Cuban light bulb trial involving former junior energy minister Kern Spencer and his assistant Coleen Wright was again stalled in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. The trial was adjourned until September 28, to allow the prosecution time to peruse, and disclose to the defence, new information that it said came to its attention between Tuesday and yesterday."