Deejay Flippa Mafia indicted on drug charges in US

• Could face 25 years to life in prison

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Deejay 'Flippa Mafia' and his brother Kemar Davis were among 15 people indicted by a state grand jury on Friday in connection with an international drug ring that used the postal service and other delivery services to ship cocaine from California to New Jersey.

According to The Times of Trenton, authorities say the drug ring was run by Flippa Mafia, whose given name is Andrew Davis, and his brother.

The investigation that led to these indictments, “Operation Next Day Air”, The Times of Trenton reports, began in March 2011 and uncovered that Flippa Mafia and his brother were leading the large-scale operation from various locations in Jamaica and New Jersey, the state Attorney General’s Office said on Friday.

The scheme was discovered after authorities intercepted a shipment from a mail facility in Evesham allegedly destined for Flippa Mafia and Marsha Bernard of Cherry Hill, The Times of Trenton reports.

“When detectives intercepted eight kilos of cocaine at the start of this investigation, they didn’t jump to make arrests and tout a major drug seizure,” said Elie Honig, director of the state Division of Criminal Justice. “Instead, they stepped back and built a far-reaching case that took down all of the key players in this drug syndicate.”

The Times of Trenton also reports that according to authorities, more than 26 kilogrammes of cocaine, worth approximately US$780,000, two handguns and US$600,000 cash were seized as part of the operation.

The state Attorney General’s Office will prosecute those indicted.

The newspaper also reports that according to the office, Flippa Mafia and his brother face first-degree charges of leading a narcotics trafficking network. If convicted, both men could face sentences of 25 years to life in prison.

The other defendants in this case face charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and money laundering.

I-Octane rocks Christmas shows home and abroad

After two stellar performances in Jamaica at GT Taylor's Christmas Extravaganza in St Elizabeth on December 25 and Cream of the Crop at the Cruise Ship Pier in Ocho Rios on December 28, Digicel/Busta brand ambassador I-Octane left the island for two shows in Guyana.

The first show, held on December 31 in Linden, at the Wisrock Bus Park, saw more than 4000 patrons coming out to see his performance.

At 11:30 p.m., the artiste stormed the stage with Buss a Blank, Nah Wash, Badmind Dem A Pree, My Story, and others hits. The high energy was maintained throughout his set, but when he performed crowd favourites like My Life and L.O.V.E. Y.O.U., his performance soared to another level.

Fellow artiste, Versatile, entered the stage halfway through Octane's set and performed two songs before leaving Octane to lament, Gal a Gimmi Bun, Puff It and I A Cry before closing the show and his high-energy 50-minute set withJah Jah.

Not long after wrapping up that show was Octane back onstage at a second event on New Year's Day in George Town at the national stadium car park. Here, he performed to a crowd of more than 30,000 strong.

I-Octane proved the perfect balm for the rainy conditions. Buss a Blank sent the crowd into a frenzy, and was a sign of things to come as the deejay delivered a set worthy of his name.

Again, Octane gave fans a double treat when he introduced Versatile to the stage for their collaboration, Anything We A Eat. The latter also performed his song Nah Go Be Ungrateful.

Octane later closed his hour-long set with Jah Jah.

Ruff Kutt was the backing band for both shows, and both events were sponsored by Banks Beer Guyana.

Tessanne Chin’s crucial next steps

Voice winner mustn’t burn bright for a minute, to be extinguished the next — Kingsley Cooper

Kingston Jamaica - SUPERSTARDOM for Tessanne Chin should mean lasting financial success. But for that to be achieved, every aspect of her career must be well planned and managed so that her development and output are sustainable and optimised.

This is the view of Kingsley Cooper, chairman of Jamaica's Entertainment Advisory Board and executive chairman of Pulse Investments Ltd who was asked by the Jamaica Observer to suggest what should be the next steps for the Season Five winner of NBC's The Voice.

Following is the full text of Cooper's analysis:

As Tessanne moves to parlay her Voice triumph into an internationally successful recording and performing career, and having been asked what her next steps ought to be, I'll add a few thoughts to the conversation. However, I should first make it clear that I am not a part of her management, neither am I privy to the terms of her contract with The Voice, or indeed, any previously executed agreements that are still in force.

My comments are therefore made in general terms, and on the assumption that Tessanne is able to make objective "best decisions", without the confines of contractual obligations which may not always allow her to do so.

As brilliantly as Tessanne sings, and as emotional an effect as her performance has on listeners, her career is first and foremost a business. She can't afford to burn bright for a minute, only to be extinguished the next. Every aspect of her career must be well planned and managed so that her development and output is sustainable and optimised. Superstardom should mean lasting financial success. This will enable her to fund those aspects of her career that she might be required to, or might choose to fund.

Financial success also contributes greatly to artistic success, as it will make her as independent an entertainer as one can be, and provide the resources to expand her career into the Tessanne mega brand — from music to merchandising to franchising and everything in-between. All of this is possible and with her natural charm, temperament and intelligence, she has a better chance than most to achieve it.

However, to do this, Tessanne needs to have the best people that she can find around her, handling her business. While she has to honour the terms of her Voice contract, she should be careful about all future agreements that she executes. The terms should be appropriate and should be part of the master plan for her career. She has to be prepared to be guided by the key members of her team, but, I suspect, she is smart enough to make good decisions herself. Fortunately, she also has a strong and dedicated family structure which will provide additional support — support she can trust. She also has an existing management team that has contributed to her success thus far.

Relationship with Adam Levine should be cemented

Another key resource is Adam Levine. He is obviously a major fan, and for good reason. His work with her on The Voice brought out her finest skills and together they made impeccable musical choices. That is a relationship that should be cemented, if at all possible. A number of critical decisions must be made — what songs should her first album contain? How much original material? How many covers? Should she write her own material or should songs be written for her? How much will her new work reflect the factors that made her successful on The Voice, and how much of a departure should there be from same? Who will produce her new material? Which will be her long term record label? These are all questions that Levine (and those team members currently around her) could help to answer and generally provide guidance on.

Tessanne is also of the new technological age. Her impact on social media was amazing during The Voice. She has to fully capitalise on that resource as well. Combined with her global goodwill, social media will no doubt be used to dramatically enhance her success. Tessanne is clearly gifted as a singer, but her crucial 'X factor', that special indefinable quality that makes someone a superstar, is to be found in her "likability" quotient — that endearing charm that is fresh, genuinely honest and down to earth. She has to remain that way and use it to maximum effect.

Now that Tessanne is a big success she will have a lot of offers for all kinds of services. She has to choose carefully, as the adulation will turn to indifference — if she doesn't deliver going forward. As they say in the music business, "you are as good as your last record".

Boom show from I-Octane

I-OCTANE

Romain Virgo

Kingston, Jamaica - AS the curtains came down on the 13th staging of the GT Taylor Boom Christmas Extravaganza at Independence Park in St Elizabeth, closing act I-Octane proved the perfect balm for the chilly conditions.

Buss a Blank, which sent the crowd into a frenzy, was a sign of things to come as the deejay delivered a set worthy of his name. He maintained the momentum with My Life, Bad Mind Dem A Pree and My Story.

It was twice the fun when I-Octane called Versatile on stage for their combination Anything We A Eat. The latter also performed his song Nah Go Be Ungrateful.

Although there were other strong performances, I-Octane's stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Singer Romain Virgo worked his heart out and got fans blowing away on their vuvuzelas. Other commendable performances came from Admiral Tibet, Jah Bouks, Ginjah, upcoming artiste I-Noah, Assassin, Bounty Killer Sizzla and Chuck Fenda.

Louie Culture, after performing old favourites such as Gangalee and Old Before Dem Young, had some economic advice for the government.

"Jamaica borrow IMF (International Monitory Fund) money, a we haffi pay that back. We have the highest grade product that can help pay off the debt. Legalise the herb," he declared, before going into his single of the same name.

St Mary 'brothers' Capleton and Ninjaman were also winners, both spewing fiery lyrics. Always controversial, Ninjaman also took on the role of adviser to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

"Sista P, look how long mi hear 'bout JEEP (Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme) an' all now mi caan even si di tyre!" which triggered another round of blaring vuvuzelas.

The latest edition of Irie FM disc jockey G T Taylor's show drew a solid turnout. Part proceeds will go to charities in St Elizabeth.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

.Source - jamaicaobserver.com

Cream of the Crop for Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The people of Ocho Rios, St Ann, and its environs, wi

ll have at least one item on this Christmas wish list granted this year: a high quality live entertainment show in the resort town.

St Ann, Jamaica - This year, courtesy of Purple Skunkz Entertainment, the town will host 'Cream of the Crop' which is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Cruise Ship Pier. Some five major acts are billed to perform along with several supporting acts.

Jah Cure, Romain Virgo, I-Octane, Mavado and Chronixx are the headlining acts. Supporting acts include Kabaka Pyramid, Dre Island, Kelissa, Keznandi, Jah Bouks, Iba Mahr and Nature.

The Purple Skunkz Entertainment team comprises Wayne 'DJ Wayne' Morris, Ainsworth 'Big A' Higgins, and DJ Smurf. Each has years of experience in event and show promotion.

Ainsworth Higgins, co-promoter of the event, believes that 'Cream of the Crop' has the high-powered line-up and the formula to be a roaring success.

"As the name suggests, this show is designed to showcase the artistes who are among the best and at the top of their game. Each artiste was carefully considered before being chosen, and had to satisfy the criteria of currency, catalogue, performance (stage) and professionalism," Higgins said.

The event is geared at residents of Ocho Rios and surrounding areas, as well as visitors who usually converge on the tourist resort area during the festive season. In recent years, there has been a departure of a number of well-known events that has left a void on the entertainment calendar, with residents having little choices for entertainment.

The Cruise Ship Pier will create the perfect ambience and infrastructure to host this high-class entertainment event because it is centrally located and is within walking distance from a number of adjoining neighbourhoods. The pier has also had a long history of successful events.

Come Saturday, patrons can expect a first-class event with high-energy performances. Special attention will also be paid to the tight security measures that will also be in place to ensure the safety of patrons.

MAVADO MAGIC

BY LEIGH-ANN WORRELL | MON, DECEMBER 09, 2013 - 12:05 AM

Barbados - The fifth edition of the Hennessy Artistry show was served up, straight, no chaser at Kensington Oval on Saturday night.

Headline act Mavado treated the audience to his slew of hits, spanning earlier tunes like Top Shotta Nuh Miss and Gal A Mad Ova to the more recent March Out, Can’t Happen and Million Dollar Man.

Coming to the stage just after 2 on Sunday morning, the "Gully God" made sure there was something sweet for the ladies and the hardcore tunes for the men during his hour on stage.

Mavado was preceded by the “Royal Family of Reggae” Morgan Heritage.

With lilting melodies and strong vocals, the band sent the thousands in the crowd swaying to the sounds of Best Friend, Down By The River, Don’t Haffi Dread before rounding off with a Perfect Love Song.

Lead vocalist Peter Peetah Morgan also allowed the deep tones of his brother Gramps Morgan to take centre stage during the hour-long set.

Morgan Heritage also sang the praises of the late South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday after a prolonged illness.

I-Octane was another favourite for the night, his contribution was filled with messages against domestic violence and remembering those who died with songs like Lose A Friend.

The energetic Jamaican star would Go Hard, but still found the time to praise the contribution of single mothers through Mama You Alone.

Still very much of a lover, I-Octane also spent more than ten minutes of his set serenading a special birthday girl, dedicating L.O.V.E You to the smiling fan.

Junior Kelly was also a sweet success on the night, blessing the stage withBlaze and Sunshine.

Even though he was not well known, Richie Campbell, a reggae singer from Portugal, made a good impression on the notoriously hard-to-please Barbadian crowd. Propelled by a seemingly never-ending store of energy, Campbell got his audience to sing.

Local band NexCyx prepared the Kensington Oval stage, while local DJ acts entertained between sets during the six-hour event.

Source: nationnews.com

Blood at Kartel’s home

But forensic analyst says DNA didn’t match uncle of ‘Lizard’

BY PAUL HENRY Crime/Court Co-ordinator henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Vybz Kartel

Kingston Jamaica - GOVERNMENT forensic analyst Sharon Bryson testified in the Vybz Kartel murder trial yesterday that blood, believed to be that of a male, was found at the entertainer’s house.

However, she testified that DNA analysis of the blood did not match that of the uncle of the man the prosecution believed to have been murdered.

Bryson gave the evidence during her examination-in-chief that blood, believed to be that of victim Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, was taken from the Havendale, St Andrew, house and that a swab was done of Williams’ uncle for DNA.

“The DNA did not match that of the uncle,” Bryson told the court. Asked by lead prosecutor Jeremy Taylor what could account for the failure to match DNA, Bryson said Williams’ uncle may be from his mother’s side of the family.

Under cross-examination by defence attorney Tom Tavares- Finson, who appears with Chris Tavares-Finson for Kartel, Bryson said she was unable to say that the blood taken from the house was that of Williams.

“If it was said that the blood of Clive Williams was found at the house at Swallowfield Avenue, that would not have come from you?”

“No, sir,” said Bryson.

“If the police say blood of Williams was found at Vybz Kartel’s house, that wouldn’t have come from you?”

“No, sir,” was her response.

Under cross-examination by another defence attorney, Michael Lorne, who, along with Susan Dodd, appears for Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Bryson said the police had brought the uncle to her for a sample to be taken for DNA analysis.

She said other samples that were taken from the house were tested, but no match to Williams was found.

Vybz Kartel (real name Adidja Palmer), Campbell, Kahira Jones, Andre St John, and Shane Williams are on trial for the murder of Clive Williams on August 16, 2011.

A body has not been found but the prosecution believes that Williams was beaten to death over the disappearance of two guns.

Yesterday, Corporal Shawn Howard of the police’s Communication Forensic and Cybercrime Unit testified to getting a number of cellular phones, a notebook computer, a USB flash drive, and laptop on October 3, 2011, which he logged in the register.

Cross-examined by Lorne, he said that he was aware that in some instances the law required that a warrant be obtained before a confiscated cellphone could be searched. He, however, said that he didn’t obtain a warrant to do so.

Howard also said that he didn’t ascertain if a warrant was obtained for the confiscation of the items in the first place.

In response to questions posed by attorney Pierre Rogers (Jones’ attorney), Howard said that no civilian worked at the Cybercrime Unit at the time he got the items, and that only police officers conduct analysis of exhibits.

“There are no civilians to check the police finding?” Rogers asked.

“No, sir,” Howard said.

Crossed by Tavares-Finson, Howard said there was no way of telling the ownership of the phones if the investigator didn’t put the names of the owners on them

Source: jamaicaobserver.com