Friday, January 23, 2015 | 4:56 PM
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Lloyd Bogle has received a visa to return to England.
The 64-year-old Jamaican, who has been living in England for the past 54 years, has been stranded in the island since October 2014.
He will now be able to return to England.
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HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — Jamaican Stephen Allen, a 34-year-old Bermuda-based policeman, celebrated a second success at the Bermuda Marathon Weekend by winning Sunday’s half-marathon after edging out Jay Donawa, another local runner.
Allen, who won the local men’s mile race on Friday night, and Donawa, 42, decided to share the glory.
Allen and Donawa ran side by side for almost all of the 13.1 miles in the absence of any elite runners, with Donawa helping push Allen to a personal best (PB) time of one hour, 12 minutes and 33 seconds.
The pair linked hands as they approached the final straight on Front Street, only splitting moments before reaching the tape, with Allen declared the winner, although the pair recorded the same times.
“It doesn’t really matter about the winning,” Allen said afterwards. “We both did well and ran together from start to finish, working as a team.
“I was great to get a PB and I always look forward to this event. I won the local Front Street mile, had a PB and two victories — it’s been a really good weekend for me.”
Added Donawa: “We pretty much worked together as there weren’t any elite half-marathon runners to push us.
“We had to help each other and I was actually able to pull Stephen to a personal best time. I think somewhere along the way I went through a bad patch, and having him there gave me a lift. If I’d been by myself I would have backed off.”
Bryan Huberty of Miami followed up his Fairmont to Fairmont Road Race win in Bermuda last weekend with a third-place finish in the half-marathon, crossing the line in 1:14.47.
Heather Kampf, 28, of Minnesota, completed a trio of race weekend victories after finishing as the first woman in the half-marathon in 1:18.05, having won the elite women’s mile on Friday night and the 10-kilometre women’s race the following day.
Late entry Benjamin Meto, of Kenya, won Sunday’s full marathon race at the first attempt to cap an impressive Bermuda Marathon Weekend debut — 40 years after the first international marathon was staged here.
Meto romped to victory in two hours, 28 minutes and 20 seconds to add to his triumph in Saturday’s 10K and deny his compatriot and training partner Richard Kessio a third straight victory. Kessio came second in the 26.2-mile race in 2:30.01.
The two Mexico-based runners ran side by side for nearly 14 miles before Meto made the decisive break.
Canadian Wesley Banks was third in 2:57.28.
Olympic cyclist Lyne Bessette, of Canada, claimed the women’s marathon title in 3:10.17 after finishing seventh overall.
Finishing second behind Bessette was compatriot and 2011 winner Stephanie Hodge, who was ninth overall in 3:16.45.
Rounding off the top three in the women’s division was Laura Wright, who was also the first local female to finish, in a personal best time of 3:31.44.
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Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 11:27 AM
NEW YORK (CMC) – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it has detained a passenger arriving at the John F Kennedy International Airport for trying to smuggle 2.5 pounds of cocaine into the United States.
CBP said that Chevelle Rusheen Nesbeth, who boarded a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica, tried to smuggle the drugs in the handrails of her suitcase.
“Fortunately, US Customs and Border Protection officers were there to derail her attempt,” the CBP said in a statement.
It said during the course of the inspection, CBP officers felt an “unusually dense hand rail in each suitcase.
“Ms Nesbeth was escorted to a private search room where CBP officers probed the hand rails and discovered a white powdery substance which tested positive for cocaine,” it said.
CBP said Nesbeth was arrested for the importation of a controlled substance and was turned over to US Homeland Security Investigations.
The total weight of cocaine seized was about 2.5 lbs. with an approximate street value of more than US$45,000, CBP said.
“This latest seizure demonstrates the vigilance of our CBP officers, and their excellence in detecting those who would try to smuggle these illegal substances,” said Robert E Perez, director, Field Operations New York.
He said Nesbeth now faces US federal narcotics smuggling charges and will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in the US Eastern District Court of New York.
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The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) has revised the performance of the country’s manufacturing sector, saying it grew four per cent, as against earlier estimates that it declined by one per cent.
Statin says the performance was due to the sector benefiting from strong growth in sugar production and petroleum refining.
Sugar production in the second quarter was more than double its output last year, while petroleum refining was up 26 per cent.
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The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) has revised the performance of the country’s manufacturing sector, saying it grew four per cent, as against earlier estimates that it declined by one per cent.
Statin says the performance was due to the sector benefiting from strong growth in sugar production and petroleum refining.
Sugar production in the second quarter was more than double its output last year, while petroleum refining was up 26 per cent.
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Saturday, September 27, 2014 | 5:09 PM
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has denied that police officers were involved in the recent killing of three people, including a Jamaican, in Laventille, Port of Spain.
Since the incident, the Laventille community has been in a state of unrest and the police have called on the government to consider a state of emergency in the area, according to the Trinidad Express newspaper.
The uproar in the area began when an unknown group of heavily armed men reportedly opened fire on the Besson Street Police Station about 10 pm Thursday, shortly after an alleged gang leader, Dillon “Bandy” Skeete, was killed.
According to Williams, Skeete was one of three people who were killed following a shooting incident along Desperlie Crescent, Laventille. The other two men have been identified as Tremin Thomas of Jamaica and Joel Tash.
When the Express visited Desperlie Crescent yesterday, residents described the killing of the three men as “an execution” and they believed that law enforcement officers were the persons responsible.
“The preliminary investigations that we have conducted clearly points to the fact that the persons involved are not law enforcement,” Williams said at a press briefing yesterday.
He said investigations will proceed with “an open mind”.?
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Starting next month, Jamaican mango exporters will be able to send their fruit to the United States. This follows a recent decision by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Shipments will be allowed after October 20; however, the fruit will have to be produced free of pests.
It’s expected that Jamaica will send 261 metric tons to the US, or less than one percent of the country’s mango imports.
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Reggae dacehall artiste Fabigeez recently released his latest single You A Di Man on the Reggae Land rhythm produced by Street Digital Records.
The single has been garnering some attention locally and regionally in Barbados and Canada. A video for the single has since been released on YouTube and will be aired on local television in coming weeks.
Fabigeez, originally from the parish of St Mary but now based in Toronto, Canada, strives to maintain his Jamaican heritage, as he keeps in tact his zeal to produce authentic reggae and dancehall singles.
He has built, cemented and maintained his ties with local artistes and producers and as such has produced tracks such as Feel Your Pain, Drop It Gyal, Fresh And Neat and Dem A Pree, featuring popular local artiste Tidal, Fabigeez’s younger brother. The artistes has also collaborated with international artiste Ruby Black for Gotta Make The Money.
“I am very proud of my Jamaican heritage, so anywhere I am, and in every aspect of my life, I will be flying the Jamaican flag high, and my music will reflect this, as I’ll never dilute my potent Jamaican sound or lyrics to suit anyone. I get good responses here in Canada and Jamaica, as everyone respects authentic Jamaican music,” he said.
He has shared stages with artistes such as Beenie Man, Sizzla and Tidal, to name a few.You can visit www.facebook.com/ Fabigeez, or www.youtube.com/Street Digital Records to watch the video for You A Di Man, which is also available on iTunes.
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A disabled Jamaican who was found in possession of just over 15 pounds of ganja hidden in his wheelchair at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago, managed to escape jail time in the country recently, THE STAR has learnt.
Charged with marijuana trafficking is 33-year-old Kevon Francis who pleaded guilty to the offence. He was reportedly placed on a bond to keep the peace for two years following his guilty plea. The accused also pleaded guilty to two additional charges for importing an illegal substance and failing to declare the narcotics on his customs declaration form.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, the attorney representing the accused man submitted that prison authorities would not be able to properly care for her client as his medical condition worsened during his two-and-a-half year stay at a correctional facility in the country.
It was revealed that the accused man was kept in unsanitary conditions, was forced to stay in his disposable diaper for days and was only allowed to bathe once a week, with the assistance of fellow inmates.
The accused man’s lawyer claimed that her client was remorseful for committing the offence, as he had claimed to smuggle the illicit substance out of sheer desperation, making attempts to earn money for his family in his mother country.
Francis reportedly admitted to accepting approximately J$35,000 from a drug smuggler to carry out the activity.
He is to be deported to Jamaica in weeks to come.
Jermaine Barnaby
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File – Paul ‘Tu-Lox’ Gaynor (right), Patrick ‘Curly Lox’ Gaynor left) and and Bruce Hart stand beside the big screen shortly before one of the showings of Ching Pow: Far East Yardies.
Curtis Campbell, Staff Reporter
In a few years time, according tothe movie ‘Ching Pow: Far East Yardies’, many Jamaicans will have to migrate to the Far East Japan because it will be the only country willing to accept us after our economy has fallen.
The migration of Jamaicans to the Far East will merge cultures, which brings us to Ching Pow, a movie in which Japanese speak Jamaican Creole and are responsive to Jamaican experiences in similar fashion.
The work of Twin of Twins’ usually covers dancehall culture and truthfully it would have been awkward if Ching Pow didn’t. Japan also happens to be one of dancehall’s biggest markets for dancehall music,and have given birth to several Japanese dancehall artistes, who like the characters in Ching Pow, appear to be ignorant to the English Language, but can recite Patios effortlessly, especially the Jamaican curse words which are gradually becoming universal due to its presence in Jamaican music.
The film is basically a remake of 1980s trilogy Ninja Death which was originally set in Taiwan, therefore there are no images of Jamaica. What the production guru Bruce Hart and Twin of Twins managed to do, was to forge ideas to tell an old story from a refreshing Jamaican perspective, in the process giving new life to an antique film. The artistes and producer use colourful characters and language to paint a picture that hundreds of patrons turned out at Theatre Place to criticise, analyse and enjoy recently.
public figures
The characters are all familiar voices of public figures and musicians, as Twin of Twins, though credited as the stars, still managed to share the spotlight with others by way of utilising their unique vocals as voice overs. For example, recording artiste Round Head had no role in the film, however his vocal sound was the voice of Ching Pow’s leading character First Born.
Other notable voices were those of Ian Boyne, Reneto Adams, Mutabaruka as Bad Muta and Bob Marley as Master Bob. Arguably the Twins were on point with their character selection and the voices used to represent them, it made perfect sense that Bob Marley’s sound was used as the inspirational leader who wanted to guide his people in the right path and Reneto Adams’ sound was used to represent a fierce warrior.
editing error
Never mind that the lips of the actors were out of sync with the raw Jamaican patios in most instances, after all this was a ‘kickers’. For those who are ignorant to what those type of films offered in the ’80s and ’90s, many were out of sync with the English language because they were originally filmed to target an Asian audience, but were later translated so that the material can be understood by the western market. This history and reputation worked in the favour of Ching Pow, as Twin of Twins and Bruce Hart, were able to tell their story, without fear of criticism that there was a grave editing error which caused the lips to be out of sync … because this is norm and standard for films of this nature and history backs that analogy.
The film will be frowned upon by many because of its language, some will also grapple with the storyline which in some instances might be offensive to a particular group of people. However, any hardcore fan of dancehall music and Twin of Twins will appreciate the concept. The film is rated using a self imposed measuring stick ‘No Pickney’ by Twin of Twins. This means it is only to be viewed by adults.
Patrick Gaynor of the duo perhaps said it best in a previous Gleaner interview, when asked if he was worried about backlash for the content of film. “If you are a fan you will go out and watch it, it is genuine Jamaican entertainment, not the generic crap, Twin of Twins represents real Jamaican entertainment and that is what we do,” he toldThe WEEKEND STAR after the effort joined a long list of locally-produced films snubbed by Palace Amusement.
Despite the fact that some critics will be upset about the language and explicit messages, ironically it would appear that much of the humour from the comedic film came from scenes in which the usage of Patois and Jamaican curse words were at peak. Jamaicans have always found it amusing to see Caucasians and Asians trying to speak patois, especially when they opt to spew the popular curse words.
colourful patois
Well Ching Pow was an hour filled with that ironic yet amusing image, and judging by the loud laughs in the theatre, the Jamaicans who turned out enjoyed every bit of the concept. After all this is the only film in which you will see a character channelling the vocals of Bob Marley under the skin of an Asian karate expert and spewing some colourful Patois and curse words.
Fans of Twin of Twins’ Stir it Up series will hardly find complaints about the film. However there is a lot to be critical about if persons are not fans and simply wanted to watch a regular movie. Critics, who are not fans of the Twins’ work, will most likely complain about the extensive use of curse words and the homophobic behaviours of some of the characters. But what could one expect of a film that toys with the culture of Jamaican music and its personalities. For the target audience, Ching Pow, is good dancehall comedy.
positive themes
Despite the comedic elements, the film pays attention to positive themes of loyalty, determination and self belief. Bob Marley’s voice was used as the medium through which much of the positive messages were sent, and this may, or may not have been the initial intention of the Twins and Bruce Hart. However, imitating Marley’s voice to send positive messages, gave the viewers the feeling as if the production team was paying respect to the late reggae icon, or validating the idea that he was indeed a freedom fighter and a positive role model.
“With confidence the battle is won before it begins,” was one of notable quotes said by the Twins while impersonating the voice of Bob Marley.
With American movies dominating the viewership in Jamaica at present, this might be the first Jamaican and Karate movie to become viral in many years. The CD will not be released until the Twins have finished touring several parishes and airing the film personally, understandably since Twin of Twins have suffered at the hands of bootleggers, arguably more than any other local artiste, each time they release a new project.
The film has temporarily given life to the Jamaican appreciation of 80s and 90s Karate films, only because of its unique story line and the language, temporarily, because contemporary movie goers will only be attracted to vague karate stunts, poor quality picture and outdated sound effects for so long. Movie goers will only make this exception for Twin of Twins and Ching Pow: Far East Yardies.
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%5CABS%5CAuto%20Blog%20Samurai%5Cdata%5Cjam%5Cent%5CNewsS1602_1_PL2TWCHINGPAM.jpg)
File – Paul ‘Tu-Lox’ Gaynor (right), Patrick ‘Curly Lox’ Gaynor left) and and Bruce Hart stand beside the big screen shortly before one of the showings of Ching Pow: Far East Yardies.
Curtis Campbell, Staff Reporter
In a few years time, according tothe movie ‘Ching Pow: Far East Yardies’, many Jamaicans will have to migrate to the Far East Japan because it will be the only country willing to accept us after our economy has fallen.
The migration of Jamaicans to the Far East will merge cultures, which brings us to Ching Pow, a movie in which Japanese speak Jamaican Creole and are responsive to Jamaican experiences in similar fashion.
The work of Twin of Twins’ usually covers dancehall culture and truthfully it would have been awkward if Ching Pow didn’t. Japan also happens to be one of dancehall’s biggest markets for dancehall music,and have given birth to several Japanese dancehall artistes, who like the characters in Ching Pow, appear to be ignorant to the English Language, but can recite Patios effortlessly, especially the Jamaican curse words which are gradually becoming universal due to its presence in Jamaican music.
The film is basically a remake of 1980s trilogy Ninja Death which was originally set in Taiwan, therefore there are no images of Jamaica. What the production guru Bruce Hart and Twin of Twins managed to do, was to forge ideas to tell an old story from a refreshing Jamaican perspective, in the process giving new life to an antique film. The artistes and producer use colourful characters and language to paint a picture that hundreds of patrons turned out at Theatre Place to criticise, analyse and enjoy recently.
public figures
The characters are all familiar voices of public figures and musicians, as Twin of Twins, though credited as the stars, still managed to share the spotlight with others by way of utilising their unique vocals as voice overs. For example, recording artiste Round Head had no role in the film, however his vocal sound was the voice of Ching Pow’s leading character First Born.
Other notable voices were those of Ian Boyne, Reneto Adams, Mutabaruka as Bad Muta and Bob Marley as Master Bob. Arguably the Twins were on point with their character selection and the voices used to represent them, it made perfect sense that Bob Marley’s sound was used as the inspirational leader who wanted to guide his people in the right path and Reneto Adams’ sound was used to represent a fierce warrior.
editing error
Never mind that the lips of the actors were out of sync with the raw Jamaican patios in most instances, after all this was a ‘kickers’. For those who are ignorant to what those type of films offered in the ’80s and ’90s, many were out of sync with the English language because they were originally filmed to target an Asian audience, but were later translated so that the material can be understood by the western market. This history and reputation worked in the favour of Ching Pow, as Twin of Twins and Bruce Hart, were able to tell their story, without fear of criticism that there was a grave editing error which caused the lips to be out of sync … because this is norm and standard for films of this nature and history backs that analogy.
The film will be frowned upon by many because of its language, some will also grapple with the storyline which in some instances might be offensive to a particular group of people. However, any hardcore fan of dancehall music and Twin of Twins will appreciate the concept. The film is rated using a self imposed measuring stick ‘No Pickney’ by Twin of Twins. This means it is only to be viewed by adults.
Patrick Gaynor of the duo perhaps said it best in a previous Gleaner interview, when asked if he was worried about backlash for the content of film. “If you are a fan you will go out and watch it, it is genuine Jamaican entertainment, not the generic crap, Twin of Twins represents real Jamaican entertainment and that is what we do,” he toldThe WEEKEND STAR after the effort joined a long list of locally-produced films snubbed by Palace Amusement.
Despite the fact that some critics will be upset about the language and explicit messages, ironically it would appear that much of the humour from the comedic film came from scenes in which the usage of Patois and Jamaican curse words were at peak. Jamaicans have always found it amusing to see Caucasians and Asians trying to speak patois, especially when they opt to spew the popular curse words.
colourful patois
Well Ching Pow was an hour filled with that ironic yet amusing image, and judging by the loud laughs in the theatre, the Jamaicans who turned out enjoyed every bit of the concept. After all this is the only film in which you will see a character channelling the vocals of Bob Marley under the skin of an Asian karate expert and spewing some colourful Patois and curse words.
Fans of Twin of Twins’ Stir it Up series will hardly find complaints about the film. However there is a lot to be critical about if persons are not fans and simply wanted to watch a regular movie. Critics, who are not fans of the Twins’ work, will most likely complain about the extensive use of curse words and the homophobic behaviours of some of the characters. But what could one expect of a film that toys with the culture of Jamaican music and its personalities. For the target audience, Ching Pow, is good dancehall comedy.
positive themes
Despite the comedic elements, the film pays attention to positive themes of loyalty, determination and self belief. Bob Marley’s voice was used as the medium through which much of the positive messages were sent, and this may, or may not have been the initial intention of the Twins and Bruce Hart. However, imitating Marley’s voice to send positive messages, gave the viewers the feeling as if the production team was paying respect to the late reggae icon, or validating the idea that he was indeed a freedom fighter and a positive role model.
“With confidence the battle is won before it begins,” was one of notable quotes said by the Twins while impersonating the voice of Bob Marley.
With American movies dominating the viewership in Jamaica at present, this might be the first Jamaican and Karate movie to become viral in many years. The CD will not be released until the Twins have finished touring several parishes and airing the film personally, understandably since Twin of Twins have suffered at the hands of bootleggers, arguably more than any other local artiste, each time they release a new project.
The film has temporarily given life to the Jamaican appreciation of 80s and 90s Karate films, only because of its unique story line and the language, temporarily, because contemporary movie goers will only be attracted to vague karate stunts, poor quality picture and outdated sound effects for so long. Movie goers will only make this exception for Twin of Twins and Ching Pow: Far East Yardies.
View the original article here
Jamaican businessman and philanthropist Raymond Chang died in Canada on Sunday. Chang, who was conferred with the Order of Jamaica in 2011, was ailing for some time.
He went to Canada in 1967 to study engineering at the University of Toronto. He became chairman of CI Financial, one of Canada’s largest investment fund and publicly traded companies.
Chang was also a member of the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation and served on the Ryerson University Board of Governors.
Over the years, he became recognised for his outstanding contribution as a business leader and philanthropist in the financial, health, education and cultural sectors. He made numerous donations to his alma mater, St. George’s College, and provided jobs for a number of immigrants, many of them Jamaicans.
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Taylor,46,who was found guilty of murder on May 22, will serve 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Coudray-Greaves, 39, was due to start a teaching job in the western city of Montego Bay, when she went missing after returning from a trip to Trinidad on June 2, 2012.
Taylor, who provided her with taxi service, was arrested shortly after her burnt remains were found in cane field on the outskirts of Montego Bay. Forensic science was used to determine her identity.
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The Jamaica Public Service Company, the country’s sole electricity distributor, is projecting that a new pre-paid billing system will be available island-wide by year end. The system allows customers to pay a set price for a fixed period of service.
The programme has started, on a pilot basis, in Portmore, a large urban community just outside the capital city, Kingston.
Kelly Tomblin, CEO of JPS, explained on RJR’s “Beyond the Headlines” on Tuesday that the company will use information from the pilot project to prepare for the island-wide expansion.
“We wanted to get in and piloted before our Customer Information System upgrade,” she explained.
Expressing excitement about the initiative, Tomblin said, with the customer being in charge of how much electricity to use on a pre-paid basis, it would put customers “in charge” and no longer at risk of being disconnected by the JPS for failure to pay their bills.
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The Jamaica Public Service Company, the country’s sole electricity distributor, is projecting that a new pre-paid billing system will be available island-wide by year end. The system allows customers to pay a set price for a fixed period of service.
The programme has started, on a pilot basis, in Portmore, a large urban community just outside the capital city, Kingston.
Kelly Tomblin, CEO of JPS, explained on RJR’s “Beyond the Headlines” on Tuesday that the company will use information from the pilot project to prepare for the island-wide expansion.
“We wanted to get in and piloted before our Customer Information System upgrade,” she explained.
Expressing excitement about the initiative, Tomblin said, with the customer being in charge of how much electricity to use on a pre-paid basis, it would put customers “in charge” and no longer at risk of being disconnected by the JPS for failure to pay their bills.
View the original article here
The Government of Jamaica has announced that it will bring regulation to Internet Gaming in Jamaica as it seeks to earn revenues from the source.
Horace Dalley, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance, making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, affirmed that the government would make every effort to bring regulation to the sector over the next twelve months. He told the House that studies show that Internet Gaming generates more than US$20 billion in worldwide revenue, with the potential to grow even further.
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Two time Olympian Andrew Riley was a winner at an international athletics meeting in Hungary on Tuesday.
Riley sped to 13.49 seconds to win the men’s sprint hurdles.
Simone Facey was the next best placed Jamaican clocking 11.41 secs for 2nd in the women’s 100 meters behind American Tianna Bartoletta 11.35 secs. Schillionie Calvert was 3rd in 11.51.
Michael Frater 10.60 was 6th in the men’s 100 meters which was won by Kim Collins of St Kitts & Nevis in 10.31.
Shericka Williams, the 2008 Olympic silver medalist was 3rd in the women’s 400 meters after clocking 52.44 behind Nigerian winner Regina George 52.11.
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Canadian police have arrested a Jamaican police constable who they say is an alleged member of a “death squad” just outside of Toronto, Canada last Friday.
Twenty-eight-year-old Witney Hutchinson, named in warrant for the murder of Syllvester Gallimore in Jamaica, is said to be linked to an additional 40 murders under investigation.
Referred to as an international fugitive by Canadian press, Hutchinson is reported to have entered Canada legally in 2011, as there were no warrants out for his arrest at that point in time.
According to reports, he was taken into custody last Friday for the allegations of extrajudicial killings shortly before fleeing to Canada.
Hutchinson, who remains in custody, faces deportation to Jamaica.
When contacted, Independent Commission of Investigations Senior Public Relations Officer Khamile Reid told THE Weekend STAR that the agency would not comment on the matter, or any other matter in relation to the investigation of the alleged “death squad”.
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Jamaican athletes found the going tough at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Lausanne with only two podium finishes.
National 100m champion Nickel Ashmeade was well beaten over 200 meters, posting 20.06 secs behind Panamanian 2009 world silver medallist Alonso Edward who produced a quick 19.84. Yohan Blake faded to sixth in a pedestrian 20.48 seconds, signallig he’s far from his best after returning this season from a hamstring injury.
Andrew Riley was a third place finisher in the 110 meter high hurdles. Fresh from winning his third national title, Riley produced a late surge to clock a season’s best 13.23 behind winner Pascal Martino Lagard of France who won in a personal best 13.07 seconds.
Kemar Bailey-Cole could only manage 5th in the men’s 100 meters which was dominated by Americans. Justin Gatlin lowered his own world leading time to 9.80 with Tyson Gay, in his first race back from drug suspension clocking a fast 9.93 for second.
Michael Frater 10.44 was second in the “B” race won by Great Britain’s James Dasaolu in 10.03.
The performance of the night came in the men’s 400 meters, where olympic champion Kirani James produced a Grenadian record 43.74 secs to turn back American world champion Lashawn Merritt 43.92 into second.
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KINGSTON, Jamaica, Wednesday July 2, 2014, CMC- A Budding Jamaican athlete who ran an astonishing relay leg to catapult his country from 5th to second at last year’s World Championships in Moscow has landed a professional contract with PUMA.
Javon Francis joins PUMA’s global brand ambassador and triple world record holder Usain Bolt as Jamaicans signed to the brand, the German sporting goods manufacturer has announced
Jamaican Sprint hurdlers Hansle Parchment and Andrew Riley, along with intermediate hurdler Ristananna Tracey also hold professional contracts with PUMA.
Details of Francis’ contract have not been made public.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Francis, the IAAF World Championships 4x400m relay silver medallist.
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“I am grateful that PUMA recognises my talent and have offered me such support, especially because of the commitment PUMA has for track and field in Jamaica”.
Francis rose to international prominence when he ran an astounding anchor leg at the World Championships last year in Moscow, Russia.
He took Jamaica from fifth at the final changeover to second, just holding off Russia for the silver medal, a performance which earned him the 2014 Viewers’ Choice Awards at the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year ceremony.
“We’ve watched Javon develop through the high school programme in Jamaica, seeing him develop into a fine young athlete with considerable potential,” said Christian Voigt, senior global head of sports marketing at PUMA.
“His talent, enthusiasm and character suggest he’s a star in the making, and he’s a wonderful fit for PUMA in our new ‘Forever Faster’ era”.
Francis, who withdrew from last weekend’s National Senior Championships nursing a sore hamstring, has a personal best 45.00 for the 400m.
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