Report: Obama adviser to join Clinton campaign - Report: Rand Paul hires campaign manager for possible 2016 bid - Romney phones party allies in prep for 2016 decision

Oct. 29, 2011: John Podesta, president and chief executive officer of the Center for American Progress, attends the National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington. (Reuters)

Counselor to the President John Podesta will take on a senior role in Hillary Clinton’s as yet undeclared Presidential campaign when he departs the White House next month, according to a published report. 

The Wall Street Journal, citing three people with the matter, reported that Podesta has sat in on informal meetings of Clinton aides that have have discussed a potential presidential campaign in 2016. The former Secretary of State and Senator from New York has not yet formally announced her candidacy. However, the Journal reports that Podesta’s planned move is seen as the clearest sign yet that she will run. 

It remains unclear what role Podesta would play in a presumptive Clinton campaign, the Journal reported that he would likely become campaign chairman. 

Podesta served as White House chief of staff for the final 27 months of former President Bill Clinton’s second term in office. He became Counselor to President Barack Obama at the beginning of 2014, and has played a key role in advising the president on energy policy. 

Podesta initially told Reuters last week that he would depart the White House “in early February,” a few weeks after Obama delivers the State of the Union address Jan. 20. When discussing a possible role in a Clinton campaign, he said, “If she decides to run, I told her I’d do anything I can to help her.”

Click for more from the Wall Street Journal. 

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Report: Obama adviser to join Clinton campaign - Report: Rand Paul hires campaign manager for possible 2016 bid - Romney phones party allies in prep for 2016 decision

Famous hosts Bogdanovich"s Christmas Party

Four prominent disc jockeys, special guest appearances, free shots of Hennessy, and a ‘rain or shine’ billing – things to remember come tomorrow. That’s the night Portmore, St Catherine’s, Famous Nightclub and Downsound Records’ Joe Bogdanovich team up to present ‘Blitz – The Ultimate Black-Tie Xmas Event’.

With the likes of Flava Unit, ZJ Chrome, Tony Matterhorn, and ZJ Liquid set to play at the event, Bogdanovich promises a night “worthy of the ‘mecca of Dancehall"”. According to the seasoned promoter, Famous will fully be decked out to fit the theme of the event.

“We’re installing a Christmas wonderland inside the club. It’s going to be fantastic, and we’re building additional deck space for that night,” he said.

The promoter was tight-lipped about which artistes are expected to perform at the event but did say that nobody should miss when host Miss Kitty takes the stage at 1 a.m.

“There are more surprises in store for patrons. In addition to the guest artistes, we will be having giveaways and prizes, thanks to our partners,” Bogdanovich said.

One of these surprises, he shared, would be free shots of Hennessey and flutes of champagne for random party-goers starting at 1 a.m.

“It’s really a night you can’t afford to miss if you are someone who loves to enjoy himself. It’s going to be the event of the season, and everyone is invited to come and see why,” he said.

At 11,000 sq ft, Famous nightclub is the largest club in the Caribbean. Dubbed the ‘Mecca of Dancehall’, Famous has welcomed more than 250,000 people to its dance floor as it hosts weekly themed events, DJ clashes, concerts, and more.

The club is wholly owned by the KLE Group, which also operates the Usain Bolt Tracks & Records restaurant. KLE, in a partnership with Sagicor, is also developing a lifestyle-themed villa community named Bessa, to be built on eight acres of beautiful ocean and river-front property.

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Famous hosts Bogdanovich"s Christmas Party

Absinthe"s New Year’s Eve Party

For yet another staging, Absinthe had a strong turnout at the New Year’s Eve event that was held at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track in Kingston on Wednesday night.

With a well-stocked food court and several bars spanning the large venue, patrons partied the night away to songs played by Kurt Riley, Coppershot Disco and Dre Day.

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Absinthe"s New Year’s Eve Party

Razor B makes wave at Portmore beach party

Contributed – Razor B and Jennifer ‘Jeny Jenny’ Small having fun at Wet Sunshine Water Party.

Riding high on the charts with his latest single, ‘Trailer Load’, dancehall artiste Razor B was in top form at last weekend’s staging of the Wet Sunshine Water Party, held at Waves Beach in Portmore.

The Canada-based artiste was an instant hit with the crowd, especially the females, as he dived into songs, including We Party, Whine and Stop, Trailer Load, and Whine and Pedal, which connected with the audience.

“I loved the energy from the crowd, and it’s good to see this kind of reaction from the fans,” Razor B said in a media release.

The artiste is confirmed to perform on the upcoming season of the RJR Cross Country Invasion.

“I am happy to be a part of the RJR Cross Country Invasion. Thanks to the RJR team for having me on board, and trust me, the fans are in for a treat,” said Razor B.

On December 28, Razor B’s ‘Show Us the Way, Foundation’ (in partnership with OG Entertainment and Team Razor B) will stage the 7th annual Razor B Family Fun Day at Roserun Way in Waterford, Portmore.

“The purpose of this event is to give back to my community and to show the children that they, too, can aspire to do big things and that someone cares,” Razor B explained.

The event has been held each year since 2008. Children are treated to a day of fun comprising rides, bounce abouts, water slides, face painting, and various games. Refreshment and food are provided for them all.

Prior to migrating to Canada in 1993, Razor B resided in Waterford for 18 years.

Razor B’s debut album, #pontarget, is expected to be released shortly. Cater To You is his newest single.

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Razor B makes wave at Portmore beach party

Paltrow Obama party targeted

LOS ANGELES –  Not everyone in Hollywood is excited about the fundraiser for President Barack Obama at Gwyneth Paltrow’s home on Thursday night.

A street artist who goes under the name Sabo admitted to placing a number of anti-administration posters around her opulent Los Angeles neighborhood a couple of nights ago, which featured a stiff and smiling Paltrow in front of an eerie backdrop of a cartoon-like predator drone and the text “OBAMA DRONE.”

Sabo – who operates under the company name and Twitter account @unsavoryagents – also tweeted a picture of the Paltrow poster five days ago along with the text: “IT REALLY WOULD BE A CRYING SHAME IF SOMEONE CALLED TO REPORT A MAN WITH A RIFLE IN THE AREA ON THIS NIGHT.”

He told FOX411 on Wednesday that he had not been contacted by any authorities or security officials regarding the tweet.

“I’m very careful about direct threats,” he said. “I’m not trying to start a riot.”

Reps for the United States Secret Service, the Los Angeles Police Department, and Paltrow did not respond to requests for comment.

A portion of Sunset Boulevard will be closed for the high-profile event, which is slated to attract some of the entertainment industry’s most prominent names. Sabo also tweeted on Tuesday that he was seeking “a face painter who’s willing to work for free ASAP for the Paltrow project,” however he said he was unsure if he would actually stage anything.

Paltrow is not the first Obama-supporting star to be targeted by Sabo. He previously created “Obama Drone” artwork with likenesses of Samuel L. Jackson and Jon Stewart, and is also known for his unbecoming depictions of Hillary Clinton. For the last 15 years, the L.A-based artist says he has been creating works in an effort to be “the other voice.”

“The left is constantly telling people that anyone (who is not left) is bigoted or misogynist,” he said. “All of the voices (at art school) are leftist… The Republicans have a great story with no one to tell it.”

According to the Unsavory Agents Facebook page, the company’s mission is not only to “let the art world know that the left-wing will no longer hold art hostage” but to “get more non-leftists interested and to participate in the arts.”

“Our art is politically minded, right-wing centric, brutal, street level, and hard edge,” the page reads. “Our means are achieved by any creative means necessary.”

Tickets to attend the Democratic National Committee fundraiser at Paltrow’s home cost between $1,000 and $32,000 per person.

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Paltrow Obama party targeted

Soul in the Sun organisers promise "good vibes" at beach party

MONTEGO BAY, St James — ORGANISERS of the inaugural staging of the Soul in the Sun Musical Festival to be held in Montego Bay from October 10-12 are promising excellent music and great food at the beach party, scheduled for the SeaWind Beach Club on the last day of the event.

“After having had two nights of live musical bliss, the event closes out at SeaWind Beach Club for what promises to be a day of music and good vibes,” said Junior Taylor, the producer of the festival.

“We felt that there was no need to hurry home after the live concerts and SeaWind Beach Club agreed, so other than great music being played all day, there will be great food and lots to drink as the beach club will be pulling out all the stops for patrons,” he said.

The live concerts, which will be held at the Aqueduct in Rose Hall will feature Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Dru Hill, Silk, LUST, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt and Richie Stephens.

According to Taylor, the beach party will also feature music from yesteryear by three well-known deejays from “back in the day”. These include Collin Hines, Yohann Stephens and Turbo, who are all still relevant in the entertainment business.

The beach party, he said, begins at 12 noon and ends at 8:00pm.

– Mark Cummings

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Soul in the Sun organisers promise "good vibes" at beach party

Caribbean politicians win in Democratic Party Primaries

Nelson A. King

NEW YORK, UNited States, Wednesday September 10, 2014, CMC - A Haitian American candidate has created history by becoming the first politician of Haitian descent to win the Democratic Party Primary election for a seat in the New York State Legislature.

Rodneyse Bichotte, who was born and raised in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrants, handsomely defeated Jamaican-born economist and accountant Rickie Tullock by 20 percentage points to win the Primary in the 42nd State Assembly District in Brooklyn, according to the preliminary figures released here on Tuesday night.

Since New York is heavily Democratic, winners in the Primary elections are considered shoo-ins to win the general elections in November.

With 100 per cent of the Polling Precincts reported, Bischotte, who was the District Leader of the 42nd State Assembly District, received 47.4 per cent, or 2,669 votes, to Tulloch’s 29.7 per cent, or 1,592 votes.

The other candidates in the race were Haitian Michele Adolphe, who received 800 voters, or 14 per cent and Guyanese Victor Jordan, who received 306 votes, or 5.7 per cent.

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“We did it!,” exclaimed Bichotte to jubilant supporters at her campaign headquarters.

“I am humbled and exceedingly grateful to have received the confidence of the people of the 42nd Assembly District to serve as their next Assemblywoman in the New York State Assembly.

“Our success…at the polls would not be possible without the support and effort of a dedicated team of volunteers, campaign staff, and supporters who came together to make (the) victory possible,” she added.

Bichotte said her campaign was able to put together a widespread coalition of elected officials, unions, clergy and non-profits, “who believe that our community is in dire need of leadership in the State Assembly that will put their best interests at heart”.

Tulloch had received the endorsement of the retiring Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, whose 42nd Assembly District comprises, among other Brooklyn neighbourhoods, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Mid-wood.

But while Bichotte was successful at the polls, another Haitian American candidate was unsuccessful.

Lawyer and educator Rubain Dorancy lost soundly to another lawyer, African American Jesse Hamilton, for the 20th Senatorial District in Brooklyn.

Hamilton, the former legal counsel for Eric Adams, who vacated the seat to become Brooklyn Borough President, received 9,090 votes or 64.9 percent to Dorancy’s 4,189 votes, or 29.9 per cent. The other candidate, Haitian Guillermo Philpotts received 728 votes, or 5.2 per cent.

“I’m glad that I ran on an issues-driven campaign,” Dorancy told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) at his campaign headquarters on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn on Tuesday night.

“The most important thing is that the community’s voices were heard. At the end of the day, the voters carried out the vote. I feel relieved.”

Hamilton, on the other hand, said he was “humbled and honoured by the trust voters have placed in me tonight, and I’ll spend every day in Albany (the state’s capital) working to live up to it. “

He said the results “clearly show that voters in this district demand a proven progressive who will continue Borough President Eric Adams’ long legacy of delivering for our neighbourhoods and “I’m proud to answer the call.

“I have big shoes to fill, but with the help of supporters, residents, and community leaders like Rubain Dorancy, I look forward to making progress on all the issues working families care about as our next State Senator,” she continued.

Two other Caribbean American candidates were also successful in the Primary Elections.

New York State Senator John L. Sampson, whose father is Guyanese, survived a challenge as three other candidates split votes for the 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn.

Sampson is under US federal indictment on charges that he embezzled more than US$400,000 from the sale of foreclosed homes. He said he is vigorously fighting the charges.

“We had the governor, the mayor and some of my colleagues in the Assembly who didn’t want to see this happen,” Sampson told supporters.

“Prosperity breeds friends, adversity proves it. It is going to be a different John Sampson.”

In Queens, voters in the 14th New York State Senatorial District turned against State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, who is accused of bribery in his bid for the 2013 New York City mayoral ballot.

Smith lost by a landslide to former New York City Councilman Leroy Comrie, of Jamaican parentage.

Comrie received 9,314 votes, or 69.4 per cent to Smith’s 2, 530 votes, or 18.9 per cent and Munir Avery’s 1,577 votes, or 11.8 per cent.

“This win is a huge triumph; and, now, I am looking forward to getting to work,” Comrie said.

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Caribbean politicians win in Democratic Party Primaries

Barbados Labour Party plans Sunday anti-tax rally

Opposition Barbados Labour Party leader, Mia Mottley (File photo)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Sunday July 20, 2014, CMC - Dissatisfied with concessions on the Municipal Solid Waste Tax the Opposition Barbados Labour Party plans a mass rally Sunday evening in downtown Bridgetown, where party leaders may announce protest marches.

This new tax was announced last year with a sweeping .03 per cent charge on the site value of every real estate property across the island, but there have been widespread complaints about the financial burden it places on residents.

Cabinet Thursday decided to waive all payments of this levy for pensioners with property valued under $190,000 (One BDS dollar = 50 US cents), slashed it for agricultural land, and pushed back the payment deadline for others.

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But Opposition Leader Mia Mottley Friday, described the changes as a ‘knee-jerk reaction’

“I welcome the news that some pensioners whose properties are valued at $190,000 or less will not now pay the tax. But there are still thousands more pensioners who still have to pay the full tax if their properties are above this value,” Mottley said.

Representatives of businesses and pensioners also welcomed the changes, but said they want more.

The political opposition maintained it stance that this legislation must be repealed.

“We are not stopping short of the complete repeal of this unfair, disgusting, discriminatory piece of legislation,” said BLP Senator, Wilfred Abrahams, in one of the many public meetings held last week as momentum builders for Sunday’s rally.

“It is coming a point in time very soon when we are going to call on the people of Barbados to walk with us,” he said in reference to Sunday’s rally.

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Barbados Labour Party plans Sunday anti-tax rally

Versatile"s b"day party for Shanshy Beach

Davina Henry, Staff Reporter

Versatile

Dancehall artiste Versatile is once again set to host his annual birthday event at the Shanshy Beach in Portland on Sunday.

Dubbed ‘Beach Cawvingz’, the event will feature artistes such as I-Octane, Aidonia, Popcaan, Chino, Laden, Stephen ‘Di Genius’, Bramma, Chi Ching Ching, Iyara, and others.

“Last year, we had a great turn-out. The vibes did mad. Last year, we had Beenie Man, I-Octane and Popcaan and, on the turntables we had ZJ Liquid and Ashile. This year, we have ZJ Ice, DJ Smurf, DJ Dotcom, and T-Cue,” Versatile told THE STAR.

Versatile also recently performed at Reggae Sumfest after he was called on by fellow artiste Popcaan. Delivering Nah Be Ungrateful and Friend To The End, Versatile stated that the feedback has been extremely positive.

“It did mad. Nuff people say dem love the vibe whe mi add to the performance. Look out fi mi next year enuh, fully booked fi it,” he said.

He also confirmed to THE STAR that he will be shooting a portion of the video for his latest single Party Ya Nice at his birthday bash. Admission for Beach Cawvingz is $1,000, while ladies will be treated to a 2-4-1 deal before 8 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m.

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Versatile"s b"day party for Shanshy Beach

Barbados Labour Party plans Sunday anti-tax rally

Opposition Barbados Labour Party leader, Mia Mottley (File photo)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Sunday July 20, 2014, CMC - Dissatisfied with concessions on the Municipal Solid Waste Tax the Opposition Barbados Labour Party plans a mass rally Sunday evening in downtown Bridgetown, where party leaders may announce protest marches.

This new tax was announced last year with a sweeping .03 per cent charge on the site value of every real estate property across the island, but there have been widespread complaints about the financial burden it places on residents.

Cabinet Thursday decided to waive all payments of this levy for pensioners with property valued under $190,000 (One BDS dollar = 50 US cents), slashed it for agricultural land, and pushed back the payment deadline for others.

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But Opposition Leader Mia Mottley Friday, described the changes as a ‘knee-jerk reaction’

“I welcome the news that some pensioners whose properties are valued at $190,000 or less will not now pay the tax. But there are still thousands more pensioners who still have to pay the full tax if their properties are above this value,” Mottley said.

Representatives of businesses and pensioners also welcomed the changes, but said they want more.

The political opposition maintained it stance that this legislation must be repealed.

“We are not stopping short of the complete repeal of this unfair, disgusting, discriminatory piece of legislation,” said BLP Senator, Wilfred Abrahams, in one of the many public meetings held last week as momentum builders for Sunday’s rally.

“It is coming a point in time very soon when we are going to call on the people of Barbados to walk with us,” he said in reference to Sunday’s rally.

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Barbados Labour Party plans Sunday anti-tax rally

Gold carpet glam for Summer Star Glow party

( L – R ) ZJ Bambino, Foota Hype – File

Next Saturday, the gold carpet will be rolled out for a special event at the Famous Night Club in Portmore, St Catherine.

The event, Summer Star Glow, is being staged by Audley Allen, the man who has worked with popular artistes such as Cobra, KipRich and Sophia Squire.

While known for his work as a road manager and manger, Allen will now for the first time take on the role of promoter on July 26.

For Summer Star Glow, the gold carpet edition, it is expected that a large number artistes, athletes and other celebrities will turn out to celebrate with Allen for his first promotion.

“The concept is for people to come out, walk the carpet, take their pictures for the mediahouses and then just go and party with the stars and enjoy themselves,” Allen said.

The event will feature musical selections being played by ZJ Bambino, Hitz 92FM personality Dalton Leith, popular selector Foota Hype, along with Kemar Gunners and Omar Serious

“People will know Dalton from playing on air but this will be the first time he will be playing at a party like this. It will be special and he will be bringing something to the table. This will surely be a fun event,” Allen said.

Apart from the persons in the industry that Allen has worked with, it is expected that several other celebrities will be amongst the crowd for the star-studded event.

“This party will be different. It is the summer and its time to come out and enjoy yourself in style with the stars,” Allen said.

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Gold carpet glam for Summer Star Glow party

All White party well attended despite showers

Tifa – File

Despite intermittent showers earlier throughout the day, patrons came out in impressive numbers at the All White Party at Sunset Jacks, East Hartford, which was promoted by DNZ Promotions and NS Music Enterprise on July 4.

With the Connecticut River in the background, patrons grooved to varied and diverse musical selections by various disc jockeys.

However it was the stage show which took the event to a higher decibel and kept patrons musically entertained into the wee hours of the morning.

Armed with her growing catalogue of hits, dancehall diva Tifa, delivered a rousing and entertaining set which saw the female patrons showing their appreciation. Tifa dropped hits such as Spell It Out, Crawny Gal, Bottom of the Barrel, Matie Wine, Dash Out and her current hit Bak It Up. She was later joined on stage by a male patron who proceeded to help her in the demonstration of Bak It Up.

Deejay Frassman was on home turf and fans gave him a hero’s welcome. The former Waltham Park Road resident, who migrated to the US a few years ago, has been making a name for himself on the US dancehall scene.

Songs including Nuh Man, Dat Nuh Hard Fi Do and Go Down And Wine (his current chart buster) had fans singing along from start to finish.

Khago was also in fine form delivering Nah Sell Out, Blood A Boil, Jah Jah Bless Me and Tun Up Di Ting.

Prior to and after the performances, the selectors kept patrons dancing with dancehall, reggae, hip hop and EDM treats. Sun jock JJ Wizzle, ZJs Liquid and Dymond and Foota Hype were outstanding in their respective sets.

DNZ head honcho Nikki Z hosted the event.

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All White party well attended despite showers

5 days To Reggae Sumfest - All White Party

The All White themed Party slated for Montego Bay’s Pier One on Tuesday, July 15, will see patrons decked in all white enjoying the sounds of Renaissance’s DJ Smoke, Zip103′s Bambino and Montego Bay’s DJ Kentucky. To experience a night of luxury starting at 8 p.m. patrons may buy presold tickets for J$1100 or J$1300 at the gate. An exquisite ambience is to be expected from the Reggae Sumfest team. Reggae Sumfest will be held at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay from Thursday July 17 to Saturday July 19.

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5 days To Reggae Sumfest - All White Party

Container Satdazs party a night to remember

It was another pulsating night at the Container Satdazs party held at Gee Wee parking lot, 1A Caledonia Avenue.

With the Magnum promotional girls and the ‘Mobay’ girls gyrating frantically, the party was bound to be fun. To add to the excitement, two sexy white females from California who were in the audience, came on stage and did some serious wining, much to the delight of the crowd.

Joining the excitement on the stage were some men from Colombia. They danced conservatively with the white ladies, but got a bit wilder when some Jamaican women ‘attacked’ them on stage.

The musical presentations were by the dynamic duo, DJ Damion and Barge, who make up the famous Uncontainables sound system and 007 Sound System.

Patrons made use of the Magnum buckets deals that ran all night. The next party in the series will be on Saturday, July 12, at the same venue, dubbed: the Tattoo edition.

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Container Satdazs party a night to remember

Guyana ruling party ready for general election

Guyana president, Donald Ramotar (Credit: caricom.org)

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Friday June 27, 2014, CMC – President Donald Ramotar Wednesday signalled that his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is prepared for a general election if the opposition goes ahead with its threat to move a motion of no-confidence in his administration.

The PPP/C does not hold a majority in the 65-member national assembly with the opposition parties – A Partnership for National unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) – holding one seat majority.

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo told the privately-owned Stabroek Newspaper that a no-confidence vote by the opposition could come before the Parliament soon.

He said one of the reasons for considering a no-confidence motion was the fact that government has already spent GUY$4.5 billion (one Guyana dollar =US$0.004 cents) of the GUY$37.4 billion which had been cut from the GUY$220 billion budget for the fiscal year 2014-15.

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But as he addressed the Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramotar said that his administration was not afraid of facing the electorate. The last election was held here on November 28, 2011.

“We do not take threats. If the opposition wants to pass a no-confidence bill, let them pass it and we will be ready to deal with the consequences of that,” he said, adding “when I say I am going to do it, I am going to do it. I wouldn’t even say it.”

In his address, President Ramotar also responded to a call for a date to be named for the long overdue local government elections.

United States Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt has dismissed government’s latest excuse for not holding local government elections saying it was time Guyanese directly elect their representatives at the local level.

“To my mind, it’s a constitutional requirement, it’s a legislative requirement and there is at this point no obstacle to the holding of local government elections so I would just urge government to set a date, move forward as soon as possible and give people that ability to have effective local governance and start to transform the country,” he told the Guyana-based Demerara Waves Online News.

But President Ramotar, in an apparent reference to United States practice of listening to the phone calls of people worldwide, said such actions were undermining democracy.

“What undermines democracy is when you listen to everybody’s telephone calls and read their emails and ban them from having collective bargaining in their own country in different parts of North America and Europe,” he told the business community.

Ramotar said that while he was eager for local government elections there were some uncertainties in the body politic reiterating that the lack of local government elections meant that his administration was undermining democracy.

The last Local Government elections were held on August 8, 1994 with the ruling PPP-C winning 80 percent of the Councils.

But for various reasons, the Local Government elections planned for 1997 did not materialise and the National Assembly deferred the 1997 elections to one year later. Since then, numerous obstacles have impeded Local Government elections even though the government in 2004 had named the month of October as the month for the polls.

In January 2013, a joint statement issued by the United States Ambassador D Brent Hardt, the United Kingdom High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, his Canadian counterpart David Devine and Robert Kopecky, the European Union diplomat here, recalled that during the 2011 national elections “one issue on which all political parties were in full agreement was the need to hold local government elections.”

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Guyana ruling party ready for general election

OHMG retro party set for Waterhouse Saturday

Come this Saturday, fast-rising music group OHMG will play host to its first annual ’80s and ’90s party called Retro Flex.

The event, dubbed the ‘Sexy edition’, will take place at Balmagie playfield, which is on West Bay Farm road in Waterhouse, St Andrew.

Being organised by the Black Mattic-led Official Hitz Music Group, Retro Flex will feature the likes of ‘Oldies’ veteran Alanzo Hawk, DJ Shampoo, and ZIP FM’s ZJ Ice.

Twenty per cent of the event’s profit will go towards the Rush Worth Basic School for infrastructural development. Claude Buchanan, the event’s main organiser, said the party will give its patrons a rather unique experience as they seek to provide an element of surprise.

Ladies will enjoy a 2-4-1 offering until 11 p.m., after which they are required to pay $500 along with male patrons.

“This won’t be the normal retro party. We have plenty of surprises for the patrons and we are very confident that they will leave fully satisfied,” he said.

OHMG is based in New York and is founded and operated by Black Mattic, real name Kenich Lee. In the recent past, a local arm of the group was created.

OHMG Jamaica, also the organiser of the increasingly popular Biker Sundays’, also held in Waterhouse.

Buchanan is hoping to attract as many people for the retro party, which will kick-start a series of events being planned. The event is also being sponsored by Sun City Radio.

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OHMG retro party set for Waterhouse Saturday

New leader confirmed for St Lucia"s Opposition party

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — The appointment of Dr Gale Rigobert as the country’s new leader of the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has now been confirmed .

Dr Rigobert was selected a week after parliamentary representative for Castries North, Stephenson King, was voted out of the post by his UWP colleagues.

On Saturday an official letter, sent to the Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy to formalise the process, was accepted.

“Pursuant to Section 67 of the Constitution of St Lucia and subject to the provisions of the said Constitution I do hereby appoint you the said Gale Tracy Christiane Rigobert, to be the leader of the Opposition with effect from February 1, with all the powers, rights, privileges and advantages to the said Office belonging or appertaining,” the governor general’s appointment letter read.

Rigobert who lectured at the University of the West Indies, previously served as a member of the Senate, and advisor to the National Development in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development.

She won her Micoud North seat in the 2011 general election and was elected deputy political leader of the UWP in July 2013.

In November 2013 she was made the ambassador for peace for the Universal Peace Federation.

She was due to take her oath of office tomorrow; however, this has now been rescheduled for February 11.

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New leader confirmed for St Lucia"s Opposition party

Razor B starts the party

Entertainment

Catch Di Riddim By Kevin Jackson Observer Writer Saturday, August 10, 2013

Roger Cassup fondly recalls beating desks as his informal introduction to creating beats while attending St Jago High School. Now based in Canada, and recording as deejay Razor B, he is making a name as a professional entertainer in Toronto.His current song, We Party, was recently released in Jamaica followed by a video that premiered on HYPE TV.His sophomore album, This is Razor B, is available on ITunes.Razor B, who is also a promoter, producer and dub poet, says making music with staying power is important to him.“Good music doesn’t have an expiry date; generations will listen and love it. I have listened to Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder for years now, and now my kids are listening to these artists. That’s the kind of music I want to make,” Razor B commented.His previous recordings include Hot Girls to The Ring and Believe pay tribute to the fairer sex. However, he shows a more serious side on songs such as Watch Ya.A regular on the Toronto live scene, Razor B last performed in Jamaica at Sting in 2010.

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Razor B starts the party

T"was another wonderful Caribbean party in China!

SHANGHAI, China — Just over 200 people turned out to Shanghai Pudong’s Crowne Plaza hotel to celebrate another Caribbean Association in China (CAC) anniversary party recently.

The theme was “Pirates of the Caribbean” and about a third of the patrons opted to don pirate or wench costumes. As customary, once the Caribbean beats got thumping, it was easy to forget that one was in China. The annual CAC party is one of the few occasions when foreigners are in the majority and the music and the food reminiscent of home.The event was slated to begin at 7:00 pm but that too was on Caribbean time, which was barely noticeable as while we waited outside the entrance of the ballroom, many drifted to the far left to a coconut booth where one could enjoy jelly coconuts cut to order, with an extra special rum kick added. Many sipped on their spiked coconuts while catching up with friends they hadn’t seen since the last Caribbean event.The band, Voicexpanders from the Phillipines set the mood with tunes from Jamaica’s Bob Marley. All around there was the smell of Caribbean flavours in the air. The buffet fare did not disappoint with its wide variety of dishes from the islands, including green banana and salted fish salad, rice and peas, Jamaican pumpkin soup, sweet-and-spicy black bean salad, creole fish stew, Caribbean seasoned tofu with vegetables, coconut rum cream pie, and plantain tart.Once most people had started to enjoy their first course, the MC for the evening, Camille Lindo, who hails from Jamaica, got the evenings proceedings under way. There were two raffle draws throughout the evening. Raffle prizes included gift vouchers, notably from Shanghai’s first Jamaican owned hair salon, Studio Hair Ebony. There was a silent auction, from which the proceeds will fund various children charity events organised by the CAC, including the One Heart Foundation which was represented at the party.The fashion show featured paper dresses and designs from Reecia Charles who hails from Grenada. Following the formal fashion show, those in costume had the opportunity to display their get-up on stage. The audience voted for the best male and female costumes by way of cheers.“I really enjoyed the pirates theme, it allowed imagination and creativity to run free, and the air of ‘silliness’ was ice-breaking!” said Bettina Wilson who had a great time at the party.Then it was time for DJ Laobang who took over the music reins from the band. South Korean-born, Japanese-raised Kim Young Soo aka DJ Laobang has lived in Shanghai for almost 10 years and has visited Jamaica on numerous occasions.As Caribbean beats blared, the limbo competition, which has now become a tradition at this event, lived up to its reputation for fun and laughter. Many bent back, but as the stick got lower the competitors got fewer and in the end Christal Oliver from Antigua, once again reigned as the champion of the limbo, with Raphael Ewin from Jamaica coming in second.Free rum punch was served while DJ Laobang played some Caribbean oldies but goodies mixed with some modern goodies. Many got down to beats like It Wasn’t me, The girls dem sugar, Informer, Murder she wrote and Living dangerously.The party drew to a close at midnight and for those who hadn’t had enough there was an after-party jam in the hotel’s Charlie’s Bar which is inspired by Charlie Chaplin. Caribbean citizens living or studying in China show off their Pirates of the Caribbean costumes at the annual Caribbean Association in China anniversary party in Shanghai.

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T"was another wonderful Caribbean party in China!

SkyGrass album party

Entertainment

BY JARMILA JACKSON Observer writer Saturday, June 29, 2013

EMERGING eclectic band SkyGrass will be releasing their debut album at the Spartan Courtyard on Brompton Road (off Lady Musgrave Road), in St Andrew, today at 8:00 pm.The 14-track album, I Am King, is produced by Simon Samuel, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the three-member outfit.He described the group’s sound as fusion of the drum and bass rhythms of reggae music.“The album, and our sound in general, is a fusion of the drum and bass rhythms of reggae music, the high-flying energy of rock guitar, and the street-flavoured lyrical delivery of Jamaican dancehall,” he said.“I Am King is about claiming your destiny, knowing that you are supposed to be here. You were created by the many moments leading up to this moment. If it had not been ordained, how could it be so?” said Samuel.Formerly known as Blu Grass in the Sky, the group comprises Samuel, guitarist Rasheed McCallum and drummer Suane Brown.According to event organiser Jordan Weller, the launch will take a special format. There will be performances from Stephen Newland of Rootz Underground and rising reggae artiste Kabaka Pyramid, who are featured on the album.“With SkyGrass’s unique sound, we could not just do the normal album launch event. In keeping with the musical synergy of genres, those elements will be reflected by a melding of live music and the DJ stylings of Richie Ras, which will give seamless transitions between performances and music. Giving a fresh new element to the party scene,” Weller told the Jamaica Observer.(From left) SkyGrass members Rasheed McCallum, Simon Samuel, and Suane Brown

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SkyGrass album party