Easy Skanking in Boston for Feb release

Bob Marley and The Wailers’ shows at Boston’s Music Hall in June 1978 is the subject of a multi-faceted project by Universal Music Enterprises. It will be released February 3, three days before what would have been the reggae superstar’s 70th birthday.

Titled Bob Marley & The Wailers-Easy Skanking in Boston ’78, the package comprises a CD, a Blu-Ray/CD combo and a VD/CD. They capture Marley and his band in two shows on June 8. The project is one of many planned by the UME (distributors of the Marley catalogue) and Marley’s family to celebrate his birthday throughout 2015.

The CD contains 13 songs, many of which Marley performed while on tour. They include Slave Driver, Them Belly Full, Rebel Music, I Shot the Sheriff, No Woman, No Cry, Jammin’, Get Up, Stand Up and Exodus.

The 46-minute Blu-Ray/CD version has seven songs: Rebel Music, I Shot the Sheriff, No Woman, No Cry, Lively Up Yourself, Jamming, War/No More Trouble and Exodus.

Marley and his band had performed at the One Love Peace Concert in Kingston in April where he famously brought on bitter rivals, Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga, in a symbolic gesture of peace.

It was his first live date in Jamaica since the Smile Jamaica event in December 1976. Two days before that show, Marley, his wife Rita and manager Don Taylor were shot by gunmen at his St Andrew home.

After the Smile Jamaica show, Marley left the country for The Bahamas and England.

On his 1978 tour of the United States, he was promoting his Kaya album.

His band at the Music Hall shows were Carlton Barrett (drums), Aston Barrett (bass), Tyrone Downie (keyboards), Junior Marvin (guitar), Alvin ‘Seeco’ Patterson (percussion), Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt (backup vocals). Marley died from cancer in Miami in May 1981. He was 36.

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Easy Skanking in Boston for Feb release

"Live My Life" set for release next year

Chux Starr

In talks since the end of summer, Chux Starr had announced that he was going to be coming out with an EP in the near future.

With singles Dem Set Evil and Loving Non Stop being released the last part of this year, the versatile artiste created a good anticipation for his upcoming EP release.

Set to release Tuesday, January 13, 2015, the Live My Life EP has a versatile playlist, which also focusses on the ‘reggae-bop’ sound that represents his artistry.

For the EP, he had a chance to record in Jamaica, working with labels such as Payday to help attain a higher level of production.

With this exciting news, the artiste ends off the year in high spirits. Around the time of the release, the artiste will be in Jamaica to complete a radio tour and record a few music videos for tracks of the EP.

Upon his return to Canada, he will also complete his first Canadian radio tour alongside a few promotional gigs to help with the EP’s campaign.

He continues working alongside Fire Star Records, as well as recently teaming up with Empowerment Media Group and MIA Productions for his public relations.

His team has set high expectations for 2015, ensuring that Chux Starr will reach another milestone in his career next year.

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"Live My Life" set for release next year

Touchless, Spice release "Work It" video

Touchless

Spice

Rising dancehall artiste Touchless has released the video for his collaborative single ‘Work It’, which features dancehall artiste Spice.

“The video is in response to Touchless’ fans, who wanted him to come up with a hot video befitting the Work It song with Spice, and that’s exactly what we did,” a member of Touchless’ management team said. “We captured the total essence of Work It – raw, steamy, sexy and fun.

There are stunning visuals and a look uncommon to most dancehall videos that will blow your mind. All we can say is watch the video and you will watch it over and over again.”

The video, released on YouTube, will debut on television this weekend just in time for Touchless to perform at two major events for the Christmas, Sting and GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza.

Additionally, Touchless will be performing at the Galliday Bounce stage show on December 28. “Come out and see his dynamite routines that will leave you wanting more,” the representative saidd.

Born Brandon Campbell and originally from St Ann, Touchless has also released songs, including Bruck Out, Summa Body, and Real Boss, featuring Don SLR among others.

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Touchless, Spice release "Work It" video

Yanique Sasha to release album this year

Jamaican-born singer Yanique Sasha, tackles matters of the heart and social issues on her forthcoming album Queen of Hearts.

The unfinished project, due later this year, will feature production work from John ‘Jon FX’ Crawford.

Originally from Kingston, Yanique Sasha (real name Yanique Sasha-Gay Moodie) relocated to Orlando, Florida, 22 years ago. Now in her early 30s, the singer and songwriter has done vocal work on projects for the likes of Mavado, Gyptian, Pressure and Sanchez, among others.

“My life experiences have moulded me into the person that I am today. I enjoy writing and putting my thoughts into songs. I always encourage persons to find their inner strength within because it is imperative for their happiness,” Yanique Sasha explained.

After making a name for herself within the Jamaican diaspora of Florida, Yanique Sasha relocated to New York where she collaborated with Gyptian on the track Touch, which was featured on his I Can Feel Your Pain album. She was also featured on two tracks from Mavado’s 2009 album Mr Brooks … A Better Tomorrow.

She recently shared co-writing credits on Jamaican-born singer Sade Serena’s Billboard charting EP GermiNation.

Yanique Sasha is currently promoting the singles Spread Love, Passa Passa and Broken.

“Spread Love is my universal anthem. It crosses all boundaries. People across the world can relate because love is universal. Passa Passa is more up tempo dancehall.Broken sheds light on the pain and suffering in the world,” Yanique Sasha explained.

She lists the late Bob Marley and South African singer Lucky Dube among her musical influences.

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Yanique Sasha to release album this year

Yanique Sasha to release album this year

Jamaican-born singer Yanique Sasha, tackles matters of the heart and social issues on her forthcoming album Queen of Hearts.

The unfinished project, due later this year, will feature production work from John ‘Jon FX’ Crawford.

Originally from Kingston, Yanique Sasha (real name Yanique Sasha-Gay Moodie) relocated to Orlando, Florida, 22 years ago. Now in her early 30s, the singer and songwriter has done vocal work on projects for the likes of Mavado, Gyptian, Pressure and Sanchez, among others.

“My life experiences have moulded me into the person that I am today. I enjoy writing and putting my thoughts into songs. I always encourage persons to find their inner strength within because it is imperative for their happiness,” Yanique Sasha explained.

After making a name for herself within the Jamaican diaspora of Florida, Yanique Sasha relocated to New York where she collaborated with Gyptian on the track Touch, which was featured on his I Can Feel Your Pain album. She was also featured on two tracks from Mavado’s 2009 album Mr Brooks … A Better Tomorrow.

She recently shared co-writing credits on Jamaican-born singer Sade Serena’s Billboard charting EP GermiNation.

Yanique Sasha is currently promoting the singles Spread Love, Passa Passa and Broken.

“Spread Love is my universal anthem. It crosses all boundaries. People across the world can relate because love is universal. Passa Passa is more up tempo dancehall.Broken sheds light on the pain and suffering in the world,” Yanique Sasha explained.

She lists the late Bob Marley and South African singer Lucky Dube among her musical influences.

View the original article here

Yanique Sasha to release album this year

Unycorn, Macka Diamond release single

Unycorn – Contributed

Dancehall artiste Unycorn has teamed up with Macka Diamond for a new single called Swear.

The deejay says the moral of society has decayed in recent times, due to the negative messages that are being sent in some dancehall songs and hopes Swear will give controversial artistes a wake-up call.

“Since this year start a pure eat this and eat that and one bag of taboo freaky things a gwaan inna the music. If you know 90s dancehall well, you will realise that the icons dem used to bun out certain messages but now the youth dem push the bar too far,” Unycorn said.

According to the deejay who received popularity for the chart-topping single, Think Bout Mi which also featured Macka Diamond, this recent project is already receiving rave reviews.

“Inna the dancehall this is one of the popular songs. Its on every mix tape, and trust mi, it’s a breath of fresh air because the real dancehall lovers dem tired a di nastiness wey a gwaan now,” he said.

Swear is available in both explicit and clean versions and up for purchase on iTunes and Amazon among other digital outlets. The deejay is also promoting other singles 18 And Over as well as Haffi Get It.

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Unycorn, Macka Diamond release single

Unycorn, Macka Diamond release single

Unycorn – Contributed

Dancehall artiste Unycorn has teamed up with Macka Diamond for a new single called Swear.

The deejay says the moral of society has decayed in recent times, due to the negative messages that are being sent in some dancehall songs and hopes Swear will give controversial artistes a wake-up call.

“Since this year start a pure eat this and eat that and one bag of taboo freaky things a gwaan inna the music. If you know 90s dancehall well, you will realise that the icons dem used to bun out certain messages but now the youth dem push the bar too far,” Unycorn said.

According to the deejay who received popularity for the chart-topping single, Think Bout Mi which also featured Macka Diamond, this recent project is already receiving rave reviews.

“Inna the dancehall this is one of the popular songs. Its on every mix tape, and trust mi, it’s a breath of fresh air because the real dancehall lovers dem tired a di nastiness wey a gwaan now,” he said.

Swear is available in both explicit and clean versions and up for purchase on iTunes and Amazon among other digital outlets. The deejay is also promoting other singles 18 And Over as well as Haffi Get It.

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Unycorn, Macka Diamond release single

Kapri set to release video for "Bad By Myself"

Kapri in the video shoot for Bad By Myself. – Contributed

US-based dancehall prodigy Kapri, is making huge strides in the dancehall arena on both the local and international markets.

Armed with spit-fire lyrics and a natural knack for music, the dancehall sensation is ready to make a lasting presence in the dancehall fraternity. Kapri will be releasing the much anticipated video for his latest single on the Seanizzle’s Happy Boulevard rhythm, Bad By Myself.

another project

Being long time friends, Kapri was elated to be working with Seanizzle on yet another project.

The video was shot and directed by world-renowned director Joshua Ramirez, who has worked with major artistes from all over the world. The two met last year at a RedFox Video shoot, and found a mutual respect for each other and began working together. They soon linked up for Bad By Myself and the rest is history.

The video was shot in the same location as the Transformer 2 Movie in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a protected landmark of American history. The video features fast cars and bikes and shows a vibrant and up-beat Kapri in various shots.

“Mi give Ramirez full creative control and he came up with the concept. Of course, mi put in my input too. The video bad and mi know say this one going to be a favourite,” he said.

The video will premier on all of Jamaica’s top TV stations and program to include CVM’S Hitlist, Hype TV, MDTV, etc.

The lyrical genius has made his way to a successful career in music and will continue to produce more hit singles for the rest of the year. Fans can look forward to Kapri’s upcoming EP called S.O.G, which will feature a famous Philly rapper and a well-known singer from Queens.

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Kapri set to release video for "Bad By Myself"

Kapri set to release video for "Bad By Myself"

Kapri in the video shoot for Bad By Myself. – Contributed

US-based dancehall prodigy Kapri, is making huge strides in the dancehall arena on both the local and international markets.

Armed with spit-fire lyrics and a natural knack for music, the dancehall sensation is ready to make a lasting presence in the dancehall fraternity. Kapri will be releasing the much anticipated video for his latest single on the Seanizzle’s Happy Boulevard rhythm, Bad By Myself.

another project

Being long time friends, Kapri was elated to be working with Seanizzle on yet another project.

The video was shot and directed by world-renowned director Joshua Ramirez, who has worked with major artistes from all over the world. The two met last year at a RedFox Video shoot, and found a mutual respect for each other and began working together. They soon linked up for Bad By Myself and the rest is history.

The video was shot in the same location as the Transformer 2 Movie in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a protected landmark of American history. The video features fast cars and bikes and shows a vibrant and up-beat Kapri in various shots.

“Mi give Ramirez full creative control and he came up with the concept. Of course, mi put in my input too. The video bad and mi know say this one going to be a favourite,” he said.

The video will premier on all of Jamaica’s top TV stations and program to include CVM’S Hitlist, Hype TV, MDTV, etc.

The lyrical genius has made his way to a successful career in music and will continue to produce more hit singles for the rest of the year. Fans can look forward to Kapri’s upcoming EP called S.O.G, which will feature a famous Philly rapper and a well-known singer from Queens.

View the original article here

Kapri set to release video for "Bad By Myself"

Canadian dancehall-pop artiste to release music video

Kirk Diamond – Contributed

Kirk Diamond of award-winning Canadian group, Don Dem, is set to release an Armzhouse records-produced music video before heading to Jamaica for MIA Awards

The five-member group is widely known as a dancehall-pop group in Canada and has performed at several events in the country.

Kirk Diamond, similar to his four group members, has been producing solo projects in recent times.

However, Diamond said the group’s has no intention to separate permanently, and is still committed to producing and releasing material under the group label, Don Dem Entertainment.

Diamond’s last promotional stint in Jamaica was last summer and the recording artiste hopes his return, will give him the opportunity to reconnect with the Jamaican audience, as well as work with more Jamaican musicians.

Following Kirk Diamond’s appearance at the fourth of MIA Awards, on July 10, the group is set to embark on a tour of Europe. They will also perform at UK’s One Love Reggae Festival. Group member TG is also executing promotions for a single, Dem Nuh Real. A music video for that effort will also be released in July.

“This summer is definitely going to be busy with Don Dem Entertainment being a label now. We added TG to the roster, making the team stronger than ever, and we are working with various producers who are doing good work we love. Producers like Dreday, Digital Vibes and Armzhouse, as well as some of our own productions. My workload quadrupled but the summer should be great,” Diamond said.

View the original article here

Canadian dancehall-pop artiste to release music video

Canadian dancehall-pop artiste to release music video

Kirk Diamond – Contributed

Kirk Diamond of award-winning Canadian group, Don Dem, is set to release an Armzhouse records-produced music video before heading to Jamaica for MIA Awards

The five-member group is widely known as a dancehall-pop group in Canada and has performed at several events in the country.

Kirk Diamond, similar to his four group members, has been producing solo projects in recent times.

However, Diamond said the group’s has no intention to separate permanently, and is still committed to producing and releasing material under the group label, Don Dem Entertainment.

Diamond’s last promotional stint in Jamaica was last summer and the recording artiste hopes his return, will give him the opportunity to reconnect with the Jamaican audience, as well as work with more Jamaican musicians.

Following Kirk Diamond’s appearance at the fourth of MIA Awards, on July 10, the group is set to embark on a tour of Europe. They will also perform at UK’s One Love Reggae Festival. Group member TG is also executing promotions for a single, Dem Nuh Real. A music video for that effort will also be released in July.

“This summer is definitely going to be busy with Don Dem Entertainment being a label now. We added TG to the roster, making the team stronger than ever, and we are working with various producers who are doing good work we love. Producers like Dreday, Digital Vibes and Armzhouse, as well as some of our own productions. My workload quadrupled but the summer should be great,” Diamond said.

View the original article here

Canadian dancehall-pop artiste to release music video

Kranium snubs Latty J - Artiste supposedly refuses to release song with up-and-comer

Shereita Grizzle, STAR Writer

Latty J, Kranium, Mr Vegas

He has been enjoying tremendous success with his song Nobody Has To Know, but before the hype over the track sets in, many persons remained unaware of the artiste behind the song.

Still, the song has been getting huge radio rotation and international attention over the past few months.

Now it seems recording artiste, Kranium, is moving on with his career and is leaving all ‘unknowns’ behind.

A recent collaboration between Kranium and up-and-coming artiste, Latty J (second runner-up contestant from the 2011 Digicel Rising Stars competition), may never hit the airwaves because of an objection by the Nobody Has To Know singer.

The STAR has learnt that Kranium has objected to the release of the song, seemingly because of Latty J’s status as an up-and-coming artiste.

In an interview with The STAR, Latty J said she believes the whole situation is just an unfortunate misunderstanding.

She explained that Kranium had voiced a song on a rhythm for Mr Vegas who decided after the recording to include her on the song as it would work better with a female vocalist.

“Everything was cool and then we heard that he was saying him nuh know who name Latty J and him nah do nuttin wid nuh new artiste,” she said.

She went on to express shock at Kranium’s statement as she believes not so long ago, nobody knew who he was either.

“Mi see him as a young artiste just like me, and a few months ago nobody neva know him either.”

According to Patrick Pee-Wee Bonsu from Pretty Posse Music, the organisation that manages Kranium’s career, there is no issue.

“There’s no issue with Kranium and Latty J. He wishes her much success in the near future”, read an emailed response from Bonsu.

Mr Vegas insisted that the snub from Kranium was no big deal but indicated disappointed with the outcome.

According to Vegas, every big artiste was up-and-coming at one point. “Kranium and I were doing the song but when I rethink the situation based on the vibe of the song,n I thought it would work better with a female so I put Latty J on it,” he said.

He went on to say that the song is a good song and could possibly be a hit. “A hit will be a hit no matter who is on it,” he said.

Latty J said the incident has only pushed her to work harder and she recently released a collaboration with Mr Vegas called Who Rule.

“I am in the right camp to get the guidance I need so I’m excited about the future,” Latty J said.

Vegas still has hopes of the collaboration making it to the airwaves though.

“He (Kranium) and Latty have a song and our camp is just waiting for permission from them to officially release it.”

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com

View the original article here

Kranium snubs Latty J - Artiste supposedly refuses to release song with up-and-comer

Kranium snubs Latty J - Artiste supposedly refuses to release song with up-and-comer

Shereita Grizzle, STAR Writer

Latty J, Kranium, Mr Vegas

He has been enjoying tremendous success with his song Nobody Has To Know, but before the hype over the track sets in, many persons remained unaware of the artiste behind the song.

Still, the song has been getting huge radio rotation and international attention over the past few months.

Now it seems recording artiste, Kranium, is moving on with his career and is leaving all ‘unknowns’ behind.

A recent collaboration between Kranium and up-and-coming artiste, Latty J (second runner-up contestant from the 2011 Digicel Rising Stars competition), may never hit the airwaves because of an objection by the Nobody Has To Know singer.

The STAR has learnt that Kranium has objected to the release of the song, seemingly because of Latty J’s status as an up-and-coming artiste.

In an interview with The STAR, Latty J said she believes the whole situation is just an unfortunate misunderstanding.

She explained that Kranium had voiced a song on a rhythm for Mr Vegas who decided after the recording to include her on the song as it would work better with a female vocalist.

“Everything was cool and then we heard that he was saying him nuh know who name Latty J and him nah do nuttin wid nuh new artiste,” she said.

She went on to express shock at Kranium’s statement as she believes not so long ago, nobody knew who he was either.

“Mi see him as a young artiste just like me, and a few months ago nobody neva know him either.”

According to Patrick Pee-Wee Bonsu from Pretty Posse Music, the organisation that manages Kranium’s career, there is no issue.

“There’s no issue with Kranium and Latty J. He wishes her much success in the near future”, read an emailed response from Bonsu.

Mr Vegas insisted that the snub from Kranium was no big deal but indicated disappointed with the outcome.

According to Vegas, every big artiste was up-and-coming at one point. “Kranium and I were doing the song but when I rethink the situation based on the vibe of the song,n I thought it would work better with a female so I put Latty J on it,” he said.

He went on to say that the song is a good song and could possibly be a hit. “A hit will be a hit no matter who is on it,” he said.

Latty J said the incident has only pushed her to work harder and she recently released a collaboration with Mr Vegas called Who Rule.

“I am in the right camp to get the guidance I need so I’m excited about the future,” Latty J said.

Vegas still has hopes of the collaboration making it to the airwaves though.

“He (Kranium) and Latty have a song and our camp is just waiting for permission from them to officially release it.”

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com

View the original article here

Kranium snubs Latty J - Artiste supposedly refuses to release song with up-and-comer

Chuck Fenda to release Jah Elements

Entertainment

Simone MorganWednesday, September 04, 2013

JAH ELEMENTS, the new album from singer Chuck Fenda, will be released on September 10 by digital distributors Zojak World Wide.The 14-track set is produced by Lloyd ‘John John’ James.“This album took me several months to put together. I put a lot of time and effort into crafting and creating an exciting new sound,” said Chuck Fenda.Jah Elements is the Rastafarian artiste’s fifth album. His first, Better Days, was produced by Fifth Element Records and released in 2005.This was followed by The Living Fire in 2007, which featured Are You Coming Over Tonight, his hit song with singer Cherine Anderson.The 41 year-old Fenda was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jamaican parents but spent most of his formative years in Jamaica.One of Chuck Fenda’s first promotional dates for Jah Elements will be a show at the Brixton Academy in London on September 29.

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Chuck Fenda to release Jah Elements

INDECOM challenging court ruling on release of Digicel call data

News

BY PAUL HENRY Co-ordinator — Crime/Court Desk henryp@jamaicaobserver.comFriday, August 23, 2013

THE Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is now challenging a ruling by the Supreme Court that it has no authority to compel telecoms giant Digicel to provide it with call data.Justice Ingrid Mangatal made the ruling last June on a case brought by the investigative body, which is trying to obtain telephone numbers and call data of the police officers allegedly involved in a conspiracy linked to the 2009 shooting death of entertainer Robert ‘Kentucky Kid’ Hill at his home at Ivy Green Mews near Cross Roads.Mangatal had ruled that:* Digicel is restricted from providing subscriber information regarding the use of its services by third parties to INDECOM pursuant to subsection 47 (1) of the Telecommunications Act;* Digicel is not compellable under section 21 (1) of the INDECOM Act to provide customer/subscriber information and/or traffic data to INDECOM; and* Digicel is not compellable under section 21 (4) of the INDECOM Act to provide to provide customer/subscriber information and/or traffic data to INDECOM.Mangatal had stated in her ruling: “If Parliament had intended INDECOM to be able to compulsorily obtain from Digicel or any other telecoms provider information — which by section 47(1) of the Telecoms Act the provider is required by statute to keep secret, and in respect of the disclosure of which the Interception of Communications Act provides for limited circumstances — then they would have legislated for the same type of provision in the INDECOM Act as exists in the Contractor General’s Act.”INDECOM has appealed the decision on several grounds, including that “the learned judge erred in stating that on a correct construction of section 21 of the INDECOM Act, INDECOM didn’t have the authority to require Digicel to produce secret or confidential information”.The commission is asking the court to set aside Mangatal’s ruling.It is seeking the following declarations:* that Digicel is mandated to provide subscriber or traffic data to INDECOM by virtue of the INDECOM ACT;* that Digicel is compellable to provide subscriber or traffic data to INDECOM by virtue of section 47(2) (b) of the Telecoms Act; and* that the commissioner of INDECOM or any INDECOM investigator may be given subscriber or traffic data by Digicel, having regard to section 47 (2) (b) (i) of the Telecoms Act.– Paul Henry

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INDECOM challenging court ruling on release of Digicel call data

US fury at Mexico drugs lord release

10 August 2013 Last updated at 03:34 ET Rafael Caro Quintero, 60, was convicted of the 1985 killing of a US drug enforcement agent

The US has reacted angrily to the early release by a Mexico court of a drugs lord who served 28 years in prison for the kidnap and murder of a US agent.

The court cut short Rafael Caro Quintero’s 40-year sentence for the 1985 killing of US Drug Enforcement agent Enrique Camarena.

It ruled that Caro Quintero, now 60, should have been tried in a state rather than a federal court.

The Drug Enforcement Agency said the unannounced move as “deeply troubling”.

The murder strained US-Mexico ties and changed the war on drugs trafficking.

Caro Quintero is still listed as one of the DEA’s five top international fugitives, and the US authorities believe he has been controlling drugs money from behind bars.

“DEA will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure Caro-Quintero faces charges in the United States for the crimes he committed,” said the agency in a statement.

Mexico’s Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam echoed those concerns, saying his office was analyzing whether there were any charges pending against Caro Quintero.

DEA fugitive

One of three founding members of the Guadalajara Cartel, Caro Quintero had been arrested in Costa Rica amid a massive manhunt for cartel leaders.

Mexican police officers patrolled the surroundings of the Puente Grande prison where Rafael Caro Quintero has been held

The group was thought to be responsible for transporting the majority of the cocaine consumed in the US in the 1980s, the BBC’s Will Grant reports from Mexico City.

Caro Quintero could have faced other charges or possible extradition to the US, but walked free early on Friday before media were notified.

The court did not clear Caro Quintero of Camarena’s death, a move that would caused significant scandal in US law enforcement circles where the murdered operative is heralded as a hero, adds our correspondent.

Many analysts believe the Camarena killing represented a key turning point in the fight against drug trafficking in Mexico.

It broke up the Guadalajara Cartel into splinter groups, which formed the basis of today’s powerful drug gangs.

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US fury at Mexico drugs lord release

XOX targets Q4 release in Jamaica

BY JULIAN RICHARDSON Assistant Business Co-orinator richardsonj@jamaicaobserver.com

XOX, the new mobile brand that is sponsoring Jamaica’s CPL franchise, plans to launch its handsets and tablets on the island in the fourth quarter of 2013, says distributor Facey Telecom.Facey business development director Erick Barclay noted that the Jamaican launch of XOX will precede rollouts in other Caribbean markets, Central America, New Zealand and the Pacific during the first quarter of 2014. He said Facey Telecom and its partner in the Pacific region, Oceanic Communications Ltd, are the distributors of XOX products.“Facey has recognised the demand for affordable, yet stylish and high-tech handsets and tablet devices in the markets we serve. The XOX line of products meets this demand and we look forward to working with XOX as they bring their products to market,” Barclay told the Business Observer.XOX has plans to set up a marketing office in Jamaica, along with full support service infrastructure, that includes reverse logistics and repairs, Barclay said, noting that the brand sees a lot of opportunities in the local market.“The Jamaican market is made up of sophisticated consumers who are up-to-date with the latest and greatest in mobile communication. It is with these people in mind that XOX was developed,” Barclay said.“XOX smartphones are being produced as an addition to established tier-one brands. XOX stands for tier-one quality at more competitive prices,” he continued. “Furthermore XOX will offer a very compelling brand positioning, details of which will be revealed over the coming months.”XOX is the founding sponsor of the Jamaica Tallawahs cricket team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Twenty20 cricket tournament currently underway across the region. It hopes to use the sponsorship deal to boost its imminent roll-out in the Jamaican and Caribbean markets.Facey is a major player in the distributive trade, operating in the telecom distribution, consumer distribution and technology distribution sectors with operations in over 30 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and the Pacific.Its telecom distribution business has physical offices and warehouses in 23 countries, and they sell to another six countries where the company does not have a physical presence. Facey, in 2001, became the exclusive distributor of Digicel’s mobile handsets, airtime, and all its related products.BARCLAY… XOX will offer a very compelling brand positioning

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XOX targets Q4 release in Jamaica