Soca Music, Soca News, Soca Entertainment.

CEO Of Miami Carnival Committe Died

Miami Carnival Cheif Executive Officer, Selman Lewis died on Monday, September 29, 2008 at the age of 60.

Selman joined the Miami Carnival association in 1990 as the CEO. During his years at the Miami Carnival Association he has helped it to become the Third largest Caribbean Carnival in North America. Mr Selman was also part of the group that started the Coconut Grove Convention Center Carnival party.

Selman is survived by his wife Janet, two sons Christopher and Adrian, daughter-in-law Jerry, grandchildren Kai and Terrick and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to the Selman Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mail to Miami Carnival office at 18425 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 335, Miami, Fl 33169.

Exxon Oil Supply Cut

Venezuela's state oil company has suspended commercial relations Exxon Mobil. Oil supplied by Venezuela to the Exxon Mobil company has now stopped. Petroleos de Venezuela SA(PDVSA) said that they stopped the supply because of the harassment by Exon Mobil to seize their assets.

Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez threaten the oil markets to cut off oil supplies to the United States. This is in response to Exxon Mobile trying to seize the Venezuelan assets in the courts of the United States and Europe. This is due to a dispute over the nationalization of Exxon Mobile Oil ventures in Venezuela.

US Ambassadors Kicked Out

Bolivia and Venezuela have expelled their US envoys, accusing Washington of trying to oust Bolivia's government.

Washington has responded by throwing out envoys from Bolivia and Venezuela and freezing the assets of three aides to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

In Bolivia, where the dispute began, President Evo Morales declared a state of emergency in a remote jungle region.

Mr Morales imposed the measure on the northern province of Pando, which borders Brazil, even as he prepared for talks with the leader of another opposition-controlled region.

Bolivian troops were reported to have taken control of the airport in the city of Cobija, capital of Pando, with anyone carrying weapons in the city threatened with arrest.

Boy Charged With Murder

Berbice, Guyana: A 16 year old boy was charged with the murder for Kavita Pandy, A 13 year old girl. Her body was found floating in a trench in West Coast Berbice on Monday.

They boy was arrested on Tuesday the day after Kavita was found. He appeared in the Fort Wellinton Magistrate's court where Magistrate Chandra Sohan presides and was remanded into police custody until next week Thursday, Sept 18th.

Soca Or Die Update

Thank you for you patience during our server switch. Soca Or Die has upgraded its streaming server to a more energy efficient one. With the new server 2008 software streaming should me much faster and smoother. We want you to hear the best quality music, clean and undistorted. Stay tuned to Soca or Die for the best Soca music on the web.

We are currently working on new scripts that will allow you to download the music so that you will be able to share with your friends and the world. Here at Soca or Die or goal is to bring Soca music to main stream and we cannot do that with out you the listeners. Thank you for all the emails and support. We welcome all suggestions; please email us at info@socaordie.com with any comments and or suggestions. This is Soca or Die keep it locked.

International Soca Awards

The International Soca Awards wants to remind you that Oct. 18th is vastly approaching. Don't forget to get your tickets on http://www.socaawards.com. While there vote for your favorite artist and don't forget your favorite website Soca Or Die.

Travel arrangements may be made through Soca Awards official travel sponsor, W4 Tours where you can get great packaged deals including air, hotel and car rentals for your trip. Check out www.w4tours.com for more info.

Site Update

Sorry for the delay in the site updates. it has been a very busy weekend and we have thousands of pictures that we need to edit and post. I have posted the pictures of the Splashdown presented by the Antigua & Barbuda Council of Organizations, Farmer Nappy and Zan performing at the Rango International Mas Camp. We had over two thousand pictures of the Brooklyn Labor Day Perade. I have posted about 500 and will go throught the rest and post another 500 tomorrow. Please stay tuned to socaordie.com for more coverage of the Labor Day weekend. Thank you for visiting.

2008 International Soca Awards Official NYC Media Launch

New York, NY (August 19th, 2008) – Soca Awards Organization, Inc. (SAO) is holding their official NYC iSA 6 Launch on Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 at Mars 2112 in New York City.

The Soca Awards Organization (SAO) will take you to Mars and back…Mars 2112 that is! This space-themed venue is ideal for SAO’s official New York City launch which will take place on Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 from 6 pm – 8 pm. Mars 2112, located in the heart of the Times Square district, prides themselves on an “environment that catapults travelers to a completely new world,” and SAO is certain that once patrons get a taste of the Soca experience, the International Soca Awards will be on everyone’s minds. At this launch, Soca lovers will be able to see why SAO is the organization that is Taking Soca to Higher Heights. Media is invited to join this event, please RSVP to info@socaawards.com no later than Monday, August 25th, 2008 at 3 pm.

iSA 6 will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center “DOME” under the kind patronage of the Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Senator Richard "Ricky" Skerritt on Saturday, October 18th, 2008, please log-on to www.socaawards.com for up to date information.

SAO will like to extend special thanks to Mars 2112 and to Lexy Brooks and VIP Connected as the official sponsors of the 2008 NYC iSA 6 launch. Mars 2112 is located at 1633 Broadway at 51st Street, New York City 10019. For more information on Mars 2112, please visit www.mars2112.com or call 212-582-2112.

Soca Awards Scheduled Artist

Soca Awards Organization has scheduled artists to perform at the 6th Annual International Soca Awards and during ‘Soca Week’ in St. Kitts

New York, NY (August 14th, 2008) - Soca Awards Organization has scheduled artists to perform at the 6th Annual International Soca Awards and during ‘Soca Week’ in St. Kitts.

A stellar array of artists are scheduled to hit the stage during what's being deemed "Soca Week" in St. Kitts, where the 6th Annual International Soca Awards (iSA 6) is to be held this upcoming October. This highly anticipated award show brought to you by the Soca Awards Organization and endorsed by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority will undoubtedly be the best iSA to date.

The sensational events will span from October 16 - 18, 2008 with artists such as St. Vincent’s rising star, Zoelah; Antigua's Soca Diva, Tizzy & El-A-kru; Ricky T, the 2007 & 2008 Road March King of St. Lucia; directly from Trinidad, the humor man of Soca, Crazy; steel pan sensation Dane Gulston; Trinidad and Tobago's up and coming 'desired' young artist, SKHI; producer/artist, Kerwin Du Bois with his Gyal Farm partner, Shal Marshall; St. Kitts' Soca Princess, Juliette Mills; the Soca Doctor out of Miami, Sizwe C; out of Boston, Massachusetts, Kamau; Montserrat’s Soca Princess, Jadine; Harella, the premier female Soca artist representing Tortola, British Virgin Islands & Dominica; St. Kitts' very own sugar band Nu Vybes International and Small Axe Band; St. Martin's top band, the Respeck Band; and Grenada's 2007 Road March King, Berbice are all scheduled to deliver memorable performances, not to mention a host of DJs from around the world. The event will be hosted by Canadian actress, comedian, radio personality, Suzanne “Zan” Coy and St. Kitts’ very own St. Clair “G Cue” Liburd. Zan’s talents have been showcased in film, television, theater and currently, Toronto’s TSW FM. G Cue’s voice can be heard daily on St. Kitts’ WINN FM as he brings today’s top Soca music to the island; SAO is delighted to have such talents host iSA 6 on October 18, 2008 at the Marriott Event Center “Dome” Frigate Bay, on the beautiful island of St. Kitts.

We encourage you to visit www.socaawards.com for up to date information and more exciting news on the 2008 International Soca Awards including surprise guests at the upcoming award show.

The iSA goes to............

Support for iSA 6 is provided by St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, HYPE TV, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino, ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, socaawards.com, socatvhd.com, Winn FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.1FM, Red Hot Radio 98.5FM, WACK 90.1FM, sknvibes.com, b Mobile, Club Kactus, sknentertainment.com, D’ Celebrities Mas Crew, Shabeau Magazine, Shabeau Style TV, V.I.P Connected, Pour Moi – Cognac, JTE Spirits, W4 Tours Travel & Promotion, tropicalfete.com, socaordie.com, Allan T. Photography, thefrontlineradio.com, toronto-lime.com, wukupnuff.com, tswradio.com, 416.Soca.Mix, Virgin Island FASHIONWEEK.COM, caribbeanmecca.com, smallislandmix.com, chinradio.com, brooklynmix.com, St. Kitts Bottling Company Ltd – AQUA VITA, scruffytv.com and scruffyradio.com

Grenada Carnival Update

Village Soca Monarch

Berbice - Demon

Groovy Soca Monarch

Yaga - Somebody

Soca Monarch

Luni Sparks & elctrify - High
Mr Killa - Never Give up
Mr Leggs - Helicopter

Anthems top ten from Spicemas

Brother B Little Wine
Berbice - Demon
Pupa Leendi Rum oh
That don't bother me
4brass Mr computer man
4brass -sapodilla
Never Give up -Mr Killa
Brother B - Not like Me
Berbice - Big up yourslf
Sheldon Douglas - Water

Calypso and Party Monarch Adjudicating Workshops

The Carnival Development Committee is inviting persons to form part of the Adjudicator’s Pool for the Calypso and Party Monarch 2008, who have served as a judge for either Calypso and or Party Monarch in past or who have an interest in being a judge. You are hereby invited to attend the Calypso and Party Monarch adjudicating workshops. These workshops will be commencing on Saturday June 28 from 10am – 4pm for both Calypso and Party Monarch Competition and Sunday June 29 from 1pm – 5pm Calypso Competition only. These workshops will be conducted at the Multi Purpose Cultural Centre.

Interested persons are asked to attend and to be on time.

We look forward to your usual full participation in the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.

For further information, kindly contact Ms Wanda Clarke at 727-0016 or the Carnival Office 462-4707
http://www.antiguacarnival.com

Global Ratings Agency Rate Kingston, Jamaica Unsafe

KINGSTON Jamaica is the 31st most dangerous city in the world to live in, according to a global ratings agency report issued earlier this month. On the quality of life scale - surveying crime, health and sanitation, among other socio-economic indices - Kingston is ranked 137th out of 215 cities. Mercer is an international agency that rates cities worldwide in terms of personal safety and standard of living which informs investment firms. Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, says the survey is unfair. He feels those who are doing the ranking do not understand, for instance, that 80 per cent of the homicides here are gang related. He said people were quite safe in Kingston compared to London and other cities in developed countries.

Jamaica Proposal to tax Prostitutes

A senior health official's recommendation to decriminalize prostitution and tax sex workers has earned the ire of Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, who said the country should focus instead on employment and education. Simpson is challenging the Government, to ignore such a proposal. The former prime Minister stressed there is a need for more teachers, more policemen and women, not more prostitutes. She also called on the churches to join forces with the Government in offering assistance to prostitutes "so that mothers will not be ashamed and have to hide from our children what they are doing to make a living".

International Monetary Fund has approved money for Haiti

The International Monetary Fund has approved $26.5 million additional funding to Haiti to help the Caribbean country cope with high food and fuel prices. The funding is part of a total disbursement to Haiti of $38.7 million under the country's three-year IMF program. The IMF said the program had been modified for the rest of the year to reflect the impact from the price shock, which caused rioting in the country. "The program accommodates spending on social assistance programs and measures to soften the impact of higher food prices on the population, much of it financed by additional donor support," the IMF said.

Arthur Chung dies

Guyana`s first president, Raymond Arthur Chung died at his Bel Air Springs home in Georgetown on Monday. The former president, who was the country`s first Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Joint Services, had been in and out of hospital over the past two months. He returned home from the hospital last Friday. Mr. Chung who was accorded Guyanas Highest Award, the Order of Excellence will receive a full State Funeral. The former president leaves to mourn his wife, two children - Diane Pamela and Raymond Arthur (Jnr) who live in England and are expected to be home shortly. He is also survived by five grandchildren. The former High Court Judge became President in 1970 following the sudden death of Sir. David Rose, the Governor General and Head of State.

Arthur Chung was made President as a compromise candidate since the two major parties could not agree on a suitable Candidate for the ceremonial position. He left office in 1980 following the birth of the 1980 Guyana Constitution which made then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, the Executive President and Head of State.

Arthur Chung was 90 years old.

The 2008 Soca Awards list of Honoree Recipients and Nominees

As promised here is the eagerly anticipated list of Honoree Recipients and Nominees for the 6th Annual International Soca Awards, this information was officially announced this morning at 10:00 am live on - ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.5FM - St. Kitts. Red Hot Radio 98.1FM - Antigua, thefrontlineradio.com, socaawards.com (iSA RADIO).

This year's awards will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Center under the kind patronage of the Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Senator Richard "Ricky" Skerritt. This red carpet, star studded gala will bring Soca entertainers and Soca lovers from all across the world together to pay accolade to those deserving of the honor.

Voting is scheduled to begin on Friday June 6th.

We encourage you to stay linked to www.socaawards.com for up to date information and more exciting news on the 2008 International Soca Awards. Support for iSA6 is provided by St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, b Mobile, HYPE TV, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, socaawards.com, socatvonline.com, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.1FM, Red Hot Radio 98.5FM, sknvibes.com, Club Kactus, sknentertainment.com, Shabeau Magazine, Shabeau Style TV, Pour Moi – Cognac, JTE Spirits, W4 Tours & Promotions, tropicalfete.com, thefrontlineradio.com, toronto-lime.com and wukupnuff.com, www.socaordie.com, caribbeanmecca.com, tswradio.com, Soca Mix, Turner Video Productions, V.I.P Connected.

Click Here To View List

Jamaica Don't Have A Rice Shortage Said Karl Samuda

Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Karl Samuda, has assured that there will not be a shortage of rice in Jamaica, as Guyana will be supplying the country with the commodity soon. "Recently we visited at the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), which was convened in Antigua and we deliberated the problems facing us with the supply of rice from Guyana. There were very serious discussions held and very difficult negotiations. Samuda noted further that following discussions with the President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, it was agreed that Jamaica would purchase 60,000 tones out of the 100,000 tones required by the country. The Minister said that 60,000 tones of rice would be purchased from Guyana per annum and that within two weeks Jamaica would be supplied with 14,000 tones of rice from Guyana, in addition to the nearly 3,000 tones now on its way.

Drug KingPin Accused Of Murder, Guyana Police Investigating

The trial in the US of Guyanese businessman and alleged drug kingpin, Shaheed Roger Khan, is heating up while several murder allegations are being leveled against him during the trial. US prosecutors had claimed before his incarceration that he had ordered his so-called hit men to execute a number of persons, including Guyanese boxing coach Donald Allison and Devendra Persaud. They claimed both men had refused to work for Khans drug ring. Local media raised the issue of whether police in Guyana will investigate these matters with President Bharrat Jagdeo during a media conference at his office. Jagdeo, in his response, said the local police have an obligation to investigate any allegations of crime whether at home or abroad as long as Guyanese are involved.

Voilence will not stop Carifesta X

Following the attacks by gunmen on Guyana's Ministry of Culture, youth and sport, Dr Frank Anthony says that preparations for CARIFETSA X will continue. The minister called on local police to speedily apprehend the perpetrators of the attack. The minister was resolute that the ministrys work, which includes among other things preparations to host the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X, will continue. The attack, if intended to discourage Guyana from hosting CARIFESTA X, has failed said Minister Anthony. He expressed confidence stating that, despite the prevailing circumstances in Guyana, the Festival will go on.

Soca Awards Launches New Website

Soca Awards Organization, Inc. Announces the launch of their newly designed website www.SocaAwards.com on may 14th 2008.

SOCA AWARDS ORGANIZATION, INC. ENDORSED BY ST. KITTS TOURISM AUTHORITY PRESENTS THE 2008 INTERNATIONAL SOCA AWARDS (iSA6) - SOCA GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND EXCITEMENT! FRIGATE BAY, ST. KITTS SATURDAY OCTOBER 18TH 2008. LIVE BROADCAST ON WWW.SOCATVONLINE.COM.

Frigate Bay, St. Kitts - On Saturday October 18th 2008 at 5:00pm the spotlight will shine on the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center “DOME” which will be the official location of Soca music. Watch as history unfolds, for the first time in the beautiful island of St. Kitts the Soca Awards Organization Inc. (SAO), endorsed by St. Kitts Tourism Authority presents the 6th Annual International Soca Awards (iSA6) – Under the Patronage of the Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Senator Richard “Ricky” Skerritt. The Annual International Soca Awards is the Caribbean’s equivalent to the Grammy, Hip Hop, MTV and BET Awards, where exponents of the Soca Music art form are recognized and rewarded for achievements and excellence in various categories. This gala event is a presentation of the Brooklyn, N.Y. based Soca Awards Organization, Inc., whose founder and CEO is young and ambitious Trinidadian entrepreneur COLIN JACKMAN.

After five successful years in New York 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 and in Trinidad in 2005, the 2008 event promises to be the biggest yet, showcasing the absolute best talent that the Caribbean has to offer with the usually highly anticipated live performances by the top international Soca Artists. A very high profile international entertainment superstar is expected to be the "Special Invited Guest Presenter" at the star studded evening of music, culture and honors. The Red Carpet and VVIP reception starts at 5:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm and show time is at 7:30pm sharp.

Support for iSA6 is provided by St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, Socatvonline.com, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3FM, Radio One 94.1FM, Red Hot Radio 98.1FM, SKNVIBES.COM, Club Kactus, SKNENTERTAINMENT.COM. Pour Moi – Cognac, JTE Spirits, W4 Tours & Promotions, tropicalfete.com, thefrontlineradio.com, toronto-lime.com and wukupnuff.com.

Unemployment In Barbados

Low unemployment levels in recent years could be threatened as a result of increased costs facing businesses and high wage demands, says Central Bank Governor Dr Marion Williams. However, she said so far, high oil prices had not translated into layoffs, but this was because the situation was cushioned by Government subsidies.

Asked about the possibility of an economic slowdown in Barbados, Williams said: "If people become unemployed we will definitely see an economic slowdown.

"In some ways the fact that we survived 2006 with 7.3 per cent inflation rate does give comfort and suggest that if in 2008 inflation rate is around the same level that we could survive as well again," she said.

Drug Smuggling Rise In DR

Cocaine-laden flights from Venezuela, in particular, are soaring as the Dominican Republic becomes the main Caribbean transit route for drugs to the United States, the officials said. It takes about only seven hours for a single-engine Cessna to take off from Venezuela, drop its tightly packed bales of cocaine onto Dominican soil from the air, and return to Venezuela for another load. A recent US State Department report said the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which share the island of Hispaniola, both saw a 38 percent increase in drug smuggling flights last year. That followed a 167 percent surge in flights to the Caribbean island from Venezuela in 2006, the report said. The Dominican Republic -- far wealthier and more stable than its neighbor -- is now getting the lion's share of the business. Adding to its relative attractions, the Dominican Republic is a hub for international shipping and sits across the Mona Passage from the US territory of Puerto Rico -- an easy springboard for shipments to the US mainland.

British Virgin Islands confiscated millions

A court in the British Virgin Islands has confiscated more than US$45 million from a Bermuda-based mutual fund which pleaded guilty to serious fraud-related crimes. Justice Indra Hariprashad-Charles of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Road Town, BVI, ordered that $45.5 million be confiscated from IPOC International Growth Fund Ltd. Prosecutors say it may be the largest court order of its kind ever made in the Commonwealth. The order came after the four companies pleaded guilty on April 30 to furnishing false information and perverting the course of justice, both contrary to the Criminal Code, 1997. The court's order followed a 17-month investigation by authorities in the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda. It was alleged that between 2004 and 2005, the IPOC group lied about the source of $40 million which had been lodged with the court as part of a separate, civil matter.

Machel Montano Dominates

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - He promised "bigger and better in 2008" and soca superstar Machel Montano is living up to that promise, and is perhaps having his best year yet. Already a veteran of the music business and a legend in his country Trinidad, Montano has been taking his taste of soca rhythms to the masses for decades and is now being recognized internationally for it.

At the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held on Sunday, May 4th at the Apollo Theater in New York, Montano walked away with not only the most wins of the night but also the most coveted awards of the night. These include the Bob Marley Entertainer of the Year, Most Outstanding Stage Personality of the Year and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer awards.

"I am totally overwhelmed and very grateful to the fans, the voters, and especially the awards' committee," stated an exuberant Montano. "It's motivation to put in the hard work for bigger and better things to come."

Montano has been blazing a trail in Caribbean entertainment since he was a child and is now on a mission to take his crafted and well-honed sound of soca to the worldwide audience. He recently headlined back-to-back shows at the world famous Madison Square Garden in late March, played to fans last week in the Cayman Islands, is set for the "Best of the Best" show on Memorial weekend in Miami and another one at Six Flags New Jersey in July, and is gearing up for Crop Over Festival in Barbados at the end of the summer.

This week alone will find Montano on set in Miami and Los Angeles as he shoots the video for his latest hit, "Defense – The Anthem," with reggaeton star Pitbull and rapper Lil Jon. Then he joins Pitbull, Miley Cyrus, Flo-Rida and Snoop Dogg at the KIIS FM show in Irvine, California on Saturday, May 10th. All this while seeing the release of his new album Wining Season,now available online and in stores.

For updated tour and artist information, log on to machelmontanohd.com or visit his MySpace artist profile to see behind-the-scenes pictures as Machel keeps carnival alive year round, around the world.

TT Officers Blame Coast Guards

The Trinidad police Department is at odds with its counterparts in the Coast Guard for allegedly bungling a drug operation. According to reports, the Police Department launched a covert operation to intercept a drug drop off on the north coast near las Cuevas after receiving an anonymous tip off. The officers claim to have informed the Coast Guard of the drop off point, instructing the Guard to intercept the vessel on the ocean. Meanwhile the officers conducted a nine-hour stake out to recovered some 2 million TT dollars worth of compressed marijuana. The officers say that despite repeated signals to the Coast Guard, no action was taken by the maritime officers and the pirogue which made the drop off, was never intercepted.

Grenada press freedom

In news from the Eastern Caribbean, in an unusual series of events, Rawle Titus and Linda Straker, freelance journalists and executive members of the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG), have given statements to the Criminal Investigation Department about cartoon caricatures which were posted in the city's capital. The journalists strongly oppose the cartoon, in which they have been depicted as agents of the Opposition, being paid to harass members of the current Keith Mitchell administration. The matter has received international attention from Robert Menard, the secretary general of the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders who has since written to Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell over the harassment of the two journalists and the implications for Press Freedom. In response, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) pledged to launch a full investigation into the allegations.

Jamaican Arrested In Guyana

Three Jamaicans were recently intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana after a search of luggage belonging to one of them unearthed a quantity of cocaine with an estimated US street value of US$20,000 concealed neatly in a dart board.

A CANU officer explained that around 6.30 am the three Jamaicans, one female and two males, all in their late 20s were outgoing passengers on Caribbean Airlines flight CA424 destined for Jamaica via Barbados. He said officers at the airport profiled the female Jamaican and her suitcase was checked in her presence and the dart board was discovered.

The Jamaicans travel documents revealed that they had traveled to Guyana on April 15. Officials broke open the dart board in the presence of media operatives at CANU headquarters yesterday and removed the substance, which weighed just over two pounds. Asked whether the detection could have been made by sniffer dogs, the officer said yes and added that once the dogs were effective enough they would have been able to pick up the drug even though it was carefully concealed. However, he pointed out that CANU did not own any such dogs, noting that the sniffer dogs that operate at the airport were owned by the Police Narcotics Branch.

Cuba Gets Cell Phones

Cuba, hundreds flocked to the island's sole telecommunications provide ETECSA to take advantage of a luxury now reduced to a commodity, for those who can afford it. The liberation of the Cuban telecommunications sector now means that access has been granted for many more Cubans to buy cellular phone services previously available only to government officials and foreigners. Nonetheless, the new opportunity to make contact with friends and family around the world is limited to a select few who earn the 65 US equivalent cost of acquiring the service. Despite the fact that cell phone rates in Cuba are the lowest in Latin America, the expense of setting up the service would cost the average Cuban to sacrifice ten months of regular wages. Meanwhile, ETECSA, partly owned by Telecom Italia, maintains that it will use the income to expand land lines.

Haiti In Crisis Over Food

Violence has erupted once again in a territory already ravaged by poverty and social instability. In this latest report, angry demonstrators took to the streets to protest yet another rise in the price of fuel and other commodities. During the ensuing food riot, a 36 year old member of the Nigerian Police force, part of the UN peace keeping mission, was shot dead as he attempted to transport food to his colleagues. According to reports, angry Haitians attacked the uniformed officer, who was dragged from his car and later murdered. South Africa's UN ambassador Dumisani Kumalo has said that the 15-member body "condemned in the strongest terms" the murder of the 36-year-old peacekeeper.

Meanwhile, recent events in Haiti have alerted the International community of the severity of the food crisis being experienced in developing countries, as the prices of oil and other staple goods continue to skyrocket. Yvonne Tsikata, the World Bank's country director for the Caribbean said the development agency planned to help Haiti develop a medium-term strategy to improve food security. World Bank President Robert Zoellick has also called for a coordinated global response to tackle the rise in the price of food, and has sough to engage the IMF in these discussions. Meanwhile, the Haitian Senate has fired Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis, Haiti's Prime Minister, citing incompetence and inability to devise strategies for dealing with the current crisis.

Suriname to prosecute

The war against Guyana's pirates of the seas is in full swing. Prosecutors in Suirname re preparing their case against 6 Guyanese nationals who have been brought in on suspiicion of piracy against local and foreign fishermen in Surinamese waters. The authorities say that the six-man gang, whose ages ranged from 25 to 35 years, had been targeting fishing boats but managed to elude Suriname police by hiding in Guyana after their attacks. But now that they have been caught, Suriname official have no intention of sending the men back home. "These men have committed crimes in Suriname waters, so it is our legal responsibility to try them here. We will not hand them over to Guyana," said solicitor-general Roy Panday. A top official from the Judicial Department of the Suriname Police Force has said that charges could be laid as soon as next week.

Caricom to keep Death Penalty

Leaders of Caricom have vowed to keep the death penalty regardless of opposition from International agencies. Speaking at the recently concluded Special Summit on Crime in Trinidad and Tobago, chairman of Caricom and the Conference, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, reiterated that the death penalty would be carried out. "Speaking for myself and the Bahamas we have a number of appeals pending and should the appeals court determine that the sentence of death may be carried out, we intend to do so." Ingraham said. The leaders also decided to develop wire-tapping legislation which, according to Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo, is "absolutely necessary." The Caricom leaders agreed to he development of a regional witness protection programme to prevent the current trend of criminals murdering and or intimidating witnesses of crimes.

Jamaica Corrupt Cops On Trial

Four Police officers have been brought before the courts under allegations ranging from robbery, to kidnapping to attempts at subverting the law and extortion. Constables Maurice Taylor, Anthony Harris, Itrea Shuriah and Omar Gordon were remanded in custody last week after arresting a a local at his residence and subsequently demanding some US$3000 to compromise the alleged case against him. In a separate incident Constable Taylor has been charged with robbery of some 2000 US from an associate whilst constables Harris and Shuriah, are facing robbery with aggravation charges Meanwhile Constable Gordon is facing charges of conspiracy to kidnap and breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act. Constable Gordon, who is said to have "abandoned his job", is facing charges of conspiracy to kidnap a man who is suspected to have been a player in the Montego Bay lottery scam in June last year. The man, who was abducted from his Montego bay residence in June 2007, is still missing.

Sexual Assault Charges

Controversy wages yet again in St Vincent and the Grenadines where the island's Director of Public Prosecution, Colin Williams has discontinued yet another case of sexual assault brought up against the Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. In this latest report, the March 13 charge filed by an attorney residing in Canada has been summarily dropped. Kay Bacchus-Browne, one of the lawyers representing Parsons, said she is "appalled" by the DPP's decision. High Court Judge, Justice Gertel Thom, refused permission for the lawyers to seek a judicial review of the DPP's decision. Gonsalves was to appear in court on Monday 14th April.