Artist: Jah Cure

Label: Sobe Entertainment

Released: 14th April 2009
Jah Cure’s first offering since his release from jail sees him heading further into the late night radio friendly world of MORR (Middle Of the Road Reggae) with which Jamaican music seems enamoured right now. And provided you are willing to accept this as a given and let go of any preconceptions about how roots reggae “should” sound, then, as with Gyptian’s pop-tastic I Can Feel Your Pain, there is plenty to enjoy.

Universal Cure’s main currency is power ballads. Soon Come swells with a big guitar solo, Freedom features two, whereas heart strings anthem, U Believe In Me, gushes with thanks to Jah and the Cure’s fans for helping him along. As with True Reflections (which turns up here having taken pride of place on VP’s 2007 singles collection of the same name) the song’s ambiguous references to his self-improvement may be interpreted erroneously as an admission to alleged misdeeds.

But there is also diversity, stylistic miscegenation and rootical sentiment to be found. A less subtle take on Asa’s Mr Jailer rocks to a hand clapping acoustic stomp similar to Dallas Austin and Kelis’ Trick Me; Hot Long Time is a hip hop ensemble piece featuring Flo-rida, Mavado and a standout turn from Junior Reid; and My Life showcases the burgeoning trend for smooth violin present on Beres Hammond’s Still Be Heaven. A rendition of the Wailers Burning & Looting is an intriguing melange of slick lovers arrangements and incendiary lyrics; while closing herb tune Green Grass mobilises an attack on cocaine and ecstasy use, to the Mission rhythm’s histrionic military drums, chimes and simulated strings.

Previous album True Reflections: A New Beginning, despite contributions from MORR producers such as Arif Cooper and Donovan Bennett, feels far more rootsy by comparison. Yet something about these ornate, shimmering creations commands attention. Cure’s golden, leonine voice pulls him through any trouble spots – earthy yet alien, human yet filled with the wonders of nature. Jah Cure is free and above all, it seems, he wants all the commercial success he can get.

Source: United Reggae

Artist: Buju Banton

Label: Gargamel Records

Released: 21 April 2009
Originally composed during his 2004 “exile”—when Buju’s visa was confiscated due to a ganja charge—Rasta Got Soul is a strictly roots and culture affair, with the gravelly voiced DJ singing throughout in a return to Til Shiloh form.

That legendary 1995 disc, released on the Loose Cannon imprint of Mercury Records, marked Buju’s ascension from top-ranking dancehall don to internationally acclaimed reggae star. Coming so soon after still-simmering lyrical controversies threatened to consume his career, Buju’s Rasta renaissance was reminiscent of a dreadlocked phoenix rising from the flames. But people forget that Til Shiloh had more than a few dancehall cuts thrown in to keep the party popping, from Dave Kelly’s “Arab Attack” riddim on “Only Man” to Penthouse classics like “Champion” and “Murderer.” By contrast, the sound of Rasta Got Soul remains much more consistent throughout—ranging from Niyabinghi-style drumming and chanting to traditional “organic” roots reggae played by live musicians.

Roots revivalists and dancehall bashers alike may stand up and cheer the retro gesture of Rasta Got Soul, but Buju’s diehard dancehall fans—the ones who loved his 2006 hit “Driver” from the Too Bad album—may be left wanting more. While individual cuts like “I Rise” and “Magic City” are worthy of praise, a bit more variety would be welcome. As nice as the ska rave-up “Little Bit of Sorry” may be, one wishes for a few raw dancehall cuts, “Cowboys” perhaps, or “Any Weh Gal Deh.” The touching, Wyclef-produced duet “Bedtime Stories” may be the sleeper hit here. “Daddy won’t be coming home tonight,” Buju sings, and the sad story rings true—whether you’re a hustler or a soldier or a reggae singer.

Artist: Sizzla

Label: VP/Greensleeves

Released: 21 April 2009
Sizzla’s last album Addicted featured trendy Teutonic electro influenced rhythms, plush psychedelic dreamscapes, repetitive love based lyrical conceits and some very shouty collaborations with Spragga Benz. In short, it was the sort of insouciant, experimental, genre busting Kalonji opus we’ve become used to of late.

Now he’s put together old and fresh material for a more traditional reggae set with George Dusty Miller and the Firehouse Crew. Tellingly he’s releasing it on Greensleeves, (issuers of Lutan Fyah’s Phantom War and Chezidek’s Inna Di Road) as part of a two fold modern roots release programme for early 2009 (the new Alborosie is due in the summer).

The loose delivery and pained howls are at a minimum, replaced by the raw punchy deejay and singing fusions of albums like 2002’s Da Real Thing. Another point of agreement with that record is the quality of the songwriting (neglected on some recent Kalonji efforts in favour of texture, mood and eclecticism). Examples include the catchy and uplifting Hey Youths and the serene, Just One Of Those Days reminiscent, What Am I To Do Baby. The lyrics eschew self-aggrandisement for community focus – telling those tricked by Babylon into committing crime to Stop It Right Now and warning governments to be mindful of Taxpayers Money. And there is also a rogue’s gallery of classic rhythms behind many tracks: Joe Frazier on the Obama tribute Black Man In The White House; None Of Jah Jah Children on Future Is Yours; and King In The Arena on Premeditate.

Of course, Sizzla can’t help but inject modernity and quirkiness into proceedings. Opener Jah Love cloaks his controversial falsetto in autotune over jaunty harpsichord style synths. Yet on both this track and the gurgling Open Up The Doors, the device is deployed artfully – reminding us why it first came into use.

How you rate Ghetto Youthology will depend at which end of the Sizzla table you sit. If you’re a supporter of his more opaque and reggae-transcending moments this may strike you as a needless retread of a bygone era. To the more conservative in outlook it should be a welcome return to tunesmithery, the “one drop” and his conscious roots. But if that sounds like you, enjoy it while you can – for Kalonji will be wrong footing and confounding your expectations again soon enough.

Source: United Reggae

Minister of Information Daryl Vaz named the “mentally challenged” hijacker as 20-year-old Stephen Fray from Montego Bay.

CanJet flight number 918 was destined for Halifax, Canada, with a scheduled stop in Santa Clara, Cuba.

Early this morning, police reported that the gunman released all passengers and two members of the crew shortly after staging the hijack.

“The aircraft has been isolated and the airport will continue normal operations,” the police said, adding that no member of the aircraft’s crew or any passengers have been hurt.

A news release from the police at approximately 3:45 am said that the they have debriefed all the passengers who have been placed in local hotels.

“Following their debriefing, the passengers were addressed by Prime Minister Bruce Golding who assured them that everything possible was being done to enable them to return home as early as possible,” the police said.

Last night, airport sources said the man showed airport personnel a gun when they tried to prevent him from entering a restricted area.

The hijack took place at approximately 10:20 pm, just about the same time that Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper, arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (over 130 miles south-east of Montego Bay) on a two-day working visit during which he will address a special session of Parliament this afternoon.

It was not clear up to press time what demands the hijacker had made, however, CNN last night reported on its website that Christen Gosslin, a passenger on the flight, told his father that the gunman demanded cash from the passengers.

“The guy wanted to have all their money,” said Gosslin’s father, Alphonse. “He (my son) told his girlfriend to take all the money and just take her passport and credit card and put it in her back pocket,” the CNN report said.

The network reported that Gosslin, who was part of a 25-person wedding party, spoke to his father in New Brunswick, Canada, while waiting for another flight.

“I didn’t ask them too many questions; I was more concerned for their safety,” CNN reported the father as saying. “They were a bit shaken up. It was quite an experience.”

CNN also reported that another passenger, Brenda Grenier, called her husband in Nova Scotia, Canada and said a man had apparently sneaked aboard the plane while airport workers were loading bags.

The incident has turned the spotlight on security at the airport which was privatised late 2002 to an international consortium led by Canadian Vancouver Airports Services, which, under a 30-year concession, operates as MBJ Airports Ltd.

At the time of the privatisation, the Jamaican Government had projected to spend US$127 million on the Sangster development project which is scheduled to run up to 2022.

Sangster is one of the largest, busiest and most modern airports in the Caribbean.

CanJet Airlines, a division of IMP Group Limited in Halifax, Nova Scotia – one of Canada’s largest aviation and aerospace companies – was established in 1999 and started operations on September 5, 2000. It was merged with Canada 3000 in May 2001 shortly before that firm went into bankruptcy.

The airline was successfully relaunched on June 20, 2002 as an independent carrier and quickly expanded, offering full-service charters.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Jamaica gunman arrested

Police in Jamaica have arrested a lone gunman who seized a Canadian airliner carrying 182 people at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The man, said to be ‘mentally challenged’, was captured after an eight hour standoff with the police.

He reportedly breached security systems using fake ID and boarded the plane as it was preparing to take off at around 10:30 pm local time on Sunday.

All the passengers and two crew members were released shortly after, but six crew members were held hours longer.

Police say no one was injured.

Correspondents say security at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport is normally very good.

The airport, one of the most modern in the Caribbean, handles around four million passengers a year.

Violence mars Haiti senate election

Haiti’s senate elections were marred by violence on Sunday, forcing the authorities to cancel voting at some polling stations.

Several people were wounded during clashes between supporters of rival candidates.

One member of the security forces was wounded as police and UN forces exchanged fire with civilian gunmen in one town.

Observers said that less than ten percent of eligible voters cast their ballots.

The country’s largest political party, the Lavalas Family Party, had urged an election boycott after its candidates were barred from contesting the election.

The ballot was held to elect 12 candidates to the Senate.

Harper to address Jamaica parliament

The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, will address a joint sitting of Jamaica’s parliament on Monday.

Mr Harper is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Bruce Golding on a range of issues, including the global economic crisis and the impending negotiations toward a free trade agreement between CARICOM and Canada.

The two leaders will also discuss Canada’s assistance in the implementation of Jamaica’s Justice Reform Programme.

Amerindians want more consultation

Indigenous Indians in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana want more information and consultation on issues affecting them, such as mining and a proposal to use the Amazon rainforest to counter climate change.

This was one of the major calls coming out of the first meeting of the leaders of tribes and villages of indigenous Indians in the Guiana Shield which ended in Guyana on the weekend.

The representative have begun to form alliances with each other, non governmental organizations and the multilateral institutions to make a more co-ordinated effort to overcome challenges they face.

New music video by Jay Will featuring Reggae and R&B singer Philip 7 on Stephen McGreggor’s brand new one drop rhythm.

Rasta Got Soul was released by Banton’s Gargamel company and is his first full-length studio effort since splitting with longtime producer Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Records.

VIBE, owned by impressario Quincy Jones, had this to say:

“Roots revivalists and dancehall bashers alike may stand up and cheer the retro gesture of Rasta Got Soul, but Buju’s diehard dancehall fans – the ones who loved his 2006 hit Driver from the Too Bad album – may be left wanting more.

Worthy of praise

While individual cuts like I Rise and Magic City are worthy of praise, a bit more variety would be welcome. As nice as the ska rave-up Little Bit of Sorry may be, one wishes for a few raw dancehall cuts, Cowboys, perhaps, or Any Weh Gal Deh. The touching, Wyclef-produced duet Bedtime Stories may be the sleeper hit here. “Daddy won’t be coming home tonight,” Buju sings, and the sad story rings true – whether you’re a hustler or a soldier or a reggae singer.”

Outaroad.com differed:

“His most musically audacious work to date, Rasta Got Soul unites Buju Banton’s characteristic vocals and consistently positive messages, grounded in the tenets of Rastafari, with organic reggae rhythms carefully crafted by a select aggregation of the island’s finest musicians.”

Driver, driven by Sly and Robbie’s legendary Unmetered Taxi beat, was Banton’s last big hit. He has not impressed album buyers in the US since 1995′s outstanding Til Shiloh which is hailed as one of reggae’s great statements.

Banton stayed the roots course on subsequent albums like Inna Heights and Unchained Spirit, but returned to his hardcore dancehall roots on the Grammy-nominated Friends For Life and Too Bad.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Sources told Newsday the organisers of the segment decided to go the route of pre-recording to avoid any sound malfunctions or delays in any of the performances. In fact, some of the artistes have already recorded their music at the Haleland Park studio of Anil Hardath-Singh, the sound engineer contracted to put together the 45-minute music track for the cultural show.

Mas designer Brian Mac Farlane, is responsible for this entertainment segment, while other cultural segments, including those at the Summit Village and others aboard the Caribbean Princess are being handled by the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC).

Artistes selected to perform at the Summit Opening include dancers from Amrttam Shakti Dance Company/Vishal, the Caribbean School of Dance, Carol La Chapelle Dance School, Marcia Charles Dance Group, Northwest Laventille Cultural Group, Malick Folk Performers and Tobago Reel.

Also on the cast are members of the Defence Force Steel Orchestra, Arts and Entertainment Inc/Cleveland, Jeunes Agape, Jewels of Nature, Jhawhan Thomas, Trisha, Nydia Byron, the Laventille Rhythm Section, Los Alumnos De San Juan, Sean Singh, Twin Inc/Dion Baptiste, United Entertainers, and Unity Tassa/Jameel.

The grand finale will feature singer Ella Andall, former Calypso Monarch David Rudder, soca star Machel Montano, Montserratian calypsonian Arrow, Tony Prescott and pannist Ken “Professor” Philmore.

Throughout this week at the Summit Village, there have been “live” entertainment segments featuring artistes such as former Calypso Monarch Denyse Plummer, whose repertoire included her 2001 hit “Nah Leavin”, as well as Celine Dion’s “I’m Alive”, a reggae track from June Lodge, “Someone Loves You Honey”, a medley of songs composed by Super Blue, and a medley of old time calypsos.

Other artistes performing in the Summit Village throughout this week include David Bereaux and Friends, UWI Parang Group, PHI Band, Sitara Baal, the Codrington Pan Family, Relator, the Marcia Charles Dance Troupe, Jeunes Agape Choir, Brother Resistance and Renee Solomon. Also in the entertainment line-up are Sadiki Pan, Michael Boothman, Shurwayne Winchester, Vanessa Briggs, Blue Culture, Ken “Professor” Philmore, H2O Phlo, Noel La Pierre (pan soloist), Shiv Shakti Dancers, Mungal Patasar, Kay Alleyne, Three Chords, the Sandra Sukdeo Dance Troupe, The Alternative Quartet, Jewels of Nature, San Juan Tassa Youngsters Group, and Sagicor Exodus Steel Orchestra.

International Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch and Road March Champion Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez and her husband Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez have been contracted to perform at a dinner on board the cruise ship at the end of the Private Sector Forum this evening. Two-time Road March Champion Shurwayne Winchester with his band YOU are also listed to perform.

Other performers featured during the two-day forum are the Shiv Shakti Dancers/Malick Folk Dancers, Malick Tassa and Folk Drummers, Sadiki Pan and Pelham Goddard.

Meanwhile, several persons in the local entertainment industry say they are bewildered that several of TT’s most celebrated artistes were not included in the Summit’s entertainment programmes, notable among them Calypso King of the World the Mighty Sparrow and National Calypso Monarch Chalkdust.

Sparrow has sung calypsoes about several world leaders in the past, including Queen Elizabeth II of England, father of our nation Dr. Eric Williams. He was the first local entertainer to pen a calypso for United States President Barack Obama, who is among the leaders attending the Summit.

Also missing from the Summit entertainment line-up are the Roy Cape All Stars, the number one calypso and soca music band, calypso veteran Stalin and extempo bards Lingo and Gypsy. When asked about the matter, Gypsy said: “I don’t know if they are even inviting me to the Summit itself, far more to perform.”

One well known sound technician wondered about the criteria used to hire technical personnel for the shows.

“I’ve noticed that only a select few have been contacted. It appears that it was done very quietly,” he said.

Music producer Jean Michel Gibert said: “Calypso Rose has been a cultural ambassador representing this country all over the world for years. She is currently on the front cover of the April/May 2009 issue of Songlines magazines and yet nothing. It is amazing that she is here and no one has called her to perform.”

Source: NewsDay

Much attention is being focussed on this week’s Summit of the Americas in Trinidad.

The event, organised by the Organisation of Americas States (OAS), will have around 34 leaders from throughout the Americas in attendance.

Caricom countries alone make up almost half of the OAS membership with 14 countries.

That the meeting is being hosted by a Caricom member state has raised the level of expectation on what the grouping should aim to get out of it.

But, what influence Caricom leaders will yield or exploit at the Trinidad summit is still an issue of much debate.

However, several of them will have prominent speaking roles during the gathering.

Host prime minister Patrick Manning, and Caricom chairman, Belize prime minister Dean Barrow, will address Friday’s opening ceremony.

Other leaders will give presentataions during specific forums: Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines will speak on democratic governance, public security and summit follow-up; President Rene Preval of Haiti will address the issue of human prosperity; while Grenada’s Tillman Thomas is down to give an address on environmental sustainability.

For his part Prime Minister Patrick Manning has said the summit provides an opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago and its Caricom partners to play a leadership role in the geopolitics of the hemisphere.

	Caricom’s impact on the summit is still being debated

He also sees it as a chance to help shape a development agenda that’ll serve to enhance sustainable development across the entire region.

However, the issues which are likely to dominate the meeting are in some respects already being defined.

The effects of the global economic crisis, Cuba, security and immigration are topping the list.

Economic crisis

The global recession is expected to be the top talking point.

Analysts say prudent economic policies adopted by several countries in the Americas region have helped them weather the recession better than in previous decades.

But officials say a drop of 1 per cent in the region’s gross domestic product could send up to 15 million people back into extreme poverty.

The recent G20 summit in London approved a $1 trillion package to help developing countries, with Latin America nations – including some Caribbean states – among the main beneficiaries.

Cuba

Cuba is expected to be another top agenda issue for both the US and Latin American countries.

According to the Washington-based Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), President Obama will travel to Trinidad in the knowledge that the biggest diplomatic challenge he will face is most likely the question of US policy towards Cuba.

	There are calls to re-admit Cuba to the OAS and end the US embargo

While the US government maintains an opposition to Cuba’s membership in the hemispheric grouping, a growing number of Latin American countries are calling for its re-instatement.

Caricom leaders are expected to support their Latin American counterparts.

Cuba was kicked out of the OAS in 1962 for not being a democracy.

There have also been growing calls, supported by several Caricom leaders, for the US to end its half century embargo against the communist country.

Venezuela

Another COHA perspective on the summit regards Venezuela.

It notes that “while President Chavez initially welcomed Mr Obama’s election, their subsequent exchanges have largely been tense and disagreeable unpleasant”.

Mr Chavez has effectively been leading the call to have Cuba back in the OAS fold.

He has been equally vociferous is demanding that the US drop the trade embargo against Cuba.

Security

Security concerns including crime, fuelled by the downturn in some regional economies, and the drug trade elsewhere in the region, are widespread.

The summit’s draft declaration has a section on strengthening public security.

Immigration

	US relations with ‘ the Americas’ will be a key issue

Some 12 million illegal immigrants live in the United States, mostly from Mexico and Central America. However, although figures are not immediately available, it’s believed that proportionately, there is a sizeable number from the Caribbean.

Efforts by the US to reform the system, granting some immigrants the right to stay while requiring others to return home and apply for re-entry, failed in 2006 and 2007.

During his election campaign, Mr Obama had promised to work for immigration reform.

Recent reports suggest that he intends to reopen the debate on immigration reform this year.

The Summit from 17to 19 April is being held under the theme ‘Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability’.

Source: BBC News 

Clinton goes to Haiti

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is scheduled to arrive in Haiti on Thursday for meetings with president Rene Preval.

Earlier this week Mrs Clinton attended an international donors conference, where countries and organisations pledged US $324 million in aid to the impoverished country.

The US has also announced that it is providing almost $290 million in non-emergency aid to Port-au-Prince this year.

But Haitian lawmakers said the international community has
failed to come through on previous promises for more help, and left them to struggle at a critical turning point.

Mrs Clinton said however, that there are plans for better collaboration with donors to help Haiti.

CLICO (Guyana) liabilities higher than assets

Guyana’s High Court has heard that the liabilities of the embattled company CLICO (Guyana) Limited are more than its assets.

This means that the assets are not sufficient to meet its obligations.

In a highly anticipated report, the Judicial Manager of CLICO Guyana, Maria van Beek, strongly criticised the manner in which the insurance company was run.

She also said that should the company be wound up, the net deficit could rise to US $58 million.

Religious leader laments “lack of unity”

The head of one of St Lucia’s faith-based organisations says the church is failing because of its involvement in politics, and a lack of unity.

Captain Ulrick Thibaud of the Salvation Army spoke against the backdrop of concerns that the traditional Lenten season is becoming more secularised, with social activities replacing traditional religious events.

Haitian-born Captain Thibaud also feels that the church is failing to effectively educate people on morals and Christian ethics.

Turtles in race to the Caribbean

Eleven leather backed turtles are being tracked over the next two weeks, as they swim 3,700 miles from Canada to the Caribbean, in an event dubbed “the great turtle race”.

The race, organised by Conservation International, kicked off in waters off Halifax on Thursday.

Nesting grounds in the Caribbean will serve as the finish line, which the sea creatures are expected to reach by April 29.

The turtles have been fitted with state-of-the-art satellite transmitters, allowing people to follow their progress.

Data collected during the exercise will help experts learn more about their environment.