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Reggae star Taylor dies at 50 - Jamaica Gleaner.
published: Monday | December 3, 2007

TYRONE TAYLOR, the reggae singer whose 1983 song Cottage in Negril is considered a classic, died on Saturday.

Norman 'Bull Puss' Bryan, a close friend of Taylor's, said Taylor died from prostate cancer in Kingston.

The St. Elizabeth-born Taylor, who was 50 years old, had fallen on hard times. He suffered two strokes in recent years and spoke openly of a substance abuse problem that derailed a promising career.

Taylor's recording career began during the 1970s when he recorded several songs for top-flight producers like Winston 'Niney' Holness. But it was not until the early 1980s that he hit paydirt with Cottage in Negril.

The song, driven by Taylor's soulful delivery and an infectious saxophone solo, was a homage to the West End resort town which became a hang-out for American hippies and college students in the 1970s.

Signature song

Cottage in Negril became his signature song, popping up on reggae compilations from European record companies. It made Taylor a minor star on that continent.

Taylor would record other popular songs, such as a cover of American soul singer Bobby Blue Bland's Members Only and 1994's Rainy Sunset, but he never recaptured the success of Cottage in Negril which was recently covered by singer Duane Stephenson.

Taylor made several futile attempts at a comeback, including an appearance at Rebel Salute in his home parish.




Tyrone Taylor has passed away ... Reggae Vibes.com

Tyrone Taylor, the reggae singer whose 1983 song 'Cottage In Negril' is considered a classic, died on Saturday, December 1st 2007. Producer Norman 'Bull Puss' Bryan, a close friend of Taylor's, said the singer died from prostate cancer in Kingston, Jamaica. The St. Elizabeth-born Taylor, who was 50 years old, had fallen on hard times. He suffered two strokes in recent years and spoke openly of a substance abuse problem that derailed a promising career.

TYRONE TAYLOR... SINGER WITH A GOLDEN SWEET VOICE.

Tyrone Taylor was born in Negril, Jamaica, in 1957. He first ventured in the studio at the tender age of 12 when he recorded 'Delilah' for producer Joe Gibbs. The song surfaced in the UK on the flipside of Dennis Walks' hit 'Having A Party', but being disappointed with the final result of his first recording Taylor drifted among some of Jamaica's top session men, learning to play a number of instruments. One of his most influential benefactors was Willie Lindo who encouraged him to persevere with a career in the music business.

Taylor went on to record with a number of Jamaica's leading producers, notably with Winston 'Niney The Observer' Holness and Jack Ruby, and was signed to Bob Marley's Tuff Gong enterprise. The singer with the golden sweet voice always seemed to do his best"

Grammy® Nomination for Burning Spear

Reggae music icon and international recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney receives

a

Best Reggae Album

GRAMMY® nomination

for

BURNING SPEAR EXPERIENCE

New York, NY (December 6, 2007) – Burning Music Productions is proud to announce that Reggae music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney (O.D.) has been nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy for his 2007 double CD release, Burning Spear Experience. Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari CD and has received 10 nominations for his releases over his career to date. The 50^th Annual Grammy Awards presentation will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 10, 2008 to be broadcast on CBS Television nationwide.

Burning Spear Experience is a two disc, 25 track compilation from Rodney’s own Burning Music Productions featuring rare unreleased tracks, alternative versions and live concert recordings spanning Spear’s career. All tracks on the compilation were chosen by Burning Spear himself. Included is a limited edition bonus DVD and is available exclusively at the Burning Spear Store on his official website, Borders Stores, and all leading music outlets. Burning Spear’s catalog of releases are available on is own Burning Music Productions and Think Indie distribution company.

Burning Spear is scheduled to release his all-new studio album Jah Is Real in early 2008 through his Burning Music Productions.

Keep The Spear Burning !

For more information on the latest Burning Spear news, Burning Sound radio (on Live365.com), joining the Burning Spear Street Team and more -

Visit www.BurningSpear.net

Jay Douglas @ Mod Club

21st. CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ,TO ALL REGGAE RADIO DJ’S AND PROGRAMERS, NEWSPAPER WRITERS, PRODUCERS, PROMOTERS, ETC.

REGGAE INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION DEC.2, 2007

SUGGESTION FOR NOMINATIONS

RE-21^st. CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Plans for the Twenty (21^st.) Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards presentation are now underway. This Gala Event will be held on Sunday March 30^th, 2008. At 7pm. at the beautiful JAMAICAN CANADIAN CENTRE 995 ARROW RD. (MAIN BALLROOM) in Toronto, Ontario. Please fill in your suggestions for nomination in the following categories and mail it to the CRMA. 7205 Goreway Drive P.O. Box #59176 Mississauga, Ontario, L4T-4J1 or E-mail to winprods@aol.com before January 15^th, 2008.

CANADIAN REGGAE ARTISTS AWARDS	CANADIAN REGGAE ORIENTED GOSPEL AWARDS
Top Reggae Newcomer (female)	Top Reggae Gospel Singer (female)
Top Reggae Newcomer (male)	Top Reggae Gospel Singer (male)
Top Reggae Band	Top Reggae Gospel CD. / Album
Top Dancehall Style D.J. (female)
Top Dancehall Style D.J. (male)	CANADIAN SOCA / CALYPSO AWARDS
Top Reggae Singer (female)	Top Soca / Calypso CD. / Album
Top Reggae Singer (male)
Top Reggae Producer	TOP INTERNATIONAL REGGAE AWARDS
Top Reggae CD. / Album	Top Reggae CD. / Album
Top Reggae Single	Top Reggae Single
SPECIAL AWARDS	SPECIAL AWARDS
Canadian Awards of Merit	The PETER TOSH Memorial Award
International Awards of Merit	The BOB MARLEY Memorial Award
Canadian Radio D.J. Award (For playing the most Canadian Reggae Artists)	Notes:

NOTE: A LIST OF NOMINATIONS WILL BE RELEASED ON JANUARY 30^TH. 2008 AT 9:00 PM. AT A SPECIAL NOMINATION RELEASE PARTY. THE VENUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.

Regards

Winston Hewitt, Producer / Coordinator. C.R.M.A. P.O.BOX.59176 Mississauga, Ontario, L4T-4J1

For more information, please call 905-270-8675. E-mail winprods@aol.com

Burning Spear receives Order of Distinction

(left to right): Bootsy Collins, Burning Spear, and Bernie Worrell in studio

Reggae music icon Burning Spear receives Order of Distinction (O.D.) award in Jamaica /
Readies new studio album for early 2008 release


New York (October 31, 2007) – Reggae music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney was bestowed the Order of Distinction (O.D.) upon him by the Jamaican Government earlier this month on Heroes Day, in recognition of his service through music to the Jamaican society. “This award was a long time coming and was forst initiated by journalist Devon Evans from St Ann, my home parries, and I am glad to receive the honor,” says Spear. Rodney has led the way musically, in keeping with another Jamaican hero, Marcus Garvey‘s spirit and message alive, and in advocating through his songs. Through the teachings of Garvey, combined with his own life experiences, Burning Spear has endeavored to educate, inform, and uplift people around the world with his message of self-determination and self-reliance for all African descendants.


Spear has also been busy in the studio the past few months recording tracks for his all-new studio album targeted for early 2008 release. Joining him in the studio performing on several of the album tracks were Parliament-Funkadelic legends bassist Bootsy Collins and keyboard maestro Bernie Worrell. Spear comments, “I think I needed something different for the new album and the vibe working with them was very strong like we had worked together for many years.”


A new 2 disc, 25 track compilation titled the Burning Spear Experience from Burning Music Productions was released recently with rare unreleased tracks, alternative versions and live concert recordings spanning Spear’s career. All tracks on the compilation were chosen by Burning Spear himself. Included is a limited edition bonus DVD and is available exclusively at the Burning Spear Store on his official website, Borders Stores, and all leading music outlets. Burning Spear’s catalog of releases is available on is own Burning Music Productions and Think Indie distribution companies.


Tune in to the brand new Burning Sound radio station at LIVE365.com. Watch for upcoming live shows, unreleased tracks, new dubs, rare tracks, re-mixes, interviews and more from the legendary Burning Spear. All brought to you by the man himself, Winston Rodney. Keep The Spear Burning !


For more information on the latest news, Burning Sound radio, joining the Burning Spear Street Team and more - Visit www.BurningSpear.net

Black Community Education Forum

SMOOTH JAZZY GROOVES

Listen to SMOOTH JAZZY GROOVES on Wednesdays from 10pm-12 am with Glen Morgan on CHRY 105.5 FM or at: http://www.chry.fm

Contact Glen Morgan:
Master of Ceremonies for Stage Shows,
Wedding Receptions, Formal Dinner Soirees, Award Presentations and Special Occasions !

D.J. Service Provider of Entertainment for Restaurants, Bars, Lounges, Family Celebrations, Spoken Word (Poetry) Galas,
Beauty Pageants and ALL CORPORATE EVENTS !

Specializing in Smooth Jazz Music of North American,
Caribbean and Latin Genres !

Email : SmoothJazzyG@hotmail.com

I am readily available to provide musical entertainment (D.J. or M.C. services) at your CORPORATE EVENTS, DINING SOIREES AND BIRTHDAY OR WEDDING CELEBRATIONS !

If you wish, as a free promotional offer, I will provide you with a COURTESY COMPLIMENTARY HOUR OF MUSIC on-site at your establishment, just for you to feel the "Smooth Jazzy Grooves" and get a trial taste of the services I offer throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Surrounding Regions ! Entertainment that fulfills your every desire ! Keeping the listening audiences yearning for more Smooth Jazz every time ! "

Call today !

416-843-1863

Musically yours,

Glen 'Jazz Groove' Morgan

SMOOTH JAZZY GROOVES
RADIO SHOW
on Toronto's CHRY 105.5 fm

Live-to-air every Wednesday night
from 10pm to 12 midnight !

Log on to www.chry.fm
and click on "Listen Live" !

www.myspace.com/smoothjazzygrooves !

E-MAIL:

SmoothJazzyG@hotmail.com !

South Africa bids farewell to murdered reggae star Lucky Dube | Entertainment | Reuters

South Africa bids farewell to murdered reggae star Lucky Dube
Sun Oct 28, 2007 11:50am

NGOGO VILLAGE, South Africa (Reuters) - Thousands of fans bade an emotional farewell on Sunday to South Africa's top reggae star Lucky Dube, whose murder in an apparent botched carjacking stunned even a nation hardened to violent crime.

Rastafarians and members of the African Shembe Christian church to which Dube belonged were prominent in the crowds who thronged to his rural home for his funeral.

Local musicians and fans from across Africa sang hymns and paid tribute to South Africa's biggest-selling reggae singer and one of the country's most successful artistes.

His wife Zanele and children broke down in tears as one of Dube's best-known songs played over the loudspeaker at the public ceremony on his farm near the remote village of Ingogo, about 250 km (160 miles) southeast of Johannesburg.

The internationally acclaimed singer, who recorded 22 albums in English, Zulu and Afrikaans and won more than 20 awards in a 25-year entertainment career, was then buried in his garden in a private family ceremony.

The 43-year-old was shot dead in front of his children in a Johannesburg suburb on October 18. Five men have been arrested.

The high-profile killing prompted new calls for a crackdown on violent crime in South Africa, which has one of the highest crime rates in the world.

Police figures show there were nearly 20,000 murders in the year to the end of March, 2.4 percent up on the year before. The number of rapes, carjackings and assaults also remained high.

© Reuters2007All rights reserved.

THE ANNUAL CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2007

RE-THE ANNUAL CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS

Plans for the Twenty First (21^st) Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards Presentation are now underway. This gala presentation will be taking place on Sunday, March 30th 2008 at 7 pm at the beautiful JAMAICAN CANADIAN CENTRE (Main Ballroom) which is located at 995 ARROW ROAD in TORONTO, ONTARIO. Apart from the AWARDS presentations, the show will feature some of Canada’s Top reggae stars and some international reggae superstars. Two weeks prior to the AWARDS presentation, there will also be a Showcase of some nominees and guests on Saturday, March 15^th 2008 starting at 9pm at the same venue.

Special AWARDS will include the Bob Marley and Peter Tosh Memorial AWARDS. Also special AWARDS of Merit will be presented to some of the outstanding individuals who have contributed to Reggae Music in Canada and Internationally. This year’s presentation will also include a Canadian Soca/Calypso and a Reggae Oriented Gospel Category.

For the past 20 years the AWARDS Presentation has been a tremendous success, each show has been sold out and we expect this year to be the same. Sponsored in part over the years by Heineken, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, Guinness, Ralph’s bakery, Pilly’s Bakery, Labatt’s Brewery, Bright’s Wine, Sun-light Bakery, Golden Beauty Supplies, Hair Plus, Jamaica National Building Society, Western Union, Tipper’s Fast Food, Molson Brewery, Radio Stations IRIE FM, RJR, CHRY, CIUT, CJIQ, CKLN, FLOW, CKUT, Galaxie, The Gleaner, Share Newspaper, India/Africa Grocers, Nicey’s Food Mart, City TV, Much Music, and Rogers Cable TV. just to name a few. Other sponsors include a host of other Caribbean oriented businesses from across Canada and the U.S.A.

NOTE: If you have released a reggae and /or soca /calypso recording including gospel

in 2007 (in Canada), please send two copies along with a biography before December 31, 2007 to the CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS

7205 Goreway Dr. P.O. Box 59176, Mississauga, Ontario, L4T-4J1.

A list of nominations will be released on JANUARY 28th, 2008, covering from

January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, inclusive. Please check the CRMA website for

more information. (Time and place will be announced in advance.)

For more information write to the CRMA at the above address or call (905) 270-8675.

Note : To advertise in this year’s program/posters/flyers/etc, call (905) 270-8675 or E-mail. winprods@aol.com.

Thank you for your continued support of the Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards.

Yours truly

Winston Hewitt producer / co-ordinator.

One Love.

Memorial Service for Milton Blake

Celebrating Milton Blake

Photo by Eddie Grant

The Crucible celebrates Milton Blake who hosted The "Musical Triangle," on CKLN, for 17 years. Milton died on Thursday after a four-year battle with cancer. He was 63.

Information regarding various activities to commemorate his life and his contributions to our societies are as follows:

Viewing

Thursday 25 October, 2007 - 1-3 pm & 6-9 pm

Simple Alternative

1535 Southgate Rd.

Dixie, south of Eglinton

Nine Night

Friday 26 October, 2007 – starting at 7:00 pm

Jamaica Canadian Association Centre

995 Arrow Rd.

Service

Saturday 27 October, 2007 – 1:00 pm

West End Church of God of Prophecy

1344 Martingrove Rd.

Requesting Radio Personnel from CKLN, CIUT & CHRY to form an HONOUR GUARD for Milton’s entry to the church. Please be at the church by 12:30 pm.

Milton will be buried in Jamaica at a later date.

Milton Blake - In His Own Words

MILTON BLAKE

TheStar.com | News | Radio host, activist inspired community

Radio host, activist inspired community

Voice of CKLN's `Musical Triangle' used show to discuss issues of black diaspora

Oct 23, 2007 04:30 AM

Paola Loriggio
Staff Reporter

For Milton Blake, music and activism were irrevocably intertwined.

It was on the airwaves, both in his native Jamaica and in Toronto, that the 63-year-old fought for the rights and the cultural identity of the black community, coupling the works of artists like Aretha Franklin and Bob Marley with his own brand of social commentary.

As the host of "Musical Triangle," a music and talk show on CKLN, Blake informed and inspired listeners for 17 years before illness forced him to step down. Blake died Thursday after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

He spent his last three months at Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, surrounded by friends, relatives and many listeners intent on supporting the man they admired.

"Everyone knows the voice of Milton Blake," said Dudley Laws, Blake's long-time friend and co-founder of the Black Action Defence Committee, an activist group of which Blake was a founding member. The group was created in 1988 in response to several shootings of black men by Toronto-area police and led several protests to push for more progressive laws.

"His radio program was inspirational to a lot of people in the community," because it dealt with the issues and problems of the black diaspora, Laws said. "His commentary was very militant but you could see that he thought through every word that he uttered."

As co-founder of the Black Music Association's Toronto chapter, Blake helped promote the works of Canadian black artists and successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a black music category in the Juno music awards.

"He kept himself very busy," said Pauline Crooks, Blake's partner of 10 years. "I don't know how he did it."

She described Blake as a caring, dependable man with a passion for his work and a strong perfectionist streak. He loved to read about history and current events, she said.

The couple would often take long walks together near their home in Brampton. Blake also doted on his four children, as well as Crooks' two daughters, Crooks said.

Blake remained optimistic until the end, telling Crooks they would travel to his hometown of Fort George, in St. Ann, Jamaica. "Milton always believed in miracles," she said.

A viewing will be held at the Simple Alternative Centre in Mississauga on Thursday, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. The funeral will take place at the West-End Church of God of Prophecy in Etobicoke, Saturday at 1 p.m. Blake will be interred in St. Ann, Jamaica.

Gunmen kill reggae star Lucky Dube | Entertainment | Reuters

Gunmen kill reggae star Lucky Dube

Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:14am EDT

By Marius Bosch

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Gunmen shot reggae star Lucky Dube in front of his children in one of South Africa's highest-profile murders, uniting political rivals in calls for a crackdown on violent crime.

Dube, 43, was killed in an apparent botched carjacking on Thursday evening in a Johannesburg suburb. Police are searching for three suspects, police spokesman Eugene Opperman said.

"They allegedly tried to take his vehicle, but then shots were fired and he was fatally wounded," Opperman said.

Police said he was dropping his son off when the attack took place. Another of his children was in the car.

The murder of South Africa's biggest-selling reggae singer cast a shadow over the national mood a day before the country's rugby union team face England in the final of the World Cup.

President Thabo Mbeki said his countrymen should work together to cut crime in South Africa, which has one of the world's highest murder rates.

"Even as we prepare to celebrate the victory of the Springboks we must also grieve the death of an outstanding South African and, indeed, make a commitment that we shall continue to act together as a people to confront this terrible scourge of crime, which has taken the lives of too many of our people -- and does so every day," he said.

CRIME "OUT OF CONTROL"

The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) said the murder showed crime was out of control in South Africa.

"The circumstances surrounding his murder again illustrate that violent crime in South Africa is out of control, and that the government's remedies to address this scourge have failed," DA parliamentary leader Sandra Botha said.

The murder rate jumped 2.4 percent between April 1, 2006, and March 31, 2007, with 19,202 murders recorded. The number of rapes, carjackings and assaults also remained alarmingly high.

Dube recorded more than 20 albums and had shared a stage with Sinead O'Connor, Peter Gabriel and Sting.

The singer won over 20 awards locally and internationally. His first album, released in 1984 with the title "Rastas Never Die", was banned by South Africa's apartheid government.

Dube's record company said the murder was senseless.

"Lucky wasn't just big in South Africa, he was big in Africa and the rest of the world where he had a huge fan base. He was a fantastic ambassador for South African music," said Ivor Haarburger, chief executive officer of Gallo Music.

The police chief of South Africa's Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, has hand-picked a squad of seven detectives to track down the killers.

"He's got a lot of confidence in this team, who will do everything possible to identify and arrest those responsible for this," Opperman said.

(Additional reporting by Bate Felix)

Related Video

South African reggae star shot dead
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FACTBOX: Five facts about reggae star Lucky Dube

© Reuters2007All rights reserved

'da Kink in my hair t.v show comes to Global Television on Oct 14 at 7:30pm

Here's a sneak preview to whet yu appetite!!!




Thanks Clova!

Big up to all 'da Kink in my hair fans/Dinner mint fans, Secrets of a black boy!!
I just wanted to send a big thank you/ a personal love letter full of love to everyone who has supported my shows, my career and given me your love and support throughout the years. Next year will be my tenth year anniversary of being in the business. Some of you guys have been with me when I use to put on shows in the local community centre, libraries, the local gym... You then followed me to Yuk Yuks, Second City, Harbourfront Centre, The Toronto Fringe 'Festival, Theatre Passe Muraille, and our biggest success, The Princess of Wales Theatre, where we made Toronto Theatrical "HERSTORY!!" And now again you are helping to make another dream come true.... 'da Kink in my hair t.v show comes to Global Television on Oct 14 at 7:30pm!!! Again i am calling on the true support of the community. The support of my friends, fans, and love ones to keep this show on the air and make it a hit!!! Please tell your friends, family, lovers, your girlz, your boyz to watch this show!!. Spread the word, forward the email. If you just send this email to five people and encourage them to watch 'da Kink in my hair, Oct 14th, at 7:30pm you have done enough!!! We have to make this happen! We want 'da Kink in my hair to do for Canadian Television what the Cosby Show did for American Television!!!
So lets come together and do it again, we are going to make this show a hit!!! On Oct 14th at 7:30pm turn on every television set in your house, ladies throw a Kink in my hair party at your house, invite your girlz,(drink a beer!!) men kick up your foot, drink a beer and watch 'da kink!!! Tell everybody to watch 'da Kink!! People just spread the word!! Forward this email right now!!!
Believe me, I know I couldn't have gotten this far without you and I need your support again! We can do it! Thanks again for all your love and support throughout the years, thank you for buying your tickets, sending an email, telling a friend, thanks for just believing in a likkle black girl with a dream... Love yu bad for dat!!!
Yes Big Tings a happen on Oct 14th!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sItgpLOgySo (selected scenes)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qj6nsMDU14g (keisha chante guess star)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6wH8sGh7lJA (Richard interview)

Bob Ruglass Performs in Mississauga

Bob Ruglass Performs at
The Smooth Jazz Affair
September 15, 2007
Candles Banquet Hall,
1224 Dundas St East, Mississauga, Ontario

Dinner 7.00pm/Show 8.00 pm/Dance 10.pm till...... Doors open at 6.00 pm.

Bob E. Ruglass was born in May Pen, Clarendon,Jamaica. His love for music started at the age of 11,while attending Clarendon College,located in Chapelton, where he studied the basic theory and rudiments of music.Bob completed his high school education in a junior engineering programme at Vere Technical High School. Whlie attending (V.T.H.S.), he formed an intimate relationship with the auditorium piano, teaching himself how to form chords and melodies.This unique style of playing he developed from such inherent and natural way of learning has made him one of the most talented musician ever to emerge from Jamaica. He has played in almost every hot venue on the island,including the famed VIP, Sombrero, Brown Jug clubs just to name a few.

Visit Bob Ruglass at Myspace.com

Memorial Tribute

Memorial Tribute
"Create and view everlasting online remembrance memorials and tributes..."

Memorialja.com provides you the opportunity to create an online memorial to celebrate the life of someone who has made a difference to your life and perhaps many others throughout the world. You can create a memorial by composing a unique tribute for family members, or a person who has influenced you.

JAMAICA Election 2007

Observer-commissioned opinion poll

9% JLP lead

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is enjoying a huge nine percentage point lead in support over the People's National Party (PNP) going into tomorrow's general elections, an Observer-commissioned opinion poll conducted by Mark Wignall has shown.

Hurricane Dean - A Partial Picture Story

Some telling images of Hurricane Dean as he swept through jamaica.

Toronto Star - Hurricane Dean tears ugly swath through Caribbean, heading for Mexico

KINGSTON, Jamaica–Hurricane Dean toppled trees and tore off roofs in Jamaica's capital city as local residents huddled in their homes and emergency shelters.
Daniel Dale - staff reporter

Jamaica Observer - Dean's fury claims 3 lives

HURRICANE Dean's monstrous winds and relentless rains claimed two lives in St Thomas and possibly a third in St Catherine yesterday, as it pounded the parish, forcing scores of families out of their homes, downing power lines and inundating roadways.

Jamaica Gleaner News - IN RUINS - Hurricane Dean claims one life

State of emergency declared - Blackouts for at least 48 hrs

JAMAICANS TODAY awoke to scenes of destruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean, whose outer bands ploughed through southern parishes claiming one life and damaging the country's housing stock.

Hardbeatnews

Hardbeatnews, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mon. Aug. 20, 12:30 p.m.: The government of Jamaica is beginning a damage assessment following the passage of Hurricane Dean late yesterday.

The Jamaica Public Service Company says the results of preliminary assessments in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean should be available by 1:30 p.m. local time. Flooding and downed trees and power lines is reported in some parts as well as roofless houses. There are no reports of deaths but two injuries are reported as police shot two looters.

Connect with The ODPEM in Jamaica

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is committed to taking pro-active and timely measures to prevent or reduce the impact of hazards on Jamaica, its people, natural resources and economy through its trained and professional staff, the use of appropriate technology and collaborative efforts with national, regional and international agencies.

HURRICANE WARNING LIFTED

OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE # 15

ISSUED ON: Monday, August 20, 2007 at 6:00pm

HURRICANE WARNING LIFTED FOR THE ISLAND

The Hurricane warning was lifted for the island of Jamaica at 10:00am by the Meteorological Service. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Dean the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) reports that, regrettably, two persons were confirmed dead from the parishes of Clarendon and St. Thomas.

Blocked Roadways

A number of blocked roads have been reported from the Kingston Metropolitan Area, Western and Northeastern sections of the island, details of which are as follows:

Westmoreland:

• Single lane traffic from Bogue to Content
• Hopeton to Auchin Town blocked
• Chestercastle to Jacksongate (Westmoreland end) blocked
• Single lane traffic in the Three Miles area

St. James:

• Anchovy to Mount Honeb is impassable and the Richmond route is reduced to single lane traffic.
• Downed JPS wires from Chestercastle to Jacksongate (Hanover end)

Trelawny:

Single lane traffic from:

• Rock to Steer Town
• Falmouth to Springvale
• Martha Brae to Kinloss

Work is currently in progress to clear all blocked roads from:

• Rio Bueno to Jackson Town
• Duncans to Long Pond
• Salt Marsh to Kent
• Hamdem to Wakefield
• Deeside to Drumily

Portland:

• All main roads have been cleared except roadways from Muirton to Fair Prospect and Hector’s River to Muirton in Buff Bay.

St. Catherine:

• The Bog Walk area and roads from Ewarton to Mount Diablo are open to single lane traffic.

St. Ann

Single lane traffic:

• From Priory to Bamboo
• Hopewell to Ocho Rios
• Green Park to St. Ann’s Bay
• Milford to Parry Town
• Brown’s Town to Bamboo
• Brown’s Town to Alexandria
• Moneague to Blackstonedge

Shelters:

Earlier today 268 shelters remained open across the island, housing some 6,445 persons. This number is expected to decrease as persons return to their respective homes.

Airports:

The roadway leading to the Norman Manley airport is now open to single lane traffic and the airport is currently accommodating emergency flights only. Full operations should resume tomorrow. At the other end of the island, the Donald Sangster Airport has re-opened to the public.

Coordination of Relief Supplies:

The National Welfare Sub-committee has met and is seeking to establish registration centres for the impacted communities. These registration centres will be located at Seven-Day Adventist Churches island-wide and other soon to be named locations. Emergency distribution of critical relief supplies has commenced and is being coordinated through the Parish Disaster Committee.

Further updates will be supplied as available.

Contact:

Krechet Douglas-Greaves

Information and Training Unit, ODPEM

928-5111-4

kdouglas-greaves@odpem.org.jm

Hurricane Dean - Satellite Image

Tropical Floater One Visible Imagery - Satellite Services Division

Tropical Storm: Tracking Map : Weather Underground

For live information from Jamaica

Listen to Power 106 FM

Telephone: (876) 968-4880-3

Talk Show Lines:(876) 968-4901-3

Overseas Numbers courtesy of JNBS UK 0207 708 6670 0207 708 6672 USA (954) 535 5761 (954) 535 5762

International Toll-free line courtesy of People's Telecom Jamaica Ltd: 1-866-LINK-106 (1-866-5465-106)

Fax: (876) 968-9165

E-mail: power106@cwjamaica.com

Address: 6 Bradley Avenue, Kingston 10, Jamaica W.I.