Shaggy's Make A Difference Foundation

Shaggy adopted the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Jamaica in 2001 and has been donating to the institution for the past seven years. However, the Hospital is still in need of other life saving equipment as many are outdated or non-existent. These include vital items such as incubators, vital sign monitors, volumetric pumps and a dialysis machine.  Shaggy has teamed up with his compatriots overseas and local friends in the business to present a once in a lifetime star studded benefit performance entitled "I Dare You" [to make a difference] on January 3 for the Bustamante Children Hospital. The show will feature a fabulous line up of exceptional performers on the lawns of Jamaica House.   The "I Dare You Show" dubbed Shaggy & Friends is the first in what will to be an annual concert which will see Shaggy joining forces with other entertainers as well as supportive sponsors such as Wisynco, Sagicor, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Jamaica National, Digicel, CVM TV, The Gleaner Company, The Jamaica Observer, The RJR Communications Group, Hype TV, Sportsmax, Atlas Protection Limited, KFC, Wray & Nephew, From Thought To Finish, The Creative House Ltd., Air Jamaica, Get Caught Media, Phase Three, and Sun Island, all in support improving Jamaica and making a difference for our Children by extending the reach of "Love" to users of the Bustamante Children Hospital.  Please visit the SHAGGY'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION web site for more information or to make a donation.  You can also learn more about this foundation and the cause by watching the video on youtube.

LinkUp Sues John Holt For Breach Of Contract

December 19th, 2008

On Saturday December 6, 2009 John Holt was scheduled to perform at the 4th Annual Vintage Reggae fest in NYC alongside artists Coco Tea, Sugar Minott, Brigadier Jerry, Leroy Sibbles, Uroy, Nadine Sutherland and Carlton Livingston. John Holt decided not to show up, prompting award winning Publisher and Broadcaster David "Squeeze" Annakie (who boasts an impeccable record of promoting shows with full transparency) to compensate by replacing Mr. Holt with Gregory Isaacs, Frankie Paul and Courtney Melody -- leading to additional expenses in excess of $70,000. While the sold out show was very successful, Mr. Annakie has decided to sue Mr. Holt for breach of contract and has canceled his work visa. The Law Offices of Spar and Bernstein have been retained by David "Squeeze" Annakie and LinkUp Media to handle the case.  "It is very unfortunate that I have to do this," explained Annakie. "However, this is the third time that John Holt has done this. As a promoter, I am committed to my patrons to be transparent and deliver as promised. This philosophy extends to all contracted with my organization. I will see Mr. Holt in court."   Mr. Holt was issued a valid O-1 work visa at the US Embassy pursuant to a non-immigrant visa petition filed by petitioner LinkUp Media, to whom Mr. Holt was contractually obligated to perform at the Vintage ReggaeFest on December 6, 2008. At the request of Mr. Holt, Spar and Bernstein confirmed the validity of his work visa with the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica on two separate occasions and also received confirmation from U.S. Immigration and Customs that Mr. Holt would be allowed to enter the United States on his O-1 visa to perform at the scheduled concert. Mr. Holt had no excuse, as far as immigration is concerned, not to enter the United States based on his contractual obligations.  Both LinkUp Media and Spar and Bernstein put in substantial time and effort confirming Mr. Holt's visa at the US Embassy in Jamaica and at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the United States, and are both puzzled and disappointed that he chose to break his contract by failing to perform at the Vintage Reggae Fest

Dec. 11 - As the 2010 World Cup season approaches, every corporation and entrepreneurial enterprise prepare countless items relating to the advertising, promoting, marketing and sale of the world’s greatest sporting competition involving contesting nations, countries and their players -- ready to exploit their relevant merchandise for the consumption of countless soccer-loving fans globally.  In the prolonging exercise and excitement of the World Cup events and the making of remarkable prosperous returns internationally, there are many enterprises that profit tremendously.  Among these giants is Adidas. There are no barriers or boundaries that haven’t been penetrated (territorially or otherwise) by Adidas’ dominance in the world’s athletic marketplace.  Even Bunny Wailer (The Blackheart Man), foundation and still surviving member of the Bob Marley And The Wailers fame, supports Adidas by purchasing and wearing Adidas sportswear during all the years of his sporting experience and until this present time, especially in the sport of soccer, which is the most loved and favourite hobby of Reggae’s Living Legend, Bunny Wailer.  In the privacy of his home, situated in the mountainous regions of Portland, Jamaica, a photograph of Bunny Wailer playing soccer was taken and the photograph subsequently used by Solomonic Productions in 1980 on an album cover entitled “Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers.”  In later years, the full image of said photograph, in the image and likeness of Bunny Wailer, was seen on an unauthorized reproduction, imprinted on t-shirts with the logo, trademark and trade name of Adidas. This action by Adidas is illegal and a violation of Bunny Wailers’ rights and privileges incorporated in said photograph.  Adidas was not granted the legal rights, by Bunny Wailer or his representatives, to utilize this photograph for the manufacture, marketing and sale of merchandise.  We did not expect such behaviour from a well respected, prestigious and internationally established enterprise as Adidas.  An attempt was made in writing to Adidas in reference to the illegal act and the response was somewhat negative and disappointing.  A solution was introduced to Adidas in an attempt to correct the violation in an appropriate manner however it was ignored and dismissed by Adidas, who continue to demonstrate their selfishness, disrespect and disregard for fair play and justice.  This type of blatant disregard from Adidas cannot be tolerated.  Bunny Wailer is therefore faithfully depending and relying upon the unified power of support from the ever-loving Reggae music and Bunny Wailer fans, friends, family and populace to rally along with Reggae’s Living Legend in this legal claim and battle for justice from one of the world’s sporting giants, Adidas.

“LET JUSTICE REIGN”

Gospel DJ Prodigal Son Heating Things Up

Dec 11 - Jamaican Gospel deejay Prodigal Son’s latest single is hot! Well depends on who is listening anyway as the single is pure dancehall. Entitled 'Head Cyannt Hot So', the bouncy dancehall rhythm really has listeners going…so too the socially conscious lyrics.  “I know some people will say that it is not a gospel song,” Prodigal admitted with a smile, but the deejay firmly believes that there is a place in gospel for this single and so he’s making no apologies for it.  “The truth is that although we Christians are not of the world, we still live in the world and this song, Head Cyaant Hot So, is strictly reality,” he affirms.  The single, produced by Danny Browne, hits out against the killings and the rape of children that has been taking place in Jamaica. It mentions Ananda, men posing as ‘cabbies’ to do their dirty deeds and asks, Raping babies a that oonu gone to? Mek mi tell oonu, Fada God a watch you.  Prodigal said that he was inspired to write the song after a visit to the female prison, Fort Augusta, where he met the mother of the nine-month-old baby boy who had been sodomised.  “That meeting really had an impact on me … to know that a mother could lose her baby boy in such a manner is really disturbing. This song is my way of keeping the spotlight on these crimes,” he said, adding that he recently filmed the video for Head Cyaant Hot So.  According to the artiste, this situation is not about Christian or non-Christian, “whether demonic force or crime out of control, it affects all of us,” the deejay stated. “Some people don’t want to condemn it, but I will be the matyr.”  Prodigal, whose real name is Calvin Curtis Whilby was a member of a gang called Fatherless Crew. He later gave up his guns and girls and accepted Christ, similar to the parable of the Prodigal Son.  However, he has been criticized in the past for being “too dancehall” by performing on hardcore dancehall shows such as Sting and other secular events. He says he performed the song recently in Hanover and the response “was good”.

Bounty Killer Says Jamaica Needs To Smile More

Dec 11 - Bounty Killer, the Jamaican deejay known for being "cross, angry, miserable", says Jamaica needs to smile more. And, in fact, Rodney 'Bounty Killer' Pryce is leading the way. It was a laughing Bounty who was seen recently at the stage show Reggaelution out with friends and obviously having fun.  "The dancehall is now totally about four things: gangsta, guns, daggering, and dancing. It is not about having real fun anymore," he declared. "That's why I'm attending shows like these. to listen to the music and enjoy myself," he explained.  He questioned why at a time such as this, with the historic win by Barack Obama in his bid for the US Presidency, certain uplifting songs aren't being played more. "Dem even stop playing the Barack Obama songs by Coco Tea and Mavado. Why aren't uplifting songs like these getting more airplay?" he asked.  In a light-hearted mood and smiling willingly for the cameras, he asked, "Haven't you been listening to my recent songs?"This in reference to one of his newest singles, 'Responsibility', which questions why children don't play dandy shandy anymore and asks parents if they still send their children to Sunday School.  Known for an arsenal of gun tunes, and a slew of clash lyrics with which he has ably defended himself on numerous occasions, there is also the flip side of Bounty Killer which, through the years, has seen him seriously evoking social consciousness in his role of Poor People's Defender. Songs such as Anytime, Look Into My Eyes and Book Book Book are among those which show Bounty's crusading spirit.  Bounty, the leader of dancehall's formidable Alliance - comprising Mavado, Wayne Marshall, Aidonia, Bling Dawg and Nitchie Kutchie, among others - and whose lyrical duelling with arch rival Beenie Man, is well-documented, says he has "left out of the competition thing right now" because it contributes too much to making people "cross and miserable".

The 'Energy God' Catches 'Karib Feva' 

Dec 11 - It has been confirmed that Grammy-nominated Dancehall artist Elephant Man is among those infected with 'Karib Feva,' a highly contagious plague that has taken over  New Jersey for the second year in a row. The 'Energy God' and popular Soca artist Dawg E Slaughter, have joined the lengthy list of Caribbean entertainers and Garden State residents that will be receiving vital music treatment at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ on Sunday, December 14^th. The 2008 Karib Feva: Reggae and Soca United concert, where the 'Queen of Soca' Allison Hinds will meet the 'King of the Dancehall' Beenie Man, is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best Holiday stagings in the Tri-State area with the addition of Elephant Man and Dawg E. Slaughter. Presented by RoadBlockRadio.com, CCB International, and Race Entertainment, the second annual staging is set to outdo last year's show which featured Reggae icons Sanchez and Barrington Levy alongside the 'King of Soca' Machel Montano.   Nominated under the 'Best Reggae Album' category in the upcoming Grammy Awards for his 2007 release Let's Get Physical, Jamaican-born Elephant Man has earned international acclaim for his dance-inspired crossover hit singles, his penchant for wildly colorful hair, and his outrageous stage antics. With a catalogue of hit singles including "Pon de River," "Signal de Plane," and "Jook Gal," featuring Hip Hop artists Twista and Young Bloodz, the proclaimed 'Energy God' has been at the forefront of Jamaican dance crazes that have hit dance floors around the world. His current singles "Nuh Linga" and "Gully Creepa" hit the top of the charts when Gold Medal sprinter and World Record Holder Usain Bolt debuted the Nuh Linga and Gully Creepa dances in Beijing during the 2008 Olympics.  Hailing from the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dawg E. Slaughter is one of the island's most beloved Soca artists, with a seven year history of hit singles. "Tic Toc," "Lift Up Yuh Leg and Trample," "Pokey," and "Carnival I Love You" are among his series of hit tunes that have kept Soca lovers around the world whining.  The 2008 Karib Feva: Reggae and Soca United concert featuring the 'Queen of Soca' Allison Hinds 'King of the Dancehall' Beenie Man, Elephant Man, and Dawg E. Slaughter,  will take place on Sunday, December 14^th at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ. More acts to be added. Limited advanced tickets are $49.99.  VIP tickets are $99.99. Music is by RoadBlockRadio.com, and Blaze Radio. For more information contact RoadBlockRadio.com at 973-573-8154 or log onto www.RoadBlockRadio.com.

Saturday, December 6th 2008 -

Mr. Vegas Father Passes On

Reports from Irish & Chin are that dancehall artist Mr. Vegas lost his father, Kenneth Maitland, to sudden illness on the morning of Tuesday, December 2, 2008.  In addition to Mr. Vegas, Kenneth Maitland is survived by his wife and son. Kenneth Maitland holds a special place in Mr. Vegas' heart, as he came into his family's life at a very tender time. Kenneth Maitland filled the pivotal role of father to Mr. Vegas and his brother after his biological father left during childhood.  "I have many fond memories of my father, as he was kind and humble.....he always encouraged me as a youth," says Mr. Vegas. "I sincerely regret not being able to spend time with my father because of my busy schedule....his death comes at a critical time in my life."  Kenneth Maitland lived in St. Andrew, but worked in Kingston as a carpenter. He was a great husband and father. At this time, Mr. Vegas truly desires to comfort his mother. He has penned the song "Mama Don't Cry," which he hopes will soothe his mother during this very sad time.  We at West Indian Times send sincere condolences to Mr. Vegas and his family and ask that you lift them up in your prayers.

Calypsonian The Mighty Durango Pens Obama Song

Veteran Calypsonian James Samuel, known in the calypso world as The Mighty Durango, claimed that long before American President-elect Barack Obama was declared winner, he knew what the outcome would be. So confident was he that he went on to launch his 2009 calypso titled, Obama for President—already in celebration of the event.   The launch was held in November at San Fernando’s WACK Radio studios in Trinidad.   Following the campaign over a period of time, Samuel penned the lyrics from the initial stages of “Barack Obama, the black man” leading up to his final version of the calypso.   The 71-year-old calypsonian said his inspirations for the song came when Obama was launched into the spotlight.   He said: “For the past 250 years no black man has ever come close to being the president of America.   “When Obama came to the limelight, he came like Jesus, to save America and the world; he is not Jesus you know, but he is a righteous man.   “And since Martin Luther King’s assassination, I just knew Obama was going to be the 44th president of America,” Samuel said.   Samuel said he believed that Barack Obama’s success will prove to be rewarding for the Afro-Americans. This includes the acceptance of black people in predominately white populated states.  The title track, Obama for President, comes as a vintage-style calypso, with the occasional hook line, Obama, Obama, Obama, to emphasize the message and the many challenges both Obama and his wife Michelle endured.  St Lucian by birth, Samuel grew up in Trinidad, and now lives in La Romaine, San Fernando.

Miss St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association

Latoya Lewis of Duty Free Caribbean is the new Miss St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA). The twenty one year old won from a field of five contestants. Originally six ladies were down to compete for the title, but one, Miss Bay Gardens had to withdraw for personal reasons. The Miss SLHTA pageant was held at the Gaiety on Rodney Bay on Friday November 21, and opened with a dance number by the contestants who then introduced themselves to the audience. The MC’s John Emmanuel and Sergin Joseph later brought the contestants back on stage for the “Enticement” segment where the contestants gave a brief speech on the company they represented. In the second segment “The Theatre” the five ladies portrayed various talents ranging from song, dance and drama. Latoya sang a song pledging her love and commitment to tourism whilst Merlisha Cools also sang a Calypso enticing visitors to St. Lucia. Miss Sandals Resorts Clerona St. Cyr performed a dance and dramatization with dramatic presentations coming from Miss Windjammer Trista Changoo and Vickey Jn. Baptiste of Coconut Bay resort.  In the “Bedazzled” segment the contestants put forward their best interpretation of the National wear or Wob Dwiyet. They were later interviewed by the hosts and asked questions based on the tourism industry.  Latoya won herself several gifts and prizes but the most prestigious of all is a scholarship to attend Monroe College. The sales associate says she is very thankful for this opportunity and will do her best to be a true ambassador for the tourism industry in St. Lucia.