Headline Caribbean News Round-Up...

Printed Friday, May 2nd 2008

(Artwork by Natty Garments)   It is with deep sadness that  West Indian Times has to report that a bright young native son of St. Thomas USVI has passed away.  The twins known to many in the areas of Virginia, New Jersey and on the Island of St. Thomas as Yagga and Buddah were always seen together, had a strong brotherhood and were best friend's and soulJah's.  Sadly, due to a work related injury which happened recently on the Island of St. Thomas, Jacques-Pierre 'Yagga' Bertrand passed away on Tuesday, April 29th.  Our condolences go out to Buddah and all Yagga's family and friends who are left to mourn.  Yagga Funeral Arrangements

 

The trial into the multimillion-dollar tax evasion case against popular dancehall artiste Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis got under way on Tuesday, April 29th in the Kingston Tax Court where two witnesses from the tax department testified. The artiste, who was arrested on a warrant in October 2007, after failing to turn up for a hearing of the matter, is alleged to owe the state close to $48 million in taxes between the late 1990s and early 2000, at which time the entertainer was working with Shocking Vibes and Patrick Roberts, his former manager. The tax authorities allege that Davis failed to pay over $29,290,116 in back taxes and $18,641,254 in penalties, both figures reaching a total of $47,931,371 during this period. When news of his debt broke, Davis said that he was unaware that his taxes were not being paid, as affairs of that nature were Robert's responsibility at the time. Roberts had said that the tax-evasion case brought against the artiste was an obvious attempt to smear the artiste's career as he had paid over a sum to the department in February, after which came "a ridiculous assessment". He said since then, he has written to the Inland Revenue Department and the Ministry of Finance, after which, he said the ministry acknowledged receipt of his letter and said they needed time to apprise themselves of the case. Resident Magistrate Owen Parkins said the case is to continue on May 29.  

May Day activities were planned on Wednesday in a number of Caribbean countries including Barbados, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  The labor movements in these islands are taking a critical look at what they have been able to achieve over the past year, while pushing for additional gains for their members.  The global food crisis and its impact on the region are of concern to trade unions in the Caribbean.    General Secretary of the National Workers Movement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Noel Jackson said he expects employers including the government to make a real effort to help the country's workers cope.    He said this will aid in avoiding riots and social unrest.  "We have a serious challenge because every single worker is affected by the rising food prices; in fact, every single worker is complaining that his salary can no longer afford the things that they use to afford a year ago and that in itself, presents a challenge not only to the unions but also to the employers."  Mr. Jackson said the way to deal with this problem from labor union's perspective was to sit down with the employers and demand more. 

Two Haitians were killed when a tug boat anchored in Sandy Point, North Caicos suddenly exploded very early on Wednesday morning.  Emergency officials said three Haitians and a resident of Turks and Caicos were cooking on board the vessel when it exploded.  The Haitians who were killed on the spot were burnt beyond recognition.  The third was injured in the blaze that ensued while the Turks and Caicos national suffered a broken leg.  It is not known what caused the explosion.  The three Haitians were residing in the Turks and Caicos where they were employed as seamen.
 

In Jamaica, within a 24 hour period this week, at least six persons have been killed as rampaging gunmen trade bullets in Central Kingston.  Several persons in the area remained tense on Wednesday afternoon, as they feared for their lives.  A woman and two senior citizens were killed within hours of each other Wednesday morning as what has been described as politically motivated reprisal killings continued unabated in the South Side and Tel-Aviv communities.  It is reported that residents of Gold Street heard explosions about 2:30 am.  When they ventured from their homes at 6:30, they found the body of Carla Thomas, 37, a nursing student in her house at 15 Gold Street.  Ms Thomas' body was found on her bed with a bible beside her.  She had been shot in the head.  While the Central Police were processing that murder scene, shots rang out on High Holborn Street.  The police later found an elderly couple dead in a house.  The man was shot as he sat in a chair while the woman was shot in her bed.  Both were in their 70's.  Their deaths are believed to be in reprisal for the killing of Ms Thomas.  On Tuesday, three persons were shot and killed in the area.  The violence has been attributed to political tension between supporters of the two major political parties in Southside and Tel-Aviv.