Can ya'll guess who's hand is that ???. And before ya'll go running under to see who, here's a clue .......she had a black eye back in February !! SMH.

Surrounded by the sacks of money he hauled around each day, transit worker Aubrey Boyce would often get lost daydreaming how his life would change if the money were all his.

"Sitting in the back of the truck, we'd say to each other, 'Man, what would I do with all that?' " his friend and fellow subway-collection agent, Chris Corulla, told The Post. "We'd say, 'Do you think our problems would all just disappear?' "

Boyce is about to find out.

As winner of the second richest Mega Millions haul in city history, he'll no longer have to endure the torture of getting his hands dirty with someone else's cash -- and will instead deliver a final load of moneybags right into his bank account.

The soft-spoken Boyce -- who won a $133 million jackpot -- plans to retire at the age of 49, and will soon leave behind his modest Kew Gardens, Queens, apartment as well.

Wearing khaki pants, a button-down shirt and a pair of shades, the married Boyce appeared with his lawyer -- and not his wife -- at an obligatory press conference to collect his jumbo check.

"I want to stay the same. I don't want to go crazy," Boyce said at the Grand Central Terminal gathering -- three weeks after he bought the magic ticket.

"I will probably go on a vacation somewhere warm and go deep-sea fishing," he said. "I'm going to relax first and think about it later."

On second thought, he added a moment later, he might get a new car, "but something not too flashy -- not like a Mercedes or a Rolls-Royce."

Boyce bought his $2 ticket at the Shiv Convenience Store in Jamaica and let the computer pick the winning numbers: 25, 27, 35, 38, and 39. The Mega Ball was 28.

Opting for a lump-sum payment of $82.7 million, after taxes he walked away with $56.7 million. It's the highest payout in the city since Juan Rodriguez, a bankrupt parking-lot attendant also from Queens, won $149 million in 2004 -- although Rodriguez's wife filed for divorce and made off with half the cash.

At New York City Transit, where Boyce worked for the last eight years, he earned $64,472 a year.

"I was in a state of shock," he said. After reviewing the numbers on the ticket several times, he said his wife took some convincing. "She thought I was making a joke," he said. "We couldn't believe I was the winner."

On the job with the MTA, Boyce would empty cash from MetroCard vending machines in Manhattan, The Bronx and Brooklyn, his partner Corulla said.
Although many riders pay with credit cards, the machines still fill up with huge amounts of cash each day.

The money trains were phased out several years ago, and now the subway relies completely on agents like Boyce to collect the cash and drive it back to headquarters by truck.

"The bags of money sometimes weigh 30, 40 or even 50 pounds," Corulla said. "And when the truck was full it had more than $115,000 in cash. But after seeing it all day long, most of the time you didn't even notice it.

"But some days we couldn't help but dream."

Boyce's dreams were never too extravagant, Corulla said.

"He never struck me as the kind of guy that needed money -- he didn't base his life on it," he said. "Aubrey is a humble guy, very soft-spoken. This could not have happened to a better person."

Corulla said he and Boyce regularly played the lottery together.

Boyce typically spent around $12 a week on various games.

He and his wife own a one-bedroom apartment in a 12-story co-op. They bought it for $145,000 in 2005.

Neighbors and employees at the co-op spoke highly of the couple and hoped the newly minted millionaire would share the wealth.

"They are very good people and very respectful," said the building's porter, Narant Singh. "They're also very good tippers and I hope they tip us with this money."

Neighbor Jenna Rianoldo said she already envied Boyce before the lottery.

"Boy, that guy's got all the luck," she said. "He had a good job with Transit and now he wins Mega Millions. I wish he'd give me some of that."

Boyce didn't argue.

"I am lucky and I believe in God," he said. "It's a blessing."

Like many recent Mega Millionaires, Boyce created a trust to disburse his winnings.

On the advice of his attorney he waited to claim the prize, hoping the hoopla surrounding the big jackpot would die down.

"But when that didn't happen, we figured now was as good a time as any," he said.

Boyce was not the only big winner to come forward yesterday.

Retired NYPD cop William Messam, 55, of Elmhurst, won $1 million in a scratch-off game.

"I asked the retailer, 'You seeing the same thing I do?' It couldn't be real," the former member of the Finest said.

And what about his future plans?

"I'm pretty low-key. I just plan on taking care of my parents," he said. However, a "little vacation" to Mexico is also in the works.

Some folks are worried that Rihanna is kickin’ it with the wrong Hollyweird folks, forgetting where she really came from and that she is going to wind up “turned out” like so many young girls that goes to Hollyweird. What ya'll think ???

Take a look back at this pic below and who could forget the naked pics which we're not gonna show ya'll.

We got hold of some recent pics of Shelly G and we were wondering where did all that meat go we knew only a while back she used to be hold it down real good.


Don't get us wrong she still looks fly as hell but.


Where did all the meat gooooo ?

New comer ''Tiffany'' out of Brutal Tracks Recordings has just leaked out her first single called Bad Girl-ft Yung S.


She sure does sound like a Bad Girl to us, guys listen in and tell us what ya'll think?

Where were you all this time girl ??? Get in and take a listen !!!

Jamzone Summer Break was officially launched yesterday in the boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism.

The Hits and Jam's group noting its successful start in 2000 said as is customary they will be adding more to the offerings this year. Permanently part of the Tourism calendar of events this the group is presenting the inaugural Jamzone Summer Break Weekend which features four days of entertainment and leisure activities aimed at attracting domestic and international tourist.

With full endorsement from the Tourism Ministry, over the years the Jamzone Team comprising entertainers Rawle & Dwight Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers garnered support from major corporate citizens.

Probably the largest summer event for the past eight years this year it has been transformed into the inaugural four days Jamzone Summer Break Weekend and the promoters anticipate that their events may attract no less than ten thousand patrons for the planned four days of events.

Three nights of concerts begin on August 27th at the National Stadium featuring local and regional artistes and will conclude on August 30th with usual festivities at Splashmins Fun Park and Resort.

On August 27, the first night of concerts will feature the best of best in the Chutney business– Kenneth Salick, Neesha B, Ravi B, Anil Singh and Karma Band.

August 28 will be the Reggae & Dancehall night that will feature Dancehall acts such as Busy Signal along with Mr. Vegas and Peetah Morgan. In addition several local acts will be incorporated in the interest of providing them with a platform.

The final concerts concert night will be all out soca feature regional and international Soca Sensation out of Trinidad including Machel Montana, whose arrival is long overdue in Guyana.

He is the main act while opening acts will include Patrice Roberts, Zann and Farmer Nappy.

These must indeed be the end of days GtShowBiz.com got hand on a Stabroek News paper this morning only to find out, a 55year old man was charge for yesterday after being found in a compromising position with a dog and get this ole dude even assaulted the police officer who caught him in the act.

The man who allegedly assaulted the officer and behaved dis-orderly when caught in the act appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson who subsequently remanded him to prison. Jagdesh Roopnaut of 131 King Edward Street, Albouystown pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer and dis-orderly behavior when they were read to him by the acting chief magistrate.

It is alleged that on July 18 in Georgetown, Roopnauth unlawfully assaulted Police Constable Gregory Haslim. On the same day at Georgetown also, Roopnauth, being in a public place, allegedly behaved in a dis-orderly manner.

When given a chance to respond, the man said ''Meh Worship, me ain't assault no police officer neither me ain't behave bad no way,''he siad...


Source --http://www.stabroeknews.com/category/news/page/3/

SMH @ meh worship. Lol

Fifty-five applications were processed by the Jamzone pageant committee headed by Carla Halley and so fifteen beauties will be there to contest this year’s crown. The queen walks away with a car while the runners-up will ride away with a motor scooter and will pocket other prizes.

In its 9th year the Miss Jamzone pageant has become a staple and a main attraction to conclude the Jamzone Summer Break and this year promise to be even more exciting as a bevy of local beauties showcase Guyana’s tourism offerings.

As the coordinator Carla Halley says the pageant will feature segments such as intelligence, Swimsuit (creative Swim wear) and costume with major focus on promoting Amerindian villages.

Their platform will be focused on promoting Amerindian Villages including Yupukari, Rewa, Rupanau, Anni, Massakenyari, Moco Moco, Karasabai, Aishalton, Sand Creek, Aranaputa, Nappi, Fair View, Surama, Wowetta aqnd Toka.

Halley said “This lot is among the more intelligent of local beauties that in most cases can represent Guyana internationally.”

They include three University students, a legal clerk, a teacher, a customer care representative, a banker, a Mary Kay consultant, a pharmacy assistant and a cosmetologist. The list also includes two perspective nursing students.

Training has commenced under Halley’s watchful eyes and she says “they will undergo six weeks of training and will make several public appearances.” Prior to the pageant the intelligence segment will be done live on NCN and Stvs H&J Tv 72 on August 24.

The public will be allowed to vote for their final eight and that lot will compete for the coveted crown. (Dreaded publick voting)

I know i have my favourite already, which one’s yours? This year’s edition is sure to be filled with laughter, that’s all we’ll say for now…

Arrowhead Promotions, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - Extensive and elaborate preparations are underway for the 2nd Annual Accolade Music Awards of Guyana which is gearing to be even more dazzling and electrifying than the inaugural event.

The much anticipated music awards will be held on Saturday, November 21st, at the National Cultural Centre with preceding events, inclusive of the Official Cocktail Launch, July 31, Genesis Fashion Rhythm, September 27, and the Pre-Awards Show, November 14.

Last year’s nationwide reviews all point to the Accolade awards as an encouraging start with solid performances which challenges us to be bigger and better as we seek to make these awards part of our national pride.

These reviews of the inaugural Accolade awards have generated significant interests in sustaining this event recognized for its positive impact on the local music industry.
Guyanese and visiting guests can look forward to the 2009 Accolade awards becoming the most talked-about event with hot-brands of veterans and newcomers from the local, regional, and international shores, precious red-carpet experiences and matching fashion illustrations.

Arrowhead Promotions is confident that its plans will capitalize on and sustain the excitement and enthusiasm of music lovers and entertainment diehards as we aim to bring together thousands of a trendy audience whose demographics are culturally diverse. The Executive Committee of the Accolade Awards will ensure tickets to all its events are affordable to the Guyanese public.

The Awards would share professional similarities to those in the outer world such as, BET awards and the Grammies, bringing on board corporate partners, experts and ordinary citizens.

Our international representatives have been mobilizing the Diaspora, and celebrity musicians, regional and international media to all participate in Accolade 2009.
The Music Awards of Guyana seeks to recognize, appreciate and reward local artiste and music professionals for their contributions to the developing music industry in Guyana, extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the music industry in Guyana, provide an opportunity for local artistes to market and highlight their talent as a product, encourage and promote quality as well as to increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

Memories of the 2008 awards still lingers in the minds of thousands, including those who fortunately had a first-hand experience of its electrifying waves and others whose impression was solidified by the reviews across the spectrum of media outlets.
EMAIL: accoladeawards@gmail.com

It appears that designing is the new thing in Guyana now a day’s GSB recently caught up with one of the designer who will be added to the list of new comers for the Guyana Fashion Weekend extravaganza.

For his long awaited debut at the Guyana Fashion Weekend. Up and coming designer Paul Burnette is ready to show Guyana and the rest of the world his wonderful designs. Mr. Burnette who spoke with us yesterday told us his focus will be mainly be on the evening gowns.

Of which folks will be seeing twenty pieces of, and not leaving out the fellas he plans on bringing something he says “men with great assets in terms of body make up tends to think that if they show too much of it it makes them something else and to model a brief even worst so what I have done is come up with a concept that allows them to look and feel sexy always and which also will be eye catching for the ladies.

When asked how he feels since this being his first time on the runway he said '' I am ecstatic about it cause it will give me the opportunity that i always wanted to showcase my true elegant talent for such things''.

And your designs:''just that the gowns are elegant pieces that can be worn to any formal or semi formal occasion and the gents shirts represent the inner softer side of the macho men out there.''

Looks like we have a lot to look forward to this year at the Guyana Fashion Weekend.

GSB got hand on the apology Chris Brown made for his highly publicized domestic dispute court case with then girlfriend Rihanna. In the new interview Chris explains why he had remained so silent since the incident and even reflected on his past mistakes, not to mention what he plans to do to better himself.

"Hi, I'm Chris Brown," he says in the video. "Since February, my attorney has advised me not to speak out even though ever since the incident, I wanted to publicly express my deepest regret and accept full responsibility...I take great pride in being able to exercise self-control and what I did was inexcusable. I'm very sad and very ashamed about what I've done. My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that. I have told Rihanna countless times and I'm telling you today that I'm truly truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation better...I've spent a lot time soul searching, and I'm trying to understand what happened and why. No one is more disappointed in me than I am...What I did is unacceptable, 100 percent. I can only ask and pray that you forgive me, please. I hope that others learn from my mistake. I intend to live my life so I am truly worthy of the term role model. Thank you."...

bout time he came out with an apology, but tell us what you guys think is it really sincere or just because he had to ??

GSB just got word that after successfully hosting the Facts3 student designers and spoke-model competition.

The facts team is ready to introduce bigger and better things for the young people of Guyana. By putting word out on their website about the launching of Poet laureate and student artist competition. Get down below to learn more.....







The Link to register - http://factssphere.com/

Top selling dancehall artist Mavado was involved in a accident in Montego Bay, St James, last Saturday night. he was traveling to Negril for Negril Summer Heat, and was caught up in the vehicle but was not hurt in the accident.

Sources close to the deejay said that Mavado and his manager Julian Jones-Griffith had been traveling in a friend's vehicle along Queens Drive (popularly known as Top Road) when they were hit by another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the vehicle that hit them was said to have lost control.

Police personnel had been at the scene of the accident, efforts to get an official report were unsuccessful. When asked, the police stated that they did not get a report about the accident. Our source, however, said that the vehicle in which Mavado was traveling was badly damaged but there were no injuries.

So it's definitely not just georgetown folks who'll be enjoying the BIMMER FLEX promotions Digicel has taken The Fun & Excitement of BIMMER FLEX To ESSEQUIBO,

Residents of Essequibo gathered at the Anna Regina Community Centre last Saturday for an exciting day of "Bimmer Flex" fun with Guyana's Bigger Better Network....Digicel. Persons traveled from as far as Supernaam and Charity to be part of this excitement, which included a thrilling game of 20/20 cricket, pulsating music, special handset offers and fantastic giveaways.

During this 20/20 Cricket Tournament, South Essequibo faced off with North Essequibo in the first round while Central Essequibo took on Wakenaam. North and Central Essequibo emerged victorious in the first round of the competition and the two battled it out in the final round.

In the end Central Essequibo with their man of the match, Latchman Rohit came out on top winning $100,000 cash, the winning trophy and medals for all the players. North Essequibo left with $50,000 and a trophy.

While, the 20/20 match was truly exciting, the fun did not end there. Residents partied their way into the night to a dynamic mix of new and old music which persons enjoyed to the max. Person expressed their gratitude for the one day event which brought out family and friends from across Essequibo.

"We are so happy that Digicel held this event here in Essequibo. We do not have many entertainment events here so we really enjoyed this one. And of course we love our cricket so that made it even better. I can't wait to win one of the Bimmers," was the sentiment expressed by one young lady.

More fun-filled summer activities are scheduled to be held across Guyana during D' Bimmer Flex promotion.

Digicel Guyana, Marketing Communications Manager, Ramesh Rupchand, says "Digicel is very excited about the upcoming events. We want persons to have lots of fun with us during this summer. School is out and I am sure that families are looking for events that they can enjoy with their children, so all the events that we have planned are family oriented. The next big event we have is another 20/20 Cricket Festival but this time, the excitement goes to Uitvlught."

This year, two fabulous BMW Coupes are available to be won by customers who collect the letters B-I-M-M-E-R. To get these letters, customers have to top up their Digicel account with a $500, $1000 and $2000 Bimmerflex Card, when they scratch the card there will be a letter on the back of each card; collect these letters to spell BIMMER. When these letters are collected, customers instantly win $100,000 cash, plus gain entry to the draw to win one of the two BMW's. In addition to the big car prize, there are other very attractive Bimmer Flex promotion prizes which, includes, (1) BlackBerry Pearl Flip phone giveaway each week and $5000 credit daily shared equally between five (5) lucky Digicel customers.

Meanwhile, Latchana Ramsammy, Roger Nicholas Sookraj, Mervin Persaud and Oliver Barnes have all spelt BIMMER and collected their $100,000 cash. They have also been entered into the draw for the BMWs.

By Mondale Smith

Antigua-based Guyanese Nigel Trellis is determined to make his mark and has launched himself fully into the challenging territory of film making. His lifelong goal is to “contribute significantly to the realization of the elusive dream of creating a vibrant and respected West Indian film industry”.

There is a new buzz in the fledgling Antigua & Barbuda film industry and it’s called Tropical Films (Antigua).

Tropical Films has just released its first short film titled “Hooked”, written and directed by Trellis, which is currently being shown on TV stations across the Caribbean.

“Hooked” is the story of a young man hopelessly in love with what turns out to be the wrong woman who betrays his trust in preference for her ex-boyfriend and child’s father.

In this 40-minute short film, Benjamin (played by Dennis Hunt) falls in love with Penny (Rachel Steele) whom he provides for and takes care of her after her ex-beau and baby father Damien (Carl Christopher) runs afoul of the long arm of the law. The ex lands in the Penitentiary. Penny’s sister Hope (played by Monique Fairclough) watches all this from the sidelines while harbouring a fair crush for Benjamin, though keeping a respectful distance.

Things come to a head as Damien is about to be released from prison after serving his sentence and a love struck and opportunistic Penny decides the time has come to dump Benjie and be reunited with her ex – and she breaks this unwelcome news to Benjie in the opening scene. Benjamin in return is adamant that he loves Penny and will not leave her for Damien to hurt her a second time. In all this, Hope tries to play the palliative role but incurs the anger of her younger sister in the process.

The movie really heats up when Damien is released and has a confrontation with Benjie. He then drops a bombshell on his baby mother that he has tested HIV positive while in prison, but she only finds this out after they act out a steamy PG14 sex scene.

Without letting the cat out of the bag the action really heats up afterwards and the movie races to an unexpected climax in a very thought-provoking manner.

Based on reviews, Tropical Films and Nigel Trellis have done a good job with their first production and this publication understands that they intend to do a few more short films before producing a feature length with more serious commercial intent.

Trellis plans to make ‘Hooked’ available to local audiences via the television stations very soon, but those who are anxious to see it can visit the website (www.tropicalfilmsantigua.com) where the entire film can be watched if you have a fast internet connection. Facebook members can watch a preview of the movie on the Tropical Films (Antigua) Facebook fan page.

Apart from Perry Henzell’s “The Harder They Come” (1972), no Caribbean film can really claim to have had widespread commercial success but Trellis says to have a superior chance for success, Tropical Films is guided by five key objectives.

Those include creating stories that are exciting; that capture the imagination, and Trellis said “Nothing will be produced by us unless it is based on a well-written, absorbing screenplay.”

Further the group aims to produce image and audio quality that is on par or closes to par with first world productions and is continuously investing in capable professional equipment.

Another objective is to transfer all their full-length movies to film for screening in local movie theatres which will guarantee that productions are screened at full resolution and are on par with what patrons are accustomed to seeing in the cinema for better visual quality.

The group also aims to conduct adequate marketing, prior to a release, and this process has in fact already begun with the production and promotion of a series of short screenplays.

“We plan to produce three such screenplays before attempting a feature length film and a financial return at this stage is not important. Instead our goal at this time is to build a following of fans throughout the Caribbean, who recognize us for quality work.”

He said too “Our focus will be on producing world class dramas and comedies that have special appeal for Caribbean people. Great emphasis will be placed on superior acting talent as opposed to high impact action and Hollywood-type stunts.

Tropical Films has to date acquired most of the equipment, and a fair amount of the knowledge required for producing films that its members hope will measure up to first world productions. “We are now in the process of building a team of people who will through dedication, practice and a love for the craft, develop and perfect the expertise that is needed to realize the dream of helping create a legitimate and respected Caribbean cinema,” Trellis said.

Nigel Trellis was born on July 27, 1970 in New Amsterdam, Berbice. He received his education at New Amsterdam Multilateral School and the Bishops’ High School. He is currently a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants with a passion for the creative arts.

While in Guyana, Trellis, a chartered accountant by profession, worked with the National Bank of Industry & Commerce (now Republic Bank), Ram & McRae and the Caricom Secretariat prior to migrating to Antigua where he now manages two resorts.

However, Trellis is no stranger to the Arts having acted at the National Cultural Centre and also written and produced several dramatic productions while here.

Reggae icon Bob Marley was more popular than Michael Jackson in most of the non-white world based on web searches up to the time of Jackson's death.

Walter Aaron, a 37-year-old local singer, was yesterday further remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton accused of arranging for two Canadian women to travel to Canada after they had allegedly swallowed a quantity of cocaine pellets.

Aaron of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, along with Britney Chan, one of the Canadian women, were charged separately last week with trafficking in narcotics and were both remanded to prison when they appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. They both had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chan’s matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for today.

Aaron allegedly had 1 kilo 28 grammes of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking at Georgetown on June 23, while Chan later that day was allegedly found with the same quantity of cocaine in her possession at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.

Attorney-at-law Glenn Hanoman appeared for Aaron in association with attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson. He said that his client was told that agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) were looking for him so he voluntarily turned himself in.

He noted that the case against his client did not stand alone but  was linked to the two Canadian women who had reportedly swallowed several cocaine pellets.

Hanoman said that his client was the taxi driver in the case. He said that from information gathered, when the women were caught members of CANU had to strike a deal with them to reveal the names of all the persons who they had come into contact with while they were in Guyana.

He noted that this was how his client was implicated since the “desperate girls” under pressure told the agents about him. The lawyer stated that the narcotics were never found on his client and his client was before the court because of a “say so of one of the two desperate young girls”. “Anyone that is willing to swallow cocaine is desperate,” added Hanoman.

He explained that his client had a male friend who resided in Canada and  had called him to make arrangements to pick him up and his girlfriend at the CJIA since they were supposed to be traveling to Guyana. He said that the friend had even promised to send some money to facilitate this.

He went on to say that his client never received any money and  the male friend never came but  the two women turned up instead.

Hanoman said further that because of his client’s “goodness”, he took the two women to his home to stay but “cockroaches attacked the young girls at nights” so he was forced to take them to a cheap hotel.

He further posited that if his client was really guilty of the offence he would not have taken the women to his home.

The defence attorney then applied for bail.

However, CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah objected to the bail application on the grounds that this matter was associated with the Canadian women’s drug bust.

He said that the prosecution “will give evidence to show that the girls came to Guyana specifically on arrangements involving the defendant.”

He noted that his evidence indicated that Aaron was the “main player” involved in the matter and the “local architect” of the whole arrangement.

Massiah further noted that as it relates to Aaron’s alleged “kindness and innocence” in the matter, he would prove otherwise.

Hanoman then applied for a speedy trial to “ventilate the issue.”

The magistrate subsequently ordered that Aaron be remanded to prison and that he appear back in court on August 24.

According to reports, Chan and the other Canadian woman were

outgoing passengers on a Canada-bound Caribbean Airlines flight at the time of the drug bust. They were subsequently arrested and taken into CANU’s custody where they reportedly confessed to swallowing “cocaine pellets”.

Approximately 70 pellets containing the illegal substance was reportedly excreted from the women when they were taken to a city hospital sometime after.

Sad news... We've just learned that there's some kind of sick up in the north west that is claiming lives drastically.

And it recently claimed the lives of two.
Our Source: Toshao of Moruka, Joseph De Souza yesterday confirmed that there had been two more deaths in Moruka from a gastro-like affliction bringing the toll to at least six while a number of persons have fallen sick even as a health team from Georgetown investigates.

Region One Chairman, Fermin Singh said yesterday that he was unaware of any reports of the two recent fatalities. He said a team of officials from the Health Ministry is currently monitoring the situation, noting that the health officials were in the area over the weekend.
De Souza said yesterday that a 10-month-old boy, Troydon Thornhill of Kamwatta village, located in the Moruka sub-region and pensioner
Albert De La Cruz of Santa Rosa, Moruka, both died on Monday evening. According to a resident in the area, De La Cruz died at his home following a bout of diarrhoea and vomiting which he had been experiencing since last week. Thornhill also died at home after his parents complained of their son vomiting extensively a few hours prior to his death. It is unclear whether the two received any treatment from the Kumaka District Hospital.

Repeated attempts to contact Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Minister in the Minister of Health Bheri Ramsaran for comment on the situation failed.

De Souza and his deputy, Genevieve Ruffino told this newspaper yesterday that the other two deaths have deepened concerns of residents in the region. There were also reports of two other deaths in the region since the first four were reported but we were unable to confirm this. Ruffino, with concern in her voice, said that a team from the Ministry of Health had visited the area on Saturday but did not venture into certain areas where persons had complained of suffering from the illness.

She said she had received complaints from Kenrick Charlie, whose brother and mother had passed away last week, about the team being told by a health worker in the area that the man’s family lives “too far away” from the Kumaka District Hospital. Ruffino said this explanation was given as the reason why the team was unable to visit the man and his relatives at the village of Kabura.

Charlie said yesterday that the entire string of events, including the death of his 32-year-old brother Calvin Charlie two Mondays ago and his 63-year-old mother Helena Charlie last Tuesday, have left him feeling frustrated. The man said that his village is accessible by road and was at a loss as to why the Ministry of Health’s team, which included Minister within that ministry Dr Ramsaran, did not visit his village which he said is located some two miles away from the Kumaka District Hospital. He said a few of his children as well as the children of his now dead brother have been experiencing diarrhoea which is followed by bouts of vomiting.

Kabura, Kamwatta, Kumaka and Paloma are all villages located within the Santa Rosa area.

An official at the Region One administrative office at Mabaruma said last evening that the patients experiencing the symptoms have only been visiting the hospitals in the region whenever the cases become serious. The official said that there have been similar cases over the past few months which were treated by medical officials in the region.

At that time, Vice-Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Port Kaituma Richard Allen had said that15 people were admitted to the hospital in that area all suffering from dehydration due to the vomiting and diarrhoea but by last weekend all were discharged. He said as far as he knows one man died at home after several days of attempting to treat himself while another man died in Georgetown.

He confirmed that many persons were suffering from the same illness. He said while the medex feels that it has to do with the sanitary conditions where the persons live, no tests have been done to confirm this.

Allen said also that people are waiting until they almost can’t walk before going to the hospital and he pointed out that this is a dangerous practice. He called for the Health Ministry to do the necessary tests in order to ascertain what is causing the illness. A health team was subsequently sent in.

Moruca resident Robin De Souza, who said he was ill for almost five days with the same complaint, said that there is need for the ministry to do something before it is too late.

“I feel that older people wouldn’t be able to survive this because your body really getting weak,” he said.

The country recently confirmed two cases of the HINI flu. Some of the symptoms experienced by victims in the northwest are similar to those manifested by the HINI though most people believe the affliction is likely gastroenteritis or the Rotavirus. There is also a lot of movement of residents between the north west and Venezuela. As of July 6 Venezuela had reported 222 cases of the H1N1 flu.

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson was eulogized in words and song Tuesday by an all-star list of musicians, athletes and other celebrities during a mournful ceremony in downtown Los Angeles, with the most poignant moment delivered by his sobbing 11-year-old daughter.

"I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much," Paris-Michael Jackson said before almost collapsing in the arms of her aunt Janet Jackson.

Watched by millions around the world, the memorial struck a tone more spiritual than spectacular Tuesday, opening with a church choir serenading his golden casket and continuing with somber speeches and gospel-infused musical performances.

Read more and see tons more pics of this amazing memorial service of the Greatest Musician Ever Lived...

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The Rev. Lucious W. Smith of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena gave the greeting on the same stage where Jackson had been rehearsing for a concert series in the days before his June 25 death at age 50. Then Mariah Carey sang the opening performance with a sweet rendition of the Jackson 5 ballad "I'll Be There," a duet with Trey Lorenz.

"We come together and we remember the time," said Smith, riffing on one of Jackson's lyrics. "As long as we remember him, he will always be there to comfort us."

Millions of fans around the world gathered at odd hours to watch the ceremony, which was broadcast by the major TV networks and cable channels from Tokyo to Paris to New York and streamed everywhere online in one of the biggest celebrity send-offs ever seen.

Among those who saluted Jackson were Motown music mogul Berry Gordy Jr., Brooke Shields, the Rev. Al Sharpton and basketball greats Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Jennifer Hudson sang Jackson's hit "Will You Be There" and John Mayer played guitar on a whisper-light rendition of "Human Nature."

"This is a moment that I wished I didn't live to see," Stevie Wonder said before his performance. Usher broke down in tears after singing "Gone Too Soon."

Although the event was billed as a celebration, some speakers took the occasion to come to the defense of Jackson, whose life was marked as much by criticism and scorn as scintillating talent.

Gordy said that despite what he called "some sad times and maybe some questionable decisions on his part," the title King of Pop wasn't good enough for Jackson. "I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived," Gordy said.

Emotions rose when Sharpton delivered a fiery eulogy highlighting all the barriers Jackson broke and the troubles he faced. "Every time he got knocked down, he got back up," Sharpton said, and the applauding crowd jumped to its feet.

Sharpton rode the moment, building to a crescendo. "There wasn't nothing strange about your daddy," he said later, addressing Jackson's three children in the front row. "It was strange what your daddy had to deal with!" After he left the stage, chants of "Mi-chael! Mi-chael!" filled the arena.

The ceremony wrapped up with group performances of "We Are the World" and "Heal the World" sung by Lionel Richie, Hudson and Jackson family members — including his children — before a backdrop of symbols of religions from around the world. They were joined onstage by children in white and several other people who had participated in the ceremony. Then members of Jackson's family took the stage to thank the crowd and share their own thoughts, barely able to hide their emotion as they hugged in the ceremony's final moments.

An estimated 20,000 people were in the Staples Center as Jackson's flower-draped casket was brought to the venue in a motorcade under law enforcement escort. Those who gathered constituted a visual representation of Jackson's life: black, white and everything in between, wearing fedoras and African headdresses, sequins and surgical masks.

Fans with a ticket wore gold wristbands and picked up a metallic gold program guide on their way in. Acting as pallbearers, Jackson's brothers each wore a gold necktie and, in a touch borrowed from their brother, a single spangly white glove and sunglasses.

Brother Jermaine Jackson took the stage and sang the standard "Smile" as he fought back tears.

Jackson's hearse had been part of a motorcade that smoothly whisked his body 10 miles across closed freeways from a private service at a Hollywood Hills cemetery to his public memorial and awaiting fans.

The traffic snarls and logistical nightmares that had been feared by police and city officials did not materialize. Traffic was actually considered by police to be lighter than normal.

"I think people got the message to stay home," said California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Luevano.

Deputy Police Chief Sergio Diaz, operations chief for the event, said authorities had expected a crowd of 250,000. Besides reporters and those with tickets to the memorial service, the crowd around the Staples Center perimeter numbered only about 1,000, he said.

Outside the Staples Center, Claudia Hernandez, 29, said she loved Jackson's music as a girl growing up in Mexico. Now a day-care teaching assistant in Los Angeles, Hernandez said she cried watching TV coverage of his death.

"I'm trying to hold in my emotions," said Hernandez, wearing a wristband to allow her admittance to the service and holding a framed photograph of Jackson. "I know right now he's teaching the angels to dance."

More than 1.6 million people registered for the lottery for free tickets to Jackson's memorial. A total of 8,750 were chosen to receive two tickets each.

"There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people's imaginations. And in death, they become even larger," President Barack Obama told CBS while in Moscow. "Now, I have to admit that it's also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable."

The city of Los Angeles set up a Web site Tuesday to allow fans to contribute money to help the city pay for his Staples Center memorial service. Mayoral spokesman Matt Szabo estimated the service will cost $1.5 million to $4 million.

It was not clear what will happen to Jackson's body. The Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills cemetery is the final resting place for such stars as Bette Davis, Andy Gibb, Freddie Prinze, Liberace and recently deceased David Carradine and Ed McMahon.

Jermaine Jackson has expressed a desire to have him buried someday at Neverland, his estate in Southern California.

Midway during the memorial service, police Officer April Harding told the media gathered at the gates of Forest Lawn to disperse. Asked if Jackson's body was going to be returned to the cemetery after the memorial, she replied: "His body is not going to be returned here." She did not say where it would be taken.

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RIP MICHEAL…

The 2009 Miss Guyana Universe Pageant hosted at the National Cultural Center on Saturday night, appeared to be well planned and orchestrated, minus a few minor glitches.

Fifteen super-sizzling ladies battled for supremacy and many unleashed their 'pageant fire'. But in the end, it was the pretty, sophisticated and provocative Jenelle Cox who blazed a scorching trail to whisk away the crown and title from 14 other contestants.

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In the first runner-up spot was Rachael Bakker, followed by Lecrisha Rambalack, Janella Lewis and Nandani Seecharan who occupied the second, third and fourth runner-up spots respectively. Rambalack also won the Miss Photogenic and the People's Choice awards, while Lewis and Cianna Persaud copped the Miss Body Beautiful and Miss Congeniality prizes, respectively.

Miss Universe 2009, which will be aired live from the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas on August 23, is a joint venture between the Trump Organization and NBC Universal.

The local queen will head to the Bahamas in August to compete with 91 other women from around the world.

The new queen will receive some $2.5M in prizes, inclusive of a 21 days stay at the world famous Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, and two round-trip tickets to Jamaica for one week, with hotel accommodation.