A federal jury found that an escort-service operator forced a stable of women into a far-ranging prostitution racket. Damion St. Patrick Baston is standing trial on sex-trafficking charges in Miami federal court, charged with pimping women around the world. HANDOUT / COURTESY BY JAY WEAVER—- He bowed his head as a federal judge read all 21 guilty verdicts. Then he shook it from side to side, as if in disbelief. Damion St. Patrick Baston finally lifted his head as each of the Miami federal jurors was polled Tuesday, confirming verdicts that convicted him of sex trafficking and related crimes. They had deliberated for less than six hours. The 12-person jury heard a half-dozen women testify about how the Jamaican man beat and raped them as he forced them into his prostitution racket, an operation that ranged from … Read entire article »

Court says sexual orientation claim ‘dishonest’   A Jamaican bisexual who yesterday lost his asylum battle in a British court is now facing deportation. According to the Advocate.com, the 32-year-old Jamaican, Orashia Edwards, lost his lengthy legal battle with the United Kingdom’s Home Office when he was denied asylum on the basis of his sexuality. The court concluded that Edwards was “dishonest” about his sexuality, apparently not believing that he is bisexual. Edwards and his family fear that he will face persecution upon the return to his homeland because of his sexual orientation, the report said. The Advocate.com report said that although the court did not release any official documentation about why it found his sexual orientation “dishonest”, Edwards does have a newborn daughter in Leeds, where he has reportedly been residing for the past … Read entire article »

By Brian Bonitto—- KARAMANTI… the more I examine the root cause of our problems, the more I realise that it’s all due to dirty politics— DISILLUSIONED by the failings of Jamaica’s political system, deejay Karamanti holds no punches in her latest single Bun Andrew and Portia. Released in May, the track is produced on the Tech-Head Records label. Karamanti, whose given name is Shelly-Ann Jackson, stressed she was not advocating violence against politicians, but believes their inability to put aside partisan politics has retarded Jamaica’s growth. “I feel broken-hearted by what I wake up and see every day. The more I examine the root cause of our problems, the more I realise that it’s all due to dirty politics. I am very, very, very disappointed in our politicians,” she told the Jamaica Observer. ‘Portia’ is Prime … Read entire article »

Andrea Davis—- THE Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) has added its voice to salute today’s observance of International Reggae Day (IRD). JaRIA notes that it is supportive of all initiatives which contribute to the strengthening of the Jamaican music industry and help to build the confidence of our people in our vibrant and valuable culture. “The reggae industry is sustaining many families across Jamaica through the creation of a variety of income streams. However, we must realise that we have only just begun to tap into its vast potential. We encourage all Jamaicans, wherever you are, to stand proudly behind the reggae brand and join the celebration by organising and participating in IRD-themed activities,” said JaRIA Chairman Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper. Meanwhile, founder of IRD Andrea Davis told the Jamaica Observer that all is in … Read entire article »