JG - POWER OF A DON - Putting politicians to shame

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

POWER OF A DON - Putting politicians to shame

Published: Sunday March 7, 2010

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

THEY HEAD major criminal networks in Jamaica, even extending to North America and the United Kingdom. But no one seems to know for sure exactly how many of them are in play. Dons - rulers of the criminal underworld - are buttressed by legitimate government contracts, extortion, offbeat business enterprises, political, and even police support. They hold tremendous power in the trenches that rivals legitmate authority and puts elected leaders to shame.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The nation had a frightening look at the power of a major don in September 1998 when former Matthews Lane strongman Donald 'Zekes' Phipps was arrested and charged by the police for attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and unlawful wounding."

"While he was being interrogated at the Central Police Station, Zekes' supporters rioted, leaving four persons - including two members of the security forces - dead."

"Usually, the more powerful dons emerge from communities loyal to one political party, with organised gang structures."

"Since then, the don has morphed into a creature almost independent of the politicians for financial support, turning instead to the lucrative drug trade, extortion, and other economic crimes."

"Today, that financially independent don is no longer hanging on to the coat-tails of the politician for his wealth, but the umbilical cord is uncut."

"The don is also expected to ensure that persons turn out for political meetings, keep out supporters of the opposing party, and ensure that residents are protected if they are attacked by their political rivals."

"In addition, the don gets his pick of the young girls in the community by free will or force."

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"Neither does he bow to the politician, putting an end to the days when the member of parliament could dictate what happens in a community."

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com

JG - The 'art' of diplomacy

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

The 'art' of diplomacy

published: Sunday June 29, 2008

Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
LEFT: Ambassador Madge Barrett peruses one of Ambassador Portocarero's pieces.
CENTRE: Joaquin Portocarero (right), one of the organisers of the Kingston On The Edge Urban Festival, coaxed dad, Herman Portocarero, Belgian ambassador to Jamaica, to show off his own art at an exhibition at Oakton Park.
RIGHT: Cindy Breakspeare-Bent (left) and Lois Lake-Sherwood, two of the island's more fashionable women, show us their glam once again at the exhibition. Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Who knew? That's the question a few persons were left asking after they viewed some of the artwork presented by Belgian Ambassador, Herman Portocarero. The ambassador hosted his first exhibition at the Jamaica Guild of Artists headquarters in Oakton Park.

Read the whole article here.

JG - 'Walk away' - Golding, Simpson Miller urged to leave garrison constituencies

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

'Walk away' - Golding, Simpson Miller urged to leave garrison constituencies

published: Sunday June 22, 2008

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

A FORMER member of parliament is calling on Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller to walk away from their garrison constituencies as the first sign of their commitment to dismantle these killing fields.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Garrison communities are characterised by predominant electoral support for a particular political party by means of intimidation."