'Don't blame me!' - Permanent secretary breaks silence on light-bulb saga
WHILE CHARGES have been levied against former Junior Minister Kern Spencer and two others for their involvement in the Cuban light-bulb scandal, critics have questioned the role of Dr Jean Dixon, permanent secretary in the Energy Ministry. She kept her silence. Not any more.

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Ocho Rios, Montego Bay will feel cruise ship pinch
M16 was needed in the 1980s - Spaulding
Hotel pollution drives fish away - UWI scientist downplays impact of climate change
Dealing with the weapons crisis in schools
Fight against corrupt cops gathers steam

Government pushes for legislation to stem police killing
With police killings numbering 272 last year and 16 for the month of January 2008, the Government is pushing, early in the new legislative year, to introduce legislation to establish an independent authority to investigate killings by state agents.

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Government clamping down on fraudulent cover notes
Scots ashamed of role in Jamaican slavery
Baptism
Stricter laws needed to govern fishing industry

Starved of funding - Software developers say banks scared to back them
When Grayson Alert and his business partner Neil Rhule made the decision to enter the software development business seven years ago, all they had was the idea, but no funds to get Aura Technology off the ground. But armed with one client, the duo turned to a friend, borrowed some money and rented out a house for three months.

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Insurance - The FSC needs to get its acts together
Young developer pours $500m into town-house project
Cash Plus March deadline uncertain - We don't want investors' names, says FSC.
A break with the past

Calabar, Holmwood again!
CALABAR HIGH held off a persistent challenge from archrivals Kingston College to notch their 21st lien on the Mortimer Geddes Trophy on the fourth and final day of the GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium yesterday.

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ICC must protect game and players
A year after tragedy
Ahwhofah, Royal Image win trials
Jamaica are the Carib Cup champs
Manchester United back on top
Browne to lead young WI against Sri Lanka
Support grows for Waterhouuse programme
Sporting Central tackle Boys' Town
Hamilton takes pole position
England lead Kiwis by 421 runs

EDITORIAL - Advice for Commissioner Lewin
Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin appears to have been concerned that after his recent briefing, the press chose to highlight his announcement that the MP5 semi-automatic weapon is to supersede the M16 assault rifle that has become the almost standard issue for patrol cops in Jamaica.

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The future of progressive politics in Jamaica
The paradox of democracy and violence
Gun talk
The coarsening of Jamaica?

Letter of the Day - Police get advantage with weapon change
The Editor, Sir: It is gratifying to witness positive changes, such as the transition from the M16 rifle to the MP5 sub-machine gun. I proposed this change and addressed some related issues in a letter published in The Observer in July of 1999.

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Shaw states land deal background
Reaching for alternate energy
No escape from sense of sin

Older 'Blood' on 'Fire' again - Top band regroups for one show
Remember the good old days when attending a concert with a live showband gave you the thrills? Not only are fans looking forward to making that trek down memory lane, but members of the Bloodfire Posse are also in high spirits about reuniting for a one-time only performance at this year's staging of Take Me Away...

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Forbes puts spring into 'A Winter Tale'
Cultural group looks to peace, unity in Mountain View
From The Voice - Keyshia Cole warm on record, screen
'I Was Born a Woman' in 'Hall' of fame

Cross cultural expressions
Revolution Gallery was originally established as a forum for artists practising in what might be called alternative media. In a country where much emphasis has been placed on the two-dimensional forms of painting and photography, curator and jeweller, Carol Campbell, struck out in a new direction with a view to exhibiting such art forms as jewellery, sculpture and textiles.

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Windows to the world
Book review - Great adventure for children
Literary arts - The Switch
Book review - Senior's 'Shell' given theatric treatment

Elaine Sullivan - New look, new woman
When, last weekend, Elaine Sullivan, participated in the Sigma Walkathon in Kingston, she was not a straggler, placing among the last, nor did she drop out of what, for most of those who drive cars, was an extensive perambulation ... The journey might not seem much of a challenge to many, but for Sullivan, it was a triumph.

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Nadine's passion to help teenage mothers
Single and pregnant
Doctor's advice - They want to strip off in the open air
A Rose in the Queen's garden
Outlook Youth- Danger in the chat room

The power of sex
Another one bit the dust this past week, joining myriads of others whose careers - often illustrious, larger than life and grand - have been consigned to the dustbin of history. Eliot Spitzer is the latest victim's name. (Boyne)

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Oil prices: failed supply - demand fundamentals
Women and society in crisis
That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, we like it
'Grin-and-bear-it' women
Forgiveness, justice and rehabilitation

A royal display
The lawns of Jamaica House became a showcase of the island's musical talent on Wednesday, and it was all for the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Their Highnesses and other guests were treated to excellent performances from a variety of young, local talent.

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Gastronomically delightful
A joyful year
Red Stripe takes top prize
A shining example of diplomatic style

2008 KIA Carnival - Value pacesetter
Kia Carnival offers more space with dual sliding doors, better ergonomics and rear seats that come out without the use of so much as a screwdriver (they do weigh a ton, though). Carrying kids or revellers, or just moving stuff from point to point, Carnival is a value-ridden package.

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Drags return to JamWest
Go-karters back on track today
Audi registers record sales