Queen Latifah Teams With Home Shopping Network for Clothing Line
Award-winning rapper Queen Latifah has partnered with the Home Shopping Network to launch a new clothing line, The Queen Collection.
The Queen Collection is inspired by Queen Latifah's personal style and design aesthetic, according to the rapper.
"I wanted my collection to reflect my personal style while giving women the tools to build a wardrobe they can feel good in," Queen Latifah said. "I partnered with HSN because it's the ideal platform to share my story and the stories of women who inspired me. I hope to instill confidence in hundreds of thousands of women across the country."
Latifah's line with the Home Shopping Network will feature handbags, outerwear and other apparel, including riding pants, slouchy blazers, ruffled blouses, scarves and suede moto jackets.
"To truly capture the diverse aspects of this remarkable artist, we focused on creating a comprehensive lifestyle brand that encompasses apparel, accessories and beauty," added Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN, Inc. "Queen Latifah's appeal is universal, and her ability to entertain, enlighten and empower women is sure to resonate with our customers."
Queen Latifah will debut the line on August 27th, during a live on air appearance.
In September she will return to debut a custom line of Natural Wavy Clip-On hair extensions with the network.
"HSN and I have worked closely together to create a high quality hair product for women who are interested in reinventing their look," continued Latifah. "Since my brand philosophy is about instilling confidence in women everywhere, I want to help them transform their look from head to toe."
Queen Latifah is slated to appear on HSN on Saturday, August 27th starting at 12:01 AM EST.
Cadillac Dealer to Jay-Z, Diddy, Beyonce, Fat Joe Commits Suicide
Timothy F. Martin, who became known as the Cadillac dealer to the stars and once owned a popular Englewood Cliffs, NJ dealership, committed suicide Monday night at around 6PM EST. Martin, who counted Diddy, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Fat Joe, Maino, Ma$e, DJ Clue, DJ Envy, Swizz Beatz and many other celebrities as his clients, hung himself in his mother-in-laws home in Englewood Cliff, NJ last night right before being scheduled to go to court on indictment charges.
Less than two years ago, Martin was one of the nation’s top-five Cadillac sellers, which resulted in him opening up another dealership in Yonkers, NY. According to reports, Martin boosted sales at his Sylvan Avenue business to more than $70 million. He also formed a record label, Academy Records with Harlem bred MC Cardan, which released two successful mixtapes and enlisted the help of his celebrity clients.
But the recession hit him and his dealerships hard. Martin was forced to close his Yonkers, NY dealership and last year told a Bankruptcy Court judge in Newark that his debt had reached $45 million, more than three times the amount of assets. In addition employees complained that they were shortchanged on their health benefits with one employee even enlisting the help of Channel 7’s, 7 On Your Side. Employees were denied commission checks and were told they had no medical insurance even though the premiums were still being withheld from their paychecks.
Martin filed for Bankruptcy protection last summer after GM took possession of his remaining cars and was indicted on 50 Million dollars in debt to over 199 creditors. Martin was found dead from a suicide last night.
Jimmy ‘Henchman’ Rosemond Turns Himself In
The manager of rapper The Game and R&B star Akon has turned himself over to police after a fugitive warrant was issued for his arrest in relation to federal drug charges.
James Rosemond, also known as Jimmy Henchman, has been under investigation by authorities since 2007 over allegations he was involved in a cocaine distribution ring.
Reports surfaced last week suggesting he was on the run after prosecutors in New York declared him a wanted man, but Rosemond insists he was unaware of the arrest warrant.
In an open letter to XXLmag.com, Rosemond writes, “The events over the past week, to say the least, have caught me off guard. Although I have been aware of an investigation taking place over the last four years, I was never informed that an arrest warrant had been issued in my name. I first learned about that warrant through the media when the news was released last week.”
The music mogul, who denies the charges against him, claims he is being targeted for his past “mistakes,” which threaten to harm his chances of landing a fair trial.
Rosemond continues, “These prosecutors have already begun my trial through the media and I’m releasing this statement in order to set the record straight. I just want a fair trial. I came up from nothing and made some mistakes early in my life of which I have already served time (sic).
“Since then, I have worked hard to establish my career in the music industry only to be targeted by these opportunistic prosecutors with a personal vendetta against me.”
He turned himself into federal agents on Monday.
Damian Marley Collaborates with Mick Jagger
Damian Marley is known for his unique collaborations with different artists. His latest project involves Mick Jagger for a super group called Super Heavy.
Also involved is singer Joss Stone, Eurthymics member Dave Stewart and producer A.R. Rahman.
According to Rolling Stone, the group has been recording for at least 18 months and plan to debut the album in September.
“It’s different from anything else I’ve ever been involved in,” Jagger told the magazine. “The music is very wide-ranging — from reggae to ballads to Indian songs in Urdu.”
They are actually further along than expected. Super Heavy completed their first single and filmed the accompanying visuals and is looking around for a major label deal.
NHS troubleshooter 'given free Porsche and exotic holiday in the TCI' is sued for £250,000
A former high-ranking civil servant who was given a free Porsche and a luxury Caribbean holiday is being sued for alleged corruption by the Department of Health.
A High Court writ issued in the name of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley claims up to £250,000 in damages and compensation from Ken Anderson – the controversial Texan businessman drafted into Whitehall by Tony Blair to encourage more private-sector involvement in the NHS.
The writ claims he was given a Porsche Carrera 911 by a former colleague whose consultancy firm was being paid £1,300 a day by the Department of Health, and a week-long holiday with his three sons in the Turks and Caicos Islands, gifts to which he was not entitled.
Mr Anderson, who lives in an £800,000 farmhouse near Wantage, Oxfordshire, was head of the Department of Health’s commercial directorate for four years until 2007. At one stage he was seen as a possible contender for the top job of NHS Chief Executive.
He left the health service to become a banker and is now being sued by Mr Lansley ‘in respect of benefits received corruptly and in breach of duty’, according to the writ. Mr Anderson strongly denies the allegations against him.
The 180mph sports car was allegedly given to him by Tyrone Robinson, whose consultancy firm, Broadsword, was hired by Whitehall officials in 2003 to advise them on NHS reforms.
The writ says the two men had first met several years earlier when they worked together at infrastructure company Amey, where Mr Anderson was involved in bidding for Government-backed private finance contracts.
The gift of the £70,000 car was intended to ensure that Broadsword retained its Department of Health contract and that Mr Robinson was paid above the market rate for his services, according to the 20-page legal document.
It says Mr Robinson was given a 100 per cent pay rise within a year of starting work with the NHS, boosting his daily earnings from £650 to £1,300 in a deal overseen by Mr Anderson. He was also promoted several times, becoming the direct-orate’s Chief Operating Officer.
Broadsword’s contract with the Department of Health ended in 2005 after it had received £226,000 in fees. The consultancy was struck off the Companies Register and dissolved in 2007.
The Caribbean holiday referred to in the writ was allegedly arranged by law firm Eversheds, which gives advice to the Department of Health and other Government bodies.
Mr Anderson’s family stayed at the luxurious Osprey Beach Hotel which has a private beach from where guests can scuba dive on the world’s third-largest coral reef. Although Mr Anderson had only two brief meetings with local officials, at which healthcare policies were discussed, the entire trip, including flights and hotels, was paid for by the Turks and Caicos government. 
Mr Lansley’s writ includes the text of emails between Mr Anderson and Eversheds partner Alun Cole.
Mr Cole wrote on August 15, 2005: ‘Hope you all had a good weekend! This time next week hopefully we’ll be enjoying a beer on the beach! I have gone out of my way to stress to TCIG [Turks and Caicos Islands government] that this is your holiday week with the boys. I believe that you will have only two formal appointments. There may be informal invitations . . . but you are and must feel at liberty to turn any or all of them down.’
Three days later Mr Cole sent another message: ‘The government of the Islands has paid for you and I to go Business Class. I’m afraid the boys will have to slum it in Economy!’
Mr Anderson replied: ‘Alun, that sounds great! Am starting to feel a little like a free loader! Have checked into diving. Not a busy time of year so we will leave it until we arrive and do a little resort-based stuff I would imagine. Thanks for setting this up . . . the boys and I are very excited indeed.’
On his return, Mr Anderson discussed his trip with Neelam Sekhri, a San Francisco-based healthcare consultant who was then a member of the Department of Health’s Commercial Advisory Board.
Ms Sekhri, who is married to an eminent British professor, Sir Richard Feachem, was subsequently hired by the Turks and Caicos government to help implement its health service reforms.
The £24,000 bill for her services, however, was paid by the Department of Health – on Mr Anderson’s instructions, it is claimed. According to the writ, this was improper use of public money and Ms Sekhri’s fee, as well as the cost of the holiday, should be returned to the taxpayer.
Mr Anderson worked for private healthcare firms in the US and Germany for more than a decade before moving to Britain. At the NHS, he oversaw the introduction of treatment centres run by independent operators, a policy opposed by health campaigners and unions. He is now based in London as a managing director of Swiss-owned financial services giant UBS.
His solicitor, Sue Thackeray, of Finers Stephens Innocent, said: ‘Mr Anderson vigorously defends the allegations. He will serve his full defence within the next week that will put his position clearly forward.’
Mr Robinson failed to respond to calls from The Mail on Sunday.
Mr Cole’s solicitor, Phil Sherrell, said his client had done nothing wrong. He was invited separately from Mr Anderson to the islands to advise on a health project. He had no know¬ledge of any arrangements that may have been made for Ms Sekhri to provide consultancy services to the Turks and Caicos government.
Ms Sekhri was unavailable for comment. The Department of Health said: ‘We do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.’
Sourcee: dailymail
South Caicos Regatta returns
South Caicos Annual Regatta comes alive on Thursday, May 26, 2011, with a float parade. Everyone can join in this event by purchasing your T-shirt now on sale for seven dollars ($7.00). Bring your flag along as well. The entire community is invited to be a part of ‘Regatta 45 …..Bringing It Alive!’
Visitors coming to the island by boat or plane will be greeted as usual with a “Welcome Party”, known only to the hospitality of South Caicos.
South Caicos is known for its outstanding performance in sports and this focus has always been a part of the Regatta activities. The ‘Basket Ball’ capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands has produced excellent teams who once ago were considered TCI’s best. The original FIRE FIGHTERS, ROCKETS, SHOOTERS and BREAKERS will give you many kodak moments in an exhibition match. If you would prefer a more relaxing environment, there is a table tennis match at Marjorie Basden High School compound.
The Regatta Beauty Pageant and Inagua Contact Band will be your enjoyment for a fun-filled evening.
Miss Regatta:
Straudia Forbes - Caicos Oil
Phara Knowles - Saunders & Co.
Daphne Pierre - Prestigious Properties
Little Miss Regatta:
Savannah Moore - New Star Construction
Joanna Pierre - Maxx’s Fashions
Kartinard Menard - Caicos Coin Laundry
Kayanna Gibson - Adams Square
Alresa Taylor - Caicos Fisheries Ltd.
Wichland Fernard - Sail Rock Development
Regatta Village will be the place to be. These activities will take place on Friday, May 27.
Saturday, May 28, “Regatta Fun Day’ begins in true TCI culture with junkanoo. Move to the rhythm of ‘We Funk Junkanoo Group’. The “Opening Ceremony” at 10:00 a.m. is a beginning for the entire family to celebrate by joining in the fun or just coming along to cheer others on. The excitement depends on how you participate, because this could last all day. There will be lots to do, watch, eat and drink, make this your special treat. Boat races you are sure to see. After you leave town, watch the basket ball “Slam Dunk” going on. There is also music into the night.
Sunday, May 29, the opportunity waits all to see the basket ball finals, ‘HARBOUR BOYS’ challenged by ‘HARBOUR HAULERS’! A match you cannot afford to miss. This day climaxes with Gospel Extravaganza at 8: 00 p.m. come and receive a spiritual blessing as talented men and women of God bless your hearts in music and song. The venue is Sea View Supermarket.
Monday, May 30, brings to an end Soccer Finals at 4:00 p.m. and following this, Regatta 2011.
The Regatta Committee 2011 expresses profound thanks and appreciation to all who have supported them through this trying time in order to keep the festival alive.
Wreath laying cermony for 1st natioanl hero this week
National Heroes Day will be celebrated on Monday, May30th, 2011 throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The Cultural & Arts Commission cordially invites you to the Annual Heroes Day Wreath Laying Ceremony to be held at the J.A.G.S. Memorial Site in Grand Turk at 10:00 am.
honouring the First National Hero of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Late, Hon. J.A.G.S McCartney.
Special guest speaker will be Robert Hall of Expressions fame.
For those who are unable to attend, the ceremony will be broadcast live via Radio Turks and Caicos.
PNP party Jamaica,unveils shadow cabinet
OPPOSITION leader Portia Simpson Miller has unveiled a new shadow cabinet. In a release to the media today Simpson Miller revealed that former Finance Minister Omar Davies has been shifted from the finance portfolio to Transport and Works. He has been replaced by Peter Phillips.
The shadow cabinet has five new faces in Colin Fagan, Local Government and Community Development; Ronnie Thwaites, Education; Noel Arscott, Mining; Morais Guy, Housing and Mark Golding, Justice.
Simpson Miller will assume responsibility for Development, Information, Gender Affairs and Sports.
Below is the full slate of members of the People's National Party shadow cabinet.
- Peter Phillips — Finance, Planning and the Public Service;
- Omar Davies — Transport and Works;
- Peter Bunting — National Security;
- AJ Nicholson — Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade;
- Robert Pickersgill — Lands, Water, Environment and Climate Change;
- Anthony Hylton — Industry, Investment and Commerce;
- Morais Guy — Housing;
- Fenton Ferguson — Health;
- Roger Clarke — Agriculture and Fisheries;
- Wykeham McNeil — Tourism and Entertainment;
- Ronald Thwaites — Education;
- Lisa Hanna — Youth and Culture;
- Mark Golding — Justice;
- Phillip Paulwell — Energy, Science and Technology;
- Derrick Kellier — Labour and Social Security;
- Colin Fagan — Local Government and Community Development; and
- Noel Arscott — Mining
Natalie Neita Headley and Sandrea Falconer will work from within the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.
Plan tackles rising food and fuel
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) trade and economic affairs ministers who met here over the last weekend have agreed to the immediate establishment of a technical committee to determine the list of goods to be considered for a suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) over a two-year period.
A CARICOM Secretariat statement said the meeting of the CARICOM Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) took the initiative as part of the efforts to deal with the soaring costs of fuel and commodities on the region.
It said the ministers also agreed that the good to be considered for CET suspension “must have significant weight in the consumer price index, and must not be produced or have a close substitute in the region”.
In addition, the technical team will determine the reduction or elimination of the CET on some inputs and equipment used in food production and preparation with the aim of reducing the cost of production and delivery of food within the region.
The team is also tasked with formulating strategies to continue the protection of the region’s consumers, from exploitation, “given the adverse impact on member states resulting from the increased prices on commodities,” the statement noted.
Oil prices reached US$115 a barrel in mid-March 2011, an increase of over 40 per cent from an average of US$80 a barrel in 2010.
As a consequence, the cost of regional and international transportation has risen significantly, also pushing up food prices that the Secretariat said increased by 52 per cent during the period 2007 and 2008.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Global Food Price Index surpassed the high level it reached in 2008 and there is speculation that food prices will remain at high levels for the foreseeable future.
The Secretariat said that the COTED meeting also agreed that urgent action should be taken to advance the implementation of policy actions such as the Jagdeo Initiative, the Common Fisheries Policy and the Regional Food and Nutrition Security Policy (RFNSP). (CMC)
Cuban light bulb trial delayed
The Cuban light bulb trial is set to be further delayed as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn continues to fight an order for her to testify as a witness in the matter.
Supreme Court judge Donald McIntosh this morning granted leave for the DPP to go to the Judicial Review Court to challenge the order for her to testify.
Justice McIntosh also granted a stay of the Cuban light bulb trial pending the outcome of the review hearing.
A date for the hearing is yet to be set.
Last month, Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey granted an application by the defence for the DPP to be called as a witness in the light bulb matter.
Senior RM Pusey also ordered that Llewellyn stays out of the courtroom while prosecution witness, Rodney Chin, gives his evidence.
Chin is the main prosecution witness in the corruption and money laundering trial of former junior energy minister, Kern Spencer, and his co-accused, Colleen Wright.
However, Llewellyn has consistently challenged Pusey’s ruling on the grounds that the issuing of the subpoena for her to be called as a witness is an abuse of the process of the court.
The DPP is seeking an order to quash Pusey’s ruling for her to be absent from the courtroom while Chin is testifying.
Llewellyn also wants an order to quash the magistrate’s decision not to set aside the subpoena calling her as a witness.