“The next trophy I would love to be holding like this is an Oscar Award” he proclaimed, triumphantly hoisting the trophy in the air. 

Monday’s glittering black-tie induction ceremony marked the 25th renewal of this now entrenched American music industry tradition and Jimmy Cliff becomes only the second Jamaican performer and the third Jamaican to hold this enviable distinction. Bob Marley was also previously inducted, and so too was music mogul Chris Blackwell, the latter in a non-performer category.

All three Jamaicans join a list of the most awe-inspiring musicians of the twentieth century. Other distinguished inductees from previous years include Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Prince.

It has been a long road for the actor, musician, singer, songwriter, music producer and businessman Jimmy Cliff, christened James Chambers at birth by his parents in the district of Somerton, St James, Jamaica. He has appeared in three successful movies including the 1986 comedy Club Paradise, co-starring Robin Williams and Peter O’Toole.

Four years later he snagged a role in “Marked for Death” but he had his career defining role as reggae singer, Ivan Martin in the cult classic ‘Harder They Come.’ Cliff is currently thumbing through at least four movie scripts, including the final draft of a screenplay tentatively titled “Wappy King” – the story of a legendary character from Jamaica who has a fearless spirit.

Cliff will not only assume a starring role in the flick but will write much of the music for the sound track. If all goes well, shooting could begin early next year in Jamaica.

Could this prove to be the big role that lands him an Oscar nomination and the pride and joy of Tinsletown? Some would say you have to dream the impossible dream before it can be realized. Jimmy Cliff is arguably the most celebrated reggae act on the international stage, playing to stadiums and arenas in Africa, Brazil and parts of Europe.

He has an equally impressive following in the USA where he is best known for songs like “Sitting in Limbo”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, Wild World, I Can See Clearly Now and “Many Rivers to Cross,” all from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come. Regarded as reggae’s first international star and the genre’s greatest living legend, Cliff is hoping to connect with a new generation of fans with the release of his new album titled ‘Existence’ which boasts 15 exciting songs, 13 of which are brand new compositions.

“The new album is about our life on planet earth. It touches all aspects of our existence, from global warming to starvation, economics, politics, the spiritual and beyond. It deals with love… unconditional love and relationships on a one on one basis. In the spiritual realm we have different points of view” he confessed. Speaking confidently and passionately about the disc he said, “I just love this album. It is like a new baby. Now I have to nurture it into adulthood.”

Among the tracks that will be included on the disc are Blessed Love; Rebel, Rebel, Rebel; Everybody Loves a Winner; You’re a Blessing in Disguise and I Got to Move On. His last studio album was released four and a half years ago. To support the disc, he will embark on a US tour this summer.

When asked which artiste, if any, he would love to collaborate with, he paused to gather his thoughts before affirming that he would love to work with Queen Ifrica. On the international side he identified Jay Z and Nas as worthy collaborators. 

As part of the Diaspora outreach, Cliff did an interview on Irie Jam Radio with hosts DJ Roy and Dubb Master Chis, then on Thursday evening IMAGES LLC orchestrated a media reception that provided a platform for the reggae legend to speak directly with members of the Caribbean press.

“Jimmy Cliff has been huge in Europe, Africa and Brazil for decades, but it is refreshing to see him being embraced by the American Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He’s never fully got the respect he deserves here in the US, and one hopes this endorsement will continue to shatter cultural borders on the American music landscape” Dave Rodney from IMAGES LLC said.

“After a marathon 2 ½ hour interview on Irie Jam radio, the phone lines went ballistic with the endorsement and love from many adoring fans from the community who have not heard from Jimmy in many years. We celebrate his induction and stand proud of his legacy” Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio said.

Clarke noted that he has had the pleasure of listening to most of the tracks on the disc and he feels it is a strong contender for a future Grammy nomination.

Cliff’s crowning moment in New York on Monday was just a small step along the way on his life’s journey. To get this far, he has crossed many rivers and is now ready to take on new challenges.

“I feel now I am on the road, getting set to start act two of my career. The induction was the final act of phase one. Now that I am starting the next phase of my career, I am more focused and ready for battle” he said.

Cliff’s induction is impressive considering the number of million-selling chart toppers who are nowhere to be seen in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The long list includes Hall & Oates, Spinners, Barry White, Stylistics, Electric Light Orchestra, KISS, Chic and Pointer Sisters.  

“I accepted this award on behalf of the people of Jamaica, Africa, the Caribbean and South America” Cliff proudly declared.

He delivered arguably the best performance of the night, serving up almost twenty minutes of the tastiest hybrid of Reggae, spiced with a pinch of Rock & Roll. It didn’t matter if one fully understood his Jamaican accent, Cliff held everyone in a musical trance with “You Can Get It If You Really Want” “Many Rivers To Cross” and his international soundtrack hit “The Harder They Come.” Many in the crowd danced as his music proved infectious to those present.

His mesmerizing performance earned a deserving standing ovation from music legends Bruce Springstein, Phil Collins, Abba, the Bee Gees and Maroon 5 who were all in attendance. Cliff said fellow Rock & Roll inductee Phil Collins personally congratulated him on his stellar performance. A small contingent from Jamaica including entertainment executive Chris Samuda, who flew in from Kingston also cheered, while Cliff’s assistant Ray Watkins flashed a smile as the historic performance came to and end. 

At the heels of the iconic concert by The Temptations, Manhattans and Rose Royce, New York City dwellers are preparing to experience yet another legend of soul music the notable empress, Patti Labelle.

According to Lorraine Campbell of the Brooklyn-based cultural event production joint, Jammins Entertainment, “Patti will be doing a live show on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the prestigious landmark venue”, BAM – Brooklyn Academy of Music (Howard Gilman Opera House) located at 30 Lafayette Ave in Brooklyn, NY. Showtime at 7 p.m. Sharp!!!!

“I am certain that this Valentine would be very special for a lot of the folks who appreciate classic ballads; I can’t even remember the last time Patti performed in Brooklyn,” says Keisha Martin, an ardent fan who is also well-known for her soulful singing.

Patti LaBelle, the versatile two-time Grammy winning singer and song-writer who can smoothly do a duet with a Michael McDonald or a DMX, and a Floetry or a Wyclef Jean, as she has done, is certainly no stranger to most. In fact, having for over 40 years given the music world countless inter-generational, classic and cross-genre hits like “On My Own,” “Lady Marmalade,” “If Only You Knew,” “Live! One Night Only,” and “Burnin’, as well as more recent solos and duets such as “New Day,” “Not Right, But Real,” “Thank You,” and “Hear My Cry,” one can honestly say about Patti that she has just about done it all with her distinctive four octave voice.

Beyond the awards, which among other things includes three honorary doctorate degrees from reputable universities located on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, Patti has also distinguished herself as a best selling author of four books (including Don’t Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime), a successful actress with TV shows such as “Out All Night,” and an effective advocate for diabetes and cancer prevention/treatment awareness. Most recently, Patti also introduced her fashion line to the world on HSN.

The caring sponsors of the Patti LaBelle Soul Legend Live Concert are JetBlue Airways (now flying to Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica), Western Union, Census 2010, American Foundation for The University of The West Indies, Zync TV, NY Liberty Star and Street Hype Newspaper, Gmax Enterprise, NY Perks Bar & Lounge, Grace Kennedy Bill Express, Café Shane Restaurant, and Hopkins Communications Group.

Tickets for the exceptional event can be purchased by calling BAM box office at 718.636.4100 or log onto www.BAM.org. Further information may be obtained by calling 718-282-8041 or www.soullegendslive.com. Part proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for The University of The West Indies (AFUWI) Scholarship Fund. The AFUWI is a 501© (3) entity. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws.

The most recent is the popular, Top Dot Mortgage, while less than a year ago, 1st Republic Mortgage Bankers and Lavette M. Bills/MTC Real Estate were in the spotlight.

Two months after Howard F. Pitkin, Banking Commissioner for Connecticut issued a ‘Notice of Intent’ to revoke its license, 1st Republic and its principal Scott Sisskind were slapped with several lawsuits to recover some $16 millions for breach of contract and fraudulent conveyance in violation of New York debtor and creditor laws. The bank was  later forced to cease operation.
In April of 2009, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Division, filed fraud charges against the self-styled “foreclosure specialist” and a regular guest on WVIP Radio 93.5 FM, Lavette M. Bills. She was arrested and is now facing several counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and false statements.

1st Republic, Bills and Top Dot were major sponsor of Linkup programmes on 93.5 FM and were personally endorsed by the owner of Linkup Media, David “Squeeze” Annakie.

During his daily radio programs, Annakie always appealed to his fellow Caribbean and African American audience to do business with the companies as according to him “I have done my research and they are the best.”

An excellent radio communicator with youthful exuberance, Annakie was well paid to promote 1st Republic Mortgage, Bills and more recently Top Dot.

However, these companies from all reports were not the best and are now hurting people. The radio listeners and members of the Caribbean communities are now confused as another “Linkup Radio” endorsed bank is in trouble.

As a shrewd businessman, Annakie appears to be well focus on meeting the needs of his high paying clients, but he needs to be more selective of the companies or individuals he is endorsing.

It is the responsibility of all radio personalities to help protect the listening public from dishonest and corrupt people who use the media to attract innocent customers.

Police found 10 handguns, two assault rifles, nine shotguns and nine rifles in the suspects’ two-story home on West Street. Authorities also found on the premises two Crossman air rifles, one umbrella with a dagger in the handle, one sword, one machete, three daggers and one hunting knife.

Numerous pills, a large amount of ammunition and ingredients for making ammunition were also found on the premises, according to police. Sources said the weapons were not being sold.

The Sianos’ house is directly across the street from P.S. 216, which teaches pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Neighbors said the family had a reputation for drunkenness and for being gun enthusiasts. “It’s outrageous and it’s shocking. Right next to a school, when someone tells you that they find this kind of stuff in a house, especially when you have all these young kids around. They play ball on the streets,” said one local.

“I knew them since they were kids, since they grew up. I knew the mother,” said another. “All I knew was that they used to drink. They drink, that’s all.” “I just don’t think it’s anything, other than they’re just troublemakers,” said a third.

Sources said the father and son seemed to be responsible for the guns.

• PROVIDERS DID NOT TRANSITION CLIENTS TO PERMANENT HOUSING IN A TIMELY MANNER – 62 percent of clients at Pilgrim Icahn resided in transitional housing for more than the nine month average, costing DHS $4.3 million (one client remained for over six years, costing DHS $234,397). 22 percent of clients at Aladdin Hotel resided beyond the nine month average stay, costing DHS $1.4 million (one client remained for over four years, costing DHS $118,933). “The City is cutting proven programs that help to prevent homelessness, while at the same time spending taxpayer dollars to shelter New Yorkers in unsafe, over-priced hotel rooms that do not effectively reduce homelessness,” said Public Advocate BILL DE BLASIO. “It is time to end this irresponsible practice and implement practical policies that will help prevent homelessness and move more people from shelter to stable, permanent housing.”
“As homelessness increases and New Yorkers struggle to make ends meet,
it is now more important than ever to be watchful of agency performance and efficiency,” said Councilmember YDANIS RODRIGUEZ, member of the City Council General Welfare Committee. “There are disturbing inequities going on within DHS, and they must shape up if it is to provide real and valuable services to those who are being hit hardest by the recession.”

“Just because you’re homeless doesn’t mean you should live a life
without dignity, said MARY BROSNAHAN, Executive Director of the
Coalition for the Homeless. “Our most vulnerable neighbors need to be
helped back on their feet and moved into permanent housing, not
relegated to squalor.”

“These findings are disconcerting on many levels,” said JUDITH
GOLDINER, Supervising Attorney, Law Reform Unit, Legal Aid Society.
“DHS must provide livable, clean space for the City’s increasing
homeless population. By failing to adequately monitor providers, DHS
has shortchanged the city’s homeless, and taxpayers throughout the
city. Such waste is unacceptable in any climate, and it is even more
harmful during a time of economic strife.”

Previous audits and letters by the Comptroller’s Office in June 1998,
October 2003, June 2007 and June 2008 had also cited DHS for its
failure to contract formally with providers for shelter and social
services.

The recommendations made by Comptroller Liu to DHS include:
• Enter into contracts with all providers of shelter and social
services that delineate services to be provided, establish performance
standards, and provide termination clauses and remedies.
• Immediately institute a sound and effective system of internal
controls and monitor providers to ensure that they accurately record
and report client-lodging days. These controls should include, but not
be limited to, conducting random, periodic inspections of client
sign-in logs.
• Pay providers only for shelter and social services and calculate
provider payments based on accurate client-lodging data and
mutually-agreed-upon daily rates.
• Conduct unannounced periodic site inspections and interviews with
clients and staff.
• Work with providers that consistently fail to meet placement targets
to improve their performance.

Comptroller Liu credited Deputy Comptroller for Audit H. Tina Kim and
her team in the Bureau of Audit for presenting the findings and
recommendations. The full March 2010 audit report is available at
www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

###

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is suing two non-profits — International Immigrants Foundation and International Professional Association — for allegedly scamming immigrants by making false promises of citizenship and charging exorbitant fees.

The suit also says the organizations are practicing law without authorization.Cuomo says the law protects someone who blows the whistle on immigration scams, but many immigrants are afraid of exposing themselves to prosecution.

“People don’t want to come forward. Well, we have an executive order. I know, technically we have an executive order. People feel — my luck, I’ll be the one, I’ll call, I’ll get into trouble. Because it’s remarkable: years and years, thousands of people victimized. Nobody came forward,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo has obtained a temporary restraining order against the two firms and their president, Edward Juarez, halting their services.

In a statement, the International Immigrants Foundation, says the allegations are quote “outrageous” and were made by Cuomo to “support his political ambitions.”