Who is to blame?

Sergeant Wayne Henriques... brutally slaughtered by gunmen along Mountain View Avenue in Kingston.

by Jean Lowrie-Chin | Jamaica Observer | 31 May 2010
(Click on title for link to Jamaica Observer)

The past week in Kingston's history will leave us like amputees - eventually healed but never quite the same again. We are using some positive phrases, "tipping point", "cleansing", but the words stop in our throat as we count the cost in the body count. We mourn with Claude Clarke the tragic loss of his brother a horrible case of mistaken identity. Meanwhile, the target of this operation is nowhere to be found up to the time of writing.

Who is to blame for this? Is it the 41-year-old "strongman", nurtured in the lap of a previously impenetrable garrison? Is it the man who took this community from a slum called "Back-O-Wall" to a built-up community where one could only be admitted by lieutenants on guard at its entrances? Could it be Coke's legal team who did not persuade their client to turn himself in, despite pleas from the police over a four-day period before their eventual operation in Tivoli?

Could it be the church leaders from the community who silently watched the women of Tivoli conducting an illegal demonstration and declaring, "We will die for Dudus"? Oh no. None of these names will be called when Amnesty descends on Jamaica. It will only be the fault of the police.

We are not defending any alleged excesses by the police, but we must never lose sight of the fact that the 73 people who died in Tivoli and its environs last week, would be alive today if only Mr Coke had obeyed the law.

We will sit in our comfortable homes, in our secure air-conditioned studios and lash out at the men who must crawl in dark gutters to protect us. We will sit around our dining tables with our families and pick their procedure to pieces, even as their families wait in trepidation for their safe return home. I have been speaking to some senior police officers over the past week, and they are deeply hurt at the constant bombardment.

Could we spare a thought for Sgt Wayne Henriques and Constable Jason Davis who were ambushed on Mountain View Avenue and slaughtered by criminals, part of the wide offensive launched against the security forces as soon as the warrant for the arrest of Christopher Coke was signed? These were two of our many courageous officers.

The human rights group, Jamaicans for Justice, issued a statement saying,"Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families and colleagues of those law officers killed in the service of their country. The lawlessness displayed in some areas and by some people, since the announcement that the extradition request for Christopher 'Dudus' Coke would be signed, are utterly deplorable and cannot be tolerated in a free and democratic society."

We join with JFJ in condemning the lawlessness displayed by marauding gunmen who have attacked several police stations, including one as far away as Salt Spring in St James. We need to understand the depth of cold-hearted brutality to which our criminals have descended.

As I wrote in my blog last Monday, we the church must shoulder a good part of the blame for our nation's plight. All of us who call ourselves church must ensure that this tragic situation in Kingston never happens again. We need a proactive church to assign watchdog committees in every constituency of Jamaica, as we know that both PNP and JLP representatives have sanctioned garrison politics. We should have teams assigned to the offices of MPs and caretakers alike. We should learn their plans and partner with them to help their constituents to achieve self-reliance. If they are consorting with gangs, warn them, and if they refuse to stop, expose them. With CAFFE, we must ensure that no politician who is associated with gangs is ever again nominated to run for public office.

Jamaica's churches and we, their members, are accountable. We are more numerous than politicians and gangs - yet we stood piously by and allowed this to happen to our country.

As Rev Devon Dick wrote, "Let us not blame so much the unnamed woman for the affirmation "Dudus next to God", but perceive it as an indictment of the church which often engages in cowardice and inaction rather than confronting evil."

Dr Las Newman, president of the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology, had warned at this year's National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, that " Jamaica is no longer at a crossroads, it is going down the wrong moral and spiritual road ... None of us can wash our hands and proclaim our innocence ... All of us must accept responsibility."

Where is the energy, the productivity that Jesus promoted in his parable of the talents? We are the failures, even as we demand more of our leaders and security forces. We have fallen very short of the righteousness that we profess.

Let the heads of the umbrella groups agree on a list of actions that will ensure that churches engage in an organised and meaningful basis so that by collaborating with our elected leaders, we can deliver prosperity, not harm, to our vulnerable brothers and sisters. We must work to empower them and restore their dignity, so that never again will anyone be able to coerce them to defy the rule of law.

COMMENTS (15)

Marc Lockhart
5/31/2010
@ Richard, I agree with you, bro. Everybody is just bent on playing this blame game. Throwing blame around will not help us. We need decisive transformative action by all well-thinking citizens. It seems the church is their banging toy; so everyone just turns on the church when things go wrong. Let us unite and rebuild Jamaica!
Christian Shaw
5/31/2010
God neither slumbers nor sleep. I can only imagine how deeply the security personnel must be hurt by all the cry about their brutality etc. They are giving their lives daily for many unnecessary causes , causes which are oftentimes orchestrated by influential people including politicians.
Sometimes we just do not know the face of the enemy.I would like to assure these men and women of the forces that many in Jamaica depend on you to keep us safe and uphold the law . God bless you all.
Bobby Livingston
5/31/2010
Despite the loss of innocent lives, and the cry of injustice to the poor echoed by some sectors of the society, let us all view these last few days with optimism. Golding ineptness has involuntarily open the door for change where our security force can finally performed their duty without political interference. This should be the final warning to all our politicians who have embraced these ruthless thugs for political gains. Next time around they will be better organized to cause instablity.
Richard Wayne
5/31/2010
For a very long time many of you hypocrites did not care about what happened downtown (aka the ghetto). You sat in your ivory towers lived the high life and feted each other as the two Jamaicas emerged. It was the uptown white collar criminals in the 1990s that wrecked havoc in Jamaica and for the most part you were all silent. N ow that the ghetto is your neighbor you are all taking notice. Get off unnu baxide and help to make the changes necessary and screw the blame game!!!
Stephen Gunter
5/31/2010
Re: Could it be the church leaders from the community who silently watched the women of Tivoli conducting an illegal demonstration and declaring, "We will die for Dudus"?
Was the demonstration illegal? If so, was anyone arrested? They were all caught on camera, so arrests should have been easy. Or, perhaps, it was a legal demonstration, described by many media reports as being so and non-violent.
Omar Kenyata
5/31/2010
Agree with the a lot of this article but the role of the church she desires is a little tricky. Every time the church speaks , people say "shut up and stick to church business". When the consequence of ignoring the church becomes evident people ask" where was the church?" The Church comprises a long active force in society that by it's Lord's mandate CANNOT blow it own trumpet. Fortunately church has no power to impose only to propose and prod on National issues as it continues to work quietly.
Wa Tch
5/31/2010
Could it be the PM and MP who interfered where he shouldn't have and allowed TG to continue it's descent into lawlessness?
How convenient that you have omitted the person who played such a significant role yet the church is to take the lion's share of the blame.
@Paul Gentles - well said.

Nicolas Henry
5/31/2010
Well said ms Chin. my condolence to the families of the dead security officers. Thanks for your bravery, and I hope the politicians won't allow your death to be invain. I hope they will use this episode as a symbol for a better and safer Jamaica to come, so your children & grandchildren will have a safer country to live in.
tony williams
5/31/2010
What is wrong with these privileged people. They keep harping on the role of politiciansin this sordid affair hoping to deflect the peolple's understanding of the real cause. The fact is the rich and priveleged have chosen, financed and used the political order to maintain their iron grip on their Economic and political structures of our country marginalising the rest to chronic poverty and despair. It is the struggle to rise out of this squalor that has led to the accommodation of the Duduses.
Chuck Emanuel
5/31/2010
Blame the mal-contenders in the political leadership who has tacitly or otherwise encouraged and empowered the illegal actions of narco-traffickers, gun-runners, contract killers, extortionists and terrorists.
Now that the evidence is clear that these tribal/political ideologues were acting in concert with narco-terrorists and other criminal elements for political advantage, we must hold them accountable.
It will not be business as usual. Thanks to President Obama.
Paul Gentles
5/31/2010
Yes,we are all to blame. But things cascade - as long as the PM have the power to tell the AG and various security ministries etc that "if you sign those papers you will be sacked" and no one enters this place without my say so etc. what can the ordinary citizen do?
Our greatest blame is not to have been holding those in high office accountable,our laws are governed in dictator style.
Human rights groups are effectively protecting those our laws are failing,why are we failing them?
Anthony II
5/31/2010
We, everyone of us Jamaicans, failed the people of TG and similar places. We have all sat by all these years and tolerated the talk and gossip and the questions. We have done nothing. However, we need to move beyond assigning blame and to figuring out what we can do to ensure that TG will never see another incursion of security forces in another 4 or 5 years.
.
Security forces: I commend you for the sacrifices that you make each day to serve JAM. I encourage you to always do it right.
george watson
5/31/2010
Security forces just keep cool. All well thinking Jamaicans both here and in the disapora owe you a depth of gratitude which we can never repay. In fact all members of the security forces who went into TG on this mission should be PROMOTED at least ONE RANK UP IMMEDIATELY.
If you get any obstructions based on your operations lock up the politicians of any ilk immediately.
Because of this foolishness, Dr. Eldemire, a gentleman who served his country with distinction and honour could not even be mourned properly. Rest in peace Sir, many of us knew that you were a decent man who loved his country dearly.

John Small
5/31/2010
Thanks for the dose of balance. When everybody's hearts were in their throats on Sunday, worrying at the brazen display of criminal mayhem, they were begging thje Police to take charge. Now, all of a sudden, the Police is "wicked" because they died in fewer numbers than the gunmen.
Marc Lockhart
5/31/2010
How did the church get into this? To me, this whole fiasco has to do with the nexus between politics and criminality. Period! The church is there to focus on spirituality and morality and may even fail in this regard. The problem is the heart of humans and human freedom, not church inaction or action for that matter. Why should we connect everything to the church? Somethings have a clear-cut non-church rationale for their existence. Let us stop the church bashing and the "religionizing".

8 Players to watch out for in South Africa 2010

Since there are just 13 days till this year’s World Cup, Real Talk Football have looked over the 32 teams and will highlight the player from each group to look out for, and discuss what they bring to the table for their countries campaign.

Group A

Name: Luis Suarez
Country: Uruguay
Age: 23
Position: Striker/Attacker
Int Caps: 29
Int Goals: 10



The Ajax front man was handed the captaincy of the Dutch side due to Thomas Vermaelen’s transfer to Arsenal. The striker is one of the most converted strikers in Europe and it is believed Chelsea have first option on the 23 year old. He has also been liked with AC Milan, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Suarez has excellent technical ability, skill and acceleration. He has dominated the Dutch league over the past few seasons, scoring 84 goals in 126 appearances. However players such as Mateja Kezman and Afonso Alves failed to replicate their tremendous goal scoring record outside of Holland, so it will be interesting to see if Suarez gets his move abroad, and if it’s an eventual success. With his natural ability and talent, he is more than capable of slotting into a top European side.





Group B

Name: Angel Di Maria
Country: Argentina
Age: 21
Position: Left Midfield
Int Caps: 8
Int Goals: 1



I’m sure everyone has heard this individuals name in the last 6 months; he has been instrumental to his club side Benfica’s return to prominence in the Portuguese league. The left winger has been touted with a move to many of Europe’s big clubs including Liverpool and most likely suitors Real Madrid.

Renowned for his excellent dribbling ability, technique and long shot, the 21 year old is part of Diego Maradona’s 23 man squad and is expected to be competing for the left midfield spot as he takes part in his first World Cup. Look out him, he’ll be wearing the number 27 shirt.



Group C

Name: Maurice Edu
Country: USA
Age: 24
Position: Centre Midfield
Int Caps: 13
Int Goals: 1



The 24 year old plays for Glasgow Rangers in Scotland, and is a bullish tough tackling midfielder with excellent stamina, speed as well football ability. He can attack, pass effectively and is competent enough to play in different positions. He has 13 caps for USA and was instrumental in helping them qualify. Only injuries have hampered Edu’s career somewhat but should he stay fit, he could go onto greater things.

Edu was the 2007 MLS rookie of the year in America, before he joined Rangers. Now making his first appearance at the World Cup, expect him to compete for the central midfield role, while his versatility allows for him to slot in a centre back in need be.



Group D

Name: Mesut Ozil
Country: Germany
Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Int Caps: 8
Int Goals: 1



Touted as one of the most exciting and promising young playmakers, the Werder Bremen German born player of Turkish descent is playing at his first World Cup. Creativity, flair, technique, agility; just some of the words used to describe the individual’s game, subsequently leading to him being linked to some of Europe’s big names, however it is more than likely that Ozil will stay in Germany for many years to come.

Ozil’s International name was established at under 21 level where he was the key to Germany’s European Under 21 Championship triumph in 2009. Now with Michael Ballack ruled out of the World Cup, Ozil will now have the opportunity to compete with players such as Tim Kroos, Piotr Trochowshi and Bastian Schweinsteiger for the central midfielder role, something in which the 21 year old will undoubtedly grasp with both hands.





Group E

Name: Nicklas Bendtner
Country: Denmark
Age: 22
Position: Striker
Int Caps: 32
Int Goals: 11



Who else is their but the Arsenal forward? Halfway through the 2009/10 season the young Dane had to step up to the plate on his return from injury to finish with 12 goals in 31 appearances, helping the Gunners third in the Premiership. The Danish international receives mixed reviews from both critics and fans alike, however he undoubtedly has the potential and ability to be one of Europe’s top strikers.

Bendtner has 32 caps for Denmark and has scored 11 goals. His is a tall rangy striker, with great aerial ability, balance, hold up play and technique, while his finishing ability leaves a little to be desired (similar to that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic). However with the full backing of both Arsene Wenger and International coach Morten Olsen, the 22 year old will be the focal point of Denmark’s attack in pursuit of the World Cup trophy.



Group F

Name: Stanislav Šesták
Country: Slovakia
Age: 27
Position: Striker/Right Midfielder
Int Caps: 29
Int Goals: 10



The 27 year old versatility and pace are amongst his strong points, as the VFL Bochum attacker can play either right midfield or up front. He was Slovakia’s top goal scorer in the qualifying campaign with 6 goals, helping his side finish top of their qualifying group above both Slovenia and Czech Republic.

The 27 year old has been around for a few years, mainly playing in the Slovak league, achieving a impressive goal scoring record, helping him gain a move to Germany. His pace, acceleration and technique are amongst the qualities possessed by Sestak, which will have to be implemented in South Africa if the Slovakians are able to cause an upset, provided they carry their qualifying form into the tournament.



Group G

Name: Gervinho
Country: Ivory Coast
Age: 23
Position: Striker/Right Winger
Int Caps: 13
Int Goals: 4

Gervinho, full name Gervais Yao Kouassi is one of my personal favourite players, currently playing in Europe with French side Lille. He has played 22 times for the French club, scoring 11 goals in the process.



The Ivorian possess excellent dribbling ability, combined with agility and drive, with his direct methods causing defenders all kinds of problems. He has played in the Europa League last season, and is playing in his first World Cup. When playing for the Elephants, he plays up top in a front three consisting of Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba.



Group H

Name: Alexis Sánchez
Country: Chile
Age: 21
Position: Striker/Left, Right Winger
Int Caps: 27
Int Goals: 10



He made his international at 17 year of age in 2006, and has been in and around the squad since then, before fully gaining a starting role within the squad He during the 2010 qualifying campaign, which coincided with his move to Udinese in Italy in 2008.

The Chile number 7 scored 3 times in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, with 10 from Humberto Suazo, helped Chile finish second in the table behind Brazil. Although not prolific in Italy, only hitting the net 8 times in 62 appearances, the 21 year old has been playing out on the Bianconeri wing showcasing his pace, exquisite skills and dribbling ability. He is a very exciting player and this year‘s World Cup is the perfect stage for him to showcase this talent.

The World Cup is just around the corner... Real Talk Football

U.S. Set to Grab Alleged Jamaican Drug Lord

U.S. law enforcement officials have put Drug Enforcement Administration Air Wing pilots on alert.

DEA Pilots Alerted That Grab of Alleged Jamaican Drug Lord May Be Near

Christopher 'Dudus' Coke Negotiating Surrender With U.S., DEA Pilots On Alert

ABC News | By RICHARD ESPOSITO and MARK SCHONE
May 27, 2010 U.S. law enforcement officials have put Drug Enforcement Administration Air Wing pilots on alert and planes on standby as they wait out the ongoing discussions between alleged Jamaican drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke and the U.S. government -- and wait to see whether Coke will be brought out of hiding in handcuffs or in a body bag.

US Marshals, DEA agents and federal prosecutors are working hand in hand with senior Jamaican military and police officials in an effort to effect a surrender and extradition of Coke, who is wanted on federal drug and firearms charges, to the United States.

At least 60 Jamaicans, including both civilians and security officers, have died since Jamaican authorities began moving in on Coke's barricaded West Kingston neighborhood in an attempt to capture him Monday. The U.S. has wanted to extradite Coke since 2009, but the Jamaican government had resisted until this month.

The violence shows no signs of abating and has spread to adjoining neighborhoods. The police and military effort to curb it now has by some estimates "thousands" of troops on the streets. Jamaican authorities allege that Coke brought in gunmen from other parts of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands to help prevent his capture.

(Click on title for link to ABC website)

Ian Martin's comments

Letter to the Observer from Ian Martin

Disingenuous Politicians

Dear Editor: I write in reference to your page one editorial of Tuesday May 25, 2010 edition of the Jamaica Observer, captioned "It's been a long time coming".

Before, going into the contents of your editorial, I would like to express my sympathy to the families, friends, and relatives of members of the security forces and the decent and law abiding citizens of Tivoli Gardens and adjoining communities who have lost loved ones in the current civil unrest in Western Kingston.

With that said, I wholeheartedly support the sentiments echoed by your editorial. In fact, I allude your editorial to a well-outlined lesson for the crisis that now engulfs Jamaica, albeit its tardiness.

Interestingly Betty-Ann Blaine, Chris Burns, Jean Lowrie-Chin, Lloyd B. Smith are among the few of your columnist who in past and recent times have commented and warned readers of the danger that had been forthcoming. If my memory serves me right, Betty-Ann Blaine had gone as far as appealing to the Jamaican electorate, just prior to the last general election, to withhold their votes as means of protesting the unbecoming behavior of our politicians.

The problems and the mayhem that now beset Jamaica, as well as the beatings and bad publicity inflicted upon her by the foreign press in recent times must be placed squarely on the shoulders of our self-serving politicians. Some of that blame must also be attributed to the private sector. Truth be told, the private sector plays a very integral part in the funding of political parties. While there may be nothing illegal about the private sector funding political parties, the private sector has a duty to see or for that matter ensure that politicians and political parties, especially those receiving its funding behave as how decent citizens ought to behave.

Based on television footage coming out of Tivoli Gardens, it is indeed frightening to see general purpose machine guns (GPMG) at the ready mounted on army vehicles in such vicinity. Equally frightening is the intelligence coming from the security forces that the men operating in Tivoli Gardens have had at their disposal grizzly 50 boar rifles, and were very well prepared to use them. GPMG's and grizzly 50 boar rifles are extremely lethal weapons and are not usually recommended for close-quarters encounters. By definition, Tivoli Gardens is a close-quartered environment.


Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

The painful truth

Excerpts from Observer columns by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Monday March 8, 2010 - Neck Deep in Denial
Those of us who lived in Jamaica in more peaceful times have watched some political leaders becoming more and more dependent on thuggery to marshal their votes. Our Electoral Office of Jamaica has ensured a fair and just electoral system. What happens before and after elections in certain neighbourhoods is beyond their power.

To this day, political tribalism divides many communities. "It is not politics, it is gang warfare," our politicians are fond of saying. To which we respond, where is the political will to rid us of these gangs?

Despite repeated calls in this column, CAFFE can neither be heard nor seen after elections. Once a politician is elected, all scrutiny stops. This is when it should intensify. Why has CAFFE not joined Dr Herbert Gayle in his appeal to have the constituency development fund administered by an independent agency? Gayle, a lecturer in sociology at the UWI, has done extensive research on the causes of crime. In last year's Ambassador Sue Cobb Lecture, he named this as an important measure to help tame the beast.

In the US, candidates go from door to door, winning over supporters, one vote at a time. But in Jamaica, some "clever" politicians have sullied the name of independent Jamaica by deciding on an easy, if not legal way, to lock up their votes. This door-to-door business is much too labour-intensive for them. And so, several political "stars" were born. These luminaries of the inner-city would never see the inside of Gordon House, but they would decide who would get a place there.

The politicians who may not have had direct contact with these "protectors" turned a blind eye, either out of fear or out of ambition. And we Jamaicans have whispered about such wrongs but did aught about it. The better-off ones among us, who could have used our money to insist on cleaner politics, did nothing and allowed two generations of Jamaicans to become brutalised by this selfish, cynical and short-sighted brand of politics. We are neck-deep in denial.

Monday 10 May 2010

If it matters to our leaders on both sides, they should know that we know how deftly they built those communities where our fellow Jamaicans may not walk or talk freely. We know and we feel very sorry for anyone who could believe that their fleeting power could be more important than the lives of their Jamaican brothers and sisters. They are now naked on the internet, naked on YouTube and people know that it is not a coincidence of criminality that has brought our beloved Jamaica to her knees. It is a cynical plan to hold on to power, passing from one party to the other every now and then, complicit in each other's cold confidence: "Today for you, tomorrow for me".

Yes, we know there are good politicians on both sides and we are now begging them to stand up and be counted as the ones who declared "No more!" and who will take Jamaica on the path of righteousness that she so dearly longs for.

But let the world know that good Jamaicans have been brought to our knees - not to cower before thugs, but to pray to the awesome God who sees all and sees far. What hapless souls are those, that no longer fear God.

Let the criminals - including the corrupt - know that there are simple, godly people in this country who still sleep well at night, who do honest work and share the little they have without chaining beneficiaries to lifelong obligation.

The Almighty who gave us free will, must have wept also, as He sees too many of us ignoring the condition of the poor, imprisoned in garrisons, fast developing across the island. In a CVM-TV interview, Dr Henley Morgan referred to our garrisons as "the society's terminal crime affliction". He said we had made the wrong diagnosis about crime, as it was not mainly about the international drug trade. He believes it is all about the "zones of exclusion" in Jamaica.

Washington Post report

Violence surges in Jamaica as troops hunt alleged drug kingpin

By Mary Beth Sheridan

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Thousands of police and soldiers swarmed into slums in Jamaica's capital Tuesday in search of an alleged drug kingpin wanted by the United States, trading gunfire with masked supporters of the fugitive. At least 30 people, mostly civilians, have been reported killed since the battle erupted Sunday.

Slum standoff in Jamaica

In a gritty Jamaican slum, they are preparing for war. Kingston has been jittery since Prime Minister Bruce Golding reversed his long-standing refusal to extradite Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the United States on drugs and arms-trafficking charges.
The security forces were seeking Christopher "Dudus" Coke, one of the top targets for U.S. anti-drug officials. Jamaica's prime minister gave the go-ahead for his extradition last week, after nine months of resistance strained the island's relations with Washington.

The bloodshed in Kingston occurred as the Obama administration has become increasingly concerned about surging violence in the Caribbean linked to the drug trade.

The administration wants to more than double anti-narcotics aid for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, to $79 million for 2011. U.S. officials will hold a previously scheduled meeting in Washington on Thursday with security ministers from the Caribbean to discuss ways to reduce trafficking and increase safety.

The battles in Kingston have showcased the brazenness of the drug gangs, which have attacked five police stations since Sunday. The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency in Kingston, and the U.S. State Department warned Americans not to travel to the capital.

The violence has not spread to the palm-fringed beach areas that draw millions of tourists each year.

Coke, who allegedly assumed leadership of the "Shadow Posse" from his father, was accused in a U.S. indictment in August of heading an international trafficking ring that sells marijuana and crack cocaine in the New York area and elsewhere.

Coke, 41, is often described as a kind of godfather in Tivoli Gardens, a West Kingston slum, where he reportedly provides food and assistance to the poor. But some analysts say residents might follow him more out of fear than love.

John Rapley, president of the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, a think tank, said Coke's case reflected how entwined Jamaica's drug gangs have become with the nation's political system. The alleged drug lord is believed to be close to members of the governing Labor Party, although not Prime Minister Bruce Golding himself, Rapley said.

Many Jamaicans believe that Coke "could bring down . . . members of the government and the opposition" if he pleads guilty and cooperates with U.S. justice officials, Rapley said. "So the stakes are very high for the politics of the country."

In West Kingston, masked gunmen darted down streets barricaded with barbed wire and junked cars on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported. Gunfire echoed through the slums.

A police spokesman, Cpl. Richard Minott, told the AP that 26 civilians and one security official had been killed in the fighting in West Kingston.

Two officers and a soldiers were killed in earlier fighting, the AP reported.

Golding, who represents a parliamentary district including West Kingston, had come under heavy pressure from U.S. authorities in recent months to allow the extradition. A State Department report on global drug trafficking issued in March said that the delays in extraditing narcotics suspects "have called into question Kingston's commitment to law enforcement cooperation with the U.S."

Coke's lawyer has said his client is innocent.

State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley said the U.S. government had agreed to send bulletproof vests to Jamaica to help its security forces deal with the violence.

Jamaica's ambassador to Washington, Audrey Marks, said in a statement that the island "faces a growing problem, in part generated by the linkage between drugs and arms smuggling. The security operations now underway are intended to have a decisive impact on this problem."


Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

World Cup Countdown - Group H

Group H

Spain

The European champions are the World Cup favourites as they aim to collect their first ever title. The Spanish, along with the Dutch, were the only side to go unbeaten throughout the qualifying campaign with 10 wins from 10 games; finishing 11 points clear of nearest rivals Bosnia-Herzegovina. With the likes of Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol and Xabi Alonso, as well as Barcelona’s current stars; Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Pedro, Spain have some of the best players in the World, let alone Europe. Not only do they have great players, they play great football. Expect them to cause a real stir.



Manager: Vicente del Bosque

The 59 year old has been in charge ever since Luis Aragones left after winning the Euro 2008 Championship. He guided Spain to the semi final of the Confederations Cup, where they suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to the USA. However del Bosque made up for the disappointment by subsequently achieving an unblemished qualifying campaign.

Key Player: David Villa

With languishing doubts over the fitness of Fernando Torres, Barcelona’s new £34 million signing is one of the most unappreciated yet deadliest strikers in the World. The Spanish number 7, has scored 20 or more goals for any club, in all competitions, he has played for in the last nine years. These include clubs such as Sporting Gijon, Real Zaragoza and Valencia. In the qualifying campaign, he was Spain’s top goal scorer with 7 goals.



Best Finish: Fourth Place 1950

Prediction: Winners

Yep, the Spanish are my picks. With a starting line up including Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Carles Puyol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva with Torres and Villa up front, can you name a better starting eleven in the world? More so the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Jaun Mata, Fernando Llorente are excellent back up options, while the likes of Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina as reserve Goalkeepers alone, Spain have the best squad and are in the best form heading into the tournament. An experienced manager such as del Bosque in charge, along with the experience of playing in South Africa already in the Confederations Cup, means Spain will undoubtedly be more than equipped to win the title for the first time.



Switzerland

The Swiss side are a team with a good array of players, however gave a poor account of themselves at the Euro 2008 championships, being labelled “boring”. This time round they finished top of their qualifying campaign ahead of fellow qualifiers Greece, with the evergreen Alexander Frei and Blaise Nkufo particularly impressing, with 5 goals each.

Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld

The well travelled 61 year old has won numerous titles all over Europe, but is most renowned for his spell at Bayern Munich, with the German side being one of the best in the World at that period. Hitzfeld now however, is all about the international stage and has been in charge of the Swiss since 2008. After an shocking 2-1 defeat to minnows Luxembourg, the German boss shook up the whole squad, and led them to going the remainder of the qualifying campaign undefeated subsequently sealing their qualification.



Key Player: Philippe Senderos

I could of picked the star player and all time top goal scorer; Alex Frei, but instead I selected a man who is only 25 years of age, has bags of experience, and most importantly; a point to prove. He is out of contract at Arsenal and is expected to leave the club, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to show his qualities and find a new club.



Best Finish: Quarter Finals 1934, 1938, 1954

Prediction: Group Stage

An ageing squad will see them compete for second spot, but just fall short. Could prove me wrong however, should the likes of Hakan Yakin, Gokhan Inler and Tranquillo Barnetta perform to the standard they’re capable of.



Honduras

Somewhat of a surprise entrant to the World Cup finals considering the distractions and continuous political unrest back in their home nation. However they managed to qualify third, behind USA and Mexico. The select few members of the squad ply their trade in Europe including Maynor Figueroa and Hendry Thomas of Wigan Athletic, Wilson Palacios of Tottenham and David Suazo of Genoa. Look out for 36 year old veteran and rejuvenated striker Carlos Pavon who has 98 caps and has scored 57 times.

Manager: Reinaldo Rueda

The 53 year old has been in charge of the Honduran national side since 2006, and is the former manager of the Columbia national team. According to FIFA’s official website, the Honduran side offers “sparkling attacking football and a solid backline.”

Key Player: Wilson Palacios

The 25 year old Tottenham player is a defensive midfield bulldog and is vital to the national side. He made his debut in 2003 and since played 68 times, scoring 5 goals.



Best Finish: N/A 1st appearance

Prediction: Group Stage

In a group were second spot is up for grabs; the Honduran team have shown in their qualifying campaign that they can score goals. This will be key to the Central Americans chances to make it through the group.



Chile

The South Americans have been absent from the World Cup tournament for the last 12 years, and finally make their return in 2010. Chile finished runners up in the CONMEBOL South American qualifying group, behind Brazil and ahead of Paraguay and Argentina. The Chilean’s attacking and technically gifted prowess are their undoubted strengths while their lack of physical strength and height could be their undoing. It seems the Chile side, who gave a great account of themselves in 1998 group stage, and somewhat have unfinished business. Look out for creative Mathias Fernandez, the skilful Jorge Valdivia, former Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez and the young attacking star Alexis Sanchez of Udinese.



Manager: Marcelo Biesla

The Argentinean is somewhat of a strange and unique character, but is one of the best maangers on the South American continent. He has been in charge Chile for 3 years, and is known for his unorthodox training methods and his attention to detail. Can he formulate a plan to see the Chileans through? Only time will tell, but I believe he can.

Key Player: Humberto Suazo

I did a post on this individual a couple of months ago, which you can read here. I remember seeing this striker playing on TV a year ago and was impressed by his unbelievable attacking ability, so much so he finally made the trip to Europe and is playing for Real Zaragoza (where he scored 6 times in 17 appearances). The 29 year old was the top scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 10 goals. Expect him to cause all sorts of problems on the Worlds grandest stage.



Best Finish: Third Place 1962

Prediction: Second Round

I feel it’s between Chile, Switzerland and Honduras for second place, but under Marcelo Biesla the Chileans could definitely be the favourites to sneak through, thanks to their excellent qualifying campaign.



Now you have an in depth analysis of all the teams in this years World Cup, so remember to cast your vote for who you think will win.

Real Talk Football

Public Defender and Political Ombudsman to Visit Tivoli For Independent Assessment

JIS | Tuesday, May 25, 2010 | Kingston, Jamaica: Prime Minister Bruce Golding has requested the Public Defender, Mr. Earle Witter and Political Ombudsman, Dr. Hero Blair, to visit Tivoli Gardens today to conduct an independent assessment of the operations being carried out by the Security Forces. They have been instructed to ascertain the precise number of persons who have been killed or injured.

The Prime Minister has directed the Security Forces to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate this visit and to provide the necessary security to the Public Defender, the Political Ombudsman and those who accompany them.

The Red Cross will also provide support including ambulances to transport those who have been injured or are otherwise in need of medical attention.

World Cup Countdown - Group G

Group G

Brazil

The Brazilian’s head to South Africa after finishing top of the South American qualifying campaign, one point ahead Chile and Paraguay. Many of the “big name” Brazilian stars were left out; with Dunga opting to pick more home based players and players rather than selecting “star names”. Dunga then continued this precedence but leaving players such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Pato, Adriano and Anderson at home. Therefore at this World Cup, Brazil will be looking to win an unprecedented 6th title relying on the likes of regulars Kaka, Robinho, Julio Cesar, Maicon, Dani Alves, Lucio and newer names such as Grafite of Wolfsburg, Nilmar of Villarreal Felipe Melo of Juventus.



Manager: Dunga

The former Brazil captain and midfield general won the 1994 World Cup title, and was a runner up in 1998. Now as a manager, he has been in charge since 2006, and guided Brazil to the confederations cup in 2009 and the 2007 Copa America. Blessed with an array a superstars and a depth of options, expect Brazil to be amongst the big boys this time round (as per usual!)



Key Player: Luis Fabiano

The Green and Yellow’s new number 9 has an excellent goal scoring record netting 25 times in 36 matches for Brazil. He was the top goal scorer for Brazil in the qualifying campaign scoring 9 goals, one behind Humberto Suazo overall. The Sevilla striker is in top form heading into the finals scoring 21 times this season.



Best Finish: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002

Prediction: Semi Finals

I believe the Brazilians will be there or there about’s, as they always are, but Dunga’s men will steamroll their way towards the semi’s but fall foul to their lack of match winners (not to discredit Robinho or Kaka) but after a tricky confederations campaign, the Brazilians could be undone by a strong defensive unit.



North Korea

The North Korea side, head to their second finals after a 44 year absence, and a history hindered by political problems means the North Koreans qualification is somewhat of a shock. However they finished runners up to their Southern rivals in their qualifying zone ahead of Saudi Arabia.



Manager: Kim Jong-Hun

Not too much is known on the North Korean, but its evidently clear his squad is made of domestically based players, while according to the official FIFA World Cup website “favours a pragmatic and defensive approach based around discipline and teamwork”.

Key Player: Hong Yong-Jo

The 28 year old plays for FC Rostov in the Russian Premier League and has 3 goals in 30 appearances for the team. He is his nations Captain, and has 11 goals in 39 international appearances. Expected a lot of stamina and hurrying from Jong-Hun, looking to capitalise on defensive lapses.

Best Finish: Quarter Finals 1966

Prediction: Group Stage

They only scored 7 goals in the 8 qualifying matches, and that was against an average array of teams. I expect the team ranked 106th in the World to finish bottom of the group, no points.



Ivory Coast

The West African side are blessed with an array on excellent strong and technically sound players, who are based all over the big leagues in Europe. Players such as Chelsea Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, Arsenal’s Emmanuel Eboue, brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure, Aruna Dindane, Arouna Kone and many more. The Elephants finished top of their qualifying group, 4 points clear of Burkina Faso and a goal difference of +15. They reached the quarter final of the 2010 African Cup of Nations, leading to the dismissal of former coach Vahid Halihodzic. Now in change, a man well know to English fans, and the former Mexico coach; Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson

The 62 year old is World renowned in the football world, and has previous World Cup and big competition pedigree with England. He has managed clubs such as Roma and Lazio in Italy, Benfica in Portugal as well as clubs in Sweden. He is vastly experienced, and its interesting to see how he will link up with the Ivorian players.

Key Player: Didier Drogba

The star striker has been in sizzling form domestically, leading Chelsea to a league and cup double. Drogba, 32, is a superstar in Africa and one of the best strikers in the world, and if anyone is a match winner, it’s him.



Best Finish: Group Stage 2006

Prediction: Quarter Finals

I think the Cote d’Ivoire side will be the strongest of all the African teams, and use the home advantage to progress the furthest. Drogba, Yaya Toure and Salomon Kalou will need to take their chances in order for the Elephants to progress. There get through the group stage by topping Portugal on goal difference.



Portugal

The Portuguese may have some of the most gifted and technically brilliant players, as well as one of the best players in the world, in Cristano Ronaldo, but the Selecção das Quinas continuously struggled to qualify and had to do so via the playoffs. They beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on aggregate.



Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Former Real Madrid manager and Man United managing assistant, has been in charge since 2008, and is notorious for nurturing young talent. Despite struggling to top their qualifying, finishing behind Denmark, a team boasting players such as Simao, Bruno Alves, Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso, Nani, Liedson and Danny, should be able to beat any of the top teams in the world, but inconsistency and a lack of cohesion tends to hinder their progress.

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

The Former World Player of the World and current Portugal captain; Ronaldo has had an excellent season at his new club Real Madrid, despite his settling in period being hampered by injury. He scored 26 goals in 29 appearances this season, and already has 70 caps for Portugal, at just 25 years of age. Expect Ronaldo to carry his team far, but the start will be most important factor for the Portuguese.

Best Finish: Third Place 1966

Prediction: Group Stage/Semi finals

I see it going one way of another. The Portuguese have enough attacking options to beat any side in the World, but aforementioned cohesive and teamwork issues may cause them to fall away unnoticed in a very very difficult group. A mouth watering match against Brazil awaits.

Up Next; Group H

Real Talk Football

Mon 24 Mar 8.25 am - No traffic!

Had to be on the road - no traffic!

Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

We, the laid-back Church

All of us who call ourselves church must ensure that this tragic situation in Kingston, never happens again. How? Have teams assigned to the offices of each consituency representative - MPs and caretakers. Learn their plans, partner with them, attend all their public meetings. If they are consorting with gangs, warn them and if they refuse to stop, expose them.

Jamaica's churches and we, their members must take the blame for this debacle - we are more numerous than politicians and gangs - yet we stood piously by and allowed this to happen to our country.

Where is the energy, the productivity that Jesus promoted in his parable of the talents?

We have failed our Saviour and even as we demand more of our leaders, we should recognise that we have fallen very short of the expectations our God has for us.

Let the heads of the umbrella groups agree on a list of actions that will ensure that churches engage on an organised and meaningful basis so that by collaborating with our elected leaders, we can deliver prosperity, not harm, to our vulnerable brothers and sisters. We must work to empower them so that gangs will have no recruits. We must take responsibility if we say we are God's elect.





Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

Sitting here in limbo

At the airport departure gate waiting to board. BB msgs flying - Jamaicans of every hue discussing the situation. 'There's a God in heaven!' Says one - 'We'll be fine'.

Plans to travel together/travel in convoy - a sense of family.

Waiting to hear if Norman Manley Airport is still open.



Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

World Cup Countdown - Group F

Group F

Italy

The defending champions overcame a terrible 2005/06 season domestically, and grouped together to overcome all competitors and beat France 5-3 on penalties to collect the trophy. Italy now boasts a team with an array of experienced players. The likes of Gigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Mauro Camoranesi are aged 30 or above and each have over 50 international caps amongst themselves respectively, not to mention being members of the previous 2006 squad.



This time round, the Azzurri have the man who guided them to the last World Cup; Marcello Lippi back at the helm and in place since 2008. They qualified top of the UEFA Group 8, six points clear of their nearest rivals Republic of Ireland, while Alberto Gilardino was the top goal scorer with four goals.



Manager: Marcello Lippi

The 62 year old Italian has a CV that other managers only envy, managing the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli and of course with the national side. He has won four Serie A titles, the Champions League and the World Cup.

Key Player: Giorgio Chiellini

Detested by Arsenal fans, loved by Juventus fans, the 25 year old defender has emerged as a no nonsense textbook Italian defender. The back bone of a struggling Juventus side, Chiellini has materialised as one of the most converted central defenders in Europe and is set to take part in his 1st World Cup.



Best Finish: Winners 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006

Prediction: Group Winners/Quarter Finals

The top seeds seem to be dominating my predictions, and there’s no difference here. With the Italians defence and creative midfield, I believe they will finish this group with maximum points. However I worry about their ability to score goals. Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta are unlikely to score against stronger defensive units once past the group stage; however the talented Pazzini of Sampdoria and Villareal’s excellent Guiseppe Rossi should definitely help Italy undo the trickier teams.

Paraguay

La Albirroja qualified 3rd in the South American campaign behind Brazil and Chile (who finished ahead of them on goal difference) and above fellow qualifiers Argentina and Uruguay. Goalkeeper Justo Villar of Valladolid, centre back and team Captain; Denis Caniza, along with creative midfielder Diego Barreto are players to look out for. Paraguay’s most impressive assets however, are their strike force, boasting the likes of Roque Santa Cruz of Manchester City, Oscar Cardozo of Benfica and Nelson Valdez of Borussia Dortmund, which give the South Americans considerable options upfront.



Manager: Gerardo Martino

The 47 year old made his name as a manager made his name managing teams in Paraguay before being given the top job in 2008. After a successful qualifying campaign, which saw his side beat Argentina amongst their 10 victories, he will look to cause an upset on the World stage.

Key Player: Oscar Cardozo

With strike partner Santa Cruz quite happy to sit on the bench at Man City, and receive his pay check, it’s now clear to me that 6ft 4in striker Cardozo is the man most likely to upset the defences in South Africa. A powerful, strong striker with an eye for goal; only has 4 international goals to his name, but his scoring record for Benfica is amazing, scoring at 56 goals in 82 games for the Portuguese side.



Best Finish: Second Round 1986, 1998, 2002

Prediction: Group runners up/Second Round

Déjà vu again for the Paraguayans as they will be too much for Slovenia and New Zealand collecting 4 points from the group and going home after the second round.

New Zealand

Their first World Cup for 28 years, they beat Bahrain in a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to a goal from Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon. Football is the countries third favourite sport behind Rugby and Cricket. A few players play in England include Tommy Smith of Ipswich Town, Rory Fallon of Plymouth, Chris Killen of Middlesbrough and most noticeably Ryan Nelson of Blackburn Rovers.



Manager: Ricki Herbert

The 49 year old New Zealand native may have the name of race car driver, but he did represent his nation (in football) during the 1982 World Cup campaign. He has been in charge of the All Whites since 2005.



Key Player: Ryan Nelson

The Blackburn Rovers player is the Captain of both his club and national side; making over 140 Premiership appearances, and subsequently 38 international caps to his name. He is the real quality player the New Zealand side have, and his experience and leadership will be required if his side are to pick up any points this time round.

Best Finish: Group Stage 1982

Prediction: Group Stage

The minnows will probably finish bottom of the group.

Slovakia

The tricky European team stunned the football World by finishing top of their qualification campaign ahead their rivals Slovenia and the Czech Republic, as well as the tough Northern Ireland and Poland teams. The Slovaks are a very collective and competitive unit, with players such as Marek Cech, Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel, Ankaragucu’s Robert Vittek, Napoli’s Marek Hamsik as well as the most capped international player Miroslav Karhan.



Manager: Vladimar Weiss

45 year old Weiss, has been in charge of the national side since 2008, and heightened his managerial credentials managing in Slovakia, and most impressively by guiding Slovakia to the top of their qualification group. His son; Vladimar Weiss plays in the Premiership for Man City, and is expected to join up with the squad.

Key Player: Marek Hamšík

The Napoli midfield dynamo has played 106 times in 3 years for the Italian side and is one of the most impressive and exciting young professionals in the World. The 22 year is Slovakia’s national Captain, and has been linked with both AC Milan and Manchester United in the past few weeks.



Best Finish: N/A this will be there 1st appearance

Prediction: Group runners up/Second Round

I believe that the creativeness of Hamisk is a very influential in midfield, and can guide his side to second spot in the group, considering they beat or draw with Paraguay, and depending on how much they can put past New Zealand.

Up Next Group G

World Cup Countdown - Group E

Group E

Netherlands

Perennial big tournament underachievers, blessed with some of the greatest players ever to grace the game, have never won the World Cup, but it seems that the Oranje are expected to come good sooner rather than later. The Dutch side captained by former Arsenal and Barcelona defender; Giovanni van Bronckhorst, swept through the qualifying campaign unbeaten, the only team, along with European Champions Spain, to do so. More impressively, Holland’s qualifying campaign record was played 8, won 8, lost 0 while scoring 17 goals and conceding just 2 goals in the process. If Holland carry this form into the World Cup they could go all the way.



Manager: Bert van Marwijk

The Dutchman made his name managing Feyenoord for 4 years, and a spell briefly managing in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, before heading back to Holland in 2007, again with Feyenoord. Then in 2008, he took charge of the national side, and has currently guided them to number four in the World rankings.

Key Player: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

The AC Milan striker has struggled to make an impact on the big stage since leaving the comforts of Ajax in 2009. However the World Cup can be the perfect stage for the 26 year old to put himself in the shop window and his tally of 15 international goals. Huntelaar helped himself to 3 goals in the qualifying campaign, and was Holland’s top scorer.



Best Finish: Runners Up 1974 and 1978

Prediction: Group winners/ Semi final

A team boasting the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sniejder, Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie and many more gifted players can indeed go all the way, but like many other nations with massive potential may somewhat place too much pressure on the Dutch side and hinder their chances.

Denmark

The Danish side, captained by Jon Dahl Tomasson, won their qualifying campaign with 21 points, and 6 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat from 10 games. They finished ahead of the likes of neighbours Sweden, an impressive Hungary side and most impressively ahead of runners up; Portugal.



Manager: Morten Olsson

The 60 year old, is a former Danish international and has been in charge of Denmark for 10 years, and guided the Danes to the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and the World Cup four years ago. His ties with other teams in the group are that he is a former Ajax manager.

Key Player: Thomas Sorensen

The 33 year old Stoke player was sensation in the qualifying campaign and is clearly Denmark’s most important player, as he saved his side numerous times in the campaign. He suffered a dislocated elbow in his club sides 6-0 defeat to Chelsea, but didn’t require surgery and is expected to fly to South Africa. Known for his penalty saving ability, he has 86 caps for his country, and a good performance at the World Cup could see one of the big teams watching over him in Europe, finally make a move.



Best Finish: Quarter Finals 1998

Prediction: Quarter Finals

I believe the Danish side will complete well with the other teams in the group, and may even cause a stir by winning the group. The gifted but unpredictable Nicklas Bendtner will lead the line with captain Tomasson, with solid central midfielder partners Christian Poulsen and Thomas Khalenberg, speedy and experienced wingers Dennis Rommedahl and Jesper Gronkjaer will provide the assists with consistent, technically gifted centre backs Daniel Agger and Simon Kjaer will other some resistance to the opposition. I expect Denmark to be dark horses and have a commendable World Cup.

Japan

The Asian side were the first nation to qualify for the World Cup through qualification, with Australia also. They are currently ranked number 45 in the World Rankings and are captained by 32 year old Yuji Nakazawa, who plays for Yokohama F. Marinos, and has 102 international caps. Some of the players within this squad who are known in Europe include midfielders Junichi Inamoto (former Arsenal), Shunsuke Nakamura (former Celtic) and striking prodigy Takayuki Morimoto (now playing for Catania).



Manager: Takeshi Okada

He has been in charge of Japan since 2007, and managed them at the 1998 World Cup finals.

Key Player: Keisuke Honda

Japan’s new poster boy is one of the most exciting Asian players in Europe. He currently plays for CSKA Moscow in Russia after making a €6 million move from VVV-Venlo in 2009. He played and scored in his Champions League debut against Sevilla. He has 12 caps for Japan with 4 goals. Expect him to the highlight of the Japanese campaign.



Best Finish: Second round 2002

Prediction: Group Stage

I think the Japan side will finish bottom of the group, with their clash with Holland being the most intriguing clash of the group stage.

Cameroon

The Lions of Africa return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2006 campaign. Cameroon has an interesting history in the tournament, and was famed for the 42 year old Roger Milla and his infamous dance in the 1994 campaign. This time round, the African side are expecting to cause an upset and with the likes of Alex Song of Arsenal, Benoit Assou-Ekotto of Tottenham, Idriss Kameni of Espanyol and Eyong Enoh of Ajax are some of the players who will be driving on the Lions, while experienced defender Rigobert Song and Geremi will indeed need to use that experience, in order to show leadership both on and off the pitch in order to guide the team through the group stage.



Manager: Paul Le Guen

Frenchmen Paul Le Guen made his football career playing in France, most noticeably with Paris Saint-Germain. He is the former coach of Rennes, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers and most successfully at Lyon. The 46 year old is known for developing footballers and is a technically sound coach.

Key Player: Samuel Eto’o

The national team captain and still regarded as one of the top strikers in the World, has played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, and now playing for Inter Milan, is probably Cameroon’s greatest ever player. The 29 year old has played 92 times for his country and is their all time top goal scored with 43 goals. If anyone can penetrate the best defences in the World, it’s Eto’o.



Best Finish: Quarter Finals 1990

Prediction: Group Stage/Second round

Could they cause an upset? Stranger things have happened. I think they will definitely compete for second place, as they have an array of players with potential, who could star on the World stage.

Next Up: Group F

Real Talk Football