Post pics here.....the first post is to have the event flyer then the pics follow

 

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/subarus-got-big-problem-selling-194100044.html

Subaru's Got a Big Problem: It's Selling Too Many Cars

The Wall Street JournalBy Yoshio Takahashi | The Wall Street Journal – Mon, Aug 19, 2013 3:41 PM EDT

This photo provided by Subaru shows the Subaru 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid that will be unveiled Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the New York International Auto Show. It’s the company’s first gas-electric hybrid, and it will get better gas mileage than the conventional gas-powered Crosstrek. Yet it still has all-wheel-drive capability and the same 8.7-inch ground clearance as the gas model so it can go on trails. (AP Photo/Subaru)
Associated Press -
This photo provided by Subaru shows the Subaru 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid that will be unveiled Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the New York International Auto Show. It’s the company’s first …more
TOKYO—Subaru has a problem any auto maker would love to have. It's selling too many cars.
Subaru-brand sales in the U.S. are up 27% in the first seven months of 2013, more than three times the market overall. The auto maker, owned by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., is on track for a sixth-straight year of sales gains, a period that includes the 2009 financial crisis that bankrupted two of Detroit's Big Three.
But the sales boom has taken Subaru by surprise, and the company faces shortages of its newest models. That is forcing Japan's smallest car maker to ask some thorny questions about how much risk it can stomach if it wants to expand.
Subaru plans to increase its Japanese production capacity by 15% by the end of August compared with 2012. Subaru also is investing about $400 million to increase output at its U.S. factory in Lafayette, Ind., by 76% to 300,000 vehicles by 2016.
The U.S. sales surge and a weaker yen helped make Fuji Heavy Japan's most profitable car company between April and June with an operating profit margin of 12.7%, above Toyota Motor Corp.'s 10.6%.
Subaru's two main Japanese plants are already running at full capacity, and manager Masahiro Kasai said the company would likely add more capacity soon.
But Subaru's conservative approach is nearing its limit, said Mr. Kasai.
"It's like when the tube of toothpaste has run out and you try to squeeze out the last little bit from the bottom again," he said. For instance, its Forester crossover's U.S. inventory stands at a 15-day supply, compared with the U.S. industry average of around 60 days.
A Fuji Heavy executive said the company would finance a big expansion if it saw an opportunity for long-term growth.
Right now, Subaru's parent believes the strong demand for the redesigned Forester will run out at some point.
"For Fuji Heavy, no matter how cautious it becomes, that doesn't mean that they are overcautious," because they are so small, says Koichi Sugimoto, an analyst at BNP Paribas.
Subaru also is preparing to sell its XV Crosstrek Hybrid, its first hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle in the U.S. later this year, prompting debate over how much it is willing to spend to support the technology. The auto maker is late to the hybrid market and still doesn't have a full-electric or plug-in hybrid that meets California emissions rules that go into effect in 2016.
"We are a small company, so within our limited resources how much do we put toward [hybrids]?" asks Subaru of America Chairman Takeshi Tachimori, a 59-year-old Fuji Heavy veteran.
Subaru for years has operated as a niche player. It found its calling in compact SUVs and Outback wagons. Its all-wheel-drive cars earned the brand a loyal following among drivers in the northern corners of the U.S. Subaru started a decisive U.S. push in the past half-decade to counter the shrinking Japanese market.
Its vehicles are now wider and roomier, tailored to American tastes so much so that some Subaru models like the latest Outback are too big for some Japanese parking garages.
Subaru expects 51% of its sales to come from the U.S. in the year to March compared with 33% a decade earlier.
Rob Cori, a 23-year-old graphic designer, ordered a 2014 Forester in mid-July through a Subaru dealer in Arlington, Va. At the time, there was only one new Forester left on the lot. It wasn't the color he wanted and didn't have the transmission he preferred.
Mr. Cori says he considered Mazda CX-5 crossover and a Ford Escape, but decided to order the Subaru from Japan, and put up with the wait.
"If I had went with the Mazda and the Ford I could have walked off the lot with one that day, but I preferred to wait for a Forester," he said.
Subaru's dilemma over capacity is shared by bigger rivals, including Ford Motor Co. and South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. Subaru's size currently accounting for just 2.6% of the U.S. market forces it to be more careful.
Adding a factory that can build 200,000 vehicles a year, the amount usually required to build a new assembly plant, represents 3.5% of Ford's global output but more than a quarter of Subaru's.
The way that Subaru was blindsided by its own U.S. success has been a cause of embarrassment for Mr. Tachimori. He said the company's sales projections were so conservative that he found himself apologizing instead of complaining to production officials for the shortages.
This missed opportunity has caused Mr. Tachimori, who previously led development the Subaru Outback and Legacy, to push other executives to soften its play-it-safe approach.
"It is something we haven't really done much of before. We know how to study worst-case scenarios, but we've never examined a best-case scenario," Mr. Tachimori said. "It will be more problematic if we miss out on an important opportunity so we should examine these kinds of best-case scenarios as well."

Write to Yoshio Takahashi at yoshio.takahashi@dowjones.com and Yoree Koh at yoree.koh@wsj.com

Subaru club is back
Friday, August 02, 2013


IT'S a good time to own a Subaru.
The Subaru Owners Club of Jamaica (SOCOJ) has earmarked 2013 as the year of its resurgence, having held a teaser link-up earlier this year at the Texaco Gas Station, Mary Brown's Corner, St Andrew, recently.
  Hide Description(From left) Donald Spence, Gavin Anderson, Onneal Hardy, president Richard Panton, event organiser Rhoneil Williams, Ricardo Lewis and Andrew Mills.
 1/2
"The group has been running on auto-pilot for the past few years, so we want people to still know we're here," SOCOJ President Richard Panton told Auto.
Officially formed in April 2009, the club caters to all models of the Subaru brand. Membership continues to be strong with 55 active members and an islandwide mailing list, adding an extra 450 to that number.
The club was formed mainly to provide an avenue for like-minded owners to share information. Given their size, they were eventually able to leverage serious benefits for members on everything, from auto parts to car insurance.
"There's been a re-emergence of the brand internationally, especially due to the new Subaru BRZ, and we believe that this is the perfect time to reconnect with old and new members, as well as renew links with our past club sponsors," said Panton.
For the rest of the year, the SOCOJ will continue to increase its visibility through their own events, partnerships with other car clubs, and various community service projects.
— Rory Daley


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/Subaru-club-is-back_14802143#ixzz2b3aIQrMY

Check with the persons who work on the Subarus and they can direct you to these people

Jimmy - 3698986    Paul/Lisa Bowman- Lee 381-2314   Pretty Blue - (Don't have his number), etc

See photos here :


DACX PHOTOGRAPHY
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.566378230051480.1073741839.165345976821376&type=1


JAMAICA TUNER MAGAZINE
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.542022485839015.1073741843.117243431650258&type=1

Hi All

The Subaru Owners Club has been specially invited to be a part of the TEZZA World Linkup on Saturday , June 29, 2013.  See details on flyer

[The 10 Worst Things You Can Do to Your Car]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-worst-things-car-141922919.html

The 10 Worst Things You Can Do to Your Car

Business Insider

By Mandi Woodruff | Business Insider – Fri, Jan 25, 2013 1:28 PM EST


Like the human body, ignoring even the smallest signs of trouble in your car's performance can lead to trouble down the road.

And some missed signals cost more than others.

A new report by CarMD.com Corporation  details exactly which maintenance mistakes can cause the most damage.

Here are the top 10:

1.  Putting off recommended / scheduled maintenance

2. Ignoring the “check engine” light

3. Not changing the oil, or not having it changed on time

4. Not checking tire pressure

5. Neglecting coolant, brake, transmission and other fluid services

6. Continuing to drive when the vehicle is overheating

7. Not changing fuel and air filters

8. Having unqualified shops service your vehicle

9. Using generic aftermarket parts instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-quality parts

10. Trying to service your own high-tech vehicle

The best example of the snowball effect of missed car repairs is the air filter. It costs about 20 bucks to replace, but if left alone, a dirty filter can bust oxygen (02) sensors in cars, which cost as much as $250 to replace. And when the sensor fails, you'll first see your gas mileage plunge, then possibly wind up with a $1,000 bill to replace your  catalytic converter.

No. 3 deserves special attention, as well. Technicians say ignoring oil changes is the "single most damaging  car maintenance item that their customers neglect that they wish they could change," according to CarMD.

The trouble with dirty oil is that it doesn't jive well with the high-tech engines in today's modern vehicles, according to  Art Jacobsen, CarMD vice president, and can lead to engine failure if left ignored for too long.

The old go-to rule for oil changes was to refresh every 3,000 miles. But most experts agree drivers should go by the schedule their car's manufacturer dictates instead.

"Frequent oil changes do not necessarily mean better performance or longer engine life," CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen told The Auto Channel.

[The real cost of a ride]

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120916/auto/auto1.html

The real cost of a ride

Published: Sunday | September 16, 2012 0 Comments

Chad Bryan, Gleaner Writer

The advertisement for the car lists an attractive purchase price, which you cannot come up with all at once, but then there is always financing, with any number of banks and credit unions offering automotive loans.

Suddenly, the purchase price has increased. And this extra expenditure is without taking into consideration spending on fuel, insurance, scheduled maintenance and any repairs which may become necessary.

Automotives visited a popular Corporate Area car mart to discover the actual cost of purchasing a vehicle, coupled with the cost of the insurance. Most of the vehicles, which ranged from Nissan Lafestas, Honda Fits, Suzuki Swifts to a BMW X3 and X5, among a few others, were advertised as being on special.

After perusing the lot with a salesman, Automotives identified a red 2007 Hyundai Getz, which originally cost over a million dollars and was now being sold for $870,000. The financing period was four years at $19,000 monthly, along with a downpayment of $174,000. That added up to a total of $1,086,000, $216,000 more than the listed price. While that may not seem like a lot of money, it is 25 per cent more than the purchase price.

This was at an interest rate of 11.5 per cent.

The car mart also offered an on-the-spot insurance coverage for any vehicle purchased as well as the option of financing through Scotiabank or National Commercial Bank (NCB).

Big price hikes

A personal banker with whom Automotives spoke said that while the figure varies, the percentage above the cash price that is repaid on a car loan tends to be in the region of 25 to 30 per cent, although "in extreme cases, it can go up to as much as 40 per cent".

"Of course, the longer the loan term is, the more you are going to repay in the end, although the monthly installments are naturally lower," he said. "If it is easier for you, chances are, it works out more expensive in the long run."

However, he pointed out that determining the cost of a car purchased through financing is more than simply adding up the figures and determining the difference between the purchase price and what is repaid to the lending institution.

"What you also have to look at is difference between the value of the car at the end of the loan period and what the borrower will have repaid. Cars depreciate very rapidly, some retaining value better than others, of course, but when you look at what a car can be sold for when it is paid off and the amount that is actually repaid, the gap is vast," he said.

He also pointed out that investing some of the money put into car loan repayments would, over time, build into a handy nest egg.

Insurance costs

At the dealership, an insurance agent quizzed Automotives about the cost of the vehicle identified, its age, the age of the driver, the occupation of the driver and the age of the licence. For someone aged 23 who has had a licence for six months and works in a government ministry as a communication specialist, insurance on a 2007 motor vehicle cost $225,600.43 per annum. Up to eight months could be taken to pay the insurance fee.

In June 2010, The Sunday Gleaner reported that interest rates on motor-vehicle loans were at a 15-year low. Checks with financial institutions in the second week of that month showed interest rates of between 14 per cent and 19.95 per cent, depending on the age of the vehicle.

Then one institution was offering 95 per cent financing on new vehicles, with 84 months to repay at a 16.95 per cent rate. This was down from 19.25 per cent quoted back in October 2009.

In March, at the Automobile Dealers Association (ADA) Motor Show, RBC had a striking 9.99 per cent financing offer on new cars, with Scotiabank going a fraction of a percentage point better with 9.5 per cent.

Currently, car loan interest rates are generally in the low to mid double digits.

RAFFLE – BABY CHRISTINA BANTON
 


THE SUBARU OWNERS CLUB OF JAMAICA WILL BE DONATING A CELL PHONE AS A PRIZE IN THIS RAFFLE AND WOULD APPRECIATE IF AS MANY MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE PURCHASE TICKETS AND ATTEND THE OFFICIAL DRAW.

NEW DATE: THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012
PLACE: 27 SEWARD DRIVE, TANKWELD GROUP HEAD OFFICE
TIME:  5:00 PM
DONATION/COST OF TICKET: $1,000.00
TICKET CONTACT PERSON: OLIVIA JOHNSON 436-9476

1ST PRIZE:  BLACKBERRY PHONE
2ND PRIZE: FLATSCREEN DESKTOP
3RD PRIZE: LUNCH FOR 2 AT HOTEL FOUR SEASONS

RACQUEL LAUDER’S 21 MONTH OLD BABY HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CROUZON SYNDROME. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE SUTURES (BONES) IN THE HEAD TO CLOSE PREMATURELY. AS A RESULT OF THIS THE BRAIN WHICH IS STILL GROWING DOES NOT HAVE SPACE TO EXPAND AND THUS PRESSURE IS BEING BUILT UP IN THE HEAD CAUSING PROTRUSION OF THE EYES AND ABNORMALITY OF THE FACE AND MOUTH. SHE IS SCHEDULED FOR URGENT SURGERY AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. THE COST OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS SURGERY IS $7,000.00 U.S AND APPROXIMATELY $130,000.00 FOR SURGEON AND HOSPITAL CHARGES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE). A GROUP OF FRIENDS HAVE DECIDED TO PUT ON A RAFFLE TO ASSIST WITH THESE COSTS.

RAFFLE – BABY CHRISTINA BANTON
 


THE SUBARU OWNERS CLUB OF JAMAICA WILL BE DONATING A CELL PHONE AS A PRIZE IN THIS RAFFLE AND WOULD APPRECIATE IF AS MANY MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE PURCHASE TICKETS AND ATTEND THE OFFICIAL DRAW.

NEW DATE: THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012
PLACE: 27 SEWARD DRIVE, TANKWELD GROUP HEAD OFFICE
TIME:  5:00 PM
DONATION/COST OF TICKET: $1,000.00
TICKET CONTACT PERSON: OLIVIA JOHNSON 436-9476

1ST PRIZE:  BLACKBERRY PHONE
2ND PRIZE: FLATSCREEN DESKTOP
3RD PRIZE: LUNCH FOR 2 AT HOTEL FOUR SEASONS

RACQUEL LAUDER’S 21 MONTH OLD BABY HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CROUZON SYNDROME. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE SUTURES (BONES) IN THE HEAD TO CLOSE PREMATURELY. AS A RESULT OF THIS THE BRAIN WHICH IS STILL GROWING DOES NOT HAVE SPACE TO EXPAND AND THUS PRESSURE IS BEING BUILT UP IN THE HEAD CAUSING PROTRUSION OF THE EYES AND ABNORMALITY OF THE FACE AND MOUTH. SHE IS SCHEDULED FOR URGENT SURGERY AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. THE COST OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS SURGERY IS $7,000.00 U.S AND APPROXIMATELY $130,000.00 FOR SURGEON AND HOSPITAL CHARGES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE). A GROUP OF FRIENDS HAVE DECIDED TO PUT ON A RAFFLE TO ASSIST WITH THESE COSTS.

I know Joseph was there. Saw pictures of his STi

Post the link to the pics please ?  Thanks 

Who represented at this event?  I haven't seen any pics or heard anything from the Subbie peeps.   I couldn't make it

I'm regretting that I destroyed the evidence on BB, of our conversation about you not doing any mods ( maintenance ) to the new ride .

You know he will yield to temptation.....you really believed he wouldn't do anything 

None of what you've been told is true for the majority of owners of these cars.

Knowing the history of your car, sticking to the maintenance schedule, familiarizing yourself with its specific requirements will go a long way in prolonging the life of the car.

Subarus are very specific in their requirements....do the research.

Totally agree with you.  My Legacy going 160,000km and was tuned in July 2008 when I bought it and to date no engine trouble. *knock board* 

New name noted .   

This letter was forwarded to the Club by a member who has always been integral in assisting when the need arise.  He knows the person and is seeking the assistance of the Club.

I am thinking that as a Club we could choose one of the possible options:

1. Member(s) could seek assistance from their place of employment

2. Member(s) could donate collectively towards the prize

3. We could make a contribution from the funds of the Club

Please state your views below after reading the appeal

Thanks in advance

Marsha aka Tweety
Ph: 884-8969





SUBARU OWNERS CLUB OF JAMAICA

JUNE 25TH, 2012

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

A PLEASANT GOOD DAY TO YOU.  MY NAME IS RACQUEL LAUDER. MY DAUGHTER WHO IS 21 MONTHS OLD HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CROUZON SYNDROME. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE SUTURES (BONES) IN THE HEAD TO CLOSE PREMATURELY. AS A RESULT OF THIS ,THE BRAIN WHICH IS STILL GROWING DOES NOT HAVE SPACE TO EXPAND AND THUS PRESSURE IS BEING BUILT UP IN THE HEAD CAUSING PROTRUSIONOF THE  EYES AND ABNORMALITY OF THE FACE AND MOUTH. SHE IS SCHEDULED FOR URGENT SURGERY AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN JULY 2012.

THE COST OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR THIS SURGERY IS $7000.00 U.S AND APPROXIMATELY $130,000.00 FOR SURGEON AND HOSPITAL CHARGES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE). A GROUP OF FRIENDS HAVE DECIDED TO PUT ON A RAFFLE TO ASSIST WITH THESE COSTS. WE ARE REQUESTING YOUR HELP IN THE RAFFLE WITH A DONATION  OF A BLACKBERRY PHONE OR A FLATSCREEN DESKTOP COMPUTER TO BE OFFERED AS A PRIZE.

WE WILL BE VERY GRATEFULL FOR ANY ASSISTANCE RENDERED.

THANK YOU

Welcome 

Still meet at FCIB on Saturdays??

['Write or lef'?: A Kingfish for traffic]

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120722/auto/auto2.html

'Write or lef'?: A Kingfish for traffic

Published: Sunday | July 22, 2012

Mel Cooke, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Senior Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, who is in charge of traffic, is a delightful character. Many other policemen have caught the public imagination through their deeds - real and imagined - in the trenches of what often amounts to urban warfare in Jamaica. However, despite being a graduate of the tough policing required in Spanish Town, St Catherine, it is as a no-nonsense cop in a notoriously indisciplined sector that his reputation has ballooned.

It does not hurt that Lewis is always good for a memorable quote. So when he appeared before a committee of the Senate earlier this month and spoke about the need to clean up the tax offices, as a major source of corrupt practices, it was in his striking style.

Lewis said: "This has been happening for years but it would appear that no one wants to bell the cat, and the cat will have to be belled now ... . All of us will have to clean TAJ ( Tax Administration of Jamaica) and clean it squeaky clean. ... The system there is almost like normal. If you not doing corruption there, you are not saying anything, you are not cutting any dash ... . It has to be cleansed and all of us as senior persons. When you cleaning that place, you will have to use Dettol, Lysol, and Jeyes (fluid)."

perspective differences

The TAJ, of course, responded swiftly, largely decrying Lewis' statements, and from the position of those who run the organisation, chances are they do not see things the same way that the police officer does. Chances are, too, Lewis does not see corruption in the traffic policing system from quite the same perspective as the general public, of which I am a part.

From first-hand encounters to numerous tales from other encounters, I have a storehouse of tales about corruption at both ends of the system - the people who write up the tickets and those who are responsible for processing them. I cannot comment on the falsification of documents on the TAJ side, or the alleged collusion between individual police officers and tow truck operators, on the other.

However, I can speak about the police officer's offer of options - "write or lef'?", as in should he write up the ticket, or will the motorist 'lef' a money? I can also speak about the openness with which 'business' is done just outside two Inland Revenue Department offices in St Andrew. And 'just outside' does not mean on the road, but within clear sight of persons working inside the building.

There is also the question "You get tru in deh?" asked of some who leave Traffic Court on Camp Road, St Andrew, the implication being that something can be done to set things aright if all is not well.

The set-up, then, is rotten from different points (we will not even talk about the issuing of certificates of fitness), and while the tossing of accusations makes for good quotes, it does not go to the heart of the matter. We may soon get to the point where, if we are serious about making a dent in the entrenched corruption that facilitates the chaos on our roads, we will need a specialised unit like Kingfish.

And guess who would be the head shark? Snr Supt Lewis, of course!

auto@gleanerjm.com

ok thanks 

 

Yep...we have to stand together to maintain some semblance of order before criminality take over 

Welcome back   

I keep getting the following, can you help ?
An Error Has Occurred!
The upload folder is full. Please try a smaller file and/or contact an administrator.

Load your pic on photobucket.com and then copy the image code

Im doing insurance in my name for the first time .....

before i learnt about socoj....i got insurance quotes for my 05 WRX starting at 230,000 even up to 350,000

Since i joined the club....my insurance was now at  135,000....thanx to socoj amd covenant.

I tell everybody who have a subaru like its gospel....THEY NEED TO JOIN...!!!!

Like hearing things like this ..... makes the work worth it 

Hush ..... it was a rough time for the family.  His son Damion is a part of our group.

Conrie Jackson of Exotic Cars N' Fashion will be hosting a car and fashion show and has invited  The Subaru Owner's Club of Jamaica to showcase some of its members' rides. This event will take place on Sunday July 22, 2012 at the Gee Wee Restaurant, 1A Calendonia Road (across from Up Park Camp). The show will start at 3:00pm with different car clubs displaying their rides as well as companies. (Car clubs such as Skunk Nation, Myzery Racing just to name a few). A fashion show will follow at 8:00pm with models from Lacartin Model Agency displaying different designer clothing.

Please come out to the event as we try to put SOCOJ back on the map.

If you wish to have your ride(s) put on display please contact Conrie Jackson at 474-4177 as soon as possible in order to have arrangements made for you.

Would you use these services for your teens?

[Thugs hired as rich teenS' protectors]

http://jamaica-star.com/thestar/20120713/news/news3.html

Thugs hired as rich teenS' protectors
   

Teenagers from upscale communities in the Corporate Area are forking out money to inner-city gangsters for them to play bodyguard roles, THE WEEKEND STAR has found out.

Investigations show that gangsters, some well-known from various volatile communities are being paid to hit the streets, clubs, and parties with teens who are more than willing to pay for protection.

These teens pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for protection from these men, depending on where they are needed to go.

"It all depends weh dem waa mi go wid dem, eno, and how long dem waa mi roll wid dem, and stuff like dat. Di money weh dem a go give mi based pon di flex weh wi mek. Bigga flex mean bigga money," expalined Dusty* a 24-year-old thug from Waterhouse, St Andrew, who claims to be 'bodyguard'. "A jus like how some politician, or suh, woulda pay some man fi roll wid dem, a di same thing di likkle uptown yute dem a do cause dem see how road a run, and dem know seh our head hot a road."

He said he recently made $10,000 in one week by simply going to three parties with a group of schoolboys from Mona Heights, St Andrew.

link to di streets

One of the teens, who said he was 16, confirmed the gangster's claim and was quick to label the thug as their "link" to streets. "Dem yute deh a wi link, a him wi roll wid in di streets. Anywhere we a go, wi pick him up and him do road wid we," the teen explained.

Wezzy, a known thug from Jacques Road, east Kingston, boasted about looking forward to at least $3,000 every week for simply walking through the streets of downtown Kingston with a group of uptown teens who shop for clothes and sneakers. "From dem a step inna di town dem call mi. Mi meet dem dung deh and me and dem step it. Dem naw lef mi out cause dem know mi have dem headback straight from mi out wid dem," he said.

Asked if he ever had to intervene and 'work' for his money, Wezzy replied, "Den nuh muss, badman. From yu see dem yute deh yu see uptown. And mi naw lie. A nuff time me and dem a step inna di town and mi affi mek man know seh a my link dem, suh dem, fi know dem role, but yea mi affi lick een bway face fi dem already."

When asked the same question, Dusty smiled before asking, "Suh why dem woulda gimmi money fi touch di road wid dem?"

Head of the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID), Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey, said the police are not aware of such a situation, but promised to listen or look out for evidence of its occurence.

The high-ranking crime fighter pointed out that there is only one law enforcement agency in the island with the responsibility to protect citizens of the island.

"I am not aware of it, and so I can't comment much, but if we talk about protection, then that is the duty of the police. That is our responsibility," he explained.

*Names changed

Some of us really have joined ourselves to the cell phone a bit too much 

I guess we really have to think about the consequences of our actions a bit more

[Chatting our way to the grave]

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120709/flair/flair93.html

Chatting our way to the grave


The Soloist, Contributor

I have hung around journalists long enough to care only about the next big headline; no matter what generates it. Therefore, I am not ashamed to admit that I am waiting with bated breath for a headline that screams: Cellphone-using motorist kills children; make that: kills politician. Perhaps then we will have the legislation making it illegal to drive while yapping away on the phone, or worse yet ... texting! My reason for this is that Jamaican authorities don't take drastic action unless and until catastrophic events precipitate it or it affects one of their own.

I now have one more source of anger as I make my daily commute on our roads. This is because there are more male than female motorists chatting away on the phone and becoming so unaware of everyone and everything around them, they delay traffic, even at the lights. So, as if there were not already too many bad drivers on the roads, the cellphone-using beasts have been unleashed. It leads me to wonder what did we do before these little gadgets sprung up all over the globe?

I should talk. You see, I have three of them, but they don't control me. I decide when and where I use them and to whom I speak. So my personal rules include:

Not returning missed calls, if you really want to speak to me, you will call me back.

Ignoring all 'please call me' requests; if you can't afford the call, don't make it.

Don't beg me for credit, if you can't afford the call, why do you have such an expensive phone?

I don't use phones in church, meetings or seminars etc; duh, it's bad manners.

I don't freak out over missed calls, the worst news I can get via the phone is that someone has died. My view is that the news can wait; I cannot raise the dead. And, if I forget my phone at home, all callers can leave me a message.

As for all the apps, Internet, music etc, I don't need a phone for any other purpose but talking, texting and sending BB messages. Let it wait, no news is that important to me, I never wish to be that plugged in. I'd rather read a book!

As a matter of fact, I rarely keep cellphones turned on at home; persons who don't know my home number don't need to be speaking to me after work hours. Yes, I prefer to be in total control of my talk time. Plus, I do believe talk is cheap, so it should not cost me so much to do it.

But, I digress. Back to the new breed of potential killers on the roads. They drive and text, BB, scroll through address book and become totally lost in a conversation. All this while navigating: 'undertaking' other cellphone users, murderous coaster/mini bus drivers, daredevil motorcyclists, killer JUTC drivers, neurotic public utility drivers, death-defying taxi drivers, and my favourite: young Honda drivers whose motto seems to be, 'Everything else on four wheels should be in my rear-view mirror'!

What takes the cake are drivers with children on-board, many times under age 12, occupying the front seats in the car. All the cabbies I use occasionally, tell me they must drive and talk because they need to be in touch with their passengers and the phone represents business for them. I use the phone while driving, but this is what I do: I pick it up and say, "Driving, will call you back." If I am expecting an important call, I pull off the road and deal with it. If I am heading to the country, I tell the persons likely to call that I will be unavailable for a few hours. That way, I am free to focus on the cellphone users who are accidents waiting to happen.

Witnessed accidents

I have witnessed two accidents involving drivers who lost control while on the road. One crashed into a retaining wall and one ran into the back of the vehicle in front of her! And, on both occasions, I thought, "Serves them right". Every day I see cellphone-using drivers so engrossed in a conversation, they keep the other drivers behind them waiting for minutes before realising that the light has changed or they have the right of way. Or, I will be driving along and traffic slows down because the driver is so absorbed in the conversation, he/she slows down to focus on the phone.

So, until the authorities get their act together with legislation that has some real teeth, I mean the kind of penalties that make us think twice about using the phone while driving, I will just have to get used to watching out for yet another hazard on Jamaican roads. If politicians/lawmakers want my input, here it is: First-time offenders should be charged $10,000 and lose five points; second-time offenders should pay $50,000 and lose six points and third-time offenders should be stripped of their driver's licence for a year. All three categories should be forced to do three months of community work and their picture and offence should be published for all to see during that time.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com

That's a good observation ....LOL!!! Could cause a bigger problem !

[Glitches in traffic ticket amnesty system]

Glitches in traffic ticket amnesty system

Tuesday, July 10, 2012


SINCE the announcement by Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) that motorists will be granted an amnesty if they pay up all outstanding tickets issued up to December last year to avoid arrest, the TAJ hotlines have been ringing off the hook.

But while TAJ said the response from the public has been overwhelming, several glitches are coming to the fore.

Chief among them are complaints from motorists that their names have been listed as owing for traffic tickets that they paid off years ago, or which were thrown out by the Traffic Court.

A check by the Jamaica Observer with at least a dozen motorists who randomly went online to check their statuses found that all had similar complaints.

One motorist complained that his name had been listed as owing for two speeding tickets amounting to $500, but there was no date when the tickets were issued.

Others had tickets listed for offences that were dealt with in the courts.

The TAJ said efforts were being made to correct the glitches and assured motorists that if they had paid for their tickets they have nothing to fear.

"If you've paid your traffic ticket but still see your name on the list, don't worry. The list will be updated and your name removed," the ministry said in a message posted on the social networking site Facebook.

Meanwhile, Head of the Traffic Division, Senior Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, said he has launched an investigation into the reports of the glitches.

"We have heard of the reports that some motorists are raising concerns that the system is showing their licence numbers as people with outstanding tickets although they paid their fines," said Lewis.

"The Ministry of National Security has taken every possible precaution to ensure that your traffic ticket information is represented accurately, affording you the convenience and ease of interacting with our system. However, please be advised that there may be isolated instances of discrepancies," another Facebook post from the ministry stated.

The ministry listed the following hotlines which motorists can call for assistance:

928-2155; 928-3450; 928-9831; 928-4181; 930-0141; 930-0042.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Glitches-in-traffic-ticket-amnesty-system#ixzz20FnQTzix

[Pothole app a big hit at Digital Jam]

Pothole app a big hit at Digital Jam

BY SHAMILLE SCOTT Business Reporter

Sunday, July 08, 2012


POTHOLE Positioning System (PPS) Jamaica, the grand prize winning innovation of the Digital Jam 2.0 Mobile App competition is aimed at reducing the number of road fatalities in Jamaica caused by potholes.

Recognising the problem of potholes in Jamaica, Team PPS built a mobile application (app) to inform motorists of roads with potholes.

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"A lot of Jamaicans have BlackBerrys but don't know the power of the device," said Joel Dean, leader of Team PPS, a group of four students at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU).

The mobile app is also aimed at providing Government with detailed statistics of areas with high numbers of potholes on the island.

PPS has a driving mode feature that involves placing a smartphone — which has a sensor, enabled by the app to respond to jerks when a driver hits a pothole — on a vehicle's dashboard. Upon sensing a jerk, the driver is asked to confirm whether the disruption was caused by a pothole, after which, if affirmitive, the app records the location which is tracked by the smartphone's global positioning system (GPS).

Nicolas Brown, the lead developer of PPS told the Jamaica Observer that the app has two additional features which enable PPS users to record and track potholes.

Images of the road condition can be uploaded to the app, a review and a rating of the severity of the pothole given and the information stored in the PPS online database, which allows other app users to know which areas with potholes to avoid or prepare for when driving.

Against this background, the smartphone alerts motorists when vehicles are approaching potholes.

Brown said his team already has the functionality of the driving mode feature, but it is to be implemented at a later stage.

"The group plans to re-build the application and will include the final voice feature of the PPS," said Brown. The uploading images of potholes, viewing potholes and detecting potholes are the features that are currently implemented.

Adding that the PPS is not merely an idea, Dean said the group in collaboration with NCU has begun tests on the functionality of the mobile app. Currently, the PPS works with the BlackBerry, but when the app is re-built, it will be compatible with the iPhone and Android.

Team PPS was also the audience award winner and copped the second place development award of the Digital Jam 2.0.

Digital Jam 2.0 took place from June 28-30, 2012 in Jamaica. It saw the participation of about 2,000 young Jamaicans. It sought solutions to the problem of youth unemployment in Jamaica by providing job opportunities via the global virtual economy. Organisers also aimed to improve skills in Information Technology through the programme.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Pothole-app-a-big-hit-at-Digital-Jam_11905357#ixzz20891tFOl

[JAA technicians to the rescue]

JAA technicians to the rescue

Friday, July 06, 2012


CAR troubles can be a major inconvenience and always happen when you don't have time to address them.

Jeanette Campbell's story is typical. However, she received roadside assistance courtesy of the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA).

"I was heading out to work at 7:00 am and my car wouldn't start. I called two mechanics that I know and neither of them was close enough to respond," said Campbell, an educator.

After half-an-hour of waiting, and wondering how she would get to work at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, Campbell remembered that she had recently joined the JAA, and could benefit from its Roadside Assistance Service.

"I called them, and in about 10 minutes a roadside assistance technician from the JAA was at my house. He was very creative in manoeuvring his vehicle to jump-start my car, and in five minutes I was on my way," she declared.

The JAA responds to an average of 170 roadside assistance calls per month; and the majority are usually for motor vehicle failure that occurs at the most inconvenient times for the motorist.

According to Duane Ellis, general manager of the JAA: "Roadside assistance technicians are trained to respond to a host of emergencies, which may arise as motorists go about their daily activities."

He said the technicians were trained technical logistics coordinators. "They can undertake tasks, ranging from changing a tyre to providing on-scene motor accident support; administering first aid; conducting accident investigations, and laying the foundation to prepare insurance claims," Ellis pointed out.

As coordinators, they manage every aspect of a road emergency. They assess security concerns on the spot; coordinate transportation of a disabled vehicle to repair centres; facilitate medical assistance; and diagnose electrical and mechanical problems.

JAA roadside assistance technicians are required to be Certified Vehicle Entry Specialists and Certified Light Duty Towing and Recovery Specialists. They are also trained in accident investigations, competent in writing accurate and precise reports, document accident scenes using photography; and must be certified to provide basic first aid and CPR, where necessary.

Ellis said that all JAA technicians are licensed drivers and competent in operating all standard forms of land transportation, including motor cycles.

As a service standard, the JAA's roadside assistance team has a 40- minute window within which to respond to all calls from the toll-free emergency line at 1-888-CALL-JAA.

Ellis further explained that the role of the roadside assistance technician continues to evolve and will inevitably result in the formation of "a team of first responders with the technical skills and ability to handle a wider range of emergency situations in the interest of the JAA's clients and our nation."


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/JAA-technicians-to-the-rescue_11889530#ixzz1zqsIeslI

[Hot drifters for cool Mandeville]

Hot drifters for cool Mandeville

BY JARMILA JACKSON Observer writer

Friday, July 06, 2012



HOT shot 'drifters' from across the island will put their skills to the test this Sunday at the Masterblock Factory in Knockpatrick, Manchester.

The event, Drift Masters, kicks off at noon. This is the fifth meet in the Jamaica Millenium Motoring Club's (JMMC) 2012 National Dexterity Championship.

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The meet will see drivers attempting to make their mark on the concrete by tackling an obstacle course with slick slides and spins.

According to Dean Corrodus, chairman of the JMMC, facilities are being put in place to ensure some entertaining and highly competitive runs.

"There is a huge area where most of the activity will take place. They are currently repaving the concrete pad so that the surface will be smooth and fresh and the drifting will as a result be much smoother as well," Corrodus told Auto.

Drivers expected to compete include reigning Dexterity Champion Maurice 'Wurl Boss' Whittingham, Cleve 'Cutta Hype' Ottey, Dennis 'Krossbreed' Bicarie, Jamar 'Sckoolaz' Kinkead, and Ian Wright.

Wright, who is known for competing in his rear-wheel drive Toyota Tacoma pickup — popularly known as The Big Red Truck — told Auto that he will be switching things up a bit for Sunday's event. For the first time in four years, Wright will be not be competing in his famous pickup.

"I've been competing in the truck for a long time now and I've always managed to place in the top 10. I've never won an event because the length and height of the vehicle means there's more body roll and it takes far more judgement in terms of negotiating narrow spots so it really requires more effort than a car would," said Wright.

"I just acquired a rear-wheel drive 1986 Toyota Corolla two weeks ago. I haven't had much time to become fully acclimatised to it but we're going to go there and put our best foot forward," he continued.

Over the years, The Big Red Truck has become quite the crowd-pleaser and Wright admits to having been more concerned with pleasing the crowd than with winning trophies until now. However, he is confident the new set of wheels will give him a competitive edge while still allowing him to satisfy the crowd with some flashy slides.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/Hot-drifters-for-cool-Mandeville_11889647#ixzz1zqrpQTMX

[Doug Gore will miss July meet]

Doug Gore will miss July meet

By Kesi Asher Observer writer

Friday, July 06, 2012


DOUG 'Hollywood' Gore's Audi TT, which was involved in an accident at the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) at Dover in May, will not on the track in the July 28-29 race meet.

His fans will not see the Audi as the car is still in Germany being repaired and will not be ready in time for the meet. The car received extensive damage to the interior and exterior, as parts of the body were detached on impact, and the four-ringed wonder propelled into the fencing.

Despite the magnitude of the impact, Gore remained unhurt, apart from a few aches and pains.

"I experienced some pains as a result of the accident, nothing too major, but all is well with me now. I'm just waiting to hear what is next from Audi in Germany regarding the state of the car," he said.

"Repairs are presently being done but the car will not be back in time for the July meet, so I will not be racing at Dover before October. Spectators can look forward to seeing the Audi at the October race meet," he continued.

The Audi has been in accidents at Dover before, but none this severe, so Gore's fan will have to bide their time until October.

"I always look forward to seeing Doug race the Audi at Dover; it's a very fast car and it provides competition for Summerbell, which is good for racing. I guess we will just have to wait and see what will happen in October," said Odane Johnson, an ardent Audi fan.

Although he will be missing in action come July, Gore has promised that the Audi will return stronger, better and more powerful.

"We will be back stronger, with more power. Sorry I will not make it for July but fans can rest assured, ATL racing will be back and Unbeatable again," he predicted.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/Doug-Gore-will-miss-July-meet_11894877#ixzz1zqrWQHpw

[They're Untouchable!]

They're Untouchable!

BY JARMILA JACKSON Observer writer

Friday, July 06, 2012

MODERN-day daredevils can be found both on and off the track. For them fear is not an option. The St Ann-based Untouchable Riders are one such group.

Founded in 2006 by stunter, racer and businessman Halquin 'Pugu' Rodney. The crew, now comprising of over 30 riders, (nine of whom are female) came together out of a shared desire to have an organised group where local riders could share interests, ideas and skills.

"It's not easy. Practice makes perfect, and having a good bike is very important. You definitely have to be brave and love the sport enough to dedicate yourself to it. Eat and sleep the sport or you're not going to be a good stunt rider," Rodney told Auto.

Inspired by motorcycle riders in his own family, Rodney began stunting in 2005 and began racing at Dover Raceway two years later, walking away Champion in Motorcycle race A (MCA) class in his first year competing. While he continues to do well at Dover, he says he prefers stunting to racing.

"A racer and a stunter are two very different riders. A racer goes harder and faster on a bike that is modified for speed and power, for the stunter the challenge is going slow and the bikes are modified to allow for slow stunts. If you can master the slow stunts, like the circle wheelie, for example, then you'll be unbeatable in any competition," said Rodney.

According to Rodney modifications necessary for slower and safer stunting include a bigger sprocket to increase compression, thus making it easier to do a wheelie. An extra brake is put on the left handle of the bike. A wheel cage, wheelie handle bars, and stunt cages are also added to protect the bike while stunting on the ground.

The 'Untouchable Riders' have regular meetings and training sessions are offered by Rodney to anyone interested in learning how to ride, but only serious riders are taken into the crew. The crew can often be seen performing gravity-defying stunts at events ranging from motorsports to street dances.

"We are booked to perform at shows every week, sometimes twice a week, because it's just something Jamaicans really enjoy seeing. Especially, when we get overseas riders to come in and do some stunts as well," Rodney told Auto.

The 'Untouchable Riders' is one of the crews competing in Sunday's 'East & West Bikini Bike Fest' set to start at midday at Di Ole Marina in Port Antonio, Portland.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/They-re-Untouchable-_11894637#ixzz1zqrEKKje

[Senate focuses on bogus driver's licences]

Senate focuses on bogus driver's licences

By Balford Henry Observer writer

Friday, July 06, 2012


A special select committee of the Jamaican Senate is inviting submissions from the public on proposals to re-examine the current system of granting driver's licences.

The focus is on the process and qualifications required for an applicant to be successful in obtaining a valid driver's licence.

The proposals are contained in a motion brought to the Senate in February by Government member, Senator Imani Duncan-Price, claiming that: licences were being issued to persons without a driving test; to persons who are illiterate, many of whom cannot interpret the road code; and to individuals who are allowed to drive vehicles heavier than the types they can handle efficiently.

Two persons have already made submissions: Paul Clemetson, head of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA); and Senior Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's traffic division.

Clemetson advised the committee that the ITA has been considering a graduated system of licensing, including the necessity to pass a road code test before a licence can be issued, and only persons who have completed the whole process, which could take up to 18 months, would be able to drive on the roads without supervision.

Graduated driver licensing systems (GDLS) are designed to provide new drivers with driving experience and skills over time in low-risk environments. There are typically three stages involved. The applicants begin by acquiring a learner's permit, progress to a restricted, provisional or probationary licence, followed by receipt of a full driver's licence.

According to Paula Fletcher, executive director of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), the graduated system could reduce road fatalities by 30 per cent.

But while there is general agreement that something needs to be done about the issuing of driver's licences to persons unprepared for the roads, there is some concern that the new system could contribute to an increase in corruption in the road licensing system.

Critics believe that any system that delays the process will only expand the black market, as there will certainly be people unwilling to wait more than a year for a licence.

In addition to these concerns, Senior Superintendent Lewis thinks the Senate committee should summon top-ranking officials from Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ) to explain the "ongoing theft of government papers".

SSP Lewis said that over the past five months, 6,000 motor vehicle certificates; 2,000 motor vehicle titles; 3,000 licence discs; and 5,000 test link sheets have disappeared from vaults at the TAJ offices in Kingston and St Andrew.

Lewis added that raids carried out at the office have already nabbed the "mastermind" who was held with blank certificates of titles, insurance certificates and cover notes. He added that over 10,000 fictitious licences had found their way into the hands of unscrupulous persons.

The committee meets again on Thursday, July 12, at Gordon House.


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/auto/Senate-focuses-on-bogus-driver-s-licences_11895403#ixzz1zqqrpSpU