HENRY

Former Director of Tourism Desmond Henry passed away yesterday, a day before his 73rd birthday.

Henry, a public relations/marketing strategist, served as tourism director between 1976 and 1980. Prior to that appointment, he was managing director of Public Relations Associates Ltd from 1970-76.

He was born in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, on February 4, 1935.

Six DPP applications

Six persons have so far applied for the post of director of public prosecutions (DPP), which becomes vacant on February 13.

The Gleaner has been reliably informed that the applicants are three former prosecutors in the Office of the DPP, a resident magistrate and two serving prosecutors - three women and three men.

Kent Pantry, QC, the outgoing DPP, will turn 60 on February 13, and is scheduled to retire on his birthday. However, he is likely to remain in office for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition to his successor.

Jamaica Red Cross volunteers lauded

The Jamaica Red Cross has praised the many volunteers who have served the 60-year-old organisation.

"Volunteers are the backbone of the Jamaica Red Cross," said Dr Jaslin Salmon, the association's president. "Without volunteers, the organisation could not have carried out its mission of improving the lives of the most vulnerable."

The volunteers will be honoured on May 8, World Red Cross Day.

Holloway stunner

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP):

Hidden camera footage broadcast by a crime reporter Sunday apparently showed Dutch student Joran van der Sloot admitting he was with American teenager Natalee Holloway when she died on a beach in Aruba in May 2005.

''She suddenly didn't do anything anymore,'' Van der Sloot said of the 18-year-old Holloway, in a conversation with a man he believed to be his friend.

In the video, Van der Sloot said he panicked and tried in vain to revive Holloway before calling a friend with a boat to dispose of the body.