Local legal experts are expecting that former west Kingston strongman, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, will receive the maximum 23-year prison term when he goes before United States (US) district judge Robert P. Patterson today.

Managing Director of Carreras Richard Pandohie yesterday served a stern warning that the local tobacco industry would not allow itself to be bullied by the "smokescreen" of the anti-tobacco community, stressing that his company was equally keen to have legislation in place to properly regulate the industry.

Local cigarette company Carreras says while it continues to pay out hefty sums in taxes each year, companies involved in the underground trade of tobacco and tobacco products are getting off scot-free with billions of dollars that could be collected in tax revenues.

Some parents who take their children for counselling are afraid of their offspring. The eye-opening revelation was made by Salomie Evering, head of Clinical Services at The Mico CARE Centre's St Ann's Bay branch.

Education specialists believe that should the Government better incorporate technology in the learning process for students, Jamaica could see a significant turnaround in the performance of many students deemed poor performers.

AS JAMAICA celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence, Jamaicans home and abroad who have made sterling contribution to the country are to be presented with the 2012 Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for service to Jamaica.

THE NATIONAL Task Force Against Human Trafficking in Persons is unhappy with the lack of progress in the fight against human trafficking. However, the organisation is still confident that Jamaica can improve its current tier-two watch-list ranking by 2O15.

JAMAICA AIR Shuttle Limited has announced it will add a third weekly frequency between Kingston and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, effective July 1. The airline will operate flights between the two capitals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. There are also plans for a fourth flight per week, should the growth trend continue.