Words: Matthew Hinchliffe

There is a new cool kid on the block, and we’re not talking about the beautiful model Jasmia Robinson from Britain’s Next Top Model, this kid comes with two wheels and is the brain-child of Mayor for London Boris Johnson.

The Mayor’s flagship cycling scheme – Barclays Cycle Hire, was officially launched in London this morning and was heralded a “new dawn” in London’s bid to become the greatest big cycling city in the world.

Docking one of thousands of new bicycles at a Barclay’s Hire Station, the mayor was joined by Marcus Agius, the chairman of the schemes sponsor Barclays, and London Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy.

They were also joined by former Britain’s Next Top Model contestant and soloist Jasmia Robinson who said: “I have come down to support the launch; it’s an efficient, healthy and cost-effective way to travel across the city.”

Matthew from FLYER News said: “We’ve now road tested this bicycle for an hour. The gears are fairly smooth the transition between second and third was a bit jumpy but it was an enjoyable ride.

The bike though is not fast and it was a bit concerting being overtaken by a Brompton.

The success of the scheme will rest in whether Londoners will take to having such a big brand such as Barclay’s signposting its way across the city. Vandalism will be a serious issue but for events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, London Fashion Week etc this scheme will be in a league of its own, ten out of ten, Boris.”

We took in the sites, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and of course the landmark that is Jerk City restaurant to get some cornmeal porridge before heading back towards Waterloo.

Twelve contestants were introduced to the press for the launch of Britain’s Next Top Model. The ceremony launched in Covent Garden was packed with industry professionals who were only let down by the shoddy back-street location and dodgy looking security who were pre-occupied in stopping the press photographers from getting their hands on the goody bags.

Some contestants posed with Supermodel Elle Macpherson (The body) before being introduced to the audience.

Fashion Designer and entrepreneur Dionne Gooding said: “I love Elle Macpherson’s outfit. She looks great in those extra tight PVC trousers. Her legs look amazing. Not everyone can pull off wearing shiny tight trousers…….she sure can.”

Elle Macpherson towered above pint-sized designer Julian Macdonald. In an earlier interview Julian reportedly made disparaging remarks with regards plus sized models he said: “I’m seen as the Simon Cowell of the show, I’m frank and I’m honest.” said Julian in an interview with ASOS magazine.

So why did the press want the Goody Bags?

Apart for the obvious, goody bags can sometimes be an insight to the direction of the show. Rachel Christie (First Black Miss England) winners hamper did not contain any bi-racial products or hair products specific to people of heritage. This is usually an oversight but it can be extremely revealing with regards to sponsorship.

“Event organisers should begin to adjust to the changing demographic of Britain.” said Journalist Mark Weir.”

Although Britain’s Next Top Model goody bags didn’t contain any specific bi-racial products delegates would have been pleased to get their hands on the first UK samples of Beyonce’s new perfume ‘Heat’.

Models Alicia and Amber were popular contestants in the TV show.

After a long day the model’s headed home, some unfortunately forgot the etiquette of getting in and out of cars and there were many fashion faux pas.

The show’s stylist even forgot to rub the pink lipstick from her teeth.

When asked what advice she would give the new contestants Jasmia Robinson (who came 3^rd in the 2^nd Cycle of Britain next Top Model) said: “The girls should have fun with it all but remember to also stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize.  Listen, learn, forget your inhibitions and most importantly perfect your walk!”

Jamaican fugitive Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke is now in custody following a tip off to the Jamaican authorities.

Sources close to FLYER said: Dudus has been in hiding not far from West Kingston and was caught whilst travelling through the district of Spanish Town. Mr. Coke is the subject of an extradition request from the US.

It is alleged that various peoples including Rev. Miller is being sought for questioning regarding the fugitives disappearance and eventual capture.

Jamaica’s tourist ministers Jon Lynch and Edd Bartlett (pictured) have been in London trying to repair Jamaica’s tarnished overseas reputation. Ironically they sat through a screening of The Harder They Come in Wimbledon Theatre which is a story about an outlawed fugitive who became the people’s hero.

It was later alleged that Dudus Coke was described by some people in authority as the Jamaican equivalent of Bin Laden.

The police Curfew and State of Emergency has been extended across Jamaica as authorities prepare for reprisals following Dudus Coke’s capture.

Overseas Jamaica is under pressure financially following scores of cancellations of holidays and events. Reporters at Caribbean Fashion Week were unhappy with the lack of International media and buyers.

Some arrangements for one particular charity event planned across the Island this summer have also been put on hold.

A journalist said: “There’s no way of calculating the financial loss to the Island with regards to finance and trust. The botched attempt to arrest one person resulting in the deaths of over 100 people is quite understandably disastrous for Jamaica’s immediate outlook.

Many of the victims were reportedly innocent representatives of people living on the fringes of society. How can we possibly justify sending tourists to a destination with a regime that treats its own people like this.”

“Furthermore Jamaica is seeking to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Turning Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke over to the U.S. authorities is believed by many to be a prerequisite to achieving international funding.”

Millions of Britain’s were facing an uncertain future as the g Cameron coalition delivered the first round of punishing cut-backs this morning.

Nick Clegg Liberal Democrat coalition MP said ’spending reductions rather than tax increases is the best way to reduce Britain’s deficit.’

George Osbourne outlined details on what has been described by trade unions as savage cutbacks which will effect the old, the poor and middle-income families.

The increase in VAT will directly effect the elderly whilst wage freezes and Child Tax Credits will be capped.

Protesters gathered in Westminster to voice their concern which included a mock execution of the most needy which included: students, nurses and pensioners.

One protester said: the cynical way in which the government fat-cats delivered this emergency budget spells disaster for every-day Britain’s. The timing coinciding with England’s World Cup preparations was not by chance.

Full details of the Budget will be posted later.

Kelly Rowland’s pre dinner date at NOBO nearly ended in tragedy when a paparazzi narrowly escaped being hurt when he ran into the path of a motor-vehicle whilst snapping the U.S. superstar.

Kelly looked shocked but the photographer escaped without serious injury.

Wearing a metallic cat-suit, Kelly was heading towards NOBO in Mayfair before heading towards P-Diddy’s party in Whisky Mist.

P-Diddy arrives back at the Mayfair hotel and is clearly in the mood to party. PD strolled around the hotel as if he owned the place before taking a detour to Park Lane’s Whisky Mist.

That detour took over one hour to cover less than a mile and Diddy’s bouncers had to battle with forty paparazzi. P- Diddy greeted everyone in the VIP area.

Things weren’t looking good for Brian Lara (cricketer).

“I don’t care who he says he is….I’m not going to loose my job letting in Mr. Lara.” said a man on the door.

“You will definitely loose it if you don’t let him in.” said a reporter. The club’s questionable door policy did not go down well, FLYER has obtained video interviews to support this claim.

Next to arrive was Kelly Rowland

Kelly was surrounded by flash-bulbs, over 80 frames per second were taken by photographers. Kelly looked a little jaded by all the attention she’s received since launching her new single Commander.

Afro Hair and Beauty Live was held at the Business Design Centre Islington, London.  The two day show attracted over 5,000 people and early indications have suggested the show’s a resounding success.

Show organiser Mavis said to FLYER, “I’m really pleased with the feedback from the exhibitors.”

Throughout the two day event the public were treated to some fantastic shows such as Back to Basics Weave Styling, No Limits with Locs, Mary Kay’s Make-Up Master-class, Conscious Hair Care, We Girls Rock (Above), Skincare the Natural Way and much more.

There were many highlight of the show including Zed Eye fashion inspired shows.

for innovation and hair-care the Sensationnel awards are the equivalent of the Oscars in the Afro Hair and Beauty demography.

The categories included Sensationnel Icon Braid Impact, Sensationnel Icon Weave Genius and Sensationnel Icon Avant Garde.

The winners included Angela Plummer (left) from Sour 2 Sweet who won Sensationnel Icon Avant Garde.

There was literally somthing for everybody.

But for the 200 hundred people who turned up at Alexander Palace there is always next year.

On the eve of the final day of the annual Afro Hair and Beauty Live showcase, the controversial inclusion of a skin lightening product looked set to plunge the Afro Hair and Beauty Live into fresh controversy.

The inclusion of the skin lightening product which is on sale and heavily advertised within the exhibition has angered and shocked some viewers.

“This is the one exhibition that we turn to as a community to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our culture.” said a visitor at today’s show.  “I’m utterly shocked and angered that a product such as this has been given such a wide platform to hijack what is essentially a great show. What were the shows organisers thinking about!!” She exclaimed.

Another person said: “As a proud African woman, who’s very proud of her culture, I’m acutely aware of the damage that this sort of product can have on young impressionable minds. We are made very aware of the damage this kind of product can have on our community and there is absolutely no excuse to allow this exhibition to showcse such products.”

Afro Hair and Beauty show has moved to its new home in Islington. The new venue was overwhelmingly endorsed by the majority of the people who visited the shows new home this Sunday.

Throughout the day media teams including SKY were held at bay by the Jamaican army who reportedly forced their way into houses and dragged occupants they considered dangerous into the streets then reportedly shot them. They also took away mobile phones.

The first reports were made to FLYER at 2.pm GMT when the sound of screaming followed by single gun shots were reported in the Tivoli district. These reports many people beleived were executions but this has not been verified.

As news quickly filtered through to FLYER News it was also apparent that SKY had also been aware of the Kingston carnage. “We are aware of the developing situation but our teams have been held back by the Jamaican army.”  Said a reporter at SKY’s international news desk.”

Throughout the afternoon desperate pleas for help were made to FLYER. “You can hear the screaming then gunfire then silence.” Said a reporter speaking to Bustamante resident.”

As bodies littered Bustamante Highway, civilians fearing for their lives tried every means to communicate with-the outside world. It is believed the majority of the 30 deaths that were reported were in fact civilian however the final figure is likely to be much more.

BREAKING NEWS: Intermittent gunfire within the area of the Kingston Public Hospital, as bodies was seen piling up at the institution. As JDF trucks were transporting the bodies, it is not confirmed yet how many bodies were being taken in but the estimate that was given is that there was over 26 bodies. And at this point the situation still remains tense we will continue to update you as the story unfolds here in Kingston Jamaica. (Radio station, Kingston Jamaica)

The outside world has to help us, we need your help to stop this.” she screamed.The brutality of Jamaican Prime minister Bruce Golding’s clampdown is slowely being revealed. Desperate eye witness accounts would suggest that many innocent people have been killed in the violent struggle to arrest Dudus Christopher Coke.

FLYER Newspaper has recieved several calls from resident Jamaicans today asking for outside intervention. We are in doubt that innocent civillians have been killed but the underhand way in-which the the brutality is administered would suggest that an attrocity is taking place in an attempt to flush out Christopher Dudus Coke and turn the people against him.

FLYER is monitorring the situation and has updated other media agencies to the plight of the innocent in Tivoli today.”

Jamaica’s most wanted Dudus Christopher Coke is rumoured to be preparing to hand himself in to the Jamaican authorities according to sources in Jamaica.

Sources close to FLYER have said that Dudus is preparing to hand himself in to the Jamaican authorities. As helicopters circle over Tivoli in West Kingston in an attempt to flush-out the last gunman from the Jamaican strong-hold our reporter in Jamaica; Jaunitta said; there are rumours today that Dudus, Christopher Coke is preparing to hand himself in to the Jamaican authorities. Three peole have died many more have been seriously injured. Basically the blood banks are in short supply; furthermore news leading up to this unrest stated that Dudus has given his legal representatives information that should be released in the event that he should he be killed.

It is highly likely that this information would be extremely incriminating to persons in high positions….so they’re unlikely to want him dead.”

Un-reported internationally were that raids took place in other parts of Down Town Kingston. “There have been heavy arms exchanges in Red Hills area last night. And Dudus has strong allegiances in other parts of the country. So there is need for some degree of caution everywhere…..”

The uprising has already resulted in many cancelled flights and holidays. Next month is also the official start of the holiday season and Jamaica’s premier event, Caribbean Fashion Week. Official will be watching the developments with baited breath.

Many people also believe that Bruce Golding has been left with little to no choice but to bow into the U.S. demands.

“Jamaica is in desperate need to join the International Monitory Funds (IMF) Sacrificing Dudus is a small price to pay in the long-term prospects of the Caribbean Island.” said Ms. Milles.