Jamaica - Jamaica Primetime

Interview with Jamaican filmmaker and videographer Michael "Ras Tingle" Tingling

X Murphy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:45:02 UT

This week we interview Jamaican filmmaker and videographer Michael Ras Tingle Tingling. His is the chief principle of Tingle Films that has done quite a few music video production, films and documentaries in Jamaica. Michael is willing to “push buttons” with his productions and is always willing to assist in introducing film production to the youths in Jamaica. . With a passion and dedication to his country and family his upcoming projects include documentaries with a focus on stories indigenous to Jamaica and television programmes aimed to empower and uplift our youths. Here is our conversation with Michael.

How did you get started in film making?
I got started at Advidco productions. It’s a company owned by Trevor Ballie. He was one of the first video directors from Jamaica, doing videos for Sophia George , Boris Gardner etc. My Rasta brother Ras Kassa brought me in and Kevin Lee , Ras Asher and Ras Shack helped encouraged me a lot. My interest grew when top filmmakers DOP Chris Browney and R .Lanamon recommended me for film projects

What was your first film production?
One of my first film projects I worked on; worked on so many I’m trying to remember ...think it was Third World Cop, but did a lot of videos on film as key grip, assistant gaffer, camera operator and assistant director.

What was your first short film?
My first short film was done in 2011 , it’s called Paris Bull....it’s a collaborative effort by us young filmmakers in Jamaica who work on each other’s film for free ...making the way for younger folks to follow a trend by not waiting on hand outs.

You have done quite a few music videos. What was the most recent one you did?
Most recent video is IWAYNE 'Drugs and Rum vibes'.

What is the main difference you find between writing a script for a video, film and documentary?
Main difference in writing for a video/film /doc....I find writing for a video is crunching in a short film or documentary into a 3min 30sec window.

You are currently producing a documentary series on stories indigenous to Jamaica. Can you tell us about this?
Stories about the people of my country is getting into the lives of simple but effective people living their lives as natural as naturalists , also I am exploring a touchy gay topic in Jamaica.

When will the first of the series of this documentary be released?
Series release will be in late 2012

Do you have any other projects in the works?
Yes other projects are in the pipe line from VP records to Nasville to Soul beats rec, Marley Brothers to name a few...

Ten years from now where do you see the film industry in Jamaica?
I see the industry as the city of films in the Diaspora.

Are you doing any work for the celebration of Jamaica 50?
Yes I am confirming some stuff for Jamaica 50th ...soon let it out.

Thanks for the interview. Do you have any final thoughts?
I give thanks for all the support I got and thanks for this interview ...all the best in your endeavors...

Review: Jamaica’s Powell, Campbell-Brown and USA’ Jones, wins at USA Track and Field Open at Madison Square Garden in New York

Stan Evan Smith — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:01 UT

New York, USA - The inaugural USA Track and Field U.S Open at Manhattan's Madison Square Garden in NYC on January 28 was the chance for sprinters and hurdlers to restore their reputation and send a season opener message. The 2012 IAAF Indoor Permit Series final four events of the meet, the men and women 50-metre dash and also the men and women 50 meters hurdles produced convincing wins for four veterans who were up against deep and younger fields.

Despite the absence of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and USA’ Walter Dixs, and Carmelita Jeter, the fastest sprinters of 2011, the Jamaicans dominated the 50m dash.

The New York's Jamaican community along with other New Yorker track enthusiasts gave Veronica Campbell Brown the biggest cheers of the all the athletes introduced. The fans kept chanting VCB. The World indoor 60m and the reigning Olympic and World 200 meters champion, Veronica Campbell Brown, won the women's 50m dash in 6.08 seconds. She beat USA sprinters Jessica Young (6.20) into second with Bianca Knight coming in fifth. VCB win at MSG is her opening salvo for 2012 to become the first-ever winner of three Olympic 200m titles. Campbell-Brown had this to say after her win “This is a step in the right direction. Now I have to get back to training. Hopefully this is a preview of what is to come.”
Former 100 Metre World record holder and 2-time outdoor World 100m bronze medalist, Asafa Powell, who was running in his first indoor race since 2004, slipped in the blocks but lead all the way to finish to beat fellow Jamaican 4x100 world record teammate Nesta Carter in a time of 5.64. Carter second place earned him a time of 5.67. Former USA 2005 World 100m and 200m, sprint champion Justin Gatlin continued his return to track, that began in 2011, from a four-year drug sanction ban placed fourth in 5.71. Powell, who at 29, is facing his last chance at an Olympic individual medal in London this year also won the Athlete of the Meet trophy. The 50 Metre dash that was billed as a world record breaking event of Jamaican born, Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey's 1996 world record of 5.56 did not live up to that expectation.

From the days of Rod Milburn, Renaldo ‘Skeets Nehemiah and Gail Devers America have dominated the sprint hurdles. Like the Jamaicans today in the 50 Metre dash the USA dominated the 50 meter hurdles dash. With Lolo Jones wining the women’s event and Terrence Trammell winning the men’s event.

Two-time World indoor 60m Hurdles champion Lolo Jones, 29, led the Americans in her first race since she underwent surgery last august affecting her spine. Jones ran 6.78, the second fastest 50m Hurdles time in U.S. history. She held of stiff competition from Great Britain’s Tiffany Porter, whose 6.83 gave second place, and USA’ Kellie Wells 6.84 in third place. American Dawn Harper, 2008 Olympic 100m Hurdles champion who beat Jones after Jones hit the penultimate hurdle at 2008 Olympic, placed fifth in 6.96. The American record 6.67 was set in1995 by heptathlon World record-holder Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

The Americans packed a 1-2 punch in the men’s 50 Metre hurdles. American Terrence Trammell, the two-time World indoor 60m Hurdles gold medalist, in a repeat of the 2010 World Championship race in Daegu race won the race in 6.45 ahead of fellow American David Oliver in 6.50. Trammell who got a great start never looked in trouble.

The other outstanding races were the men's mile, and the A 600-yard event. Eight time Wanamaker Mile winner Bernard Lagat the 37-year-old Kenyan-born American. Legat, a crowd favorite, the reigning World indoor 3000m champion and double1500m/5000m at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships was upstaged by the younger Silas Kiplagat 22, of Kenya in a time of 4:00.65 Lagat second place time was 4:00.92.

Lagat said shook of the loss to his younger rival arguing that this was the beginning of his campaign to make a the US Olympic team in order to contend for the 5000m gold in London.

The women's mile, which was all-U.S A. affair, saw Brenda Martinez win in 4:34.62 and upset Anna Pierce, who placed third in 4:39.97.

The 600-yard Men's distance race was thrown down battle between quarter milers and -400m hurdles specialists. The U.S. 2005 400m Hurdles World champion Bershawn "Batman" Jackson and of the 2009 World 400m, bronze medalist , Rennie Quow of Trinidad. Quow caught Jackson at the tape to win in a time of 1:11.20. Jackson finished second in 1:11.31, and Tabarie Henry of the U.S. Virgin Islands was third in 1:11.75.

Fantu Magiso of Ethiopia easily won the women's 800m in 2:07.54 as she outclassed the field.

The stand out in the field events saw the Americans wining two of the meet’s three field events. World champion Jesse Williams won the high jump at 2.29m. Shot Putter Ryan Whiting heaved 21.16m to beat three-time World indoor champion Christian Cantwell and 2005 World outdoor champion Adam Nelson.
Jillian Schwartz of Israel beat Jenn Suhr, the 2008 the U.S Olympic silver medalist in the pole vault at 4.52m.

President Obama Proposes New Rule for Provisional Waivers for Families

Safiya Byars, Esq. — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:01 UT

Anyone who is familiar with immigration cases is familiar with the argument that immigrants should just return home to acquire their status instead of trying to obtain legal status in the United States. Political figures, as well as organization against immigrants' rights, usually inform the public that undocumented immigrants need to simply return to their home country to be processed for permanent residence. Unfortunately, this is not 100% true. Anyone who has been faced with the realization that he must return home to complete the immigrant process now has to face the possibility of being barred from returning to the United States for 3 or 10 years. In order to avoid the 3 or 10 year bar individuals must submit a waiver petition at the US Consulate. The waiver is discretionary and it is approvable only if the individual can show that his United States citizen or permanent resident family would suffer extreme hardship if the individual did not immediately return to the United States. To an individual who is unfamiliar with the immigration laws the process of submitting a waiver and obtaining an approval seems to be a simple one. However, in reality these waivers are subjected to the discretion of the US Consulate and the approval rate of these waivers are low and inconsistent. However, recently President Obama's administration has recognized these inconsistencies in the waiver system and has proposed a new rule to help families who are trying to obtain legal status. This month's article will review the 3 and 10 year bar and President Obama's proposed changes.

Currently, some individual who entered the United Stated illegally or who overstayed their legal entry must leave the United States and return home in order to gain permanent based on their family petition. This process of completing the immigrant visa process is known as "Consular Processing." Immigration laws state that if an individual is illegally present in the United States for more than 6 months but less than 1 year that individual is barred from returning to the United States for 3 years. Likewise if an individual is illegally present in the United States for more than 1 year that individual is barred from returning to the United Stated for 10 years. The 3 or 10 year is triggered by the individual's departure from the United States. However, it is important to note that not everyone may be required to depart the United States to obtain permanent residence. As such, it is imperative that individuals first consult with a competent immigration attorney to determine if they can remain the United States to obtain permanent residence or if they must depart the United States. For individuals who are required to depart the United States they must file and obtain a waiver of their unlawful presence before they are allowed to return to the United States. In the waiver application the individual must convince the US Consulate that his United States citizen or permanent resident family members would suffer "extreme hardship." Unfortunately, the approval rate of these waivers are low and the results vary greatly depending on the location of the US Consulate. For example, my experience has shown that the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and Kingston Jamaica have lower approval rates of waiver petitions in comparison to other US Consulates in different countries. As such, based on these inconsistencies in the waiver process some individuals have opted to remain in the United States in illegal status rather than return home and risk being separated from their family for 3 or 10 years or permanently.

On Friday, January 6, 2012 the Obama administration officials announced they are proposing a fix to a Catch-22 in immigration law that could spare hundreds of thousands of American citizens from prolonged separations from illegal immigrant spouses and children. Now Immigration proposes to allow illegal immigrants to get a provisional waiver in the United States before they depart the United States to obtain their immigrant visas. Having the waiver in hand will allow them to depart knowing they almost certainly will be allowed to return. The agency is also seeking to cut down wait times for immigrants overseas to only a few weeks. Alejandro Mayorkas, the director of the agency, said the purpose was to relieve burdens on citizens while also streamlining a convoluted, costly process. Director Alejandro Mayorkas has stated that once the proposed rule is made final, the rule will allow family members of U.S. citizens to petition the government for the so-called hardship waiver before the undocumented immigrant returns home to formally apply for a U.S. visa. This proposed regulatory change will significantly reduce the time that U.S. citizens are separated from their spouses and children under certain circumstances while those family members are going through the process of obtaining visas to become legal immigrants to the United States. Its purpose is to minimize the extent to which bureaucratic delays separate Americans from their families for long periods of time, specifically in cases where a waiver of inadmissibility due to unlawful presence is required as part of the visa process.

It is important to note that presently the proposed rule is not yet law. Immigration has stated that no one should file an application based on this proposed change. Applicants must wait until the government formally adopts the change. Any applications filed with USCIS based on the proposal will be rejected and the application package returned to the applicant. There is no date certain for implementation. Also, it appears that the new pre-approval process would only be available for the waiver of unlawful presence bars. Those who also need waivers for bars triggered by criminal convictions or past fraud would have to continue to follow the old process where their waivers are submitted and adjudicated abroad.

We are currently in the process of reviewing cases that may benefit from the proposed rule. If you wish to learn more or to be notified once the proposed rule becomes law you may contact our firm.

Disclaimer: This article is a broad overview and is provided as a public service. This article is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. Any reliance on the information contained herein is taken at your own risk. The information provided in this article should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.

About the Writer:
Safiya Byars (sbyars@byarslawgroup.com) is the senior partner and owner in the Law Office of Safiya Byars (www.byarslawgroup.com). She is an active member of the Caribbean and International communities in Georgia. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Montevallo and received her law degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Her office is located at 160 Clairemont Avenue, Ste. 200, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Attorney Byars handles all immigration matters, deportation defense, family law issues, and business formation/litigation. To discuss you case, contact Attorney Byars at 404-992-6506 or 678-954-5809.

A Conversation Bruce Wayne Gillies producer/filmmaker of “Rude Boy” the Jamaican motion picture

X Murphy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:45:02 UT

This week interview filmmaker Bruce Wayne Gillies who is using crowd funding to underwrite the production of “Rude Boy” a Jamaican motion picture. Rude Boy is the coming-of-age story of Winston Brown who navigates the shanty town gangs, recording studios and government yards. Winston pioneers ska music into reggae celebrating his Rastafarian transformation and reaching rock star status.

How did the idea come about to do a film on Rude Boy?
RB: A few years back I was approached by the Jamaican group THE HEPTONES about writing a story about their struggle, reggae music and their oppressive experience growing up in Trench Town, Jamaica. Trench Town was a garbage dump before the government built public housing on the land - it is a portion of West Kingston - also known as Kingston 12 where many of the reggae artists grew up. In the early '60's police oppression and the British Commonwealth combined to keep the voice and music of a new generation from being heard. The music was a mixture of native mento and U.S. rhythm & blues from New Orleans and Miami drifting in late at night on transistor radios. This was the sixties - a lot was changing around the world and Jamaica mirrored this re-awakening by delivering revolutionary music, the spiritual reggae sound upon the world stage. These were mere kids – young teens navigating RUDE BOY battles and limited studio time to produce profound rebel music. I did much R&D and realized many groups followed the same path in Trench Town and composited all the characters - Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert, Barry Llewelyn, Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan, Dennis Brown, Don Drummond - into our lead Winston Brown. Another composite character is the Rastafarian wherein the Rasta drum beat plays a critical role in the sound and therefore affords the luxury of exploring this cultural phenomenon. The Rastafarians God, their Jah - H.I.M. Haile Sallasie I 1966 visit is depicted in the film - a second coming of Christ to the believers. The Heptones wanted their story that's never been heard to be told - and I certainly agree with them given that it's a natural Hero's Journey. Having had the script written prior to screening the Oscar© nominated film CITY OF GOD I was excited at how closely it resembled RUDE BOY back drop. It’s powerful, and the progression of the music from ska to rock steady to reggae even follows a natural three-act structure. The sub-text of The Heptones' motivation is 'maximum respect' for creating a music sound and beat that is basically the back-bone for modern day hip-hop & rap music. If you think about listening to 60's rock and roll - it's dated - but ska and rock steady and

Tell us about the film?
RB: This story has never been heard or told or seen. You sort of know Jim Morrison or Elvis all basically self-destructive – or – The Beatles & Motown sound. RUDE BOY rises above the cliché’ and pomp and circumstance and delivers a simple story about a complicated character facing true-to-life insurmountable hardships is triumphant. A spiritual – coming-of-age & a rites-of-passage dramatic musical epic – all-in-one. Not only has this story never been told but this music too has never been heard – it was banned from the radio in Jamaica. Plus, it wasn’t really played all that much once it was allowed – to hear it you had to go to the dancehalls – the ‘jump-ups’ . The Sound System dances in West Kingston ghettos was the place to be, a mountain of speakers blasting over-modulated music for dancers and RUDE BOYS! Ska music first broke in the UK in 1964 providing a much larger and diverse fan base in the European market and even finding it’s way to the South Pacific. The music wasn’t heard in the United States at all until finally reggae migrated onto America’s shore in late 1972 early ‘73 from Bob Marley’s Catch’a Fire LP. This was the first time reggae music was heard on the U.S. mainland and it caught fire with and remains revolutionary and associated with disenfranchised. RUDE BOY will most certainly increase general knowledge of this legendary story thereby finally affording MAXIMUM RESPECT to this spiritual music across all classes! A general appreciation of the music you hear in the malls. Perhaps, even lending a seismic shift in modern-music based on having modern-day recording stars re-record the soundtrack as a bonus soundtrack option. Not to mention, it’s an event movie – each time it premieres or shows in a festival – there will most certainly be Reggae Concert that follows with the original artists singing their own song from the soundtrack – just maybe – soon come.

When can we see the release of the film?
RB: This project has not been produced - it is in a funding development stage at present seeking support and like from a fan base.

Are you Jamaican? What is your connection to Jamaica?
RB: No, it is just by happenstance - but I gravitate towards great stories - and this is the greatest story never told! The Heptones are my main connection and this story, of course.

What is one of the main messages you wanted the film to convey ?
RB:Triumph-of-the-Spirit - a musical revolution that spread the world over - desrves maximum respect.

Tell us about the challenges of funding the film? How can crowd funding help?
RB: The hardest part about funding this story is the realization that there's a very good chance it may never see the light of day based on the cold shoulder Hollywood and UK funding sources and studio and independents have afforded. I see this as a brilliant no brainier but apparently I am the only one. I do ask your readers and followers and subscribers and fans perhaps embrace the project and promote it through their personal friends and family and so on. In the near future we plan to launch a crowd funding campaign that can perhaps solve our financial shortfall. I think crowd funding is simply brilliant. It’s a massive market correction that benefits both the audience member, who’s already pre-disposed to celebrate and appreciate a project, and the filmmaker desperate to fund their project. It’s a pre-sale to the consumer instead of the foreign sales distributor that you can then bank – crowd funding eliminates that middle man and is fairly fascinating in that respect. For instance, if a TV show can’t afford the $2M an episode budget based on advertising sales even though they have 4M fans that want the show saved tell your fans. 4M fans crowd fund $.50 per episode and their show will continue and you bank the advertising sales – fascinating! A pre-purchase - it’s akin to ordering a car at a dealership – you go in you tell them what color you want and a couple weeks later – it arrives. In this case it’s a couple more months, but the pre-purchase amount is considerably less than a car down payment – so you get the point. Waiting for a film executive or sales agent to cross collateralize your cast against pre-sales or debt financing based on budget and return-on-investment you can die a slow, excruciating indie film producer death. With Crowd sourced film financing the filmmaker goes directly to the base and it’s do-or-die and in a timely fashion – you get your answer. A positive by-product is the story concept is king rather than the cast member or director – we should filter out the clunkers and only fund the classics. With the global reach of the web – social media empowers your project to reach farther than ever before – limitless reach into every corner of the world. Every time I have shot overseas – I always find the local watering hole blasting reggae music – it’s inevitable. The trial & error period of how crowd funding can work continues right now for us and we see the model developing in phases of funding in order to reach a high-dollar goal. That is, over the course of the production there can be several phases of crowd funding campaigns that will eventually deliver a completed and professional project. For instance - phase one get’s a trailer shot & cut and some cast on board while phase two can deliver the crew and pre-production process and perhaps phase three is principal photography and so on. Whereby, all phases will derive benefit from a larger, third-party fan-base grown and fostered over the course of physically beginning the production process. Have these individual crowd funding phases and by including these crowd funding fans directly in the production process a mutual benefit is realized for exposure and complete co-mingling of ideas and expectations. A harbinger for direct distribution model is not far off too based on the current rapid acceleration of web speeds and host sites. Essentially your own movie channel – YouTube and others like it already provide this avenue right now. There could not be a more suitable option for crowd sourcing than RUDE BOY. RUDE BOY is a project that already has a demonstrative built in fan base for reggae music – or rock steady or ska – it’s a perfect example. Case-in- point as RUDE BOY holds the ‘most popular’ spot on film funds for now – its ability to attract these international reggae and indie film fans is pretty remarkable – and deserved of Maximum Respect!

What movie is on replay on your DVD?
RB: CITY OF GOD

Any advice for upcoming filmmakers?
RB: Get used to being told no but you don't have to accept that as the answer...

Visit the “Rude Boy” website to learn more. – rudeboymovie.com

Book Review: Mariana

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:30:02 UT

About the Book:
Mariana is a short novel by Vjange Hazle, a Caribbean writer residing in the United States. This powerful first time novel tells the story of Mariana, a young Englishwoman who arrives in colonial Jamaica as the wife of the much older Fernando Sykes. She meets with resistance from a strange people she struggles to understand. Sam-Sam, her husband's driver, comes to her rescue and the passion is ignited. In this island where people "love and hate with the same passion", and tropical nights are not only for sleeping, Mariana learns that love knows no boundaries.

Reviews:
"Vjange’s intricate story brings the rich ethnic and political history of the Caribbean’s biggest island together while creating realistic, familiar characters"- Colette Byfield

About the Author:
Vangella 'Vjange Hazle' Buchanan was born in Jamaica and migrated to the United States in 1989. She is a graduate of Mico Teachers' College in Jamaica, and has written and published numerous short stories and poems. Her collection of stories, 'Country Gal a Foreign' for which she did the illustrations, was published in 2003. Her short novel, Mariana was published in 2007. Her second novel The Dark Side of Darkness was published in 2009 and My Father and Other Disasters in 2010. This self-published author holds a B.A in English and an M.A. in Communication. She is an Adjunct Professor at Capital Community College and a Writing Associate at Goodwin College.

Buy the Book:
You can purchase "Mariana" online at: http://www.marianabooks.com/home

Interview with Zenesha Zenny Riley, assistant Director & Producer of the Jamaican documentary “ Hit me with Music"

X Murphy — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:00 UT

This week we interview Nicetime Productions Limited Productions Manager and Assistant Director/Producer, Zenesha Zenny Riley about their documentary on “ Hit me with Music”. Nice Time is a film company committed to capturing and documenting in film and music significant cultural and sports achievements of Jamaicans. Here is our conversation with Zenesha.

Zenesha is a very lovely and unique name. What is the history behind the name?
The history behind my name is a funny one, when my mother : Andria Hylton-Riley gave birth to me my dad had just Bought her a brand new color Television called Zenith at that time it was like A HD plasma tv, so she got excited, and thought what would she name her daughter? she couldnt call me ZENITH, since that was already taken by a TV, so I was called Zenesha, and since Back in the early 80's every ones child had a isha Or a sha, so Zenesha was created thats my name.

Where in Jamaica are you from?
I was born In St Ann, St Ann's Bay the Capital to be exact, the birth place of Bob Marley, Burning spears, Shabba Ranks, Marcus Gravey to name a few, I grew up in a small Rural community called Farm Town, In Discovery Bay St Ann.

How did you get started in film making?
I started doing films when I was introduced to it By Fernando Garcia Guereta a Spanish Business man, who Just simply loved Jamaica, Bob Marley and its Culture, I was in Entertainment management, Music and fashion at the time, and still is in a few of those, but ventured into making documentaries with Nando as he made me the head of Productions of his Company Nice Time Productions.

Tell us about the documentary Hit me with Music? What is about?
30 years after Bob Marley’s death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved to produce a new genre,

Dancehall. Anywhere, at any time, tunes created by artistes from the ghetto fill the island’s soundscape. They tell the story of a society whose reality

is marked by violence and poverty. Through the protagonists of this documentary you'll get to know Dancehall and what it is about.

A diverse group of individuals, including Yellowman, the original King of Dancehall, talks of the context in which these songs are born and what the phenomena represent in their life and the lives of many supporters. Hit me with music presents and represents the urban street culture and lifestyle that fuels and is born out of the new music of young Jamaicans, and captures the elements of dance which form an integral part of nightlife in Kingston.

The Dancehall phenomena is unstoppable in Jamaica and the rest of the world, and continues to highlight the realities

of life for poor Jamaicans, in spite of the efforts of the Jamaican government to attract tourists by hiding this reality behind its “Jamaica No Problem” image.

Artistes, dancers, music producers, schoolchildren and the youths on the street explain the content of the polemic Dancehall lyrics and the

lifestyle created by the music. The Gully – Gaza clash between supporters of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, the controversial subject of “Daggering” and

the reasons why people bleach their skin, are all explored in this documentary.
We’ll also get to know about the dreams and hopes of the majority of the poor and underprivileged people in Jamaica.

Where did the idea come from to make this documentary?

Spanish selector kamikaze from Kiki sound was doing a few recordings in Jamaica, we were shooting "why do Jamaicans run so fast" at that time.

Since we love dancehall also, it became our aim to show our view about what dancehall means for Jamaicans, especially for those living in poor comunities.

We felt that there was a lot of good documentaries about reggae, but dancehall deserved to have its own space.

The title is from the Bob Marley song. Is there a connection you are trying to make with foundation reggae and dancehall with this title?
Fernando always had in his mind an interview made with Bob Marley for a reggae documentary. While playing football, Bob was asked what

was the meaning of reggae, he told the interviewer that "reggae is the music and beat of the ghetto". That was a wonderful inspiration for us as Bob marley fans. Today dancehall is still the music of the ghetto, theres no question about that.

If there is one thing you want audiences to take away from this documentary, what would it be?
For me the nicest thing about dancehall is that it brings joy to the people of the ghetto and rural surroundings, even though we know there is a lot of controversy about Certain aspects on dancehall music, when we see the people dance to it we feel good.

They say documenting culture in film is a learning experience. What is the one thing you learned about dancehall/Jamaican culture from doing this documentary?
We learn that when you dont have many chances in this hard society music is like a healing process for the spirits of those who suffer, and dancing is an

art of expression its extremely powerful.

Do you think Jamaicans are doing enough to document their culture?
Before I thought not, but being in the film Industry you see that there are a lot of potential Jamaican producers and directors,who tries to tell there stories of the culture. Maybe because there are not much funding opportunities in Jamaica to facilitate their production budgets, you don't see enough, but In time I believe there will be more doors open to document our culture. The NLJ-National Library of Jamaica, has played their part in trying to document and collect as much as they can to preserve the culture and its existence. And Nice time productions ensures that All documentaries done by us, is donated to the NLJ.

Has the documentary been entered in any film fests? Has it won any awards?

Yes we have entered it in to TIFF Trinidad and Tobago film festival, and we have won, Best Documentary and The peoples choice Award.

Hit me with music has been screened and premiered in several countries.

Jamaica.

East End Film Festival- London UK

Norient Music Film festival- Bern,Switzerland

Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Italy

African Film festival - legos Nigeria

Malcom x blvd New york, USA

Pan African film festival,Los Angeles, USA : in February

Just to name a few.

Documentaries always struggle with financing as is not for commercial distribution. How was that film financed?

The film has been financed by the CEO of the company, Fernando Garcia Guereta

Tell us more about Nicetime Productions Limited Productions goal of capturing Jamaican culture on film?
Nice Time gets a lot of inspiration from Jamaican Culture, and we are determined to make the whole world know more about it, we have

realized that there is something about our Jamaican culture that caption the attention of fans all over the world.

How well did the project on “Why Jamaican run so fast” did? Any new awards?

WDJRSF was successful, We have won 4 International awards

1,The “GUIRLANDE D’HONNOUR” at the Milano International Ficts Festival 2009 (Italy)
2.“BEST FILM & BEST DIRECTOR” at the Sport Film Festival Palermo 2009 (Italy),
3.1st place in the category SPORTS AND SOCIETY at the Atlant International Ficts Film festival 2010 (Russia)
4.BEST OLYMPIC MOVIE at the BCN Ficts Film festival Barcelona 2010 (Spain)

Any plans for the Olympics?

The Olympics: Plans are already in high gear as 2 major airline companies will commence to show WDJRSF: British Air ways and lufthansa, starting

in February, we are in preparations to merge with an athletic magazine called Runners world to do a spread and add a bonus DVD & CD of WDJRSF and Authentic reggae and dance hall music for each edition.

Our Executives and legal Administration are also making talks to merge with the Ministry of Sports Youth and culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna and JAMPRO to prepare and coordinate different activities in the London Olympics.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

Yes, our most present project is called " Songs of Redemption.

Songs of redemption is a documentary about The rehabilitation process through music.

Please see link Jamaica Gleaner for more details.

With the emergence of technology movies are copied and distributed illegally on flash drives. Many will say that this practice is quite popular in Jamaica and worldwide. Do you see this as a threat to your film making or do you see opportunity?
We are aware of it, but we understand we live in a technological society, we understand a lot of people cant afford to pay for dvds so we try our best to find different ways

to finance our projects, trying to stop technology is a waste of time. We think some big companies have been stealing peoples money for a long time. We are little but we tallawah.

Are you doing any work for the celebration of Jamaica 50?

We are negotiating our presence in Jamaican 50th anniversary during London Olympic games.

What are you most “proudest” about with Jamaica turning 50 years old?

We are still alive and working to be better in how we do business, trade and understands the international language, how we handle national security

and how we protect whats ours - Brand Jamaica. As our generation gap expands and changes and technology improves, That little rock that Jamaica sits on has improved, I have only lived 27 years on it, some of it there some of it in Europe, but from the History I know and where we are comming from,

Im very proud of its achievements, In music, world Number one In sports ( Athletics), in Education, technology and culture.

50 years as an independent nation might seem Long in the eyes of some, but we still have a far way to go.

Learning from our mistakes as a nation and working towards improving a better quality of life for the poor and recovering from years of piracy and corruption, so Im most proud about our strength and determination.

Thanks for the interview. Any final thoughts?

U a go tyaad fe watch our movies, cant tek we outta di race, Jamaica to di world.

Book Review - DanceHall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

About the Book:
DanceHall combines cultural geography, performance studies and cultural studies to examine performance culture across the Black Atlantic. Taking Jamaican dancehall music as its prime example, DanceHall reveals a complex web of cultural practices, politics, rituals, philosophies, and survival strategies that link Caribbean, African and African diasporic performance.

Combining the rhythms of reggae, digital sounds and rapid-fire DJ lyrics, dancehall music was popularized in Jamaica during the later part of the last century by artists such as Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Beenie Man and Buju Banton. Even as its popularity grows around the world, a detailed understanding of dancehall performance space, lifestyle and meanings is missing. Author Sonjah Stanley Niaah relates how dancehall emerged from the marginalized youth culture of Kingston’s ghettos and how it remains inextricably linked to the ghetto, giving its performance culture and spaces a distinct identity. She reveals how dancehall’s migratory networks, embodied practice, institutional frameworks, and ritual practices link it to other musical styles, such as American blues, South African kwaito, and Latin American reggaetòn. She shows that dancehall is part of a legacy that reaches from the dance shrubs of West Indian plantations and the early negro churches, to the taxi-dance halls of Chicago and the ballrooms of Manhattan. Indeed, DanceHall stretches across the whole of the Black Atlantic’s geography and history to produce its detailed portrait of dancehall in its local, regional, and transnational performance spaces.

Abstract
Black musics and their corresponding practices have deeper continuities than movement, musical and celebratory patterns. Crucially, these continuities have not been explored by research conducted within such disciplines as ethno-musicology, geography or cultural studies. This paper expands data (gathered over twelve years' participation in Jamaica's Dancehall performance and over five years of research), and analyzes its applicability to other Black performance genres. Essentially, by analyzing Dancehall's macro and micro-spatialities, spatial categories, philosophies and systems were revealed, thereby delineating what this author identifies as performance geography. It is the delineation of performance geography within black performance practices from the middle passage slave ship, as in Limbo, the slave ship dance, to urban ghettoes as in Kingston's Dancehall and South Africa's Kwaito that occupies this paper. It sees performance geography as an integral and unexplored dimension of cultural studies and cultural geography and expands the definitions of cultural geography and performance studies to include the way people living in particular locations give those locations identity through performance practices. More specifically, I see performance geography as a mapping of the locations used, types and systems of use, politics of their location in relation to other sites and other practices, the character of events / rituals in particular locations, and the manner in which different performances / performers relate to each other within and across different cultures.

Reviews:
Music is constantly changing and evolving through the years. "DanceHall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto" analyzes the development of DanceHall, which has both spawned a cultural movement as well as a new genre and effect on music. The styles it developed from range from American blues to reggae, and how it is linked strongly to the Jamaican ghettos of today. With connections to the growing black culture overall throughout the Americas, "DanceHall" is a fascinating and scholarly look at the music and its tie to Jamaican culture. - By Midwest Book Review

"DanceHall is a fascinating and scholarly look at [dancehall] music and its tie to Jamaican culture." - The Midwest Book Review "Stanley Niaah's knowledge of the elements of dancehall over the last two decades... is firsthand and encyclopaedic. Much of the value of this book is to be found in the way it documents the details of a culture so swiftly moving that it can seem impossible to document at all." -- The Caribbean Review of Books

About the Author:
The inaugural Rhodes Trust Rex Nettleford Fellow in Cultural Studies (2005) and a Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at Mona, Sonjah Stanley Niaah has been teaching and researching Black Atlantic performance geographies, ritual, dance, popular culture and the sacred, cultural studies theory and Caribbean cultural studies for many years. She is the author of Dancehall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto (2010, University of Ottawa Press), and editor of "I'm Broader than Broadway: Caribbean Perspectives on Producing Celebrity' (Wadabagei, Vol. 12: 2, 2009). Stanley Niaah is a leading author on Jamaican popular culture, and Caribbean Cultural Studies more broadly, having published over twenty articles and book chapters in numerous journals and edited collections locally, regionally and internationally. Dr Stanley Niaah currently serves as Vice Chair of the international Association for Cultural Studies for which she coordinated the first conference held in the Southern Hemisphere at the UWI in 2008. A Jamaican nationalist and Caribbean regionalist at heart, she is involved in efforts to promote national and regional development through her work as Assistant Chief Examiner for the Caribbean Examination Council Advanced Proficiency Examination in Caribbean Studies, and her service on the board of the Museums Division of the Institute of Jamaica. She is the Editor of Proudflesh: Journal of Afrikan Politics and Culture, Associate Editor of Wadabagei: A Journal of the Caribbean and its Diasporas, and serves on the editorial boards of serveral others.
Email: sonjah.stanley-at-uwimona.edu.jm

Buy the Book:
Purchase DanceHall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto at Amazon.com.

Next Stop, Jamaica - One corporate employee’s perspective on Lifestyle Design

Akilah S. Richards — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

Don’t think of ways to escape your life; think of ways to enhance it.

Seriously—have you ever considered the absurdity behind the idea of a “vacation”?

Essentially, most of us have bought into the idea that being a “responsible adult” means letting go of longtime dreams, getting a “real job” (hello, cubicle nation!), and taking a few weeks off per year to laze about in a new city, trying to forget about what we do with vast majority of our time.

But what’s the alternative? Be a beach bum, or worse yet move back home with your mom so you can mooch off of her, and get by in life with minimal effort?

Far from it. Take a peek into the daily goings-on of an accomplished research engineer who currently calls IBM her primary employer. She’s a firm believer in the “life’s too short not to” philosophy, and she’s putting her money (and her luggage) behind that idea too. April’s lifestyle offers a valuable reminder that it is in fact possible to design a life that feeds you, paychecks and passions included.

Corporate Desk or Kola Champagne?

How exactly does a research engineer with a great career in IBM’s marketing department end up sipping Red Stripe beer in Jamaica and veggin’ out on the beach?

Don’t ask April D. Thompson, because the travel writer and marketing consultant may be living in Jamaica for a 3-month period, but she’s got plenty of work to keep her occupied in between capoeira classes in Kingston.

“My time in in JA isn’t just one big vacation. I’m still working…on several projects (a girl’s gotta eat), but taking every opportunity to explore and learn more about the island and its people.“

April’s business savvy and proven track record allowed her to negotiate a remixed version of her role at IBM that allows her to work primarily from home. That means she can globe-trot to hear heart’s content, as long as she’s getting her work done—and that she does.

As a lifestyle coach (and as a Jamaican!), I was absolutely drawn to April’s capacity to design a life that fit her need to embrace a 100% location independent lifestyle, particularly because she’s spending nearly the full first quarter of 2012 in Jamaica.

Sounds like the stuff of the dreams-only zone, right? Not for April—and she’s definitely not alone. There are a growing number of twenty and thirty-somethings that ditched the suit-and-tie/picket fence life for the welcomed cacophony of experiences that come with location independence.

What does it mean?

Location independence, life-hacking, life outsourcing, … the list of synonyms goes on.

Author Tim Ferriss penned his much-celebrated New York Times Best Seller,The 4-Hour Work Week

, back in 2007, and that’s when the term “location independence” first hit my radar. Since then, I’ve come across dozens of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and writers who’ve adopted the lifestyle. At its core, the concept is pretty simple:

Being location independent is a concept, a lifestyle and, more than anything, it’s a mindset. It’s not just about being nomadic and travelling the world to exotic destinations. It’s a lifestyle based on the freedom to choose the kind of lifestyle that works for YOU. From wherever you choose to be.

- LocationIndependent.com

In 2010, April made the decision to “quit the life” and commit to the ultimate goal of full location independence. So far, April has worked and played in 19 countries, and she doesn’t plan to stop there. Her work-life flow allows her to prioritize her personal and professional goals, and she’s etching out a fine name for herself as an emerging travel writer as well.

Is This Sustainable?

Well, April’s not scrubbing floors to fund her lifestyle. Neither are Chris Guillebeau, Tim Ferriss, and the myriad other “responsible adults” who swapped their daily commute in highway traffic for coach class tickets to new countries.

Not convinced? Luckily, this article wasn’t meant to inspire you to walk into your job tomorrow and dare your boss to do or say one wrong thing. Instead, it’s simply meant to remind you that if your current life isn’t feeding your deepest needs, then perhaps you can take one step in the direction of a life that does.

Be it location independence, a better 9-to-5, a healthier body, or a happier relationship, you play an integral role in that life. So go ahead, give it some thought, check out April’s blog , and see if you can release the need to vacate your life in order to truly enjoy it.

Curious about how other Location Independent folks earn their dough?

Check this out for starters:http://www.corbettbarr.com/64-ways-location-independent-people-earn-a-living

Can I sell land in Jamaica using a common law title?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

Dear Legal,

I would like to sell some land in Jamaica that was passed from my grandmother to my mother and now to me. The title I have is a common law title in my grandmother's name, and both my grandmother and mother have died. I would love to get a title from that common law title if it is needed. My aunt paid taxes till she died, and then I began paying the taxes up till now. None of my relatives are interested and I have letters from them saying so. Please help.

RESPONSE:

Dear MW

You can sell property using the common law title, but remember that the Registration of Titles Act places an onus on you, the Vendor to supply the Purchaser with a registered title. You will need further direction as the title is in your grandmother's name and the process to registering title, and selling property, can be complicated for someone with only basic knowledge. Our team can assist you further.

Here we will discuss common law title, obtaining registered title, and buying/selling land with the same.

ABOUT COMMON LAW TITLE In JAMAICA

A common law title is a certificate which is used for unregistered property. It can be used to upgrade to or obtain the actual registered land title at the National Land Agency (NLA). Please bear in mind that The Registered Titles Act stipulates that the originally created registered land title be retained at the office of Land and Titles, while ‘landowners’ are entitled to duplicates.

As a Deed of Conveyance, it is a legal document prepared under seal by an attorney-at-law, containing an agreement where there is conveyance or transfer of property from one person to another. It can also be bought at stationary stores islandwide.

The common law title usually contains:

- premises that are being conveyed

- the particulars of the parties. This is the details on the vendor and the purchaser and the considerations for the property, including the amount of money that the property is being sold for.

The common law title MUST:

- be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or notarised by a Notary Public

- must be recorded at the Registrar Generral’s Department (RGD)

STEPS TO TAKE WHEN APPLYING FOR REGISTERED LAND TILE WITH COMMON LAW TITLE:

When seeking the registered title with the common law title other documents you will additionally need are;

- an application form

- an affidavit setting out the details of how the land was obtained

- two declarations from persons who have known the land for at least 30 years

- an up-to-date tax certificate indicating that payment of property taxes is current.

- any and all other documents that can prove ownership, such as receipts, conveyance or probate, should also be produced

WARNING:

1. If the parcel of land is being registered by reference to a survey plan, then it will be necessary to submit a pre-checked survey plan, along with the application.

2. If the description of the property is not by survey plan, then the description of the land should be by measurement and boundary (estimated description). It should be noted however, that the distance must be stated in metric units (more or less) along each boundary line and the estimated area of the entire parcel should also be stated in metric..

3. If the property was obtained by way of a will, probate is required

For this you will need to submit the documents relating to that particular estate, for example the Probate Document and the Estate Duty Certificate

BENEFITS OF COMMON LAW TITLE include:

You can secure a loan from lending institutions, such as co-operative societies and the National Housing Trust (NHT), using a common law title.

Under The Facilities for Titles Act "The National Housing Trust does accept a common law title, for certain specific loans. Bear in mind that you will also need to establish the root of the title via the Statutory Declarations form.

SELLING PROPERTY

Please see relevant links on this site about buying and selling property.

Hope this helps. Please contact the team for any further detailed assistance.

A conversation with Menelik Shabazz the creator, director and producer of the documentary film Lovers Rock

X Murphy — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:35:00 UT

This week we interview Menelik Shabazz the creator, director and producer of the documentary film Lovers Rock. The documentary tells the story of how Lovers Rock music defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s hugely impacting on British Pop Culture. The feature length documentary contains interviews, comedy sketches, dance, live performances and archive footage which are used to shed light on the music and the generation that embraced it. Here is our conversation with Menelik Shabazz.

How did the idea come about to do a film on Lovers Rock?

The Story of Lover’s Rock came about as a result of seeing an advert in our community newspaper about The Lovers Rock Gala Awards organised by Castro Brown. This Awards event featured over 20 acts who were the real Kings and Queens of the genre what struck me was that it was the first time and only time that so many of these artists had come together. To me this was a historic moment that had to be captured. This was the spark that started the journey to make a film.

In the documentary one is lead to believe that Lover Rock genre originated in the UK. There are many in Jamaica that may dispute that. What would you say to those critics?
Lover’s Rock is a UK genre of romantic reggae that is defined by it’s harmony structure, girl power and it’s UK context. British reggae was seen as softer than Jamaican reggae. and this difference found expression in lovers music, drawing on influences from the US 70s, Philly sound. Later on Jamaican artists like Dennis Brown, Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaac and others came to England to embrace this lovers style. Of course there is a history of Jamaican reggae love songs, that pre-date lovers Rock but this was dominated by male artists whilst in the UK the female artists where the ones in front which had a strong impact in defining the genre.

In what countries has the film premiered?

The film has been premiered in the UK and US so far.

How has it received by these audiences?

The audiences have been loving the film, quite a few has seen it more than once. I the film rolls back the years taking people back to a time of first love, going out raving - a sweet spot in time for many. The film is in the top six UK box office for documentary films which is significant for this type of film.

Will the documentary be entered in any film festivals?

It has entered a few Festivals and where asked it will go but Festivals are not at the top of my list. I am more concerned with getting the film in the cinemas and doing business rather look for festival plaudits.

How long was it from concept to production?

The film has taken me three years to make. I financed it myself along with the support of a lot of people. I had to take my time on this project but it is also been an empowering experience.

What was the earliest Lover Rock song you could find ?
In the film, Caught You in a Lie by Louisa Marks is seen as the defining moment, even though the term was not used then. This song had an assertive and confident feel that even though the lyrics are sad it somehow transcended into empowerment for many women, who still sing that song today. There were other artists even before Louisa but there is always a song that defines any genre and Louisa’s track was it.

Who are some of the unsung heroes of this genre?

There are so many. Artists like Carol Thompson, Jean Adebambo, Winston Reedy, Brown Sugar, I could go on and on, there are producers like Dennis Bovell, Len Chin, Clem Bushay, the musicians like Drummie and Tony Gad from Aswad, Black Steel, there were so many talented musicians who raised the bar as far reggae music. These players, singers and producers like the genre itself has never received the recognition in the UK yet they influenced British pop. It was in places like Japan especially that Lovers Rock really took off and has become an international brand.

As a Bajan what made you in made you interested in reggae music?

I came to London since the age of 6 and was socialised with Jamaicans from that time like others from different Islands reggae was our music it was the music we could hold on to in an hostile and racially charged environment. So I grew up with Ska, Eock Steady and reggae. This became was our identity in the concrete jungle.

What is one of the main message you wanted the film to convey ? Do you think this genre of music continues to influence British culture?

The main message in the film is to bring back the love that we have lost. Looking back helps us to move forward. I want our young to know our story, what we created, what we achieved and also understand the struggles we went through. The film is not just about the music, it combines comedy, dance added to the confrontations we had being black in a white world. We in the UK and black people need more love because we are in spiritual and emotional dis-array. This is reflected in the way our children are behaving. We can’t blame the youths. We need more love!

They say that creating films and documentaries is like sitting in a classroom learning about your subject. What are some of the thing you have learned doing this film?

The process of making film whether doc or fiction teaches you about yourself. There have been challenges on this film financially when you think that the road you are trodding has no end. Your mental state is important because it is that that gives you insight, strength, courage and belief that things will manifest in your favour. I also give thanks to my God and my Ancestors because we never go through alone. It was also whether after a break of 14 years away from film whether I could still make films and make them at a certain standard. I learnt that I can!

What other projects do you have planned for 2012?

I do have some film projects I want to do but at the moment I am working on a small theatre play that has become my latest obession. I have never done theatre before so it a little bit of a detour but the joy of being back on your creative path gives you the passion to try anything. Film projects take years of your life and after 3 years making THE STORY OF LOVERS ROCK, I am just taking my time.

Do you make New Years Resolutions?

New Resolutions – No . I am learning to take life as it comes.

What song is on replay on your iPod?

The song on my Ipod – is Living in the Light a track by Fertile Ground.

What movie is on replay on your DVD?

The movie I am currently watching is an old Hitccock movie The Paradine Case

Any advice for upcoming filmmakers?

Advice to new filmmakers is – fortune favours the brave

Thanks for the interview and we wish you the best in the future.

Can Legal Wiz team help us get a title, if the lamp program didnt?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Dear Legal Wiz,

Love your work here. My dad has a piece of land in Lyssons, St. Thomas that he wants the title transferred from his deceased mother into his name. He tried through the LAMP program, and it reached a point where it needs a survey done. He secured the services of a surveyor, but apparently was being swindled and terminated the agreement after lengthy delays. Could you assist in securing the title in his name, and what would you estimate as the turnaround time and applicable fees.

Antuan Hall

Dear Antuan Hall,

We could very well assist.

Please understand that our fees will be separate and apart, as our team operates independent of the LAMP programme. We therefore ask that you provide more details to avoid having to pay twice for tasks already completed.

1. Does a title in fact exist? (You indicated wanting a transfer of title, but also indicated a need for a survey to be done.)

2. Are you aware of all that required to start the application process for a title?

3. Is it correct to assume the survey is all you need from the requirement list, to start procedures?

Once you provide these answers you will be given a list of stages, fees applicable, proposed turn around time. Please communicate further at legalwiz@yahoo.com to have persons assigned to give you personal assistance.

Legal Wiz

Tags: LAMP

Exposing Public Servants

Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:20:00 UT

There is a growing wave of disrespect for decent, hard working citizens of America in this country by Public Servants. No one is quite sure how it started or where they got their "power" or "bravado" from, however, if anyone has had to deal with clerks, customer service representatives or anyone who provides a necessary service, this article will ring close to home.

Most people who are in sales positions or who provide customer care assistance are trained primarily by books and manuals. Occasionally, they are trained with practical experience, before they are set loose on the general public to perform their tasks. Some of these individuals do not realize that when they are doing their jobs, their major function is to make the customer feel better or at least experience piece of mind when the call or encounter has ended.

Instead, most of these Public Servants would rather be argumentative, accusatory and misuse their authority to belittle the customer. All these tactics make the customers feel aggravated, exasperated and non-productive, because at the end of the calls or encounters they did not accomplish their goals. However, they managed to get their blood pressures soaring at outrageous limits.

I have been in the throes of dealing with such individuals and the task requires an athletic championship mindset in order to deal with their unreasonable attitudes. After many hours of meditation and reflection, I have found the answer to their "impossible" tactics.

The individuals who call themselves "Public Servants", whether they are, phone representatives, member care personnel or customer service representatives, they subject customers to such rigorous mind games because they are poorly trained. It is easier for them to harang, berate and irritate a customer or client, rather than find solutions or just do their job in a pleasing manner. They lack the ability to think outside of the box, because they treat all customers the same, via the teachings of their manuals.

To them, there is no grey area or specialized circumstances. Everyone is lumped into the same "No Help" category and shoved to the side.

They fail to realize that all human beings may have a different set of circumstances and require a little more understanding, special handling, or good follow through.

It has been my observation that the individuals that corporations seek to represent their companies only care about filling up their hours in order to collect a paycheck, however, during the course of the day, the only persons they have helped is themselves.

The little old lady who calls about a dispute on her bill gets the ring-around-the rosey, until she becomes frenetic. Although, she may know that her issues are well founded, they manage to traumatize the old lady so much, that she would rather acquiesce to their billing extortions, as opposed to going into combat with them.

The foreigners who don't speak any english or very little, become downtrodden and worn out from their unprofessional system. They just give up and rather let their accounts go to the dogs. Then we wonder why the economy is in shambles....?

If decent citizens are being ripped of daily in small increments, whether it is a cable, light or phonebill, eventually the wells are going to run dry. I have found that most people would rather put up with their conniving nonsense, instead of standing up and fighting for what is right and true.

The Corporations that are making great strides in today's floundering economy are not doing so in a mode of Integrity. They are surviving beyond their competitors because they have learned the art of extortion and have employed seemingly innocent thugs to do their dirty work for them.

Meanwhile, folks who have worked hard to earn their money and life savings are watching their lifestyles dwindle away because they are being "cowed down" by Public Servant Mafiosos.

Unless you are willing to go the distance with these individuals they will keep bankrupting your lives, mismanaging your financial information and data, and before you know it, your lives will be ruined. It will all seem legitimate and logical because they have managed to finagle paperwork so well, that you, the customer, will come off looking like a raving, stark, mad lunatic and the little men in the white jackets will be waiting to cart you off to a Sanitorium.

As a Jamaican and citizen of this world, I believe there is power in numbers and if each of us stand-up to these ill trained individuals and corporations and say , "We are not taking this disrespectful, callous, unprofessional treatment anymore!"

They will have no choice but to remediate their methods and revert to the "old school" way of conducting business. Therefore, I urge all good citizens of America and the world to rant, rave and misbehave, because that is the only way your fortunes will be saved!

Let's all exude a bit of the "Fighting Irish" personna to conquer these immoral fiends!

Tags: Exposing Public Servants

Immigration: New Year and New Immigration Amnesty for 2012?

Safiya Byars, Esq. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Happy New Year to Everyone. With the start of 2012 everyone is concerned with the status of immigration laws. In 2011 we saw the enactment of some draconian and controversial immigration laws in Arizona, Georgia, and Alabama. We also saw increased activism for immigrants' rights. However, despite the efforts of immigrant activists we have yet to see comprehensive immigration reform from the federal government. So what will happen in 2012? The future of immigration reform is uncertain. However, what remains is that everyone must do everything they can do to maintain or obtain legal status and prepare for immigration reform/amnesty. In this month's article I will briefly address some immigration questions that are asked by prospective clients.

Question 1: I came to the United States on a visitor's visa in 2007. I am applied for an extension of my visa and it was granted until 2008. I am not married but my employer now wants to petition for me so that I can have legal status and work full-time. How can I do this?
Answer: In order to change status from a visitor's visa to a work visa you must be in current legal status. For example in order to change status your current status must still be valid. Whenever you enter the United States on a visitor's visa Immigration usually gives you a white I-94 card. You are then authorized to remain in the United States until the date indicated on the I-94 card. If you remain in the United States beyond that date you are now in illegal status and therefore ineligible to change status while in the United States. In addition, if you remain in the United States beyond your authorized stay you will begin to accrue unlawful presence.

Question 2: What is unlawful presence?
Answer: Unlawful presence simply means that you are present in the United States without Immigration authorization. Unlawful presence can be applied to individual who initially legally entered the United States and others who entered the United States illegally. For the purpose of this article I will limit my response to individuals who initially legally entered the United States, pursuant to their visa or visa waiver program, and then overstayed their status. For individuals who entered the United States in legal status but then overstayed unlawful presence begins to accrue once they have overstayed their authorized stay as indicated by Immigration. Individuals should strive to avoid unlawful presence because it could result in a 3 or 10 year bar from returning to the United States, deportation, and/or ineligibility for a change of status and other immigration benefits.

Question 3: What is the 3 of 10 year bar?
Answer: If you have accrued unlawful presence of more than 6 months but less than 1 year and you depart the United States you will barred from returning to the United States for 3 years. Likewise if you have accrued unlawful presence of 1 year or more and you depart the United States you will be barred from returning to the United States for 10 years. This means that if you leave the United States and you apply overseas to obtain another visa or to apply for permanent resident status the U.S Consulate is authorized to deny your request simply because you are subject to the 3 or 10 year bar. Some individuals may be eligible for a waiver of the 3 or 10 year bar. However, the waiver is not automatic and it is granted solely at the discretion of Immigration.

Question 4: Can I be deported simply because I overstayed my visa?
Answer: The short answer is yes. Anyone who is the United Status in illegal status is subject to deportation at any time. Individuals who initially entered the United States in legal status but then overstayed their status is considered to be in illegal status. In 2011 the Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued its legal memorandum on prosecutorial discretion. However, prosecutorial discretion is discretionary. In addition, a number of immigration attorneys have found that despite the memorandum ICE has not changed their practice of removal. As such, I would not rely on Immigration to exercise discretion in any removal proceeding.

A Conversation wtih Yola Gray-Baker the Fashion designer and CEO of House of Flayva

X Murphy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:35:00 UT

This week we interview Yola Gray-Baker the Fashion designer and CEO of House of Flayva. House of Flayva is known for their street life designs which, draws from Jamaican culture and the vibrant colors of the Caribbean. Yola Gray-Baker was the 2010 Saint International's Avante Garde winner.Here is our conversation with Yola.

Where in Jamaica are you from?
I am originally from St. Mary in Jamaica, but currently reside with my husband in Stony Hill overlooking the city of Kingston.

What inspired you to create House of Flayva and where does the name come from?
My inspiration – OK – Street Life/Hobo – yes. Originally my designs were inspired by street people wear - tucked, pinned, tied, draped. There was no need to sew. I took a piece of fabric and tied it, wrapped it, do whatever you want to do with it to make it look sexy and classy into a great garment. Could make up a garment in 5 minutes. None of my fabric goes to waste. Left over pieces are always being used for patching or striping or whatever. Very simple. Have a Carnaby Street image – whimsical, floaty, conservatively revealing and edgy.

How many lines of clothing do you currently have under the label?
Mostly ladies resort wear but am currently working on a “T”weed shirt collection as well as a beach wedding collection. The “T”weed meaning T/shirt with the ganja weed logo. Ironically these will carry inspirational messages – won’t tell you any more. You will have to wait to see the outcome.
The beach wedding is a “Flash it then Trash it” collection in which the couple can jump in the ocean after their “I dos” and not worry that they have on $50,000 wedding garments and is worried about messing it up in the salt water. By the way, I will be doing the groom’s wear as well.

You recently launched a rasta color line. What was the inspiration behind the line?
From time to time I launch a different line – always using the rasta colors and lifestyle as my inspiration. For one, they are always a good sell, but also I will never forget my Caribbean roots. I am not a rasta myself but I do like the naturalness and down to earth (literally) nature of their lifestyle.
The calmness of the Caribbean sea will also always be an inspiration to my pieces.

When did you first fall in love with fashion?
I think as a child growing up I always had a love for it as my aunt, with whom I lived in the rural St. Mary sewed for all the women in the district and at age 10 I made my first dress. Plus I am artistically gifted in so many other areas so it’s a natural.

How would you describe your own personal style?
My own personal style is first and foremost – comfortably edgy, classy and unique.

Describe your fashion mission?
Always make a statement – I guess you can say it’s my Mission Statement – I think I will do a Collection called MISSION STATEMENT. Thanks for the idea.

Which designers do you love right now?
Nicole Miller, Tracey Reese, Jason Wu

Anything we should look out for from you in the coming weeks/months/year?
Definitely my Wedding Collection and a Collection I’m in the process of creating to commemorate Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence. I hope to do a show in Florida for the commemoration – am not sure exactly when this show is, I think in June. I will be doing New York Fashion Week later on in the year. Am also launching the beach wedding collection at a show in Orlando in March for a “'Beautiful Brides” magazine.

A phrase you use far too often?"
I don’t think I have one.

What food brings your comfort when you are disappointed?
None, my stomach gets in a knot and I can’t eat. It’s the reality of a perfectionist. If it’s not right I worry and lose my appetite.

Fashion tip for 2012?
Dare to bare and take the plunge.

In a nutshell, your philosophy is?
When you love another for who they are,
whatever they do or think is irrelevant.
Welcome to the Reality of God.

Thanks for the interview. Any closing thoughts?
Judging is not a problem. Judging is innocent.
It is when you judge your judgment and believe it,
that is when judging becomes a problem for you.

Post Event Review - Ms. Jamaica Universe 2011, Shakira Martin, Toy Drive for children in Jamaica

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

On Friday, December 2nd, 2011 I had the opportunity to sit with the reigning Ms. Jamaica Universe 2011, twenty-five year old Shakira Martin. The Jamaican-born Florida beauty was at the Grand Palms in Pembroke Pines, collecting items for her Toy Drive for children in Jamaica. From the moment the interview began I felt as if I was catching up with an old friend. Ms. Martin sat every bit with poise and grace of a beauty queen while managing to make me feel very relaxed.

Shakira’s platform for the competition is sickle cell anemia awareness, a cause she champions at every opportunity. When asked why she wanted to start a research clinic in Nigeria, Shakira explained that the disease was first discovered there. While Jamaica has its own research clinic, there was no direct link with Nigeria. She felt having a clinic there might give more insight to the disease and aid in finding a cure. She immediately told of her personal fight with the disease having been diagnosed at 3 months old. Support groups in Jamaica have reached out to her as she continues her campaign.

School has always been a challenge for her. Due to her many absences teachers were not always accommodating and she was forced to interrupt her studies while at Broward College. However, after her reign she will resume her studies as a Hospitality Management major at Nova Southeastern University.

Since her return from Brazil in September for the Ms. Universe pageant, Shakira has been busy travelling, raising awareness about the disease. She’s excited about upcoming projects in the pipeline for the duration of her reign, however, with a smile didn’t want to spill any secrets.

Her decision to enter the competition was as a result of encouragement from her friend Yendi Phillips, a former Miss Jamaica World 2007 and Miss Jamaica Universe 2010. Shakira saw the impact her friend had and saw it as a way to make a difference, using the pageant as an avenue to get the word out about sickle cell. Her passion and commitment to her cause is both moving and admirable.

Whether beauty queen, student or advocate, when her reign is over, I don’t think that’s the last we’ll be seeing or hearing of Ms. Shakira Martin. You Go Girl!

Can my dad get my dead granddad's Jamaican assets after 20 years?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

Dear Legal Wiz,

My grandfather has passed away over twenty (20) years ago. All his children have passed away apart from my dad. Can any Jamaican land in my grandfather’s name be transferred to my father, who is the only child alive, even if there is no will? Can my father get any assets left in Jamaica by my grandfather?

Joel

Dear Joel,

Thanks for communicating. It is possible to have assets transferred in his name. However there are several procedures, and checks that need to be done, and put in order before. As priority the issues of existing title, a will and any possible challenges whether both or either exists or not need to be handled. There also among other steps need to be checks on whether monies were owed by your father, or any other challengers (persons with interest) for his total property (assets, land and any other possessions of his). Then procedures will include acquiring a probate for the will or letters of administration. It is best you contact a lawyer to assist in moving forward. Out team can assist you for a fee. All the best!

Tags: assets, land

The Jamaican 1% - CEO'S/Entrepreneurs/Tech Gurus ????

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

How has Jamaica become the land of Entrepreneurs/CEO'S yet almost 20% of the population live below the poverty line?

Who are the 1% in Jamaica? Spend a few minutes surfing the net and you will soon see just how many Jamaicans are self appointed “CEO's and Entrepreneurs”. If we believed every title we'd be led to think we were reading a Zug phone book!

In the States,when you apply for a job corporations now investigate your resume. Everything from your college grade point to the reasons why and when you left each employer. On top of that many will random drug test and check your financial returns. Even if you are applying for the most humble of roles. This has led to the level of accountability within the professional community. There's no margin of error for the words CEO to slip on ones resume if it can't be backed up with fiscal returns and a corporate office address.
Jamaica has become the juxtaposition to this transparency. When job prospects declined there was a tsunami of interest to become an “Entrepreneur”. I know few in Jamaica who want to, nor ever have, 'worked for the man'. I often hear the term 'slave driver' being used when I show potential candidates corporate job prospects in Caricom. The same people who urge folks to 'start your own business' are the same parasites who are afforded the luxury to live off a family member or get wires from abroad.

I applaud true entrepreneurs and their spirit to risk their assets and reputation day after day to get results. I would support any of them to go for their goals. But first objectives have to be founded on solid experience. Where are all these self proclaimed Jamaican “CEOs/Entrepreneurs” getting their knowledge since few I've seen have ever had staff experience with any major brand? Let alone be familiar with corporate responsibilities and fiscal reporting? Yet they preach and teach, blind leading blind.

Tech is the biggest area for this “Get Rich Quick/Be Your Own Boss” scam. It's a huge concern to me; So many new “Tech Guru's/Awards/Social Media” experts, it's become the arena for snake oil salesman. All of these “CEO's” but I don't see that any of them have the experience or true corporate knowledge. But people so badly want to believe and the circle jerks of flossing continues but there's rarely revenue and certainly no recognition from any credible foreign market.

Few foreign technology talents who have real authority have been invited to host workshops, why? Just a handful of 'consultants' and more 'self employed' folks are in the mix to 'teach'. The money in Tech is such that talented people tend to work for hearty salaries and seductive perks for the major brand leaders (if they are good!). Those that are 'consultants' I would even be so bold to say are folks who've never been invited to be a staffer. Plus, outside of the corporate arena it's tough to keep ahead of the curve as they aren't Beta testing with deep pockets. So who are people in Yaad learning from? Would you learn carpentry from someone who can put together a jolly nice IKEA unit?

Is it now time to be realistic and have better expectations for our workforce? Have a level of accountability and transparency? Find modern solutions to gain credibility for all of these “Entrepreneurs/CEOs”, it's all rather Kings New Clothes. (Webinars for schools and groups hosted by major corporate global brands on a variety of platforms could be one idea). If we don't Jamaica will fall so far behind as more an more corporations don't choose Jamaicans for their workforce as so few have worked for 'the man' or are credible in their claims and like it or not it is important to be able to reap the corporate dollar.

About:
Jane Nina Buchanan, Owner stooshpr.com. Originally from Liverpool, England she started her career as producer and presenter of the SONY award winning show "Streetlife" on the BBC. From radio she moved on to television with seasons as Entertainment Producer for the network Granada TV show,"This Morning" and later "Jameson Tonight" on Sky TV. Headhunted from Sky TV by Sir Bob Geldof and Lord Waheed Alli company at 25yrs old, she was appointed the position of US Producer for Planet 24 Productions. Based out of NYC she coordinated and produced all US strands for the controversial show "The Word" and later, Channel 4's "The Big Breakfast".
When Planet 24 relocated to LA to produce the successful "Survivor" reality show, Jane decided to make NYC her home and continues to live and work in the media. She has held staff positions at New Video Group/Docurama (Home Video arm of A&E/The History Channel), Disney Theatrical (Lion King,, Mary Poppins and Phil Collins' Tarzan) Maxim Magazine/Dennis Publishing, and Bad Boy Entertainment with Sean P.Diddy Combs.

The Year 2011 in Jamaican Arts& Entertainment - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Books and Authors
Jamaica's literary scene was vibrant throughout 2011, and authors are looking forward to 2012. Notably, there was a preview of the 2012 Kingston Book Festival held in March 2011 at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston. Sponsored by the Book Industry Association of Jamaica, authors liek Diana McCaulay and Edward Seaga participated along with poets and illustrators, who took the opportunity to display their literary achievements and interests.

Author Jean Lowrie-Chin discussed her early life in Westmoreland and her real-life experiences growing up in Jamaica in her book of poems and prose called "Souldance." She wrote about her mother's religious devotion and her dedication in ensuring her children received a good education. Her writing resonates with readers who identify with the familiar issues of Jamaican society presented by Lowrie-Chin.

A new book, "In Praise of Jamaica," presents a view of Jamaica's ancestry and celebrates the achievements of individuals of Jamaican heritage during the 50 years since Independence. Written by George Meikle, the book features a mix of stories and photographss. It is targeted at the Jamaican Diaspora community as well as tourists who visit Jamaica. udge Patrick Robinson, president of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague, wrote the book's introduction.

Film and Theater
The Jamaican film industry move forward with strong support from a variety of agencies, and Jamaican filmmakers gained ground on the international scene. Paul Campbell, world-renown actor and artist introduced a new film "Out the Gate," in 2011. It features the talents of Oliver Samuels, the "king of Jamaican comedy."

Jamaican animators garnered considerable attention with their participation at the international Animae Caribe Film Festival held at JAMPRO. This event offered a forum for local producers to share with and learn from international professionals.

Music videos also had a place in Jamaica's industry in 2011. Protoje, a musician who is gaining popularity in the local music scene, made a music video for his new single "No Lipstick," which was filmed on location at Great Huts Resort in Portland by his sister LeAnn "Dream Seeker" Ollivierre.

In another theatrical development, the popular Russian play "The Inspector General" has been adapted for Jamaican audiences by William F. Lampert, lecturer at the Edna Manley College School of Drama (SODr). The original play tells the story of a small town that is to be inspected by a government official. The Jamaican adaptation follows an official in Montego Bay who realizes that his administration will be reviewed by a higher authority.

The story of Jamaican Maroons will be told in a new film by Roy T. Anderson. The film, called "Akwantu," was funded by Anderson who also provides the narration and direction. The film discusses Maroon, African, and Jamaican history. Vivian Crawford, executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, praised the film and its celebration of Jamaican ancestry. Colonel Frank Lunsden, speaking on behalf of the Maroon community, said there was "genuine passion" in Anderson's work.

Music Business
The music business in Jamaica remains a strong influence worldwide. One of the most important Jamaican music producers, Sanjay "Freeze" Pennant, of Mandeville was showcased globally in 2011. He was was inspired by locals Don Corleon Christopher and Pharrell.

Jamaicanmusic.com, a Jamaican music website, expanded into digital distribution by leveraging the site's popularity to increase sales of Jamaican music. It has partnered with Dubshot, which currently provide digital distribution for several different record labels.

In music publishing, Caribbean 2 World (C2W) is a startup firm that plans to raise $140 million by offering one-quarter of the company to the public in an IPO on the Junior Stock Exchange.

Brother and sister Adrian and Amada Lopez are working to create their own niche in the expanding music video industry on the island with the founding of their Liquid Light production company. They are focusing on computer-generated imagery (CGI) and are moving into episodic television and continue to push the creative envelope to make their work stand out.

Music Events
The year 2011 saw many well-attended and significant music events that garnered popular and critical support, including Sumfest 2011, which featured a Dancehall night in Montego Baywith I-Octaine delivering an especially noted performance. Jamaica Jam Fest was held in Rufus King Park in Kingston in August. This family-friendly event honored 15 years of outdoor entertainment and attracted over 150,000 attendees to its showcase of 450 multicultural vendors, children's rides, auto exhibit, and farmers' market.

In addition, Jamaica Music 50 was launched during Sumfest in 2011. This review of the evolution of Jamaican music during the years since the country's independence from Britain in 1962 includes Bunny Wailer, Junior Lincoln, and Wayne Chen among those involved with an in-depth study of reggae music in the review. Sumfest's International Night was a success, despite the fact that R. Kelly, who had been the scheduled headliner, had to have emergency throat surgery and could not perform. Filling in for him were Coco Tea and Beres Hammond.

What was characterized as the "ultimate" album for 2011 became available in August, as Tad's Records, a prominent recording and music publishing company based in Jamaica introduced a "major experience in Dancehall." The album provides 25 of the top Dancehall tunes of the year and was made available over the Internet as well as in stores. The album features Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Buju Banton, I-Octane, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, and Lady Saw.

The Smirnoff Nightlight Exchange Project (SNEP) searched for the best nightlife from around the globe as approximately 50 nations participated in the event at Hope Gardens in Kingston in November. Hope Gardens was established in the 1870s and 1880s by Major Richard Hope was the location for this cultural fusion event, which was designed to mix the features of "London rave" with "Kingston swag."

Music Crime/Investigations
Segments of Jamaica's music industry and some artistes were the focus of criminal charges and/or investigations during 2011. In September, Cashflow Records denied its involvement in a scam that allegedly sold the promise of interactions with famous musicians for a price. The company said someone posing as representing Cashflow was responsible for this activity; only DJ Neil or Father P of Cashflow can conduct business on behalf of the company, said Buju Wayne, Cashflow's publicist. Anyone else is conducting a scam, he said.

Buju Banton, a popular reggae musician convicted on drug-related charges, continued to fight this conviction, filing an appeal in the United States. He was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm to further a drug-trafficking offense, and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense. While the gun charge was dropped, Banton faces 10 years in prison for the other charges. His defense claims the U.S. government sought to entrap him and that he did not conspire to commit these offenses.

Denroy Morgan, reggae singer, was arrested in September 2011 for marijuana possession in the Bronx, New York. He was found to be in possession of 25 pounds of the drug when he was stopped by police for a traffic violation. Morgan ultimately led police to a house in the Bronx where they found an additional 310 pounds of marijuana. Morgan, 66, is the creator of the group Morgan Heritage.

Dancehall artiste Elephant Man was sued by a Jamaican fashion designer for JA$1 million for nonpayment of bills for clothing. This is not the first time the musician has faced financial difficulties. In 2010, his automobile was seized by tax officials for failure to pay taxes. He was also charged with theft of electricity from the Jamaica Public Service agency.

Godfry Fogah, 38, a Jamaican music promoter who has organized concerts for major stars, was identified as an illegal immigrant living under the false identity of Errol Stone in the United Kingdom. Fogah, who entered the country illegally in 2997, had directed events with stars such as 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and The Game. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison but will not face automatic deportation because his sentence was less than 12 months.

In September 2011, Joel Chin, a top producer of reggae music, was shot and killed near his home in Kingston. Police reported that the attacked occurred as Chin got out of his car in the driveway of his home late at night. No motive was given for the crime. Chin, 35, was the grandson of Vincent "Randy" Chin, a pioneer reggae producer and founder of VP Records in New York.

In November, Winston Riley, veteran producer and creator of Stalag Riddim, was shot in the head and arm in Kingston. Riley, 65, has been the victim of several violent attacks in 2011, being shot in August and stabbed in September. Riley began his career as a singer in 1962, forming the vocal group The Techniques.

Vybz Kartel
The major crime story involving a music star in 2011 is that of popular deejay and dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel. He garnered a large number of headlines during the year, beginning with considerable criticism of his lyrics from a variety of sources. Authorities in Guyana banned his songs due to their "obscene lyrics" and said he brought "nothing positive" to the entertainment industry. This was the first time Guyana had taken such an action against a particular artist. He especially angered Guyana by not showing up at a government-sponsored concert in August 2011.

Kartel also faced questions about his line of skin bleaching products for men, which he introduced in October.Topping everything, however, are the charges relating to several murder cases.

Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was arrested by police in Jamaica on suspicion of murder in October 2011 in connection with the death of Barrington Burton, 27, a promoter shot and killed in the street earlier in the year. While Kartel is acknowledged as commercially popular, his success has been linked to Kingston's underworld, and his feud with fellow artiste Mavado caused an escalation of violence in Jamaica's inner cities. Following the initial charge, an additional murder charge was imposed on Kartel, linking him to the killing of a Jamaican man known as "Lizard" in August 2011.

In November, prosecutors said they had video evidence and taped telephone conversations that incriminate Kartel in connection with the original murder charge. Also in November, Kartel was investigated for five additional murders as detectives continued to find evidence implicating the Dancehall star in other cases in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine.

Adding to Kartel's notoriety, it was reported in early December that Kartel had broken out of prison after pulling a gun on a law enforcement officer and starting a riot when he and other prisoners took control of the prison facility. A Jamaican news organization found that this was only a rumor originating on a blog.

Later in December 2011, Kartel was charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with false testimony given by Vanessa Saddler, also known as Gaza Slim. Also in December, Kartel was ordered to pay $15 million in damages to Alton Salmon, a Jamaican promoter in an unrelated case for failing to perform at a concert in Turks and Caicos in August 2009.

Musicians' Opinions
Jamaican musicians were not shy about voicing their opinions about topics ranging from the state of the local music and media industry to their political views.

In a pioneering effort, Jamaican-born reggae singer Mista Mahaj P made an album in support of gay rights, breaking a taboo among reggae artistes. He says he made the album to address homophobia and the hypocritical attitude about the subject in his homeland and around the world.

Controversial Vybz Kartel, Jamaican Dancehall artiste and deejay, answered critics who said his lyric damage Jamaica's image. Kartel, 35, was originally a ghostwriter for Bounty Killer. He says the way he delivers his lyrics compensates for their "rawness." He has dominated Jamaican radio with songs about X-rated activities and ghetto politics. His fued with Mavado, another Dancehall deejay, was discussed in a meeting in the Office of the Prime Minister as well.

L.A. Lewis, Jamaican entertainer, feels strongly enough about politics to run for the position of Member of Parliament for West Kingston, but he said he has been offered money to withdraw his name from the race. An anonymous person put J$100,000 on Lewis's doorstep to encourage him not to run and not to mock the election. Lewis remained firm in his intention to run for office, however.

Duane Stephenson, world-renown reggae artiste, has enhanced his reputation for philanthropy by continuing to use his music to spread awareness about world hunger and support of the United Nations World Food Program. He has been focusing on conditions in the Horn of Africa where a long-term drought has caused major famine conditions.

Some musicians leveled criticism at the local music industry in 2011. According to Clifford "I-Wayne" Taylor, reggae star, the music industry in the country is lacking in purity and substance. He believes that the scene is not authentic and is overly focused on "nastiness" and "filth." Taylor voiced his concern about the example such music sets for younger generations.

Ziggy Marley, reggae superstar and son of Bob Marley, said the music industry suffers from a lack of spirituality. Musicians are focused on making beats and rhythms, but they are not paying enough attention to the spirit of the music, which is what makes reggae popular throughout the world. Marley also noted the differences between his approach and that of his father Bob Marley. Marley could not eliminate "yes men" from his life, which had an impact on his career choices, according to Ziggy, and his womanizing made life difficult for his mother.

Andrew Tosh, son of 1960s reggae icon Peter Tosh, has decided to promote his father's political recordings, which have been reissued by Columbia/Legacy complete with outtakes, alternate versions, and unreleased material. Tosh, who was one of the "founders" of reggae music along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, was given less attention than Marley when he went out on his own, but he continued to play and record his political brand of music.

Controversy also attended the exhibition of the fine arts when Archbishop Emeritus Donald Reece criticized an Observer newspaper photo showing a "blasphemous scupture" of Jesus in its Easter Sunday edition. Laura Facey, the artist who created the sculpture of Jesus naked, defended her work and said she was glad it had sparked discussion.

Awards, Honors and Recognition in 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Lois Ingledew Samuels

Jamaica's Cabinet approved the acquisition of the birthplace of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the first national hero of the country. The property in St. Ann's Bay is scheduled for rehabilitation, said Laleta Davis Mattis, executive director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.The 124th anniversary of Garvey's birth was celebrated at the site on August 17, 2011.

The Right Reverends E. Don Taylor and Alfred Reid both celebrated 50 years of service in the priesthood in 2011. The men received praise from leaders in religious, political, and business sectors at a banquet held in St. Andrew. The two priests have been close friends for 50 years and both held a variety of position within the Anglican Church.

Jamaican veterans of World Wars I and II were honored at National Heroes Park on the National Day of Remembrance on November 13, 2011. The nation also acknowledged their sacrifice with church services and parades throughout the country.

Jamaica's new international airport in Ocho Rios was named for author Ian Fleming, who wrote the James Bond series of novels while living on the island. Prime Minister Bruce Golding officially opened the airport, which is designed to serve high-end tourists.

Headley Jones, head of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, was honored with the Musgrave Gold Medal for his eminence in the field of music. Jones, 94, is also known for his work in astronomy and for making the first solid-body electric guitar. Jones was born in St. Catherine in 1917 and service with the Royal Air Force in World War II.

Dennis Brown, known as the "Crown Prince of Reggae," was posthumously honored at the yearly National Awards ceremoney on Heroes Day, receiving the Order of Distinction and rank of Commander for the contributions he has made to the local music industry. Brown died in 1999 at the age of 42. He released over 50 albums during his career.

The 127th anniversary of the birth of Sir William Alexander Bustamante was celebrated in Blenheim, Hanover. Bustamante was the first Prime Minister of Jamaica after its independence. Born in 1884, he founded the Jamaica Labor Party in 1943 and became Prime Minister in 1962. He also founded the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union in 1938. He died in 1977.

A Wall of Honor was constructed at National Heroes Park in Kingston in June 2011 to commemorate the police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson had announced the building of the wall at the 68th Annual Joint Central Conference of the Jamaica Police Federation.

Dr. Neil Gardner received the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence, only the seventh individual to win this honor. Gardner represented one of the best 400-meter hurdlers in Jamaica and reached the semi-finals at the Atlanta, Georgia, Olympic Games in 1996.

Lawrence Rowe, the former batsman for the West Indies, was honored by the Jamaican Cricket Association with a dedicated stand in his name at Sabina Park in Kingston. Rowe is best known for his triple hundred and world record of a century and double century in his debut Test.

The Engineering Project of the Year Award sponsored by the Jamaica Institution of Engineers (JIE) has been given to Wigton Windfarm Ltd. The company won the award for its 18-megawatt windfarm expansion project, which represents US$47.5 million in investments. The project involved installing nine 2-megawatt wind turbines, upgrading an existing 69-kilovolt transmission line, constructing a new substation, building two kilometers of a new access road, and creating a resource center focused on renewable energy training and technology transfer.

Jamaica was recognized during the World Travel Awards program in October. The island led the recovery of the tourism industry in the Caribbean. These awards are known as "Oscars of the travel industry,"

Cassandra Whyte won the Miss Deaf International 2011 competition, the first Jamaican to win this honor. Whyte was selected from a field of over 20 young women and will act as an ambassador for deaf women around the globe.

Lois Samuels became the first cover girl on Vogue Magazine from the Caribbean. She was discovered at Hampton High School for Girls in St. Elizabeth during a visit by Kingsley Cooper, chief executive officer of Pulse. Samuels has been compared to Grace Jones and is paving the way for other models from the island.

Nandi Chin Fernandez won the 2011 Brides Magazine Operation Dream Dress competition. The contest gives emerging designers a chance to create the ultimate wedding dress. Fernandez, who graduated Immaculate Conception High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology, designed a dress with draping and pleating inspired by the "Birth of Venus" painting by Sandro Botticelli.

Diaspora Activities 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Jamaican Arts and Entertainment Around the World
A number of Caribbean and Jamaican films were introduced at the Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Festival in Canada, showcasing the area's considerable talent over ten days in September. The Jamaican film "Better Mus' Come" written and directed by Storm Saulter led off the prestigious Bahamas International Film Festival. Saulter's first feature film, it was the only Jamaican film at the festival and was called a "new benchmark" for the country's filmmaking. It focuses on the late 1970s in Jamaica and the "political tribalism" of the time.

The Toronto festival was also the site of the first viewing of the Jamaican action film "Ghett'a Life," from director Chris Browne. Ten years in the making, the films was funded by local Jamaican investors and features local music and talent in a story of life in inner-city Kingston.

Jamaican musicians continued to make their mark around the world. Music pioneers were invited to share their expertise and participate in the largest international workshop held in Tokyo, Japan, at the Red Bull Music Academy. The workshop seeks to foster an exchange of ideas and concepts about music. Japan was also the scene of a Jamaican cultural showcase in September 2011 as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange facilitated a an event called Jamaica Rocks in cooperation with the Min-On Concert Association and the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo. The event played in 24 cities in Japan and included folk and popular music, presenting the evolution of music from Mento to Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, and Dancehall types. The musicians' performances received high praise from the Japanese audiences.

Jamaican musicians played concerts all over the globe in 2011. Mavado brought his dancehall performances to Winnipeg, Canada in March. Stephen Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, played a concert in St. Petersburg, Florida in July. Although he was born in the United States, Marley retains strong ties to Jamaica and has won five Grammy awards. In November, Jamaican dancehall star Toya from Downsound Records performed her Caribbean-style sounds to an audience of 25 million homes in Scandinavia during a special appearance on Cruisetv, a travel series broadcast on TVNorge. Toya was featured in a program episode that focused on the sensuality of young women in Jamaica. Big Youth and I Wayne were among the performers at a salute to reggae held in Brooklyn, New York, in October. The event featured reggae music and artistes and honored Harry Belafonte. The event also included a screening of a documentary about government-sponsored violence against Rastafarians in Jamaica called "Bad Friday."

Reggae music was also honored by a surprise "flash mob" in New York City in May when over 200 fans performed choreographed dance moves in Union Square to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the death of Bob Marley. The event was sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board and Flash Mob America and was attended by Ziggy Marley, Devon Harris, members of Jamaica's women's basketball team, and Jamaican chess master Maurice Ashley.

Smile Jamaica from Television Jamaica partnered with the Today Show at NBC in the United States to provide programming that combined both presentations in March. Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, Simon Crosskill, Neville Bell, Simone Clarke-Cooper and Carlette DeLeon were on location in Jamaica to tape the show which will be shown in May. This was a first-of-its-kind production for Jamaican television.

Jamaican actor and award-winning producer and playwright David Heron was awarded a lead role in a television ad for Xoom.com. The advertisement features the company's new mobile site. Heron said he is glad to be associated with this product because it allows Jamaicans in the United States to send money back home via a mobile phone.

Jamaican entrepreneur Fitzroy Gordon, who has been active in Canadian media for about 30 years, has decided to create a new radio station in Canada devoted to playing Caribbean music, including soca, world beat, and reggae, which will have a permanent home at this new mainstream radio station, which is scheduled to begin broadcasting in October.

Three Jamaican authors now living in Canada joined together to present their views during Black History Month 2011. Olive Senior, Lorna Goodison, and Pamela Mordecai with, between them, hundreds of titles to their credit, participated in a special Black History Month series event at the Toronto Public Library.

Gavin Hutchinson has written a memoir about his journey from idealism to reality and the experiences he had along the way. Hutchinson, 28, has released the story of his life in a book called "Tried and True: Revelations of a Rebellious Youth," which describes his jobs as a weekly talk show host, working for the Bob Marley family, and launching a nonprofit meant to empower Jamaican youth through the arts and culture. Also entering the autobiographical waters was Ewart Walters, Jamaican-born journalist who started his own newspaper in Canada. His book tells the story of his experiences at Calabar High School in Kingston and his work on the newspaper. Walters left Jamaica in 1951 after Hurricane Charlie left hundreds of thousands of island residents dead, injured, and homeless. His book also covers his years with the Jamaican government as Counselor in Ottawa and as an advisor on privacy and access to information in the office of the President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The first Caribbean Women Writers Conference was held at Brooklyn's Medgar Evers College and featured experts discussing works from all Caribbean regional cultures.

Diane Abbot, a British member of parliament of Jamaican descent, has decided to campaign against the Patois Bible. She does not think Patois is a legitimate language and therefore the Bible should not be translated into it. Abbott says she cherishes the Jamaican dialect, but believes it is important that Jamaicans speak English as their first language because English is the language of global commerce.

Government Officials and Representatives Traveled the World
Arthur Williams, Jamaica's Minister responsible for Public Service and Information, took a delegation on a study tour of Singapore's public sector. The tour was recommended by Minh Pham, the resident representative to Jamaica of the United Nations Development Program.

Jamaican diplomat and advertising entrepreneur Arnold Foote met with Pope Benedict XVI in May. Foote is the president of the World Federation of Consuls. This is the first time that members of the Federation will be received by the Pope.

Five Jamaican students won scholarships to study medicine at Cuban universities in 2011/2012 through the Cuba-Jamaica Medical Scholarship Program. Yuri Gala Lopez, Cuba's ambassador to Jamaica, presented the scholarships at a ceremony that took place at Cuba's embassy in Kingston.

Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, attended a community meeting at the Jamaica High Commission in London, which permitted him to promote the 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2012, He also discussed the importance of the Jamaican Diaspora in the UK.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding led a delegation from Jamaica to the Inter-American Development Bank International Forum on Caribbean Investment and Development on June 5 and June 10. The delegation took part in a discussion between public and private sector organizations concerning trade and finance issues of importance to the Caribbean.

Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Audrey P. Marks made her first official visit to Florida and met with members of the Diaspora to strengthen the ties between them and Jamaicans on the home island. Marks traveled on a six-day tour of Florida and focused her attention on maximizing the benefits of the relationship between Jamaica and the U.S. Jamaica's Ambassador to Japan Claudia Barnes took a vacation on the home island after attending a meeting called by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. In discussing the experience of the March 2011 earthquake in Japan, she noted that the Ministry was able to account for every Jamaican known to be in Japan at the time of the quake.

The Reverend Don Meredith, originally from St. Ann, was appointed to the Canadian Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Meredith, 47, says he is "humbled" that the Prime Minister recommended him for the Senate position. Meredith immigrated to Canada at the age of 12 and graduated from Toronto's Weston Collegiate Institution.

Angella Reid, a Jamaican-born hotelier, will be the first female chief usher at the White House, the home of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. Reid was born in Trinityville, St. Thomas, and went to Excelsior High School in Kingston before becoming a front-office trainee at the Montego Bay Half Moon Hotel in 1978.

Tracy Robinson, a Jamaican and senior lecturer in law at the University of the West Indies, was elected to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Robinson, who is also a Rhodes Scholar, was elected at the 41st regular meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) in El Salvador.

Anthony Jackson, the Jamaica's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom made a visit to Edinburgh in Scotland, which was meant to strengthen ties between Jamaica and the UK. He visited businesses and politicians the visit, which was only the second time in history that a Jamaican High Commissioner mad an official visit to Scotland.

Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda, traveled to London on a trade and investment mission designed to encourage demand for Jamaica's products in the international marketplace. Samuda also hoped to generate new direct foreign investments and partnerships between the United Kingdom and Jamaica.

Jamaica's Worldwide Sports Representatives
Olivia Grange, Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, told attendees at a fundraising dinner for the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) in Birmingham, England, that Jamaica is ready to become the leading training center for sprint athletes from around the globe. She encouraged sports investors to develop initiatives for improving facilities in Jamaica with this goal in mind.

Kevin Morrison, the FIFA award-winning referee from Jamaica, has been selected as to bring his skills to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Morrison, 33, received the FIFA Referee of the Year award from the Jamaica Football Referees Association, the second major award for Morrison, who also received the Digicel Premier League Referee of the Year award in 2010.

Jamaican football-playing youths made a positive impression on the Austrian football club of USK Anif. Craig Butler and four members of the Phoenix All Star Football Academy pioneered a move into Austria to create a major opportunity for the Jamaican players. According to Butler, the young players will be able to develop their skills outside of Jamaica in a way that could not be accomplished at home and that will benefit them in the future.

Jamaican Products Showcased
The International Food and Drink Expo in London celebrated Jamaica Day on March 15, 2011. Jamaica was the featured nation on the "Meet the World" stage at the all-day event. Colin Brown, a Jamaican chef who is based in the UK, and famous storyteller Joan Andrea Hutchinson were featured celebrities at the Expo.

Yendi Phillips, the current Miss Jamaica Universe, has taken on the role of an ambassador representing the interests of Jamaica's Coffee Industry Board and the Association of Japanese Importers of Jamaican Coffee. She presented a gift of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee to Japan's Minister of Agriculture Michihiko Kano while on her trip to work on the campaign.

Business and Finance in 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

At the beginning of 2011, Jamaican businesses had an optimistic view of the nation's economic growth, but consumers were more pessimistic about the state of the economy. In the business sector, optimism rose to its highest level since the third quarter of 2007, when the current government took office. During the last quarter of 2010, however, Jamaican consumers were more pessimistic than they were in the third quarter of the year. However, less than one in 20 citizens blamed the government for the poor state of the economy. In contrast, many business leaders felt the government was the reason for the economic downturn.

Entrepreneurship
Several entrepreneurial programs were made available to women in 2011. Jamaica's National Commercial Bank made $113 million in sponsorship funding to support women-owned and operated developing businesses, with an additional $100 million provided to support loans. This arrangement represents a partnership with the Women Business Owners of Jamaica Ltd. for a three-year period to provide training opportunities for women entrepreneurs Many women in Jamaica are likely to benefit from the "Way Out" program sponsored by the government. Beginning in March, the program will focus on training and education that will lead to better jobs for women. The former executive director of Jamaica's Bureau of Women's Affairs, Glenda Simms, held a recruitment drive in June to find new members for St. Elizabeth Women Ltd., which is dedicated to the creation of sustainable development in rural communities by giving aid to women at the grass-roots level with a focus on horticulture, farming, and crafts.

Olivia Grange, Jamaican Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, took special note of the importance of entrepreneurial activities for youth and announced the commitment of the government to developing the entrepreneurial spirit in young people through organizations like the Jamaica Youth Business Trust and the Young Entrepreneurs' Association. Because young people represent the largest segment of the population, they are critical to the economic well-being of country in the future. Another government program that focuses on long-term development is Vision 2030, which was designed to encourage Jamaica to recognize its potential over the next 20 years through infrastructure building and economic growth.

Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Enterprises, launched the Branson Center of Entrepreneurship in September 2011 in Montego Bay. The center is designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in creating responsible businesses. Branson said entrepreneurship is crucial to the creation of a strong, sustainable economy in the region. Michael Stern, Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, urged business support organizations to help local firms succeed, noting that these organizations allow small businesses to development the technical capabilities they need to take advantage of existing and emerging trade opportunities.

Bauxite
Jamaica's bauxite industry saw several significant developments in 2011. Industry observers said there were indications that the aluminum industry is recovering from the economic downturn. Alumina Company Jamalco reported its best company performance for a six-month period in 52 years. The increased production was attributed to the replacement of old equipment and efficiencies gained by using caustic soda to extract alumina from bauxite. Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners estimated that it would reach record levels of production by 2012. Company president Pansy Johnson said that while 2011 would likely be "challenging" for the St.Ann-based firm, production of bauxite would increase by about 20 percent to an estimated minimum of 5.1 million tons during 2012.

Solamon Energy met with the Jamaican government to discuss solar solutions to be developed on sites that were previously the locations of bauxite mines. Jamaica has thousands of unused bauxite mines, and research funding and development are available to use some of these mine sites as solar farms. Solamon will devote its resources to supplying a number of solar farms on the abandoned mine sites.

Infrastructure
After much delay, the new cruise ship port at Falmouth was ready to welcome its first visitors. Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas had the honor of being the first ship to dock at the new facility, which opened months behind schedule due to construction difficulties. Work on the port terminal was also delayed by a strike held by 450 construction workers protesting the taxes imposed on their year-end bonuses. Also of benefit to cruise passengers was a new system of transportation announced by Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. While the current system separates responsibilities for transferring passengers of cruise ships among several entities, the new system uses a single firm, which is responsible for handling ground transportation for all passengers.

Mike Henry, Jamaican Minister of Transportation, announced a search for some $300 million in private investments to revive an island-wide train system that was discontinued in the 1980s. He cited the success of a month-long trial run of a temporary train system installed between Spanish Town and Linstead, which saw more than 2,000 passengers every day.

Rose Hall Developments, which owns 7,000 acres of the Rose Hall Plantation and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, developed and launched Founders Village in Montego Bay. The new community features luxury residences on lots of three to four acres. The gated community provides ocean views of the Caribbean and easy access to beaches, shopping, and golf.

The new Harbor View Sewage Treatment Plant was finally commissioned after 30 years of non-operation.

The National Water Commission and other government agencies were taken to court by area residents who wanted something done about the non-functioning plant. The lawsuit claimed that the absence of the plant caused environmental degradation and presented a significant health risk. In July 2010, an out-of-court settlement was reached, and the NWC promised to build an interim sewage treatment facility within six months. The agency also promised to revamp the Harbor View Sewage plant within 18 months.

Lloyd Cole, a Jamaican physician, proposed the construction of a dry dock facility in Clarendon at Jackson Bay 20 years ago, but the project, totaling US$3 billion, remains dormant even after gaining the support of government officials in several successive administrations. Cole, who has become frustrated with the delay, made a second appeal for his project, noting that it could create employment for up to 5,000 Jamaicans.

Energy
The Jamaican government is looking for alternative sources of energy to counter the rising costs of oil. It is investigating a variety of energy sources, including wind, solar, tides, and geothermal heat. The government stated its intention to incorporate alternative sources into its overall energy policy and has created the first national energy policy designed to develop a modern energy infrastructure, with energy management a key feature of the policy. In the area of conservation, the Jamaica Productivity Center noted that individual and business consumers could realize savings to J$15.4 billion on power bills if two critical measures of fuel and system losses correlate with regional and sector averages. This was the conclusion reached in a study by the agency showing that savings would represent about 20 percent of the average power bill. Damian Obiglio, the president and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company, asked consumers to take steps to conserve energy in response to rising oil prices. Oil prices in December 2010 increased by more than US$91 per barrel, and in 2011, the increase was estimated at US$100 per barrel. EX-IM Bank said that energy producers in Jamaica should retrofit their operations to make them more efficient and to control costs. Additionally, the bank urged producers to access energy loans designed to support the development of renewable energy systems.

In an effort to give some relief to electricity consumers, the Jamaica Public Service Company provided a reduction of some five percent in the total electric bill for August. The decrease was attributed to a lowering in fuel and IPP charges applied to the August bills. Petrojam, the state-owned oil refinery, announced reductions in gasoline prices for a time due to changes in U.S. Gulf Reference prices. It was expected that there would be some lowering of prices for diesel, propane, kerosene, and butane as well.

According to a survey from the Consumer Affairs Commission, residents of rural areas pay more for gasoline than do people who live in cities. The Jamaica Gasoline Retailers Association alleged that these higher costs are not related to transportation expenses, but to pricing policies used by marketing firms. The survey found a price gap of as much as $22 between the prices paid by rural residents for regular gas and those paid by city dwellers. The rural gas gap did increase in 2011, said the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), but not by much.

The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica Center for Excellence for Renewable Energy and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute will invest $10.3 million into determining the feasibility of a biodiesel project based on Jamaica's oil-seed-bearing plants. The plants, including local castor beans and the seeds of the jatrophe tree, could be used to produce fuel for the automotive industry. The On the other hand, the Canadian oil exploration firm Sagres Energy will invest J$250 million to search for oil in Jamaica. This is the company's largest outlay of capital to date. The Canadian oil exploration firm said it would start drilling by the end of 2011.

Engineers at the Annual Conference of the Jamaica Institute of Engineers discussed the future of the island's energy sector and proposed using more green technology to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Electricity in Jamaica costs just under US$0.40 per kilowatt hour - four times what the average U.S. consumer pays. The high cost is due to the Jamaica's reliance on old-fashioned generators that use oil, much of which must be imported. More than 90 percent of Jamaica's electricity is generated with heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel, both very expensive and inefficient sources of energy.

Paul Chong of St. Mary invested over $5 million in a system to power his house over the past five years. He decided to take charge and generate his own energy after Hurricane Dean, which left him without power for weeks. When the Jamaica Public Service Company recently charged him for 222 kilowatts of power usage over three months when he actually used only 71 kilowatts - a difference in charges of $5,000 - Chong decided to leave the electric grid altogether. He now uses his own wind-driven power system at his residence.

Jamaica's government approved the transfer of 40 percent of the shares of the Jamaica Public Service Company to Korea East West Power Company. The shares were sold by Marubeni, a Japanese firm that held 80 percent of the JPS stock. After the sale, Marubeni and Korea East West both own 40 percent of JPS. Minister of Energy Clive Mullings stated that the Korean company will improve the operations of JPS significantly. He also said that Jamaican consumers remain the ultimate shareholders of the firm.

Israel offered to help Jamaica with its energy crisis.1Israel's ambassador to Jamaica, Moshe Sermoneta, also noted that agriculture and tourism in Jamaica could benefit from a closer relationship with Israel. Because Israel has few natural resources, it has been forced to develop alternative energy sources, and Jamaica could reap the benefits of its experience, said Sermoneta.

Product Promotion
Jamaican-based chef and singer Keith "Levi Roots" Graham appeared on a television program in the United Kingdom in 2007 that showcased Jamaican entrepreneurs. The program, called "Dragon's Den," gave individuals the chance to pitch business ideas to five investors. Graham brought his Jamaican jerk sauce, which he represented with a reggae song about his business. Now, four years later, he remains the chief marketing feature for the company, and his Levi Roots brand is now the main Caribbean brand in the UK.

The Culinary Federation of Jamaica (CFJ) showcased some of the foods featured in competition at the International Culinary contest in Miami, Florida. Executive chefs on the island used local produce to highlight regional foods. The participating chefs embraced the "Eat What You Grow-From Farm to the Table" campaign sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture in their contest submissions.

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) designated the month of February as a time to celebrate reggae music. The annual Dennis Brown concert will be held during Reggae Month, and other activities, including Save the Music also occur. The Save the Music initiative provides weekly concerts at the Edna Manley College. The JaRIA Honor Awards are presented at the time as well. Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaica's culture minister, encouraged local music industry representatives to adapt to the global economy and participate in similar marketing efforts.

In a blow to the Jamaican brand, the island's signature beer, Red Stripe, decided to move its production facilities for the United States to a North American location, causing significant job losses for Jamaica. However, the company believes that overall returns from the U.S. penetration of the product will make the company stronger in the long run

Technology Sector
The Jamaican government approved a merger between Digicel Jamaica and Claro. The merger joins the largest and smallest telecommunications firms on the island. The new combined firm will represent over 75 percent of the wireless market in Jamaica, and government immediately faced criticism for its decision to approve the merger.

The telecommunications company LIME introduced a new plan designed to enhance Internet penetration across Jamaica. It offers customers an inexpensive laptop computer with a two-year residential service package. Known as the "FLIPtop" plan, LIME implemented the new offering after examining survey results showing how the high cost of computers and other devices kept many people from accessing the Internet. LIME also signed an agreement with the secretariat of CARICOM to provide video-conferencing services and equipment to Jamaica and seven other member nations. CARICOM appointed the firm after issuing a request for proposal to provide and install the equipment. LIME will work on this project with Polycom, a leader in unified communications solutions.

Marc Canter, founder of Macromedia, will invest in a local start-up firm. Canter, who founded the American software firm that introduced Flash technology, said that opportunities are "ripe" for tech start-ups in Jamaica. In fact, he said Jamaica may even have a better investment environment than the U.S. at present. According to Canter, the tourism and cultural sectors in Jamaica also represent major investment opportunities.

Paul Lennox Buchanan, parliamentary candidate for West Rural St. Andrew, said that the area's unemployment can be addressed by turning to information technology. His opinion created a stir in the constituency because the area has historically been focused on farming. West Rural St. Andrew comprises rural living areas and upper middle class settlements, struggles economically and needs to find real solutions. Buchanan said that all modern nations promote information technology, and this area offers considerable human potential that only needs technical training to create stable jobs in computer programming and software.

Tourism
The deal between Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines was "up in the air" for some time during 2011, causing uncertainties in the marketplace. Ultimately, it was finalized and agreements were signed by Audley Shaw, Jamaican Minister of Finance, and Winston Dookeran, finance minister of Trinidad & Tobago, in the presence of T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Under the agreement, Jamaica's government has a 16-percent stake in shares of Caribbean Airlines and makes the airline the national carrier of Jamaica. In May, many flights to and from Jamaica were delayed or cancelled as air traffic controllers went on strike, leaving passengers stranded in airport lobbies.

Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, encouraged the island to promote its facilities in the faith-based tourist market. The inaugural stop of the ship Carnival Destiny's "Cruise with a Cause" in Montego Bay brought more than 4,000 passengers and crew members to the port. Passengers included religious leaders and music ministers who accounted for almost J$1 billion in expenditures, plus the passengers participated in a number of community outreach projects on the island. Dr. Paul Rhodes, hotelier and medical practitioner, proposed transforming downtown Kingston into a destination for religious tourists. He noted that the several churches located in the area make Kingston an under-utilized "cultural gem" of the Caribbean region. Christian heritage tourism could bring a boost to downtown Kingston. The Great Huts Hotel partnered with Olde Jamaica Tours to offer visitors an eight-night tour of the church treasures of Jamaica.Bartlett also announced making aggressive marketing approaches to China to enhance trade and tourism between the two nations. More tourists from China have been coming to Jamaica in recent years.

Jamaica hosted a two-day regional meeting focused on the economic potential of sports. The Business of Sport conference attracted presenters from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Caribbean. Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaican Minister of Sport, and her counterpart Anil Roberts of Trinidad and Tobago, presented the government perspective on the issue and looked at how governments can support making sport a viable industry in the Caribbean.

Agriculture/Farming
Crop production in Jamaica rose by 24 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared to production in 2010, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. A total of 147,378 tons of produce was grown in the first quarter of 2011, the highest amount recorded for a single quarter period since 1999.

Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners (NJBP) partnered with small farmers and schools in St. Ann to encourage the use of greenhouses to improve production. A program developed together with USAID allowed the Greenhouse Association, Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and the Bauxite Institute, to build four greenhouses to augment three experimental greenhouses built in 2009 on rehabilitated mine lands in Burnt Ground.

The Coffee Industry Board received an emergency loan totaling J$310.5 million via the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in an attempt to save the coffee industry. The money comes from the EX-IM Bank and the Development Bank of Jamaica and will purchase coffee in the High and Blue Mountains for coffee dealers.

A cassava processing plant was opened by Tropical Foods Ltd. in March 2011. It is expected to produce as many as five tons of bammies and other cassava products each week.

Poultry producers in Jamaica presented a petition designed to pressure the Ministry of Agriculture to join with them in fighting a plan to reduce the taxation of chicken imports. The proposed cuts from the Ministry of Finance, which are meant to reform the Common External Tariff structure, would lower the duty on chicken to 20 percent from 100 percent.

Jamaica's sugar industry saw a ray of hope in the daily factory operations report presented in June. It showed a total of 134,507 tons of sugar produced among five of seven estates, and three factories reported surpassing their projected totals for the year.

More than 40 shrimp vendors in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth, participated in Team Jamaica training as part of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund's Rural Economic Initiative program. The program provided $3 million in funding for training that covers self-esteem, customer service, cultural awareness, and history. The vendors were also trained in business development and food handling.

Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, called for more agricultural sector investments, noting the opportunities available in the growing of local produce. Tufton said now is a good time to use entrepreneurial methods and creativity to improve systems for production. He stated his position at the launch of the "Eat Jamaican Campaign," as $17.2 million project of the Food and Agricultural Organization, the European Union, and the Agriculture Ministry meant to encourage the consumption of locally produced food.

Workforce Issues
The Land Administration and Management Program allowed more Jamaicans to become landowners during its 11th year of operation. The program seeks to end poverty and facilitate economic growth and create efficient markets for real estate in urban and rural areas. The most recent part of the program focused on St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon. In commenting on land ownership among workers, Ronald Thwaites, a deacon and member of the Opposition People's National Party, noted that Jamaican laws and high costs linked to regularizing tenure denied the working class the right to own property and keeps these workers from participating fully in the national economy.

The year 2011 saw reports of color prejudice among Jamaican employers in their hiring practices. Labor and Social Security Minister, Pearnel Charles, compared discrimination on the basis of skin tone to apartheid in South Africa and promised to bring bigoted employers to court. Portia Simpson Miller, Opposition leader, suggested boycotting businesses that appeared to hire only light-skinned individuals.

Companies that refuse to pay their workers the lowest wage named under the National Minimum Wage Act will be assessed a fine of $1 million, up from the previous amount of $1,000. The law also imposed a one-year prison sentence on employers who do not comply with its provisions. Both a fine and prison could be imposed. The National Minimum Wage rose from $4,070 per 40-hour week to $4,500 per 40-hour week as of February 28, 2011.

Tang Jianguo, the chief executive officer of the COMPLANT Group of Companies, the Chinese organization that bought Jamaica's sugar factories, said most of the managers and workers at the factories will be Jamaicans, and not foreign workers. He made his assurances in the light of criticism of the company's policies. Day-to-day operations will be handled chiefly by local Jamaican workers, Tang said.

Education Issues 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Schools
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, supports providing subsidies for vocational and tertiary education to areas with the greatest need. Government-subsidized education and training programs should be focused on the challenges facing the nation as a whole, rather than being perceived as a means for taxpayers to fund all areas of study, said Tufton.

Minister of Education Andrew Holness is urging Jamaica to include the subject of civics to the school curriculum again. According to Holness, teaching civics helps children develop into active citizens with good character. Teaching civics will improve students' behavior, he said, and teaching about the rights and duties of citizenship will allow schools to make a significant contribution to improving the country as a whole.

The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) implemented a program designed to help Jamaican children living in Port Antonio. The nonprofit organization, which is based in the United States, presented educational supplies to the Good Hope School in Portland parish. CMEx plans to make both financial and in-kind contributions to other communities that demonstrate a need in the region.

Jamaica's Ministry of Education created and imposed a dress code that teachers must follow while they are in class. The dress code is meant to highlight the importance for all school staff and teachers to be well-groomed and dressed appropriately for their jobs. Failure to follow the dress code could result in disciplinary actions for teachers.

Corporeal punishment will no longer be imposed in Jamaican public schools. Officials took action on the matter after discovering that a student in a fifth grade class lost most of the vision in one eye after being struck by a teacher. However, Minister of Education Andrew Holness said that "moderate and reasonable" punishment would remain legal at all educational institutions other than those handling early childhood populations.

Several schools were singled out by Andrew Holness in his position as Minister of Education for their poor performance, teaching standards, or morale. Marcus Garvey Technical High School in St. Ann's Bay was one of those targeted for its infighting at all organizational levels. Math teachers are six high schools were singled out for their approach to the subject, which was found to be "didactic and expository" and targeted for improvement. Holness also turned his attention to six primary schools that continued to perform poorly on the Grade Fourth Literacy Test, noting that some of them had shown mastery on the 2011 exam of zero percent. These results will no longer be tolerated, according to Holness.

School principals were advised to be better leaders in order to improve student performance in schools across the country. Improved leadership by principals could lead to better quality of students at all levels, according to Elaine Foster-Allen, principal of Shortwood Teachers' College, and Dr. Tamika Benjamin, lecturer at Mico University College. School performance and leadership from principals have been directly correlated, they said.

HEART College of Innovation and Technology was granted university status by the government of Jamaica. This is only one of several educational institutions slated to receive the upgrade in status over the next ten years, said Andrew Holness, Minister of Education. The school was formerly known as the Caribbean Institute of Technology (CIT). It will now represent one part of the government's investment in technical education, which is a common practice in countries like Germany, Austria, and Japan.

Early education efforts in Jamaica received a boost from business leaders as they announced their intent to support the government's focus in this area. Glen Christian, executive chairman of Cari-Med Ltd., and other business representatives were in agreement that Jamaica requires greater investment in education, which represents a strategic development tool. Business leaders are supporting the efforts of Andrew Holness, Minister of Education, as he moves the focus of aid to early childhood programs in rural areas where many schools are currently providing inadequate education.

The United States Embassy in Kingston provided $10 million to nine organizations and programs designed to fund a wide range of educational and training initiatives. The funds were given to Children First, Clarendon Association for Street People Benevolent Society, Operation Friendship, Jamaica Basketball Association, Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Jamaica Fulbright Association, Jamaica Theological Seminary, University of the West Indies, and Northern Caribbean University.

Literacy
Discussions about literacy in Jamaica frequently turn to the consideration of Patois and whether or not it is a "real" language. The children's television program "Rastamouse" uses a mouse and his band of reggae musicians to teach viewers how to speak the Jamaican dialect they hear on the show. The Bible Society of the West Indies stated that Jamaican Patois is indeed a valid language and translating the Bible into Patois is a worthwhile effort. On the other hand, some like Dr. Franklin Johnston, believes such a translation to be a waste of time.

In other literacy efforts, the Jamaica Partnership for Education and the Jamaica National Building Society partnered to provide tools to the schools for improving the rate of literacy. The Society began raising funds to eliminate illiteracy from Jamaica's schools in 2009, and since then, it has provided computer-based tools and interactive software to eight primary schools in rural areas to further its efforts. Jamaica's government called upon the private sector for help in promoting literacy among young people on the island as well. The Read Across Jamaica Day is an initiative sponsored by the Jamaica Teachers' Association, which the government hopes will help to create a literacy rate among Jamaicans of 100 percent by 2016. And a literacy monitoring program received the support of Minister of Education Andrew Holness, who called it a program of major importance for the island. The development of a national plan to achieve universal literacy in Jamaica represents the first time a Caribbean nation has attempted to make an accurate measurement of its literacy levels.

Preserving History
Efforts to preserve the history of Jamaica experienced ups and downs in 2011. Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen urged Jamaicans to keep the country's national heritage relevant by educating young people about the island's culture. If children are taught to value their heritage, the future of the culture is ensured. Allen also recognized the contributions of the Jamaica Information Service in preserving island history and culture. The head of the Institute of Jamaica, Vivian Crawford, has worked to preserve and promote the nation's history for more than 11 years. As a leading authority on the island's arts and culture, Crawford attributed his appreciation of history and culture to his childhood in Moore Town, Portland, and the many stories he heard there. He has been instrumental in promoting Jamaica culture and history, particularly through a fund-raising effort to commemorate the place where the Proclamation of Emancipation of Slaves was read in 1838. A memorial plaque was installed to mark that location through Crawford's efforts.

The fate of the historic building that housed the first offices of the first university in Jamaica is still up in the air after two years of negotiations between a government agency and a nonprofit. The building on Lady Musgrave Road was home to the University of the West Indies in 1947 and also served as the base of Jamaica's first parliamentary ombudsman and as part of the police force. The building has recently fallen victim to scrap metal thieves and looters.

Phillip Martin, an American engineer, historian, and horologist, indicated his interest in preserving the historic "heritage clocks" in Jamaica. He believes the nation needs to take immediate action to preserve about 30 clocks on the island, some of which are 150 years old. They represent important elements in the history of Jamaica, Martin said, and as such, should be saved.

Diplomacy and International Relations 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

A key incident from 2010 continued to make its impact felt diplomatically in 2011. The attempt of Jamaican soldiers to capture Christopher "Dudus" Coke, local gang leader wanted by the United States as he had been indicted on charges of operating an international drug ring, caused the deaths of 73 individuals in Tivoli Gardens on May 24, 2010. The incident resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his replacement with Minister of Education Andrew Holness. It was also discovered later in the year that the United States' Department of Homeland Security possesses a videotape taken by a secret spy plane during the battle of Tivoli Gardens. The tape is likely to provide more information about the actions of security forces during the incident and whether they killed members of a crime syndicate or innocent residents who were victims of house-to-house fighting. More than 500 Jamaican soldiers went into the neighborhood. The contents of the video have never been revealed to the public. In spite of earlier denials by Jamaica's National Security Minister Dwight Nelson, Holness admitted that Jamaica made an agreement with the U.S. government to perform surveillance during security operations in Tivoli Gardens during Coke extradition process. In 2010, Daryl Vaz, who was the Information Minister at the time, also denied that Jamaica received any external help during the mission.

Jamaica was involved with many countries around the world during 2011, creating policies and making international agreements with local implications.

Canada
The Canadian military entered into negotiations with Jamaican authorities to create an arrangement by which the island would become a staging area for responses to natural disasters or other troubles in the Caribbean. This was another in a series of agreements between the two countries to create closer ties. The closer relationship was illustrated in the deployment of three CH-146 Griffon helicopters as back-ups for the Jamaica Defense Force.

During an incident of racism perpetrated by students at a business school in Montreal, Anthony Morgan, a law student of Jamaican descent, filmed white students at the school wearing blackface and Jamaican colors and chanting in fake Jamaican accents about using marijuana. According to Morgan, students at Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) took part in these activities during an annual sporting event traditionally held during freshmen week. School authorities issued a formal apology and initiated an investigation and sensitivity trainings to ensure that similar incidents or behavior do not occur in the future.

Asia
China's Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding met and held discussions in Kingston. Hui noted that Jamaica was the first country in the Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China about 30 years ago and introduced a five-point plan to further enhance the relations between two countries. Hui and Golding emphasized the need to develop stronger economic and trade links between their nations.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding expressed his concern about Jamaicans who live in Japan and was awaiting word about them after the major earthquake and tsunami that occurred there. Golding contacted Claudia Barnes, Jamaica's ambassador in Japan, to find out about her situation and the safety of other Jamaicans living there. He was assured that all Jamaicans had been accounted for after the disaster.

Caribbean Neighbors
Dwight Nelson, National Security Minister, expressed the government's position that Jamaica's border controls are too lax and announced its plans to address the issue. Nelson noted that some areas of the nation are primed for smuggling and cause concern because they allow guns and ammunition to come into the country. The government will call upon the police and the army to help control the borders.

In March, the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) said that the Treaty of Chaquaramas is not applied evenly by the members of CARICOM. Omar Azan, president of the JMA, said the treatment of Shanique Myrie at the Guntley Adams airport in Barbados was particularly alarming. Myrie claimed she was abused by immigration officials at the airport because she is Jamaican. Azan said the incident indicated that the provisions of the Treaty are applied differently to citizens of different member states.

Maria Angela Holguin, foreign minister of Colombia, and Jamaican foreign minister Kenneth Baugh, examined the possibility of conducting joint offshore oil explorations in the maritime area shared by the two countries. The Hydrocarbons Agency of Colombia and the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica began to perform environmental impact studies as part of the investigation.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett called for a common Caribbean travel visa, which would make it easier for the region to market itself as a single tourist destination. Under Bartlett's plan, visitors coming to Jamaica would automatically be able to move on to other Caribbean countries without having to apply for additional travel documents. Bartlett also stated his support for electronic visas, noting that the technology could make international entry arrangements safer and easier.

The Complete Snapshot study conducted in April 2011 by Dr. Herbert Gayle discovered that Jamaicans have little or no interest in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regional union. Only 24 percent of 200 individuals surveyed believe that Jamaica benefits from CARICOM, which has been in existence since 1973. Sixteen percent of Jamaicans surveyed believe that Jamaica loses in being part of CARICOM.

Barbados
A case of alleged mistreatment of a Jamaican woman by authorities at the Barbados airport caused significant repercussions. Jamaica asked the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to consider the case, the first time the CCJ was asked to rule in a dispute between the two countries. The Foreign Ministry of Jamaica received hundreds of complaints from citizens reporting mistreatment at the hands of immigration officials in Barbados. A number of Jamaicans living in Barbados reported "inappropriate" actions taken against them at Brantley Adams International Airport. A five-member team of Jamaican officials traveled to Barbados to discuss the incident involving the Jamaican woman who claimed she was mistreated by immigration workers at the Barbados airport. Authorities in Barbados denied any wrongdoing, but Bruce Golding, Jamaica's Prime Minister, said he was not satisfied with the explanations. Golding noted the treatment of Caribbean visitors by officials in Barbados has long been a problem.

Haiti
The Foreign Minister of Jamaica and the Head of Public Health listened to explanations from Haiti's Charge d'Affaires about an isolation measure imposed on a Jamaican national team player after discovering malaria among the players in 2007 during an epidemic on the island. The isolation measure remained in effect in 2011. Haitian officials cited lack of respect and hospitality toward its delegation, but Jamaican authorities rejected any thought of diplomatic conflict with Haiti because of what they call an "unfortunate incident."

A group of People's National Party members known as "the Patriots" issued a condemnation of actions by several Haitians protestors who burned the Jamaican flag. The Patriots said the desecration of the flag is an insult to the country. The protestors were angry about what they perceived to be the poor treatment of team members who were withdrawn from the CONCACAF U17 tournament without reason.

Honduras
Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the government of Honduras confirmed the captain of a fishing vessel involved in a confrontation with Jamaican coast guards was killed. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, spoke via telephone with Mario Canahuati, Foreign Minister of Honduras to discuss the incident. Baugh expressed his regret for the death, which he noted was the result of illegal activities by the Hondurans who were illegally fishing in Jamaican waters. Discussions were held between Jamaica and Honduras at the end of January on a variety of consular issues. The constructive discussions addressed the two vessels from Honduras that remain in Jamaican custody and updated the situation of the 30 crew members from those vessels who were detained in Kingston. Ambassador Jorge Alberto Milla Reyes, Honduran ambassador, and David Alfonso Hernandez Caballero, consul general of Honduras in Houston, Texas, took part in the talks.

Jamaica lost over US$130 million due to illegal fishing in its territorial waters. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries turned its attention to the issue after a Honduran vessel was seen near the Pedro Cays. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed concern about poaching and the exploitation of Jamaican resources by foreign vessels. In 2011, 42 foreign vessels were seen fishing illegally on the Pedro bank, and only three were apprehended.

Caymans
The Cabinet considered easing visa requirements for Jamaican nationals in order to facilitate entry to the Cayman Islands and to encourage visits by business travelers. If the current regulations were removed, travel would be easier for some Jamaicans who visit the Caymans. Removal of the regulation would chiefly affect individuals under the age of 15 and older than 70. Ultimately, the Cayman Islands decided that children under age 15 and elderly Jamaicans over age 70 would be allowed to travel to the country without visas. This decision was reached after the governor refused to permit the premier to eliminate a visa requirement for all Jamaicans who already had United Kingdom or United State visas.

Trinidad and Tobago
Representatives of state and private sector interests in Jamaica met with their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago to discuss a potential collaboration in regard to London's 2012 Olympic Games. Officials included Mark Thomas, the manager of corporate communications at Jamaica Trade and Invest, and Stanley Beard, the chairman of T&T Tourism Development Company.

The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) in Trinidad and Tobago are concerned about the lack of security in Jamaica's Port of Kingston. Inadequate port security represents a threat to local importers and customs brokers, who may be used without their knowledge to ship illegal substances throughout the Caribbean region. DOMA's concerns were emphasized by the discovery of a shipping container full of marijuana valued at $30 million at the Pt. Lisas Port.

St. Maarten
The government of St. Maarten decided that Jamaican travelers will need visas to visit the country. Roland Duncan, Minister of Justice in St. Maarten, confirmed the visa requirement, but gave no reason for his decision. Private sources indicated that the new requirement is based on statistics showing that Jamaican and Guyanese visitors overstay their entry time in St. Maarten. The new visas will be granted only for a period of three months.

Israel
The Israel Project found that 42 percent of Jamaicans want their government to provide support to Israel, while just nine percent favored support for Palestinian interests. In October, Jamaica voted on a unilateral Palestinian effort for state recognition without the need for negotiations with Israel. A large majority of Jamaicans believe that this effort by the Palestinians only hardened the positions of extremists on both sides of the issue, making peace in the region even more difficult to obtain.

United Kingdom
The United Kingdom announced it was ready to create over 10,000 jobs in Jamaica and enhance the island's ability to fight crime and handle natural disasters. The UK made a stronger commitment to provide support to the Caribbean. Andrew Mitchell, secretary of state for the UK, announced a four-year plan worth 75 million pounds to help Jamaica's 50 most volatile urban communities.

United States
Dr. Adrian Stokes, vice president of Scotiabank's product development and a financial analyst, stated that if there is a financial default in the United States, Jamaicans living in both countries would-be affected by the economic downturn that could occur.

Pamela Bridgewater, United States Ambassador to Jamaica, said steps should be taken immediately to control the crime rate in the country and to eliminate obstacles to direct investment. The faster such steps are taken, the faster Jamaica can reap the rewards of greater investment. Money likes to go where there is stability, said Bridgewater.

A diplomatic cable sent to the United States in March 2007 said that officials at the local U.S. embassy in Kingston claimed that Portia Simpson-Miller's lack of leadership had left the People's National Party (PNP) "in shambles." The cable also claimed that the party appeared to be "lost at sea" and unable to accept its defeat.

The United States Embassy in Jamaica revoked the visitor visa of Justin O'Gilvie, a former associate of Christopher "Dudus" Coke. O'Gilvie had a visitor's visa but was not able to cancel this visa physically. Therefore, the Embassy issued a letter requesting airlines to prohibit him from boarding any flights bound for the U.S. on the basis of that visa. O'Gilvie was a partner of Coke in Incomparable Enterprises Limited.

The United States Department of State said that Jamaica's government is not imposing strong enough penalties on those found guilty of human trafficking. Research findings published in the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report showed the island still at the Tier-2 level it attained in 2010. Tier-2 denotes nations with governments that do not completely comply with minimum standards imposed by the U.S. Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, but that have made progress in attempting to meet those standards. Jamaica's punishment of up to ten years in prison for human trafficking is insufficient in comparison to punishments for other serious crimes, said the report.

James Robertson, Jamaica's Minister of Energy and Mining, left his cabinet position after the United States government revoked his visa. The visa revocation was imposed by what Robertson characterized as unproven allegations of wrongdoing. No comment was forthcoming from the U.S. State Department on the matter. Robertson sent a letter to Prime Minister Bruce Golding stating that Robertson would leave his office immediately. He plans to keep his seat in Parliament, however, and his position as one of four deputy heads of the Jamaica Labor Party.

The battle is on to save the seasonal United States-Jamaica Farm Work Program, which has been in operation for 66 years. The fight arose after new regulations governing the hiring of Jamaica's migrant workers by the United States were imposed. The new rules delay the workers' admission to the U.S. and deny them comprehensive benefits. This seriously undermined the future of the program, since all future costs must then be paid only by growers and employers in the U.S.

Economy 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

The economy took center stage for much of 2011 as the entire world faced difficult economic conditions.

In January, the Jamaica Stock Exchange was ready to introduce an electronic trading system that allows real-time simultaneous tracking of stocks on the exchanges of Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. Investors in these regions will now be able to buy and sell equities directly, rather going through a settlement bank.

A number of financial experts recommended more financial education for Jamaicans. The Financial Services Commission urged people to become educated in financial matters and introduced a program of lessons designed for implementation in the schools. These lessons cover the rights and responsibilities involved with being knowledgeable consumers of financial services. Joseph M. Matalon, president of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), also stated that the government should create a public education program designed to inform citizens about the importance of paying their taxes. Matalon said that many Jamaicans are unaware of the critical nature of tax-related issues. In another tax-related matter, tax consultant and head of the Taxation Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ), Ethlyn Norton-Coke, encouraged the government's tax reform committee to enlarge the tax base by including people who work in the informal economy in any reforms. Taxi drivers were cited as a good example of workers who make money, but do not pay their fair share of tax.

Poverty
Poverty remains a significant concern for Jamaica's government and financial observers. According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the nation's poverty level rose from 16.5 percent in 2009 to over 20 percent in 2010. In 2007, 9.9 percent of the population lived in poverty. A report from the Institute attributes the causes of poverty in Jamaica to fiscal stabilization measures, extreme weather conditions that existed in 2010, and civil unrest occurring in May 2011. Dr. Omar Davies, the Opposition spokesman on finance, said that the government did not include adequate measures to aid the poor and other vulnerable groups in its 2011-2012 budget. Current economic conditions require the government to provide a "reprieve" for Jamaicans, but there has been no move toward mitigating citizens' financial burdens in the new budget.

And as if to concur with expert opinion and studies, the annual World Economic Forum Global Competitive Index for 2011 indicated that Jamaica had dropped 12 places in the ranking of 142 regional economies. Jamaica had a ranking of 107 among the142 nations included in the 2011 Index. The change in status was attributed to lack of physical security, poor infrastructure development, inefficient allocation of resources, and lagging innovation.

Growth
Once he took office, Jamaica's new Prime Minister Andrew Holness established a government plan designed to emphasize public-private ventures that will drive economic expansion. Holness is not depending on public spending for growth, he said, but instead will work with companies in China, the United States, and Europe to increase investments in the island's housing, roads, and water facilities sectors. Jamaica appears ready for growth, having shown an increase in the Gross Domestic Product of 1.5 percent over 2011, according to Michael Stern, Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce. Douglas Orane, CEO of GraceKennedy, supported Stern's optimistic view of the economy, citing the vibrant and growing nature of Jamaican entrepreneurship. Karl Samuda, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, assured potential Canadian investors about the many opportunities for wealth creation in Jamaica at the JAMPRO "Invest in Jamaica" forum in Toronto. Samuda particularly cited Jamaica's potential in trading and investment sectors like health and sports tourism, information technology, agriculture, and energy. Also touting Jamaica's potential was Minister of Finance

Audley Shaw, who invited the Chinese to increase their stake in the nation during a visit to China for meetings with government ministers there. Shaw affirmed his belief that Jamaica's commitments to the International Monetary Fund would be met, noting that this was critical for the country's continuing economic stability.

Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, was optimistic about the economic growth of the country, which he believed could exceed the targeted 2.5 percent estimate for 2011. Shaw said he is "optimistic" because Jamaica continues to try to attract new investments in tourism and in information and communications technology. The government approved a law permitting the expansion of casinos in Jamaica as well, which he expects will give a boost to the economy.

However, Jamaica's large amount of debt has a negative impact on local hospitals and schools. Both organizations have learned to make do with less because paying off the national debt remains a top priority for the government. Jamaica's debt to creditors totals $18.2 billion, more than the entire production of the nation's domestic economy for one year. This represents 132 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sports 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Cricket
Jamaican, the three-time champion of the WICB Regionals, struggled with its batting in a match versus Windward Islands. The Jamaicans achieved 177 for six in the first innings in the second round match at Queen's Park stadium. Marlon Samuels led the visitors with 40, while Tamar Lambert, Jamaican captain, had 35. Later, the Jamaicans have been victorious in three of four regional first-class matches with the Windwards.

Jamaica kept its position at the top of the rankings of the Caribbean Football Union with its highest FIFA ranking in the past six years. The Reggae Boyz rose 11 spots in the rankings to the 48th level. Cuba, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti round out the region's top five.

Jamaica obtained a third-place finish at the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament, due in part to the batting efforts of Danza Hyatt. Also, Dave Bernard had three wickets for 25 runs in four overs, while Odean Brown had three for 34 from his four overs. The third place ranking was an improvement over the team's performance in 2010, when it finished in fourth place.

Nikita Miller joined the members of Jamaica's senior cricket team at the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) final in Barbados. Miller was a member of the West Indies team that left the ICC World Cup at the quarter final. Miller will replace Akeem Dewar, 19, as a member of the 13-man team.

Football

Reggae Boyz - Jamaica's Reggae Boyz were ready to face their opponents from Venezuela in a friendly international game at the end of March in Montego Bay's Catherine Hall stadium. However, higher-than-usual ticket prices for fans were possible, since the stadium seats only 7,000. Limited gate receipts could mean a price hike to obtain future revenues.

The Reggae Boyz managed a win against El Salvador in March despite questionable decisions by the referees and the expulsion of one of their players in a hostile game environment. The Boyz obtained a victory of 3 to 2 in what might have been the first friendly international victory in Central America. Theodore Whitmore, the head coach, said the team was organized and in control and gave an overall good performance.

The Reggae Boyz, the Under-20 team, showed how impressive they can be when they defeated the Brazilian counterparts, the Sociedad Esportive Palmeirihna, at the Traffic Football Academy in March. The Jamaicans began the scoring with an effort by Marvin Morgan after 35 minutes. The Boyz won the match with a score of 2-0.

Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, issued her congratulations to the Young Reggae Boyz, the nation's youth football team. The team qualified for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a victory over Honduras at CONCACAF in Montego Bay. Grange said the team showed how Jamaica's youth can accomplish any goal as long as they receive appropriate guidance.

CONCACAF
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has the right to raise its allotment of slots in the World Cup competition from 3.5, according to its executive committee. CONCACAF wanted a guaranteed fourth spot in the World Cup match to be held in Brazil in 2014. A decision on the matter will be forthcoming from the FIFA executive committee in March 2011.

After months of anticipation, the CONCACAF Under-17 Finals, the last before the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, finally began in February with a double-header at Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall. Two favored teams, Costa Rica and the United States, participated in the games. Four of the 12 teams in the two-week tournament will join Mexico as CONCACAF representatives in the World Cup.

The Under-23 football team from Jamaica began their efforts to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London with a match against St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the first round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) phase in Suriname. According to head coach Alfredo Montesso, the team had very productive training sessions and expected to perform well.

JeVaughn Watson, a member of the Reggae Boyz, said that the Premier League clubs in Jamaica should target United States Major League Soccer (MLS) as a transitional market for players, rather than sending them to Europe. Some 14 Jamaicans currently play in the MLS, and three of them are involved in this season's championship game. Watson believes the U.S. developing status makes it a better fit for Jamaican players than Europe.

Women's Football
FIFA and the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) were co-hosts of the Women's Football Com-Unity Seminar in Kingston. The meeting was held to develop girls' and women's football across the island. Horace Burrell, JFF president, said he had listened to the participants at the seminar and the coaches and decided that the development of women's football would be a good thing for Jamaica.

Organizations like the Jamaica Football Federation provide a lesser degree of support for female football players than for their male counterparts. Female football teams continue to struggle with lack of support and lack of funding. However, Jamaican women in football have a high level of enthusiasm and commitment, reflecting the fact that the sport is the fastest growing female sport in the world. Some 26 million females play the sport worldwide. Sherwin Williams West Indies Ltd. has been the only firm in Jamaica for the past ten years to make a tangible investment in women's football programs.

Track and Field
Although American Tyson Gay won the men's 100-meters in Clermont, running the fastest time in the world thus far in 2011, Jamaica's Nickel Ashmeade ran a personal best time of 9.96 seconds, compared to Gay, who ran the distance in 9.79.

Nickel Ashmeade won the men's sprint championship at the Ponce Grand Prix in Puerto Rico. He is the first man to break the 20-second barrier in the 200-meter event this season. Ashmeade ran the 200 meters in 10.05 seconds.

Yohan Blake was named as the top male athlete of 2011 by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). Bolt was named the World Male Athlete of the Year, but the JAAA felt that Bolt did not do enough to best Blake in this competition. Blake won the World 100 title in South Korea after Bolt's false start disqualified him from the race. Blake also had the second-fastest 200-meter performance of all time at 19:26 seconds.

Yohan Blake, Jamaica's IAAF World Championships 100-meter gold medal winner, became the second Jamaican nominated for the Laureus Sports Award in the category of World Breakthrough of the Year. Blake took advantage of Usain Bolt's disqualification in the finals of the Daegu, South Korea, competition to become the youngest winner in history.

Yohan Blake achieved a personal best in the 100-meters to clock 9.82 seconds in Berlin. Blake, 21, easily defeated Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis. Blake took the world title in Daegu after Usain Bolt, his training partner, was disqualified.

Yohan Blake upstaged Usain Bolt at the Van Damme Memorial competition. Bolt ran the 100-meters with the season's fastest time, but Blake, his training partner, ran his race with a time that was just .07 seconds off of Bolt's world record. Blake surprised many at the meet by winning the 100-meter world title in Daegu after Bolt was disqualified for a false start. Blake himself was surprised by his time of 19.26 seconds.

Usain Bolt ran the 100-meters at a track-record speed of 9.85 seconds in Zagreb. With this time, Bolt smashed the recording of his rival, the American Tyson Gay, who had set the bar at 9.92 seconds in 2010.

Usain Bolt was disqualified from running the 100 meters due to a false start at the world championships race at Daegu, Korea. He was disappointed, but told reporters that there would be no tears. However, the disqualification means Bolt will not be able to win the "golden triple," a gold medal in each of the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay competitions, which he had wanted to accomplish. Alan Bell, the starter who is responsible for disqualifying Jamaican champion sprinter Usain Bolt in the 100-meter race at the World Championships in South Korea, has been forgiven by Bolt's mother, Jennifer. She told Bell that she and Wellesley, her husband, understood his decision. Bell, 60, said the decision was the easiest one he had ever made; the hard thing was dealing with the media.

Jamaica's sprint champion Usain Bolt easily won the 200-meter race in Daegu. Bolt was disqualified from running in his signature 100 meter competition when he produced a false start in the race. Bolt redeemed himself by winning the 200-meter race with a time of 19.40 seconds.

Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter and world record holder decided to run in the 100-meter race in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia at the Golden Spike meet in May. Bolt holds the world record in the 200-meters says he will compete in the 50th edition of the event, but only recently announced the distance he would run. This will be Bolt's fifth time at the meet.

Usain Bolt decided to miss the Jamaican National Track and Field Championships, according to Ludlow Watts, treasurer and chairman of the competition's organizing committee. Bolt is not entered in the meet, and his manager issued a statement announcing that Bolt's next competition will be in Paris in July.

Usain Bolt announced his plans to retire in 2016. Bolt, who holds the world record in the 100-meter and 200-meter distances, said he wants to use his time well and would like to end his career in 2016 before it becomes "tedious to do the same thing and win."

Usain Bolt decided to run the 100 meters at Louis II Stadium in Monaco on July 22. According to Bolt, he looked forward to running in that nation for the first time. Bolt accepted a personal invitation from Monaco's Prince Albert II, who is president of the Monaco Athletics Federation.

Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt wants the false-start rule to be changed. He believes that the authorities should reconsider the decision to disqualify an athlete for making a false start in a race. Bolt himself fell victim to the rule in the 100-meter race at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu and was disqualified.

Jamaica's Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt was named World Athlete of the Year for the third time by the International Athletics Foundation. The award was made in Monaco. Bolt is now the second man in history to have won this major award three times.

According to Christian Maximilian Voigt, the head of global sports marketing and sports law for PUMA, Jamaican Usain Bolt represents a perfect partner for the company. Voigt believes that PUMA is very lucky to have the talented Olympic champion sprinter as a representative of the global shoe firm. Bolt is one of many internationally recognized sports legends that represent the 87-year-old firm.

Veronica Campbell-Brown received the 100-meter women's championship at the Jamaican Nationals. Campbell-Brown achieved her victory in the 100 meters with a time of 10.84 seconds to defeat Kerron Stewart, Olympic 100-meter silver medalist.

Veronica Campbell-Brown, defending Olympic champion in the 200-meters, continued to perfect her performance to get ready for the Jamaica National Championships. She hoped for a season's best of under 10.92 seconds in her final race at the Ostrava Golden Spike competition in the Czech Republic.

Sykes Facey and Kishka Kay O'Connor Anderson, two Jamaicans at the Chicago Marathon, turned in an impressive performance. Both runners finished the race with a high placement among the 15,500 female runners participating. Sykes Facey was injured at the start of the 26.2-mile race but finished in three hours, 30 minutes and ten seconds. O'Connor Anderson finished in three hours, 30 minutes, and 16 seconds. The marathon was run in temperature that reached the mid 80s, a factor for both runners. Sykes Facey placed 491st in the field of 15,500 females runners, while O'Connor Anderson place 494th. Both were in the top nine percent.

Usain Bolt took a first place finish in the men's 200 meter race at the Diamond League in Stockholm, Sweden. His time was 20.03 seconds. Ainsley Waugh, another Jamaican team member took third place in the 200 meters with 20.56 seconds. Jamaica's Kaliese Spencer, Melaine Walker, and Nickiesha Wilson took first, second, and third places, respectively in the women's 400 meter hurdles.

Fedrick Dacres was the first Jamaican to win a gold medal in the discus event at an IAAF athletics championship. He threw the discus 67/05 meters for a world record at the IAAF World Youth Championships in France. Dacres is coached at Calabar High School by Julian Robinson.

Vonette Dixon had one of her best performances of the 2011 season on the final day of the Senior Central America and Caribbean Championships in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Dixon took the gold medal in the women's 100-meter hurdles final, clocking 12.77 seconds. Her win opened the way to a Jamaican sweep of medals in the sprint hurdles.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce brought up the last position in a field of seven runners in the 200 meters at the Adidas Grand Prix Diamond League competition in New York. She ran the race with a time of 23.52 seconds, over half a second behind the winner, Allyson Felix, who clocked 22.92 seconds.

Jamaican Korene Hinds became the second winner from her country at the Bermuda International Race Weekend 2011. She ran the women's 10-kilometer race in 33 minutes and 56 seconds to take the title. Hinds, who is 34 years old, took second place in the 10K in 2010. Kenia Sinclair from Jamaica won the women's mile competition.

The Jamaican team participated in the 2011 World Masters Championships in Sacramento, California, and hoped to win medals after reaching two finals. Benson Ford was in fourth place in the Men's 80-84 100 meters with a time of 17.66 seconds. Karl Smith withdrew from the men's 50-54 100 meters when he suffered a possible hamstring injury.

Jamaica was officially named the host of the Carifta Games in 2011. The games were held in Montego Bay at Catherine Hall Stadium. The North America, Central America and Caribbean organizations (NACAC) announced the choice of Catherine Hal and said the 40th annual games would be held from April 23 to April 25, 2011. The arrangements were approved by the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA).

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce completed a six-month ban for using a prohibited drug as treatment for a toothache. She is the current 100-meter Olympic and world champion and returned to competition after her ordeal. She was concerned about the reception she would receive running in the Penn Relays, but has decided to focus on running as fast as she can.

Rosemarie Whyte, Davita Predergast, Novlene Williams-Mills, and Shericka Williams achieved a new national record in the women's 4x400 meter race at the IAAF World competition in Daegu, South Korea. They clocked 3:18:71 and obtained the silver trophy.

The 117th Penn Relays represent one of the largest and most important sporting events for Jamaicans. Jamaicans have always had a major role in the success of the event, and Grace Foods, top food producer and distributor in the Caribbean, will continue its proud sponsorship of the 2011 games. Jamaican athletes compete with those from U.S. high schools and colleges, and yearly, many Jamaicans travel to the games to support the island's high school track heroes.

Carrie Russell of the University of Technology led three Jamaicans who were victorious in individual college events at the 117th Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Four Jamaicans won the college women's 100m championships, and Leaford Green won the men's 400 m hurdles. Former St. Jago High School star Melissa Ogbourne won the college women's triple jump.

Jamaica's Asafa Powell has announced that he is withdrawing from competition in the 100 meter race. He suffered a groin injury in Budapest and had hoped it would improve enough to allow him to compete in the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace. However, he decided to withdraw from this meet in order to concentrate on preparations for the World Championships in Korea in three weeks. Asafa Powell said that a recent groin injury prevented the "break through" he had hoped for at the World Athletics Championship. Powell had to forego running at Daegu in South Korea, but will run in the Diamond League Competition, held in Zurich, Switzerland.

Asafa Powell sent a warning to his competition, notably Usain Bolt and other rivals for the world title, with the fourth-fastest 100-meter run in the history of the Diamond League. Powell ran 9.72 seconds on the same track in 2008, but achieved a world-leading time of 9.78 seconds at the meet. Powell, 29, was in excellent physical condition and says his goal is to maintain his training and to run faster.

Asafa Powell won an easy victory in the 100 meters at the Diamond League event held in Birmingham, England. The wet conditions at the race caused Powell to turn in a time of 9.91 seconds. He had reached a world-record time for 2011 with 9.78 in Switzerland ten days before. Powell said he only ran hard enough in Birmingham to win that particular event because of the damp, cold weather.

Kenia Sinclair ran three 800-meter races in under two minutes each, including her win at the Prefontaine Classic. She clocked 1:58:29 in that competition. The Jamaican focused on running more 1500-meter races in order to make her 800-meter performances stronger. As a side result, Sinclair is finding that she is a formidable mile runner. She also won the Grete Waitz 1500-meter in 4:08:06 at the Adidas Grand Prix Diamond League competition.

Jamaican Kaliese Spencer ran a personal best in the women's 400-meter hurdles at the Samsung Diamond Meet at Crystal Palace in London with a time of 52.79 seconds. This run put Spencer in ninth place on the all-time list and ranks her as the second-fastest Jamaican in history. Spencer is now favored to win a gold medal at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

The win by Kaliese Spencer in the 400-meter hurdles, eclipsed victories for Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown at the International Association of Athletics Association (IAAF) Diamond League meet. Spencer, the defending champion, ran the race in 54.20 seconds. Campbell-Brown, 29, won the women's 100 meters, on her birthday, with a time of 10.92 seconds.

The USA vs. Jamaica Challenge will see the repeat of one of the great women's sprint rivalries of the first decade of the 21st century. The meet will pit three Americans against three Jamaicans in both men's and women's 60-meter sprints. Lauryn Williams, the 2005 World 100-meter champion will return in 2011 to face her rival, Jamaican sprint champion Veronica Campbell-Brown. Brown beat Williams in 2007 in a photo finish for the 100-meter world title. The men in the USA vs. Jamaica Challenge will feature Mike Rodgers, 60-meter silver medalist, Trell Kimmons, and Ivory Williams Jamaican Nesta Carter will also compete in the Challenge.

Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt took a break from his running schedule to help young runners in southern California. Bolt says he always has fun with kids and enjoys teaching them and inspiring them. Bolt is also making additional appearances in Los Angeles before returning to Jamaica.

Melaine Walker won a silver medal for Jamaica in the women's 400-meter hurdles in Daegu. She ran a personal best of 52.73 seconds. Walker was the defending champion going into the competition, but finished second behind Lashinda Demus of the United States, who clocked a world-leading time of 52.47 seconds.

Other Sports
Jamaica could be the host of the 2012 Scottish Highland Games. A feasibility study conducted by Lord Jamie Sempill of Edinburgh said it would provide an opportunity for Scots to visit Jamaica and for Jamaicans to reconnect with their Scottish heritage. The historical relationship between the island and Scotland goes back some 400 years, and evidence of it is found in place names and surnames throughout Jamaica. The games would coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence.

Deaf athletes from all over Jamaica met at Manchester High School to participate in National Sports Day. This was the second year of the event, which was organized by Deaf Sports Jamaica (DSJ). The event included netball, basketball, recreational table tennis, six-a-side football, and athletics, and all competitions were conducted fairly and with fun. Some 350 athletes participated in the event, most coming from Kingston, Brown's Town, May Pen, and Mandeville.

Damion Robb, Jamaican musher, finished the six-mile and four-mile sprint races in first place at the yearly Marmor SnoFest. Robb, who lives in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, enjoys the "absurdity" of being a dogsled racer from Jamaica. Robb, 24, is a full-time musher and receives lots of support when he races in Canada and the United States. He has been racing for five years.

Olivia Grange, Jamaican Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, praised the performance of the Jamaican team at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, as "inspirational." The team came away with 31 medals, 12 of which were gold, 14 silver, and 5 bronze. At a luncheon to celebrate the victories in St. Andrew, Grange said everyone on the team was a winner, since they overcame a variety of challenges to achieve their victories.

Jamaican gymnast won a Level 8 team trophy at the Whitlow International Invitational competition in Orlando, Florida, achieving a score of 218,400 points. Locally based Nishida's Gymnastics and Fitness Center in Cross Road was represented by Daniel Williams, Jiovanna Jackson, and Jamin Melbourne. The Jamaican team won four of six events to win the team trophy. They won the floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, and high bars. A second place was achieved in the pommel horse, and a third on still rings.

Shane Hudson received a silver medal for his 49.43 second performance at the Parapan American Games in Mexico. This is the first medal for a Jamaican Paralympian in an international track competition. Sylvia Grant, also a Jamaica, earned a silver medal in the women's javelin with a throw of 20.36 meters.

Carl Whyte, Jamaican golfer, is one of the participants in the reality series "Big Break" on the Golf Channel. The series plays golf professionals against each other for the ultimate prize: playing in the PGA tour, plus over US$50,000. Whyte, who is from Green Mount in Manchester, now lives in Salisbury, Maryland. He attended Knox College.

Jaida Lawrence and Toni-Ann Williams placed 152nd and 167th, respectively, during the individual all-around qualification at the 43rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Lawrence finished 30th overall in the vault, 185th in the uneven bars and balance beam, and 181st in floor exercise. Toni-Ann had her best performance ever on the balance beam despite tearing out the middle of the palm of her right hand during the competition. She placed 86th in the competition. Physicians taped up her hand and she went on to compete in all four events.

The ten members of the "Y" Speedos Swim Club in Jamaica came in third at the Mike Lockwood Memorial Invitational Swim Meet in Grand Cayman. The club received three individual age-group championship trophies as well. Angara Sinclair won in the girls' 11-12 age group, Michael Bradshaw won the girls' 9-10 age group, and Cameron Brown won the boys' 9-10 group trophy. The team as a whole received over 35 medals.

Shacquille Sinclair and Oshana Williams, professional cyclists participating in the Tour de l'Abitibi in Canada in July, performed well, according to Iona Wynter Parks, first vice president of the Jamaica Cycling Federation. The two riders were the only ones in the race from a Caribbean island. For five of the seven stages, Sinclair was in the main field, 3.33 minutes behind the leader on General Classification.

Five Jamaicans are ready to represent the homeland in the two-day Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Puerto Rico. Shacquille Sinclair and Oshane Williams will lead the Jamaican contingent in the time trials and 17-to-18 road race age category. Also racing will be Dervin Myers, Jermar Brissett, and Owen Cardoza Jr. All are competing in the championships for the first time.

Jamaican Newton Marshall rose to prominence in 2009 when he entered the Yukon Quest dogsled race in that year. He finished in 13th place, a respectable showing for a rookie racer, and fans acknowledged that the Jamaican was a real competitor. He is a favorite with the media and with fans, but he has come up from extreme poverty, bad education, and overcome personal obstacles to get to where he is. His story is told in a new book by John Firth called "One Mush," which examines the events that brought Marshall to international fame.

Jamaica handed Zimbabwe a defeat at the second Tri-Nation Ladies Polo Tournament at the Kingston Polo Club in St. Catherine. Jamaica won 4 goals to 3.5 goals. A star of the match was Jamaica's Rachel Turner, who scored two goals from 40-yard penalties. She then scored a full field goal, which gave Jamaica its first international victory.

The Jamaica Surfing Association's National Governing Body is partnering with the Jamnesia Surf Club to look for sponsors for the first professional surf contest in Jamaica. The contest will highlight the top surfers in Jamaica in multiple events. The series will take place at the island's prime surfing locations. The top six Jamaican surfers chosen for the series are Icah Wilmot, Inilek Wilmot, Ackearn Phillips, Shane Simmonds, Luke Williams, and Jason Pusey.

Controversies/Penalties
Victor Conte, founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), says that the record-breaking performances of Jamaican athletes during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing were the result of doping. He believes that Usain Bolt and other Jamaicans may have utilized illegal methods to obtain their gold medals. Conte says that he was told Jamaicans were using testosterone and other substances he used during his tenure at BALCO to achieve their wins. Conte says he does not have proof to back up his suspicions, but believes Bolt's record-breaking results and those of others prove his point.

An up-and-coming sprinter who was expected to represent Jamaica in Daegu, South Korea, at the IAAF World Championships in three weeks has had a positive drug test. The test was administered at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the end of June 2011.The test revealed the presence of a masking agent, generally used to prevent the detection of banned or illegal substances like anabolic steroids or stimulants. The athlete in question has been notified and must face a disciplinary hearing, ruling him out of the championship competition.

Max Alce, Haiti's Charge d'Affairs, was recalled for consultations following the expulsion of Haiti's national football team under 17 (U-17) by authorities in Jamaica. The decision was made after several Haitian team members were hospitalized with fever and suspected of suffering from malaria. Authorities from Haiti sent protest notes to Jamaica about the discrimination faced by its U-17 members. The Haitian Chancery plans to bring the matter before CARICOM, informing the organization that this behavior could harm relations between the two nations.

Football players who do not inform the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) when they decline national call-ups will find themselves sanctioned by the government entity in the future. The JFF and the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) confirmed a meeting in which they decided to make the technical infrastructure of football much stronger. The agencies also want to improve the coordination between them. Unless they have a good reason, players must respond "favorably" to the national call-ups.

Executives from the Bahamas 2011 Carifta team claimed that Jamaican representatives have challenged the field, suggesting that no other nation will be winning gold medals at the junior track and field meet. According to Harrison Petty, BAAA sponsor and president of the BAAA Parents Association, Jamaica has "dared" the Bahamas to win gold and noted that this "trash talk" will be used as a catalyst to motivate the Bahamian team.

Directors of the WICB met to decide whether or not Chris Gayle will be featuring in the Test series against India. The Jamaican batsman has caused some controversy with comments he made during an interview with an island radio station. Gayle's future is uncertain, and he is not scheduled to play in the first Test against India at Sabina Park on June 20. The WICB said his comments created "ill will" with the team's management.

1Chris Gayle could take the position of captain of Jamaica's national team for the WICB Regional Super50 Championship tournament in Guyana. He has been recommended for the post and is waiting for ratification from the Jamaica Cricket Association. He has not led the team for the past three years, but would still offer considerable experience to the role after acting as a former West Indies captain. His presences on the team would be a major batting boost and could help Jamaica's chances to win.

American Chris Gayle defeated his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and achieved a nine-wicket win with his new team Royal Challengers Bangalore. Gayle took some time to gauge conditions and bowlers, but ultimately unleashed an excellent performance that appeared to have a note of revenge in it, according to some observers.

According to Fritz Harris, secretary of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), the request from Chris Gayle for clarification from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reasonable. Gayle has asked what comments of his offended the board and prompted a request to withdraw them. The WICB asked for the retraction of comments Gayle made in regard to the board and its officers.

Steve Mullings, Jamaican runner, tested positive for drugs ahead of the world championship meet in Daegu, South Korea. Mullings was rated as the third-fastest man and could face a lifetime ban from the sport as a result of testing positive for the masking agent furosemide. This drug is generally used to hide the presence of banned substances. This was Mullings' second drug offense. He was sentenced to a lifetime ban from athletics for his second doping offense. A three-man disciplinary panel of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission found him guilty of using a banned substance.

Lawrence Rowe, legendary batting star for the West Indies, started a legal action against the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA). He is fighting the organization's decision to withdraw his name from the Players' Pavilion in Sabina Park. Rowe's name was withdrawn after he made remarks during an interview that were seen as controversial by the JCA. He was one of several players to defy international sanction and played in South Africa during its years of apartheid; he was subsequently banned from cricket, and his international career ended.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, has cleared Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman, to play again in international matches. It has been over three years since Samuels was banned from competition for an illegal bowling action. Samuels, 30, said it felt good to be able to bowl again in international competition.

Obituaries for 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

HOWARD ARIS
Track and field executive Howard Aris was famous for leading Jamaica to its best performance in the 2008 Olympics and 2008 World Championships. Aris, 75, was found unconscious at a campaign rally for the People's National Party and was taken to a hospital where he died. He held the presidency of Jamaica's Track and Field Federation since 2003 and was a friend of PNP President Portia Simpson Miller.

ANTHONY ABRAHAMS
The contributions of former Jamaica Labor Party member Anthony Abrahams were acknowledged upon his death at age 71. He was Member of Parliament for the Eastern Portland area from 1980 to 1989 and was known as host of the "Breakfast Club" morning radio talk show.

AGGREY BROWN
Professor Emeritus Dr. Aggrey Brown was the former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education as well as former director of the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies. He served for 22 years as head of that organization. Brown was also the host of the popular call-in radio program "Public Eye" for the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation.

PHILIP "FATIS" BURRELL
Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Jamaican record producer, died at age 57 of a stroke. He was one of the most important producers of the digital dancehall music era and was admired for the quality of his work. He was instrumental in promoting the careers of Luciano, Sizzla Kolanji, and Capleton.

DAVID COORE
David Coore was the former Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica in the Cabinet of Michael Manley during 1970s. He died from complications of pneumonia at the age of 86 in the Dominican Republic where he had lived since April 2011. Coore was instrumental in drafting the Jamaican Constitution when the nation became independent of Britain in 1962. He is survived by his wife Maria, three sons, and eleven grandchildren.

LEONARD DILLON
Leonard Dillon, reggae music pioneer, died of cancer at age 68. Dillon came to be known before Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and was one of the first singers in Jamaica to utilize Afro-centric themes and social commentary in his music. Dillon was introduced to Marley by Tosh, and they recorded together at Studio One in Kingston. This was the first black-owned recording studio and label in Jamaica.

TINO GEDDES
The life of Mortimer "Tino" Geddes, a veteran journalist, was celebrated at Unity Jamaica Church in Kingston. Tributes and praise were given to the journalist by individuals from all walks of life. Included among them was Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, who remember Geddes as "fearless, but fair."

GIL SCOTT HERON
Jazz and soul musician Gil Scott Heron died at age 62 in New York after becoming ill following a trip to Europe. Heron was the son of Jamaican soccer star Gilbert Heron and the singer Bobbie Scott. He was born in Chicago, Illinois,and began his recording career in 1970. He is best known for his spoken-word recording "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." Heron was credited with being one of the pioneers of hip-hop and rap music.

BRYAN HOLNESS
The son of Dr. Patricia Holness, chief executive officer of the Registrar General's Department, was accidentally shot and killed when a group of three men were playing with an illegal gun. Police in St. Catherine detained one of the three, while the other two were released after questioning. Holness, 19, was a student at the University of the West Indies.

LLOYD KNIBB
Lloyd Knibb was an influential Jamaican drummer and instrumental in creating and popularizing ska music. Knibb, who died of liver cancer, was 80. He was the original drummer in the Skatalites band, which gained popularity in 1964. The band split up in the 1960s, but reunited 20 years later. Two of the band's albums were nominated for Grammy awards.

DUDLEY LAWS
Community activist and freedom fighter Dudley Laws died at age 76 after a long battle with kidney disease. He was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the United Kingdom before moving to Toronto, Canada, in 1965. He was a life-long activist and founded the Black Action Defense Committee in response to police shootings of several black men in the greater Toronto area.

BARRY LLWELLYN
Barry Llwellyn, the founder of the Jamaican reggae and rocksteady trio the Heptones, died at the age of 64 of unknown causes at Kingston Public Hospital. He started the Heptones in the late 1950s with Earl Morgan. The group was especially influential during the rocksteady era in the 60s, and it reunited in the 1990s during a ska and rocksteady revival.

GARY MASON
Gary Mason, Jamaican-born boxing champion in the United Kingdom, died at the age of 48 in a cycling accident in South London. Mason was one in a long line of UK boxing champions born in Jamaica. He held the championship from 1989 to 1991.

TREVOR MACMILLAN
Trevor MacMillan was the former Minister of National Security and a Senator. He died at the age of 71 at his home in St. Andrew from complications of Parkinson's disease. MacMillan had served in the Jamaica Defense Force for 27 years before becoming Commissioner of Police. Paying tribute to MacMillan, Prime Minister Bruce Golding said he had conducted himself with honor and distinction.

GUY MCINTOSH
Guy McIntosh was a well-known art collector and the owner of the Frame Center Gallery in Jamaica. His gallery was credited with helping in the development of Jamaican art during the 1980s when it exhibited many of the leading artists of that era. McIntosh's passing was noted by the National Gallery of Jamaica, and in paying tribute to McIntosh, Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, said he was a major contributor to the cultural development of Jamaica and a great supporter of Jamaican art.

PABLO MCNEIL
Pablo McNeil, Jamaican sprinter and two-time Olympic champion, died at the age of 71 following a long illness. McNeil was Jamaica's representative in the 100-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 and again at the Olympics in Mexico City in 1968. In his later years, McNeil became a sprint coach. He was responsible for convincing Usain Bolt to switch from cricket to track and coached Bolt until he turned 16 years of age.

MARK MENDEL
Football coach, administrator and business executive Mark Mendel died suddenly of a heart attack. His death marks the end of another chapter in Jamaica's football history. He was born in Romania and had a dual citizenship with Jamaica and Israel. He was instrumental in changing the local football establishment during the 1980s and 1990s. He also introduced the first professional football team in Jamaica, the Swallowfield Football Club.

MARLON EARL MYRIE
Jamaican-born United States Marine Sergeant Marlon Earl Myrie, age 25, was killed in Afghanistan in June. He was buried with military honors at the South Florida National Cemetery. He was honored with a 21-gun salute and the playing of "Taps." He died in an incident involving a hand grenade in Helmand Province.

Health Issues 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Children's Health
The health and welfare of children in Jamaica was the focus of considerable concern in 2011. According to a 2011 survey from the National Health Council on Drug Abuse, high school students on the island are subject to suicidal thoughts, stress, and risk of being bullied. They drink alcohol and smoke tobacco and report feeling lonely. Many are overweight and unhealthy and do not feel that their parents understand their problems.

Betty Ann Blaine, child advocate and founder of Hear the Children's Cry, said that cases of child rape are increasing in number in Jamaica, but many perpetrators go unpunished. Blaine attributed the lack of prosecutions to cultural attitudes that promote sex with young girls, plus the fact that families are frequently paid by gang members to have sex with their female children. Families may hide sexual abuse to avoid bringing shame upon their members as well. Child advocates and social workers noted that children in Jamaica often lived in poverty, were poorly educated, and were especially vulnerable to the risk of rape, violence, unwanted pregnancy, or human trafficking. Efforts to help children facing these conditions included those by Claudette Pious, the founder of Children First, who attempts to reform street children through the dramatic arts. The deaths of children due to AIDS/HIV in Jamaica have been reduced by early planning efforts that provide necessary treatment and medications. Since the 1990s when these efforts began, there has been a 31 percent reduction in the number of children's death due to the disease.

Some particularly vulnerable inner-city youths were given the chance to better their lives by entering the job market through a program sponsored by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica Inter-American Development Bank. The program allowed 100 young people aged 16 to 29 to use "microfranchises" to enter the market and create sustainable work opportunities for youth in eight communities in the Corporate Area.

Birth Control
The National Family Planning Board countered the perception that Jamaican women have more children than they can adequately care for. Dianne Thomas, director of the agency's outreach programs, reported a downward trend in the childbirth rate per woman in Jamaica between the 1970s and 2011. At that time, the average Jamaican woman had six or seven children. And while birth control may be the reason for the reduction in birthrate, many women must resort to illegal means to obtain it. Jamaica's Ministry of Health discovered that some Jamaican women use the drug Cytotec in order to abort unwanted pregnancies. The drug was developed to prevent stomach ulcers, but is widely used to induce labor in pregnant women and to terminate unwanted pregnancies. The Ministry intends to impose a policy that will limit access to this drug to physicians and hospital consultants.

Psychological Health
Jamaica's health authorities expressed concern about the growing number of suicides on the island during the first five months of the year. There were 24 cases of suicide during this period, compared to 12 in the first five months of 2010. Over 90 percent of the cases involved individuals with serious mental health issues, and authorities urged anyone with significant symptoms of depression or another mental disorder to seek medical aid as soon as possible.

Psychological research by Jamaican psychiatrist Frederick Hickling and clinical psychologist Vanessa Paisley resulted in some criticism and even outrage. Hickling and Paisley found that 40 percent of the population in Jamaica suffers from some type of personality disorder. This represents over 1 million adults and could be the reason for the high crime rate in Jamaica. Anthony Johnson, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, took issue with the study, noting that Jamaicans are among the happiest people in the world.

Community Health Issues
Local medical professionals at the University of the West Indies became concerned about several types of free-living amoebae (FLA), which can infect the central nervous systems of humans and other animals with deadly consequences. FLAs were first discovered in Australia in the 1960s and have spread to 15 other countries since then, with cases of infection increasing yearly.

While Jamaicans know that skin-bleaching may lead to skin cancer, they continue doing it. Many use over-the-counter products in hopes of lightening their skin tone, which they believe will lead to a better life. Poorer individuals often turn to the less expensive, and more dangerous, products available on the black market. Many of these products are imported from West Africa. The long-term use of skin-bleaching products has been linked to ochronosis, a condition that causes dark blotches to appear on the skin.

Professor Rainford Wilks of the University of the West Indies (UWI) is concerned about the large amount of salt used by Jamaicans. According to Wilks, this is an important health issue that must be addressed because the country faces a major epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Reducing salt intake could have a beneficial impact on the spread of the disease.

Jamaica's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management warned that more than 300 communities on the island are highly vulnerable to damage from natural disasters. Fifty-six of these communities are participating in a project that will aid in improving the ability of these communities to mitigate and/or manage a natural disaster should one occur.

Government and Politics 2011 - Jamaica Year in Review 2011

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

In a year when a survey by Johnson Survey Research found that 60 percent of Jamaicans believed the nation would be in better shape today if it had remained under British rule, the resignation of Bruce Golding from his post as Prime Minister and the ascension of Andrew Holness, Minister of Education, to that position was the top story. And capping the story was the victory of the People's National Party (PNP) over the ruling Jamaica Labor Party in December, ousting Holness who had been considered a "shoo-in" and replacing him with Portia Simpson Miller.

In the run-up to the General Election, Jamaica's government officials, political parties, and other representatives addressed a number of issues. The Organization of American States (OAS) sent an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to observe Jamaica's General Parliamentary Elections held on December 29, 2011. The OAS was invited to participate by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica. Lisa Shoman of Belize was designated by OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza to act as Chief of Mission.

General Election/Electoral Issues
Representatives of the University of the West Indies Guild of Students, the National Youth Parliamentary Watch Committee, the National Youth Council, the National Youth Parliament, and the Portmore Youth Council called for the youth portfolio to be removed from the responsibility of Olivia "Babsy" Grange, the current minister, saying that she was not a good manager, lacked leadership, and developed policies irrelevant to Jamaican youth.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding's part retained its majority in parliament with a win in the by-election in April. The election was called after a governing party legislator acknowledged that he had U.S. citizenship in violation constitutional rules. Everald Warmington, the Jamaica Labor Party candidate, won his election with 64 percent of the vote in St. Catherine parish. Warmington was born in Jamaica and only acknowledged his U.S. citizenship in March 2011. He resigned his post and gave up his American passport and dual citizenship at that time.

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) received new powers to establish the boundaries of electoral divisions. The Cabinet approved legislative amendments giving this power to the ECJ. According to Daryl Vaz, the Minister with the responsibility for information, the decision was made in response to recommendations from the ECJ.

In June it was reveals that a secret diplomatic cable between the United States and Jamaica stated that leaders in Jamaica's private sector had lost confidence in Prime Minister Bruce Golding. The cable was sent just two years after Golding took office and expressed business sector concerns about Golding's delayed in reaching a deal with the International Monetary Fund.

A June survey by Bill Johnson found that 42 percent of Jamaicans thought that Prime Minister Bruce Golding received the treatment he deserved from attorneys during his testimony in the Manatt-Dudus enquiry. Thirty-five percent believed Golding had been treated rudely by the lawyers.

Sharon Hay-Webster, Member of Parliament, resigned from the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) in June, stating that she could no longer tolerate the abuse and lack of party support regarding her dual-citizenship case. Critics in and out of the PNP pressured her to relinquish her United States citizenship.

The Senate expressed outrage at the Jamaica Public Service Company because of the extremely high bills it imposed on electricity consumers, who included a government senator, Hyacinth Bennett. The senator's home charges for May and June of 2011 totaled more than $163,000. Senator Bennett and several other senators decided to issue a "call for justice" at the utility.

In September, the People's National Party (PNP) supported hiring an auditing company, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), to review the meter replacement program of the Jamaica Public Service Company. The PNP recommended that JPS operations be overseen by the Jamaican Parliament.

Robert Pickersgill, the chairman of the People's National Party (PNP), encouraged his party supporters to work for the end of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) government. Pickersgill's remarks signaled the beginning of the party's active campaigning for the general election in 2012.

Attorney-at-law Tom Tavares-Finson expressed his interest in representing the constituency of West Kingston in the government upon the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Some members of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) believed he was responsible for undermining Golding's efforts, Tavares-Finson denied the allegations, stating that he had long had a desire to represent the people of the West Kingston district.

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) invited Jamaicans United for Sustainable Development make proposals for enhancing the country's democracy and avoiding problems presented by unfair and corrupt election campaigns. The proposals seed to prevent governments from being beholden to financial backers, using political office to obtain financial benefits, being obligated to foreign financial donors, and being linked to donors from illegal narco-trafficking and/or money-laundering activities.

The People's National Party (PNP) stated in October that it was not worried about recent polls indicating that the general public has a more favorable opinion of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) since the resignation of Bruce Golding as Prime Minister. Portia Simpson Miller, PNP president, said the only so-called "bounce" the JLP will experience in the future is when the people "will be bouncing them out of power."

The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) will hold at least three national debates featuring the representatives of the two major political parties in the country before the general election. The Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) both agreed in principle, to participate in these debates.

Danville Walker decided to be the candidate for the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) from Central Manchester. According to Walker, the JLP is "the party of performance." He stated that he wants to help transform Jamaica into a better place to live.

The Jamaica Civil Society Coalition supported an action of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) that required both major political parties to observe certain campaign finance rules, even though there are no laws mandating that they do so. Professor Errol Miller, chairman of the ECJ, said that both parties voluntarily agreed to comply with some of the reform rules.

Jamaicans were informed of laws governing public processions and marches. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) particularly targeted representatives of the country's political parties with the information project. Under the Public Order Act, it is illegal for a public march to occur at night or to take place in daylight without a permit issued by the police.

Don Robotham, professor of anthropology and former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, stated that the current political process in Jamaica cannot resolve the nation's problems because it cannot institute the kinds of policies and programs required. For this to occur, a broad range of Jamaicans must participate in finding solutions.

Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, criticized attacks from the People's National Party (PNP) against the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program. Shaw, deputy leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), called on the PNP to apologize.

Official discussions between the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) were threatened by Portia Simpson Miller, president of the PNP. Simpson Miller refused to conduct business with the government until it removed itself from issues relating to the National Youth Council of Jamaica (NYCJ). She described the cancellation of a forum at NYCJ by the government as representative of its dictatorial and censoring activities.

Brian Pengelley, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, supported a call for a defined job description and list of qualifications for individuals who want to be elected as members of Parliament. Pengelley stated that those who aspire to be MPs should receive clearly defined job descriptions and present quality profiles when they want to be elected representatives and legislators.

Herro Blair, political ombudsman, received at least 30 complaints involving shootings, bribes, injury, intimidation, and other violent acts during just one week of political campaigning across Jamaica. His office also received reports of party buses being stoned, damaged vehicles, and defaced candidate billboards. He noted that the office of ombudsman actively investigates such reported incidents.

In mid December, the Jamaica Labor Party was on track to win the General Election on December 29. It had gained six percentage points in a month to take the lead over the Opposition. According to a recent poll, 31 percent of voters said they would vote for the JLP, and another five percent said they probably would do so. Twenty-nine percent said they would vote for the People's National Party (PNP). This was the first time the PNP trailed the JLP since 2007. While nearly 50 percent of Jamaicans said they were worse off in 2011 than they were in 2007 when the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) took power, most viewed the JLP as more capable of managing the country successfully. Fifty-five percent believe that Andrew Holness deserved to be returned to his post as Prime Minister.

Bruce Golding
The resignation of Bruce Golding as Jamaica's Prime Minister was the most critical political happening of 2011 Golding was an integral part of the case involving crime lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke, and his participation ultimately led to his leaving office.

In March, Golding prepared to testify at a commission of enquiry investigating the Dudus-Manatt charges. Golding expressed his eagerness to be a witness for the commission and warned that his testimony would be "explosive." Observers believed he would target the Opposition People's National Party with particular focus on its lead attorney K.D. Knight. Golding stated that he believed the extradition treaty that existed between Jamaica and the United States favored the U.S.'s ability to compromise the sovereignty of Jamaica and that this imbalance must be corrected. He also stated that officials at the U.S. Embassy were "belligerent" against his government, putting pressure on the country's Minister of Justice to hand over Christopher "Dudus" Coke in telephone calls made only days after the extradition request was received by Golding's government in 2009. When asked about the Jamaica Labor Party's hiring of the law firm of Manatt, Phelps, and Phillips by People's National Party attorney K.D. Knight during the enquiry, Golding answered that a political party was not required to reveal every detail of its internal operations.

Finally, in April, after months of denying a request from the U.S. for the extradition of Coke, Golding admitted he had a face-to-face meeting with the alleged drug lord. Golding denied wanting the endorsement of Coke for his political candidacy in 2006, however.

In June, Golding reported being satisfied with the findings of the investigating commission about the Coke extradition. According to those findings, a panel of three judges agreed that the request violated Jamaica's constitution, but that Golding acted inappropriately by delaying the request for nine months. The commission recommended that the attorney-general's office in Jamaica be separated from the Justice Ministry to avoid future conflicts of interest.

Also in June, Golding prepared for the 2012 General Election by replacing the top justice officials in his Cabinet in a restructuring move. Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne was dropped because of her testimony during the extradition hearings of Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Golding also changed the leaders of the industry, energy, and agriculture ministries in his restructuring.

Bruce Golding resigned from his position as Prime Minister of Jamaica at the end of September in response to a potential rebellion of members of the ruling Jamaica Labor Party that could have removed him from office. Trevor Munroe, director of the National Integrity Action Forum (NIAF), believed the resignation of Golding provided an opportunity for Jamaicans to demand more transparency in their government. Golding stated that public perception about how he handled the extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke influenced his decision to resign. Golding said his opposition to the U.S. request for extradition was based on the fact that the indictment rested on illegal wiretap evidence; he maintained that the U.S. request for the extradition of Coke was in breach of Jamaica's Constitution.

Andrew Holness
Andrew Holness, Minister of Education, became the front-runner for the job of ninth Prime Minister of the country when four of his chief rivals gave him their full support. By mid October, Holness was described as a "shoo-in" for the position, with officials of the Jamaica Labor Party saying it was a "foregone conclusion" that Holness would be chosen as the next Prime Minister at the party's convention.

When Holness took office as the new Prime Minister upon Golding's resignation, he left nearly all the ministries the same as they were under former Golding. Holness made only minor changes, but planned to enhance economic and administrative reforms. Upon taking office, Holness took a number of significant actions.

Holness met with Greg Christie, Contractor General, to discuss concerns about public contracting after Christie wrote him asking to discuss problems of corruption in that sector. Holness also responded to pressure from Britain to repeal its anti-gay legislation by stating that it would be up to Jamaicans to make any decision on the matter. Holness characterized himself as liberal in many ways, but said the government recognizes that homosexuality is offensive to many Jamaicans. Holness said that democracy will ultimately settle the issue, regardless of Britain's threats to withhold aid if laws that criminalize homosexuality are not repealed. In November, Holness targeted slum politics, stating that it was time to eliminate the connections between the legal and illegal power brokers in the country. Holness was focused on "cutting the ties" between top politicians and leaders of criminal organizations.

In November, Holness began to give hints that there would be an early general election and agreed with the People's National Party that election facilities had to be in place before voting could take place. In early December, after being in office less than two months, Holness announced the date of General Elections would be December 29. The two main parties in Jamaica fielded more than 120 candidates for Parliament in total.

Government Corruption
Jamaican citizens indicated their desire for a truth commission charged with handling past violations of human rights, according to a survey by the Truth and Justice Action Group of the Jamaica Council of Churches. Sixty-five percent of 20 experts and eight focus groups across the country supported the creation of a commission. Over 40 percent believed a truth commission would have a positive effect, strengthen democracy and improve the accountability of leaders. Additionally, as a result of the Manatt-Dudus scandal, the public's attention was focused on finding a way of effectively dispensing justice in the country. The ties between politics, politicians and criminals gave rise to calls for a truth commission to be created and given the responsibility for remedying the corruption found in many parts of Jamaican society.

Dr. Peter Phillips faced a censure motion from Gregory Mair, North East St. Catherine Member of Parliament. The motion involved the way in which Phillips signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the government of Jamaica. Phillips signed these memoranda in 2004 with representatives from the United Kingdom and United States when he was the Minister of National Security. The MOUs allow information to be shared among these countries in order to combat international crime. The issue has been an important part of the Dudus/Manatt investigation.

Patrick Cole, Lieutenant Colonel in the Jamaica Defense Force, denied claims of Dorothy Lightbourne, Minister of Justice, about a phone conversation he allegedly had with her. Lightbourne claimed that he spoke to her while visiting Lisa Palmer Hamilton, Acting Director of Public Prosecution, about the extradition to the United States of alleged drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Cole says he never spoke to Lightbourne.

Dorothy Lightbourne testified in the Dudus/Manatt enquiry that she knew nothing about issues related to the hiring of a law firm to fight the extradition of Coke to the United States. Lightbourne said she did not know about the authorization received by a Los Angeles law firm to fight the Coke extradition. Coke had been linked to the Jamaica Labor Party.

An independent investigator working for the Jamaican Parliament recommended that a special agency be created to fight corruption in government institutions. Greg Christie, Contractor General, said there was evidence that law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions in Jamaica are not effective in finding the major players linked to corrupt practices. Christie said official graft was at "systemic" levels in Jamaica.

The Jamaican government denied there was a political bias in the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program (JDIP). The program totals US$400 million and seeks to improve roads and other infrastructure on the island. Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works, said roads are chosen for the program on the basis of economic importance, and not because of political connections. Opposition party members had suggested that politics rules the use of JDIP funds.

The Office of the Contractor-General called for the government to abandon the tender process for a scheduled PNG project because there was evidence of unfairness in the process. The anti-corruption authority wants the government to implement a new tender process under its supervision. After a year of investigation, the commission found the selection of a group led by Exmar of Belgium to be rife with conflicts of interest, documented bias, and preferential handling.

Delroy Chuck, Justice Minister, expressed concern about what he believed to be a proliferation of corruption in the legal system of the country. Chuck said the legal system needed immediate attention. He said police are paid to say they cannot find witnesses, people are paid to destroy critical documents, and cases languish for years without making any progress through the court system.

The issue of dual citizenship was studied by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament. The committee was formed after a recommendation from Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Member of Parliament, requested that every member declare their citizenship or permanent residency in any nation other than Jamaica. A debate ensued after his motion, focusing on the patriotism of those with other than Jamaican citizenship.

Mike Henry
Mike Henry Minister of Transport and Works and chairman of the ruling party resigned after allegations that his Ministry mismanaged a road program funded by China. In his resignation, Henry cited "ongoing attacks" on the management of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program. The program involved $400 million in loans from China for road upgrades, which was to be paid over a five-year period.

Pearnel Charles, Minister of Labor, stated that his ministry did not issue any work permits to unskilled expatriates to work for China Harbor Engineering Ltd. on the Palisadoes Shoreline Project. Phillip Paulwell, People's National Party Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, said problems occurred because of an imbalance in the number of Chinese workers on the project compared to Jamaican workers. Paulwell says he had pictures of Chinese individuals performing manual labor at the Palisadoes site. Charles claimed that only 24 work permits were issued for that project, and these were for professional engineers from China. Work permits were not granted to unskilled expatriates, he said.

The Jamaican government said that all 32 Members of Parliament members are "one hundred percent Jamaican." The government the Opposition party to expose any "aliens" in office. The invitation was prompted by negative public opinion following an announcement in 2011 by Prime Minister Bruce Golding that five of his MPs were not eligible to be seated in the House.

Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government, suggested that the destruction of documents at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) was suspicious wanted to know why the documents were destroyed. Mystery surrounded the NSWMA just a day after gunmen entered its offices, tied up a security guard, stole computers, and then set fire to files. Chang suggested that it was strange for someone to want to damage the documents and he needed to know the reason.

Human Rights
The passage of the Charter of Rights Bill passed Jamaica's Senate on April 1, 2011. After the passage, the Constitutional Amendment Act, an accompanying bill, also passed. This bill amended Sections 90 and 91 of the nation's Constitution, while the Charter of Rights Bill replaced Chapter III of the Constitution. The amendment bill provided additional protections for individuals who receive the death penalty and offered more complete and effective protections of the basic rights of all Jamaican citizens.

A public service announcement (PSA) produced by the Jamaican gay rights group J-FLAG, which starred Christine Straw, former Miss World and Miss Jamaica pageant queen, and Matthew Straw, her gay brother, will not be aired on Jamaica television. Sources indicated that Christian organizations pressured the leading TV network in Jamaica not to air the ad because it was "too controversial."

Taxpayers in Jamaica pay a high price for abuse by police officers, negligence from medical personnel, and other kinds of recklessness among civil servants. Supreme Court judgments and settlements out of court cost the government $365 million in damages since 2006. According to Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice, the government currently owes nearly $400 million in civil judgments for harm caused by government authorities.

None of the governments that have come to power in Jamaica have promoted human rights policies as effectively as they might have, according to critics. Jamaica's legislative system does not guarantee that the country's laws will "engender a sense of belonging" or "ensure equal rights for all," including the most marginal and vulnerable groups. Counselors and educators do not receive adequate training to deal with issues of sexuality, and too many appear incapable of removing their personal religious beliefs from their professional duties.

Jamaican Maroons renewed their call for autonomy and recognition under the nation's Constitution. Colonel Fearon Williams said that the greatest challenge to their autonomy resulted from Jamaica's independence in 1962. He made his remarks during a celebration of the 273rd anniversary marking a peace treaty signed between the Maroons and British colonists. The 1962 Constitution failed to address the status of Maroon communities after the nation's independence, and while relations are good between the government and the Maroons, they want formal recognition under the Constitution.

Bungo Isaacs, a Rastafarian elder, urged the government to show more respect and recognition of the Rastafarian faith. Isaacs made his plea during a lecture at the University of the West Indies attended by many Rastafarians, attorneys, and students. The lecture discussed the so-called Coral Gardens Incident, in which two days of violence involved Rastafarians in 1963. The incident resulted in a crackdown on Rastas by government agents, and some were killed, imprisoned or targets of serious harassment.

Government Actions/Policies
The National Water Commission (NWC) turned its attention to handling the water shortage occurring in many communities in St. Mary. According to Anthony Cornwall, area manager for St. Mary-Portland, the inadequate water supply will be addressed with a master plan for the parish that will ensure the provision of water on a regular basis in the area. Most communities currently receive water only two or three days per week.

Robert Montague, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, introduced a program designed to provide landowners with more titles. He noted that land tenure had not been settled in the country, as about 52 percent of all land in Jamaica is untitled. This represents more than 480,000 parcels. Project Land was designed to ensure that landowners acquire title to their properties without having to wait for as long as 30 years to do so.

Jamaica's Cabinet banned trade in scrap metal indefinitely because scrap metal theft was rampant throughout the country. While it was not an easy decision for the Cabinet, the decision reflected the desire of the government to protect the national interest. An estimated $1 billion in equipment and infrastructure has been stolen to date. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Industry, received stepped-up security after being threatened by those who opposed his ban on the scrap metal industry. The government was more closely scrutinized after it decided to enact a complete shutdown of trade in scrap metal due to the high theft levels in that sector.

The administration of Prime Minister Bruce Golding reduced the ad valorem fuel tax to 10 percent, down from the previous 15 percent. The action was taken to prevent protests at the national level and will lower the price of gas by four to five dollars per liter. Before the announcement of the reduction, the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) indicated it would protest the tax in the streets.

Christopher Tufton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, told the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) to enhance its protections of brand Jamaica in regard to rum via Geographical Indication (GI) registration. GI refers to a name or sign used on products that specifies a specific geographical location and represents a certification that these products have certain features, are made according to traditional methods, or have a certain reputation because of their geographical origins.

The government decided to match the 650,000 euros to be provided by the European Union to help the Jamaican banana industry address market changes arising from globalization. Banana Board General Manager Janet Conie announced that the Board will spearhead the changes over a period of 18 months. The grant funding from the EU will allow the industry to access new markets.

The Cabinet approved tabling a bill designed to change the Interception of Communications Act. Daryl Vaz, Minister with responsibility for information, said the changes would permit sharing information collected via interception and the use of that information in criminal prosecutions. Under certain guidelines, the bill will allow disclosure of interceptions to foreign governments or agencies of such governments. Senator Dwight Nelson, Minister of National Security and sponsor of the Interception of Communications Act, noted that his bill would be amended to address its lack of extraterritorial application, which would make it easier to share information with agents of foreign states.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) will merge as Jamaica's government implements a major recommendation resulting from a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The merger is designed to provide more effective civilian oversight.

The Road Safety Unit of Jamaica's Ministry of Transport and Works introduced changes to the Road Traffic Act designed to regulate the use of cell phones and similar devices in cars. These devices have been shown to contribute to a high accident rate. Also proposed was the implementation of tire standards to reduce the number of road accidents.

Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance and Public Service, said the government would not impose new taxes on citizens to fund a budget gap of $140.8 billion for 2011-2012. Instead, the deficit will be covered using the domestic market to raise $97 billion and external sources for the remaining $43.8 billion.

The Tobacco Bill finally made its way to Parliament after more than ten years in existence. The legislation is designed to control tobacco use on the island. The bill included a total ban on advertising for tobacco products, a ban on sale of tobacco to minors, and a crack-down on the illegal trading of tobacco products.

Jamaica's Inland Revenue, Taxpayer Audit and Assessment and Tax Administration Services Departments merged into a single department on May 1. The new department is called Tax Administration Jamaica. The unification is expected to simplify the tax system and improve its efficiency with better administration and business processes. Finance Minister Audley Shaw said Jamaicans will experience service improvements, and the nation will enjoy enhanced compliance with tax requirements as a result of the merger.

The people spoke for Portia

Jean Lowrie-Chin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Hearty congratulations to that seasoned campaigner Portia Simpson Miller, President of the People’s National Party, and her triumphant team who reminded us that the PNP are master organisers. Commiserations to JLP President Andrew Holness and his hard-working team. Above all, commendations to us, the people, who conducted ourselves peacefully as we discharged our sovereign duty as electors last Thursday.

I was in the supermarket the Saturday before the general election when I could not help overhearing a political discussion. “I going vote them out!” a woman shouted. “Time too hard!” On Wednesday a successful professional told me that “bad as bad”, he had always supported the PNP – he would not have been able to go to UWI if Michael Manley hadn’t lowered the fees. Out of these discussions, an interesting demographic of the PNP supporter emerged. On the one hand, there was this woman, living on the margin of poverty; on the other, a well-heeled party loyalist.

This supporter was confident of a PNP victory. When I mentioned some of the negatives that were being discussed about the PNP, he waved them aside. “Debate?” he asked. “Middle class people don’t have a clue – the ordinary Jamaican is not interested in that. They are interested in getting a job, getting food on the table, and getting their utility bills paid. People are really suffering – they are going to vote out the JLP.”

In a conversation with Jamaican friends visiting from the US, I realised how deeply they felt about the Manatt-Dudus imbroglio and Jamaica’s reputation for homophobia. “I was so embarrassed over this Dudus thing,” one said. “People kept asking me why the Jamaican government was protecting a criminal.” A relative said she had suggested Jamaica as a vacation spot to a friend who replied that, “They hate gays too much. I am not going there.” Even as we respect the beliefs of the church, we have to remember that only the sinless should be casting stones. I have seen too much anguish and loneliness in my gay friends to condemn them – they do not choose to be gay, they simply are.

I think we have many more pressing national issues to address. We have over 500 children missing in the year 2011. We have waves of new graduates expecting employment in a shrinking job market. We have a growing senior population living on pensions that can barely cover a single utility bill. These issues of safety and survival are crying out for immediate attention.

The JLP had several commendable accomplishments, but spent too much of their campaign funds on negative images. One class of Jamaicans probably thought the ‘no piece of paper’ and ‘don’t draw my tongue’ ads were showing up PNP President Portia Simpson Miller. They did not understand the emotional connection between Portia Simpson Miller and the Jamaican people. We are a matriarchal society and Sister/Mama P is that humble relative who makes the family proud. Contrary to the cartoon portrayals, she is attractive and charismatic. The more sophisticated among us would probably opt for a more articulate leader but her people are quite fine with how she speaks and those bouts of temper only make her more human in their eyes.

When G2K copied media an urgent letter protesting a delay by a television station in carrying an anti-Portia ad, I wrote back, “Enough is enough”. As Kevin O’Brien Chang maintained in his election commentary, the JLP had several significant achievements which were overshadowed by their insistent Portia-bashing. We heard little about reduction in crime and not enough explanation about the importance of a stable dollar to the man-in-the-street. JLP president Andrew Holness said in a post-election interview, “This is a time of introspection – we will rebuild.” In response to a question from the press on how the Manatt Dudus may have affected the results, he replied, “It was always in the background.”

There is also speculation about the unusual timing of the general elections. It was colleague columnist Franklin Johnston who first expressed his dismay at elections being run in Christmas week, ascribing the act to the lack of enthusiasm felt by Mr Holness’ denomination for this significant religious event. An ardent JLP supporter said he felt it was insensitive – “Imagine, I couldn’t turn on my radio on Christmas Day without hearing a political ad!”

In the meanwhile, the master strategist former Prime Minister and PNP president PJ Patterson had been assisting in organizing the party, bringing in well-seasoned heavyweights. Malcolm Gladwell, that gifted writer with Jamaican roots, said that to excel at anything, you need to do it 10,000 times. That is why our most memorable mentors are the seniors in our lives. That is why one should never underestimate the political clout of that grassroots veteran Portia Simpson Miller.

As we perform those tasks, 10,000 times over, we become masters. It happens with a student practising math or a concert pianist practising Bach. And so, as Portia Simpson Miller ascended the stage at PNP headquarters last Thursday evening, flashing her famous smile, and hugging her candidates one after the other, we saw a woman practiced in the way of politics, hitting all the right notes and ensuring that there was “no piece of paper” in her hand.

She started with a well known Bible verse. Then the DJ played Tony Rebel’s song, “Mind what you say to yu sister – she could be the next Prime Minister,” an in-your-face reply to the G2K ads. She thanked among many, “Comrade PJ Patterson”, her helper Marva and Andrew Holness who had called to congratulate her, saying that “he was very gracious”. She referred to the welcome sight we saw more of in this than any other previous election, “PNP supporters in orange and JLP supporters in their green hugging in friendly rivalry.”

On a sad note, Mrs Simpson Miller spoke of her good friend and faithful campaigner, the late Howard Aris as “one sweet spirit that is smiling right now – my friend and brother ‘Fudge’ Aris that left us on the campaign trail.” Significantly, she observed, “Today was a rough day for members of the media … and I want to thank them.” The Prime Minister-designate appealed: “Work with us as we will be working with you. [There will be] consultation and dialogue … we will hide nothing from you. …to all business persons, you have a government that you can trust.”

Let us hold our leaders to their promises by taking active part in our nation’s business. Onwards into 2012 with faith, focus and diligence! Happy New Year!

About the Author:
Jean Lowrie-Chin heads PRO Communications Ltd, an advertising and PR agency, in Kingston, Jamaica. She is a poet, blogger and columnist for the Jamaica Observer. She holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in English from the University of the West Indies. You can visit her blog at lowrie-chin.blogspot.com

Interview with popular Jamaican Entertainer Christopher “Johnny” Daley

Chris Daley — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:45:01 UT

Interview with popular Jamaican Entertainer Christopher “Johnny” Daley . The multi-talented entertainer does it all, film, television, radio, theatre and comedy. In 2010 Chris won Best Actor in a Lead Role winner at the 20th Actor Boy Awards in Jamaica.

Listen to his engaging interview.

Part 1

Part 2

Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: Memorable Jamaican Moments

Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

Jamaica is the 3rd largest Caribbean Island, however, it is a country with tremendous potential and talent. Jamaicans are noted for excelling in all their endeavors; academically, in sports and entertainment. Many Jamaicans in history have aspired to enviable positions that most people dream about in a lifetime.

Since Jamaica's Independence on August 5, 1962, the nation has taken on a life of its own and flourished beyond anyone's wildest expectations. Some of the accomplishments and achievements have been recorded as monumental feats in world history.

Most of Jamaica's celebrated moments have brought the country great pride, dignity and respect. Here are a few of the Land of Wood & Water's Most Memorable Moments in Time:

1980-1989

The Right Honourable Edward Philip George Seaga was elected as Jamaica's Fifth Prime Minister. The first person of Jamaican descent to become Prime Minister. He was instrumental for putting Jamaica on the map regarding the formation of several entities that would make Jamaica competitive in the world markets. For example, he founded the Jamaica Stock Exchange in 1969, Jamaican Mortgage Bank in 1973, JAMPRO (Jamaican National Investments Production Ltd.), HEART (Human Employment & Resource Training Program) in 1983, the company trained and empowered Jamaicans to join the workforce.

1981

Honourable Gordon Arthur Cyril "Butch" Stewart, OJ, Founder and Chairman of Sandals & Beaches Resorts. He is considered "King of All Resorts". In 1981, he introduced Sandals to Jamaica, one of the first all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, creating a billion dollar empire with Sandals and Beaches becoming just as competitive as other hotels and resorts in the world.

1991

Jamaica's National Football Team, The Reggae Boyz qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, which lead to five victories from 1991-2010.

Jamaica's Beauties Reign

Jamaica wins three Ms. World titles, the first in 1963, Carole Crawford, the second in 1976 by Cindy Breakspeare and the third by Lisa Hanna. In 2010, Yendi Phillips becomes First Runner-up in Ms. Universe Pageant.

Visitors to Jamaica:

June 1965, Martin Luther King visits Jamaica delivering Valedictorian Speech to University of The West Indies graduates. The speech was entitled, "Facing the Challenge of a New Age".

April 1966, Emperor Haile Selassie, also known as Ras Tafari vists Jamaica, the day is declared a public holiday. Jamaicans come from all over the country to hear him speak.

April 1975, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 visit Jamaica and perform at Jamaica's National Stadium. Every young teenager excuses themselves to attend the concert. A historical moment is created when Michael Jackson and his brother pose for pictures with Jamaica's Reggae legend, Bob Marley.

2002, Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Jamaica to commemorate her Golden Jubilee Celebrations. The Queen has visited Jamaica six times from March 1966-2002.

Athletic Victories

1988, Jamaica Bobsled Team makes history in the Winter Olympics in Calgary by competing. Their spirit of championship inspired the movie "Cool Runings". A great accomplishment for a country that has never experienced snow.

2008, Veronica Campbell Brown gave Jamaica its first Olympic Gold Medal for 200m in Beijing Olympics.

May 2009, Usain Bolt, Jamaican Sprinter is discovered as the world's fastest man. He won the 100m and 200m in the Berlin Games.

Bridgette Foster Hylton won Gold in the female 100m Hurdle Final in Berlin.

Kerron Stewart won 4X100m . (Berlin)

Asafa Powell set a new championship record. (Berlin)

Shelly Ann Fraser, Jamaican Sprinter, created history by winning with record time of 10.73. First Jamaican woman to run at that speed in the 100m. (Berlin)

In 2011, Usain Bolt completed record time of 9.58 seconds in Daegu, Korea.

2011 Penn Relays-Calabar Jamaica wins the High School Boys' Division Discus 228'1'- Penn Relays record, second fastest in history.

Jamaican Martial Arts Team earns 43 victories, including three Pan Asian Titles. Jamaica has defeated competitors from the Pan American region, Asia and Europe. On November 29, 2011, they won their 44th consecutive victory defeating a Pacific Asian Team in Manila.

October 2011, Jamaica Cricket Team wins Super50 Honors, acquiring Clive Lloyd Trophy. A five wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

January 2008, Right Honourable Prime Minister Michael Manley posthumously inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

November 2000, Colin Luther Powell, Four Star General in The United States Army serves as the 65th United States Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. He also served as National Security Advisor to former President Ronald Reagan.

2004, Lennox Lewis, greatest Heavyweight of all time retires as the last undisputed Heavy Weight Champion of The World.

2007, Patrick Ewing, NBA Basketball Player, Former Knick elected to Basketball Hall of Fame.

Cerebral Wins

1998, Judy Anne Maxwell wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship with the word "Chiaroscurist". The first Caribbean person to win.

Oct-Nov 2002

The 35th Chess Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia

Jamaican Vanessa Thomas beats Slovenian Ksenija Novak

Jamaican Maria Palmer won over New Zealand Vivian Smith

Jamaican Hui ZHu declares victory over Botswana's Tshepiso Lopany, earning a FIDE rating of 2050

Shane Mathews declared Jamaica's highest rated Chess Player

Mark Smith wins over the Dominican Republic's Marcello Cerrion

Duane Rowe wins from Malta's Joseph Grech

James Patterson wins over Aruba's Leonardo Carter

July 26, 2006 Louise Bennett-Coverly, OM, OJ, MBE, Jamaican Folklorist, Icon and Poet dies.

2006, Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller becomes First Female Prime Minister of Jamaica.

May 2007, Jamaica Reggae Film Festival launched, creating a platform to increase and promote
Jamaican talent in the movie industry.

2007, Sean Kingston, Reggae Fusion Singer and Rapper rises to mega fame with "Beautiful Girls" and "Fire Burning", creating a multi-million dollar empire.

August 2010, University of Technology launches region's first Pharm D Degree Program in order to fill the Country's deficit for trained Pharmacists.

October 2011, Angella Reid becomes the new White House Usher. First Woman named Chief Usher of the White House, overseeing all household staff and grounds at the President's home.

November 2011, Book Launch of "In Praise of Jamaica: Jamaican Natural Wonders, Heroes and Achievments" written by Jamaican George Meikle.

Jamaica is filled with innovative and brilliant people always striving to make something of themselves or joining the rest of the world in healthy competition. There are many critics who often comment, why Jamaica always has to be up front or first all the time and I can only answer that question by saying, "We are simply the best, because we try harder, whatever tasks we put our minds to, we usually excel."

As they say in Jamaica, "Leave it to a Jamaican to come up with an ingenious plan." Sometimes we are the master minds to the world's greatest events in history.

Tags: Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: Memorable Jamaican Moments

Can I have my name on a title, if original owner died over 20 years ago?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

Dear Legal Wiz,

The owner of the land I am acquiring now, has passed away for more than twenty years now. I have the original title here with me. How can I get my name on the title, if so?

Marlon

Dear Marlon,
Thank you for communicating with us. The information you provided is insufficient. There are requirements by law, and once met efficiently your name can be placed on the title. There are procedures that you must follow once you have all the information required. The first stage of information gathering requires you to have
- proof of ownership
- proof of interest — showing how qualified you are to have your name on the title for example by – -producing a will (which will need to be probated)
- updated survey (checks and balances against information on original title)
- completed forms such as transfer of title application
- identification
Actual work includes placing a notification of death title on existing title, probating the will, checking if any monies are outstanding, proof of no contestants for the property.
The process can be complicated, so we recommend that when you are ready, you consult or contract a lawyer or legal leg worker. Both can be accessed through the international team of legal leg workers on this site or via www.antheamcgibbon.com.

All the best

Tags: jamaican title

Book Review: Sometimes There's A Winner

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

About the Book
A story of poverty, injustice and revenge in Jamaica, SOMETIMES THERE'S A WINNER tells the story of a poor black gardener, Byron Reid, and his sister Nadia, who work for a wealthy white Lebanese-Jamaican family in Kingston. Byron Reid surpasses his work ambitions and achieves success in a variety of jobs with Abraham Faroud, and is driven to bankruptcy by his employer's son Fabian who exploits Nadia's innocence and vulnerability when she worked as a servant in the Faroud home. Byron uses incriminating information about his employer which he has secretly collected as the basis for demands for himself and his sister. SOMETIMES THERE'S A WINNER tells of the plight and frustrations of the poor in class-conscious Jamaica.

Reviews
GREAT book! So authentic… I believe there is no other language so descriptive as Jamaican patois. I really liked the style of writing (easy to read) and I loved the story and the ending. I was born and raised in Jamaica and the story, though fictional, runs very true. I remember being disturbed at times about the inequalities I observed when I was growing up, although I later realized prejudice here was worse, though more color than class like it was in Jamaica. I look forward to reading your next book. – Beverly Parker, Poquoson,Virginia

"An entertaining, intriguing, exciting and a nostalgic account of Jamaica of yesteryear." – Oliver H. Jobson, author of "Expanding The Boundaries Of Self Beyond The Limit Of Traditional Thought".

"Lucid and taunting presentation of the complex interpersonal behavior associated with the evolution of cultural changes many years ago in Jamaica"– Frank Verley PhD, Professor Emeritus, Northern Michigan University

"As a Canadian who lived and taught at a high school in Jamaica in the 1970s, I found "Sometimes There's a Winner" to be a stroll down memory lane. It was fun to revisit the people, culture and places.The story itself is timeless. It reads like a fable but it’s the interaction between different classes, which I saw first hand, that makes it compelling. The use of patois was unavoidable as it is part of class distinction in Jamaica. Paul Foreman uses a light touch to convey the colorful language of the common folk and it adds authenticity to the tale. This book should appeal to not only to Jamaicans and those who have visited Jamaica but to anyone who enjoys a good yarn." Allan Lane, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

"I enjoyed reading "Sometimes There's A Winner" immensely. The writing style is compelling, and the short chapters make the book an easy and pleasurable read. As a Jamaican who has been away from home for a while, the book brought back fond memories of our beautiful country with its colourful language. The use of patois lent authenticity to the story." ~ Karol Smith, Atlanta, Georgia

About the Author
Paul Foreman was born in Jamaica, and graduated from St. George’s College in Kingston. He received his BS, MS and PhD degrees in the biological sciences from the University of Illinois. After completing his studies, Paul served on the faculty of Life Sciences at Eastern Illinois University for five years, following which he worked in private industry for thirty years.

Paul was a member of the St. George’s College Manning Cup and Oliver Shield championship soccer team in 1956. As a sixth former, Paul won the high jump and long jump at Jamaica's Inter-Secondary schools athletics championships ("Champs") in 1957, and set a Jamaican schoolboy record in the high jump that year. He broke the Jamaican record in the long jump formerly held by Arthur Wint in 1957, and in 1958 he won the gold medal for Jamaica in the long jump at the British Empire & Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales. In 1960, Paul represented the West Indies at the Olympic Games in Rome where he finished 12th in the long jump event. He was the silver medalist in the long jump at the West African Games in Lagos, Nigeria in 1960. Paul was the captain of the University of Illinois Track & Field team in 1960, and was a three-time gold medalist in the long jump at the Big Ten Universities Athletic Conference championships.

Paul has been a keen observer of the social conditions in Jamaica for much of his life, and his interest in the lifestyles of the rich and poor in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands prompted him to write “Sometimes There’s A Winner”, a fictional family saga inspired by some events which occurred in Jamaica in the 1990s.

Paul holds both Jamaican and US citizenship, and lives with his wife in Louisville, Kentucky.

Where to buy the book:
Buy Sometimes There's A Winner at Amazon.com

Should I pay the total rent for the Jamaican property, if he made the other tenants leave?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:30:00 UT

Dear Legal Wiz,

I, along with another tenant, recently rented Jamaican premises from a man who claims he is related to the landlord who lives overseas. He said it is a family home. This landlord's relative insisted that he met with and rented the persons directly, although I introduced him to the other tenant. The same relative, since caused the other tenant not to move in, although he still held the tenant’s paid monies for the first month.

First the landlord's relative is acting as the agent in representing the landlord. Security deposit payment is at the discretion of the landlord, as it's requirement is not stipulated by the Rent Restriction Act of Jamaica.

The tenant did not move for several reasons all because of the landlord's relative. These included the fact that several promises made by the landlord's relative were not fulfilled, although we both paid the rent sums early so that he, being the person taking care of the house and grounds, could have a portion to complete fixtures and do all he promised. Now even his own light meter is still not re-installed as he promised, and so he is still using the meter for the part of the house which both myself and the other tenant were to use. I had moved in as the relative had said he would have completed the work, which was not a lot, within the first week after I moved in - the first month of tenancy.

This is the second month, and the landlord's relative is now trying to get me to either pay more, or to move into a small corner of the premises, plus force me to stop using the shared accommodations such as the verandah, living room etc as we all agreed. Am I obligated to pay the full sum? Should I move to the smaller area? The other tenant is now accusing me and the landlord's relative, claiming that we as Jamaicans planned on conning him of his sums. The landlord's relative claims the foreign tenant and I conned him so I could move in and pay a small sum for a big house, because no security deposit was taken.

Martha Brown

Dear Martha Brown

First the landlord's relative is acting as the agent in representing the landlord. Security deposit payment is at the discretion of the landlord, as it's requirement is not stipulated by the Rent Restriction Act of Jamaica.

You should maintain your position as you had it when the agreement was made and monies were passed over. This includes any portion of the premises/property where you occupy. Where the monies for the total property are concerned, you need to focus on paying only your portion as agreed. For the balance of sums, although you are not obligated you could, at your discretion, try to assist the landlord in getting another tenant if you are to remain.

However, there are issues such as with the electricity meter that you need to address – whether you should pay over monies or not based on agreement. It seems based on what you said that you need to ask to see the utility bills and work out a sum to be paid for both water and electricity. At best continue insisting that the meters be held separate as he agreed.

The other alternative which still remains is that you try and find somewhere else with less hassle,or with a clear understanding and agreement written or oral upfront. When moving again, be aware of the high incidence of dishonesty among landlords/ladies/agents in Jamaica. It is never wise to move into a premises/property based on promises that things will be fixed, completed unless you get it in writing preferably. All the best.

Legal Wiz

A Conversation with Caribbean Beta PitchFEST winner, Dmitri Dawkins

X Murphy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

This week we speak with Dmitri Dawkins the winner of PitchFest the Startup Contest at Caribbean BETA, which was recently held in Kingston, Jamaica.Caribbean Beta was the first of its kind Tech Entrepreneurship Conference that brought together the smartest Caribbean minds in a single event to connect to each other, learn from region & global experts, hear success stories and pitch their ideas in a Startup contest called PitchFEst. Dmitri Dawkins pitched his idea and won the PitchFEST.

Where in Jamaica are you from and which high school did you attend?
I grew up in Irish Town District, which is in the Blue Mountains, St. Andrew and I attended Campion College.

How would you describe yourself? Are you an inventor, entrepreneur, social media marketer or all of these and more?
Lol, all of the above? I sold my first item, a quartz crystal to a classmate in prep school. In High School

I convinced my physics teacher that I could sell him a computer for less, that was the first computer I ever sold. My parents would tell me I was too focused on money. While at UTECH I realised that maybe they were right and switched my focus on trying to make solutions that would have the most impact for change. When social media came around, I jumped on it quickly, everyone was using it, I wanted to see how all that data could be used.

I don't consider myself an inventor, I just take things people have created already, merge them and apply them in ways people didn't imagine before. My Grandfather made the first TV in Jamaica when he came back from WW2, he gave me a soldering iron, multimeter and a desk at the age of 5. He always told me to use the technology that exists and make it better. I think that's what I do.

Solutions Development is what I do.

Why did you enter the PitchFEST at Caribbean Beta?
To be honest I entered for the experience. It's not often that competitions like that are held in Jamaica and I thought it would be a great learning experience even if I flopped. After I made my presentation I realised I made several mistakes. Winning was a surprise, however the overall pitch experience was the true value of the competition to me.

Without giving away your all of your idea can you give us a high-level overview of your entry for the PitchFEST at Caribbean Beta?
I pitched on a product concept I have had for a couple years. What it does is integrate businesses together, sharing data and enabling more efficient reporting and business processes. Information is what businesses need to operate and the software brings a repository of data for businesses to use to make better decisions. It is based on the concept of enterprise resource planning.

How long have you been developing your idea?
About two years now. I was involved in an ERP implementation and thought the process was flawed. I outlined points that would make it better, did research on what was available on the market and tried to find what was missing. Thankfully I also know several people in the ERP business who have helped me tweak the feature set, advised me what is practical and feature requests their customers have been asking for.

How did you feel when you were named one of the top 3 and then eventually the winner?
I was in shock. I ran out of time during my presentation and thought I had absolutely messed it up. I covered the main points but the really cool features I didn't get to mention. Thankfully the judges were already sold on the concept.

Has winning infused in you new confidence about your idea?
It definitely has. Before I thought hey it's a good idea but maybe it's just that. Technically currently it still is just an idea, but at least now I know others think it is a good idea as well. The feedback from conference attendees has also been great, with several people contributing points to make the concept better.

I know if is just a few days since the event but did you find any potential investors interested in investing in your idea?
I have a couple. However I am open to more. I really just want to see it built, even if someone wants to buy the idea. This is just one product. I have a book of concepts for technology, energy, food and waste management. I just want to get one off the ground to then fund the rest.

You have keen entrepreneurial mind. Tell us a story of you as a child doing something entrepreneurial?
Well as mentioned before I started sales from prep school. My most fond story is in high school though. I was in second form and I used to help out at my Uncle's computer store. I used to get enough lunch money for two patties, a drink and exact change for my bus fare. Yes I said bus fare. All of my friends were eating Burger King and Chinese food after school. I knew my parents couldn't afford it, however I had the advantage of getting my lunch money in a lump sum month to month. I used my entire month's lunch money to buy a CD burner from my uncle. I would burn cd's for people I knew and within a week I was not only eating out every day but also having ice cream as well. My mother had to have a serious conversation with me asking me how I could afford to do so. In a couple years I switched to open source, stopped all piracy and provided low cost solutions using open source software. My trusty burner eventually burned more Linux CD's than all the music CD's I had ever done.

What technology tool you cannot live without?
Gmail, I manage all my email through it. Since Google has added on Docs etc it's a must have.

Outside of facebook and twitter, what is the one website you visit daily
Gmail of course, but also WheelsJamaica.com

Digicel or Claro?
Well, currently I have two Digicel phones and a Lime.

What is the song that is on replay on your ipod?
Hurt by Johnny Cash

Thanks for your time. Any closing thoughts?
Live life now. Stop asking what if and just do. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Oh and it's not about the amount of money you have, what matters is your quality of life.

Who do I complain against a Jamaican Attorney to?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

The following question was sent via the contact form of this site.

Dear Legal Wiz?
Please reply to me with the contact information to file a complaint on a Jamaican Attorney.
Mitch Anderson

Dear Mitch Anderson,
Thank you for writing in. You may lodge complaints and seek answers from:

Mr Ian Wilkinson
President
Jamaica Bar Association
Jambar Building
78-80 Harbour Street
Kingston, Jamaica
(876) 967-1528 / (876) 967-9034
Fax: (876)967-3783
Email: secretary@jambar.org

You make have the issue dealt with at:
General Legal Council
78 Harbour Street,
Kingston
(876) 922-2319 / (876)967-1528
Fax: (876) 924-9190
Email: legalcouncil@cwjamaica.com

Immigration: The ABCS of the U Visa

Safiya Byars, Esq. — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

Congress created the “U” nonimmigrant classification, known as the U-visa, as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000. The U-visa protects crime victims from deportation and strengthens the ability of law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate, prosecute, and solve cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other crimes.

The U visa is a unique benefit because it allows an applicant to obtain status and ultimately permanent residence based on criminal activity. The U nonimmigrant status (also known as the U visa) is set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result and who are willing to assist law enforcement and government officials in the investigation of the criminal activity.

The U visa is designed for noncitizen crime victims who (1) have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse from criminal activity; (2) have information regarding the criminal activity; (3) assist government officials in the investigation or prosecution of such criminal activity; and (4) the criminal activity violated US law or occurred in the United States (including Indian country and military installations) or the territories and possessions of the United States.

The abuser does not need to be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident and you do not have to have been married to the abuser to be eligible for a U visa. You are not required to be physically present in the US to qualify for a U visa. You can apply from abroad as long as the criminal activity violated US law or occurred in US territories.

To petition for U nonimmigrant status the applicant must obtain a Federal, State or local government official investigating a qualifying criminal activity c certify that the victim has been, is being, or will likely be helpful in the prosecution of the criminal act(s) of which he or she was a victim. Those who have been granted U-1 nonimmigrant status may file for permanent residency using Form I-485 upon meeting certain requirements. There is also a two-stage process for qualifying family members of a U-1 nonimmigrant status holder to apply for permanent residency. USCIS can only grant U visa status to 10,000 noncitizens in each fiscal year. This number does not include persons eligible for U-visa derivatives status – e.g., spouses, children or parents of applicants. U visas last for four years. After three years, U-visa holders may apply for lawful permanent residence. U-visa holders automatically qualify for employment authorization.

Jamaica Carnival 2011 Photo Gallery

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

Jamaica Carnival 2011

Can I acquire the title for my Jamaican property online?

Legal Wiz — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

Dear Legal Wiz,
Can I get a copy of the Jamaican title online?
Marilyn Yew

Dear Marilyn Yew,
YES! You can get a copy of the title for land in Jamaica online. To apply online you need to visit the online address of the National Land Agency at www.nla.gov.jm/forms_landtitles.asp, and fill in the relevant form. Information you need beforehand to apply includes:
possible names on title,
address of property,
title's folio number,
tax number,
neighbouring landmarks.

Please bear in mind though that this site is still a work in progress.

Legal Wiz

Tags: jamaica land, title

Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: Controversial Jamaicans

Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

When we think of controversy we automatically think of shame and scandal, however, some people are considered controversial because they stand up for what they believe in or go against social paradigms. Nevertheless, in Jamaica when a rumor gets started that someone is controversial, as they say, "If it nuh go so, it go close to so...."

Here are are a list of some of the Island's celebrated figures who just happen to have a bit of
controversy surrounding them.

Honourable Orette Bruce Golding, born December 5, 1947 in Jamaica, West Indies. Attended St. George's College, Jamaica College and the University of the West Indies. Mr. Golding is married to Lorna Golding and has three children. Former Prime Minister of Jamaica from September 2007 until October 2011. He is the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and Founder of the National Democratic Movement. In September of 2011 he announced his decision to resign as Prime Minister of Jamaica. Many citizens speculated that his resignation came as a result of the drama surrounding Christopher "Dudus" Coke, a Jamaican Drug Lord. The Golding Administration refused to sign extradition papers allowing Coke to be tried in the United States. The Administration commented to the Public that the information obtained regarding the case was in violation of Jamaican laws.

Horace Garfield Burrell, born February 8, 1950 in Clarendon. President of Jamaica's Football Federation and Former Captain of the Jamaica Defense Force. In May of 2011, he became embroiled in scandal and controversy surrounding FIFA (International Federation Association of Football). The scandal included bribes, and money being exchanged in foreign hotels for votes, (The cash-for-votes scandal). Although, Mr Burrell was not directly involved, he was deemed guilty by affiliation and therefore banned for six months by FIFA. Mr. Burrell currently resides in Clarendon with his wife and two children.

Yendi Phillips, born September 8, 1985, winner of Ms. Jamaica World 2007 Beauty Pageant and 2010 Ms. Jamaica Universe Pageant, also 1st runner up in the Ms. Universe Pageant in August of 2010. The controversy surrounding Yendi Phillips occurred when many Jamaicans thought she should not compete for the Ms. Universe Pageant because she had just finished participating in another international pageant. She was dubbed as being "greedy" for entering one pageant after another. The drama continued once Ms. Mexico won the Ms. Universe pageant because it was reported that she did not answer her questions completely. Most people did not pay attention because she responded in Spanish, therefore it is rumored that Yendi Phillips should have won, instead of being 1st runner up because she answered her questions intelligently and completely.

Shanique Myrie, although not famous, she is a twenty-two year old Jamaican woman who was thrust into the spotlight due to unfair treatment of the Barbadian Immigration Authorities. While passing through Barbados, Grantley Adams Airport, Ms. Myrie was groped and sexually fondled (finger raped) by a female Immigration Officer. She was also illegally detained in filth and squalor, even after they had found no evidence of drugs or firearms on her person. After reporting the incident, the Barbadian Authorities deemed her accusations untrue. However, the Jamaican Authorities have become privy to evidence in order to declare Ms. Myrie's story credible. Currently, she is pursuing a lawsuit against the Barbadian Authorities.

Renato Adams, Jamaica's Former Senior Superintendent of the Jamaica Constabulary Force(JCF), and Former Leader of the defunct Crime Management Unit. In 2004, he was suspended from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, along with five other members of the CMU for murdering four people in Kraal, Clarendon. He was acquitted in 2005, and reinstated to the JCF in June of 2005. However, he returned in the capacity of an Intelligence Officer. Even though, he was cleared of the crime, many Jamaicans believe that there was ample evidence that insinuated he was guilty. His reputation as a no-nonsense cop made his vindication plausible because his acquired persona is often used as a weapon against crime fighting and criminals in Jamaica.

"I-Octane" born Byiome Muir in 1989,Clarendon, Jamaica. Jamaican Dub, Reggae and Roots Singer. He started performing at School Concerts and Barbeques. He believed he was an above average talent, therefore, he changed his name to "I-Octane".

In the year 2000, he signed with Penthouse Records, and then released the singles, "Oh Jah Stepp A Seed" and "Love in The Streets". Collaborations with other Reggae Artists such as Beres Hammond, Assasin, and Beenie Man lead to further stardom. I-Octane became controversial for his song "Informer Ah Work". The song was banned because of its outspoken lyrics which exposed people who take money to spread gossip.

Buju Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973. He is a Ragga & Reggae Artist. He rose to fame with Mercury Records release "Voice of Jamaica" and his single, "Boom, Bye Bye". The single "Boom Bye Bye" became swarmed with controversy because gay rights activists felt it promoted the murdering of gay men. In 2007, Buju Banton along with other artists signed the Reggae Compassion pact to cease derogatory lyrics against homosexuals. His stellar career has produced ten albums, the most recent in 2010, entitled "Before The Dawn".

In 2011, Buju Banton was arrested and convicted on Drugs and Firearms charges. Although he was found innocent of drug possession, he was convicted for drug trafficking. He is currently serving a ten year sentence in Federal Prison.

Beenie Man, born Anthony Moses David, on August 22, 1973. He is a Jamaican Reggae Singer and the King of Dance Hall. He has twenty-three albums to his credit and is a Grammy winner. He is also Co-Founder of Mafia House Production Company. Beenie Man's musical lyrics have been interpreted as the source of instigation for violence against gays. Gay Rights' Activists have staged protests against Beenie Man and his songs, even though Beenie Man has insisted that his songs are really against Pedophiles. Groups such as Outrage! continued to protest against him, therefore, in 2007 he signed the Reggae Compassionate Act to stop performing anti-homosexual songs.

Bounty Killa, born Rodney Basil Price on June 12, 1972. He is a Reggae and Dance Hall DJ. He has produced five albums, "Come Again", "My Experience"and "Present G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories" to name a few. He has been arrested twice for using expletives in his performances, disobeying traffic signals and assaulting the mother of his child.

Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer on January 7, 1976. He is a Dance Hall Singer, Songwriter and Business Man. Vybz Kartel began his singing career as a teen in 1993. His musical collaborations with Jay Z, Rihanna, Missy Elliot, Lil Wayne and Eminem propelled him into fame. He is best known for his international hits "Ramping Stop" and "Dollar Sign". During his career endeavors he as produced seven albums.

The feud between Vybz Kartel and Mavado has kept his name in the spotlight for several years. However, most recently, he has become under fire for his outrageously, indecent lyrics, causing his music to be banned in Guyana. He has also been accused of "whitening" his skin by using "cake soap". In October of 2011, he was charged with murder and firearm possession. He is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial.

Christopher "Dudus" Coke has been called Jamaica's most notorious criminal, primarily because he has the support of the people in his community. Many are willing to kill and maim in his name. Christopher "Dudus" Coke was born Nicholas Christopher Johnathon Coke (Alleged Drug Lord & Leader of the Shower Posse Gang). His father was a Drug Lord, which reinforces the notion that, "children live what they learn". Deemed the most dangerous Drug Lord by Jamaica's Minister of National Security.

The term Drug Lord means someone who controls a large network of persons involved in the illegal drug trade. Recently, Jamaica has received unfavorable press due to drug trafficking, but the truth is, the exportation and sale of drugs is happening in every country today, this small Caribbean island stands out, because naysayers are associating Reggae and Dance Hall music with violence and the usage of drugs. In 2011, Christopher Coke was captured and extradited to the United States. He is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial for several murders and drug trafficking.

After reviewing this list of "controversial" figures, I couldn't help but wonder if jealousy and harassment has played a part in the Illustrious events in these peoples' lives. As Jamaicans, we are hard working and very ambitious, therefore sometimes the rest of the world is not always pleased with us excelling in certain areas of our lives or attaining great success too fast.

Preparation and practice are the ingredients that breed success, despite old Jamaican sayings, there is no such condition as "Hurry Come Up", so we should always remember that there are several sides to every story. The truth, and the embellished versions.

Tags: Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: Controversial Jamaicans

Book Review: Tastes Like Home - My Caribbean Cookbook

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

About the Book
Tastes Like Home - My Caribbean Cookbook is more than just a book of recipes, it's a conversation about food and how it connects and forms part of Caribbean identity. The book is divided into two sections - a memoir section and a recipe section. Cynthia shares personal memories which help us understand Caribbean food and lifestyle. Some of the memories focus on food, events, and special festivals, others are recollections of life in the Caribbean. In the recipe section, readers and cooks are treated to step-by-step guides on how to make roti, Conkies, Christmas cake, the perfect baked ham, Dhal Puri and Coconut Drops to name a few. Tastes Like Home puts you in the kitchens of Caribbean home cooks and sets a place for you at the table, for a memorable meal.

This book is your invitation to join in revelling in the tastes of the Caribbean!

Reviews
"Tastes Like Home is destined to become an important work on Caribbean cultural expression. Food is one of the significant manifestations of Caribbean creativity. The foods we eat are homage to the creativity of our ancestors... as Cynthia Nelson has shown over the years, our ancestors created a distinctive and delicious world-class cuisine. This creativity has continued across generations, and this book is a celebration."

Vibert C. Cambridge, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Media Arts & Studies
Ohio University

About the Author
Cynthia Nelson grew up in Guyana cooking alongside her mom and aunt. Working in the Caribbean media for many years, Cynthia has travelled the region savouring and learning the cuisine of the Caribbean. Cynthia s musings on food and life regularly appear in publications in the Caribbean and North America, including Stabroek News newspaper (Guyana); Caribbean Belle magazine (Trinidad) and City Style and Living magazine (Canada). She is Contributing Writer at About.com, owned by The New York Times Company and is the author of the award winning blog.

Where to buy the book:
Buy Tastes Like Home at Amazon.com

Interview With Jana Bent – Producer of The Reggae Pickney™ Children’s Edu-Tainment Series

Chris Daley — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

Jana Bent is a Jamaican who has worked in the entertainment business as a dancer, choreographer and backing vocalist, touring with The Wailers, Julian Marley, Damian Marley and Shaggy among others. She recorded 3 albums of all original songs, with her Producer/brother Rupert Bent III, (musical director for Sean Paul) including the hits: “You So Fine”, “My Man Dat” and “No Regrets” featuring Bounty Killer.

Jana Bent is the Producer of The Reggae Pickney™ Children’s Edu-Tainment Series of multimedia products.

Jana is also a gifted songwriter, with a publishing administration deal with the Royalty Network in New York City and has written songs for placement on international TV shows and movies. She has songs that have been placed on shows such as ‘American Idol; MTV’s ‘The Hills’; "The City", “Privileged” and in the movie "Spring Breakdown" .

Recently, a twist of fate led her to shift away from a performing career, to form her own company, KQC Enterprises, that creates children’s Edu-tainment products under the brand name Reggae Pickney™ with Jamaican and Caribbean educational content, using entertainment to deliver environmental protection messages and themes from the early childhood curriculum. The first product, was a CD Storybook, “Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band”, featuring the voice of Grammy Winning Reggae Artiste, Shaggy, and authentic reggae music by her brother Rupert. This first book has been named one of the Top 60 Books by a Caribbean Author Every Student Should Read, by the Jamaica Library Service. This CD Storybook also won the 2009 Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center, the world’s largest Parenting advocacy group.

The second CD Storybook in the series “The Reggae Band Rescues Mama Edda Leatherback”, funded by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica, is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WIDECAST, the sea turtle authorities for this hemisphere.

Both CD Storybooks were developed with guidance from early childhood education authorities and environmental agencies, and are listed on the Early Childhood Curriculum Resource List for Jamaica.

The book series is just the beginning of great plans. Jana still has a twinkle in her eyes for hitting it big, but this time with her dreams for a Caribbean enterprise patterned off of the Disney Corporation.

Listen to her engaging interview.

Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: Prominent Physicians

Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:30:01 UT

This article has special meaning for me because as a child growing up in Jamaica I was plagued with childhood illnesses that very few Doctors had remedies for, however, there was one Physician, Dr. John Martin, who left an indelible memory in my mind. His professionalism and capacity to be a genuine, caring, healer spoke volumes throughout my life and the lives of many other Jamaicans.

In his practice, he incorporated Medical Science along with Natural Medicine, his spirituality gave him impeccable insight into his patients' souls therefore healing them miraculously. He never kept his patients waiting and never thought himself too bourgeoisie to tend to lowly persons. For him, it was the joy of healing that made him very successful and God rewarded him accordingly.

We currently live in a world where Physicians have been consumed with "Big Business" and rarely care about the patients they treat. Medicine has become "all about the money".

In my research to write this article, I came across the names of some notable Doctors who are advancing the world and making great strides within the Medical Community. Here are a few of Jamaica's Prominent Physicians:

Dr. Clayton Sewell, Forensic Psychiatrist of The University of The West Indies (UWI). He is the President ofthe Jamaica Psychiatric Association. Affiliated with Medical Associates, Tangerine Place, Jamaica, West Indies.

Forensic Psychiatrists work with the courts in order to determine competency to stand trial. They usually specialize in two areas of criminal evaluation, competency to stand trial (CST), and mental state at the time of offense (MSO). They are called upon as expert witnesses in both criminal and civil cases. Dr. Sewell believes that 1 in every 100 Jamaican is schizophrenic and, there isn't enough being done about the mentally ill in Jamaica.

Dr. Michael Boyne, Endocrinologist, Senior Lecturer in Endocrinology

Dr. Michael Tulloch-Reid, Endocrinologist

Dr. Rosemarie Wright-Pascoe, Endocrinologist, President of the Caribbean Endocrinology Society

Endocrinologists are Doctors who treat diseases associated with hormone producing glands.

Dr. Ladi Doonquah, DDS (Dentist), Founding Doctor of Facial and Oral Surgery Associates, specializing in maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery and oral surgery. He has been practicing for 14 years and has offices located in Kingston, Jamaica and Georgia, USA.

Dr. Althea Dawn Cecelia East Innis, Department of Medicine, Bach. of Medicine & Surgery, UWI, Mona, Jamaica, Diploma from Soc. of Apothecaries, Diploma of Dermatology, University of London. Noted for research pertaining to the outcome of fungal, hair and scalp infections, as well as skin disorders.

Dr. Eva Lewis Fuller, MBBS, MPh, Member of the Medical Council, Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health. Consultant for Jamaica Health & Lifestyle Research Group Surveys.

Dr. Amza Ali, Trained in Medicine at the University of The West Indies. Studied Neurology at the National Hospital for Neurology, Queen Square, London. Former Head of Medicine at Kingston Public Hospital. Founding and current President of Jamaica League Against Epilepsy (JLAE). Affiliated with Epilepsy Centre of Jamaica and Andrews Memorial hospital. Noted for research pertaining to retroviral neurology, parkinsons and other neurological disorders. He has received several prestigious awards for his work caring for persons with epilepsy.

Dr. Minerva Thame, Prominent Researcher (Nine Publications), Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology & Child Health, UWI. Consultant Pediatrician at University Hospital, Mona, Jamaica.

Dr. Kevin Harvey, Executive Director of the National HIV/ST1 Program at the Ministry of Health. Awarded prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship to study HIV/Aids Policy and Prevention in the United States at Emory University. He is known for his dedication regarding the fight against HIV/Aids. Recipient of Fulbright Scholarship, which was only awarded to 10 Jamaicans.

Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse, Hurricane Disaster Management and Crisis Intervention. Member of the National Road and Safety Council of Jamaica, consultant regarding the reduction of accidents on Jamaican roads and highways. Authority on Swine Flu and H1N1 Vaccines.

Dr. Anusha Campbell Chambers, Trained at the University of The West Indies, Jamaica and St. John's Institute of Dermatology at Guys' and St. Thomas hospital, Kings College, London. Specializes in laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and botox. She is an International Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She has two offices in Kingston and one in Montego Bay.

Dr. Winston De La Haye, Consultant Psychiatrist, Lecturer at the University of The West Indies, Director of Detoxification Unit at UWI. Associated with the University of Technology, Jamaica. He believes that marijuana could be the major cause of crime and violence in society, suggesting that it has the ability to make a person crazy because it contains tetrahydro cannabinol which increases aggressive behaviour. Dr. De La Haye believes that there is an increasing problem of mental illness in Jamaica, with illnesses ranging from depression to personality disorders.

Dr. Michael Tulloch-Reid, MBBS, FCCP, Consultant Pulmonologist & Intensivist at the Heart Institute of the Caribbean. He is a graduate of UWI. Completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College. Fellowships in Critical Care Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Pulmonology at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York. He is also trained in International Pulmonology at Lahey Clinic and Temple University. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonology and Critical Care.

Although Jamaica is a Third World country, it has its share of brilliant, innovative Doctors who are on the cutting edge of science. However, while I was researching this article, I found it quite difficult to locate Jamaican Physicians with ease. It made me wonder if the island's physicians are in hiding due to the rapidly increasing drug problem?

Our Society has become so depraved that even the people whom God has blessed to help and heal, are resorted to keeping a low profile in order to preserve their practices and livelihoods.

Tags: Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: Prominent Physicians

Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: The Top 10 Most Powerful Jamaicans

Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:35:00 UT

Photo courtesy of Shaggy's Myspace page.

It is said, that the world's most richest and powerful people live in Jamaica or at the very least, own vacation homes on the Island. As quiet as their wealth and power is kept, many are unable to elude the spotlight because of their famous family names. Personalities such as Johnny Cash, Sir Noel Coward, John F. Kennedy and Princess Margaret, were deemed honorary Jamaicans because of their long vacationing status in the country. They all had one thing in common, and that is the fact that they possessed vacation residences by the glistening Jamaican sea.

Over the years, a stellar list of Powerful Jamaicans have emerged from the most surprising and unexpected places. The following are a few individuals who have managed to reach the pinnacle of their careers, acquiring power and influence while striving to create a legacy:

The Honourable Michael Lee Chin, OJ, born in 1951 in Portland, Port Antonio is a Jamaican-Canadian Investor. A graduate of Titchfield High School and Mc Master University, Mr. Lee Chin started his impeccable career by working for the Jamaican Government as a Road Engineer. He is also the Chairman and Founder of Portland Holdings, a privately held investment company in Jamaica. He is the Executive Chairman of AIC Limited and National Commercial Bank. Mr. Lee Chin has appeared on Forbes Top Ten List of Multiracial Billionaires from 2001-2010, ranking number 701 on the list.

His philanthropic endeavours have created headlines with his million dollar donations to institutions such as, The Royal Ontario Museum and Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto in Canada.

Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, born Portia Lucretia Miller on December 12, 1945 in Woodhull, St. Catherine. She is Jamaica's Leader to the opposition, former Prime Minister of Jamaica from 2006-2007 and the first woman to become Prime Minister of Jamaica. She has been ranked number 81 on Forbes List of Powerful Women. In 2006, Ms. Simpson-Miller was awarded the Jamaican Order of the Nation, giving her and her husband, Errald Miller the title of "The Most Honourable".

Chris Blackwell, born Christopher Percy Gordon "Chris" Blackwell on June 22, 1937. His mother Blanche Lindo was of Jamaican descent, who belonged to an affluent family who acquired their wealth through sugar and Appleton Rum. He has been a Music Industry Mogul for more than 50 years and Founder of Island Records. Mr. Blackwell is responsible for introducing Reggae to the world. He has produced Artists such as Ike and Tina Turner, Bob Marley and the Wailers, Burning Spear and Black Uhuru, to name a few. He is also the Founder of Palm Pictures and Creator of the Golden Eye Film Festival, honouring Jamaicans who excel in the Arts and Music. He was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his exemplory work in the entertainment industry in 2004.

The Blackwell family name has been the inspiration for the newly invented, "Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum". Chris Blackwell currently runs Island Outpost, which is a conglomerate set up to run a group of resorts located in Jamaica and the Bahamas. He has been named the most influential music mogul in the past 50 years of British Music.

Paula Kerr-Jarrett, Attorney-at-Law, Philanthropist, Political Contender for Eastern Hanover Constituency and an influential social butterfly on the Jamaican Society circle. Great Granddaughter of Marion Louise Reece Bovell, the first woman in Jamaica to run in the general elections of 1944 as an independent candidate. Connected by marriage to the prominent Jarret Family, owners of the Barrett Estate in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Edward Alston Cecil Baugh, born January 10, 1936 in Jamaica. An intellectual mentor and trusted teacher. He was a Professor at UWI for approximately 35 years. He also served as a Visiting professor at institutions such as, the University of California, Dalhousie University, University of Miami and Howard University. He is well known and revered for his scholastic achievments and his flawless record of academic, administrative and public service. Mr. Baugh was awarded the Commonwealth Writer's Prize and Guyana's prize for Literature.
He has been responsible for the cultivation of many distinguished careers and Intellectuals.

Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, Jamaica's first female, Post Master General. A former Librarian and Missionary to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Awarded Order of Distinction, Commander Class for impeccable public service. She is the Founding Director of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica and the Chairman of Jamaica Conservation Trust. Currently, she is the CEO of Aeromar Group.

Ziggy Marley, born David Nesta Marley on October 17, 1968. Singer and Leader of the Melody Makers Band. First son of musical genius, Bob Marley. To date, Ziggy Marley has fifteen albums to his repretoire. Founder of Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE), a childrens' charity. He is also a supporter of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization for children. Married to Orly Marley, former VP of The William Morris Agency, and he is the father of six children.

Lady Saw, born Marion Hall on July 12, 1968. Jamaican Reggae Artist, Dance Hall Queen and Grammy Winner. Founder of Divas Records and well known for her socially conscious lyrics, promoting freedom of speech and safe sex.

Damian Marley, born Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley on July 21, 1978. Jamaican Reggae Artist, winner of three grammy awards and the youngest male child of Bob Marley. He has four albums to his credit, climbing the music charts with the recent, "Distant Relatives" .
In 2011, he collaborated on Mick Jagger's musical project called "SuperHeavy" with Joss Stone, featuring the single "Miracle Worker". The album was released in September.

"Shaggy" born Orville Richard Burrell on October 22, 1968. He is a Jamaican Reggae Singer and Rapper. He gained notoriety for the singles, "Bombastic", "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel". He was nick named "Shaggy" because of his curly, superfluous hair. Shaggy was awarded the Jamaican Order of Distinction for rank of Commander in 2007. In 2011, he released a new album entitled, "Shaggy and Friends".

Although, many Jamaicans have gained notoriety, power and prestige through education, hard work and entrepreneurial endeavours there are always other entities that consider themselves to be more powerful and forceful than the "Learned", "Famous" and "Professionally Accomplished". These are the members of law enforcement such as the Jamaican Constabulary Force.

In any country that one may visit, many people will agree that the law is the most powerful entity on the land. However, if that power is misused it can create havoc. As citizens of life, we will discover that when it comes to power, some folks revel in it and enjoy the fruits that it bears, while others become drunken with power and usurp its original purpose, which is to guide, serve and preserve.

Tags: Jamaica's Fiftieth Anniversary: The 10 Most Powerful Jamaicans

Review: “Souldancing” with Jean Lowrie-Chin in New York

Jennifer Lumley — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:30:01 UT

She warmed the room with her smile like the Caribbean sun and the audience anxiously waited while they basked in the beauty of her gentle presence, a scarf, with the colors of the Jamaican flag, gently cascading down the front of her dress. A little behind her scheduled arrival at Ruder Finn, Inc. because of the unceasing evening rain, her pleasant personality just shone right through and put everyone at ease. Jean Lowrie-Chin, fellow author, columnist and mother, read a few pieces from her book “Souldance” and had the crowd in an uproar at times and at other times reminiscing on the Jamaican paradise that we left behind. It was impressive to say the least.

Her writings are prolific and her book cover design was remarkably authentic – two little caramel colored angels with dread locks and a ribbon with the Rastafarian colors. The art work is obviously Jamaican and brings home a deliberately sweet setting for the 170 pages of writings within. Jean keeps it real. Jamaica has its paradise but it also has its ‘plagues’. David Heron, a Jamaican playwright and actor in New York and good friend to Lowrie-Chin, also read a few pieces and expressed them in a very feeling manner. He got your attention and gripped you for as long as he read.

Dave Rodney, moderated the evening’s affairs. Gail Moaney, executive Vice President of Ruder Finn, did the welcome. Ambassador Audrey P. Marks, whose arrival was also affected by the inclement weather, spoke enthusiastically about the book and recommended it highly to all Jamaicans. Anthony Turner delivered the vote of thanks after folks lined up to get their autographed copies of “Souldance”. Spirits were lifted and souls were fed for having attended this “dance” session...and Lowrie-Chin is ranked as another one of Jamaica’s poetic DJs.

New Blog: Black Hair Care

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:30:01 UT

Black Hair Care

Immigration: Common Questions and Answers

Safiya Byars, Esq. — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:30:01 UT

Immigration has always been a very interesting topic. Immigration is an essential component for families and businesses but it is also controversial. Immigration law is very broad and due to its controversial nature it is sometimes fraught with fraud. Families and businesses are desperate to obtain legal status for their family members and workers and they are opportunistic individuals lying in wait to exploit these needs. My firm's goal is to provide individuals with the truth about their case and the law so that they can make an informed and lawful decision regarding their immigration case. In this month's article I will be briefly discuss three common questions that prospective clients ask me about their immigration case.

Question 1: I am from Nigeria and I obtained my divorce in Nigeria. I am now married to my present husband who is a United States citizen and we are ready to submit my permanent resident petition to Immigration. Is my Nigerian divorce a valid divorce or I will have to obtain a divorce in the United States.

Answer: This is a common question that I receive from individuals who are from Ghana., Nigeria, The Gambia etc. Immigration reviews each case on its own merits. However, Immigration does have guidelines as to which foreign divorces they will accept as a valid divorce. In the United States the divorcing parties are usually requires to appear in court before a divorce can be granted. The exceptions to this rule are divorce by publication when the defendant cannot be located or if the defendant has been served with the divorce complaint but voluntarily chooses not to appear in court. The U.S Government usually accepts a foreign divorce decree when the divorce is conducted in a court of law and both parties are present or at least the plaintiff was present. However, in some countries a divorce can be granted in the absence of both parties. These divorces are usually called tribal divorces. In these divorce actions the head of the household, i.e.,the father of the wife, (plaintiff) and the father of the husband, (defendant), appear before the court or the official and obtain the divorce on behalf of the divorcing parties. While this may be a legitimate and valid divorce overseas Immigration has strict documentary evidence that must be provided before they will accept the foreign divorce decree. In some cases if the applicant is not able to produce the required documentation in addition tot the divorce decree Immigration will deny the applicant's permanent residence petition. As such, it is imperative that an applicant consult with an immigration attorney regarding any foreign divorce decree to ensure that the divorce will be honored by the U.S., Government.

Question 2: My permanent residence application was denied but I still have my work authorization card. Can I still work since my work authorization has not expired.

Answer: Most individuals mistakenly believe that an unexpired work authorization card signifies that they can still work despite the fact that their permanent residence petition has been filed. It is important to remember that an employment authorization card is not a stand-alone benefit. Immigration issues an applicant an employment authorization card because he or she has a pending application. In the case of a denied permanent residence petition the employment authorization card is no longer valid because the underlying "green card" petition is no longer pending. The only way to receive a valid employment authorization card is to have a pending application that allows Immigration to issue this employment authorization.

Question 3: I am not a U.S. citizen but I have a social security. Am I able to work with my social security card.

Answer: The short answer is no. Non U.S. citizens who have social security card must show a secondary document to show that he or she is authorized to work in the United States. An employment authorization card, a permanent resident card "green card", or an employment visa, etc.

New Blog: Jerk Masala

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:30:01 UT

Jerk Masala

Jamaican High Schools Directory

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:30:01 UT

Jamaican High Schools

Submit Your Photos - New Jamaicans.com User Photo Gallery

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:30:01 UT

Submit Your Photos - New Jamaicans.com User Photo Gallery