Jamaica - Jamaica Primetime

An Interview with Crochet Couture Diva, Minka.

Kerri-Ann M. Smith — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:39:27 UT

Nestled above the historic cane fields and factories of western Jamaica, is a small town called Grange Hill, which has produced one of the emerging fashion giants in Jamaica. She is what some would call a renegade and others a bellwether. A visionary, in more ways than one, Gillian Francis aka Minka, is one of Jamaica’s premiere designers with a promising future in world fashion domination.

In Memory of Michael Jackson- The Gloved One Who Visited Jamaica

Joan A. Muir, Ph.D. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

It was 1975; I was 13 years old and in third form at St. Andrew High School for Girls, when I heard the news that Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 were coming to Kingston to perform. My mother, a strict Pentecostal Christian, forbade my sisters and I to play secular music or to dance. Yet, I could not help watching Michael Jackson while she was at church, which was several nights per week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Immigration Benefits

Safiya Byars, Esq. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

The Immigration laws of the United States are governed by complex statutes, internal Immigration memorandums and case law. Consequently, it can be quite daunting for a non-citizen to maneuver his or her way through the entire immigration process. This article will address some common mistakes that clients usually make in applying to Immigration for benefits. I will also offer some easy solutions for those individuals who feel compelled to go through the process by themselves.

How To Manage Your Money

Cherryl Hanson Simpson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

In a recent column entitled “The 3 Ms of Money,” we discussed the principles of financial achievement - managing, multiplying and maintaining your money. Over the coming weeks, we will examine these three pathways to money success in greater detail. The key to managing your money is knowing what to do with the money that you are already earning, so that you can comfortably pay your bills and work towards attaining your goals. There are four components to successful money management, which, like the ingredients in a recipe, are all essential to producing the perfect end result.

Redundancy and its impact on those left behind

Wayne A. Powell — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

After the dust is cleared, come Monday morning the so called “lucky” ones who are left behind, huddle at someone’s desk discussing the sad events of Friday afternoon when some of their colleagues were given marching orders.

Food Shopping in Jamaica

John Casey — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

Food shopping in Jamaica, while having some resemblance to the American experience, can be challenging at times. The Jamaican supermarkets are laid out with aisles of packaged foods and general merchandise similar to the US. Around the perimeter of the interior is the meat, dairy and produce sections. Glaringly absent is the ever popular and ever busy deli department. The only cold cuts I have seen come in blister packs and a very limited variety.

I’m Allergic - Jamaican Book Review

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

This book targets children who are ages 3 to 7 years old, and the family members that read with them. The tale introduces the topic of food allergies as told by a young character by the name of Li'l Al Lurgic, who is very sensitive to popular edibles that are common to children's diet. The book aims primarily to be fun, and only secondarily speaks to children who have special needs, or sensitivities of which the adult world is lovingly ignorant. In a subtle way, the author is opening a space for more sensitive handling of the individual perculiarities of all small chiildren.

Back in the Old Days, Agriculture Was King in Jamaica

George Graham — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

Before bauxite was discovered and mined, before Jamaica had a "financial sector," before various governments sold the island’s birthright to attract screwdriver industries and garment-industry sweatshops, Jamaicans made their living mostly from the land. As I recall, it wasn’t easy. I wonder what became of all that hard work? How did it change? And who let it happen? I suppose it’s useless to point fingers now. I can only cheer the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on and wish him luck in reviving the island's aricultural tradition.

Book Review: From Saddam Hussein To Barack Hussein: The Story of Change, Legacy, and Ascendancy

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:20:52 UT

From Saddam Hussein To Barack Hussein: The Story of Change, Legacy, and Ascendancy, by Jamaican author Donovan A. McFarlane ,communicates the paradoxical nature of change and leadership as processes shaping the very nature of existence, impacting the lives of ordinary and extraordinary individuals alike to forever alter the course of our world. This book chronicles the change process following an approximate decade of leadership, its ineffectiveness and effectiveness, and the breaking and making of strong leaders in national and global political contexts.

Interview with Kim Marie Spence, Jamaica's Representative in the Women's Antarctic Expedition

Xavier Murphy — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:11:02 UT

This month we interview Kim Marie Spence who was recently selected to represent Jamaica in the Women's Antarctic Expedition. She is one of the eight women from countries across the Commonwealth, who will participate in the Women's Antarctic Expedition. The women represent five continents, six faiths and seven languages. On the expedition these women will tackle the immense mental and physical challenges of Antarctica.

Permanent Residence Through Your Spouse

Safiya Byars, Esq. — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:53:20 UT

Non-citizen spouses are able to acquire permanent residence through their spouse under the following four conditions. First, your spouse must be a United States Citizen or permanent resident. Second, you must have entered the United States in legal status i.e. with a visa or under the visa waiver program. Three, you must be admissible to the United States. Finally, your spouse must be willing to submit his/her immigration petition to Immigration on your behalf. This article will highlight the process of preparing, submitting and ultimately attaining permanent residence though marriage.

In Real Life, as in Fiction, Jamaica's Future Depends on Agriculture, Not Bauxite

George Graham — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:43:55 UT

In my book, "Hill-an’-Gully Rider," I have the Prime Minister resisting the efforts of bauxite companies to invade his fictional Caribbean island. Despite the wealthy companies’ efforts – including political machinations and even violence – the Prime Minister succeeds in protecting the island and eventually reaps great rewards through pursuing a policy of environmental preservation and innovation.

Health Care in Jamaica

John Casey — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:43:55 UT

Quality medical care in Jamaica is one of the prime concerns of many of my readers. Between my wife and I, we have had seven years of experiences with doctors and other medical facilities in the Montego Bay area. We have found the quality of medical care to be quite adequate, although not perfect. Considering this Third World country boasts over 1,000 people above the age of 100 one would have to say that the medical care throughout the island is more than adequate.

The 3 Ms of Money

Cherryl Hanson Simpson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:43:55 UT

In a recent column you said that it was possible for persons to learn how to be financially literate. I am tired of always being low on funds and big in debt. What are some of the things that I should be doing in order to be successful with money?

Interview with Maas Gussie the columnist for "Hello Mi Neighbour"

Xavier Murphy — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:43:55 UT

This month we interview Silton Townsend known to many Jamaicans as Maas Gussie. His programme and column Hello Mi Neighbour is inspiring Jamaicans everywhere to help each other. He has motivatied people to think of how they can be of value to each other and make life better for others.