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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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LES GREEN BLAMES GAY PEOPLE FOR VIOLENCE—07/14/12
Jamaican Police Commissioner Les Green has denied reports of widespread violence against homosexuals in the country. He also suggested that gay people in Jamaica "for the most part" murdered each other. He made his remarks just days before he left office. Green said he thinks Jamaica is more tolerant of homosexuality than has been portrayed to the general public through the media.

JAMAICAN JOURNALIST TARGETED BY INTERNATIONAL GAY ACTIVISTS—07/15/12
Betty Ann Blaine, a columnist for the Jamaica Observer newspaper in Jamaica, has been criticized by gay activists for a column entitled "The Big Gay Lie," in which she refers to comments made by former Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green. Green said that his investigations showed that most killings of gay people were committed by other gay individuals. Blaine was named as an anti-gay activist that should be watched by a gay rights group's website. Blaine denied that she was an anti-gay activist and defended her free speech rights.

SIMPSON MILLER SAYS JAMAICA IS MORE THAN A BRAND—07/15/12
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller stated that Jamaica is more than a brand; it is about the pride of people. She made her remarks at the opening ceremony of the Queen Sofia of Spain Women's Center at the Spanish Town Hospital. Simpson Miller has called upon the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) to go ahead with plans to provide services at the Spanish Town Hospital. Simpson Miller encouraged the Ministry of Health to provide high-quality facilities to Jamaica's citizens. The Women's Center was donated by the Kingdom of Spain at a cost of $30 million.

JAMAICA'S OPPOSITION TO RESIST "YES MAN" AS CONTRACTOR GENERAL—07/16/12
The parliamentary opposition in Jamaica warns that it will oppose any attempt to use the appointment of a new contractor general as a way to silence the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) or to reduce government oversight of the contract awards process. Andrew Holness, leader of the Opposition, says that the Jamaica Labor Party will not allow the government to install a "yes man" in the position.

THREE JAMAICAN SOLDIERS CHARGED IN MURDER OF ACCOUNTANT—07/17/12
The public prosecutor in Jamaica announced that three soldiers will face charges related to the killing of Keith Clarke, accountant, during the May 2010 hunt for fugitive drug lord, Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Coke was sought by the United States on drug charges, and Clarke was killed during an aggressive search for Coke in Jamaica. Clarke was shot at least 22 times in the bedroom of his home in Kirkland Heights. Lance Corporal Odel Buckley, Lance Corporal Greg Tingling, and Private Arnold Henry have been charged in the case.

JAMAICA SENDS DELEGATION TO OAS FOR DISCUSSION OF LABOR, SOCIAL AID—07/18/12
A delegation from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security met with representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., to exchange ideas concerning social and labor protections. The discussions are focusing on youth unemployment in particular. The meeting represents cooperation between the governments of the two countries about their respective programs.

JAMAICAN OFFICIALS ARRESTED FOR LOTTERY SCAM INVOLVEMENT—07/19/12
Two elected government officials in Jamaica have been charged with participation in a lottery scam totaling millions of dollars. The scam targeted elderly American individuals. According to Leon Clunis, police superintendent, Michael Troupe, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, and Sylvan Reid, councilor from St. James, were arrested along with Troupe's two sons at their homes. Police also seized over $13,000 and two fire arms. The lottery scam is estimated to have taken in some $300 million a year.

ARRESTED PNP MEMBERS WILL GET NO SPECIAL TREATMENT, SAYS BUNTING—07/20/12
Peter Bunting, Jamaica's Minister of Security, stated that the Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Michael Troupe, and the Councilor for the Salt Spring Division, Sylvan Reid, both members of the People's National Party (PNP), will not receive special treatment under the law. The two were arrested for alleged involvement in a lotto scam. No one will receive political protection from the government, regardless of their affiliation, said Bunting.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN ASSOCIATION OF BERMUDA MARKS INDEPENDENCE—07/14/12
The Jamaican Association of Bermuda is marking Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence with a night of entertainment and fine cuisine. Damion Crawford, Jamaica's Entertainment and Tourism Minister, will be featured as the keynote speaker at the event. Music by Roy Rayon and the band Tempo will be provided. According to Traddie Simpson, the president of the association, the event will celebrate Jamaican independence and contributions in Bermuda to strengthen the times between the two countries.

45TH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL BEGINS IN TORONTO—07/18/12
The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is underway in Toronto, Canada, an event that is expected to draw a million attendees. The festival will run from July 17 through August 12, 2012, throughout the city. The event offers Caribbean music, food, and costumes, and is designed to reflect the multicultural nature of the city. This is the 45th year of the carnival's presence.

DEATHS RELATED TO AIDS DECREASE IN CARIBBEAN—07/19/12
According to the United Nations, the number of deaths related to AIDS in the Caribbean has decreased significantly in the past ten years, due chiefly to the greater availability of anti-retroviral drugs and access to medical treatment. Doctors recorded some 10,000 deaths in the Caribbean in 2011, just 50 percent of the number recorded in 2010. In 2011, there were 13,000 new cases of AIDS reported, with most occurring in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

JAMAICAN DEEJAY PLEADS GUILTY TO U.S. CHARGES—07/20/12
Popular Jamaican deejay "Busy Signal" has acknowledged that he left the United States a decade ago because he was scheduled to go to trial on drug charges. He left before his court appearance and has now pleaded guilty to one count of failure to appear. Busy Signal, whose real name is Glendale Goshia Gordon, is facing a potential sentence of between 12 and 18 months in prison. His attorney, Bill Mauzy, will ask for time served once a sentencing date is set. The drug charge involves two counts of cocaine trafficking in 2002. The deejay was arrested in May 2012.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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WEBB LOOKS TO FUTURE FOR CONCACAF—07/14/12

GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO APPROVES TAX BREAKS TO ATTRACT FILM CREWS—07/15/12

NAVASSA ISLAND COULD BE SANCTUARY FOR ENDANGERED CORAL—07/16/12

NEW IMPORT FEES IMPOSED BY CUBA—07/17/12

RIGHTS OF HIV-POSITIVE WORKERS TO BE PROTECTED—07/19/12

BUDGET CUTS IN GUYANA DEEMED UNCONSTITUTIONAL—07/20/12

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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SOLAR-POWERED CHICKEN FARMS URGED—07/14/12
The operations manager of Jamaica Broilers Ethanol Ltd., John Carberry, said that a reduction of capital outlay can be achieved for chicken farms by using solar power. This is because solar systems to do require battery banks, traditionally a major cost center. The solar-powered systems force operators to work during the day while the sun is shining and only revert to the national power grid at night when there is less energy required. Financing for solar-powered chicken farm projects is being provided by the Development Bank of Jamaica, commercial banks, and other financial institutions.

JAMAICANS RECEIVE RED SEAL CERTIFICATION IN HOMELAND—07/15/12
Thirty Jamaican heavy equipment mechanics have received the Red Seal certification, the highest interprovince trade qualification given in Canada without leaving their home country through a partnership between the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, HireProDirvers of Canada, and Keyano College in Jamaica. The certification requires applicants to take an examination, which was administered in Jamaica. The 30 mechanics already have job offers in Canada and are waiting for immigration procedures to be completed.

SAGICOR FINANCIAL SELLS SLJ SHARES TO PAN-JAMAICAN—07/16/12
The Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust has acquired J$3billion worth of shares in Sagicor Life Jamaica (SLJ). This raises the stake of Pan-Jamaican in the company to 33 percent. The deal involved a price of J$10.20 per share and was completed at a discount to the market price. Pan-Jamaica says its investment in SLJ has done well thus far and has potential for good future performance.

JNBS IMPROVES OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY—07/18/12
The Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) was able to make improvements in its operational efficiency and succeeded in increasing its profits during 2011-2012 for the period ending March 31, 2012. Earl Jarrett, General Manager of the JNBS, noted that a decrease in overall interest rates led to a decline in interest income for the firm's assets. This was balanced by a lowering of interest costs, he said. The JNBS is the largest building society in Jamaica.

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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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HOMELESS IN JAMAICA TO BE TRACKED BY SOFTWARE PRODUCT—07/14/12

MICRO TECHNOLOGIES EXPANDS SECURITY SOLUTIONS IN CARIBBEAN—07/15/12

CARICOM HOLDS "CONNECT THE AMERICAS: SUMMIT—07/16/12

CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON SWITCHOVER TO DIGITAL—07/18/12

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ENTERTAINMENT
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J.O.E. ALBUM RELEASED ONE YEAR AFTER LIL' JOE'S DEATH—07/14/12
A new album featuring the music of J.O.E. (Jah Over Evil), previously known as Lil' Joe has been released, giving recognition to the work of a promising musician who died of a brain aneurysm n February 2011. He died just as his career was taking off. Lil' Joe, whose real name was Ally Nunes, was working on a debut album, "Man from Judah," that he never had time to finish, but family and friends decided to complete the album after his death. It is being released posthumously to honor his music.

NEW JIMMY CLIFF RECORD REJUVENATES VINTAGE REGGAE—07/17/12
Jimmy Cliff, legendary reggae star, has released a new record called "Rebirth," and it is giving new life to the old school reggae sound. Cliff is the last surviving member of the first generation of international reggae superstars. His record features Tim Armstrong, singer in the punk band "Rancid," who is a major Cliff fan.

SHABBA RANKS TO BE HONORED AT SUMFEST—07/19/12
Shabba Ranks, Jamaican Dancehall legend, will appear on a Jamaican stage for the first time in 11 years at Reggae Sumfest. Upon his arrival back in Jamaica, Ranks visited friends and family and traveled to Olympic Gardens, his native neighborhood. Organizers of Sumfest plan to recognize the "Emperor of Dancehall" for his contributions to Jamaican music.

CRAWFORD WANTS TO ESTABLISH REGISTRY OF ARTISTES—07/20/12
Damion Crawford, Jamaica's Junior Entertainment Minister, announced that the ministry will create an artistes' registry in an attempt to regulate the music industry. Crawford said regulation would help to identify practitioners in the field, making it easier to provide benefits and to encourage entertainers. A registry would also facilitate free movement of artistes around the world.

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SPORTS
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DACRES WINS JAMAICA'S FIRST DISCUS GOLD MEDAL AT JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS—07/14/12

Jamaican Fedrick Dacres made history at Montjuic Olympic Stadium in Spain when he won the first discus gold medal in history for his country at the IAAF World Junior Championships. Dacres said he needed to improve on his personal best of 61.55 meters to win a medal, and he achieved that goal by hurling the discus 62.80 meters on his second try, beating Wojciech Praczyk of Poland for the medal.

RUSSELL WINS WOMEN'S WORLD JUNIOR HURDLES—07/15/12

Janieve Russell of Jamaica won with a personal best in the 400-meter hurdles at the World Junior Championships with a time of 56.62 seconds. This was also a world-leading time for the event. Aurelie Chaboudez of France ran in second place, clocking 57.14 seconds.

BLAKE WINS 100 METERS IN LUCERNE—07/17/12

Jamaica's Yohan Blake won the 100 meter competition held as a precursor to the London 2012 Olympics in Lucerne, Switzerland, with a time of 9.85 seconds. This was Blake's first competitive race since defeating countryman Usain Bolt twice during the Jamaican Olympic trials. Teammate Michael Frater ran second with a time of 10.00 seconds.

OLYMPIC SECURITY TIGHT FOR JAMAICANS—07/19/12

Usain Bolt, Jamaica's Olympic sprint champion, and other top Jamaican athletes competing in the London 2012 Olympics are training under a heavy security presence at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The high security level has frustrated fans and journalists who cannot watch or speak to the athletes. Additionally, there is a prohibition on taking photos on the school campus, which is hosting Jamaica's Olympic team.

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JAMAICAN JOBS
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DEVOTIONAL
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No Deal!
 
Standing before king Nebuchadnezzar and facing his wrath for their refusal to worship the image as per the instructions heralded to all (Daniel 3:4), the three Jewish boys were offered a deal that would spare them being thrown into the burning fiery furnace. To compound the severity of their non-compliance, certain Chaldeans accused them before the king of having "not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (v. 12, KJV).
 
There was no ambiguity to the deal. When they heard the sound of the music, "Now if . . . ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" In other words, dance or die. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not intimidated. They knew that this was a bad deal and so "answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (vv. 16-18). In other words, no deal! The fiery furnace is nothing for our God to deliver us from, and even if He doesn't, we will not compromise our beliefs or turn our backs on the God we serve.
 
What tremendous commitment! One could argue that such commitment is lacking among some professed believers who time and time again dance to the music and worship various images in an attempt to preserve popularity, their relationships, and personal ambitions. Instead of standing firmly for Christ regardless of cost, it is often easier to compromise our beliefs and values. Who wants to be ridiculed? To be obstracized?
 
What we know is that after being thrown in the furnace, heated seven times more than it was initially, the boys' faith in God was rewarded and they were delivered (vv. 19-30). Miraculously, "the fire had no power [upon their bodies], nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them" (v.27). God rewarded their faithfulness and their testimony was of such that it transformed the worship practices of the Babylonians (vv. 28-29). We should never discount the power of individuals standing for Christ and what He is able to do in and through them in those difficult circumstances.
 
Christians everywhere are in somewhat similar positions today. Compromise or be ridiculed? Stand for Christ or be scorned? Oh, lest I forget, we get to choose. We must choose. Deal or no deal? How do you choose?

CEW

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CREDITS/SOURCES
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The weekly news is compilation of new articles from top Caribbean and Jamaican news sources.