Jamaican News & Announcements
JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending November 23rd, 2012
Published Nov 23, 2012----------------------------------------
THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICA PREPARES TO ABOLISH FLOGGING LAW—11/17/12
A law dating from the era of slavery in Jamaica that allows flogging and whipping to punish prisoners will be abolished, according to Mark Golding, Minister of Justice. The punishment hasn’t been ordered since 2004, but the law remains in the penal code. Golding called the punishment “degrading” and said it violates Jamaica’s international obligations and prevents the government from ratifying the United Nations convention against torture.
HYLTON CONFIDENT CCJ WILL RULE FOR JAMAICA IN MYRIE CASE—11/18/12
Anthony Hylton, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, believes that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will rule in favor of Jamaica and against Barbados in the case of Shanique Myrie. Myrie, 24, is a Jamaica woman who accused customs and immigration officers at Grantley Adams’ International Airport in Barbados with sexual assault. Hylton said Barbados was in breach of a CARICOM treaty ensuring the free movement of skilled nationals in the region.
POLICE HUNT KILLERS OF KINGSTON POLICE OFFICER—11/19/12
Jamaican police are looking for the gunmen responsible for shooting and killing Cpl. Robert Sortie, 50, whose body was found in his car along a busy road. Sortie was not on duty at the time of his murder. According to Owen Ellington, Police Commissioner, Sortie was a veteran officer with 23 years on the job. A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible. Sortie is the second Jamaican police officer to be murdered in 2012.
PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR INCLUSION OF MAJORITY IN FORMAL ECONOMY—11/20/12
Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, believes that financial institutions in the Caribbean should help with the integration of the region’s population into its formal economic structure. These institutions should create programs to maximize the participation of currently excluded sectors of society into a nation’s formal activities. About 33 percent of Jamaica’s population is believed to be outside of the formal tax system, and similar levels can be found throughout the Caribbean region.
CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION WANTS REPORT ON “DUDUS” SECURITY OPERATION—11/21/12
Jamaica’s public defender has been asked by Jamaican civil society organizations to provide a report on the security operation in May 2010 designed to apprehend Christopher “Dudus” Coke, the top underworld boss on the island. The Jamaica Civil Society Coalition says it is “completely unacceptable” that there has been no indication to date of when the report on the raid on Tivoli Gardens will be completed by the Office of the Public Defender Earl Wittler.
LEADERS OF JAMAICA, CHINA CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES—11/22/12
Wen Jiabao, premier of China, and Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, exchanged messages of congratulations to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their two nations. Wen said that cooperation has been created and consolidated over the years and that China and Jamaica had deepened their mutual political trust as well. This has resulted in progress in areas like economy, trade, finance infrastructure, and culture.
JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT SPENDS J$60 MILLION FOR MINISTERS’ NEW VEHICLES—11/23/12
According to information released by Jamaica House, about J$60 million has been provided by the administration of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to pay for new high-end vehicles for some government ministers. Twenty such vehicles have been purchased for new ministers. Sandrea Falconer, Minister with Responsibility for Information, stated that the vehicle purchases were necessary performed according to the Government’s comprehensive policies. Thirty SUVs were sold to outgoing ministers and permanent secretaries.
PETROJAM, NEPA IN CONFLICT OVER REASON FOR CHEMICAL POLLUTION SMELL—11/23/12
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) disagrees with the explanation provided by Petrojam, the oil refinery, for the chemical pollution and odor experienced by the Corporate Area in recent days. Petrojam said a five-gallon pail was punctured by mistake, releasing its contents onto the ground during clean-up efforts. NEPA representatives were on site at the time, but Petrojam did not report the incident to them because the safety team was still investigating the source of the odor.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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HISTORIC REGGAE CONCERT TO BE HELD AT BARCLAYS CENTER—11/17/12
The new multi-purpose venue, the Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York, will be the location of an historic reggae concert. The “BIOLIFE Sounds of Reggae” event is the first of its kind to be held at the Center, which can hold 15,000 people. The concert, which will be held on December 12, 2012, will feature Ali Campbell’s UB40, Beres Hammond, Maxi Priest, and Shaggy. The concert has the endorsement of Jamaica’s Consul General of New York.
HANDBELL CHOIR TO PERFORM AT WHITE HOUSE—11/19/12
The English Handbell Choir of the Church of the Good Shepherd in New York will perform at the White House on December 7, 2012. The choir, which is comprised chiefly of Jamaicans, received the news with surprise, said Grace Brown, Jamaican-born director of the choir. The fourteen members of the choir will participate in a two-hour concert as part of the Holiday Concert Series at the White House and will include over 26 songs that represent Christmas celebrations around the world.
JAMAICAN WOMAN GUILTY OF MARIJUANA SMUGGLING IN ANTIGUA—11/20/12
Samantha Carissa Selinske, 28, of Jamaica is facing two years in jail if she does not pay a fine of EC$36,000 by November 23, 2012. Selinske was found guilty of smuggling marijuana into Antigua and pleaded guilty to possession of three pounds of cannabis. She also entered guilty pleas on charges of importation and possession with intent to transfer. The drugs were found during a search of her luggage, which contained a number of chicken boxes, each containing 26 packets of cannabis.
SHAGGY TO PERFORM IN SPECIAL THANKSGIVING VH1 PROGRAM—11/22/12
On Thanksgiving Day, 2012, popular reggae artiste Shaggy will perform on the Big Morning Buzz program on VH1 television. He will perform “It Wasn’t Me” and will also be speaking with the host of the program, Carrie Keagan about his participation in the BIIOLIFE Sounds of Reggae Concert in December.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DISAPPOINT IN CARIBBEAN CUP SEMI-FINAL—11/17/12
FORMER DOMINICAN DRUG OFFICIAL TO FIGHT EXTRADITION TO U.S.—11/18/12
LEGISLATORS IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO EASE PENALTY FOR SEX ABUSE—11/19/12
COURT GIVES CONTROL OF CARIBBEAN SEA AREA TO NICARAGUA—11/20/12
HIV INFECTION RATES DECLINING IN CARIBBEAN—11/21/12
2013 RHODES SCHOLARS INCLUDE TRINIDADIAN—11/22/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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RUSSIAN AIRLINE TO PROVIDE NON-STOP SERVICE TO JAMAICA—11/17/12
Beginning on January 1, 2013, Transaero, a Russian carrier, will offer non-stop service from Moscow to Montego Bay. The airline will fly a Boeing 777 that can hold 300 passengers. The announcement of the new air service was made by Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Jamaican Minister of Tourism and Entertainment. He noted that the flights are organized by Biblio Globus, a Russian tour operator, in cooperation with Transaero.
IMF AGREEMENT WILL AID GROWTH, SAYS FINANCE MINISTER—11/18/12
According to Dr. Peter Phillips, an agreement between Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will end with a signed agreement between the parties that will help to enhance development and economic growth on the island. Phillips believes that the discussions with the IMF are making “significant progress” and that the “essential outlines” of the program have been established.
JAMAICAN AGRICULTURE MINISTRY SEEKS TO RAISE PRODUCTION OF SORREL—11/19/12
According to Roger Clarke, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the country should increase its production of sorrel. The sepals of the sorrel plant are used to make a popular Jamaican drink. The government has made an effort to make efficiency improvements in how the crop is harvested. This will raise yields and reduce labor costs. Sorrel can be used in many products favored by Jamaicans in the Diaspora around the world, including chutney, jam, and cordials.
JMMB GAINS J$1.61 BILLION FROM ACQUISITION—11/23/12
Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) obtained a gain of J$1.61 billion from acquiring Capital and Credit, part of which was cash funds reclaimed from those in escrow for CCFG legacy shareholders. JMMB also told its shareholders that it has acquired the remaining portion of CCFG shares (6.86 percent) and now owns the entire group. JMMB showed a net profit of J$2.54 billion for the six months ending in September 2012, which represents a year-to-year improvement of 86 percent.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ICT, BPO SECTORS TO PROVIDE MORE JOBS—11/19/12
LIME BLAMES LARGE LOSS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS TAX—11/20/12
ORPHANAGE IN JAMAICA GETS SOLAR INSTALLATION DONATED—11/21/12
NOTED ASTROPHYSICIST HOSTED AT U.S. EMBASSY IN KINGSTON—11/22/12
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ENTERTAINMENT
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SIXTH STAGING OF JCDC EXHIBITION SHOWCASED AT MANCHESTER—11/19/12
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Gallery of Jamaica’s Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition will travel to Manchester for a showcase at Bloomfield Great House. About 70 pieces of art are included in the traveling exhibit. This is the sixth staging of the event in collaboration with the National Gallery and highlights photography, painting, and sculpture. Some of the pieces on exhibit at “Art’hentic” are also available for sale.
JAMAICAN ACTOR IMPRESSES BROADWAY, WINS AWARD—11/20/12
Sebastien Heins, 23, is a Jamaican actor who started his career as a child star in “The Lion King” in Toronto. He is now in New York City, where he is impressing audiences with his one-man show “Brotherhood: The Hip Hopera.” This was written and directed by Adam Lazarus. The performance of Heins is part of the City’s third annual United Solo Festival, a theatrical event that presents multi-cultural, one-person performances over a six-week period. Heins won the award for Best Emerging Artiste at the festival.
SNOOP LION PARTNERS IN PROJECT TO FEED JAMAICA’S CHILDREN—11/21/12
Snoop Lion, the noted rap artiste formerly known as Snoop Dogg, has formed a partnership with Causes.com and Reed’s Ginger Brew to create “The Mind Gardens Project.” This project seeks to help feed Jamaica’s children who live in the inner city. Snoop Lion believes that no child should go hungry, and noting the inspiration he has received from Jamaica, he said he wanted to give something back to the island’s communities. The project is in operation in Kingston, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.
JCDC INVITES ENTRIES FOR GOSPEL SONG COMPETITION—11/22/12
The Jamaica Gospel and Children’s Gospel Song Competitions to be staged by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is encouraging all Jamaicans to enter the contest. The deadline for entries is November 30, 2012. Jamaican citizens and individuals who have lived in Jamaica for at least two years are eligible to enter. According to Gregory Simms, subject specialist for music at the JCDC, said the contests are designed to expose young Jamaicans to the island’s traditional folk arts and give them a chance to showcase their own talents.
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SPORTS
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MONEY NEEDED TO FUND BOYZ WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN FOR 2014—11/18/12
Jamaica has progressed through the qualifying round in CONCACAF, moving toward the final FIFA 2014 World Cup competition. The nation’s team has not gotten this far in the contest for more than a decade, and the effort represents a major feat for the Reggae Boyz. Qualifying for the finals will be challenging in terms of money, however, and will require a partnership among all stakeholders to find and provide the financing for the team’s participation. The cost to fund the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) operations for the next 17 months will be about $700 million.
FRATER LOOKING TO BE ELECTED TO POST AT JAAA—11/20/12
Michael Frater, Jamaican sprinter, hopes to be elected to a position of vice-president at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) on November 26, 2012 when elections are held. Frater was the 100-meter silver medalist at the 2005 IAAF World Championships. He was officially announced as the candidate for the third vice-presidential position. He was also the captain of the men’s team at the 2012 Olympics in London. Frater says he wants to give athletes a voice at the executive level of the JAAA.
DEFENDING TENNIS CHAMPION MORE CONFIDENT AFTER VICTORY—11/22/12
Hayden Lewis, Jamaica’s defending men’s tennis champion at the NCB Capital Markets Jamaica Open Tennis competition, says he is more confident now that he has achieved a second win in the tournament. Lewis needed only 33 minutes to win a place in the quarterfinals, playing 6-0, 6-0 against Roshane Allen. Lewis believes there is always room for improvement, but that confidence in yourself is also important in pushing through to victory.
BRANDON BURKE GETS “BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” IN TENNIS—11/23/12
Jamaican Brandon Burke, 20, wants to encourage other young tennis players in Jamaica to take the collegiate route. Burke believes attending college is a great way to play tennis at a high level while getting a good education. Burke is a junior at Brown University in Rhode Island, where he studies sociology. He says college is a great “stepping stone” for players from Third World nations like Jamaica, who can enjoy the “best of both worlds” by getting an education and playing high-level tennis.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Not For Stuff
If God were to take away every thing that you hold dear - your health, your family, your finances, all your earthly possessions - would you still praise Him? Instinctively most of us would be tempted to respond with a tentative "yes", tentative because so far we haven't been placed in that position. However, in a culture where good health and material possessions are perceived as things to which Christians are entitled, and the basis on which we testify that "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good", would we still think He is good if He allowed the enemy to take it all away?
Satan, the one who accuses us before our God day and night (Revelation 12:10), doesn't think so. Consider this conversation between him and God: "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.' 'Does Job fear God for nothing?' Satan replied. 'Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.' The LORD said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.' Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD" (Job 1:8-12, NIV). Those familiar with the story know the tragedies that came upon Job, one of the richest men of his day, as a result. He lost ten children, seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, all but a few of his servants, and he himself was covered with sores all over his body. Lest we forget, God Himself said of him, "There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil ." If anyone deserved good health and material blessings, it was Job.
If we are honest with ourselves, facing the same set of circumstances, most of us would have abandoned God. We need look no further at how we react when something does not go the way we planned, or something bad happens unexpectedly. The reaction of Job's wife mirrors the human frailties, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" (2:9). Unlike us reading his story, Job was not aware of Satan's accusation, or of the confidence God had in the fact that his worship of Him was not the result of the stuff He had blessed him with. But as the last messenger told him of the death of his sons and daughters, we read, "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing" (1:20-22).
In the midst of circumstances we cannot begin to imagine, Job knew enough of God to know that He was still to be praised, He was still to be worshipped. It is one thing to praise God for all He has done in our lives, but it is something else to praise and worship Him because of who He is. The next time you offer up praise, consider what is it based on. Are you praising Him because regardless of what is going on in your life He is worthy to be praised, or are you praising Him because He has blessed you with stuff?
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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.
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