Jamaican News & Announcements
JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending February 18th, 2011
Published Feb 18, 2011----------------------------------------
THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN LAWYERS AT ODDS WITH GUN COURT OPINIONS—02/12/11
Jamaican attorneys believe that the country's Gun Court is accepted as an established element in the judiciary environment. The creation of a Gun Court had been opposed by critics who believe the continued increase in gun-related violence since the Court's inception indicated its ineffectiveness.
JAMAICAN REPORT ON PERSONALITY DISORDERS CAUSES OUTRAGE—02/12/11
According to recent research by Jamaican psychiatrist Frederick Hickling and clinical psychologist Vanessa Paisley, 40 percent of Jamaica's population has some kind of personality disorder. This is more than one million adults. The report suggests why the island has such a high level of crime, said researchers. However, critics like Anthony Johnson, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, cite studies that counter this idea and maintain that Jamaicans are among the happiest individuals on earth.
UNITED KINGDOM WANTS STRONGER CONNECTION TO JAMAICA—02/13/11
The United Kingdom is ready to create over 10,000 jobs in Jamaica, as well as enhance the island's ability to fight crime and improve its readiness to handle natural disasters. The UK is making a stronger commitment to lend support to the Caribbean region over the coming four years. Andrew Mitchell, secretary of state for the UK, announced a four-year plan work 75 million pounds for aid to Jamaica's 50 most volatile urban communities.
JAMAICA STUDIES CASTOR OIL AS BIOFUEL RESOURCE—02/14/11
A partnership between the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica Center for Excellence for Renewable Energy and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute will put $10.3 million toward researching the feasibility of a biodiesel project based on Jamaican oilseed-bearing plants. The plants would be used to produce fuel for the automotive industry and would be based on local castor beans and the jatrophe tree.
PHILLIPS DEFENDS USE OF SECRET MEMORANDA—02/15/11
Former national security minister of Jamaica, Dr. Peter Phillips, believes that he was not required to seek approval from the Cabinet to sign secret memoranda. The existence of the memoranda came to light during the Manatt-Dudus investigation. Phillips defended his activities, although opponents believe the actions infringed rights of Jamaicans.
JAMAICAN DOLLAR RISES AGAINST U.S. CURRENCY—02/16/11
Brian Wynter, governor of the Bank of Jamaica, reports that during 2010, the value of Jamaica's dollar rose 4.4 percent against the dollar in the United States. Comparatively, Jamaica's currency dropped 10.2 percent against the U.S. dollar in 2009. Wynter said the increase was linked to higher net private capital inflow, which offset the impact of greater demand for current account transactions.
COFFEE DEALERS RECEIVE DISBURSEMENT OF J$310.5 MILLION—02/17/11
An emergency loan facility totaling J$310.5 million has been obtained by the Coffee Industry Board via the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The money comes from the EX-IM Bank and the Development Bank of Jamaica and is meant to buy coffee in the High and Blue Mountains for coffee dealers. The loan was secured in an attempt to save the coffee industry.
FALMOUTH FINALLY WELCOMES CRUISE TOURISTS—02/18/11
Falmouth, the new cruise port in Jamaica, has welcomed Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas as its first ship to dock there. The opening of the new port facility is months behind schedule, but Craig Milan, senior vice president of Royal Caribbean's Land Operations, said the company is happy to see the ship be the first to call at "historic Falmouth." Construction problems had delayed the port's opening date.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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28 GAY JAMAICANS FOUND ASYLUM IN U.S. IN 2010—02/12/11
In 2010, Immigration Equality, a group that helps people who are being persecuted in their home countries on the basis of sexual orientation, obtained asylum for many Caribbean clients. Thirty-eight cases won by Immigration Equality involved individuals from the Caribbean, and of those 28 were from Jamaica. According to the group, many of those seeking asylum literally fear for their lives from the abuse suffered in their home countries.
INFORMANT IN BUJU CASE OFFERS CONFLICTING EVIDENCE—02/15/11
Alexander Johnson, an informant testifying for the United States government in the trial of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, appeared to provide contradictory evidence. After telling Jim Preston, the prosecutor, that Buju introduced the topic of cocaine trafficking on a flight from Madrid in 2009, Johnson, under oath, said he told Buju about a Jamaican who had been associated with drug trafficking.
SOUTH FLORIDA PERFORMANCE FOR NDTC—02/16/11
The world-renown National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica performed in South Florida for one night on February 13. The performance was presented by Jamaica Awareness Incorporated, a cultural marketing organization based in Florida. This group presented the dance performance in partnership with the Jamaican Diaspora Southern USA and the University Alumni Association's South Florida Chapter. The event will benefit the Rex Nettleford Foundation at the University of the West Indies.
SMILE JAMAICA TO COLLABORATE WITH NBC'S TODAY—02/17/11
Smile Jamaica from Television Jamaica will partner with the Today Show of NBC in the United States to provide a unique program combining both presentations on March 4, 2011. The show will include Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, Simon Crosskill, Neville Bell, Simone Clarke-Cooper and Carlette DeLeon at a location in Jamaica. The program featuring these stars will be shown on the Today Show in May 2011. This will be a first-of-its-kind production for Jamaican television.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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HOMELESSNESS FROM QUAKE IN HAITI TO LAST INTO 2012—02/12/11
COURT UPHOLDS RIGHTS OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES—02/13/11
SEAN PENN, WYCLEF JEAN MOVE PAST DISAGREEMENTS—02/14/11
NEW AIRPORT READY BY 2013—02/15/11
DOBLE GROUP JOINS SUCCESSFACTORS—02/16/11
16TH CARIBBEAN DESTINATION ANNOUNCED FOR JET BLUE—02/17/11
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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INTERNET SHOPPING RISES TO NEW LEVEL WITH GLOBAL COURIER—02/12/11
Internet shopping in Jamaica has moved to a new level now that Jamaicans can access top brands and have products delivered to their homes via niche services from Global Courier Services. The firm is attracting customers who are able to utilize its mailing address in the United States. The company is also investigating the possibility of providing on-demand shopping, which will inform customers about available products and then deliver them. Global Courier will showcase various Internet shopping websites, focusing on those that offer discounts for brand-name products. These customers will also be able to use Global Courier's international credit card to buy things online.
MACRO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT PERFECT FOR BUSINESS, SAYS SHAW—02/16/11
Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance and the Public Service, says that Jamaica's macro-economic environment is the perfect setting for making entrepreneurial venture investments. According to Shaw, the economic climate favors risk-taking in regard to entrepreneurial ventures. He made his remarks at a small and midsized business workshop in Kingston.
BIG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN PACKING IN JAMAICA—02/17/11
Downturns in the manufacturing sector have not hindered opportunities in the packaging industry, which is now promising to provide regeneration for the sector. Packaging manufacturers are seeing increases in their business from packaging, printing and labeling. New expansion opportunities in Jamaica and in foreign markets are opening up, and experts believe the packaging industry will represent a significant business sector for Jamaica in the future.
FALMOUTH A WORK IN PROGRESS—02/18/11
Jamaica hopes that the new port in Falmouth will provide a new image for the country, despite being a work in progress. The port finally opened to receive its first cruise ship after significant construction delays. Falmouth is located on Jamaica's north coast and was the origin of the island's slavery abolition movement. It offers major examples of Georgian architecture and retains its colonial style.
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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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ANDROID APP LAUNCHED BY REDBOX, IPHONE APP UPDATED—02/15/11
Redbox, the movie rental firm, is making an effort to improve its reputation in the mobile marketplace by announcing a new application for Android that allows customers to review available movie titles, find a kiosk in the United States, and reserve movies from the app. The firm also updated an iPhone app to provide more responsiveness to customers when they rent films.
PHONE USES WATER, HYDROGEN TO CHARGE WITH POWER TREKK—02/16/11
It is important for mobile phone users to have a reliable source of power. Solar-powered batteries have provided one solution, but now the Power Trekk Fuel Cell charger from Sweden offers two. In addition to an internal battery pack that can be charged in the traditional way, this device also uses disposable fuel cells. It splits water and creates hydrogen, which goes through the fuel cells and creates an electric current. This can then be used to power USB-connected devices or to charge an internal battery pack.
NEXT IPHONE MODEL TO BE CHEAPER, NOT SMALLER—02/17/11
According to reports, Apple plans to make its next version of the iPhone less expensive than the current $199 starting price. While rumors fly about the next model, Apple appears to be gearing up for a cheaper iPhone. It is not likely to be smaller, however. Apple wants the product to attract a larger customer base. This could result in a voice-controlled phone for individuals who do not want to use a virtual keyboard.
IKEA CONSTRUCTING ITS OWN WIND FARM—02/18/11
IKEA Group plans to build its own wind farm in Sweden. It has joined with O2 to oversee the building and maintenance of a wind farm with nine turbines. It is scheduled for launch in 2012. The farm will be able to generate sufficient electricity to power the equivalent of 17 IKEA stores in Sweden. The company's goal is to operate all its facilities in Sweden on totally renewable energy.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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KOREAN EXPORTS T-DMB TECH TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—02/14/11
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES MUST BE IMPROVED, SAYS HOLNESS—02/15/11
TELECOM FIRMS BOLSTERED BY SERVICE IN CARIBBEAN—02/16/11
CARIBBEAN MOBILE MARKET CONTINUES TO INCREASE—02/17/11
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SPORTS
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BATTING CRISIS FOR JAMAICA AT WICB REGIONAL—02/12/11
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.
CONCACAF UNDER-17 FINALS BEGIN—02/14/11
After months of anticipation, the CONCACAF Under-17 Finals, the last before the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, finally began with a double-header at Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall. Two favored teams, Costa Rica and the United States, will participate in the games. Four of the 12 teams in the two-week tournament will join Mexico as CONCACAF representatives in the World Cup.
JAMAICAN SPRINTERS TO RUN FEWER RACES—02/15/11
Jamaica's triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt, like most other sprint runners, will only participate in six races instead of eight, which was the total at the Beijing games. A new schedule announced for the London Games and approved for the world championships at Daegu has eliminated two races from the programs of most sprinters. Athletic officials want to make the sport more time-sensitive and dynamic, and so they have implemented these changes.
JAMAICAN-BORN BOXER GARY MASON BURIED—02/16/11
Gary Mason, the Jamaican-born British boxer was laid to rest in Carshalton, Surrey, after his death on January 6, 2011. He was killed in a collision with a van while riding his bicycle in South London. Anthony Johnson, Jamaican High Commissioner, provided a message read at the service, which expressed the sadness of Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora at Mason's untimely death. A charity has been started in Mason's honor, and it will work to continue his work with the Rhythmical Empowerment Group, an organization designed to help people through African drumming.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Thy Rod and Thy Staff Comfort Me
Why would a sheep find comfort in the rod and staff of the shepherd? Trusting him for guidance over difficult and dangerous terrains, the sheep, because of its characteristics, tend to wander off into trouble and because it doesn't pay attention well, it is easy prey to any wild beast of the field. In such situations, it experiences fear. The sheep is incapable of defending itself and so rely on the good shepherd for its protection. It is important to note that in David's time, sheep were not kept as pets but were extremely valuable to families. Therefore, the shepherd had a vital role to play in the family’s welfare and future.
The Psalmist, in his years as a shepherd, had reasons to protect his flock from danger when he slew a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17), and it was this same sense of being protected by the LORD, his Shepherd, that he unveils in the psalm. In those days shepherds used rods and staffs to protect the sheep from harm or, in other cases, to get the sheep out of harm’s way. The shepherd used the rod as a defensive weapon to fight off predatory animals like wolves and bears. The staff - which measured about 8 feet in length - was used by the shepherd as a tool to get the sheep out of a difficult spot. Sheep were known to get caught in the brushes, so the shepherd would use the crooked end of the staff to pull the sheep out of the thicket and draw the sheep out to the shepherd’s protective care. In some cases, the sheep would lose its footing and slip down, hanging helplessly on some ledge below. With his staff, the shepherd could reach down, place the crook over the small chest of the sheep and lift it back onto the pathway. If the sheep fell into a pit, the shepherd would hook the staff around the lamb’s neck and pull it to safety. The picture presented is to save the sheep from harm and to draw the sheep close to the shepherd.
In his book, Surprised by Suffering, R.C. Sproul writes, “Without the shepherd the sheep would be helpless in the shadowy valley. But as long as the shepherd was present, the lamb had nothing to fear. If the shepherd fell, all would be lost for the sheep. But we have a shepherd who cannot fall. We have a shepherd who cannot die. He is no hireling who abandons his flock at the first sign of trouble. Our shepherd is armed with omnipotent force. He is not threatened by the valley of shadows. He created the valley. He redeems the valley.” What a Shepherd!
Knowing that our God is a loving and protective Shepherd who is actively looking out for us is not only powerful but very reassuring. To know and accept this revelation deep in our hearts should give us tremendous strength to endure during the difficult times on our individual journeys. It is good to know that we have an all-powerful shepherd who is infinitely capable of caring for, protecting and rescuing us from any sort of danger. The thing to remember is that along this journey we are incapable of taking care of ourselves. However, we do not need to worry about the present or the future because He, our Shepherd, has everything under control. To Him be all the glory.
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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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