Jamaican News & Announcements
JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending January 14th, 2011
Published Jan 14, 2011----------------------------------------
THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
----------------------------------------
RESIDENTS CLAIM UNARMED MAN SHOT BY SECURITY FORCES—01/08/11
Residents of Southside in the Corporate Area say that a man thought by security forces to be the head of the New World Order gang was unarmed and innocent of any wrongdoing. Horace Ramsay, 31, who was known as "Pugu" or "Brown Man," was shot and killed by a joint security forces team, which found a pistol and two rounds of ammunition, marijuana, and a motorcycle Ramsay's possession after the shooting. Angry residents of the area claimed that Ramsay was in bed in his home when authorities stormed the house.
DRIVER WHO KILLED TWO WOMEN TO BE CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER—01/08/11
According to the head of the police traffic department, Radclife Lewis, the female driver who hit a group of people and killed two women faces two counts of manslaughter. Seven people were injured in the accident on Old Hope Road, and two died when the woman's Toyota Avalon ran into a bus stop located opposite of Matilda's Corner Police Station.
POLICE LAUNCH NEW SYSTEM OF CRIME CATEGORIZATION—01/09/11
Jamaican police are attempting to build on the seven-percent decrease in major crimes for 2010 by implementing a new system designed to determine the causes of violent crimes. The Violence Attribution and Assessment Policy 2011 will help to provide a good understanding of the variable factors at work when a shooting or killing happens.
AGRICULTURE MINISTER OPTIMISTIC ON SUGAR PRODUCTION—01/10/11
Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture Dr. Christopher Tufton is optimistic about meeting the sugar production target set at 150,000 tons. The target amount is 27,000 tons higher than the 123,000 tons of sugar produced in 2009/2010. Tufton says that there are measures in place to ensure the target amount will be reached. An agreement made with Tate and Lyle that involved crop financing in exchange for a quantity of the cane allowed the season to start on time, noted Tufton.
OFFICIALS SAY SODIUM NITRITE CAUSE OF FOOD POISONING—01/11/11
According to Jamaica's Ministry of Health, preliminary tests indicate that 11 tourists who suffered from food poisoning in December 2010 ingested saltpetre, also known as sodium nitrite. The chemical is used to maintain the color of meats and fish, but also produced by the human body when saliva comes into contact with sodium nitrate. A final report about the incident is pending.
PRIME MINISTER PROPOSES FINAL COURT OF APPEAL—01/12/11
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the part it plays in the area of final appellate jurisdiction have been highlighted again because of a proposal by Jamaica's Prime Minister to create a final court of appeal on the island. Jamaica was party to the Agreement Establishing the CCJ and its jurisdiction in both appellate and original areas in 2001. The Prime Minister's proposal was unexpected, and there have been calls for a referendum on the matter. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) has recommended such a referendum.
GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL FISHING—01/13/11
Jamaica has lost over US$130 million due to illegal fishing in its territorial waters. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has turned its attention to the issue after a Honduran vessel was seen near the Pedro Cays. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Christopher Tufton is concerned about poaching in territorial waters and the exploitation of Jamaican resources by foreign vessels. In the past year, 42 foreign vessels have been seen fishing illegally on the Pedro bank, and only three were apprehended, said Tufton.
JAMAICA'S MAROONS DEMAND RECOGNITION, AUTONOMY—01/14/11
Jamaican Maroons have 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 to be recognized under the Constitution.
-----------------------------------------------
JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
-----------------------------------------------
JAMAICAN NAMED TO SENATE IN CANADA—01/08/11
The Reverend Don Meredith, who is originally from St. Ann, received an appointment to the Canadian Senate from 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. He has a Master's in theology from California State Christian University and has a special interest in issues relating to gun violence and youth.
JOHNSON EXPRESSES CONDOLENCE TO FAMILY OF LATE BOXER—01/09/11
Anthony Johnson, High Commissioner for Jamaica to the United Kingdom, expressed his condolences to the family of Gary Mason, the Jamaican-born boxing champion who died in a cycling accident in South London. Mason, 48, was one in a long line of British boxing successes who were born in Jamaica and was British champion frome1989 to 1991.
MAZOUCA TO BECOME HONORARY CONSUL TO CAYMANS—01/11/11
Dr. Joseph Marzouca, a general practitioner and surgeon, has been selected to be Jamaica's honorary consul to the Cayman Islands. He lived in Grand Cayman for some time and received medical education at the University of the West Indies. He is chairman of the Cayman Medical and Dental Council. Marzouca will succeed Robert Hamaty, who served in the position for 17 years before retiring in 2009.
NAVY SAYS JAMAICAN COAST GUARD KILLED FISHERMAN FROM HONDURAS—01/13/11
According to Honduran Navy Chief Rear Admiral Juan Pablo Rodriguez, the captain of a fishing boat from Honduras was killed by Jamaica's navy and two crewmen were injured in the same incident. Rodriguez says the Jamaicans used "excessive force" when they "attacked" a fishing boat flying the Honduran flag in a remote location 350 nautical miles from Honduras. The vessel was fired upon when it ignored a radio contact from the Jamaicans.
-------------------------------------------------
CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
-------------------------------------------------
GRENADA PRIME MINISTER NEW CHAIR OF CARICOM—01/08/11
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RESUMES DEPORATION OF HAITIANS—01/09/11
AIR FRANCE ANNOUNCES NEW FLIGHTS TO GUADELOUPE, MARTINIQUE—01/10/11
CUBA WELCOMES RETURN OF CRUISE TOURISTS—01/11/11
SIX FROG SPECIES BELIEVED LOST NOW FOUND IN HAITI—01/12/11
FLOODS IN GUADELOUPE KILL FIVE—01/13/11
-----------------------------------------------
BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
-----------------------------------------------
LOCAL SOFTWARE FIRM WINS TOP SAGE AWARD—01/09/11
Orbus Technologies, a local software company, has received the top prize at the Sage Caribbean Partner and Customer Conference. The award for the "Highest New License Sales for Sage in the Caribbean Region for 2010" was given to Orbus. Paul Collister, managing director of Orbus, said the company was happy to be recognized by Sage and had worked for over six years to obtain a reputation for excellence.
UTSTARCOM WILL REORGANIZE CAYMAN COMPANY—01/10/11
UTStarcom Inc., a telecommunications firm, plans to move its place of incorporation from Delaware to the Cayman Islands. It will join the many firms that incorporate in offshore locations in the Caribbean to take advantage of low tax rates, simpler banking rules, and legal systems that make it easier to move money around the world. The company, which will be known as UTStarcom Cayman, will continue to be taxed as a U.S. corporation.
JAMAICA TO SEE MORE DOCUMENT STORAGE OUTSOURCING—01/11/11
Jamaica is expected to become a hub in the Caribbean region for document retrieval and storage. Firms like Archway Caribbean, which operates from Jamaica, is having a significant impact on nearshoring activities. The firm specializes in storage, retrieval, shredding, and management and is likely to become popular in North America and the United States, since records can be maintained relatively close by. Storing information in the Caribbean is less expensive than other regions for North American firms as well.
JAMAICAN BUSINESSES OPTIMISTIC, CONSUMERS PESSIMISTIC—01/12/11
Companies in Jamaica are optimistic about economic growth, while consumers are more pessimistic about the economy's condition. Optimism among businesses rose to its highest level since 2007's third quarter when the current government came to power. In the last quarter of 2010, consumers had a less optimistic view of their economic situations than in the third quarter. Less than one in 20 Jamaicans blamed government leaders for the poor state of the economy, however, while many businesses felt the government was the reason for the economic downturn.
-----------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
-----------------------------------------------------
FAMOUS SWIMSUIT ISSUE TO USE 3D TECHNOLOGY—01/11/11
Sports Illustrated announced that its highly publicized swimsuit edition, which features photographs of supermodels in bikinis, will be supplemented by a 3D video that will offer special content. The video will be sold and rented to customers who have new 3D-capable Sony Bravia HDTVs and a PS3 or Blu-ray player with Qriocity's rental service. Additionally, the company will offer a regular two-dimensional version.
ALL IPHONES RUNNING OS 4.3 RECEIVE MOBILE HOT SPOTS—01/12/11
Verizon has announced that it will now offer the iPhone on its wireless network. The new Verizon iPhone will work as a personal WiFi hot spot, allowing the phone to be an access point for as many as five devices, which will be able to use the company's 3G network in the phone's coverage areas. This feature is not available with the current iPhones. Verizon's iPhone runs iOS 4.3, while current iPhones use iOS4.2.
FACEBOOK, GOOGLE TO ENABLE IPV6—01/13/11
Google and Facebook will soon enable the new Internet protocol IPv6 on their important services for 24 hours in the late spring of 2011.The companies will partner with Akamai and Limelight on June 8, 2011 to test performance of the services on their main websites. Since 2008, Google has offered anIPv6 version of the website, but June 8 will be the first time all visitors to the main site and YouTube.com will be able to experience it.
T-MOBILE IN UK CHANGES DIRECTION ON DATA CAP REDUCTION—01/14/11
T-Mobile in the United Kingdom has altered its position on dramatically reducing the mobile data-use allowance provided to current and new smart phone customer. The company was influenced in its decision by strong objections from consumers. T-Mobile now plans to offer the reduced data levels only to new and upgrading customers. Existing customers will retain their 1GB and 3GB levels for the duration of their contracts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE AT HIGH SCHOOL IMPROVED BY TECHNOLOGY—01/09/11
DURING EARTHQUAKE, NEW MEDIA HELPFUL, BUT RADIO MOST USEFUL—01/12/11
DIGICEL CONTINUES TO HELP HAITI—01/13/11
ACCESS TO BUJU BANTON CONCERT PROVIDED ON PHONES—01/14/11
--------------------------
SPORTS
--------------------------
TAYLOR BOUGHT AT INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS' AUCTION—01/10/11
Jerome Taylor, the fast bowler who is from Jamaica, was the only West Indies player bought one the second day of the Indian Premier League players' auction. Taylor, 26, is making a comeback after several back and hip injuries. He was bought for US$100,000 by Pune. As a result, only three West Indies players will feature in 2011's fourth edition of the Twenty20 competition.
CANADA IS READY FOR CARIBBEAN T20—01/12/11
Canadian coach Pubudu Dassanayake is very happy that his team is playing in the Caribbean Twenty20 competition just before the World Cup. Canada's team finished training camp and will play in the tournament. The coach is glad that his team will be given the chance to "practice" a month before the World Cup. While the format is slightly different than the World Cup, the T20 represents a good opportunity to play outdoors.
GAYLE NOT QUITTING WEST INDIES—01/13/11
Chris Gayle says he has no plans to stop playing for the West Indies in the near future. Gayle has had to react to his snub at the Indian Premier League (IPL) players' auction. He was arguably the most valuable current cricket star to miss out on a place in the IPL. Gayle says he was surprised at the IPL's actions.
CRICKET GROUP IN ST. CATHERINE ENDORSES CAMPBELL FOR PRESIDENT—01/14/11
The St. Catherine Cricket Association (SCCA) has decided to back Paul Campbell for the presidency of the Jamaica Cricket Association. Campbell, the incumbent president, has led the association for two years. He will be opposed in the election in February 2011 by Lindel Wright. According to Cherton DaCosta, president of the SCCA, the group feels that Campbell has been supportive of them and deserves their endorsement.
----------------------------------------------------------------
DEVOTIONAL
----------------------------------------------------------------
Resting in Green Pastures
For the sheep in the LORD's fold, the second benefit is as David writes, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2a), or as some commentators note, "in pastures of tender grass." The picture here is one of calmness and rest; of flocks that lie down on the grass “fully fed” or “satisfied,” their wants being completely supplied. As is noted in verse 1, with the LORD as Shepherd the sheep knows no want. However, this picture does not provide us with an understanding of all the shepherd does to ensure his sheep are able to rest comfortably.
Is his excellent book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller notes that because of the sheep's temperament it is "almost impossible" for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met: 1) Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear; 2) Because of the social behavior within a flock, they will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind; 3) If tormented by flies or parasites, they will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax; 4) They will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger. Keller continues, "It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner, whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences."
It is no wonder the Psalmist writes, "He maketh me to lie down..." In other words, given all my peculiarities and special needs, the Shepherd has done everything possible to make me (His sheep) comfortable; to lie down, to rest, to relax, to be content, quiet, and flourishing. Albert Barnes notes, "Applied to the psalmist himself, or to the people of God generally, the idea is, that the wants of the soul are met and satisfied, and that, in the full enjoyment of this, there is the conviction of abundance - the repose of the soul at present satisfied, and feeling that in such abundance want will always be unknown."
The sheep without a shepherd is restless, discontented, always agitated, disturbed, and never does well. The same is true of people. In the Christian's life there is no substitute for the assuredness that our Shepherd is nearby. There is nothing like His presence to dispel the fear, the panic, and the terror of the unknown. In Ezekiel 34:15-16a the Lord God declares, "I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick" (KJV).
Obviously, this is a Shepherd who can be trusted. If you are in His fold, there is no better place to be. If you are not, the green pasture awaits. Now is as good a time as any to trust Him as your personal savior. He will then be your shepherd too.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS/SOURCES
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The weekly news is compilation of new articles from top Caribbean and Jamaican news sources.
Add a Comment
Please be civil.