Jamaican News & Announcements
JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending June 17th, 2011
Published Jun 17, 2011----------------------------------------
THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
----------------------------------------
POLICE SHOULD HIDE WEAPONS IN 'SENSITIVE' FACILITIES—06/11/11
Owen Ellington, Jamaican Police Commissioner, has told the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) not to show their weapons in certain areas deemed "sensitive." Ellington ordered that members of the JCF are to immediately stop carrying exposed weapons in hospital wards, other medical facility areas, any public or private business place, financial institution, courthouse, or the Ministry of National Security.
KINGSTON DESIGNER WINS BRIDES MAGAZINE CONTEST—06/12/11
Nandi Chin Fernandez has won the 2011 Brides Magazine Operation Dream Dress competition. This contest seeks to provide emerging designers with a chance to create the "ultimate" wedding dress. Fernandez, who graduated Immaculate Conception High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology, designed a dress with draping and pleating. She was inspired by the "Birth of Venus" painting by Sandro Botticelli.
VYBZ KARTEL TALKS BACK TO CRITICS—06/13/11
The Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel has taken on criticism that his lyrics cause harm to Jamaica's image. According to Kartel, 35, the way he delivers his lyrics compensates for the "rawness, the slackness, of what I'm talking about." Originally a ghostwriter for Bounty Killer, Kartel has been dominant on the radio in Jamaica with his songs about X-rated activities and politics in the ghetto. His feud with dancehall deejay Mavado was addressed in a meeting in the Prime Minister's office. Kartel has also raised eyebrows with his "skin bleaching" actions.
JAMAICAN CONCERNS ABOUT ILLEGAL FIREARMS RECOGNIZED BY U.S.—06/14/11
Stopping the flow of firearms into Jamaica from the United States is a top priority for both governments. In 2008, the American Embassy in Kingston acknowledged that the U.S. had to take stronger action in this matter, and authorities in Jamaica were promised that more strenuous measures would be implemented. However, three years later, most of the guns obtained by Jamaican criminals still come from the U.S. according to local law enforcement.
HIGH SUICIDE RATE AMONG JAMAICANS A CONCERN FOR HEALTH OFFICIALS—06/14/11
Health authorities in Jamaica are concerned about the increase in number of suicides seen in the first five months of 2011. They want individuals with major symptoms of serious depression and other mental disorders to find medical help right away. During the first five months of 2011, Jamaica experienced 24 cases of suicide, compared to 12 during the same period in 2010. More than 90 percent of the suicides were individuals with serious mental health issues.
GOLDING ACCEPTS COKE EXTRADITION REPORT—06/15/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding says he is satisfied with the finding of a panel charged with investigating a United States request for extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, an alleged Jamaican drug boss. The panel of three judges found that the request violated Jamaica's constitution and that Bolding acted "inappropriately" by stonewalling the request for nine months. Among several recommendations from the panel is the suggestion that the attorney-general's office in Jamaica be separated from the Justice Ministry to avoid conflicts of interest.
JAMAICAN WOMEN RECEIVE HONORS DURING CARIBBEAN WEEK—06/16/11
Four of Jamaica's outstanding women received honors and recognition for their contribution to the media and tourism sectors during Caribbean Week in New York. Winsome 'Lady C' Charlton, Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Myrtle Dwyer, and Jacqueline Johnson were hosted at a luncheon during the event.
SUPPORTERS FIGHT TO SAVE FARM WORK PROGRAM—06/17/11
The battle is on to save the seasonal United States-Jamaica Farm Work Program, which has been in operation for 66 years. The fight was prompted by new regulations governing the hiring of Jamaica's migrant workers by the United States. The new rules will retard the workers' admission to the U.S. and also deny them comprehensive benefits, seriously undermining the future of the program, since all future costs will have to be paid only by the growers and employers in the U.S.
-----------------------------------------------
JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
-----------------------------------------------
JAMAICA VILLAGE TO BE MAJOR ATTRACTION AT 2012 OLYMPICS—06/11/11
Jamaica Village, a multi-dimensional experience designed for the 2012 Olympic Games in London is expected to provide visitors with an experience of the "Jamaican state of mind." Included at the village will be reggae and dancehall performers, food and beverages featuring Jamaica's top brands, local fashion and art. The village will give Jamaica a chance to display its products in a positive environment.
CUBAN MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIPS WON BY FIVE JAMAICANS—06/12/11
Five students from Jamaica have won scholarships for the study of medicine at Cuban universities. The awards were made through the 2011/2012 Cuba-Jamaica Medical Scholarship Program. Yuri Gala Lopez, Cuba's ambassador to Jamaica, presented the awards at a ceremony that took place at Cuba's embassy in Kingston.
SHORTER JAIL TERM REQUESTED BY BUJU BANTON—06/13/11
Jamaican reggae musician Buju Banton has requested a shorter sentence in prison. He is facing a mandatory sentence of 15 years for conspiring to facilitate a cocaine deal in Florida during 2009. David Markus, Banton's attorney, has stated that 15 years is much more than necessary in this case, contending that his client's participation in the drug purchase was limited and that Banton's charity work in Jamaica and otherwise exemplary record entitles him to a shorter sentence.
QUEEN HONORS JAMAICAN WOMAN—06/16/11
Princess Campbell, 71, was the first black ward sister in the United Kingdom, and she has been awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth. The honor was provided to recognize Campbell's achievements in nursing. She will meet with the Queen later in 2011 to receive the award. Campbell came to the United Kingdom in 1962 to work in nursing and overcame many obstacles to become the first black ward sister.
-------------------------------------------------
CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
-------------------------------------------------
ISLANDS HAPPY ABOUT UK TAX DECISION—06/11/11
CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANTS TO BE PROTECTED FROM FAKE LAWYERS—06/12/11
CHEVRON CLOSES TEXACO, LEAVES PUERTO RICO—06/13/11
OBAMA PROMISES SUPPORT FOR PUERTO RICANS—06/14/11
CARICOM ADDRESSES HIGH FOOD PRICES—06/15/11
MINNOWS ON THE WAY TO BRAZIL—06/16/11
-----------------------------------------------
BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
-----------------------------------------------
MINISTRY PROGRAM ENHANCES LAB ACCREDITATION EFFORT—06/11/11
According to Reginald Budhan, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), the agency is intensifying a program designed to ensure that laboratories become accredited and that business interests are certified with the International Standards Organization (ISO). This will mean that exported products will meet required standards of the nations for which they are intended, says Budhan.
MANCHESTER BUSINESS CHANGES AFTER BAUXITE DOWNTURN—06/12/11
It has been difficult for residents of Manchester parish to handle their economic fate after the Alpart and Windalco bauxite plants closed. According to Wendy Freckleton, president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester faces many challenges that have forced individuals to live within their means. But she says people are adapting to the changing face of business in the area.
RBTT BRANCHES IN JAMAICA TO BE REBRANDED—06/13/11
RBTT was acquired by the Royal Bank of Canada in 2008. Now its Jamaican branches are scheduled for a rebranding effort in July 2011. A phased regional program will see the RBTT brand replaced with the RBC Royal Bank name and logo. The program represents part of a broader plan designed to integrate the business into a common entity that can benefit from RBC's global and regional strengths.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS SHOWCASE MERCHANDISE—06/14/11
Products developed by firms created under the Obra youth initiative entrepreneurship program were shown at a mini-exposition in Kingston at the offices of RISE Life Management Services. The products included ceramics that glow in the dark, t-shirts, motivational buttons, crochet slippers, and rings. The program's 120 youthful participants come from Allman Town, Parade Gardens, and Fletchers Land. They had 15 weeks to create a company and their products.
-----------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
-----------------------------------------------------
HACKER GROUP TARGETS U.S. SENATE—06/14/11
Lulz, a hacking group, hit the United States Senate by breaking into the agency's website and gaining access to the server directory and file structure. The group then published this data on its own website. The U.S. government has responded by launching a security review, but thus far, it is believed that network security was maintained, and no user information was exposed. Lulz is bragging about its success at hacking the Senate network, saying "We don't like the U.S. government very much."
ITUNES COSTS APPLE $1.3 BILLION PER YEAR TO OPERATE—06/15/11
About $113 million every month is spent by Apple to run its iTunes and App Stores, according to the market research firm, Asymco. This totals to about $1.3 billion each year. According to the research report, Apple runs iTunes at or just above the break-even point. Most of the money is put toward serving content and processing payments, along with support.
FIRST PLANE TO FLY ATLANTIC ON BIOFUEL MADE BY BOEING—06/16/11
Boeing's 747-8F freighter aircraft is set to be the first to fly across the Atlantic Ocean using a "biologically derived" fuel, according to the company. Keith Otsuka and Rick Braun will pilot the new plane with Sten Rossby of Cargolux. It will fly to the Paris Air Show using a 15-percent camelina-based biofuel mixture. The rest of the fuel mix will be the traditional Jet-kerosene. Camelina is derived from a plant grown in Montana and then processed by Honeywell. The plane does not have to be modified in any way to use the biofuel.
WATER SPLIT BY SOLAR GENERATOR TO MAKE HYDROGEN—06/17/11
Nanoplek, based in Maynard, Massachusetts, is ready to take orders for a commercial solar hydrogen generator. The firm will run a pilot test on the generator later in 2011. A prototype of the product was unveiled at the TechConnect Conference in Boston. The product, Solar Hydrogen Generator 300, is two meters wide and one meter high. It sends a current through water to break the hydrogen and oxygen atoms apart. The hydrogen is then stored and used in a fuel cell to generate electricity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEVELOPERS IN CARIBBEAN PROVIDE MOBILE NEWS READER APPS—06/11/11
GOOGLE REMOVES MALWARE FROM ANDROID MARKET—06/13/11
USERS OF FACEBOOK ENJOY HIGH LEVEL OF "WELL-BEING"—06/16/11
REGION SHOULD ADOPT ICT, SAYS GRENADA GOVERNMENT—06/17/11
--------------------------
SPORTS
--------------------------
MULLINGS WINS 100-METER COMPETITION—06/11/11
Jamaican Steve Mullings won his second straight victory at the Adidas Grand Prix with a win in the 100 meter race. Although the cold weather at the New York competition caused some problems with Mullings' mild case of asthma, he won the race in a photo-finish against Tyson Gay. Mullings did need oxygen following the race.
FRASER-PRYCE FINISHED LAST IN 200 METERS AT ADIDAS MEET—06/12/11
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce brought up the last position in a field of seven runners in the 200 meters at the Adidas Grand Prix Diamond League competition in New York. She ran the race with a time of 23.52 seconds, over half a second behind the winner, Allyson Felix, who clocked 22.92 seconds. Samantha Henry, Jamaica's only entrant in the women's 100 meters, finished seventh in a field of nine.
SINCLAIR SHOWS JAMAICANS RUN MORE THAN SPRINTS—06/13/11
Kenia Sinclair has run three 800-meter races in under two minutes each, including her win at the Prefontaine Classic. She clocked 1:58:29 in that competition. The Jamaican is focusing on running more 1500-meter races in order to make her 800-meter performances stronger. As a side result, Sinclair is finding that she is a formidable mile runner. She also won the Grete Waitz 1500-meter in 4:08:06 at the Adidas Grand Prix Diamond League competition.
SMITH CONTENT WITH PLAYING FOR YOUNG BOYZ—06/14/11
Quante Smith, who had a choice of playing for Canada or Antigua and Barbuda, has decided to play for Jamaica and hopes to make a real impression at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup competition. Smith was born in Toronto to a Jamaican father and an Antiguan mother. He chose Jamaica because that is his father's homeland, he says, and he always wanted to return to the island to live.
----------------------------------------------------------------
DEVOTIONAL
----------------------------------------------------------------
He Does Not Forget
Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? That He has lost your address? That as you try to make your way through life, tossed to and fro by contrary winds, it is as if He has disappeared into the night and your prayers are met with nothing but deafening silence? During the different seasons of our lives it is the responsibility of the Adversary to bring doubt and fear into our minds and, for the most part, he does a very good job at it. Those dark periods in our lives challenge our faith and belief in God's goodness and care. Some of us are able to keep trusting God in the dark; others are overcome by it and are left confused, hurt, and bitter towards Him.
The psalmist David was quite open in telling God exactly how he felt. Whether he was extolling the virtues of God, complaining about his enemies, or expressing feelings of loneliness and despair, we have the benefit of reading his psalms and often times find ourselves able to identify with him. In Psalm 139 he sings about the omniscience and omnipresence of God, and for those of us who have experienced or are experiencing a dark season in our lives, we take specific note of verses 7 to 12: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." In other words, because God is omnipresent, everywhere at the same time, we are never out of His sight and as such we are never out of His care.
However, as we see in the preceding verses, the psalmist also recognizes something equally important; that God knows him and everything about him. So much so that every word he spoke was known to Him, and his every thought understood. Eugene H. Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases it this way: "I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence" (vv. 2-4). This kind of knowing transcended superficiality and gives us an insight into the level of intimacy, into-me-see, that God shows when it comes to us His children.
Even if the devil would tell us otherwise, we can be comforted by the fact that just as God knew David and everything about him, the very same way He knows us and everything about us. Just as David recognized that he could never be out of His presence, we too can be assured that even during the dark seasons of our lives we are never out of His sight. David realized "darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you" (v.12, The Message). This should resonate within each and every one of us because it tells us there is nowhere, no situations we can or could find ourselves in, and that there is no time that we are ever out of His view. The truth is that despite the seemingly unanswered prayers, the winds of contrariness blowing in your life or the dark season you are walking through, God has not lost your address. He hears you; He knows exactly where you are. Ponder those thoughts and be encouraged by them. He has everything about you under control.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS/SOURCES
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The weekly news is compilation of new articles from top Caribbean and Jamaican news sources.
Add a Comment
Please be civil.