Jamaica - Jamaica Weekly News Summary

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending February 10th, 2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:35:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SCHOOLS CELEBRATE JAMAICA DAY—02/04/12
Jamaican schools will celebrate Jamaica Day on February 17, 2012. The theme for this year's observation will be "Celebrating Jamaica: Goals for Gold." According to Reverend Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education, Jamaica Day gives schools the opportunity to tell students about the accomplishments of the country over the past 50 years. Reverend Thwaites believes the celebration should be used to focus on the "goodness and grace" of Jamaicans.

GOVERNMENT TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL TRAFFICKERS—02/05/12
Karl Hamilton, director of the International Relations Co-ordinations Unit at the Ministry of National Security, announced that the government will spare no efforts when addressing drug and human traffickers who attempt to use Jamaica to facilitate their illegal operations. Hamilton noted that there was an increase in the number of murders in some Jamaican communities at the beginning of 2012, which prompted enhanced surveillance and curfews imposed by security forces to stem the upsurge. The success represents the beginning of efforts over the next eight years to reduce all major crimes.

NICHOLSON PLEADS FOR MORE CONCESSIONARY FINANCING—02/06/12
A.J. Nicholson, Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, is urging more development assistance and the need for an increase in concessionary financing to ensure Jamaica can obtain the status of a middle-income country. The nation's current classification by the World Bank has meant reduce concessionary financing, which Jamaica needs. Nicholson is pleading for a reclassification so that Jamaica can access critical development funds. Jamaica is currently classified as "upper middle income."

2,000 GUNS DESTROYED BY JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT—02/07/12
About 2,000 guns were placed in a furnace and melted down as part of an effort by the Jamaican government to reduce the incidence of gun trafficking and corruption in the country. Officials from the United Nations and police and government representatives destroyed revolvers and pistols by throwing them into a kiln at a Kingston cement factory. Most of the guns had either been confiscated during police operations over the years or decommissioned. Peter Bushing, Jamaican National Security Minister, said the destruction of these guns eliminates the risk that they will find their way back into illegal hands.

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR VISIT BY PRINCE HARRY—02/08/12
Prince Henry of Wales will visit Jamaica at the beginning of March 2012 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation as Queen of England. Prince Harry, a captain in the British army, plans to participate in military exercises with the Jamaica Defense Force, pay his respects at a memorial to William Knibb in Falmouth, tour Bustamante Hospital for Children, and watch Usain Bolt at a training session, among other activities.

UTECH UNVEILS SCULPTURE OF BOB MARLEY—02/08/12
The University of Technology (UTech) displayed a new sculpture honoring reggae icon Bob Marley at the Papine campus in St. Andrew. The sculpture was erected at the university's Caribbean Sculpture Park and was created by the Russian sculptor Gregory Pototsky. The sculpture is a gift to UTech and to the government and people of Jamaica. Its unveiling coincided with the 67th anniversary of Marley's birth.

WEAPONS AUDIT CONDUCTED BY SECURITY MINISTRY, FIREARMS AUTHORITY—02/09/12
Jamaica's Ministry of National Security and the Firearm Licensing Authority have joined to conduct an island-wide audit of weapons held in police custody in every parish. According to Peter Bunting, Minister of National Security, the audit has been completed in three parishes to date. The audit is being conducted, in part, in response to accusations of individuals "planting" weapons at crime scenes. If there are no stockpiles of weapons on hand, the temptation to participate in such activity would be reduced or eliminated, said Bunting. The goal is to centralize weapons storage to as few locations as possible with the greatest amount of supervision available.

JEEP PROGRAM TO BE "JUMPSTARTED"—02/10/12
The Jamaican government has found approximately $4 billion that can be placed toward the Jamaica Emergency Employment Program (JEEP). The source of the money has not been made clear, however, in spite an attempted explanation by Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance. Phillips cited the "reorientation of expenditure" as a source of financing for JEEP. Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Transport and Works, is expected to provide Parliament with more details of the JEEP program and its implementation schedule in the near future. JEEP could start as early as the end of the fiscal year on March 31, 2012.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN AMBASSADOR WANTS U.S. TO IMPROVE POLICIES TOWARD CARIBBEAN—02/04/12
Audrey Marks, Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, is calling for the U.S. government to make improvements in its policies toward Jamaica and the Caribbean region to support development goals. Marks noted that actions taken by the U.S. often have unintended consequences for Caribbean nations and may undermine efforts to create more security in a region that has been characterized as a "third border" with the U.S. Marks believes that socio-economic development represents the most critical element in any anti-crime, anti-drug strategy.

JNBS UPGRADES JAMAICA VACATION ACCOUNT FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY FETES—02/05/12
The Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) has decided to give Jamaicans who live overseas the chance to return to their home island to celebrate its 50 years of independence. A special savings product is being offered to allow Jamaicans overseas to save money for their vacation. The Jamaica Vacation Account was introduced on February 1, 2012, and will provide a way to plan for a vacation to attend Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence.

JAMAICANS IN DIASPORA SHUN AIR JAMAICA—02/06/12
According to Dennis Lalor, the chairman of Air Jamaica, individuals in the Jamaican Diaspora have "snubbed" the airline ever since it was taken over by Caribbean Airlines. Lalor expressed his disappointment with this happening, since it has led to low load factors for the carrier. Some of the problems result from flight delays with the newly taken over airline, but overall, it appears that Jamaicans in the Diaspora feel that the airline is no longer really Jamaican.

ROOTS ROCK REGGAE IN CANADIAN CAPITAL CITY—02/07/12
Ottawa, Canada, will pay tribute to reggae icons Dennis Brown, Joseph Hill, and Bob Marley on February 11, 2012. The event scheduled for music lovers seeks to educate and entertain the audience. It will be held at Club Saw and may include some ska music as well.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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PUERTO RICO TO EXPORT IGUANA MEAT—02/04/12

MIGRANT BOAT CAPSIZES NEAR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—02/05/12

CARIBBEAN NATIONS SIDE WITH ARGENTINA OVER FALKLANDS BLOCKADE—02/06/12

CARIBBEAN CRIME HURTS NATIONS' ECONOMIES, SAY UNITED NATIONS—02/08/12

OFFICIALS IN CARIBBEAN WANT RIHANNA, OTHER PERFORMERS TO SHARE WEALTH—02/09/12

TASK FORCE ON SPORTS TOURISM TO BE CREATED IN CARIBBEAN—02/10/12

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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NEW FORUM ESTABLISHED TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR—02/04/12
The Jamaica Agricultural Society has created a new forum designed to improve communications in this economic sector. Known as "The Chamber," the forum will emphasize the challenges faced by agriculture and offer workable solutions. According to Ian Hayles, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, farmers must be at the center of divestment and any other policy framework or strategy to improve the nation's economy. The Chamber plans to schedule regular meetings to examine a variety of topics, including current tax reform proposals, tariff barriers, and bilateral trade agreements.

INSURANCE PREMIUMS EXPECTED TO INCREASE—02/05/12
Local insurance industry officials believe that premiums for life insurance and general insurance products will rise as adjustments are imposed to protect profits. The total income earned as of November 2011 in both life and general markets combined was J$22.32 billion, or ten percent higher than the amount earned during the same period in 2010. Horace Johnson, assistant vice-president, actuary and risk officer at Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited, the largest insurance firm in Jamaica, said decreasing earnings on interest-linked products are expected to be offset by adjusting coverage costs. Rates for 2012 are likely to increase by at least five percent, depending on the kind of product and the age of those insured.

RATINGS AGENCY RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT JAMAICA'S HIGH DEBT RATIO—02/07/12
Fitch, the international ratings agency, has given Jamaica a B-grade rating again on the basis of its likelihood to pay its domestic and foreign debts, but the agency is concerned about the country's high debt ratio and its structural weakness, crime, and high energy costs. The report from Fitch highlights worries about the Jamaican economy and the need for immediate improvement.

DIGICEL PLANS TO RAISE MILLIONS FROM BOND PLACEMENT—02/08/12
Digicel Limited is planning to raise US$250 million from a private placement of an eight-year bond. The proceeds of the arrangement are slated to fund potential acquisitions, capital expenditures in the future, and debt servicing. The firm did not say when the placement of the senior notes scheduled to mature in 2020 would occur, however.

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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN COUNTRY EXPERIMENTS WITH GEOTHERMAL POWER—02/06/12

PICKERSGILL SAYS IMPROVEMENTS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT NECESSARY—02/08/12

ONYX BUILDS SOLAR POWER PROJECT AT CARIBBEAN RESORT—02/09/12

LOCAL TECHNOLOGY FIRM INTEGRATES TOURS TO RETAIL OFFERING—02/10/12

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ENTERTAINMENT
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YOSEF IMAGINATION REPRESENTS NEW TYPE OF VIDEOGRAPHER—02/04/12
Jamaica has had a major impact on global entertainment, mostly through its music industry and sports stars. However, a new kind of grassroots digital film and video makers are emerging as the next group to influence world markets. One of these videographers is Simon Thompson, 24, who goes by the name Yosef Imagination. He has made videos for many well-known Jamaican musicians and created many ads and short subjects. His work is doubly impressive because he has had no formal training. He represents the new energetic, young, and cosmopolitan Jamaica that remembers its cultural history but is ready to move into the future of music, technology, and style.

DANCEHALL DIVAS, POPCAAN TOP YOUTH VIEW AWARDS—02/06/12
The 2012 Youth View Awards offered a mix of performances and achievements from the Jamaican music scene. The event is dedicated to acknowledging youth's achievements. It was hosted by Kruddy and Tami Chynn and featured many of the top personalities from the island's music industry. Tifa, Dancehall deejay, garnered the most awards with five, including Favorite Female Dancehall artiste. Popcaan, won three awards, including Young, Hot and Hype Male and Song of the Year for "Ravin'".

NATIONAL DANCE THEATER CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY—02/07/12
Eighteen dancers from various dance schools were invited to form the Jamaica Dance Company by Norman Manley in 1961. In 1962, they performed at the celebration of Jamaica's Independence, and later established the National Dance Theater Company (NDTC). Fifty years later, the company has developed an extensive repertoire, traveled on many international tours, has a studio of its own, and a feeder school. The NDTC has managed to sustain interest and support for Jamaican dance theater for decades, said Barry Moncriefe, artistic director of the company. It has become a well-loved cultural treasure

ENTIRE WORLD RECOGNIZES MARLEYS ACHIEVEMENTS—02/09/12
The Grammy Awards have nominated two of the Marley family in the category of Best Reggae Album. Stephen and Ziggy Marley both hope to win the award, while their brother Damian is hoping for recognition for his singing on Bruno Mars's nominated Album of the Year "Doo-Wops and Hooligans." Damian sings on "Liquor Store Blues." Ziggy Marley is nominated for his album "Wild and Free," while Stephen Marley received a nomination for his "Revelation Pt.1: The Root of Life."

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SPORTS
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KOREANS LOOK FOR JAMAICAN TRACK COACH—02/06/12
Jamaican track and field coaches are in high demand around the world due to the island's significant athletic successes. The latest country to pursue local coaches is South Korea, which traveled to Jamaica in hopes of obtaining the services of a Jamaican coach. The three-member team from Korea is led by the Sports Promotion Section Chief from Gyeongsan-City, Ho-Won Jang. The Koreans have had a good relationship with Jamaica since the 2011 World Championship in Daegu and are eager to find the right coach.

JAMAICA ACHIEVES 81-RUN VICTORY OVER WINDWARD ISLANDS—02/07/12
Jamaica withstood a 103 from opener Devon Smith to obtain an 81-run win over the Windward Islands at the opening round of the West Indies Cricket Board four-day match at Sabina Park. Jamaica, looking for an unprecedented fifth straight regional title in the event, especially noted the fast bowling of all-rounder Andre Russell in the match. Tamar Lambert, Jamaica's captain, had praise for the Windwards batting, but believed his bowlers kept up the pressure throughout the event.

MAKWALA COULD MEET BOLT AT NATIONAL STADIUM—02/08/12
Usain Bolt, double Olympic spring champion, plans to participate in the meet at Kingston's National Stadium as his first for the 2012 season, but has not mentioned which event he will enter. Makwala says that Bolt will compete in the 400-meters, which is also Makwala's specialty, so the two athletes could run in competition. The sprint star from Botswana is excited about the possible entry of Bolt in the race. He moved to Jamaica in March 2011 and is being trained by Glenn Mills of the Racers Track Club. Mills is also Bolt's mentor.

HYATT AND COTTERELL CALLED TO JAMAICA'S SQUAD—02/09/12
Danza Hyatt, batsman, and Sheldon Cotterell, left-arm fast bowler, have both been called up to Jamaica's squad for their second-round meeting with Barbados in Sabina Park. The two athletes will replace Chris Gayle and Andre Russell, who have both left to play in the Bangladesh Premier League. Hyatt has played in nine one-day internationals. Cotterell, 21, has only played Twenty20 cricket to date.

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RESEARCH ANALYST

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DEVOTIONAL
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When the Sky Falls In

There was no doubt in David's mind that Saul was trying to kill him. According to the narrative, "And David said in his heart, 'I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul; there is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines; then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand'" (2 Samuel 27:1, RSV). This was quite the predicament for the one who, years earlier, was anointed by the prophet Samuel to one day be the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Isn't it interesting how sometimes the directions our lives take seem so far removed from what God promised?

Verse 7 tells us that David, his two wives, and his band of six hundred men with their households spent "a year and four months" in what was basically enemy territory, in a place called Ziklag. This was not some fanciful tourist resort, for one day while David and his men were away (see 1 Samuel 28), "the Amalekites had made a raid upon the Negeb and upon Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag, and burned it with fire, and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great; they killed no one, but carried them off, and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive." (1 Samuel 29:11-30:1-3, RSV). If he thought he had problems before, this only added exponentially to them. The city was destroyed and every single person taken captive. The narrative continues, "Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. . . . And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God" (30:4, 6).

In the midst of all the chaos, when it seemed like the proverbial sky had fallen in and everything was lost, with no one to encourage him and everyone wanting to kill him, that last clause speaks profoundly: "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." David instinctively knew that when stripped of everything he held dear, the one thing he could rely on was the presence and comfort of his God. At this point in the story, he was too weak to cry anymore and even if he could, there were probably no more tears left. However, he did the one thing that he could do; he encouraged himself in the LORD his God. What do you do when you believe things could not get worse and they do? When everything in your life seem to go in the opposite direction of what God promised? For sure, we can murmur, complain, blame God, blame others, or even ourselves. But David knew that regardless of what was happening, and no matter how much he had lost and would ever lose, the one constant was that his God was still by his side and he comforted and encouraged, himself in the fact. No matter the evidence, his God, the God of the universe, is always in control.

What about you? To whom do you turn for comfort when the “sky has fallen in” in your world?

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.

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending January 27th, 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:10:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICA, IMF HOLD DISCUSSIONS—01/21/12
The government of Jamaica is holding talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), says Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance. The status of Jamaica's agreement with the IMF has been a source of concern in the national politics for some time. According to Phillips, the discussions will be difficult, but he believes there is good will on both sides. The talks are in their "preliminary phase" to date, and any future programs must include tax reforms, public pension system reforms, and reductions in public sector expenses.

PRIME MINISTER SIGNALS NEW ENERGY FOR JOBS PROJECTS—01/22/12
Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaican Prime Minister, has indicated her government will make a new effort to create jobs for more citizens. The effort depends on a nationalist public sector supporting the plans. According to Joseph M. Matalon, spokesperson for corporate Jamaica, companies already provide jobs through YUTE, a special project. He encouraged the government to focus on moving forward with its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) instead.

UTECH STUDENT MURDERED IN SUSPECTED LOVE-TRIANGLE INCIDENT—01/23/12
Alex Brown, a student at the University of Technology in St. Andrew, was stabbed to death in what police believe was a love-triangle killing. According to police, Alex, 21, was at the home of a female friend when another man, thought to be the boyfriend of the female, arrived. Alex and the man got into an argument, during which Alex was stabbed with a knife. He later died at University Hospital of the West Indies. Investigators say that the woman in the case is not likely to face any criminal charges. Alex Brown was to have graduated from UTech in July 2012 with a degree in environmental studies.

COURT IN JAMAICA ORDERS PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION FOR TORONTO COUPLE—01/24/12
The Canadian parents of a toddler whose body was found in a suitcase in Jamaica have been ordered to submit to a psychiatric evaluation by a court. According to Superintendent Steve Brown of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the couple was originally charged with concealing the death of a two-year-old boy, but has now been charged with failing to bury a body. They are facing additional charges as well. The same couple admitted to abandoning their infant daughter in a Toronto stairwell in 2008.

IMF VISIT TO JAMAICA ENDS, DISCUSSION TO RESUME IN FEBRUARY 2012—01/24/12
The visit of the International Monetary Fund to Jamaica was completed, with representatives stating their commitment to working with Jamaican officials to address the nation's challenges. The IMF said that its team and Jamaica's government agree on the challenges facing the country, which stem from a high public debt and little economic growth. According to Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance, the five days of discussion between the IMF and Jamaica's government have led to a better understanding of governmental priorities.

JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT ISSUES INVITATION TO EXPO JAMAICA 2012—01/25/12
Anthony Hylton, Jamaican Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, announced that the government plans to make stronger ties with its CARICOM/CARIFORUM partners in order to ensure balanced and equitable treaty arrangements. One way Jamaica intends to do this is through stronger regional cooperation and commercial links. In this context, he issued invitations to regional Ministers of Commerce to participate in the Expo Jamaica 2012 trade show.

SICKLE CELL TREATMENT USING CARBON MONOXIDE TO BE TESTED IN JAMAICA—01/26/12
Carbon monoxide gas is the basis of new drug treatments for individuals afflicted with sickle cell disease. Tests of the new treatment are to be held in Jamaica. If successful, the treatments could mean better lives for sickle cell patients around the world. Sangart Inc., a global biopharmaceutical firm, is developing the treatment. Professor Marvin Reid said the Sickle Cell Unit in Jamaica agreed to be part of the study because current treatments for sickle cell patients are extremely limited. He hopes the new drug treatment will be useful in treating the painful crises that suffered by patients with sickle cell disease.

EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM STALLED—01/27/12
The Jamaica Emergency Employment Program (JEEP) failed to launch as the government came close to admitting it had misled the nation. Instead of JEEP, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller introduced a performance-based road-maintenance project to be applied to the North Coast Highway. It will be funded by the Inter-American Development Bank with US$10 million. Many mistakenly believe that every employment program is part of JEEP, but the road project is not a JEEP program. It does not take anything away from the JEEP effort, said Simpson Miller.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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DUDLEY THOMPSON DIES—01/21/12
Dudley Thompson, former Jamaican Cabinet Minister, died in New York, one day after his 95th birthday. He served as Minister of National Security and Justice in Jamaica, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He had a reputation for being one of the best attorneys of his generation and served under the regime of Michael Manley and the People's National Party during the 1970s.

COUPLE LINKED TO BODY IN SUITCASE MAY HAVE PREVIOUSLY ABANDONED BABY—01/22/12
Police in Toronto, Canada, believe that the parents of the two-year-old boy whose body was found in a suitcase in Jamaica are the same people who left a baby girl in a stairwell in Toronto in January 2008. Stephanie Warren, 34, and Alfanso Warren, her husband, are being held in a prison in Jamaica after the body of their son Jeshurun was found in a suitcase. The couple moved to Jamaica in 2009 after being found guilty of abandoning their infant daughter in a stairwell. The boy's body revealed no signs of foul play, but the couple could face charges of violating the Child Care Protection Act.

TWO JAMAICANS SURVIVE SHIPWRECK OFF ITALIAN COAST—01/23/12
Antonio Wright, a chef from St. Mary, and another Jamaican cook were in the kitchen on board the Costa Concordia cruise ship when it ran aground off the Italian coast on January 13, 2012. The ship capsized, causing the deaths of at least 12 people. Wright praised the Costa Cruise Line but was critical of the ship's captain Francesco Schettino. Wright has worked for the cruise line for about 20 years. He said conditions were chaotic before the ship capsized, with plates and pots and pans crashing to the floor, and other objects flying through the air across the kitchen. Some cooks received injuries from flying objects, Wright said.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED WITH PANTOMIME AT FESTIVAL—01/27/12
The fifth annual Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival will be held at South Regional Broward College Library in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on February 11, 2012. The event will feature several cultural performances, including a pantomime designed to celebrate Jamaica's 50 years of independence. The event enjoys the patronage of Sandra Grant Griffiths, Jamaica's Consul General, and will provide a special guest appearance by Marjorie Whylie, ethnomusicologist and musical director of the National Dance Theater Company. She is also known for her long association with the late Louise Bennett-Coverley, Miss Lou, who died in 2007 and is buried in National Heroes Cemetery in Jamaica.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TOURISM IN BAHAMAS BOOSTED BY CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE—01/21/12

GONSALVES INVITES TAIWAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT CARIBBEAN—01/22/12

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC EXPERIENCES 5.1 EARTHQUAKE—01/23/12

BRITAIN'S PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE AND FAMILY TAKE CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY—01/24/12

OBAMA GIVES HOPE TO CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANTS—01/25/12

CARIBBEAN TOURISM GROUP OBJECTS TO UK AIR TAX—01/26/12

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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KINGSTON WHARVES LIMITED READIES FOR LARGER SHIPS—01/24/12
Kingston Wharves Limited (KW) wants to raise $1.8 billion from the Jamaica Producers Group (JP) so that it can make preparations to handle the very large ships expected to arrive after the expansion of the Panama Canal is completed in 2014. The KW project involves the demolition of two or three warehouses, which will be relocated, and dredging the harbor to accommodate larger vessels. JP is a founding shareholder of KW. Its proposed investment will give KW secure long-term financing for its expansion needs.

MINISTERS OF TOURISM MEET WITH REGIONAL COUNTERPARTS—01/25/12
Jamaica's Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr. Wykeham McNeill plans to meet with other tourism ministers at the 2012 Caribbean Marketplace event in Nassau Bahamas at the end of January. The ministers will attempt to create critical strategic partnerships with other nations in the region. According to McNeil, the event is important because it offers a place for key industry officials from around the world to meet with their counterparts in the region. The 2012 event will be McNeill's first Caribbean Marketplace since his appointment as Tourism Minister.

PHILLIPS SIGNALS DESIRE FOR STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH PRIVATE SECTOR—01/26/12
Dr. Peter Phillips, Jamaica's Finance Minister, has indicated that he is interested in developing a strong working relationship with entities in the private sector. He has mentioned public assets to be privatized as one area of significant opportunity. According to Phillips, the government has made a commitment to making the partnership with the private sector stronger in order to create sustainable growth in Jamaica.

NEARLY HALF OF FOOD EXPORTERS NEED HELP—01/27/12
According to Beverley Miller, Food Safety Modernization Coordinator, almost half of the food exporters in Jamaica continue to need aid in order to meet the more stringent trading requirements imposed by the United States. Food export facilities must now comply with new standards established by the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The new requirements went into effect on January 1, 2012. Just 15.5 percent of food export companies have been deemed ready for inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). About 40 percent of the firms can meet the requirements, but some 44 percent still need major assistance to comply with the new standards.

THERE'S AN APP FOR JAMAICAN ART—01/22/12

POWER PROGRAM INTRODUCED BY HAITI'S PRESIDENT MARTELLY—01/23/12

SOLAMON TO BUILD LARGEST SOLAR FARM IN CARIBBEAN—01/24/12

URISA SEEKS ABSTRACTS FOR SIXTH CARIBBEAN GIS CONFERENCE—01/25/12

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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35-FOOT CAMERA BUILT TO CAPTURE "EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE" IMAGES —01/22/12
Dennis Manarchy, photographer, has built a giant 35-foor camera to use in capturing images of vanishing cultures in all 50 states of the United States of America. The camera, called the "Eye of America," can take very large, very detailed photos. Its design is based on traditional film cameras, and since it is so large, the frame will be made with welded aluminum. It can capture images at very high resolution, 1,000 times that obtained with an average negative. Negatives from the giant camera measure 6 feet by 4.5 feet.

FORD CREATES AUTO INTERIORS FROM TROPICAL PLANT—01/26/12
Carmaker Ford announced that it will use kenaf plants to make the sport door bolsters in its new Escape SUV. Kenaf is a plant that grows like bamboo, with long, fibrous stalks. These stalks can be used to make paper, rope, and other products. According to Ford, using a plant-based material for car interiors offsets 300,000 pounds of oil-based resins in 2012. The kenaf door bolsters are 25 percent lighter than regular bolsters, so they help with the car's fuel efficiency.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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WINSTON RILEY DIES—01/21/12
Winston Riley, Jamaican record producer and songwriter has died from the effects of a gunshot wound receive in 2011. Riley had been in a coma since the gun attack in which he was shot in the back of the head. Winston, the father of Kurt Riley, Fame FM disc jockey, had been the victim of several violent attacks. Kurt Riley said no one in the family has determined a motive for the attacks. The elder Riley was instrumental in developing the careers of Sister Nancy, Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, Lone Ranger, and Frankie Paul.

YOUNG ARTISTS IN JAMAICA DISPLAY WORK IN VIP LOUNGE AT AIRPORT—01/22/12
The Scotia Private Client Group introduced the first of its series of art exhibitions planned for the new VIP Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. The display is entitled "The New Generation - 7 Contemporary Artists" and features the work of celebrated young artists like Andrae Green, Ebony G. Patterson, and Khary Darby. The organization is glad to provide the sponsorship that will exposure the works of young Jamaican artists to international and local audiences.

AKON JOINS WITH MARLEYS FOR RECORDING—01/24/12
AKON, the rap star from Senegal, is the latest international artiste to combine his talents with the legendary Marley family of Jamaica. Akon plans to record new material with Damian, Stephen, and Julian Marley at Tuff Gong studios. Akon also visited the Bob Marley Museum. He has previously recorded with reggae musicians Shaggy, Mavado, and Sean Paul.

JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL FEATURES BOBBY BROWN, JOHNNY GILL—01/25/12
Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant, who are members of Heads of State, are scheduled to perform at the 2012 JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay. Also ready to perform at the event is Damian Marley. The three R&B crooners are likely to perform their solo works as well as their group pieces.

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SPORTS
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JAMAICA WINS T20 VERSUS WINDWARD ISLANDS—01/21/12
Jamaica won the first semi-final Caribbean T20 match against the Windward Islands by five wickets and 12 balls remaining. Jamaican bowlers Krishmar Santokie, Sheldon Cotterrell, and Odean Brown took two wickets and opened the door to the defeat for the Windward Islands.

RIVALRY WITH BLAKE DOWNPLAYED BY BOLT—01/22/12
Although stories abound about the rivalry between fellow sprinters Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, Bolt said their friendship had not be affected by the competition on the track. Bolt noted that the media was trying to create controversy where none existed and wanted to clear things up. He said the rivalry would always be there because they were both great athletes, but that they enjoyed their friendship. Bolt said that if Blake wins, Jamaica wins, and that is good for the country.

METZGER APPOINTED TO PENN RELAYS BOARD—01/24/12
Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, Jamaica's Consul General to New York, has been given a position on the Board of Friends of the Penn Relays Carnival. Her appointment went into effect on December 16, 2011. Brown Metzger is committed to helping the Friends of the Penn Relays to make stronger relationships with track and field interests in the Caribbean. The Penn Relays is the biggest, oldest, and more prestigious track and field relay meet in the world. It attracts over 18,000 athletes every year. Jamaican schools have participated in the Relays since 1964.

BOLT SCHEDULED TO RUN IN ROME—01/26/12
Usain Bolt will compete in the 100-meter race at the Golden Gala in Rome, Italy. He plans to use the race as part of his preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London. Bolt said he is training hard and that everything is going according to his plans. He will defend his Olympic titles at the summer games, and the Rome race will provide a good early-season test of his performance. He first ran in the Rome competition in 2011 and won the 100-meters with a time of 9.91 seconds, beating Asafa Powell. Rome is the first of the Diamond League season meets in Europe.

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Do You Know Where Jesus Is?

If you were the parents of Jesus, how easy would it have been to lose track of Him and His whereabouts? As hard as it is to imagine, that is exactly what happened to Mary and Joseph. According to Luke's narrative, "when [Jesus] was twelve years old, [he and His parents] went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it" (Luke 2:42-43, KJV). Surprisingly, "they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him" (vv.44-45).

One would have thought that given the fact that Jesus was no ordinary child, He being the Son of God (Luke 1:35), His parents would have ensured He was always in their sight. Angels both proclaimed and announced His birth, and in the stable where He was born, the visiting shepherds had "told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself" (vv. 18-19, The Message). Yet despite the treasure entrusted to them, they had lost track of Him who was the Saviour, Christ the Lord (v. 11). The narrative continues, "And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions" (v. 46). Interestingly, "when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto Him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing" (v.48). Was it His fault that they, His parents, did not know where He was?

For more than seventy-two hours, Mary and Joseph had no interaction with Jesus. Yet in a strange way, their first day's behaviour mirrors that of some of us as believers. We go about our day-to-day lives without any contact with Jesus, assuming that He is among "kinsfolk and acquaintance" and that when we come together for fellowship, He will be there. However, our relationship with Jesus is a personal one; we cannot expect others to "keep" Him for us. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday living, we can be easily distracted and lose sight of the One we should keep our eyes on. However, We cannot afford to, and should not try to, go one day without knowing He is with us.

How can we "lose" Him? By ignoring Him and ignoring spending time with Him. It is not He who has moved, but rather we who have moved away from Him. Maintaining a relationship with Christ requires diligence and sacrifice. As we pause for communication and fellowship, we may not be able to move as fast as the rest of the crowd. But it is better to be moving in step with Jesus than to be rushing ahead without Him. There is nothing in life that is not worth the wait. Do you know where Jesus is? His parents "turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him." If you have lost sight of Him, that is a good example to follow. If you search diligently, you will find Him. If He is right beside you, keep Him close. He is the One person you cannot afford to not know where He is.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending January 20th, 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:10:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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NEW JUDGES SWORN IN—01/14/12
Sir Patrick Allen, Jamaica's Governor-General, has sworn in two new judges for the Supreme Court and one to the Court of Appeals. The swearing in took place in a ceremony at King's House. Justice Patrick Brooks was sworn in to the Court of Appeals, while Evon Brown and Nicole Simmons became Pusene judges, or associate judges, of the Jamaican Supreme Court. Chief Justice Zila McCalla expects progress to be made in 2012 toward meeting the needs of the justice system on the island and that the Judicial Services Commission has been identifying and interviewing appropriate candidates for several positions.

DAVIES SAY TRANSIT COMPANY IN "DISARRAY"—01/15/12
Dr. Omar Davies, Jamaica's Transport and Works Minister, has described the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) as being in a state of "disarray" and requiring a significant overhaul. Davies, who has only recently taken on the job of Transport Minister, is not satisfied with what he found during a preliminary review of the company's operations. He has already met with Paul Abrahams, the chief executive officer of the JUTC, to discuss this issue.

GOVERNMENT OF SIMPSON MILLER TO FIGHT IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE—01/16/12
Newly elected Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller stated that the issue of climate change and its impact on the environment represents a priority for her government. Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Water, Land, Environment, and Climate Change, believes it is necessary to make Jamaicans more aware of the problem. He said the battle against environmental problems could cost approximately $163 million, but if nothing is done to save the infrastructure, things could get even worse.

MCNEILL APPOINTED NEW TOURISM MINISTER—01/17/12
Physician and parliamentarian Wykeham McNeill has been selected to be Jamaica's new Minister of Tourism and Entertainment. McNeill has served the industry for some time, beginning in 2000. During Portia Simpson Miller's first term as Prime Minister, McNeill was a state minister in the Ministry of Tourism under leader Aloun Assamba. McNeill believes that the tourism and entertainment sectors should merge for their mutual benefit and will lead to expanded opportunities for both divisions.

SIMPSON MILLER WANTS TO PUT THE PEOPLE FIRST—01/18/12
Newly elected Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is calling on Members of Parliament to focus on the Jamaican people when they are deliberating and making decisions in their governmental roles. Simpson Miller reminded 63 Members of Parliament who were elected on December 29 that they are the people's servants and should not betray them. She made her remarks during the ceremony swearing in of the Members.

GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE INTEREST RATES, INFLATION—01/19/12
According to Anthony Hylton, Jamaica's Industry Minister, the government is committed to a policy that seeks to reduce interest rates along with the rate of inflation. The nation has experienced significant structural readjustments, according to Hylton, especially in regard to the Jamaica Debt Exchange. The bank of Jamaica will attempt to keep inflation at between six percent and eight percent for fiscal 2011-2012, Hylton noted.

BUNTING IN NO HURRY TO REDUCE POLICE POWERS—01/19/12
Peter Bunting, Jamaica's National Security Minister, has suggested that there will be rush to repeal legislation that grants additional powers to the police. The legislation was passed after a state of emergency was declared in 2010. Bunting made his remarks in spite of the fact that the Opposition in the last Parliament voted against renewing the Constabulary Force Interim Provisions for Arrest and Detention Act of 2010. The law was part of an anti-crime plan at the time.

GOVERNMENT WANTS TO END MONOPOLY OF JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY—01/20/12
According to Phillip Paulwell, Jamaica's Minister of Energy, the government is taking quick action to end the monopoly that the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has over the distribution of electricity. Paulwell says the government is discussing how to introduce more competition into the electric utility sector. He is confident that a proposal will be presented to which both the government and the JPS can agree, although the sensitive nature of the negotiations prevented him from providing any details.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN EXPAT, FLORIDA LOCAL WORK TO BRING BASEBALL TO JAMAICA—01/14/12
The sport of baseball is virtually unknown in Jamaica, but that may soon change due to the efforts of Floridian Damon Van Brocklin, a real estate developer, and Jamaican expatriate Donovan Duncan. The pair has decided to bring the sport to the island. They have discussed ways to bring the American sport to the island with Jamaica's government, which has tried in previous years to have a baseball field. After some difficulties, Van Brocklin and Duncan obtained a site for a field at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Kingston and are working with the new director of baseball in Jamaica's Institute of Sports, Donovan Corcho, to begin construction of the field at the end of January 2012. They believe that baseball will have a positive effect on Jamaica and could even increase its tourism revenues.

ATLANTA BEGINS JAMAICAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS—01/15/12
Jamaicans who live in Georgia will have a chance to participate in celebrations of their homeland's 50th anniversary in 2012 during the state's year-long series of events. The year will begin with a launch ceremony at the Atlanta City Hall at which Audrey P. Marks, Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, will officially begin the activities. The activities are beginning planned by the Jamaica 50th-Atlanta Planning Committee under the sponsorship of Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Georgia, Vin Martin.

DIASPORA SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL BOARDS—01/17/12
Jamaica's new Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller believes that the Jamaican Diaspora should become more engaged in island affairs and intends to make an effort to encourage their participation. It has been suggested by some in the Diaspora that one way Jamaicans living abroad could play a meaningful role in the development of Jamaica would be to appoint them to serve on school boards. In the modern world, Jamaica no longer needs to be defined by its geographical boundaries. Global technology could permit Jamaicans overseas to participate in board meetings and have a positive impact on educational institutions on the island.

MURDERS IN TORONTO DECREASE AFTER CRACKDOWN ON JAMAICAN GANG—01/19/12
Toronto, Canada, police and police authorities in Jamaica have reported that gang-related murders have dropped dramatically in the 20 months since the arrests of leaders of the Shower Posse, a criminal organization involved with drug and arms trafficking in a number of countries. Jamaican police have noted a 32 percent decrease in the nation's homicide rate since the 2010 crackdown on the Shower Posse. In Toronto, the rate has fallen to the lowest level in 25 years after a two-year-long anti-gang initiative targeting the Shower Posse.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ANTIGUA MAY BE INFLUENCED BY A JAMAICAN REPUBLIC—01/14/12

CARIBBEAN TEAMS DOMINATE OTHERS IN TWENTY20—01/15/12

TOURISM MUST BE NURTURED IN CARIBBEAN TO GROW NATIONAL ECONOMIES—01/16/12

SEAN PENN ACCEPTS ROLE OF HAIT'S "AMBASSADOR AT LARGE"—01/17/12

LARGEST OIL REFINERY IN THE CARIBBEAN TO CLOSE—01/19/12

MASSIVE OIL DRILLING RIG ARRIVES IN CARIBBEAN—01/2019/12

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN ENTREPRENEURS ENCOURAGED TOWARD CARBON TRADING—01/14/12
Entrepreneurs in Jamaica would do well to investigate the potential of carbon trading. Climate change is creating a demand in society to transition toward lower carbon economies. Such economies would have a reduced dependence on fossil fuels and would encourage practices that mitigate the amount of greenhouse gases released into the Earth's atmosphere. The carbon trading market helps to facilitate the transition by giving a financial incentive to implement emission-reducing programs.

COMMUNITY TOURISM URGED—01/15/12
Because of the isolation of average Jamaicans, communities tend to develop their own unique cultures over the years that have been passed down to modern generations. Jamaica is lucky in that these remnants of lost cultures from many parts of the world survive on the island. Diana McIntyre-Pike has conceptualized an initiative that aims to capitalize on the unique qualities of individual villages. Villages as Businesses (VAB) seeks to bring vacationers and communities together for the benefit of both. The initiative allows Jamaica to create income-generating projects via community entrepreneurship.

JAMAICAN MANUFACTURING REVIVAL POSSIBLE—01/17/12
According to Jamaica's Minister of Industry Anthony Hylton, manufacturing has a huge growth potential on the island. It is likely to become a major driver of growth against, he says. It is a critical part of industry for attracting investors, earn foreign exchange benefits, and create jobs. Jamaica must address its trade relationship with Trinidad and Tobago to make improvements in the manufacturing sector, as well as improve its procurement policies, and enhance its marketing and promotion efforts.

LABOR MINISTRY WANTS TO END STIGMA OF HIV/AIDS AND FOOD—01/18/12
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security's Occupational Safety and Health Department has launched a pilot project that seeks to inform the public about the fact that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through food products. The project allows companies to become actively involved in the effort by signing a proclamation that requires acknowledgement that HIV is not transmitted through food and that they do not stigmatize or discriminate against HIV-positive individuals. There is much discrimination against people with HIV at present in Jamaica, particularly when it comes to handling food.

NEW IDB FUND TO BENEFIT RENEWABLE ENERGY, CLEAN TECH FIRMS—01/14/12

HOLNESS BLASTED BY LIME; LIME WANTS OVERHAUL OF TELECOM REGULATIONS—01/15/12

PRESS, POLITICIANS USED SOCIAL MEDIA IN GENERAL ELECTION—01/16/12

TECH DISTRICT IN CAYMANS APPROVED—01/17/12

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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SMART PHONE ENHANCES OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES—01/14/12
Smart phone app developers are finding ways to enhance the experience of outdoor lovers. For example, the Navigator Deluxe app allows users to find a state park, then using a Cal Parks app, they can select the trail they want to hike. Outdoor Compass points them in the right direction, and the Digital Altimeter app lets hikers know the altitude of their climbs. Other apps let users identify wildlife and plant life found along a trail, while a Coleman lantern simulation shows a campfire on the smart phone screen. Many such apps for outdoor enthusiasts are free.

REPLACEMENT FLOURESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE HAS APPS, WI-FI, LED—01/19/12
A Japanese firm announced the development of an LED fluorescent lamp replacement that is equipped with Wi-Fi. The 40-watt LED from NetLED can be networked to the cloud as well, which allows users to dim its brightness from a smartphone, computer, RFID-enabled device or motion sensor. There is also an iOS app for NetLED, and an Android version is under development. The light has a high cost, with each individual main tube costing $257. The primary NetLED service costs $781, but it supports up to 100 lights. The lights could provide significant savings to businesses by controlling the amount of brightness and wattage used by individual employees.

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POPCAAN SONG BANNED FROM JAMAICAN AIRWAVES—01/14/12
Jamaica's Broadcasting Commission has decided to ban a recent single from Dancehall star Popcaan from the local airwaves. "Nuh Box Pon Jaw" is a song that was recorded in October 2011. It will no longer be played on Jamaican radio and television stations after the Commission decided that it promotes violence. A press release issued by the Commission stated that the song beached the Children's Code for Programming and that it endorses violence as a way to resolve conflict. In contrast to the Commission, Anju Blaxx (Andrew Myrie), music producer for UIM Records, which recorded the song, believes it is about defending oneself rather than promoting violence against others.

BBC'S "RASTAMOUSE" TOPS COMPLAINT LIST FOR 2011—01/16/12
Rastamouse, a television series involving crime-fighting Rastafarian mice, was the children's program most complained about in 2011. The BBC series obtained over 200 complaints because of how it stereotyped black people and because of the language used by the Jamaican mouse characters, who spoke "patois." Parents complained that children who used the same language as the mice could face accusations of racism.

BOB MARLEY'S LAND ROVER TO BE RESTORED—01/17/12
It has been reported that Bob Marley's favorite ride was his 1976 Land Rover. The reggae legend used this vehicle to travel in rural Jamaica. After his death in 1981, the Land Rover was on display at the Bob Marley Museum. After 25 years, the Land Rover's paint is peeling and faded, and it has a broken grill. A local Land Rover dealer in Montego Bay will now restore the SUV according to instructions from Land Rover headquarters and with original parts used to replace any that require attention.

JAMAICA 50 SONG COMPETITION DEADLINES EXTENDED—01/18/12
Deadlines for the Jamaica Festival Song and Jamaica Gospel Song competitions for 2012 were extended. The deadline for both these competitions are now Tuesday, January 31st. The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is recognized as a significant step in the careers of many important Jamaican artistes who have later gained international celebrity. The competition is currently on a mission to re-engage young people and encourage them to create songs that reflect a spirit of celebration, but that have a global appeal.

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RILEY COULD BE NAMED BEST COLLEGIATE ATHLETE—01/16/12
Andrew Riley of Jamaica, senior at the University of Illinois in Champaign, is on the 2012 Bowerman official watch list. The Bowerman award is given to the best track and field athlete of the year. The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has described Riley as "owning" NCAA high-hurdle championship titles for both indoor and outdoor competitions. In 2011, he was the indoor 60-meter hurdles champion, and in 2010, the outdoor 110-meter hurdles champion. Riley, 23, ran his personal best in the 110-meter hurdles in 2011 in Oregon at 13.32 seconds, the 17th fastest time on record for the year.

BURRELL COULD RETURN TO JFF AFTER BAN EXPIRES—01/17/12
Captain Horace Burrell has a clear path for returning to the hierarchy of the Jamaica Football Federation after serving three months of his six-month ban from the FIFA, football's world governing body. The final three months of his penalty, which was imposed due to an ethics violation in a cash-for-votes scandal in 2010, were deferred. He will now serve a two-year period of probation.

MCKENZIE PLANS TO BREAK 20-SECOND BARRIER IN 2012—01/19/12
Ramone McKenzie, who was a top athlete at Calabar High School, says he is ready to break the 20-second limit during the 2012 season. He also intends to be part of Jamaica's Olympic team as it heads to London in the summer of 2012. McKenzie, 21, became a professional in November 2009 but has been plagued with injuries since then. He says he is feeling fit now and ready to rise to his potential.

POWELL, CAMPBELL-BROWN ENTER U.S. MEET—01/20/12
The starting lists for the United States Open at Madison Square Garden in New York at the end of January 2012 will include Jamaica's Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown. The two athletes will participate in four of the 12 scheduled events. Powell, former World 100-meter record holder, will face Justin Gatlin and Trell Kimmons from the U.S. and Nesta Carter and Kimmari Roach of Jamaica, and Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda. Powell is making his first appearance at an indoor meet in eight years.

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Spotting the Phony

The headline was eye catching - "Man Tried to Pay Wal-Mart With $1 Million Dollar Bill". My first reaction was "Really? And he expected to get away with it?" However, according to the report, after the Sales Clerk rang up his purchases totaling $476, the man casually handed the clerk the million-dollar bill and patiently awaited his change. When the clerk questioned him, "he began arguing and insisting that it was real. This despite the fact that since 1969, the largest US bill in circulation is $100. Wal-Mart called the police and astoundingly, the man stuck around! He was subsequently arrested and charged with “attempting to obtain property by false pretense and uttering a forged instrument.”

Instinctively, some of us are thinking the man must have been crazy to do something like that. Maybe he is and maybe he is not. Somehow, he had convinced himself that he could pull off tendering a phony bill and getting away with it. It did not matter that its denomination was illegitimate or that it would have been impossible to get over $999,500 in change from the clerk. As far as he was concerned, "it was real," and even the arrival of law enforcement officers did not clue him in to the fact that he was now in deep trouble.

What does this story have to do with us as believers? I dare say there is an important truth we can learn from it. In the kind of worship that we offer to God, and the way we live our lives, are we like the man with the phony bill? Totally unacceptable but we convince ourselves that what we offer is real? The religious leaders of Jesus' day found themselves in that position, so much so that Jesus affirmed, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9). From as far back as in the Old Testament, men have tried to offer worship to God that is very different from what He deems acceptable. To one generation He admonished them, "You cannot worship me in that way" (Deut 12:31 NKJV). Not much has changed since, and God continues to spot the phony from the real thing.

How is the legitimacy of your worship? Is it "holy, acceptable unto God" (Romans 12:1), and are we worshipping "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24)? Remember, no matter how much we convince ourselves otherwise, anything less is phony and will be rejected. Isn't it about time you examine what you are offering?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending January 13th, 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:50:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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PRIME MINISTER PROMISES JAMAICA TO BECOME REPUBLIC—01/07/12
Jamaica's new Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has promised to lessen its ties to Britain and take steps to replace the Queen as its head of state. Instead of the Queen, Jamaica will have a president, said Simpson Miller, who praised the Queen but believes the time has come for Jamaica to join other Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean in a trend toward republicanism.

NEW GOVERNMENT TEAM BEGINS WORK—01/08/12
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has charged the 20 members of her Cabinet to begin the work of government without delay. Newly appointed ministers have already made lists of their priorities and are ready to start implementation activities. According to Simpson Miller, one of the first actions of the new government involves discussions with potential investors about stimulating the country's economy.

JAMAICA LABOR PARTY SUPPORTS END OF TIES TO UK-BASED PRIVY COUNCIL—01/09/12
In spite of previous objections, the opposition Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is supporting the plans of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to end the relationship with the Privy Council, which is based in the United Kingdom. Simpson Miller said she plans to replace the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the UK with the Caribbean Court of Justice, based in Trinidad, as the final appeals court for Jamaica.

U.S. SENATOR WANTS GOVERNMENT TO UNDERSTAND A "NEW WORLD"—01/10/12
United States State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, a Democratic representative for the 14th district in Queens, New York, has encouraged Jamaica's new government to understand that the world has become a very small place. As such, Jamaica must recognize that jobs, education, and being open to foreign investors represent the chief solutions to the nation's economic and social problems. He also wants the government to focus on new industries along with agriculture and technology.

OBAMA CONGRATULATES SIMPSON MILLER ON ELECTION VICTORY—01/10/12
United States President Barack Obama called newly elected Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to congratulate her on her electoral win in the General Elections. Obama also praised the people of Jamaica for their dedication to democracy and offered the continuing support of his government to Jamaica.

FIRST CARIBBEAN YOGA CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN JAMAICA—01/11/12
In February 2012, Jamaica will become host to the first Caribbean Yoga Conference in history. The conference will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Montego Bay. The participation of some 450 yoga enthusiasts is expected. The conference will present workshops and seminars with local and international yoga instructors, including Seane Corn, Parige Elenson, and Nadine McNeil.

NEW MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ENTERTAINMENT APPOINTED—01/12/12
Jamaica's new Minister of Tourism and Entertainment is Dr. Wykeham McNeill, who was appointed by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller following her victory in the General Election on December 29, 2011. Dr. McNeill has served the tourism industry for many years and was named Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in 2000. In 2002 he was assigned the responsibility for overseeing tourism operations, including cruise ships and development of tourism. During Simpson Miller's first government in 2007, he served as State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture.

DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM SUBJECT OF FORENSIC AUDIT—01/13/12
Jamaica's government is set to begin a forensic audit of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program, which has been the target of allegations of mismanagement. These allegations resulted in the resignation of Mike Henry, former Works Minister. The program receives its funding through a loan facility from China. Works Minister Dr. Omar Davies requested a progress report on the audit, which he expects will address all of the project's issues.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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BARBADOS SUED BY JAMAICAN WOMAN FOR ALLEGED ABUSE AT AIRPORT—01/07/12
Shanique Myrie, the Jamaican woman who alleged abuse at the hands of immigration officials at the airport in Barbados, has filed suit against the government of that country. The Caribbean Court of Justice will hear the case in which Myrie is represented by the law firm Hylton and Brown. The firm intends to seek monetary damages for its client and to have the Court determine minimum standards of treatment to be given to CARICOM nationals within the region governed by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

JAMAICAN GAY ACTIVIST MARRIES TORONTO POLICE OFFICER-PASTOR—01/10/12
Maurice Tomlinson, a prominent gay activist in Jamaica, married Tom Decker, a police officer and pastor in the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. The best man at the wedding, Stephen Lewis, was the United Nations' former special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. The couple was married by pastor Brent Hawkes. Tomlinson did not invite any of his family members due to fear. He has received three death threats in the past year for speaking openly about Jamaica's homophobia and violence directed toward gay people there.

SUPERVISOR FINED FOR DEATHS OF MIGRANT WORKERS IN ONTARIO—01/11/12
A supervisor at a farm in Ontario, Canada, has been fined as the result of an incident that led to the deaths of two Jamaican migrant workers. The charges were brought under the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act for the deaths of Paul Roach, 44, and Ralston White, 36, in 2010 at Filsinger's Organic Foods and Orchards. The workers were trying to repair a pump for a vinegar vat when overcome by the fumes. Supervisor Brandon Weber was fined $22.500 in the deaths under a settlement agreement.

EDUCATION PROFESSOR NAMED TO DIASPORA ADVISORY BOARD—01/12/12
Susan Lycett Davis, Ed.D., a professor at the Nova Southeastern University's Abraham S. Fischler School of Education, has been named to the Advisory Board of the Jamaican Diaspora Southern United States. She was elected to the position through a vote by Jamaican nationals in the South Florida community. Davis will replace Marlon Hill, an attorney who has served on the board for five years. In addition to being a full-time faculty member at the Fischler School, Davis has more than 30 years of experience in administrative and international management and has worked in the United States and the United Kingdom.

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WARNER'S CLAIMS OF DEALS REJECTED BY FIFA—01/07/12

THREE ISLANDS TO BENEFIT FROM CONSERVATION PROJECTS—01/09/12

TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF GUANTANAMO BAY PRISON MARKED—01/10/12

LEADER OF IRAN VISITS CUBA, LATIN AMERICA—01/11/12

HAITI TO CLEAR CAMP NEAR NATIONAL PALACE—01/12/12

UN SOLDIERS BROUGHT VIRULENT CHOLERA STRAIN TO WESTERN HEMISPHERE—01/13/12

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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KINGSTON PORT PREPARES FOR DIVESTMENT AND LARGER SHIPS—01/07/12
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is working to develop its infrastructure and equipment to exploit the growing opportunities available in the containerized cargo market. PAJ plans to dredge the Kingston Container Terminal basin and ship channel in preparation for the arrival of larger ships that will come through the Panama Canal in the next two years.

ALCOA TO REDUCE PRODUCTION IN 2012—01/08/12
Alcoa has announced that it plans to reduce its worldwide production capacity in 2012, but it remains unclear what the impact of this move will be on Jamaica. Alcoa will "close down or curtail" 531,000 metric tons of smelting capacity, which will include closing one plant in Tennessee and taking two of six lines out of production in Rockdale, Texas. No requests have yet been made of its Jamaican partners to reduce operations on the island, but further developments are expected.

PRIVATE EQUITY COMPANY TAKING OVER FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IN JAMAICA—01/09/12
Blue Equity LLC, a private equity firm, will take control of the largest fuel distributor in Jamaica, expanding its presence on the island. Blue Equity will take a controlling stake in Cool Petroleum Holdings Ltd., which had 2010 revenues totaling $330 million. This means that the largest distributor in Jamaica's petroleum trade will be run from Louisville, Kentucky. Cool Petroleum Holdings licenses the Shell brand in Jamaica.

PAULWELL TO BECOME LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN HOUSE—01/10/12
Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Mining, Energy, and Information and Communication Technology, will be named the leader of government business for the House of Representatives when the new Parliament under Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller goes into session. He will succeed Delroy Chuck of the Jamaica Labor Party. Andrew Holness held the position before Chuck.

DIGICEL PLANS TO MAKE 4G NETWORK NATIONWIDE—01/07/12

LIME, DIGICEL TAKE POSITIONS ON CHALLENGE FROM FTC—01/08/12

FORBES BELIEVES SOCIAL MEDIA HAVING PROFOUND IMPACT ON SOCIETY—01/09/12

SLASHROOTS CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING THE CARIBBEAN—01/10/12

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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STAR TREK- INSPIRED X PRIZE TO RECOGNIZE HEALTH CARE ADVANCE—01/10/12
An element created by Gene Rodenberry for his Star Trek fictional universe could actually help people with health care decisions. The problem is that doctors are not always available in many areas of the world to diagnose diseases. The right technology could help in this area, and this is the reason for the development of the Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize, which will award $10 million to the first team that creates a mobile platform that most accurately diagnoses 15 diseases in 30 patients in three days. The prize represents a collaboration of the X Prize Foundation and the Qualcomm Foundation.

AUGMENTED REALITY DEVELOPED BY AURASMA—01/11/12
Aurasma, a part of Hewlett-Packard's Autonomy business, has developed a 3-dimensional augmented reality application, catching up with Blippar, a startup based in London, which has already raised money from Qualcomm Ventures and has 30 partners in the United Kingdom. Stephen Shaw, business development manager at Blippar, notes that content is the key, and that with the Blippar app, consumers with iPads or smart phones can point the device's camera to a "B" included in its partners' content, and receive augmented information. For example, food labels will display recipes or coupons, movies will play, and magazines can come to life. Interactive games can also be provided through the same kind of augmentation technology.

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I-OCTANE BECOMES A RISING DANCEHALL STAR—01/07/12
I-Octane has become increasingly popular for his love songs, and his personality has made him the ideal Brand Ambassador for products like the Jamaican telecommunications firm Digicel. His major contribution to dancehall is his social consciousness, which provides lyrics that denounce violence and the lack of opportunity for the poor. Instead of glorifying the harsh realities of the ghetto, I-Octane provides cautionary messages about gun use and the redemption found in Rastafarian teachings.

MCGREGOR RANTS AGAINST YOUNGER ARTISTES FOR LACK OF DEDICATION—01/08/12
Freddie McGregor, a veteran reggae star, wonders why younger dancehall and reggae artistes fail to support events that are designed to build their progress. McGregor, head of the Big Ship label and member of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, says that seminars, conferences, and other events held by the association are not supported by young artistes. He wonders why they do not participate in a group that is trying to benefit them.

JAMAICAN ARTIST INSPIRED BY DANCEHALL CULTURE—01/10/12
Ebony Patterson, Jamaican artist, finds her inspiration for fashion and jewelry in dancehall culture. At an exhibit at the Bermuda National Gallery, Patterson shows a series of mannequins that explore the dancehall type of music and gender. Her exhibition specifically looks at fashion in the dancehall, using clothing and tapestries to examine the way identities are structured.

CEE LO GREEN HEADLINES JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL—01/11/12
Cee Lo Green, whose real name is Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, is an American singer and songwriter who will headline the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on January 28, 2012, at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. Green has explored local Jamaican talent in a video that reflects a Jamaican theme. The video, which has registered 2.5 million likes on YouTube, was directed by Wendy Morgan of Canada and features Jamaican dancers. Green is taking a break of recording with Gnarls Barkley and released a solo single in August 2011. He is now working as a vocal coach on "The Voice," a reality talent show on NBC.

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POWELL STARTS SEASON WITH INDOOR MEET IN NEW YORK—01/07/12
Jamaican sprinter and former 100-meter world record-holder Asafa Powell, 29, will start the 2012 competition season by participating in an indoor meet in New York on January 28, 2012. He will compete with Americans Justin Gatlin and Trell Kimmons, Richard Thompson from Trinidad, and Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda. Powell has been out of indoor competitions since 2004 but will join sprinters at Madison Square Garden as part of his pursuit of a medal at the London Olympics.

VICTORIES FOR REGGAE CHESS KIDZ IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION—01/08/12
The Reggae Chess Kidz of Jamaica defeated the United States, Venezuela, Trinidad and Ecuador, placing first and second in the annual Miami Junior Orange Bowl International Scholastic Chess Championships in Miami, Florida. The Jamaican players won 12 trophies and many other prizes during the three-day competition. The 22-member team is sponsored by Chess Enterprise, Wechess, and Chess Whiz Kidz. They competed with 100 players from other countries.

REGGAE GIRLZ WIN OVER CAYMAN ISLANDS—01/09/12
The Reggae Girlz of Jamaica had a 2-0 victory over the Cayman Islands that the San Cristobal Football Stadium in the Dominican Republic. Kimberly Spence propelled the Jamaicans to the lead in minute 30, while substitute Shenika Williams provided the cushion at minute 77.

BOLT WILL COMPETE IN GAMES IN OSLO—01/12/12
Usain Bolt, triple Olympic champion from Jamaica, plans to compete in the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway, in June, 2012. He will be preparing to defend his titles at the London Olympics. Bolt, 25, holds world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters, and he hopes that running in Oslo will help him achieve victories in London.

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JAMAICAN JOBS
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Where Are Your Concerned About?

It is easy to put oneself above others and we start to do so very early in our lives. To look at a toddler who believes everything is "mine, mine" is to see a human being perfecting the art of looking out for him or herself. To explain this seemingly universal trait, some would argue that we are predisposed to being selfish. Evolutionists tell us this predisposition is the result of the evolutionary principle of "the survival of the fittest." Yet, all ethical systems emphasize the essential value of helping others.

Regardless of its source, the selfish trait is still in play even after we become Christians. It is one thing to put oneself above others, but what about putting oneself above the things of Christ? This was the problem facing some of the Apostle Paul's compatriots. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he laments, "For I have no man likeminded [as Timotheus], who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's" (Philippians 2:20-21, KJV), or as Eugene Peterson paraphrases both verses, "I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus" (The Message). While the narrative is short on details, it could very well be that Paul's observation grew out of the refusal of some to go visit the church he was writing to (see v. 19). Maybe something was asked of them that required making sacrifices, putting others above themselves, risking death, or whatever else, these people had no interest. They were the ones who would later abandon Paul during his trial; "they all ran like scared rabbits" (2 Timothy 4:21, The Message).

It is easy to criticize these people. However, as Albert Barnes cautions, "Let us not be harsh in judging them. How many professing Christians in our cities and towns are there now who would be willing to leave their business and their comfortable homes . . . who would not seek some excuse, and show that it was a characteristic that they 'sought their own' rather than the things which pertained to the kingdom of Jesus Christ?" It is necessary to remind ourselves that to be concerned about the things of Christ means practicing self-denial. Indeed, saying "yes" to Christ often means saying "no" to ourselves. For many of us, that does not come naturally. Yet deny ourselves we must if we are going to strive to please our Lord.

"Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus." Is he talking about you?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending January 6th, 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:00:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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OPPOSITION WINS LANDSLIDE ELECTION—12/31/11
Jamaica replaced the ruling party in the General Election on December 29, 2011, and gave a landslide victory to the opposition People's National Party (PNP). The PNP's campaign successfully tapped into the discontent and disillusionment felt by Jamaica's population. The election victory marks a major comeback for former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Miller, 66, is known as "Sista P" and was the first woman leader in Jamaica during a 1.5-year tenure in office that came to an end in 2007.

SIMPSON MILLER TO BECOME NEW PRIME MINISTER—12/31/11
Portia Simpson Miller will become Jamaica's new Prime Minister following a landslide victory in the General Election for the People's National Party (PNP). Simpson Miller became the first female Prime Minister in Jamaica in 2006, and she is viewed as one of the most popular politicians in the country. She is recognized as a champion of social programs, with some Jamaicans referring to her as "the poor people's politician." She was head of the Labor Ministry under previous governments and served as Minister of Welfare and Sports.

SCANDAL INVOLVING "DUDUS" COKE DOOMED THE JLP IN ELECTIONS—01/01/12
Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding was embroiled in a scandal involving Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who was facing charges in the United States for trafficking in drugs and firearms. His actions in handling U.S. extradition requests and the way he misled the Jamaican people ultimately resulted in his resignation and doomed his party, the Jamaica Labor Party, to a massive defeat in the General Election. Karl Samuda, Jamaica Labor Party leader, said his party underestimated the effect that the Coke issue had on its image, and this resulted in the victory of the opposition People's National Party (PNP) in the election.

WOMEN'S COALITION OFFERS CONGRATULATIONS TO SIMPSON MILLER—01/02/12
Newly designated Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller received the congratulations of the 51% Coalition on her party's victory in the General Election. At the same time, the group renewed its call for more attention to be given to gender issues. The group noted that it shared the hope of Simpson Miller, the first woman to become Prime Minister of Jamaica, that the victory would result in renewed attention to sustainable human development in the country and for gender issues to be given priority by the new government.

JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE WANTS PEOPLE TO DECIDE ABOUT CCJ—01/03/12
Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), a local advocacy group, has called for the new government to initiate a referendum concerning the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and whether it should be established as the country's final court of appeal. Dr. Carolyn Gomes, JFJ executive director, stated that the issue is so critical that Jamaican citizens should have the chance to decide whether the CCJ will be the final appellate court for Jamaica.

OPPOSITION TAKES 2-TO-1 MARGIN IN PARLIAMENT—01/04/12
The first woman Prime Minister in Jamaica led her People's National Party (PNP) to victory in the General Election, and the final results show a two-to-one margin in Parliament for the party. The PNP took 42 seats in the 63-seat Parliament, compared to the incumbent Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), which had 21. These were the final official results from the December 29, 2011 election.

COURT APPEARANCE FOR ALLEGED CHILD TRAFFICKER—01/05/12
Hyacinth Ford-Dryden, a Jamaican woman who allegedly trafficked a number of Jamaican children to the United States, appeared the Resident Magistrate's Court in the Corporate Area. She was denied bail by Judith Pusey, Senior Resident Magistrate, and was ordered to reappear in court on January 26, 2012. Ford-Dryden, 53, operates a bar in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, and is charged with possessing forged documents, with human trafficking charges pending.

NEW PRIME MINISTER TO BE SWORN IN, PROMISES REVIEW OF ANTI-GAY LAW—01/05/12
Portia Simpson Miller, the new Prime Minister, stated that she plans to review laws that criminalize homosexuality in the country. She said she would not forbid gay people from serving in her cabinet, in contrast to former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who had prohibited the participation of gays in his cabinet. Simpson Miller is returning to power - she held the position of Prime Minister in 2005 and 2007 - after a big victory for the People's National Party in the General Election.

NEW PRIME MINISTER SAYS COUNTRY WILL BECOME A REPUBLIC—01/06/12
Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica's newly elected Prime Minister, promises to eliminate the British Queen as head of state. Having been sworn in for the second time as Jamaica's leader, Simpson Miller also promised to provide relief from poverty, improve the economy, and heal political division. Her center-left People's National Party won a two-to-one victory margin over the incumbent Jamaica Labor Party. In her inaugural speech, Simpson Miller said that her government would abandon the British monarch as the official head of Jamaica and adopt a republican type of government instead.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA PLEDGES TO TACKLE PROBLEMS IN 2012—01/01/12
The New Year's message from a representative of the Advisory Board of the Jamaican Diaspora-Southern USA, Dr. Susan Lycett Davis, stated the organization plans to be of service to fellow Jamaicans during 2012 and work to foster fellowship and prosperity among all Jamaicans. Davis also congratulated Portia Simpson Miller and the People's National Party on their election victory. The group plans to be very active in honoring Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence in 2012 and will organize various events to commemorate the occasion.

PICKERSGILL ELECTED TO HEAD CHINA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION—01/02/12
Fay Pickersgill of Jamaica is the first Caribbean woman elected to head the Federation of Latin American and Caribbean Associations for Friendship with China. Pickersgill is president of the Jamaica China Friendship Association (JCFA) and is not one of two new vice-presidents of the federation. She joins seven other women on a 13-member executive. This is the first time women represent the majority of leaders of the organization. Pickersgill is responsible for the Caribbean region and promised to further the cause of peace, respect, and friendship among the nations.

JAMAICAN 9/11 VICTIMS TO RECEIVE PERMANENT MEMORIAL IN NEW YORK—01/03/12
The Jamaican nationals who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York will be honored with a permanent memorial at the British Garden in Hanover Square in lower Manhattan. Jamaica and the other Commonwealth nations are responsible for creating the memorial. Geneive Brown Metzger, Jamaica's Consul General to New York, laid a wreath in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11 on Memorial Day 2011. The British Garden is a joint project of the British Consulate and St. George's Society in New York and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.. I

JAMAICAN TEAM WINS JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL CHESS TOURNEY IN MIAMI—01/04/12
The Reggae Chess Kidz of Jamaica beat the United States, Venezuela, Mexico, Trinidad, and Ecuador to take first and second places in the Miami Junior Orange Bowl International Scholastic Chess Championships. The Jamaicans won 12 trophies and several other prizes during the three-day event.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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JACK WARNER ACCUSES FIFA OFFICIALS OF 'CAVING' TO PRESIDENT—12/31/11

AUTHOR BELIEVES SOME CHILD ABUSE CASES INVOLVING PARENTS OVERBLOWN—01/01/12

132 FISH SPECIES IN CARIBBEAN NOW PROTECTED—01/02/12

GRENADA POLICE OFFICERS FACE CHARGES IN BEATING DEATH OF CANADIAN—01/03/12

HOWARD CHSEN AS CONCACAF ACTING GENERAL SECRETARY—01/04/12

PRIME MINISTER OF TRINIDAD MAKES HISTORIC TRIP TO INDIA—01/05/12

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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ECONOMIST SAYS JAMAICANS NEED IMPROVED FINANCIAL ACCESS—12/31/11
Economist Dr. Dawn Elliott says that over 75 percent of Jamaicans have limited access to secure and inexpensive payment channels. Most Jamaicans have bank accounts, but only a very few have access to financial services that let them participate in the economy, Most Jamaican make their payments in cash, Elliott said, and only 12 percent have accounts through which they may transfer money, write checks, or made credit card payments.

CULTURAL INDUSTRIES HAVE STRONG EARNING CAPACITY—01/01/12
At a recent conference organized by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, participants noted the millions of dollars that can be made in the music industry. Jean Smith, general manager of the Jamaica Exporters' Association, is confident about the potential of Jamaica's music industry to make significant contributions to the country's economy. Music is one of the eight priority industries identified by her group, which is looking for ways to expand these areas and their capacity to improve the welfare of Jamaica.

HOTEL AND TOURISM GROUP OPPOSES PRIVATE SECTOR PROPOSAL—01/02/12
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) have both made separate objections to a draft proposal from the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). The proposals would essentially eliminate tax waivers. The JHTA and JSE believe such an action would have a damaging effect on businesses. The PSOJ says that the concerns of the two organizations are premature and that the final proposal is likely to be very different from the current draft version.

NCBJ SHARE TRADE BROKERED BY NCBCM—01/04/12
Parties associated with the National Commerce Bank of Jamaica (MCBJ) sold J$60 million in bank shares in two transactions in a two-week period. This is the largest sale of such shares by connected parties in nine months. Analysts would only confirm that the deal was brokered by NCB Capital Markets and would not disclose the reason for the sale or the shareholder.

ISLAND TOURISM AUTHORITY TOUTING VACATION WITHOUT GADGETS—01/03/12

FAIR TRADE COMMISSION TO STOP MERGER OF CLARO AND DIGICEL—01/04/12

CARIBBEAN EXPO SHOWCASES DIGITAL MARKETING—01/05/12

MANYCAST, MIRIFICE TO OFFER SERVICE DELIVERY INTELLIGENCE—01/06/12

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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ROBOTICS FIRM CREATES CAT-GROOMING ROBOT—01/04/12
A remote-controlled robot known as Next-Gen NAO is the first product from Aldebaran Robotics. It is a remote-controlled robot that can be triggered into use through remote human gestures. Roboticist Taylor Valtrop of Aldebaran, a French company, has demonstrated the ability of a two-foot-tall NAO robot to become a remotely controlled cat-grooming machine. While cat-grooming may seem an odd choice for a robotics project, it illustrates the idea of an autonomous and affordable robot that could act as a personal assistant and perform tasks requiring a certain amount of finesse.

AT THE END OF 2011, 6 BILLION MOBILE PHONE SUBSCRIPTIONS—01/05/12
By the end of 2011, the number of mobile phone subscriptions totaled 5.9 billion, which is impressive considering there are 7 billion people in the world. The International Telecommunications Union found that subscriptions for mobile phones have penetrated 87 percent of the whole world and 79 percent of all developing nations. Mobile broadband subscriptions totaled 1.2 billion, an increase of 45 percent each year for the past four years. Korea has the fastest broadband access and the entire nation enjoys speeds of more than 10 Mbps. One-third of all people on earth use the Internet, with 45 percent of them under age 25.

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JAMAICAN HOUSE MUSIC MOVEMENT FUELED BY MARIO C—12/31/11
Mario C, a Dancehall producer, is leading a music movement known as Jam House. He believes this music will make a significant statement in local dance music circles and on the international level. House music has become increasingly popular and outsells most established music genres. The growth in popularity has been attributed to music from Rihanna, Martin Sloveig and Dragonette, and Pitbull. The music is called Jam House because it is a combination of dancehall and house music.

LAURYN HILL PREPARES TO PERFORM AT CHARITY CONCERT—01/04/12
Singer, songwriter and actress Lauryn Hill came to Jamaica to perform in the Shaggy and Friends Charity Concert on January 7, 2012. The concert will feature other international recording starts like Ne-Yo and Deniece Williams. It will be presented on the lawns of Jamaica House and is designed to raise funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, which is a beneficiary of the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation. Hill, 36, arrived with her six children and made the trip thanks to LIME, which has provided nearly $8 million to the Foundation.

SHAGGY TO "MAKE A DIFFERENCE" AS LONG AS HE IS NEEDED—01/05/12
Shaggy will provide another entertainment spectacular at Jamaica House on January 7, 2012. The line-up at this year's Shaggy Make a Different Foundation concert will include Grammy award winning gospel singer Deniece Williams. Shaggy's foundation, which is chaired by his partner Rebecca Packer, has attracted a line-up of major starts performing for free to benefit the Bustamante Hospital for Children. He said he would continue to operate the benefit event as long as his efforts are needed.

TONY REBEL LAUNCHES PEPSI REBEL SALUTE 2012—01/06/12
Tony Rebel of Flames Productions launched his Pepsi Rebel Salute 2012 at the Wyndham in New Kingston, aligning his personal anniversary with that of Jamaica's Independence. He said that Pepsi Rebel Salute 19 will differ from previous incarnations because of the independence celebration. Participating in the event will be Tarrus Riley and Queen Ifrica, Johnny Clarke, Yami Bolo, Gramps Morgan, and Luciano, among others.

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JAMAICANS PARTICIPATE IN U.S. OPEN COMPETITION—01/03/12
Jason Richardson, world 110-meters hurdles champion, and Jamaican Dwight Thomas are scheduled to face David Oliver in a 50-meter hurdles contest at the U.S. Open athletics competition. The first edition of the indoor meet is slated for January 28, 2012. Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown, both of Jamaica, will also participate at the Open competition.

BOLT RANKED AS TOP JAMAICAN SPRINTER IN 2011—01/04/12
Usain Bolt has been named the top male athlete for 2011 by the international track and field website www.all-athletics.com. The awards are based on the database website's overall ranking system.

COLLINS READY TO MEET POWELL IN SHOWDOWN—01/05/12
Kim Collins, sprint star from St. Kitts and Nevis, said he is looking forward to having a "showdown" with former World 100-meter record holder, Jamaica's Asafa Powell. Collins says he plans to take advantage of Powell's unfamiliarity with indoor competitions. He wants to "test" Powell over 60 meters, he said.

LORD COE ARRIVES FOR RACERS TRACK CLUB FUND-RAISER—01/06/12
The head of the committee organizing the Olympic Games in London for 2012, Lord Sebastian Coe, arrived in Jamaica to participate in the inaugural Racers Track Club fund-raiser and Zenith Awards Banquet. Coe who is also the senior vice-president of the IAAF and who had a major role in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, was invited by the University of the West Indies club and is slated to give the keynote address at the event.

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JAMAICAN JOBS
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ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

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DEVOTIONAL
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Pressing Forward to Knowing Christ

The calendar has rolled over and with that, 2011 is now in the past. As we close in on the first week of 2012, for some of us it seems nothing has changed. For others, there is a sense of expectancy as we anticipate the unfolding of the days and months ahead and the achievement of cherished goals and dreams. Armed with a new attitude and a new resolve, we feel assured that our faith in God will continue to allow us to live purposeful and rewarding lives. Regardless of how we choose to approach the New Year, one thing we cannot afford is to be complacent.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines complacency as "self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies." Whenever the child of God settles into this state, the enemy rubs his hands with glee. The apostle Paul demonstrated his unwillingness to be complacent when he wrote to the brethren in Philippi, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14, KJV). Like a runner exerting every bit of effort to get to the finishing line, Paul resolved to push ahead, to pursue and take hold of the prize.

In verses 7-11, the narrative speaks of the cherished prize. Here we see Paul forsaking and forgetting everything he was and had accomplished in his life. This he did "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."

Amidst everything else we desire for this year, what greater pursuit than to know Christ? Everything else pales in comparison. As Paul concludes, "So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also" (v. 15, The Amplified). This is a call not just to a head knowledge of Christ, but an intimate one; one that is rooted in the heart and ultimately transform the way we live. I invite all of us to pursue that above all else.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending December 30th, 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:35:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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LEADER OF PNP SUPPORTS RIGHTS OF GAYS—12/24/11
Just days before the General Election, People's National Party (PNP) leader Portia Simpson Miller said she had no problem with gay people serving in her administration. She said she would appoint gays to the government if they were right for the job. Simpson Miller said she has no intention of prying into the private business of anyone and noted that the PNP believes in protecting the human rights of all Jamaican citizens.

PHILLIPS WANTS SHAW OUT AS FINANCE MINISTER—12/25/11
Peter Phillips, Opposition spokesperson on finance, believes that Finance Minister Audley Shaw should join Mike Henry, the former transportation and works minister, and leave the Cabinet due to the scandal involving the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program (JDIP). Phillips told a large crowd of People's National Party (PNP) supporters that Shaw failed to protect Jamaican taxpayers and should leave his post.

FIVE CORPORATIONS DONATE $69 MILLION TO MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES—12/25/11
For the first time, six corporate entities in Jamaica disclosed that they donated millions of dollars to the two major political parties in the country. The large corporations voluntarily revealed how much each one has contributed to the political campaigns of the Jamaica Labor Party and the People's National Party. Sagicor Life Jamaica Group, Scotia Group Jamaica Ltd., ICD Group, GraceKennedy, and the JMMB Group donated a total of $69.5 million to the political parties, with the parties sharing equally in the proceeds from each corporate entity.

JEWISH COMMUNITY IN JAMAICA GETTING SMALLER, BUT PROFILE RISING—12/26/11
The Jewish community in Jamaica, along with that of Curacao, was the most important community of Jews in the New World, according to Jane Gerber, history professor and director of the Institute of Sephardic Studies at City University of New York's Graduate Center. Emigration and assimilation have reduced the once active Jewish center to its current number: 200. Jewish refugees began arriving during the Spanish Inquisition in the 1500s. The community reached its peak population in the 1800s when it numbered about 4,000.

GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST CRITICIZES ANTI-GAY SLANT IN RULING PARTY CAMPAIGN—12/27/11
Dane Lewis, the head of Jamaica's only gay rights group, leveled criticism at some of the candidates of the ruling party for the way they framed their campaigns to appeal to anti-gay constituents. Lewis, the executive director of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, said the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) candidates resorted to homophobic language as the general election nears.

HOLNESS, RULING PARTY PRESSURED IN GENERAL ELECTION—12/28/11
Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness is the youngest Prime Minister in Jamaica's history, and he is fighting hard to keep the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) in power in what is expected to be a close general election. The winner of the election will have to face major problems with the country's economy, which has failed to grow over the past four years. Recent polls show the Opposition People's National Party with 39-percent support of voters, compared to 35 percent for the JLP. The next Prime Minister will serve for five years.

JLP CANDIDATE FOR WEST PORTLAND RECEIVES DEATH THREATS—12/29/11
Daryl Vaz, the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) candidate for West Portland, reports having received death threats after requesting the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) to state whether it received funding from the international gay community. Vaz says he got two calls after that comment in which individuals criticized him for being against gay people and threatening his life. Vaz suggested that PNP President Portia Simpson Miller was responsible for bringing the issue of homosexuality into the election by saying the PNP would review Jamaica's buggery law and initiate a conscience vote on the matter in the legislature.

PNP WINS GENERAL ELECTION—12/30/11
The People's National Party (PNP) claimed victory in the general election even before final results were known. Reliable sources called the election in favor of the PNP, noting that in the number of declared seats, the PNP took 41, compared to 22 for the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP). PNP supporters began their celebrations early in the night, particularly happy about the win of Denise Daley over Sharon Hay-Webster, who had switched party allegiance from the PNP to the JLP in the reconfigured St. Catherine Eastern constituency.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICANS GO HOME FOR HOLIDAYS, NOT TO VOTE—12/25/11
A survey of 60 Jamaicans living abroad conducted by University of the West Indies researcher Dr. Herbert Gayle found that many Jamaicans who live abroad are traveling home for Christmas, but they are not returning to vote in the general election. Several of the survey's respondents specifically said they are "turned off" by Jamaican politics. Of the 30 men surveyed, 22 were not going home for Christmas or to vote, eight said they were going back for the holidays, and only five of them said they planned to vote. Only three of the women surveyed were traveling home for Christmas, and only two of them intended to vote.

WOMAN OUTRAGED AT HUSBAND'S ACQUITTAL—12/26/11
Cathy Lee Clayson claimed to be attacked by her husband on a lonely road near Montego Bay as they drove to the airport to return home to Canada. Her husband, Paul Martin, attempted to cut her throat and kill her during the attack. However, after a year-long ordeal, jurors did not believe Clayson's version of the story and acquitted her husband. Martin was arrested after the attack, but claimed an unknown robber had slit Clayson's throat while he was away from their vehicle taking photographs. Clayson, a mid-level manager at a bank in Toronto, returned to Canada after recovering from her wound. While Martin praised the judicial process as professionally and competently done, Clayson claims shoddy police work, a sleeping jury, and a defense attorney who went barefoot in court. She complained about the age of the courthouse and the fact there was no air conditioning. She called the proceedings "unprofessional" and "like a circus."

JAMAICANS FACE COURT FOR DRUG CHARGES IN TRINIDAD—12/27/11
Three individuals from Jamaica will appear before a magistrate on drug trafficking charges. The three were arrested in separate incidents. The first involved a search of a hotel room in Port of Spain where police found 342 grams of cocaine hidden in a sex toy. Police believe the man in question was waiting for a woman who would take the drugs out of the country. In another incident, a clothing salesman, 33, was arrested after arriving at the Trinidad airport in a motorized wheelchair. A search revealed 10.9 kilograms of marijuana in the battery compartment of the chair. The third case involved a man, aged 30, who also had a motorized wheelchair, which concealed 7.3 kilograms of marijuana in the battery casing.

ELECTION NEWS DELIVERED TO DIASPORA VIA SPECIAL SERVICE—12/29/11
Shade Software Solutions released a localized news and information service known at Ah Wha Gwan (AWG) in partnership with Copiers Limited Jamaica. The service is designed to make it easy for Jamaicans at home and overseas to access relevant local and international news. The service targets chiefly Jamaicans in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The product requires no configuration once installed on a computer and provides a packaged news portal that takes up very little space.

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U.S. COAST GUARD RETURNS HAITIANS, CUBANS TO HOME COUNTRIES—12/24/11

CUBA HOLDS BOOK FAIR FOCUSED ON CARIBBEAN CULTURE—12/25/11

CARIBBEAN AGENCY PLANS TO MOVE PAST FIFA BRIBERY SCANDAL—12/26/11

33 SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES ESTABLISH NEW COMMUNITY OF STATES—12/27/11

LATIN AMERICAN, CARIBBEAN JOURNALISTS HELPED BY KNIGHT CENTER—12/28/11

TAYLOR SUPPORTS WARNER IN CONDEMNING CFU—12/29/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JaRIA, FRENCH FIRM MAKE AGREEMENT ON FESTIVAL FOR 2013—12/25/11
Jamaica's music is appreciated in France, and in November 2000, it was noted that of the $150 million in uncollected performing rights fees in France, Jamaican artistes were owed as much as 15 percent of it. The Jamaica Recording Industry Association (JaRIA) and Association Reggae Sun Ska (ARSS) have now signed a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) in which Sun Ska becomes a foreign affiliate member of JaRIA and is charged with actively promoting the agency and encouraging similar European entities to join JaRIA as well. The agreement also includes requirements to collaborate on technical improvements and training in Jamaican music for music industry professionals in France.

TEA PRODUCER ADDS NEW LINE OF BUSINESS—12/26/11
Jamaican Teas Limited, a tea producing firm, has decided to diversify its business and enter the residential real estate market. The company plans to develop 18 studio apartments in Kingston in 2012 with an investment of J$120 million. According to John Mahfood, CEO of Jamaica Teas, the project is relatively small, and the risk is not excessively great, so it is attractive to the company, which acquired the under-half-acre property on Kingsway Avenue recently.

UTILITIES REGULATION OFFICE PROHIBITS BACK-BILLING BY JPS—12/27/11
The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) ordered the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to stop back-billing new account holders or anyone who shows an increase in consumption during the meter replacement program unless convincing evidence exists to indicate illegal abstraction of electricity or tampering with the meter. As of December 5, 2011, all new account holders should have their meters checked and new ones installed before the account is activated, if necessary, and the JPS can no longer back-bill in such cases.

TRADEMARK FEES DOUBLED BY JIPO—12/28/11
The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) plans to double the fees required to register trademarks as of March 1, 2012. The fees will increase from J$8,320 to J$17,800. This is an increase of 114 percent. The JIPO says that the fees remain competitive in relation to what is charged for the registration in other countries. The new fees are defined in the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2011. Applicants will not have to pay the entire fee up front, however, which is likely to help small business clients.

ST.KITTS AND NEVIS CONTINUE TO ENHANCE DIGITAL OFFERINGS—12/24/11

DIGICEL LAUNCHES BERMUDA LONG DISTANCE SERVICE - AGAIN—12/27/11

DIGICEL-CLARO MERGER OPPOSED BY FTC—12/28/11

GOVERNMENT BANS PEST CONTROL SUSTANCE—12/29/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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APPLE PRODUCTS ACCOUNT FOR 13 PERCENT OF ONLINE HOLIDAY PURCHASES—12/29/11
Apple's iPhone and iPad devices brought in 13 percent of all online purchases during the Christmas season in 2011. Seven percent of all online purchases were done via an iPad, while 6.4 percent were done on an iPhone. Android devices accounted for five percent of all online purchases on Christmas Day. Online sales on Christmas Day 2011 rose by 16.4 percent over 2010 totals on the same day.

VERIZON WIRELESS IMPOSES NEW FEE—12/30/11
Verizon Wireless has decided to impose a $2 fee on subscribers who want to pay their bills online or directly by telephone. A memo leaked by the company revealed details about the new plan. Starting January 15, 2012, customers who pay online or by phone will have to pay the extra fee for the privilege of paying their bills. Those who use autopay with a credit, debit, or AT&T card will not have to pay the fee. Customers who are making single payments online will receive notification of the fee before completing the transaction.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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HBO DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASES JAMAICA—12/24/11
During its 15 years, the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival has become a major marketing tool for the country. In 2011, its utility was furthered with the premier showing of an HBO documentary special called "One Love: Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival," which was presented to more than 300 million potential viewers over the cable network. The documentary brings viewers behind the scenes at the festival and shows them how the event comes together.

AFRICA INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH JAMAICAN ARTISTES—12/25/11
Many reggae artistes have portrayed Africa as the "motherland" and the location of black repatriation. Currently, Africa has become a destination of choice for Jamaican artistes. As other markets like Europe and the United States become less attractive due to the economic downturn, Africa and Latin America have become extremely viable alternatives. Many musicians performed in Africa in 2011, and African promoters are eager to have Jamaican artistes perform in their countries.

LOCAL HEALER FEATURED IN MINI COOPER CAMPAIGN—12/26/11
Joseph, an obeah man in Walderston, Manchester, has been interviewed by Vice Media Inc. of New York, and his interview is being used as a way to promote the 2013 Mini Cooper S Roadster. The campaign, which takes the cars around the world looking for unusual events and circumstances, was produced by Codine Williams, a Jamaican by birth, and involved traveling around the world to see how folk magic affected different cultures. The producer learned of Joseph through word-of-mouth and decided to interview him because of an interest in his practice of white magic.

STING EVENT STILL IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE—12/29/11
The organizers of Sting 2011 estimated that they would need at least 15,000 paying attendees if they were to avoid financial problems. After the show, Supreme Promotions revealed that over 12,000 people attended the event, and some of these represented ticket requests negotiated by the artistes to let their fans attend the concert. The show had a budget of about $30 million, with $12 million going to the stars. While the event gained in some areas, it lost in others. Isaiah Laing, head of Supreme Promotions, attributed the problems to a lack of sponsorship, although he praised the support of Rum Fire, the RJR Group, Boom Energy Drink, and the Wyndham Kingston for their contributions.

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SPORTS
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JAMAICANS COULD SWEEP LONDON OLYMPICS—12/25/11
In view of their amazing performances at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, it is conceivable that Jamaican athletes could take a large percentage of the medals at the London games in 2012. Jamaica has a real chance to make a clean sweep of the men's 100-meter race, if Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt, and Yohan Blake manage to stay injury-free and focused on the competition. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Kerron Stewart, and Sherone Simpson could accomplish a similar sweep in the women's events.

LAMBERT DISAPPOINTED AT T20 OMISSION—12/27/11
Tamar Lambert expressed his disappointment at not being included in Jamaica's 14-member Caribbean Twenty20 Championship squad. He was omitted from the team and relegated to the reserve bench although he performed well at the Regional Super50 in October. Lambert has been the most successful captain for Jamaica at the Regional 4-day tournament and led his club St. Catherine to the national T20 recently.

MATTHEWS SAYS BOLT WON"T WIN THIRD LAUREUS AWARD—12/28/11
Usain Bolt has won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award twice, but he does not have a chance to win a third award, according to Peter Matthews, editor of Athletics International Magazine. Bolt won the award in 2009 and 2010 for his performances at the Olympics in China and at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin. However, while he successfully defended his 200-meter world title in 2011, he lost the 100-meter first to Yohan Blake after being disqualified for a false start. This impacted his overall performance, said Matthews, and he did not meet his usual standards Therefore, Matthews said he would not vote for Bolt because 2011 wasn't his best year.

BOLT, TEAM TO BE BASED IN BIRMINGHAM FOR 2012 OLYMPIC TRAINING—12/29/11
Usain Bolt and his team will be living in Birmingham as they train for the 2012 Olympics. Birmingham University wants to ensure that Bolt gets everything he needs so he can perform his best at the games. Both Jamaican and American athletics teams will be based in Birmingham during the run-up to the Olympics. Bolt will have a bed built especially for him, and a Jamaican chef will be brought in to meet his dietary needs.

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"Remember Ye Not the Former Things"

As we stand on the threshold of another new year, some look back wistfully at the past year. Most of us would probably say the year has been one of mixed blessings; some successes interlaced with some failures. For others, it was a year of "what might have been." There are things we wished we had done differently, things we probably regretted saying and doing. Regardless of where we direct our thoughts, one thing is clear - we cannot go back in time and change anything that was or was not done.

In his reflection on time, American poet and educator Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) wrote, “Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear." However, centuries before, words to the same effect were spoken by the prophet Isaiah to the nation of Israel, "Thus saith the LORD . . . Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:16a, 18-19, KJV). There is something about focusing on the past that can often leave us in a position of complacency, and some of us can attest to that. We can become thoroughly satisfied with our successes, or mentally and emotionally crippled by our failures. We can spend so much time looking backward that we fail to move forward timely and effectively. There is a reason the rearview mirrors in cars are so small relative to the windshield. We glance back every now and again but we look in front. There are important lessons we can learn from our experiences and we should learn them, but let us not build tents around those experiences.

What are some of the things God wants us to forget? Our past losses, sorrows and sufferings; associations and traditions that hindered His working in our lives; the focus on self; past accomplishments and achievements that would distract us from offering glory to Him; and our failures, to name a few. As we begin the new year, God stands poised yet again to do new things that shall spring forth. If 2011 has been a year of failure and broken dreams, 2012 can be the opposite; if it was successful, there are more victories to be celebrated. We serve an awesome God to whom nothing is impossible (Jeremiah 32:26-27; Matthew 19:26).

Let us take God at His Word. Forgetting the former things and looking forward to the “new thing” He will be doing in our heart and lives. It is my prayer that He surprises us in ways far beyond anything we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20), and I pray that especially for you and yours for this New Year. He is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23).

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending December 23rd, 2011

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:55:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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ELECTION CONCERNS CLOUD HOLIDAY SEASON—12/17/11
According to Jamaican vendors and shoppers, the pending general election is having a depressing impact on the holiday season, limiting shoppers' excitement and joy about celebrations. Some individuals interviewed about their feelings said they would have rather hand the election later in 2012 because having it so early "ruined Christmas." The election has focused attention on concerns about crime and violence and economic conditions in the country.

MEDICS FROM BURMA ENJOY JAMAICA VISIT—12/18/11
Thirty physicians from Burma decided to celebrate their medical school reunion in Jamaica. The group entered medical school in 1971 and get together every year. The doctors came from as far away as Taiwan, the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. After taking in the cultural sights of the island during their visit, the doctors were treated to a farewell dinner by Jamaican physicians Soe Naung and wife Thwe in Montego Bay.

STORY OF JAMAICAN MAROONS TOLD IN FILM—12/20/11
Roy T. Anderson will soon release his film "Akwantu," the story of Jamaican Maroons. Anderson provided the funding for the film and narrated and directed it. The story takes viewers on a journey through Maroon, African, and Jamaican history. Vivian Crawford, executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, is happy the film was previewed during the Christmas season because this is the time to celebrate ancestry, she said. Colonel Frank Lunsden spoke on behalf of the Maroon community at the preview, saying Anderson's work showed "genuine passion."

SIMPSON MILLER WANTS JAMAICAN QUEEN AS NATION'S HEAD OF STATE—12/20/11
Portia Simpson Miller, Opposition leader, has called for the Queen of England to be removed as Jamaica's head of state. She has suggested replacing the English queen with a Jamaican Queen. Simpson Miller made her remarks in response to a question during a leadership debate. The question asked whether she believed Jamaica should move away from the Westminster government model. Simpson Miller said her party would act to remove the Queen of England as Jamaica's head of state, creating an opening for a potential Jamaican Queen.

JAMAICA MORE FOCUSED ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANGEMENT—12/21/11
A study from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) suggests that, since 2008, Jamaica has focused more attention on making improvements to environmental management in the country. According to the study report, this has occurred via the creation of new standards and regulations, enforcement of existing rules, greater environmental monitoring, and increased awareness among citizens and stakeholders. The report was developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It is the first report of its kind to be published in Jamaica since 2001.

MILLER SAYS ELECTORAL SYSTEM REFORM A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT—12/22/11
Errol Miller, Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), believes that Jamaica should be proud of its electoral system. The system has been improved considerably since universal adult suffrage was implemented in 1944. Miller said that the reform of the electoral process represents one of the great achievements of the Jamaican people since they gained independence. Miller noted that between 1944 and 1979, the electoral process in the country was managed in "colonial style" with a winner-take-all policy.

AGRICULTURE SECTOR ENHANCEMENTS A PRIORITY FOR JLP—12/23/11
The Jamaica Labor Party has stated that the most important priority it has for the Jamaican agricultural sector is to increased productivity by using technology, improved farming practices, and better access to markets. The JLP says it is committed to a broad application of technology to raise production. This will include greenhouses, hydroponics, and tissue culture, all of which seek to improve crop quality and yields, as well as to rationalize the utilization of scarce water resources on the island.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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OLD HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET FUNDING FROM DIASPORA—12/17/11
The Jamaican American Cultural Association (JACA), which is based in North Carolina in the United States, focuses on providing educational aid to children living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in Jamaica. The association was created a decade ago as a social group for Jamaicans living in the Charlotte area. It has recently provided scholarships for Christopher and Shantell Phoenix, brother and sister, Christopher Cameron and Sanjay Smith. The group began helping students in Charlotte and then expanded to provide aid to the Jamaican community.

SUSPECT IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING ARRESTED AT U.S. EMBASSY IN KINGSTON—12/18/11
Jamaican police, with the aid of United States law enforcement, are attempting to find 17 Jamaican children between the ages of five and 16 who were adopted and shipped to the U.S. by a woman believed to be part of a human trafficking ring operating in both nations. The scheme was discovered when the 53-year-old woman from the Pleasant District in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, was arrested at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. Her arrest occurred when she presented forged documentation to get an American visa for a 16-year-old girl she had recently adopted. The woman is believed to have operated the trafficking scheme for two years.

JAMAICAN WOMEN CLAIM "ROUGHING UP" BY ANTIGUA IMMIGRATION OFFICERS—12/19/11
Erica Atkinson and Shauntell Ferguson of Jamaica reported being badly treated by immigration authorities in Antigua. The women claim there were jailed, taunted, ridiculed, and exposed to dangerous health risks while in Antigua. The two traveled to Antigua to celebrate Atkinson's birthday; Ferguson said it was her first time leaving Jamaica. When they arrived at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, they were among a group of mostly female Jamaicans who were taken out of the immigration check-in lines and told to wait for a supervisor. After half an hour, a male supervisor and other immigration workers arrived and began searching the women, asking questions about their travel to the country and the people who were meeting them. Atkinson and Ferguson described the situation as "hell," citing poor treatment by these authorities.

NEW BOOK CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF JAMAICA'S HISTORY—12/20/11
A new book, "In Praise of Jamaica," examines the ancestry of the island and celebrates the achievements that individuals of Jamaican heritage have made over the past 50 years since Independence. The book was written by George Meikle, and it contains a mix of stories and photos. Its target audience is the large Jamaican Diaspora community and the travelers and tourists who visit Jamaica. The forward to the book was written by Judge Patrick Robinson, president of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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LEEWARDS INCLUDE SIX ANTIGUANS ON T20 SQUAD—12/17/11

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS ONLY CARIBBEAN EMBASSY IN KOREA—12/18/11

GROUP CLAIMING TO "CURE" GAYS SETS SIGHTS ON CARIBBEAN—12/20/11

ANTIGUA IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS RESPOND TO MISTREATMENT CLAIMS—12/21/11

CARIBBEAN FOOTBALL UNION TO IMPOSE ORDER AT FIFA—12/22/11

DUTCH MAGAZINE APOLOGIZES FOR RACIST SLUR AGAINST RIHANNA—12/23/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA UTILIZES SMART AID—12/18/11
Partnerships between the public and private sectors in Jamaica will be able to support small enterprises, bring technology to its schools, and make improvements in sanitation and clean water needs on the island. United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that aid to developing nations should be considered an investment that will encourage self-sustaining progress. USAID's work in Jamaica includes the creation of three public-private partnerships to enhance small enterprises, improve school technology offerings, and bring better sanitation and clean water to its citizens.

HOLNESS ENCOURAGES JAMAICANS TO USE NATURAL ASSETS—12/19/11
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is also leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), calls on Jamaicans to use their country's national assets to create a better life. Holness believes that the pending elections are intended to select the political party that will maximize Jamaica's talent and potential. He believes that the JLP is better suited to lead Jamaica to a more prosperous future and that it is the party that can deliver on its promises.

RED STRIPE SEES STRONG SALES IN CANADA—12/21/11
Diageo Plc has attributed a 15-percent increase in beer revenues in Canada to local subsidiary Red Stripe Jamaica. The increase has occurred despite an overall sales decrease in the nearby United States market. Consumers in the Canadian market drank more beer - specifically Red Stripe and Harp, an Irish beer - but fewer spirits during the year ending in July 2011. Canada, which has almost 10 times the population of Jamaica, represents a large, high-end market for the brand.

PROPOSED SUPER-MERGER OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SUPPORTED—12/22/11
A proposals to merge three government agencies into a single mega-agency to promote investment, finance and marketing, is getting the support of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA). Plans for the merger were introduced by the Jamaica Labor Party and include joining operations of Jampro, National Import-Export Bank of Jamaica (EXIM) and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). The merger was introduced as part of the party's election manifesto. The merger would result in cost savings and gains in efficiency, say supporters.

JAMAICAN BROADBAND TO IMPROVE—12/20/11

ENERGY PLANT INVESTMENT BY WISYNCO TO TOAL J$1 BILLION—12/21/11

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA'S MANSOOR DISCLOSES TECHNOLOGY PLANS FOR 2012—12/22/11

HBO, FLOW TO PARTNER AND PROMOTE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL—12/23/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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SPRINT TO DISABLE CARRIER IQ ON ITS PHONES—12/17/11
Sprint has decided to disable the Carrier IQ software on its mobile phones in response to customer concerns about privacy. While the company had defended the use of the software, Sprint decided that customer perception was more important than the data collected by Carrier IQ. When asked what "disabling" the software meant, spokesperson Stephanie Vinge-Walsh said that Sprint is no longer collecting any of the diagnostic information previously provided by Carrier IQ.

FOUNDER OF XEROX PARC DIES—12/22/11
Jacob Goldman, a physicist who founded the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), has died in Connecticut. Goldman was 90 years of age. He was known as a leader and supporter of innovative technology. He began PARC in 1970, a location famous in computer history for being the center that developed many technologies common today, including the first modern PC, laser printing, Ethernet, the graphical user interface (GUI), and the first WYSIWYG editor.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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BUJU BANTON CONTINUES HIS BATTLE AGAINST HIS DRUG CONVICTION—12/17/11
Reggae star Buju Banton is challenging his conviction on drug-related charges, and attorneys have filed an appeal in the United States. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is being represented by three lawyers led by David Oscar Markus. Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, firearms possession in the furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and using a phone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. The gun charge was dropped, and Banton is facing 10 years in prison for his conviction on the other charges. The defense claims he did not conspire to commit these offenses and that the United States government sought to entrap him.

JAMAICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY NOT "PURE," SAYS I-WAYNE—12/18/11
Reggae musician Clifford "I-Wayne" Taylor is not shy about saying what he thinks, and he is insisting that Jamaica's music industry lacks purity and substance. He issued remarks on the matter after the local release of his third studio album, "Life Teachings." I-Wayne said his time away from the local music scene has allowed him to see that it is not "authentic." He also believes fans enjoy the "nastiness" represented by current music, which is says is full of "filth." I-Wayne says he cannot allow fans to continue on this path because the future of younger generations is at risk.

SHAGGY EXCITED ABOUT 2012, GRAMMY NOMINATION—12/19/11
Orville "Shaggy" Burrell, international dancehall and reggae star, is continuing to enjoy a career and popularity that has spanned almost 20 years in the industry. He is hoping to build on his past glory by promoting his 10th studio album "Summer in Kingston," his fourth Grammy nomination for this album and a number of singles. His most recent Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album represents a "humbling' acknowledgement of everyone who worked to make the new album successful.

KARTEL TO PAY $15 MILLION IN DAMAGES, SAYS COURT—12/20/11
Vybz Kartel, popular deejay who is facing two murder charges, was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay damages totaling $15 million to Alton Salmon, Jamaican promoter, for failure to perform at a concert in Turks and Caicos in August 2009. Because Kartel breached his contract, Salmon says he suffered significant losses, due to presold tickets and a riot that occurred when Kartel did not perform as expected.

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WATSON SAYS JAMAICAN CLUBS SHOULD TARGET U.S. MAJOR SOCCER LEAGUES—12/17/11
JeVaughn Watson, member of the Reggae Boyz, believes that the Premier League clubs in Jamaica should target United States Major League Soccer (MLS) as a transitional market for players, rather than sending them to Europe. Some 14 Jamaicans currently play in the MLS, and three of them are involved in this season's championship game. Watson believes the U.S. developing status makes it a better fit for Jamaican players than Europe.

BLAKE RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR LAUREUS AWARD—12/18/11
Yohan Blake, Jamaica's IAAF World Championships 100-meter gold medal winner, has become the second Jamaican nominated for the Laureus Sports Award in the category of World Breakthrough of the Year. Blake took advantage of Usain Bolt's disqualification in the finals of the Daegu, South Korea, competition to become the youngest winner in history. He was 21. Blake also ran the second fastest 200-meter race ever, clocking 19.26 seconds in Brussels.

SAMUELS SCORES 15 IN PRE-SEASON WIN FOR CAVS—12/19/11
Samardo Samuels, a Jamaican who plays with the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, scored 15 points, seven rebounds, and three steals to help his team beat the Detroit Pistons 91 to 87 in an NBA pre-season game in Detroit. Eleven of the points were obtained via free throws.

BOLT STILL KING OF THE TRACK—12/20/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's super sprint star, is looking to win four gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012. Bolt is one of the world's most marketable sports personalities. He came back from a false start fiasco in Korean and plans to win four golds in London. Bolt, 25, made a strong comeback after being disqualified for a false start in the 100-meter final in Daegu, of which he was the defending champion. He went on to anchor the 4x100-meter relay team and brought the Jamaicans a new world record of 37/04 seconds in Daegu's final event.

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Reflections on Joseph, at Christmas

His part in the "Christmas story" seems rather insignificant. After all, he was not even the baby's father, just the betrothed husband of Mary, divinely chosen to be the mother of Jesus. According to Matthew's narrative, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 1:18, KJV). Joseph, who had not been sexually intimate with Mary, must have been stunned to find out his bride-to-be was pregnant. In the Jewish culture of the day, a violation of betrothal was considered adultery and breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce. It is no wonder that he "being a just and upright man and not willing to expose [Mary] publicly and to shame and disgrace her, decided to repudiate and dismiss (divorce) her quietly and secretly" (v. 19, The Amplified). Who could blame him? She could not hide the pregnancy. Soon everyone would know he had left her because of her perceived unfaithfulness.

"But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. . . . Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife. But he had no union with her as her husband until she had borne her firstborn Son; and he called His name Jesus" (vv. 20, 24-25). In one sense, this seemed like the perfect ending but it really was not. The gossip around the birth of Jesus continued for years as some of his hearers taunted him, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God" (see John 8:37-41, KJV). There were two major implications – Jesus was the product of fornication and they did not know who His father was. Traditionally, some suggested His father was a Roman soldier with whom Mary had an affair. Joseph had to live with the gossip and scandal as well. To those on the outside, he had married an adulteress.

We do not hear anything much of Joseph after the birth of Jesus. Yet isn't it amazing how his life and world were turned "upside down"? However, it was all part of a bigger plan; a divinely orchestrated plan by a God who steps into time and intervenes to accomplish His purposes. He found Himself a virgin who was a willing servant (Luke 1:26-38), and a just and upright man who would remain faithful despite the personal cost.

As we celebrate Christmas, and more importantly, the reason for the season, let us remember that the God who orchestrated events around the birth of Christ is the same God we serve today. Should He desire to order events in our lives and turn our worlds upside down to accomplish His purpose, would He find us willing? Just? Upright? That kind of surrender comes with a cost; just ask Joseph. Even so, I cannot think of a better place to be than in the nucleus of God’s will. Can you?

From my house to yours, a safe and blessed Christmas.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending December 16th, 2011

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:50:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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OVER 200 JAMAICAN POLICE FAIL POLYGRAPH—12/10/11
According to Justin Felice, Jamaica's Assistant Commissioner of Police, 217 police officers who volunteered to take lie-detector tests failed those tests in 2011. This represents 60 percent of the total 362 police who took the polygraphs. Felice did not say if the officers who failed would be subject to disciplinary action. Jamaica's police force has relied on lie-detector testing in its vetting process since 2008. In 2011, 62 officers were denied the right to re-enlist, while another 34 were charged with corruption, and seven were dismissed for failing the test.

PAROLE BOARD WANTS JOB RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON SEX OFFENDERS—12/11/11
The Parole Board in Jamaica wants the government to keep sex offenders from getting jobs in certain sectors once they have been released from prison. The Board wants the restrictions imposed particularly on criminals convicted in carnal abuse cases. According to retired judge Aven McKain, chair of the Parole Board, prevention is better than trying to cure the offenders. It has been reported that taxi and bus drivers, as well as conductors, have preyed on minors, luring them with the promise of free rides and quick money. The Board would bar sex offenders from working in these jobs.

CORNWAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES NEW BUS—12/12/11
A new Toyota bus has been received by the Cornwall Regional Hospital. The bus will be used to help with mental health care. According to Ken Douglas, regional director for the Western Regional Health Authority, a single bus is not adequate to fill the needs of the community, but the hospital plans to maximize the opportunity presented to serve the community. It plans to forge more partnerships to improve critical services like transportation in the area.

PENGELLEY CALLS FOR DEFINED JOB DESCRIPTION, QUALIFICATIONS FOR MP POST—12/13/11
Brian Pengelley, the president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, is supporting a call for a defined job description and list of qualifications for individuals who want to be elected as members of Parliament. Pengelley says that people aspiring to be MPs should receive clearly defined job descriptions and present quality profiles when they want to be elected representatives and legislators. The main qualification should be that these individuals are in good standing with Jamaica's laws, said Pengelley.

POLITICAL OMBUDSMAN READY TO TAKE ACTION—12/14/11
Herro Blair, political ombudsman, says that he has received at least 30 complaints involving shootings, bribes, injury, intimidation, and other violent acts in a single week of political campaigning across Jamaica. His office also received reports of party buses being stoned, damage being done to vehicles, and defacing of candidate billboards, says Blair. He noted that everyone is aware that the office of ombudsman now exists, and it is actively investigating reported incidents. Blair also plans to meet with both main political parties to establish standards of conduct for candidates and their supporters.

JAMAICAN ELECTIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY OAS—12/15/11
The Organization of American States (OAS) will be sending an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to observe Jamaica's General Parliamentary Elections, which are scheduled for December 29, 2011. The participation of the OAS was initiated via an invitation from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica. Lisa Shoman of Belize has been designated by OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza to act as Chief of Mission.

JLP GAINS SIX PERCENTAGE POINTS TO SURGE INTO LEAD—12/16/11
The Jamaica Labor Party appears on track to win the general election on December 29, 2011, gaining six percentage points in a month to take the lead over the Opposition. According to a recent poll, if the election were held today, 31 percent of voters said they would vote for the JLP, and another five percent said they probably would do so. Twenty-nine percent said they would vote for the People's National Party (PNP). This is the first time the PNP has trailed the JLP in a similar poll since 2007.

HOLNESS POPULAR CHOICE WITH MOST JAMAICANS—12/16/11
Almost half of Jamaicans polled believe they are in worse shape now than they were in 2007 when the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) was elected. However, most Jamaicans view the JLP as the better of the two major parties and more capable of managing the nation's affairs at this critical time. Forty-one percent believe the JLP will do a better job of governing, and 55 percent believe that Andrew Holness, current Prime Minister, deserves to be returned to his post.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN GETS POST ON ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE—12/10/11
Aston Hall, who was born in Jamaica, has been appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in Canada. He moved to Canada a year after the Charter of Rights and Freedoms became the nation's bill of rights in 1982. His appointment reflects the diversity of Canada and a major personal milestone for Hall. According to Audrey Campbell, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association, Hall is a "shining example" of what can be done with hard work and a commitment to excellence.

JAMAICAN DIES IN TRINIDAD WITH KILO OF MARIJUANA IN STOMACH—12/11/11
Glenmore Dufus, a Jamaican national who had complained of feeling ill when he arrived in Trinidad, but who refused medical attention at that time, was found dead at a home in San Juan with one kilo of high-potency marijuana in pellets in his stomach. Investigators were told that Dufus said he felt unwell on November 26, one day after arriving in Trinidad, but he refused all attempts to take him to a doctor. He was found dead of acute marijuana poisoning as the result of a ruptured stomach at his friend's home on November 27, 2011.

AMERICAN WOMAN AND HER JAMAICAN HUSBAND SEPARATED BY VISA RULES—12/12/11
Questions were raised by staff at the United States Embassy when a Jamaican man married a woman from Los Angeles who is 15 years older than he is. Jenny and Jason Messam were wed in January 2010 in Jamaica, but he has been unable to receive a visa that would allow him to move to the U.S. Immigration officials had originally approved the visa petition, but workers at the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica became suspicious about the motives of the couple after interviewing them and examining phone records, photos, and emails. The workers suspected that the marriage was a fraud, but the Messams say that despite appearances to the contrary, their marriage is real.

UK SEES CELEBRATIONS OF JAMAICA 50—12/14/11
The United Kingdom is ready to celebrate the British portion of the global celebrations to honor Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence. The celebration is scheduled to begin in January 2012 and continue throughout the entire year. Several major cities in the UK will participate, including London, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, and Reading. The celebration will include concerts, fashion shows, sports events, lectures, balls, dinners, and a cultural summer camp for young people.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN NATIONS WANT END TO U.S. EMBARGO OF CUBA—12/10/11

OPRAH WINFREY, LOUIS FARRAKHAN TO MAKE SEPARATE VISITS TO HAITI—12/11/11

SUGA INDUSTRY WORRIED ABOUT SUGAR QUOTA ABOLITION BY EC—12/12/11

OPRAH WINFREY SAYS PRESIDENT OF HAITI ASKED HER TO RETURN—12/13/11

PRISON GUARDS IN HAITI WAIT FOR VERDICT IN MASSACRE CASE—12/14/11

CARIBBEAN-CUBA SUMMIT SUCCESSFUL, SAYS CARICOM CHAIRMAN—12/15/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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BAUXITE SECTOR EXPECTED TO STABILIZE IN 2012—12/10/11
The Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Company has predicted a stable year for 2012 due to a rise in sales, which increased by 27 percent to US$115 million from January to September 2011. The prediction is based on future orders. While the firm's customers continue to be cautious about 2012, indications suggest that the consumption rates in North America are stable, according to Noranda management.

INTERNET SHOPPING SERVICE LAUNCHED BY EDA—12/11/11
The only all-cargo airline in Jamaica, Exec Direct Aviation Services Ltd. (EDA), is diversifying in its product offerings to include a new online shopping, package, and mail forwarding service. The firm has introduced "ShipMe," a service providing its clients with access to Internet shopping. The service is different from its competition because it can integrate its own aircraft for the transportation of customers' purchases from the United States to Jamaica. This is a faster and more efficient means of delivery for such purchases.

JRC SELLS OFF ASSETS TO FINANCE RAIL SERVICES—12/12/11
The Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) is selling off its non-core assets in order to fund a reinstatement of rail services to certain communities across the country. Officials state that the sell-off includes property valued at approximately $3 billion. The firm wants to sell four land parcels valued at $274.1 million. The proceeds of the sales will be used to rehabilitate and maintain locomotives, passenger cars, station buildings, and other facilities providing services to the public.

JAMAICA WANTS TO REDUCE TRADE GAP WITH JAPAN—12/13/11
The global recession has been cited as the reason for the large decrease in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Jamaica and highlights the importance of the Japan-Caricom Economic Investment Mission to Jamaica. FDI has dropped from US$1436.6 in 2008 to $227.7 in 2010. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, have given credit to Japan's ambassador to Jamaica, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, for having a major role in arranging the mission to Jamaica, which is designed to find investment opportunities.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IS ANSWER TO UNEMPLOYMENT, SAYS BUCHANAN—12/11/11

JUNIPER NETWORKS CHOSEN BY LIME FOR ADVANCED TV SERVICES—12/12/11

EUROPEAN AUTHORITIES, U.S. BUILT "WALL" AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKERS—12/14/11

NORANDA ENCOURAGES GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY—12/15/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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POWERFUL SOLAR ARRAY MADE OF TINY SOLAR CELL "DOTS"—12/15/11
Engineers are using a technique first created for printing flexible electronics to reinvent the way solar energy is concentrated. Semprius has designed very small solar cells, each one the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen, to convert 41 percent of solar energy into electricity, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Semprius is building a factory in North Carolina to make these concentrating solar arrays via "micro-transfer printing." The method can be used to improve LED lighting, computer hard drives, and sensors for medical devices as well.

EXPERT SAY EVEN HANDS-FREE DEVICES DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING—12/16/11
Recommendations from auto safety experts now promote a total ban on cell phone use by drivers. The recommendation extends to hands-free devices as well, as studies continue to show that distracted drivers cause accidents and threaten the public's safety. All five members of the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States approved the ban after a highway crash in Missouri in which two people died. The driver of the vehicle was found to have sent and receive 11 text messages in the 11 minutes before the accident.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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JAMAICAN MUSIC WEBSITE STARTS ONLINE DISTRIBUTION—12/11/11
Jamaicanmusic.com has expanded into digital distribution, leveraging the site's popularity to increase sales of Jamaican music. The site wants to encourage people to buy the music in addition to providing a venue for music promotion. It is partnership with Dubshot, a digital distributor for several record labels.

CELINE DION TO PLAY JAZZ AND BLUES FEST IN JAMAICA—12/12/11
Celine Dion as agreed to perform at the 16th annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, scheduled to January 26-28, 2012, at Greenfield Multi Purpose Stadium in Trelawny. Cee-Lo Green, the Temptations Revue, and Earl Klugh will also perform at the festival.

VYBA KARTEL FACES YET ANOTHER NEW CHARGE—12/14/11
Vybz Kartel, Jamaican dancehall entertainer, has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, as well as attempting to pervert the course of justice. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is being charged along with Vanessa Saddler (Gaza Slim). Saddler told police that she had been assaulted by Clive "Lizard" Williams, the man allegedly murdered by Kartel. It has been alleged that she made up the story to help with the defense of Kartel in the murder case.

JAMAICAN JAZZ AND BLUES SUPPORTED BY SHAGGY—12/15/11
Shaggy, Jamaican dancehall star, has hailed the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival as one of the last places supporting reggae music and other musical genres and culture. He has spoken about the importance of the 2012 festival in the promotion of reggae music around the world. Shaggy is scheduled to appear at the Festival in Trelawney, which will be held from January 26-28, 2012.

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GAYLE LIKELY TO MISS T20—12/10/11
Chris Gayle will likely not play for the home team of Jamaica in the Caribbean Twenty20 Championship in January 2012. It has been reported that Gayle will not be released by the Sydney Thunders franchise during the Big Bash, which will be underway in Australia at the same time as the regional tournament is going on. The unavailability of Gayle for the Twenty20 nearly rules him out of the Twenty20 World Cup in September 2012 in Sri Lanka as well.

BLAKE NAMED TOP MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR—12/11/11
Yohan Blake was named as the top male athlete of 2011, ahead of his training partner Usain Bolt, by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). Bolt was name the World Male Athlete of the Year. The JAAA felt that Bolt did not do enough to best Blake in this competition. Blake won the World 100 title in South Korea after Bolt's false start disqualified him from the race. Blake also had the second-fastest 200-meter performance of all time at 19:26 seconds.

MCCARTHY THE ONLY NEWCOMER TO JAMAICA IN REGIONAL T20—12/12/11
Andre McCarthy, a middle order batsman, is the only newcomer to Jamaica's senior cricket squad of 14 members scheduled to compete in the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament in Antigua and Barbados. McCarthy, 24, plays for Melbourne and had previously missed the chance to make the Jamaican team.

JORDAN MAY MAKE ATTEMPT AT NBA—12/13/11
Jamaican Jerome Jordan could return to the New York Knicks basketball team by Christmas 2011 and play for the NBA. He has spent about a year and a half in Europe on loan to Krka of Slovenia for the season. However, due to an opt-out clause in his contract, Jordan is allowed to return to the Knicks when the lockout ends.

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RADIO ENGINEER

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION/UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR

ANAESTHESIOLGIST

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DEVOTIONAL
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What Is On God's Mind?

With just over a week before Christmas, the shopping malls are a buzz of activity. Retailers are trying hard to separate shoppers from their hard-earned dollars, and astute shoppers are mall hopping in search of the best deals. In some places the strains of Christmas carols seem to be everywhere, much to the delight of those who love this time of year and to the chagrin of those who are thinking "enough already!" Some people bemoan the commercialization of Christmas, and with good reason. For the most part, it seems many people have forgotten what it is all about.

Christians, generally speaking, are not immune from being caught up in the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. Yet as we go about shopping for gifts for the people in our lives we hold dear, and making plans for family dinners and get-togethers, I find myself wondering, "What would be on God's mind?" In Matthew 25, after a series of parables, we read of Jesus telling His disciples about the separation of nations as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats; the sheep on the right and the goats on the left (vv. 31-33). The narrative continues, "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (vv. 34-40, KJV).

I believe what is on God's mind is that as we prepare for Christmas, let us take some time to remember those who are less fortunate. Maybe we can buy an extra gift to donate to a toy drive, donate some food to our local food banks, or reach out to someone or a family in need. It will not ruin your Christmas. I guarantee you, it will make you feel a lot better to know you have made a difference in at least one person's life.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Our challenge is to go out there and do it.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending December 9th, 2011

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:40:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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CHARLES SAYS NO WORK PERMITS ISSUED TO UNSKILLED EXPATRIATES—12/03/11
Pearnel Charles, Jamaica's Minister of Labor, says his ministry has not issued work permits to unskilled expatriates to work for China Harbor Engineering Ltd. on the Palisadoes Shoreline Project. Phillip Paulwell, People's National Party Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, said problems were occurring because of an imbalance in the number of Chinese workers on the project compared to Jamaican workers. Paulwell says he has pictures of Chinese individuals performing manual labor at the Palisadoes site. Charles says only 24 work permits were issued for that project, and these were for professional engineers from China. Work permits are not granted to unskilled expatriates, he said.

HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS LOCAL JAMAICAN FOOD EVENT—12/03/11
Bog Walk High School in St. Catherine was the site of a showcase of traditional Jamaican foods at the Eat Jamaican Day Expo. The event was hosted by the Jamaican Agricultural Society (JAS). Students helped to prepare several dishes and pastries, including cassava pudding and ginger bulla. Denise Fullwood, head of the home economics department, led the cooking efforts, stating that the school wanted to show off creative and unique Jamaican foods.

CPI RANKING STILL LABELS JAMAICA AS CORRUPT—12/04/11
Jamaica had scored 3.3 out of a possible 10 and a country ranking of 85 out of 182 countries in the 2011 Global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) Rankings. In 2010, Jamaica had a CPI score of 3.3 as well and ranked 87 out of 178 countries. The index ranks nations according to the perceived level of corruption in the public sector. This is determined through surveys and other assessments involving questions about bribery of public officials, embezzlement of public funds, and kickbacks in public dealings.

HOLNESS ANNOUNCES ELECTIONS TO BE HELD DECEMBER 29, 2011—12/05/11
Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, who has been in office less than two months, has announced that general elections will be held on December 29, 2011. Holness became Prime Minister when the former office holder Bruce Golding resigned. Holness said the nation is ready for progress and development and a positive future. Nominations for the election will be held on December 12. The two main parties in Jamaica will field more than 120 candidates for Parliament combined.

CHANG BELIEVES DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION SUSPICIOUS—12/06/11
Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government, says the destruction of documents at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is suspicious, and he wants to know why the documents were destroyed at the agency. Mystery surrounds the NSWMA just a day after gunmen entered its offices, tied up a security guard, stole computers, and then set fire to files. Chang believes it is strange that someone would want to damage the documents, and he says he needs to know the reason. Police and fire officials are conducting investigations, with reports expected in the near future.

AMERICAN SPY PLANE SECRETLY VIDEO-TAPED TIVOLI GARDENS MASSACRE—12/07/11
Somewhere in the United States' Department of Homeland Security there is a videotape that was taken by a secret spy plane during the battle of Tivoli Gardens on May 24, 2010. This tape could shed light on whether security forces in Jamaica killed 73 members of a crime syndicate that day, or innocent residents who were victims of house-to-house fighting. More than 500 Jamaican soldiers went into the neighborhood on a mission to capture Christopher "Dudus" Coke, local gang leader. The mission resulted from pressure from the U.S. to take Coke, since he had been indicted on charges of operating an international drug ring. The contents of the video have never been revealed to the public.

GRANGE INTERVENES IN CASE OF ACKEE THIEF—12/08/11
Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaican Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, has intervened in the case of Junior Christie, 30, who was sentenced to three months in prison for stealing ackees from a farm on the property of King's House, the home of the Governor-General of Jamaica. Grange acknowledged that the theft was serious, but also believed there was "room for compassion" and that bail should be granted to Christie. As a result of her action, Christie was given a bail of $30,000 by Judge Judith Pusey, the same judge who had handed down his earlier sentence. He will be able to stay out of jail while his case is in appeal.

DESPITE EARLIER DENIALS, HOLNESS ADMITS JAMAICA APPROVED SPY PLANE USE—12/09/11
In spite of earlier denials by Dwight Nelson, Jamaica's National Security Minister, Prime Minister Andrew Holness admitted that Jamaica made an agreement with the government of the United States to perform surveillance during security operations in Tivoli Gardens during Coke extradition process. A spy plane from the United States was conducting surveillance in Tivoli Gardens on May 24, 2010, during the security operation. In 2010, Daryl Vaz, who was the Information Minister at the time, also denied that Jamaica received any external help during the mission.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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ZOO IN VIENNA FEATURES SMUGGLED JAMAICAN PARROTS—12/06/11
A shipment of rare Jamaican parrots smuggled off the island as eggs was intercepted at a Vienna, Austria airport. The eggs were discovered in the suitcases of two Slovak men who posed as tourists returning from a vacation in Jamaica. The price for such parrots on the global black market ranges from 4,000 euros to 15,000 euros each, compared to 500 euros per egg in Jamaica. The discovery of the eggs indicates that customs officials are having considerable success in protecting endangered animals from smugglers.

CARIBBEAN LAWMAKERS UPSET ABOUT RACIST FACEBOOK COMMENTS—12/07/11
Caribbean legislators in New York are outraged about racist comments posted on Facebook by some New York City police officers who had been assigned to work at the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn in September 2011. Some of the officers called the parade-goers "animals" and "savages." Yvette D. Clarke, United States Congresswoman from the 11th District in Brooklyn and daughter of Jamaican immigrants, expressed her outrage at these Facebook posts. She said the comments illustrate that some police have bigoted perceptions of the communities they are sworn to serve, which has negative implications for people living in those communities.

HOTELIERS UPSET AT UK'S 8-PERCENT INCREASE IN "AIRLIFT TAX"—12/08/11
Caribbean hoteliers have expressed their anger at the decision of the United Kingdom to alter the Air Passenger Duty (APD) banding structure and impose an increase of eight percent beginning in April 2012. The increase will apply to access costs to the Bahamas for visitors from Britain and Europe. This is about eight percent of the total stop-over visitors to the Bahamas, according to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). The decision runs counter to the UK's stated goal of improving relations with independent Caribbean nations and British Overseas Territories.

STUDENT SENSITIVITY TRAINING COMPLETED AFTER BLACK-FACE INCIDENT—12/09/11
About 30 students at HEC Montreal who had painted their faces black in order to pretend to be Jamaican champion sprinter Usain Bolt during a freshman event have now finished classes in racial sensitivity training. The incident, which was posted on YouTube, received nationwide attention and prompted an official apology from the school. HEC created a special racial awareness program that was designed in part by Vivian Barbot, Haitian-born former Member of Parliament and specialist in intercultural training.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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LATIN AMERICAN LEADERS DISCUSS ECONOMY AT CELAC MEETING—12/03/11

VENEZUELA PLANS TO BOOST OIL REFINING, STORAGE IN CARIBBEAN—12/04/11

NEW PRIME MINISTER IN ST. LUCIA SEES CHALLENGING FUTURE—12/05/11

CHAVEZ CONFIRMS DEAL WITH EMBRAER FOR 20 COMMERCIAL PLANES—12/06/11

COURT IN CARIBBEAN TAKES SIDE OF U.S. INVESTORS—12/07/11

FOR TORONTO, DECEMBER 5-10 IS CARIBBEAN WEEK—12/08/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA MISSES OUT ON $500 MILLION GINGER EXPORT DEAL—12/03/11
Jamaica has missed an opportunity to obtain US$6 million per year to supply ginger to a drinks company based in the United States and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, the largest in the world by market capitalization. Currently, Jamaica provides only 10 percent of its potential export demand. According to Chris Reed, founder and CEO or Reed's, he had tried to use authentic Jamaican ginger but could find no consistent suppliers. He also ran into problems linked with suppliers' getting an export license for ginger.

AMERICA MOVIL, DIGICEL AGREE TO ASSET SWAP—12/04/11
Digicel and America Movil (AM), a mobile firm based in Mexico, have agreed to transfer assets in Honduras and Jamaica. AM will acquire Digicel's mobile unit in Honduras and agreed to sell Claro, its Jamaican subsidiary to Digicel. In March 2011, AM agreed to acquire all of Digicel's operations in Honduras and El Salvador.

GOVERNMENT TO BOOST TOURISM IN JAMAICA—12/07/11
The Jamaican government will spend substantial amounts of money to enhance its tourism industry in order to create more jobs in the country. Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister, stated that the government initiatives will create as many as 20,000 new jobs. Investments in the tourism industry will encourage additional growth, according to Easyvoyage, a local online travel review firm.

OHIO-BASED FIRM TO BUILD CALL CENTER IN JAMAICA—12/08/11
According to Christopher Tufton, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, a global outsourcing firm based in Ohio, Convergys Corporation, plans to construct a call center expected to employ 1,000 Jamaicans. The building will start in 2012, and the company is putting $20 million into the project in Montego Bay. Currently, call centers in Jamaica employ some 11,000 workers.

HOTELS MAKE EFFORT TO "GO GREEN"—12/04/11

TECHNOLOGY FORUM SPONSORED BY IDB—12/07/11

ICT GAINS MOMENTRUM IN CARIBBEAN—12/08/11

NET BILLING OPENS THE DOOR FOR GREATER USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY—12/09/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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FACEBOOK TO INTRODUCE TIMELINE FEATURE IN NEW ZEALAND—12/07/11
Facebook's long-awaited Timeline is being introduced to users in New Zealand, hoping for a broader roll-out in the near future. Timeline reflects Facebook's total overhaul of user profiles and its effort to give people a way to represent their entire life in one place. They will be able to go to a single location to see friends, photos, relationship status, and other items. These are shown in chronological order, so users can view a month, a day, or a year.

SETI PROGRAM RESTARTS, TARGETS KEPLER 22-B—12/08/11
The search for intelligent life in the universe is back on track with the restarting of SETI's Allen Telescope Array (ATA). ATA ceased operation in April 2011 due to budgetary constraints at the University of California, but SETI is now back in business because of fund-raising efforts on the Internet. The SETIStars program has raised over $200,000 in online donations. The program will focus on Keplet 22-b, a planet 600 light years away from Earth with a temperate climate that some scientists believe could host life.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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STUDIO 38 CELEBRATES ITS SUCCESS—12/03/11
Founded in 2009, Studio 38 has managed to become the center of entertainment for a wide range of music lovers who recognize the bistro for its excellent musical offerings. Since its opening, Studio 38 has hosted over 50 concerts that featured the greatest Jamaican acts available. The club focuses on presenting major Jamaican and international acts in intimate settings. Beres Hammond, Melba Moore and Freddie Jackson, Assassin, Etana, Chalice, and Beenie Man are just a few of the acts that have been featured at Studio 38.

BROTHER, SISTER WANT TO CARVE OWN NICHE IN MUSIC VIDEO INDUSTRY—12/06/11
Adrian and Amanda Lopez are a brother and sister who hope to create their own niche in Jamaica's growing music video industry. The siblings started Liquid Light Digital, a production company based on their training and experience about 11 years ago and were one of the first firms to bring animation and special effects expertise to Jamaica at a time when most of the work was outsourced to other countries. Beginning with a focus on computer-generated imagery (CGI), they have expanded into episodic television and continue to push the creative envelope to make their work stand out.

MUSIC PUBLISHING STARTUP WANTS TO RAISE $140 MILLION IN IPO—12/07/11
Caribbean 2 World (C2W), a startup music publishing company, is planning to raise as much as $140 million by offering 25 percent of the firm to the public. The firm plans for an IPO in late December 2011 or early January 2012 on the Junior Stock Exchange. The company has yet to generate any revenue, but expects to be profitable in its third year of operations. Shares will be listed at about $1.20 each.

PHILIP "FATIS" BURRELL, RECORD PRODUCER, DIES—12/08/11
The Jamaican record producer, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, who died of a stroke at age 57, was one of the most important producers in the era of digital dancehall music. He was admired for the quality of his work during a time when Jamaican music was produced chiefly with quick profits in mind. He was chiefly responsible for promoting the careers of artistes like Luciano, Sizzla Kolanji, and Capleton.

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SPORTS
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DEAF ATHLETES COMPETE IN NATIONAL SPORTS DAY—12/03/11
Deaf athletes from all over Jamaica met at Manchester High School to participate in National Sports Day. This was the second year of the event, which was organized by Deaf Sports Jamaica (DSJ). The event included netball, basketball, recreational table tennis, six-a-side football, and athletics, and all competitions were conducted fairly and with fun. Some 350 athletes participated in the event, most coming from Kingston, Brown's Town, May Pen, and Mandeville.

PYNE, HENRY MOVE UP IN WORLD BADMINTON RANKINGS—12/06/11
Jamaicans Charles Pyne and Gareth Henry have both moved up the ranks among world badminton stars. Pyne has risen from 131 to 115, while Henry moved from 158 to 154. Both players will next compete in the Yonex Canadian International Challenge, which is scheduled for December 13 to 17, 2011.

PHILLIPS, AUSTIN MAKING GOOD SHOWING IN NORWAY—12/07/11
Jamaican infielders Rodolph Austin and Demar Phillips each scored seven goals at the 2011 Norwegian Premier League, the Tippeligaen. Austin, 26, had a solid performance for SK Brann, finishing fourth in the league by providing four assists and four penalty conversions. Phillips, 28, had seven goals in 22 matches for Aalesunds FK.

POTENTIAL EARLY 2012 RACE BETWEEN BOLT, BLAKE—12/08/11
According to Glen Mills, the trainer of Jamaican runners Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, the two sprinters could be pitted against each other in a race earlier than expected in 2012. This would offer fans a preview of events at the London Olympics. Bolt and Blake are scheduled to compete at the Jamaican Olympics in June 2012 and in London in August, but Mills indicated they could meet before then, depending on their managers' agreements and the money involved.

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"God Hath Made Me to Laugh"

When was the last time God did something for you that was so ridiculously miraculous that you just had to laugh? You know, one of those situations in which everybody who could offer an opinion declared the situation dead and buried, but God came through as He said He would. It was a time when it would have been easy to have given up on God, to look at the realities of situations that seemed so out of line with the promises of God, to yield to the voice of those who like Job's wife pose the question, "Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die" (Job 2:9, KJV). Yet, we held on. Not necessarily because we were not tempted to give up, but just because we kept on believing that if God said it, regardless of how things may seem, He can be trusted to bring it to pass.

Those thoughts came to mind as I reflected on Sarah’s response to the birth of her son, Isaac. By this time her husband, Abraham, was one hundred years old and she, ninety. Not being able to bear children in her younger days, it was now humanly impossible for her to conceive in her twilight years. The narrative affirmed, "Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age" (Genesis 18:11), so much so that a year earlier when the LORD renewed His promise that they would be parents, Sarah laughed within herself and mused, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?" (Genesis 18:12, The Message). If anything was dead, her womb certainly was and as far as she was concerned, her husband's virility as well.

Yet, if ever there was a situation that was perfect for a miracle, this was it. It would be fair to say that this golden-aged couple, spurred on my the promise of God, did what they had to do and in a matter of months, Sarah did conceive and later on gave birth to Isaac just as the LORD said she would. The narrative tells us, "And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age" (Genesis 21:6-7, KJV). Her former laughter was one filled with incredulity, her latter laughter was one of thanksgiving.

"And Sarah said, God hath made to laugh." That could be your testimony as well. In the midst of the hopeless situation you face, what has He told you? If you can stay the course with Him while doing your part, He will make you laugh and those who hear will laugh with you. Just ask Sarah.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending December 2nd, 2011

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:30:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SAVING "HERITAGE CLOCKS" IN JAMAICA—11/26/11
Phillip Martin, American engineer, historian, and horologist, has focused on the need for Jamaica to preserve its "heritage clocks," many of which have been neglected for some time. Martin has identified some 30 clocks that are between 50 and 60 years old and some date back 150 years. He believes the clocks should be restored because they represent important elements in the history of the island. Martin particularly noted the poor condition of the clocks at St. Andrew Parish Church and Falmouth Parish Church as examples.

ROBOTHAM SAYS CURRENT POLITICAL PROCESS UNABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS—11/27/11
Don Robotham, professor of anthropology and former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, believes that the current political process in Jamaica cannot resolve the nation's problems. It is unable to put in place the types of policies and programs required unless there a broad range of Jamaicans are represented and participate in finding solutions. Robotham also said the coming election is too important to be left to politicians, and he called for more active participation from citizens.

COURT DECIDES NEPA IN BREACH OF RULES—11/28/11
Jamaica's National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has been found in breach of local environmental laws when it approved the expansion of roads and other coastal improvement works in the Palisadoes Port Royal Protected Area without obtaining input from the public. Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) took NEPA to court over the issue and won its case against the agency. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act, the public must be consulted about all developments that require environmental licensing and permits.

PARTY TALKS IN LIMBO, SIMPSON MILLER ISSUES ULTIMATUM—11/29/11
The official discussions occurring between the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and the opposition People's National Party (PNP) have been threatened by Portia Simpson Miller, president of the PNP. Simpson Miller stated she will not conduct business with the government until it removes itself from issues relating to the National Youth Council of Jamaica (NYCJ). She described the cancellation of a forum at NYCJ by the government as representative of its dictatorial and censoring activities and say these must be stopped. Simpson Miller was scheduled to speak at the forum.

TRANSPORT AND WORKS MINISTER RESIGNS—11/30/11
Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works and chairman of the ruling party, has resigned following allegations that the Ministry mismanaged a road program funded by China. Henry cited "ongoing attacks" on the management of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program in his resignation. The program involved $400 million in loans from China to be paid over a five-year period for upgrading Jamaican roads.

ENGINEERING PROJECT AWARD RECEIVED BY WIGTON WINDFARM—12/01/11
The Engineering Project of the Year Award sponsored by the Jamaica Institution of Engineers (JIE) has been given to Wigton Windfarm Ltd. The company won the award for its 18-megawatt windfarm expansion project, which represents US$47.5 million in investments. The project involved installing nine 2-megawatt wind turbines, upgrading an existing 69-kilovolt transmission line, constructing a new substation, building two kilometers of a new access road, and creating a resource center focused on renewable energy training and technology transfer.

COUNSILLOR OF JAMAICA LABOR PARTY STABBED TO DEATH—12/02/11
Ryan Beadle, a councilor/caretaker of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) for St. Ann's Claremont Division, has been stabbed to death. His body was found next to his car in the Golden Grove community in St. Ann. There were a number of stab wounds, and his throat was cut. Police are investigating the death.

APPOINTMENT TO MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND WORKS SURPRISES SHAHINE—12/02/11
Shahine Robinson, Member of Parliament for northeast St. Ann, stated that she was surprised when Prime Minister Andrew Holness recommended her for the position of Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works. Holness made his recommendation to Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, and Robinson's appointment was to go into effect immediately. The appointment of Robinson to the post follows the resignation of the previous ministry head, Mike Henry.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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DELEGATION FROM JAMAICA TRAVELS TO SINGAPORE—11/26/11
Arthur Williams, Jamaica's Minister responsible for Public Service and Information, is leading a delegation on a study tour of Singapore's public sector. The tour was recommended by Minh Pham, the resident representative to Jamaica of the United Nations Development Program. Pham believed that the public sector in Jamaica would benefit from contact with authorities in Singapore, since that nation is known around the world for best practices within that sector. The Jamaican delegation will visit government entities similar to those in the home country.

HUMAN RIGHTS CASE WOND BY DRUG DEALER IN THE UK—11/27/11
Andre James, a drug dealer and gun criminal, has convinced judges in the United Kingdom that if he was deported to his home in Jamaica, he would be more likely to reoffend. The Home Secretary wanted James removed from the UK after he was put in jail in 2007 for the possession of a gun and ammunition, supplying Class A drugs, carrying a knife in pubic, and possessing criminal property. However, the court also allowed James to stay in the UK on "human rights" grounds, since he has two children in Britain and his family life would be damaged if were forced to return to Jamaica.

JAMAICAN FARM WORKERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE WORRY ABOUT VISAS, TAXES—11/28/11
Among the thousands of farm laborers who come to the United States in the federal government's H-2A visa program for agricultural workers, are many Jamaicans who work in the U.S. legally for eight months of the year and return home for the remaining four months. Because they earn a prevailing wage of $10.25 per hour in the U.S., they can live well with their families when they return to the island. However, the Internal Revenue Service in the U.S. is now demanding they pay taxes on U.S.-earned income, and immigration laws require American employers to advertise these jobs in the U.S. and hire Americans before turning to H-2A workers. These developments have become major worries for Jamaican farm laborers who depend on the yearly American income.

NEW LEADERS ELECTED IN JAMAICAN DIASPORA'S SOUTHERN REGION—12/01/11
New leaders have been elected to the Advisory Board of the Jamaican Diaspora Southern United States. Jamaican nationals from all over South Florida elected the new leadership and discussed plans for moving ahead under the new team. Dr. Susan Lycett Davis was selected as the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board member for the Southern United States.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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U.S. OFFICIALS FEAR CARIBBEAN COULD BECOME NEW ROUTE FOR DRUGS—11/26/11

AUTHORITIES FOIL PLOT TO KILL PRIME MINISTER OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO—11/27/11

SYMPOSIUM ON FRANZ FANON TO BE INTERNATIONALLY ATTENDED—11/28/11

TWO ISRAELIS LINKED TO PLOT TO KILL TRINIDAD PRIME MINISTER—11/29/11

CHAVEZ TO HOST REGIONAL SUMMIT—11/30/11

BAHAMAS RECEIVE JAMAICAN REMITTANCE LINK—12/01/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMPRO, DEVELOPMENT BANK SIGN AGREEMENT FOR LOAN FACILITY—11/26/11
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) for a US$20 million loan facility designed to make it easier to invest in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The MoU will support the expansion of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and is expected to result in more jobs by developing more space for existing BPO businesses to expand. There are more than 26 BPO operators on the island.

SUGAR COMPANY PLANS TO BE TOP PRODUCER BY 2015—11/27/11
The Pan Caribbean Sugar Company (PCSC), which is the new owner of the Monymusk, Bernard Lodge, and Frome estates, believes it can become the top producing sugar company in the area by 2015. The firm does worry about the high costs of labor and electricity in Jamaica, however. According to the chief executive officer of the Chinese-owned organization, the firm is ready for the start of the growing season, having acquired all necessary equipment from the estates. Thus far, the entity has spent more than US$20 million on the enterprise.

AS CENTER OF MARITIME INDUSTRY< JAMAICA MAKES DEVELOPMENT PLANS—11/30/11
Jamaica is maintaining its place at the center of international maritime governance after being re-elected to the International Maritime Organization's Council. Jamaica is a Category C Council member, serving until 2013. Anthony Johnson, Jamaica's High Commissioner, stated that the country's support for the organization issues from the seat of its government, its institutions, and its agencies, all of which implement the policies adopted by the IMO.

GENEVA RECEIVES MORE JAMAICAN PRODUCTS—12/01/11
After a showcase by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) called "Taste Jamaica," which was held at the Jamaican embassy in Geneva, Switzerland, more island products will be available in the supermarkets in the European country. According to Laurence Jones, the European general manager of JAMPRO, the Swiss are very interested in Jamaica's products like rum, coffee, and cocoa. The Swiss buyers also expressed interest in coconut milk and fresh produce.

NICHOLSON WANTS TO BAN ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN POLLING PLACES—11/27/11

LIME, CARICOM MAKE AGREEMENT ON VIDEOCONFERENCING EQUIPMENT—11/30/11

CARIBBEAN NEEDS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO DEVELOP MEDICINES—12/1/2011

CARICOM FINE-TUNES PLAN FOR ICT STRATEGY—12/02/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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COMPANY MAKES CUSTOM ROBOTS—11/30/11
My Robot Nation offers consumers worldwide the ability to design a robot of their own and have it printed in three dimensions and shipped to them. The service launched a beta version last month, which allows customers in the United States, Canada, and Europe to use web-based design tools to create customized miniature robots. Hundreds of people have taken advantage of the service to date. The tools allow for a nearly limitless number of choices for a robot's design. The ceramic-like robots range in price from $18 for small figurines to $170 for larger ones.

CARRIER IQ TRACKS USERS' SMARTPHONE ACTIVITIES—12/01/11
Technology bloggers and security experts have concluded that nearly all smartphones include a piece of remote, real-time tracking software called Carrier IQ. Researchers found the software on some 140 million handsets worldwide, including Android, iOS, Nokia, and BlackBerry devices in the United States. Carrier IQ records keystrokes, SMS messages, web searches, and location without users' knowledge or any expressed consent and no way to disable it. It is unknown at this time who installed the software and who is receiving all the data recorded. Handset manufacturers blame wireless providers, while providers, such as Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint, are denying they have anything to do with it.

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FOUNDER OF REGGAE, ROCKSTEADY TRIO HAS DIED—11/26/11
Barry Llewellyn of the Heptones, a founder of Jamaican reggae and a rocksteady trio, has died at the age of 64. He died of unknown causes at the Kingston Public Hospital. Llewellyn started the Heptones in the late 1950s with Earl Morgan, and the group became influential during Jamaica's rocksteady era in the 1960s. The band reunited in the 1990s during the ska and rocksteady revival. Llewellyn leaves a wife and several children.

EPIC PLAY TO RETURN TO JAMAICA IN 2012 WITH MAJOR CHANGES—11/28/11
"Bedward," the play by Louis Marriott, will make a return to theater in Jamaica in early 2012, but it will have significant changes in personnel and key technical elements. Some members of the previous cast are slate to return, however. Marriott, who also produces the play, noted that it had made a major impact in radio in 1960 when it was first performed as "The Shepherd," and people wanted to see a stage version.

VOGELESANG RECEIVES TWO AWARDS AT ANIMATION FESTIVAL—11/29/11
Joan Vogelesang was honored with two awards at Animae Caribe 2011, the main animation festival in the Caribbean. She received an award for her support of the festival over the years from its director Camille Selcon-Abrahams. She also received an award recognizing her contribution to the animation industry in Trinidad during the past decade by Stephen Cadiz, Trinidad's Minister of Trade and Industry. Vogelesang is president and chief executive officer of Toon Boom, which has been working in the Caribbean animation industry since 2001.

CONFLICTING REPORTS ISSUED ON KARTEL'S "ESCAPE" FROM PRISON—12/01/11
It was reported that Vybz Kartel, Jamaican Dancehall star, had broken out of prison after pulling a gun on a law enforcement officer. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, had allegedly started a riot at the prison when he and several other prisoners took control of the facility on November 11, 2011. It was reported that one guard died of a heart attack, while 12 others were injured. According to a Jamaican news organization, however, the reports of Kartel's prison break began as a joke on a blog, and law enforcement had no knowledge of any such event taking place.

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JAMAICAN SWIM CLUB IMPRESSES CAYMANS—11/26/11
The ten members of the "Y" Speedos Swim Club in Jamaica came in third at the Mike Lockwood Memorial Invitational Swim Meet in Grand Cayman. The club received three individual age-group championship trophies as well. Angara Sinclair won in the girls' 11-12 age group, Michae Bradshaw won the girls' 9-10 age group, and Cameron Brown won the boys' 9-10 group trophy. The team as a whole received over 35 medals.

FOURTH PLACE FINISH FOR SUNSHINE GIRLS AS FASTNET—11/28/11
The Sunshine Girls from Jamaica experienced several defeats in New Zealand and Australia to end what had been an encouraging performance at the FastNet competition, World Netball Series 2011. Jamaica finished in fourth place in the competition, which ended in Liverpool, England. Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association, was encouraged by the team's performance in spite of the disappointing finish. She noted that the team is young and is being "rebuilt," so they know what they need to do. She called the team's performance "brilliant."

COACH CONFIDENT TEAM WILL WIN AGAINST THE BAHAMAS—11/29/11
The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) World Cup final round qualifiers will begin for Jamaica's Under-17 women's footballers with a match against The Bahamas. Vin Blaine, who coaches the junior Reggae Girlz, one of the favorites at the competition, says the team is very confident of its ability to win. "They can't beat us," Blaine said of opposing The Bahamas, and noted that he was sure the team will qualify for the CONCACAF.

CAMPBELL-BROWN, POWELL TO MAKE INDOOR TRACK DEBUT IN NEW YORK—12/01/11
Asafa Powell, Jamaica's former world record holder and sprint star, will make his debut at a New York indoor track at the 2012 U.S. Open Track and Field meet, which is scheduled for January 28 at Madison Square Garden. Veronica Campbell-Brown, Jamaica's Olympic and World champion, will be returning to the site of her NYC indoor victory of 2011 with her participation in the 2012 meet. Both she and Powell will run short sprints.

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Believing God, No Matter What

Mention the name "Abraham" and some of us immediately recall the story of his childlessness and the miracle of the birth of Isacc when Abraham was 100 years old, and his wife, Sarah, ten years younger. We can recall the times God visited with him and the promises He made and reminded Abraham of at different times over a 25-year period. Despite faltering with the humanly-contrived plan that resulted in the birth of Ishmael through Hagar, Sarah's then servant, the Genesis writer affirmed that when God told Abraham that his seed would be like the stars in the sky, Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). It is a wonderful story of trusting God in the face of impossible odds.

While it is evident that God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, it is easy to forget Sarah. About thirteen years before the birth of Issac, Sarai, as she was known then, being incapable of conceiving a child, had agreed to allow a marriage of convenience between Abram, as he was known then, and Hagar. When Hagar "saw that she had conceived, her mistress [Sarai] was despised in her eyes" (Genesis 16:4. KJV). As if the stigma of being barren wasn't shameful enough, bible scholar Matthew Henry notes, "[Hagar] looked scornfully upon her mistress, upbraids her perhaps with her barrenness, insults over her, to make her to fret (as 1 Sam. 1:6), and boasts of the prospect she had of bringing an heir to Abram, to that good land, and to the promise. Now she thinks herself a better woman than Sarai, more favoured by Heaven, and likely to be better beloved by Abram; and therefore she will not submit as she has done." It is no wonder that after Sarai complained to Abram, and his indifference to what she would do with Hagar, Sarai dealt harshly with her and she fled from her face (Genesis 16:6).

However, God's plan for Abram included Sarai, even though she did not know how. Her feelings were hurt and she needed her own comfort from God. After all, she was well past childbearing age, so much so that when the LORD repeated the promise of a son, she laughed and pondered at the impossibility (Genesis 18:12). The LORD told Abram of her reaction and said, "Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son" (vv. 13, 14). In the fullness of time, the narrative continues, "the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him" (21:1-2).

What is the application for us? Go ahead and read the verse as follows: "And the LORD visited [me] as He had said, and the LORD did unto [me] as He had spoken." That could be your testimony. He is the same today as He was back then. Whatever the situation, believe God. His promises can often time look impossible in the face of our realities, but our realities are no match for His awesomeness. He will visit you as He has said; He will do unto you as He has spoken. Just ask Sarah.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending November 25th, 2011

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:25:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICA INFRASTRUCTURE WILL DRIVE GDP, SAYS HOLNESS—11/19/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's Prime Minister, has established a government plan to focus on public-private ventures that will drive economic expansion. He does not expect to depend on public spending for growth, says Holness, and is working with companies in China, the United States, and Europe to enhance investment in the island's housing, roads, and water facilities.

JAMAICANS SHOULD SUPPORT PUBLIC SECTOR TRANSFORMATION—11/20/11
According to the Management Institute for National Development (MIND), all Jamaicans should be encouraged to support the public sector transformation process. Glynix Salmon, director of business development and communication, says support from all sectors of society will help the government to find its way forward in the public sector.

HOLNESS HINTS AT DECEMBER ELECTIONS—11/20/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's Prime Minister, has stated that parliamentary elections could be set for as early as December 2011. He made his remarks at a conference of the Jamaica Labor Party in Kingston, saying he will call for elections "in just a short time," adding that Jamaica cannot wait until 2012 to resolve uncertainties about the government.

TINO GEDDES MEMORALIZED, HONORED—11/21/11
Many people came to pay tribute to Mortimer "Tino" Geddes, veteran journalist. The celebration of Geddes was held in Unity Jamaica Church in Kingston. People from all walks of life gave tributes and words of praise for the journalist. Among them was Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports. She remembered Geddes as being "fearless, but fair."

ATTACKS BY PNP AGAINST DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM BLASTED—11/22/11
Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, has sharply criticized the attacks of the People's National Party (PNP) against the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program. Shaw is the deputy leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and was upset at the PNP attack. He has called on the PNP to apologize.

SLUM POLITICS TARGETED BY HOLNESS—11/23/11
Jamaica's new Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, says that the time is right to eliminate the connections between the legal and illegal power brokers in the country. Bruce Golding, the previous Prime Minister, resigned, in part, because of his reluctance to extradite Christopher "Dudus" Coke, an alleged gang leader and power broker in Tivoli Gardens who was linked to ruling politicians. Holness is focusing on "cutting the ties" between top politicians and leaders of criminal organizations.

JAMAICA LOSES GREAT EDUCATOR WITH DEATH OF AGGREY BROWN—11/24/11
Senator Arthur Williams, who is responsible for Information, reports that Jamaica and the entire Caribbean region have lost a great educator due to the passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. Aggrey Brown. Brown was former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education and former director of the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies. Brown served for 22 years as head of the organization. He also hosted a call-in radio program, "Public Eye," for the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation.

CONTRACTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE HAPPY WITH WONG RULING—11/25/11
Jamaica's Office of the Contractor General (OCG) has praised the ruling against Patrick Wong, former chief executive officer of the National Works Agency (NWA). The OCG believes the ruling will help to ensure that awarding government contracts is done in a fair way. Wong pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching the Contractor General Act. He was fine $5,000 or 30 days in jail for each count.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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HEC INCIDENT RESULTS IN SENSITIVITY TRAINING—11/19/11
As a result of an incident at HEC Montreal in September 2011, in which some students painted their faces black to pretend to be Usain Bolt, Jamaica's Olympic champion, authorities at the business school announced a series of sensitivity training measures designed to enhance awareness of racial issues. HEC Montreal has joined with Vivian Barbot, a women's advocate and expert on intercultural education who was born in Haiti, to provide the training for students.

FOREIGN CRIMINAL "BABYFATHERS" AVOID DEPORTATION FROM UK—11/20/11
According to the Home Office in the United Kingdom, foreign criminals are having children with different women in order to avoid deportation under human rights laws. One officials says these immigrants are fathering a "network of children" so they may claim that their right to family life will be breached if they are sent back to their home countries. The Home Office has issued warnings about the phenomenon of "babyfathers," which is a Jamaican slang term for absent fathers.

HUMANITARIAN AWARD PRESENTED TO DIGICEL CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER—11/22/11
Denis O'Brien, the founder and chairman of Digicel, was presented with a humanitarian award from the American Friends of Jamaica in New York. The award recognizes O'Brien's committed actions in moving communities forward in a positive manner. In his acceptance speech, O'Brien said he has always thought that if "you do business in a country and make money there, you should also be reinvesting some of that money in positive community development."

THREE JAMAICANS ARRESTED IN RAID IN UNITED STATES—11/23/11
Three Jamaicans and 50 other convicted immigrants were arrested during four-day enforcement operation in Boston, Massachusetts. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, reported arrests of immigrants from several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica. All of the immigrants taken into custody had prior criminal records.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ADDITIONAL SIX OFFICIALS BANNED BY FIFA—11/19/11

MORE MONEY ALLOCATED TO POLICE IN PUERTO RICO IN RESPONSE TO KILLINGS—11/20/11

PARASAILING SPORT UNDER SCRUTINY AFTER ACCIDENT—11/21/11

CANADA WANTS TO EXTEND FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IN CARIBBEAN—11/23/11

MORE TOURISTS IN CARIBBEAN, BUT THEY ARE SPENDING LESS MONEY—11/24/11

HIV IN CARIBBEAN LESSENS—11/25/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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RECYCLING INDUSTRY HAS NEW PLAYER—11/20/11
One Jamaica Recycling, which is located in Kingston, started its operations in 2009 under the leadership of Raul Haynes, who has evolved his business naturally and is glad he went into business for himself. Haynes, who was formerly a research analyst/fixed income trader at Stocks and Securities Ltd., believes he was always an entrepreneur and just waited for the right opportunity. His company offers recycling of plastics, paper, cardboard, and aluminum waste through a network of waste collection trucks that run on schedules convenient for its clients. There is no charge for the collection of corporate or residential materials.

SMALL COMPANIES SHOULD CONSIDER LICENSING AS MARKETING TOOL—11/21/11
Dr. Densil Williams, head of the Management Studies Department at the University of the West Indies, believes that small firms should consider making partnerships with larger organizations in order to enhance their capacity and market reach. Small companies should also consider licensing to help them create larger markets for their goods and services. It is also helpful to small firms to ask state agencies like JAMPRO for help in making commercial links with large companies that are already established in global markets.

BAF GLOBAL GROUP BECOMES AGENT FOR JN MONEY SERVICES—11/23/11
A division of BAF Global Group has agreed to become the exclusive agent for a Jamaican money transmission and bill payment service in the Bahamas. Bramer Money Transfers (BMT) is ready to act as the agent for JN Money Services (JNMS) in the Bahamas. JNMS offers remittance and bill payment services as a unit of the Jamaica National Building Society. This partnership will give JNMS full services with all Cash N' Go money stores in the Bahamas.

TWICE-WEEKLY FLIGHTS TO CUBA OFFERED BY JAMAICA AIR SHUTTLE—11/24/11
The winter tourist season for 2011-2012 will see twice-a-week flights from Jamaica to Santiago de Cuba via the services of Jamaica Air Shuttle. The service will launch on December 15, 2011, according to Deryck Dwyer, marketing manager for the airline firm. The flights are scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays and will link Kingston and Montego Bay with Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in the country. This is the destination for many Jamaican students who attend the universities in that city and the surrounding areas.

DIGICEL TO ADDRESS WICB SNUB—11/21/11

PUBLIC SECURITY MINISTERS TO IMPROVE POLICE TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY—11/22/11

TECHNOLOGY FUTURE OF MONTSERRAT TO BE DISCUSSED—11/23/11

JAMPRO SUPPPORTS REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP MEETING—11/24/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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MICROWAVE SHOWS YOUTUBE VIDEOS—11/22/11
The uWave microwave allows users to watch videos from YouTube on their microwaves while waiting for food to be heated. The device involves an HP TouchPad that is connected to a microwave oven. When the microwave starts, a process is also started to pull a YouTube video that will play on the TouchPad. When the timer goes off, the user receives a text message and a tweet. The developers of the device submitted the project to PennApps, a bi-annual competition held at the University of Pennsylvania, and won the first place prize.

RESEARCHERS FIND THAT STRESS LEADS TO "SLEEP TEXTING"—11/23/11
Among the iPhone users who sleep with the phone next to their beds, many are sending emails and text messages, unconsciously, in the middle of the night. According reports, the messages are often incoherent. Dr. David Cunnington, sleep expert at the Melbourne Sleep Disorder Center in Australia, says that he has seen patients who send text messages and emails to friends and family while sleeping. He attributes the activity largely to stress.

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MAJOR ANIMATORS FEATURED AT ANIMAE CARIBE EVENT—11/19/11
Jamaica's animation industry received a boost from the international experts who attended the tenth Flow-sponsored Animae Caribe Film Festival. Award-winning animators included James Parris, whose work includes "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Lion King," and "Spiderman." The event was held at JAMPRO and provided a forum for local producers to share with and learn from international professionals in the field. The international animation sector represents trillions of dollars, and Jamaica has a great potential to enter the market, especially as major firms like Disney begin to outsource the work.

OPERA BASED ON LIFE OF DUB POET MIKEY SMITH—11/20/11
An opera has been created to tell the story of Mikey Smith, Jamaican dub poet. The opera, called "Mikey," will make its debut in 2012. The work has been described as the first reggae opera. It was created by musician and teacher Peter Ashbourne. Ashbourne believes that Smith's life is a perfect fit for opera because it is full of twists and turns. He collaborated with Mervyn Morris, lecturer at the University of the West Indies to develop the opera. The production is to be funded by the CHASE fund.

RUSSIAN PLAY GETS JAMAICAN TREATMENT—11/21/11
The popular Russian play "The Inspector General" has been adapted for Jamaican audiences by William F. Lampert, lecturer at the Edna Manley College School of Drama (SODr). The original play is based on the story of a small town that is to be inspected by a government official and displays a comedy of errors. The Jamaican adaptation follows a major in Montego Bay, who realizes that his administration will be reviewed by a higher authority and becomes concerned about his job security. The play has been performed to great audience praise.

JAMAICAN FILM LEADS FILM FESTIVAL IN BAHAMAS—11/22/11
Storm Saulter, the writer-director of "Better Mus' Come," has seen his first feature film be the only one to represent Jamaica in 2011 at the prestigious Bahamas International Film Festival. The film has gained in popularity and critical acclaim since its opening in Jamaica. It has been called a "new benchmark" for Jamaican films. It provides an account of the late 1970s in Jamaica and its "political tribalism."

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HOWARD ARIS, TRACK AND FIELD EXECUTIVE, DEAD AT 75—11/12/11
Howard Aris, the track and field executive who led Jamaica to its best performance at the 2008 Olympics and 2008 World Championships, has died. He was found in an unconscious state at a campaign rally for the People's National Party and was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Aris had been president of Jamaica's track and field federation since 2003. He was also a friend of PNP President Portia Simpson Miller and of the former Jamaican Prime Minister.

LEGAL ACTION AGAINST JAMAICA CRICKET BOARD TAKEN BY ROWE—11/13/11
Lawrence Rowe, legendary batting star for the West Indies, has started a legal action against the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA). He is fighting the organization's decision to withdraw his name from the Players' Pavilion in Sabina Park. Rowe's name was withdrawn after he made remarks during an interview that were seen as controversial by the JCA. He was one of several players to defy international sanction and played in South Africa during its years of apartheid; he was subsequently banned from cricket, and his international career ended.

EARLY OUSTER FOR JAMAICANS AT U.S. BADMINTON MEET—11/14/11
Charles Pyne, Gareth Henry, and Samuel Ricketts were eliminated from the Bill Graham Miami Badminton International in Miami Lakes, Florida. Pyne was ranked 131 in the world and lasted on the court for 30 minutes before being defeated by Niluka Karunaratne of Sri Lanka. Henry had a career-best world rank of 162 was defeated by Daniel Messersi of Italy, while Ricketts, who was at his first tournament as a senior, lost to Virgil Soeroredjo of Suriname.

BOLT WINS WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD—11/15/11
Jamaica's Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt was named World Athlete of the Year for the third time by the International Athletics Foundation. The award was made in Monaco. Bolt is now the second man in history to have won this major award three times. Yohan Blake of Jamaica won the Performer of the Year award for his 19.26-second 200-meter race, the second fastest time in history, at the Memorial Van Damme Diamond League meet in Brussels in September 2011.

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“Render to God the Things that are God’s”

It was yet another trap and the synoptic writers said as much. The scribes and chief priests had sent certain of the Pharisees and some followers of Herod to try and bait Jesus, "hoping to catch Him saying something incriminating" (Mark 12:13, The Message). Mark continues, "And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at Him" (vv. 14-17, KJV).

The groups of men working in collusion to trap Jesus had their own differences and were not always amiable towards each other. However, they were united in a common cause. Wise in their own eyes, the question asked of Jesus was a political hand grenade for if Jesus answered "yes", He would be branded a friend of the Romans, and if He answered "no", He would be branded a traitor. Of course, Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and gave them an answer that was so profound, they "marvelled at Him". Because Caesar's image was etched on the coin, it was due to Caesar. Or as Matthew Henry observes, "The circulation of the money is from him as the fountain, and therefore it must return to him." Interestingly, Jesus did not stop there for while rendering to the emperor what belonged to the emperor, they were to render to God what belonged to God. What does that mean? What was Jesus getting at?

The clear implication in Jesus' statement is that in the same way that the coin, imprinted with Caesar's image, was ultimately his and so was due to him at tax time, so we who are engraved with the image of God ultimately belong to Him. The Bible is clear that we are created in the image or likeness of God (Gen. 1:26). The created belongs to the Creator, and so in the same way that we give to the various levels of governments their due, so we must be diligent to give to God His due. Ourselves and all the gifts and talents we possess. Like the hymn writer Francis R. Havergal, our prayer should always be, "Take my life and let it be / Consecrated, Lord, to Thee / Take my moments and my days / Let them flow in endless praise". A life of endless praise is the "perfect" offering we can offer to the One to whom we belong.

"Render to Ceasar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." How are you doing in that regard?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending November 18th, 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:50:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN CHILDREN, ELDERLY NO LONGER NEED VISAS FOR CAYMAN TRAVEL—11/12/11
The Cayman Islands has decided that children under age 15 and elderly Jamaicans over age 70 will be allowed to travel to the country without visas. This decision was reached after the governor refused to permit the premier to eliminate a visa requirement for all Jamaicans who already had United Kingdom or United State visas.

JAMAICAN POLICE ISSUE ADVISORY ON PUBLIC MARCHES—11/13/11
Jamaicans have been informed of the laws governing public processions and marches. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has particularly targeted representatives of the country's political parties with its information project. Under the Public Order Act, it is illegal for a public march to occur at night or to take place in daylight without a police-issued permit.

UNITED STATES EMBASSY PROVIDES $10 MILLION TO FUND EDUCATION, TRAINING—11/14/11
Nine organizations and programs in Jamaica received a total of $10 million from Kingston's United States Embassy. The funds are intended for a broad range of educational and training initiatives. The grantees include Children First, Clarendon Association for Street People Benevolent Society, Operation Friendship, Jamaica Basketball Association, Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Jamaica Fullbright Association, Jamaica Theological Seminary, University of the West Indies, and Northern Caribbean University.

FORMER DEPUTY PREMIER OF JAMAICA HAS DIED—11/15/11
David Coore, former Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica, had died at the age of 86 in the Dominican Republic. Coore died from complications of pneumonia in a hospital in Dominica, where he had been living since April 2011. Coore was Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Michael Manley during the 1970s. He was also instrumental in drafting the Jamaican constitution when the nation became independent of Britain in 1962. He is survived by his wife Maria, three sons, and eleven grandchildren.

VETERANS OF WORLD WARS HONORED—11/15/11
Jamaica's veterans of World War I and World War II received honors at National Heroes Park during the National Day of Remembrance on November 13, 2011. Church services and parades were also held in their honor throughout the country. About 250 veterans of the Jamaica Legion and the Royal Air Force still live in Jamaica.

MORE INVESTMENT FROM SAGRES FOR OIL EXPLORATION IN JAMAICA—11/16/11
According to an announcement from Sagres Energy, the firm is planning to invest CDN$2.94 million, or J$250 million, to search for oil in Jamaica. This amount represents the company's largest outlay of capital to date. The Canadian oil exploration firm wants to begin drilling operations by the end of 2011.

FAGAN WANTS FUNDS TO PURCHASE FOOD FOR FISHERMEN—11/17/11
Colin Fagan, Member of Parliament, has requested funds to buy food and fear for a fishing project. His requests were broadsided by Everald Warmington, chair of the parliamentary committee established to review projects submitted to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Fagan wanted funding for a fishing project in St. Catherine, but Warmington stated that the Social Development Commission (SDC) could not implement it. He also said the agency could not give fishermen food and that they would have to eat the fish that they catch.

HENRY SAYS HE WOULD HAVE DISALLOWED $100 MILLION EXPENDITURE—11/18/11
Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works, announced that he would never have approved an expenditure totaling over $100 million to refurbish the corporate offices of the National Works Agency (NWA) if he had known about the agency's plans. Henry allowed the funding to come from the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program (JDIP). He has ordered an investigation into the matter and that Patrick Wong, CEO of the NWA has taken responsibility for handling the issue poorly.

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JAMAICAN DRIVERS IN GUYANA FOR MOTOR RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS—11/13/11
The battle between Barbados and Jamaica for the victory on the motor racing track continues during the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing championship (CMRC). In the third and last portion of the series, many regional drivers will showcase their talent. David Summerbell of Jamaica leads, with Mark Maloney of Barbados in second place. Jamaican team manager Hilary Jardine says the team is in "high spirits and optimistic about the chance for Summerbell to retain his champion title.

JAMAICAN STORE IN TORONTO PROVIDES TASTE OF HOME—11/14/11
For the thousands of Jamaicans who live in the greater Toronto region of Canada, Nicey's Food Mart meets all their home foods needs. The owners of the Jamaican retail food store, Vincent and Lorain Lai, also run a take-out restaurant at the location. They have been in business for more than 30 years and have always catered to the unique tastes of their Jamaican and West Indian neighbors. Seventy-five percent of his customers are Jamaican, said Vincent Lai, while ten percent are from Trinidad, five percent from Guyana, and the rest originally come from other islands in the Caribbean.

BARTLETT COMPLETES VISIT TO UNITED KINGDOM—11/15/11
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, ended his visit to the United Kingdom by attending a community meeting at the Jamaica High Commission in London. The meeting allowed Bartlett to focus on the 50th Anniversary of Independence that will occur in 2012, as well as to discuss the importance of the Jamaican Diaspora in the UK. He also updated the community about the latest developments on the island and discussed key travel industry issues, noting that the Diaspora market is a vital asset to the development of Jamaica.

JEWS IN U.S. RECEIVE JAMAICAN JEWISH HISTORY LESSON—11/17/11
Geneive Brown Metzger, Consul General of Jamaica to New York, joined with the America Jewish Committee Westchester Chapter to sponsor an event that celebrated the history and culture of Jews in Jamaica. The event was held at the New York offices of the Consulate General and was designed to highlight the rich history of Jamaica's Jewish community.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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MINIBUS PLUNGES OF CLIFF INTO OCEAN, 16 DEAD—11/12/11

NEWLY APPOINTED CULTURE MINISTER IN HAITI IS DEAD—11/13/11

REMITTANCES TO CARIBBEAN ON THE RISE—11/14/11

HOMICIDES IN PUERTO RICO REACH RECORD LEVELS—11/16/11

CUBA'S EXPERIENCE WITH AGROECOLOGY SHARED WITH NEIGHBORS—11/17/11

ST.VINCENT EXCITED ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES IN COCOA MARKET—11/18/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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BANK OF JAMAICA DECREASES POLICY RATE—11/12/11
The policy rate provided at the Bank of Jamaica was reduced by 50 basis points to 6.25 percent in the September 2011 quarter. The policy rate, which is the interested rate paid on 30-day certificates of deposit, was lowered on two occasions to the total of 50 basis points. The bank took this action in view of an improved outlook for inflation during the remainder of the fiscal year.

NORANDA HAPPY WITH GROWTH AT MINARD LIVESTOCK SHOW—11/13/11
Delroy Dell, the operations director for Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Company, says that the yearly Minard Livestock Show, which is held in St. Ann, is stimulating and encouraging support for the cattle industry at a time when the island is attempting to reduce its dependence of imported beef. Dell told the crowds at the event that Minard had become a major showpiece for the entire Caribbean livestock business and that Noranda is happy to maintain the partnership with the event, which began in 2009, to exploit the common interests that exist between agriculture and the bauxite industry.

EXPORTERS TO HAVE THEIR OWN MARKET INTELLIGENCE PORTAL—11/14/11
JAMPRO is creating a market intelligence portal specifically for exporters. The portal is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2011. According to Marjorie Straw, manager of special projects, planning and corporate development at JAMPRO, the construction of the web portal followed a suggestion a made by the government that a greater emphasis on market intelligence should be made. Initially, data on the site will comprise overseas buyers and distributors, products they offer, and the markets they work in.

JLP, PNP SCOLDED BY PRIVATE SECTOR BUSINESS LEADERS—11/16/11
Business leaders in Jamaica are upset about certain statements made by representatives of both major political parties. Both the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and the opposition People's National Party (PNP) have made remarks about the nation's economy and the pending sale of state assets. Business leaders have noted an "escalation" in the claims and counterclaims coming from the rival parties and are concerned that these comments are having a negative impact on the business sector. Milton Samuda, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, says the remarks contribute to an "environment of uncertainty and instability," which is harmful to business interests.

IDB, CANTO JOIN TO ENCOURAGE BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT—11/12/11

DIGICEL INTRODUCES NEW SMARTPHONE IN CARIBBEAN REGION—11/13/11

EXCELLENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES SEEN IN JAMAICAN TECH SECTOR—11/15/11

ST.KITTS YOUTH TO EXPLORE DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS—11/17/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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AUTONOMY ADDS VIRTUAL LIFE TO STILL IMAGES—11/14/11
Mike Lynch, the chief executive officers of Autonomy, introduced a new technology developed by his computer that will allow phones and table cameras to add "life" and movement to still images. Autonomy, recently acquired by Hewlett-Packard, is a leader in what it calls "meaning-based computer." The new technology involves a device that picks up patterns in an image and transforms them into virtual life. Ultimately, the device will provide a new way to deal with information, since it will make every object interactive, said Lynch. The technology will eliminate the need for semantic tagging as well.

FASTER, LONGER CHARGES AVAILABLE WITH REDESIGNED LITHIUM ION BATTERY—11/16/11
Smartphone users may soon have longer-lasting battery power thanks to researchers at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. These scientists have developed new technology that could lead to longer battery life within the next few years. They have found a way to redesign current lithium ion cells, which are often used in consumer electronic devices, to address energy capacity and charging time. The new method extends battery life by 10 times, said Harold H. Kung, professor of chemical and biological engineering and lead author of the research document. The improved performance of the battery results from changes to the material used in its construction and the way ions move within a cell.

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HOPE GARDENS BECOMES 'LONDON'—11/12/11
Established in the 1870s and 1880s and named for its first British owner, Major Richard Hope, was the venue for a fusion of cultures on November 12, 2011. At Hope Gardens, the Smirnoff Nightlight Exchange Project (SNEP) will pursue its aim of finding the best nightlife from around the globe via some 50 nations participating at the Kingston location. Safia Cooper of Smirnoff noted that the SNEP event in Jamaica was designed to fuse features of "London rave" with "Kingston swag."

CELINE DION TO BE HEADLINER AT JAMAICA JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL—11/13/11
Five-time Grammy winner Celine Dion is scheduled to appear at the 16th Annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues "Art of Music" Festival from January 26 to 28 at Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium just east of Montego Bay. The singer will join other major international stars who will perform at the Festival. John Lynch, Jamaica Tourism Director, said that getting one of the biggest superstars in the world to appear at the festival means that more visitors than ever will be attracted to the island, which is likely to get significantly more media attention due to Dion's appearance as well.

VIVA ZUMBI TO PLAY IN CHARLES TOWN—11/14/11
While the story of Jamaican Maroons is relatively well-known, their counterparts from Brazil have had less attention. Descendants of the original Jamaican Maroons have kept the spirit alive with their singing, drumming, and dancing. The descendants of Brazilian Maroons also have their own styles of musicianship and a dancing style known as Capoeira. Capoeira has been practiced and taught in Jamaica for some time by Grupo Catieveiro Capoeira Jamaica, headed by Dennis Eckart. The dancing will be showcased by Viva Zumbi Capoeira at a two-day event held November 18 and 19 in Charles town, Portland. The event honors Zumbi dos Palmares, who is regarded as a symbol of resistance against oppression and slavery.

VYBZ KARTEL INVESTIGATED FOR FIVE ADDITIONAL MURDERS—11/17/11
The dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is now under investigation for his role in five murders other than the murder for which he was first charged on October 3, 2011. Detectives on the case have found evidence implicating Kartel in the other murders, which occurred in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine.

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Getting It Done

In the first verse of the first chapter of the book of Ezra, we find an interesting if somewhat innocuous statement. Ezra, telling the story of the return of the Judean exiles from Babylon, writes, "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" (1:1a, KJV). For our purposes, it is sufficient to note that Cyrus II was the king under whom the captivity of the Jews ended. During the first year of his reign, he was prompted by God to make a decree that the temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt and that those Jews who wanted to return to their land could do so. In addition, he sent back the sacred vessels that had been taken from the First Temple and quite a bit of money to buy building materials.

Nearly 150 years before King Cyrus was born, God declared to the prophet Isaiah that He would raise up this king to rebuild His city. Interestingly, at the time of Isaiah, Jerusalem was prospering and would not be destroyed for another 100 years by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. In Isaiah 44 we read, "Thus saith the LORD . . . that saith of Cyrus, he is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid" (vv. 24a, 28). Cyrus himself would proclaim and had put in writing, "The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (He is the God,) which is in Jerusalem" (Ezra 1:2-3; 2 Chron. 36:22-23).

But what is so important about the portion of the verse quoted in the first paragraph above? In it we see the faithfulness of God in ensuring the fulfillment of His word. The verse tells us that over 150 years AFTER He first said it, "that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia." Jeremiah had prophesied that the Jews would be in Babylonian captivity for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11), and this was exactly how long they were there. The application for us should be self-evident. Whatever God promises, He can cause to happen. Sometimes it is easy to see our success as linked to those in authority – a manager, supervisor, pastor, to name a few – and we sometimes try to gain their favour. Yet, we are reminded that "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases" (Proverbs 21:1). Even if those in charge do not like us, the child of God can rest assured that at the time of His choosing He can stir up the spirit of our adversaries to do for us what He wants done. Our lives are in His hands; He alone has the final word.

What has He promised you? Does it seem like a very long time ago? Not to worry. He will do whatever is necessary to bring it to pass.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending November 11th, 2011

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:25:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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HOLNESS GIVES INDICATION OF EARLY ELECTION—11/05/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's new Prime Minister, has hinted that there will be an early general election, noting that the electoral office "must always be ready" to provide the government with the capacity to make a decision. He did agree with the opposition People's National Party (PNP) that the election facilities need to be in place before polls are implemented.

PRIME MINISTER SAYS JAMAICANS TO DECIDE ON GAY SEX LAW—11/06/11
While Britain has pressured Jamaica to repeal its anti-gay legislation, Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister, has stated that it is up to Jamaicans to make that decision. Holness has characterized himself as liberal in many ways, but said the government recognizes that homosexuality is offensive to many Jamaican citizens. Jamaica is a democracy, Holness said, and that democracy will ultimately settle the issue, regardless of Britain's threats to withhold aid if laws that criminalize homosexuality are not repealed.

ROSE HALL DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHES NEW COMMUNITY—11/07/11
Rose Hall Developments, which owns 7,000 acres of the Rose Hall Plantation and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, has established Founders Village in Montego Bay. The new community features luxury residential accommodations on lots ranging from three to four acres. The gated community includes views of the Caribbean and easy access to beaches, shopping, and golf.

WALKER CANDIDACY FOR JAMAICA LABOR PARTY—11/08/11
Danville Walker has decided to be the candidate for the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) from Central Manchester. According to Walker, the party is "the party of performance." He stated that he wants to be of help in transforming Jamaica into a better place to live. Walker is a former Commissioner of Customs. He also noted that the People's National Party (PNP) had been in power for 18 years before 2007, a period that saw the "greatest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich."

TOURISM MINISTER SUPPORT COMMON TRAVEL VISA FOR CARIBBEAN—11/09/11
Ed Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, has called for a common Caribbean travel visa, which would facilitate the ability of the region to market itself as a single tourist destination. Under Bartlett's plan, visitors coming to Jamaica would automatically be able to move on to Barbados without having to apply for additional travel documents. He has also stated his support for electronic visas, saying there is technology available to make national entry arrangements safe and easy.

COALITION ENCOURAGES COOPERATION WITH CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES—11/09/11
The Jamaica Civil Society Coalition is supporting a move by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) to require both major political parties promise to observe certain campaign finance rules, even though there are no laws mandating that they do so. Professor Errol Miller, chairman of the ECJ, said that both parties have voluntarily agreed to comply with some reform rules.

ALLEN WANTS JAMAICANS TO PRESERVE NATIONAL HERITAGE—11/10/11
Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General, is encouraging Jamaicans to keep the nation's heritage relevant by educating young people about the island's culture. According to Allen, if children can be taught to value their heritage, the future of the culture is ensured. Allen made his remarks at the inaugural Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Heritage Essay Competition Awards ceremony at King's House in Kingston, where he also recognized the major contribution of the JIS in preserving Jamaican history and culture.

HOLNESS TAKES ACTION AT SIX POORLY PERFORMING PRIMARY SCHOOLS—11/11/11
According to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the Ministry of Education will take action to address the situation at six primary schools that continue to perform poorly on the Grade Four Literacy Test. Holness revealed that some schools had zero-percent mastery in the 2011 exam. He said that such results could no longer be tolerated. Holness, who also acts as Education Minister, said the six schools have been at the lowest level since the examination was introduced in 2009.

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JAMAICANS IN U.S. HAPPY ABOUT HOLNESS AS PRIME MINISTER—11/05/11
Jamaican nationals living in the United States have indicated their support of Andrew Holness, who has taken the position of Prime Minister in their home country. Many Jamaicans say they hope Holness will be able to make economic and other improvements that will transform the island into a place of greater opportunity. They would also like the new Prime Minister to address the problems with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and make the changes required to ensure Jamaica meets its requirements.

JAMAICA FEATURED AT 2012 FLOWER MART EVENT IN D.C.—11/06/11
Jamaica is slated to be the lead exhibit at the 2012 Flower Mart show in Washington, D.C. The event is the area's most famous festival of flowers, music, and entertainment. The yearly two-day event features thousands of horticulture experts and exhibitors to the National Cathedral. It is scheduled for May 4 and 5, 2012, and will spotlight Jamaica, which is the first Caribbean nation to be selected for this role in the event's 73-year history.

GRAND JURY IN U.S. INDICTS THREE JAMAICANS—11/10/11
Three Jamaicans are among six individuals who are being indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. The six are suspected of forming part of a criminal network involved in drug trafficking. Jean Brown, Hubert Downer, and Dean Myrie are Jamaicans alleged to be members of the Brown Organization, which is in charge of narcotics distribution in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Arizona, and Jamaica. According to the court, the three were involved in the distribution of at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana since 2000.

JAMAICAN ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING IN MARIJUANA AT TRINIDAD AIRPORT—11/11/11
A Jamaican man, 34, will appear in court in Trinidad on charges of possessing 29 packets of marijuana for purposes of trafficking. Potosi Pembroke Hall of Jamaica was arrested by representatives of the Organized Crime, Narcotics and Firearms Bureau at Trinidad's Piarco International Airport. The street value of the drugs held by Hall was estimated at $50,000. Law enforcement in Trinidad is working with its counterparts in Jamaica in attempts to stop the drug trade between the two nations.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ROBINSON, DAVIS WIN 1ST MATCH AT 3RD ANNUAL CARIBBEAN CUP—11/05/11

CARIBBEAN NATIONS SUPPORT PALESTINE UNESCO VOTE—11/06/11

ANTI-CRIME CURFEW ENDS IN TRINIDAD—11/07/11

EIGHT INMATES DIE IN PUERTO RICO AS PRISON VAN ENGULFED BY FLOOD WATERS—11/08/11

HAITIAN INMATE RECOUNTS POLICE SHOOTING AT TRIAL—11/09/11

VENEZUELAN NAVY DETECTS SUBMARINE OFF COAST—11/10/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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CHEVRON TO SELL JAMAICAN ASSETS—11/05/11
Chevron, the oil marketing company, reported that the pending sale of its Texaco Jamaican assets includes 52 retail gas stations, a one-third stake in a Montego Bay storage terminal, and a bulk fuel distributor. The firm has confirmed its intention to sell the rest of its assets in the Caribbean to GBG Energy Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Gilbert Gigio Group.

UTECH LEADERSHIP SCHOOL RECEIVES $81.7 MILLION FROM JMMB GROUP—11/06/11
The JMMB Group is providing $81.7 million to the Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Leadership at the University of Technology (UTECH) College of Business and Management. The investment is meant to advance the teaching and research of entrepreneurship, economic growth, and moral and ethical considerations in business.

JPS SECURES J$11 BILLION IN DEBT FINANCING TO BUY LOCAL POWER PROVIDER—11/07/11
The Jamaica Public Service Company's Korean partners have obtained a J$11 billion debt guarantee designed to fund the partial acquisition of the local power provider. This is the first occasion in which Korea East-West Power Company has offered any information about its acquisition of 40 percent of JPS.

INTEREST RATE REDUCED TO 8 PERCENT BY DBJ—11/08/11
The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has reduced its interest rates to as low as eight percent. The decrease was attributed to a reduction in the cost of the bank's funds. The new interest rates on loans to small and midsized businesses became effective on November 1, 2011.

SHIPS OF ENGLISH ADVENTURER BELIEVED FOUND NEAR PANAMA COAST—11/08/11

ANGUILLA PARTICIPATES IN CARIBBEAN STATISTICS MEETINGS—11/09/11

CLOUD COMPUTING MARKET READY TO SOAR—11/10/11

COLUMBUS NETWORDS UPGRADE SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM—11/11/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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IBM TRAINS COMPUTER CHIP TO LEARN LIKE HUMAN BEING—11/07/11
At IBM's Almaden Research Center in California, researchers are teaching a computer chip to learn in the same way that humans learn. The chip, known as Synapse, is being taught to play Pong, the vintage video game, and when it first began, its performance was poor. Later, however, it was almost unbeatable. The chip is designed to learn by experience and from what it "sees" in much the same way as a human. It finds correlations, creates hypotheses, and remembers outcomes. The chip could someday be embedded in everyday objects, making interactions between humans and computers more natural.

JAPAN MAKES HUMANOID ROBOT SERIES—11/10/11
The Japan Robot Association launched its 19th International Robot Exhibition with 292 organizations participating. Kawanda Industries was featured as it demonstrated its Nextage industrial robot, which has a serious anthropomorphic appearance. The robot has six jointed arms and cameras in its "eyes" and "hands." It is designed to use the same tools as humans when working on a production line.

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JAMAICA'S MUSIC INDUSTRY LACKS SPIRITUALITY, SAYS ZIGGY MARLEY—11/05/11
Ziggy Marley, reggae superstar, says that the music industry in Jamaica is suffering from a lack of spirituality, focusing chiefly on some dancehall and reggae songs produced today. Marley made his remarks during a radio interview with IRIE FM. He said that Jamaican musicians are making beats and rhythms, but what is more important is the spirit of the music, which is what is popular throughout the world. The local industry needs to find ways to put passion and spirituality into the music, says Marley.

TOYA, JAMAICAN DANCEHALL STAR, IN NORWAY BROADCAST—11/06/11
Toya, the dancehall diva from Downsound Records, is scheduled to add some Caribbean style to Scandinavia during her special appearance on Cruiseliv, a new travel series broadcast on TVNorge in Norway. The show will feature Toya on an episode focusing on the sensuality of young women in Jamaica. The program will be broadcast to 25 million homes in Scandinavia on November 23, 2011.

VIDEO EVIDENCE CITED BY PROSECUTION IN KARTEL MURDER CASE—11/07/11
The prosecutors in the murder trial against Vybz Kartel, Jamaican dancehall star, have indicated that they have incriminating video evidence against the deejay. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was remanded after an appearance in the Gun Court section of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrates Court. In addition to the video evidence, prosecutors say they have taped telephone conversations that could help their case against Kartel.

DAVID HERON, JAMAICAN ACTOR, GETS LEAD ROLE IN TELEVISION AD—11/08/11
David Heron is an award-winning, Jamaican-born producer and playwright, and he has now been given the leading role in a Xoom.com television commercial advertising the firm's new mobile site. Heron went to Los Angeles, California, to shoot the ad. He says he is happy to be associated with the product because it allows Jamaicans in the United States to send funds back home via a mobile phone.

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BOLT, BLAKE ON SHORTLIST FOR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR—11/05/11
Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake are the only two track stars from the Caribbean region to be included on the shortlist for the Athlete of the Year award provided by the International Athletics Federation. The IAAF announced that the two Jamaica runners and Kenyan distance runner David Rudisha were begin considered for the men's award.

HENRY, PYNE HAVE MIXED RESULTS IN BADMINTON MATCH—11/06/11
Jamaicans Charles Pyne and Gareth Henry, who earned the island badminton place in the London Olympic Games for 2012, did not perform optimally at the Puerto Rico International match held in Ponce. Henry, ranked 208th in the world, beat Daniel Paiola of Brazil, ranked 86th in the world and is set to face Rodrigo Pacheco of Peru, ranked 67th. Pyne is ranked 124th in the world, but was defeated by fourth seed Misha Ziberman of Israel, who ranks 77th.

BERNARD SET TO BE RE-ELECTED AS HEAD OF NETBALL ASSOCIATION—11/07/11
Marva Bernard is likely to be unopposed in a bid for a fourth term as president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) and is expected to see re-election at the yearly general meeting of the group. Bernard and Yvette Smith, vice president, are the only individuals who will return unopposed in the elections. The JNA's four-year plan will also be reviewed at the annual meeting.

JAMAICA PARALYMPIC TEAM GOES TO GAMES IN MEXICO—11/08/11
A team consisting of ten members will represent the Jamaica Paralympic Association at the Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in November 2011. The games functions as a top qualifier for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. The Jamaicans competing are Alphanso Cunningham, Tanto Campbell, Sylvia Grant, Kevon Reid, and Shane Hudson.

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Finding Our True Purpose

Recently I was reflecting on Job's poignant observation recorded in Job 14:1, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble", and I was immediately reminded of the question posed in James 4:14b, "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." It occurred to me then that when each of us got out of bed this morning, there were many others who did not make it through the night. There are many who will not make it through to the end of today, whether through a timely or an untimely demise, but at some time or another, we all have an irrevocable appointment that we all must keep (Ecc. 3:2; Heb. 9:27a).

That God allowed us to be living in the moment, when He could have easily done otherwise, provokes the question, why? I firmly believe that we are all placed here for a reason. To the Israelites in Babylonian captivity the LORD said, "For I know the plans I have for you" (Jeremiah 29:11a), and I believe this knowing on God's part is applicable to each and every believer's life. It is no stroke of good fortune that God allowed our eyes to open this morning. He did it for a purpose, and lest we forget who we are and what that purpose is, Peter reminds us, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus told His disciples, and every disciple since, "You are the salt of the world ... you are the light of the world ... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." (Matt. 5:13a, 14a; 28:19a).

It seems clear to me that our purpose for our allotted time here on earth has been clearly defined. Among other things We are to 1) be witnesses for Christ - wherever we are - in words and deeds, 2) show the way of Christ to a darkness filled world, 3) make disciples, and 4) to demonstrate the richness of a life that is fully surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. In the "few days" that you have been given, how effectively are you fulfilling your purpose? May God teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:10), and so commit ourselves to the fulfilling our true purpose.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending November 4th, 2011

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:00:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN ENERGY SECTOR SET TO CHANGE—10/29/11
Engineers at the Annual Conference of the Jamaica Institute of Engineers have discussed the future of the island's energy sector and proposed using more green technology to ensure future sustainability. The cost of electricity in Jamaica stands at a little less than US$0.40 per kilowatt hour, or four times what the average consumer pays in the United States. The high cost results from Jamaica's reliance on old- fashioned generators that utilize imported oil. More than 90 percent of Jamaica's electricity is generated with heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel, both very expensive and inefficient sources of energy.

JAMAICA COULD LOSE "WAR" VERSUS CORRUPTION—10/30/11
According to Contractor General Greg Christie, the Contractor General Act has failed in its intention, and the government has not acted to remedy its deficiencies. Its goals of ensuring the transparency, integrity and accountability of government contract awards are not being met. Jamaica needs the political will to fight corruption in this area. This will require sufficient resources, effective laws, criminal sanctions for breaches of the law, and leaders who will take up the issue of anti-corruption in a public way.

JAMAICAN GREENHOUSES HELP IN RESURGENCE OF AGRICULTURE—10/31/11
Throughout Jamaica, vegetable-producing greenhouses are creating a revolution in farming communities vulnerable to natural disasters. In four years, Jamaica has been transformed from a country trying to reduce its reliance on imported foods to a nation that can supply its own food from greenhouses. According to Alfred Dunkley, agriculture extension officer in St. Mary, while the move to greenhouse farming was initially met with some resistance among traditional farmers, it has now been embraced as a viable way to create income and provide food for the nation.

CRAWFORD FOCUSES ON PRESERVATION OF JAMAICAN HISTORY—10/31/11
Vivian Crawford, the head of the Institute of Jamaica, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the island's history at the organization for over 11 years. Crawford, the leading authority on Jamaica's arts and culture, attributes his love of Jamaican culture to his childhood in Moore Town, Portland, where there was little modern technology but there were many stories. He was prompted to promote Jamaican culture when he realized there was nothing to commemorate the place where, in 1838, the Proclamation of Emancipation of Slaves was read. Through a fund-raising campaign, he managed to get a memorial plaque installed to mark the spot. He says this is one of his greatest accomplishments.

BREACHES IN SCRAP METAL BAN ADMITTED BY TUFTON—11/01/11
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has admitted that individuals in the Customs Department are to blame for breaches of the ban on exportation of scrap metal. He noted that the breaches were discovered after an investigation was launched into the matter due to concerns of the Opposition that scrap metal exports were continuing in spite of the imposed ban. Eight firms were allowed by the Customs Department to continue exporting scrap metal in spite of the ban, according to the investigation.

HOLNESS TO TAKE ON PUBLIC CONTRACTING—11/02/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness plans to meet with Greg Christie, the Contractor General, to discuss concerns about public contracting on the island. Christie had written Holness in October 2011 asking to discuss problems of corruption in that sector. Christie plans to communicate recommendations made by his office to improve the transparency, competition, and accountability of public contracting in the country.

CHINA'S NAVY PROVIDES MEDICAL HELP TO JAMAICANS—11/03/11
Doctors and nurses brought to Jamaica on a Chinese hospital ship to treat the poor represent a portion of a global humanitarian effort to illustrate how China's growing military forces act as a responsible agency. The Peace Ark, a 584-foot ship of the People's Liberation Army, can carry over 100 medical volunteers who provide CAT scans, surgeries, eye care, and other medical procedures at no cost to the patients. This is the second foreign mission for the hospital ship, which was launched in 2008.

POLITICAL PARTIES AGREE TO NATIONAL DEBATES—11/04/11
The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) plans to hold at least three national debates featuring the representatives of the two major political parties in the country before the general election. The Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) have both agreed, in principle, to participate in these debates. Discussions are ongoing about the number of debates, their subject matter, and the format of the debates, however.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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REGGAE SALUTED IN BROOKLYN WITH ALL-STAR JAM—10/29/11
Big Youth and I Wayne are among the performers at a salute to reggae held in Brooklyn, New York. The event features all types of reggae music and artistes. Additionally, the performances are scheduled to honor Harry Belafonte. The event will also include a screening of a documentary about government- sponsored violence against Rastafarians in Jamaica called "Bad Friday."

CANADIAN RADIO STATION TO BE HOME TO JAMAICAN MUSIC—10/30/11
Beginning in November 2011, there will be a new radio station in Canada devoted to playing Caribbean music. Fitzroy Gordon, Jamaican entrepreneur, has been active in various Canadian media for some 30 years and is now the principal behind the new station G 98.7. According to Gordon, the station will play soca, world beat, gospel, R&B, hip hop and smooth jazz, in addition to reggae, which will have a permanent home on Canada's mainstream radio.

MONTEITH ENHANCING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JAMAICA AND CANADA—10/31/11
Jamaica's High Commissioner to Canada Sheila Sealy Monteith is working to reinforce the relationship that exists between the two countries. The relationship has always been vibrant because the large role of the Jamaican Diaspora in Canada, which has always had more representatives to the biennial Diaspora convention than either the United States or United Kingdom. There are about 250,000 Jamaicans in Canada, and the Jamaican Diaspora there is closely tied to Jamaican events in the country.

LEGAL CHALLENGES MADE TO TUITION CHARGED TO CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANT KIDS —11/01/11
Attorneys in Miami, Florida, have filed a suit in federal court challenging the denial of the right to pay in-state tuition at Florida colleges and universities by American students born in the United States of undocumented Caribbean parents. The lawsuit was filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center and states that this policy has never been mentioned in state law, but is an alternative adopted by the state's Department of Education and Board of Governors. Non-resident tuition is three times that of resident tuition in Florida.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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"MARKET DAY WITH A DIFFERENCE" IN DOMINICA—10/29/11

CARIBBEAN AIRLINES FACES FINE—10/30/11

ROYAL SUCCESSION ISSUE DEBATED BY CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES—10/31/11

UK COULD REDUCE AID TO CARIBBEAN DUE TO ANTI-GAY LAWS—11/01/11

COMEBACK PREDICTED FOR HAITIAN COFFEE—11/02/11

CHAVEZ WANTS ISLANDS, YACHTS OF THE RICH—11/03/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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FOOTBALL FEDERATION STAYS WITH CORE BUSINESS—10/29/11
Rather than become embroiled in the issue of sanctions for Captain Horace Burrell, the Jamaican Football Federation has opted to remain with the core business of managing the federation. Dale Spencer, acting president, said he told management members that the board of directors does not have a legal basis to challenge the presidency and that they committee only dealt with management business involving current activities and finances during their session.

CHINESE ENGINEERING FIRM BREAKS SILENCE ON ALLEGATIONS—10/30/11
China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), which is the chief contractors in the Palisadoes Shoreline project worth some US$65 million, is talking about allegations made against the firm by local subcontractors. According to the company, the allegations about non-payment of monies to subcontractors are "baseless, damaging and unsubstantiated references." China Harbor says it has only a single subcontractor on the project, Y.P Seaton and Associates. Some truckers and suppliers said they had verbal agreements to subcontract with the company, however.

GRANTS FROM EU AVAILABLE FOR FOOD EXPORTERS—10/31/11
Grants totaling as much as $3.6 million per applicant are available from the Caribbean Export Development Agency for food exporters. The grants are funded by the European Union and are designed for those who want to improve food safety standards. The EU funds come from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF). These are not loans, but reimbursable grants, and applicants will need to spend before they receive the money, said Sonia Bowen, Caribbean Export programmer in Barbados.

ICE CREAM AT DEVON HOUSE RANKS AMONG BEST IN THE WORLD—11/01/11
The National Geographic Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat around the Globe has ranked Devon House number four in a list of the best places in the world to eat ice cream. The publication stated that Devon House was a "masterpiece" of Caribbean Victorian architecture and that it had Jamaica's most famous ice cream stand. The book noted its 27 flavors of ice cream, particularly mango, coconut, soursop, and Devon Stout, a beer-based ice cream.

97 PERCENT PASS TECHNOLOGY EXAM IN GUYANA—10/29/11

GENETICALLY MODIFIED MOSQUITOES TACKLE DENGUE FEVER—10/30/11

VERIFONE CHOSEN BY FIRST DATA FOR POS IN CARIBBEAN—10/31/11

CONTAINER PROJECT TECHNOLOGY VISION PUTS COMMUNITIES FIRST—11/01/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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PAINTINGS THAT FUNCTION AS AUDIO SPEAKERS—11/01/11
The DP155 speakers from Diptyque Audio give audiophiles the opportunity to have state-of-the-art speakers while "hiding" them from sight. The speakers use a flat-panel two-way speaker design consisting of a ribbon tweeter for high tones and a large membrane for the lower end of the sound range. They can be installed with graphics overlaid in a material that is acoustically transparent. The speakers can function as room dividers as well as wall art. They cost $4,700 per pair without the graphic covers, which can be obtained for another $180 per pair.

"SOCIALBOTS" STEAL USER DATA AT FACEBOOK—11/02/11
So-called "socialbots," or computer programs that act like humans, have stolen some 250 GB of personal user data from Facebook. This information belonged to thousands of users at the social networking site. The infiltration was discovered during an eight-week test to determine the vulnerability of online social networks to large-scale attacks by programs that are designed to impersonate human beings. Researchers from the University of British Columbia Vancouver conducted the study. It was found that social networks are extremely susceptible to infiltration by "socialbots." Facebook representatives did not respond publically to the research results.

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ANYA AYOUNG-CHEE WINS PROJECT RUNWAY—10/29/11
Caribbean contestant Anya Ayoung-Chee was the winner of Project Runway, receiving US$100,000 from L'Oreal Paris to start up her own fashion line. She also receives a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a US$50,000 technology suite from Intel and Hewlett-Packard, and the change to design and sell her exclusive collection to Pipertime.com.

DEEJAY GOES BACK TO HIS ROOTS—11/01/11
Honorebel, a deejay in South Florida, has returned to his dancehall and reggae roots on a new album called "Honorebel Presents Reggae Series Number 1." The album has been released by Zojak Distributors and is built around the Soundcloud beat, featuring Honorebel on tunes with Wayne Wonder, Pressure, and Akon. Lady Saw, Rachel Rene, and Selena Serrano also contribute songs on the album. Honorebel, who was born Richard Bailey, has been in the business since the 1990s. He wants to stay "vibrant" in the reggae and dancehall community by releasing the new album.

ITY AND FANCY CAT SHOW SCHEDULED FOR 2012—11/02/11
Ity and Fancy Cat plan to return with their show for a fifth season in 2012 on Jamaican airwaves. According to Alton "Fancy Cat" Hardware, the popular comedians had considered cancelling the series, but strong fan support and feedback convinced them to bring the show back for at least one more season.

WINSTON RILEY SHOT IN KINGSTON—11/03/11
Winston Riley, a veteran producer and creator of Stalag Riddim, was shot in the head and arm in Kingston. Riley, 65, is being treated in a hospital in Kingston. He has been the victim of several violent attacks in 2011, being shot in August and stabbed in September. The Jamaica Constabulary Force is investigating the relationship between all the incidents. Riley began his career as a singer in 1962, forming the vocal group The Techniques.

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JAMAICA, T&T TO FACE OFF IN REGIONAL SUPER50—10/29/11
Jamaica has won only 13 of 31 matches against Trinidad & Tobago in the Regional 50 overs, so they must work hard in the Super50 to redeem themselves. The odds favor T&T, which has won 17 matches.

NASL BOOSTED BY JAMAICAN TRIO—10/31/11
The only three Jamaicans to play in the 2011 North American Soccer League (NASL) provided excellent performances. Lance Laing, Nicholas Addlery, and Amani Walker all turned in creditable play. Playing for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Laing, 23, started in 26 of 27 matches for the team. Addlery of the Puerto Rico Islanders was one of the top 10 goal scorers of the year.

HARRIS SAYS GAYLE MATTER NEEDS A MEDIATOR—11/02/11
According to Fritz Harris, secretary of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), the request from Chris Gayle for clarification from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reasonable. Gayle has asked what comments of his offended the board and prompted a request to withdraw them. The WICB asked for the retraction of comments Gayle made in regard to the board and its officers.

SAMARDO LOSES J$2.5 MILLION DUE TO NBA LOCKOUT—11/03/11
The conflict in the National Basketball Association (NBA) between the owners and players' union about revenue sharing has resulted in Jamaican Samardo Samuels losing money. He has already lost US$30,000 because of the current lockout. Samuels is especially upset at not being able to play because he has worked his entire life to perform in the NBA. He is a forward/center on the Cleveland Cavaliers team.

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Cast Your “Cares Bags” – Part II

The question was simply enough: "How does on cast his or her 'cares bags' upon God?" Tired of carrying them around and experiencing the frustrations and burnout that come with such an effort, often times after the umpteenth time of resolving to leave them at the Cross, some of us can relate to it. We want to put them down, but we have carried them for so long they are as comfortable as our favourite pair of old shoes. Breaking up seems hard to do.

Generally speaking, at the root of our cares are our anxieties about any number of things. Our jobs, our families, our future, the economy, to name a few. A significant amount of our time is spent thinking, planning, being restless and sleep deprived, trying to make the pieces fit. Where God seems to be silent, we feel compelled to fill in the blanks. After all, as the saying goes, God helps those who help themselves. Yet the apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, had a word for our counterparts of his time: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6, ESV). In everything, Paul? Yes, in everything! In other words, as we find ourselves in situations that provoke our anxieties, instead of yielding to the temptation to think about them, talk to God about them. This can be very difficult to do after years of carrying our own cares bags, but to the Corinthians Paul encouraged, "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete" (2 Cor. 10:4-6). The stress and negativity in our minds can be taken captive to obey Christ and that happens when we refuse to give in to them and turn them over to Him.

When we are able to do this, the benefits are profound. As we cast our cares upon Him through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7). That is an awesome trade! We give Him our anxieties and He gives us His peace which stands guard over our hearts and minds. Where there is peace, there cannot be turmoil. It is impossible to sincerely praise God and worry at the same time. We can rest comfortably in the fact that God has everything under control. He knows what we have need of even before we ourselves know we have the need. As Matthew Henry observes, "It is the duty and interest of Christians to live without care. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and consists in a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of [self-doubt] and distrust which is our sin and folly, and which only perplexes and distracts the mind."

To avoid this distraction, which can cause us to take up our "cares bags" again, we need to be mindful of the things we think about and meditate on. Again from Paul, "Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is [honourable], whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phil. 4:8). This is God's "formula" for peace of mind and heart. It is one that He expects you to use. Remember, it is His responsibility to take care of those who are His.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending October 28th, 2011

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:32:08 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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CONCERNS ABOUT CYANIDE CONTAMINATION PERSIST AT GOLD MINE—10/22/11
According to Peter Knight, the chief executive officers of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), work continues to neutralize water that has been polluted with cyanide at the AUSJAM gold mining operation in Kraal, Clarendon. Efforts to resolve the issue ran into some problems that have delayed its scheduled completion of this phase of the process. After resolving the problems, NEPA will still have to find a site on which to relocate eight to ten tones of sodium cyanide stored at the facility.

FATE OF HISTORIC BUILDING IN QUESTION—10/23/11
The fate of a building that once was home to the first offices of the first university in Jamaica remains in question after two years' of negotiations between a government agency and a nonprofit organization. The building housed the University of the West Indies in 1947. Located on Lady Musgrave Road, the building also served as a base for Jamaica's first parliamentary ombudsman and as a tactical part of the police force. Recently, scrap metal thieves and looters have reduced the building to a shell of its former glory.

MEN TARGETED BY MAJOR CHRISTIAN MEETING—10/24/11
Mentoring A Nation (MAN), a multi-denominational group of Christian men from the clergy and corporate Jamaica are partnering with Save Jamaica, a Christian Outreach Mission, to hold a meeting concerning the particular challenges faced by men in communities, families, and the nation's society in general. Paul Cole, president of Christian Men Network Worldwide, and Dwayne Picket, a trainer, will be the main speakers at the meeting.

NEW PRIME MINISTER SHUFFLES CABINET POSITIONS—10/25/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's new Prime Minister, appointed his government and left almost all the ministries the same as they were under former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Holness made only minor changes, but said he planned to enhance economic and administrative reforms. Holiness said his Cabinet would represent a "new direction" for Jamaica, one that will be characterized by "decisive, instrumental and quick action."

MAN IN ST. MARY GENERATES OWN ELECTRICITY WITH WIND ENERGY—10/26/11
Paul Chong has made investments totaling more than $5 million in a system to power his house in St. Mary over the past five years. He decided to take action and take control over his own energy production after Hurricane Dean, which left him without power for weeks. A more recent unpleasant experience with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has prompted Chong to leave the grid altogether. JPS charged him for 222 kilowatts of power usage over three months, when he actually used only 71 kilowatts, a difference in charges of $5,000. He has now implemented his own wind-driven power system for his residence.

CANADIAN MILITARY TO LAUNCH NEW STAGING AREA IN JAMAICA—10/27/11
The Canadian military is negotiating with Jamaican authorities concerning an arrangement in which the island would become home to a staging area in cases of trouble or natural disasters in the Caribbean region. The two countries have been making closer ties over some time, and the new relationship became evident in a recent deployment of three CH-146 Griffon helicopters as back-up to the Jamaican defense force.

SODOMY LAW IN JAMAICA FACES FIRST LEGAL CHALLENGE—10/28/11
Maurice Tomlinson, a Jamaican attorney, has announced that the AIDS-Free World organization is presenting the first legal challenge to the nation's anti-gay laws in history. The organization has filed a petition at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on behalf of two gay Jamaican men. The petition argues that the criminalization of homosexuality in Jamaica violates international human rights laws. Similar legal challenges are underway in Belize.

LABORATORIES IN JAMAICA NOT CERTIFIED TO TEST FOOD—10/28/11
According to Dr. Christopher Tufton, local Jamaica laboratories do not have the right equipment to handle the volume of food testing required under new laws. The new food safety laws required those who export food to provide lab-tested results on those foods being shipped to the United States. The island has two months to bring the food exporters up to code on the new U.S.-imposed food safety rules put in place by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which goes into effect in January 2012.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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NEW USHER AT WHITE HOUSE BRING JAMAICAN FLAIR—10/23/11
Angella Reid, a Jamaican, will become the first woman to hold the job of chief usher at the United States White House, the residence of the President. As chief usher, Reid will be in charge of the daily operations at the President's home. This includes managing a staff of over 90 individuals and overseeing the entire 132-room mansion. Reid replaces retired Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon, who has moved to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She has worked more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, and she got her start at Jamaica's Half Moon resort.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE THE DIASPORA—10/24/11
As the new Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness has the chance to create new ties to the Jamaican Diaspora, which represents the island's single largest economic asset. In recent years, the government has established a Diaspora organization, but too many Jamaicans living in other nations remain unaware of its existence. Holness has the opportunity to enhance the operations of the group and its economic support of the home country.

SUSPECTED JAMAICANS ROB THREE BANKS IN A SINGLE HOUR—10/26/11
Police in Toronto, Canada, are looking for a group of black men, who may speak with Jamaican accents, in connection with the robberies of three banks in a single one-hour period. Witnesses at each of the banks have described similar suspects and a similar getaway car. The suspected robbers were described as black men with Jamaican accents. The men wore black bandanas to conceal their faces. They got away with a substantial amount of money, say police.

BUSINESS LEADER AWARDS TO HONOR THE DIASPORA—10/27/11
Entrepreneurs working within the Jamaica Diaspora have become the focus of the 2011 Business Leader Awards program, sponsored by the Jamaica Observer newspaper. The program highlights the success of Jamaicans in doing business in their adopted nations. According to Adam Stewart, deputy chairman of the newspaper, there are many local opportunities in Jamaica for entrepreneurs who live overseas. The organization plans to nominate ten entrepreneurs for the award.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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GENDER GAP STILL EVIDENT IN CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS—10/22/11

UN EXPECTS HALF-MILLION CHOLERA CASES IN HAITI BY END OF 2011—10/23/11

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES TRYING TO ELIMINATE GANGS—10/24/11

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CALLS POLICE KILLINGS "ALARMING"—10/25/11

AUSTRALIA, CARICOM PARTNERING TO ADDRESS DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES—10/26/11

TEN MORE OFFICIALS IN CARIBBEAN INVESTIGATED BY FIFA—10/27/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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HOLNESS COMMITS TO HELPING BUSINESSES—10/22/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's new Prime Minister, has promised to take quick action to decrease the bureaucracy under which local businesses must operate at present. Holness has told leaders in the private sector of his commitment to reducing the inefficiencies currently in place in the governing bureaucracy. Holness declared that his is "pro-business," and believes that the existing bureaucracy is stifling economic growth in Jamaica.

AUDREY MARKS PRAISES HAMPDEN KENT GROUP DEBT FINANCING PROGRAM—10/25/11
Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, has written letter praising the plans of Hampden Kent Group LLC to implement innovative debt refinancing projects in Jamaica. Hampden Kent Group is an infrastructure project development, management, and financing firm. Marks is excited about the future growth potential resulting from the company's plans.

HILL QUITS SUGAR COMPANY—10/26/11
Aubyn Hill has quit his job as the chief executive officer of SCJ Holdings Ltd. as of October 31, 2011. Hill states that the firm has entered a new phase involving the management of land holdings, and it is no longer in need of his experience as a management consultant. He will also give up his job on the board of SCJ Legacy, which was created during the divestment of Sugar Company of Jamaica. Hill will be replaced by John Gayle.

ACTING GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTED AT UDC—10/27/11
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has announced the appointment of Desmond Arnold Young as acting general manager. His appointment comes after the suspension of Joy Douglas, who had been general manager of the corporation. Her suspension was implemented to facilitate the examination of management practices and procedures at the organization. Young is currently the director of technical services at the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).

FIRST MOBILE MONEY PLATFORM LAUNCHED IN JAMAICA—10/22/11

CUBAN SCIENTIFIC ADVISER VISITS CHINA—10/23/11

LIME CHOOSE PEERAPP TO QUICKEN INTERNET CONTENT DELIVERY—10/25/11

LAPTOP COMPUTERS TO BENEFIT 300 TRAINEE TEACHERS BY END OF 2011—10/26/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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SKIN-LIKE SENSOR SUITABLE FOR PROSTHETIC LIMBS—10/25/11
Stanford researchers are working on new sensors that are so flexible and sensitive to pressure that they may one day be used to create touch-sensitive prosthetic limbs. Other uses for the sensors include pressure-sensitive badges. The sensors incorporate a transparent film made of carbon nano-springs, which can register pressure.

HUGE BATTERY BANK MAKES WIND PLANT INTO TRADITIONAL POWER PLANT—10/27/11
The addition of a large bank of batteries to a wind farm essentially alters the wind power project into a more traditional type of power plant. The Laurel Mountain wind facility in West Virginia is currently linked to 32 megawatts of lithium ion batters from A123 Systems. This is the largest project to combine wind power with such batteries. Using batteries will address problems associated with a sudden drop-off in power due to changes in the wind.

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JAMAICAN DEEJAY/RAPPER FACES SECOND MURDER CHARGE—10/25/11
One of the most popular deejays in Jamaica is now facing a second murder charge. Vybz Kartel, 35, was charged in connection with the killing in August 2011 of a Jamaican man known as "Lizard." Earlier in October 2011, police charged Kartel with conspiring with other individuals to kill a 27-year-old music promoter who was shot and killed on the street. According to Ealan Powell, Kartel is under investigation for his alleged role in numerous murders, shootings, and gun-running."

WORLD FOOD PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY REGGAE ARTISTE STEPHENSON—10/26/11
Duane Stephenson, well known reggae artiste, continues to enhance his reputation for philanthropy. His musical act continues to spread awareness of world hunger and to support the United Nations' World Food Program. Stephenson has been emphasizing regions in the Horn of Africa where a huge drought is causing major famine conditions. He has joined with Hiho Batik to create the FEED AFRICA! T-shirt, the sale of which benefits the World Food Program.

FILM DOCUMENTARY FEATURES MICHAEL MANLEY—10/27/11
Richard Audley Vaughan, a first-time filmmaker, plans to release a documentary about Jamaica's fourth Prime Minister Michael Manley in February of 2012. The film shows the life of Manley, with its release coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the day Manley took the post of Prime Minister. The documentary highlights key events in Manley's life, including time with the National Workers Union and as leader of the People's National Party.

JAMAICANS RECEIVE RAVE REVIEWS AT CONCERT IN JAPAN—10/28/11
A number of Jamaican artistes performing in Japan received high praise from the audience. The concert included Tessanne Chin, Abijah and Leye, and marks a 24-city tour of the Asian nation. The show featured a variety of Jamaican music, including hits from Marcia Griffiths, Third World, Bob Marley, and Toots and the Maytals. The concert performance and show were presented by the Min-On Concert Association, the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture in Jamaica. It was the first of its kind.

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DR. NEIL GARDNER HONORED—10/22/11
Dr. Neil Gardner received the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence. He was the seventh individual to receive this high honor. Gardner is among Jamaica's best 400-meter hurdlers, reaching the semi-final at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Gardner represents a "living testimony" to sports men and women and shows what can be achieved by hard work, both on the sports field and in the classroom.

CHICAGO MARATHON PERFORMANCE OF JAMAICANS IMPRESSIVE—10/23/11
Sykes Facey and Kishka Kay O'Connor Anderson, two Jamaicans at the Chicago Marathon, turned in an impressive performance. Both runners finished the race with a high placement among the 15,500 female runners participating. Sykes Facey was injured at the start of the 26.2-mile race but finished in three hours, 30 minutes and ten seconds. O'Connor Anderson finished in three hours, 30 minutes, and 16 seconds. The marathon was run in temperature that reached the mid 80s, a factor for both runners. Sykes Facey placed 491st in the field of 15,500 females runners, while O'Connor Anderson place 494th. Both were in the top nine percent.

YOUNG GIRLZ WIN OPENING CFU UNDER-20 QUALIFIER—10/24/11
While Jamaica's Reggae Girlz were not at their best at the opening CFU Under-20 World Cup qualifiers, they still had a 4-0 win over St. Lucia at the meet in Havana, Cuba. Sasalee Cooper, Kedine Salmon, Nicole Broderick, and Marlo Swaefman secured goals for the Jamaicans, but the team did not impress Vin Blaine, technical director of women's football for Jamaica.

MEDAL POTENTIAL GOOD FOR JAMAICAN TEAM —10/27/11
Jamaicans are poised to obtain more medals at during the fourth day of track and field competition at the Telmex Athletics Stadium. Lansford Spence and Simone Facey achieved spots in the men's and women's 200-meter finals, respectively, and had the top three times. Isa Phillips was second-fastest runner going into the 400-meter hurdles final.

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Cast the "Cares Bag"

When I first saw him, I instinctively thought he was homeless. There he was, slowly pushing up the street a cart laden with what seemed like his life's possessions. I had seen him a number of times before and it was always the same thing. Everywhere he went, his cart and its contents went with him.

I thought of him as I reflected on Peter's short but rather profound sentence to the elders to whom he was writing, "Casting all your care upon Him [God]; for He careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7, KJV). In my reflections, it occurred to me that like the man who carried his stuff with him wherever he went, so too some of us carry our cares and concerns everywhere we go. We are never without them. It is as if we unload our "cares bags" by the side of our beds and once we awake in the mornings, we get dressed and then dutifully - though often times without thinking - we take up our bag, ready to carry it around with us for the rest of the day. We do that every day. Inside the bag are our cares, our worries, our frustrations, and our anxieties, to name a few. All the while professing belief in an awesome God who can do the impossible. Obviously, for some of us our God is not that awesome. We have made Him too small and as a result, we think our "cares bags" are too heavy for Him to carry. We justify carrying them ourselves.

Yet Peter reminds us, as he did the elders, that we can cast ALL our cares upon Him. I like how the Amplified Bible puts it, "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." In other words, we can be rid of our bags by throwing them upon Him "once and for all!" We do not have to be burdened down with our loads of care. The accuser of the brethren is quite content for us to do just that, but that only leads to spiritual, emotional, mental and psychological rust and burn out. In the words of the old hymn writer, "Oh what peace we often forfeit / Oh, what needless pain we bear / All because we do not carry / Everything to God in prayer." When we find ourselves worrying and unable to rest in the peace God promises, it is a sure sign that we are still carrying our own “cares bags.”

There is tremendous freedom in casting ALL our cares upon the One we serve, knowing that not only does He cares about us but also that He does so affectionately and watchfully. What are you doing with your "cares bag"? God stands by ready to relieve you of it. You just need to cast it upon Him. Too heavy, you say? Trust me, He is big and powerful enough to manage it. Yours and everybody else's.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending October 21st, 2011

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:30:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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AREAS OF GREATEST NEED SHOULD GET EDUCATION SUBSIDIES, SAYS TUFTON—10/15/11
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, believes that subsidies for vocational and tertiary education should go to the areas that have the greatest need. Government-subsidized education and training should focus on challenges facing the nation and not viewed as a way to have taxpayers fund all areas of study.

PNP UNCONCERNED ABOUT OPINION POLLS—10/16/11
The People's National Party (PNP) is not worried about recent polling that indicates the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is in a better position with the general public since the resignation of party member Bruce Golding as Prime Minister of Jamaica. Portia Simpson Miller, president of the PNP, says the only so-called "bounce" the JLP will experience is when the people "will be bouncing them out of power."

JAMAICA NEEDS MORE STRINGENT ECONOMIC MEASURES—10/17/11
Jamaican financial observers believe that the nation's people require more education about what financial terms like GDP, NIR, and JDIP mean before they can understand the actual circumstances facing the country. People need to understand that for 22 years Jamaica has borrowed more than it has collected, and that Jamaican money is leaving the country while the number of Jamaican-owned businesses has declined.

HOLNESS A "SHOO-IN" FOR PRIME MINISTER JOB—10/17/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's Education Minister, is most likely to be the next Prime Minister of Jamaica. He is expected to replace Bruce Golding in that position after he resigns. An official of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) said it was a "foregone conclusion" that Holness will be the next Prime Minister. The party will formally choose the new leader during its convention, which is scheduled for November 19, 2011.

NATIONAL HEROES PARK READY FOR DAY OF CELEBRATION—10/18/11
The National Heroes Park is ready to share in the celebration of Jamaica's heroes. The annual ceremony is expected to run smoothly, according to Michael Nicholson, events specialist. He has been working with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) for about 20 years and is responsible for ensuring that all is ready for the event at which dignitaries will lay flowers in honor of Jamaica's fallen heroes.

VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS COST GOVERNMENT MILLIONS—10/19/11
Taxpayers in Jamaica pay a high price for abuse by police officers, negligence from medical personnel, and other kinds of recklessness among civil servants. Supreme Court judgments and settlements out of court have cost the government $365 million in damages since 2006. The money went to settle civil lawsuits won by those who were wronged by state agents. According to Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice, the government currently owes nearly $400 million in civil judgments.

JAMAICAN, U.S. OFFICIALS ARREST 14 IN TELEMARKETING SCAM—10/20/11
Jamaican law enforcement officials and officers of the United States Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Post Office conducted a joint operation that searched 12 locations and led to the arrest of 14 individuals. The search warrants were executed by the Jamaica Customs Department and the Jamaica Constabulary Force and targeted criminal networks specializing in lottery and telemarketing fraud in the area of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

AGRICULTURE MINISTER TO IMPROVE IMPORTED FOOD STANDARDS—10/21/11
New regulations will govern the importation of foreign food beginning in 20102, according to improvements implemented by Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Robert "Bobby" Montague, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the agency has received a mandate to implement the new Food Safety Policy.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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GUYANA TO USE UNDERCOVER JAMAICAN AGENTS—10/15/11
Francis Forbes, Interim Executive Director for the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security of CARICOM, believes that Guyana and their counterparts in CARICOM should not rely so heavily on the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Instead, they should turn to their local resources for help in the narco-trafficking area. To make his point, he noted that while U.S. officials were recently discussing strategies, Jamaican authorities found cocaine in a vessel that left Guyana. This was the third time the same boat was detained for drug trafficking.

STUTTER HINDERS JAMAICAN FROM CLAIMING ASYLUM IN U.S.—10/16/11
Derrick Cotterel, a Jamaican farm worker who came to the United States to pick fruit, got into a dispute with an employer that resulted in his arrest in 2010 on charges of robbery. Because he had an expired visa, Cotterel was handed over to immigration authorities in Pennsylvania. In addition to communication difficulties arising from Cotterel's use of patois, he has a severe stutter than makes it difficult for him to describe his circumstances. Cotterel, who was denied an appeal to his asylum request, believes he will be killed if he is deported to Jamaica. His brother was killed for political activity in the country, said his immigration attorney Craig R. Shagin.

JAMAICA DRIVERS IN LINE FOR MOTORSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP—10/20/11
Jamaica is in line for the country championship in the finals of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motorsport Championships in Guyana. The top Jamaican motorcyclist, Stefan Chin, and Adrian Blake will represent Jamaica.

CAMERON SAYS AFRICAN-CARIBBEAN SCHOOLBOYS IN UK CHOOSE NOT TO LEARN—10/21/11
Adolph Cameron, the head of the Jamaican Teachers' Association, says that African-Caribbean boys in the United Kingdom choose to perform poorly in school because they view success in their studies as "gay." Cameron noted that homophobia is a major issue in Jamaica, and the cultural attitude was affecting male African-Caribbean students in the UK as well, making this group one of the worst-performing ethnic groups in the schools. In 2010, only 40 percent of African-Caribbean boys receive five good GCSEs, compared to the national average of 58.5 percent.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM UNITED STATES FOR CARIBBEAN SECURITY—10/15/11

FIFA BANS FOUR CARIBBEAN OFFICIALS—10/16/11

UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN HAITI REDUCED—10/17/11

UNITED STATES TO SEND MORE DEPORTEES TO CARIBBEAN—10/18/11

FORMED FIFA VICE-PRESIDENT BLAMES "ZIONISM" FOR DOWNFALL—10/19/11

ST.KITTS, NEVIS CO-CHAIR CARIBBEAN BASIN SECURITY COMMISSION—10/15/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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LEASE TO OPERATE JAMAICA PEGASUS HOTEL GIVEN TO HEDRICKSON—10/15/11
Surrey Hotel Management Ltd. will take over the operations of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on October 28, 2011. The company is owned by Kevin Hedrickson, who also operates the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites. Current management, Pegasus Hotels of Jamaica, will make 300 staff positions at the hotel redundant as a result, said Milton Samuda, chairman of the Pegasus Hotel. Surrey agreed to review the applications made by workers who want employment with the new operators, however, and will receive full redundancy payments on October 28, although the value of those payments remains unknown.

JAMAICAN WINS MOST TITLES AT MLT VACATIONS AWARDS EVENT—10/18/11
Jamaica and its partnering hotels won the most awards in the Caribbean region at the MLT University Vacations Quality Assurance Awards, which was held in St. Paul, Minnesota. Winners included Coco La Palm Seaside Resort, Couples Negril, Couples San Souci, Gran Bahia Principe, Hedonism II, Sandals Resorts, and the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, among others. The awards recognize quality hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America, and the United States, assessing the experience of more than 500,000 customers.

FARMERS WANT MORE LINKS TO TOURIST SECTOR—10/19/11
Jamaican farmers are concerned about not having a ready market for their locally grown produce, especially in the tourist sector. Currently, Jamaica's cost for food imports totals about US$1 billion. In order to create stronger ties between tourism and agriculture on the island, a town hall meeting in St. Elizabeth held by JN Small Business Loans Ltd. targeted the issue, hoping to help farmers find feasible marketing plans.

DEBT OF PETROCARIBE CLOSE TO J$164 BILLION—10/20/11
The total liabilities to Venezuela for Jamaica under the PetroCaribe Development Fund (PDF) have increased steadily since 2006 and will reach an estimated J$164 billion by the end of fiscal 2011, even as global oil prices decrease. Administrators of PDF said that the increase in the Venezuelan oil debt is in line with projections. Jamaica pays one-percent interest on the debt.

COMPANY IN BARBADOS TO AID FILMMAKERS, VIDEOGRAPHERS—10/17/11

JUDGES IN CARIBBEAN STUDY TECHNOLOGY—10/18/11

TELECOM CUSTOMERS TO RECEIVE ENHANCED ONLINE SECURITY, BACKUP—10/19/11

DIGICEL WILL REIMBURSE BLACKBERRY USERS AFTER OUTAGE—10/21/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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BRANSON OPENS SPACEPORT AMERICA—10/18/11
Richard Branson, the British billionaire, opened his commercial Spaceport America in southern New Mexico. Branson's firm Virgin Galactic plans to stage commercial space tourism flights from this site. He was joined by New Mexico governor Susana Martinez, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and many potential space travelers at the spaceport's terminal hanger for the dedication ceremony. The spaceport and the mother ship have been completed, said Branson. Final rocket testing is the next step. Over 450 individuals have bought tickets on Virgin Galactic so far. The spaceport was funded with $209 million in texpayer money.

DOW BEGINS MARKETING OF SOLAR ROOF SHINGLES—10/20/11
A division of the Dow Chemical Company, Dow Solar, has started to sell solar roofing shingles in Colorado. The firm expects this product will attract homeowners. Colorado is the first state to make the shingles widely available. Dow Solar plans to market the product in over a dozen states by the end of 2012. According to the company, the shingles are easy to install and very durable. They come with an inverter to convert from DC to AC current used in homes. Global Solar, a company based in Arizona, supplies the thin-film solar cells that are used in the roofing material.

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JAMAICAN ARTIST INSPIRED BY CLASSIC ROCK, CARS—10/15/11
Richard "Von" White, Jamaican artist, gets his inspiration from classic rock and automobiles. Using colors to bring his subjects to life, White paints futuristic art with psychedelic influences. He does all of his painting listening to classic rock music, says White. Von, as he is known in the art world, says that he used to paint in dark colors, but the psychedelic influences of the 1960s caused him to "lighten up."

LOIS SAMUELS IS FIRST CARIBBEAN VOGUE COVER GIRL—10/16/11
Lois Samuels has become famous in the fashion world, being discovered in a model search. She has achieved the distinction of being the first cover girl on Vogue who is from the Caribbean. She was discovered at Hampton High School for Girls in St. Elizabeth during a visit by Kingsley Cooper, chief executive officer of Pulse. Samuels has been compared to Grace Jones and has paved the way for other models from the island.

VETERAN MUSICIAN RECEIVES MUSGRAVE GOLD MEDAL—10/17/11
Headley Jones, 94, a veteran musician and known as the leader of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, has received the Musgrave gold medal for his eminence in the field of music. Jones has many talents, including work in the field of astronomy, being member of the Royal Air Force in World War II, and making the first solid-body electric guitar. He was born in St. Catherine in 1917.

BROWN HONORED ON HEROES DAY—10/18/11
Dennis Brown, one of the most decorated reggae singers in Jamaica, was honored at the annual National Awards ceremony on Heroes Day. He was awarded the Order of Distinction and rank of Commander for his contributions to the music industry on the island. Brown died in 1999 at the age of 42, and his award was accepted by his widow, Yvonne Brown and members of their family. Known as the "Crown Prince of Reggae," Brown's music paved the way for current reggae artistes and released more than 50 albums during his career. He is buried at Heroes Park in Kingston.

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RHONE RECEIVES NATIONAL HONORS—10/17/11
The International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) president Molly Rhone will join four other sports stars in receiving Jamaica's fourth-highest national honor. She is the only Jamaican to ever lead an international sporting body and has been at the head of the netball organization since 2003. She is the longest-serving president of the IFNA. Rhone will receive the Order of Jamaica for her services in local and international sports administration in netball.

AMERICAN USES SOCCER SKILLS ON JAMAICAN TEAM—10/19/11
Lindsay Wong, 17, has been chosen to play for Jamaica's national team in the Caribbean Football Union portion of the CONCACAF women's under-20 soccer tournament. The American will be part of the team that plays in Cuba. Wong's father was born in Jamaica and she has dual citizenship. She is one of very few Americans able to travel for Cuba, which makes her selection for the team even more exciting for her and her supporters.

ATKINSON RECEIVES SILVER MEDAL AT PAN AM GAMES—10/20/11
Alia Atkinson, 22, who has long been considered a potential star in Jamaican swimming, won the silver medal at the XVI Pan American Games. She has provided a new national record, swimming the women's 200-meters in 2:14:75. This was the first medal for Jamaica in the Games. She labeled her win as a "redemption" after suffering a near-miss earlier in the competition.

U.S. DOPING EXPERT SAYS JAMAICANS CHEATED DURING 2008 OLYMPICS—10/21/11
Victor Conte, founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), says that the record-breaking performances of Jamaican athletes during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing were the result of doping. He believes that Usain Bolt and other Jamaicans may have utilized illegal methods to obtain their gold medals. Conte says that he was told Jamaicans were using testosterone and other substances he used during his tenure at BALCO to achieve their wins. Conte says he does not have proof to back up his suspicions, but believes Bolt's record-breaking results and those of others prove his point.

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Running on Empty

The request from the five virgins seemed reasonable. "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out" (Matthew 25:8, KJV). The response from the other five was not very encouraging. According to Matthew, Jesus was relating the following parable: "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps" (vv. 1-7). It was at this critical time that the "foolish" ones discovered they did not have enough oil. Not allowing for the possibility that the groom might be delayed, they had not taken enough.

The response of the "wise" virgins and subsequent events are insightful. Matthew continues, "But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not" (vv. 9-12). Jesus summed up the parable, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh" (v. 13). What was Jesus teaching?

There are too many theological truths in the parable to uncover in our limited space. However, in Scripture the lamp symbolizes the Word - the laws, principles, and precepts - of God which lights our paths through life (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:20-23). It serves to guide the child of God in the righteous ways of life. For as long as it takes to wait for the bridegroom, the return of Christ, the wise among us will ensure that we remain always in the Word, allowing ourselves to be guided by it. The foolish will become apathetic, going back and forth into the ways of the society around them, not having the conviction to stand for truth. It is this latter group that we must avoid. Despite the distractions and the challenges, we must read, study, and apply the Word of God. In world of darkness, we cannot see clearly without it.

It is important to note that there are only too categories of people - the wise and the foolish. The difference between them was the amount of Word that was in them and how that Word influenced their life. On which side do you find yourself? Are you among the wise?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending October 14th, 2011

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:10:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGED TO ENLARGE TAX BASE—10/08/11
Ethlyn Norton-Coke, a tax consultant and the head of the Taxation Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ), is encouraging the government's tax reform committee to include individuals working in the informal economy in any reform measure. Norton-Coke says the nation needs to obtain more money from the informal sector. He pointed to taxi operators as a good example of workers who make money but do not pay their fair share of taxes.

BIBLE SOCIETY SAYS PATOIS BIBLE A VALID TRANSLATION—10/08/11
According to the Bible Society of the West Indies, the translation of the Bible into Jamaican patois represents a valid effort. The Society disagrees with Dr. Franklin Johnston who has characterized the patois translation as a waste of time. The Society's patois translation was made from the Greek New Testament published by the United Bible Societies.

FAIR ELECTIONS DEPEND ON REFORM OF CAMPAIGN FINANCING—10/09/11
At the invitation of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Jamaicans United for Sustainable Development has made several proposals designed to enhance the country's democracy and avoid the problems presented by previous unfair and corrupt election campaigns. The proposals want to prevent governments from being beholden to financial backers, using political office to obtain financial benefits, being obligated to foreign financial donors, and having attachments to financial donors from narco- trafficking and/or money-laundering activities.

TWO ANGLICANS HONORED FOR 50 YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD—10/10/11
Over 500 Anglicans and their friends met to honor the Right Reverends E. Don Taylor and Alfred Reid who both celebrated 50 years of service in the priesthood. The men were praised by leaders in the political, religious, and business communities at a celebratory banquet held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St. Andrew. Taylor and Reid have also been close friends for 50 years and have both served in many positions within the Anglican Church.

VYBZ KARTEL LAUNCHES SKIN-BLEACHING PRODUCTS FOR MEN—10/11/11
Although dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel is awaiting trial on conspiracy to murder charges, he has gone ahead with his plans to introduce a line of skin-whitening products aimed especially at men. This has placed Kartel at the center of controversy once again by providing products made according to his own formula for bleaching his skin. Kartel has been an advocate of skin-bleaching for some time. Historian Elsa Goveia notes that skin-whitening in general has negative connotations for race matters and self- confidence issues. Kartel believes it is no different from getting a tan or straightening hair.

PIECE OF PORTLAND'S HERITAGE FOUND IN PORT ANTONIO—10/12/11
An anchor thought to be many hundreds of years old was discovered at the marina facility of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) in Port Antonio. Elliott Skyers, a lifeguard and captain of a scuba boat, found the anchor during a dive in the Errol Flynn mega-yacht marina. The anchor is believed to have been used by a large vessel and is much older than anyone currently living in Portland.

JAMAICAN COURTS FALLING PREY TO CORRUPTION, SAYS JUSTICE MINISTER—10/13/11
Delroy Chuck, Jamaican Justice Minister, is expressing his concern regarding what he believes to be a proliferation of corruption in the legal system of the country. Chuck says the legal system is facing a crisis and needs immediate attention. He says that police are paid to say they cannot find witnesses, people are paid to destroy critical documents, and cases languish for years without progressing through the courts.

LOW SELLING PRICE FOR NEGRIL BEACH PROPERTY EXAMINED—10/14/11
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will have its decision to sell a Negril property for much less than its original valuation price is being studied by the Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC). The committee wants the agency to explain why the actual sale price was so much lower than the initial valuation.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN ART DISPLAYED IN LONDON GALLERY—10/10/11
Jamaican artists will have a six-day exhibit of their works in London. The show is meant to coincide with the launch of the Black Circle Gallery by Jamaican Theresa Roberts. The exhibit, entitled "Spirit of Jamaica," will feature works by Laura Facey-Cooper, Phillip Thomas, Laura Hamilton, Kristina Rowe, and Monique Lofters. The gallery will promote artists that are generally underrepresented in Europe, says Roberts.

JAMAICAN EDUCATOR RECOGNIZED AS "OUTSTANDING" IN WASHINGTON, D.C.—10/11/11
Eleasia Charles, a Jamaican teacher, has been singled out as an outstanding educator in Washington, D.C., after only one year in the district. Charles was selected from hundreds of applicants to be a teaching fellow who will teach in a high-needs school in the southeastern section of the city. Charles was recognized for her performance as a teacher.

CHESS GRANDMASTER PROMOTES GAME TO CHILDREN—10/12/11
Maurice Ashley, a Jamaican-born New Yorker, is the first African American to win the title of international chess grandmaster. And now he is promoting the game of kings as a pastime for children. He travels across the United States to encourage children to learn chess. He noted that 37 percent of the members of the U.S. Chess Federation are under 13 years old, which indicates a strong interest in the game among elementary school children. Chess is a "young man's game," says Chuck Lovingood, who has oversight on national tournaments for the Federation. Children also have the ability to "empty their minds" and give total concentration to the game.

JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT WANTS HEALTH PARTNERS IN DIASPORA—10/13/11
According to Marlene Malahoo-Forte, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Jamaica, more partnerships between members of the Diaspora and the nation's government will improve the quality of health care on the island. She made her remarks during the launch of the Jamaican Diaspora and Friends of Jamaica Healthcare fact-finding mission, which was held in New Kingston. The meeting was designed to find answers to the problems facing Jamaica's current healthcare system.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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SUBSIDIARY OF EMERA INC. CRITICIZED FOR POWER OVER-CHARGE—10/08/11

EXPROPRIATION OF ISLANDS BY CHAVEZ TO HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON RESIDENTS—10/09/11

CARIBBEAN OFFICIALS TO FACE FIFA IN ZURICH—10/10/11

CHAVEZ TO RETURN TO CUBA FOR TESTS—10/11/11

MINISTER OF ANTIGUA PROMOTES 4G TECHNOLOGY—10/12/11

CENTRAL BANK OF BARBADOS WARNS GOVERNMENT ABOUT TAX INCREASES—10/13/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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RED STRIPE WILL REDUCE OUTPUT AT KINGSTON PLANT—10/09/11
Red Stripe Jamaica will send part of its production to North America and decrease output at its plant in Kingston by as many as 3.5 million cases. This will mean the elimination of 70 jobs. The action is being taken to save the bottom line, which has been a victim of the revised excise tax structure, a poor showing in the domestic beer market, and higher costs for energy. Richard Byles, chairman of Red Stripe, says the firm can product its product in North America at about half the cost it pays in Jamaica.

CEMENT PRODUCERS LOOKING AT COAL TO SAVE MONEY—10/10/11
Cement producers in Jamaica could save about US$37 million per year if they construct their own coal power plant rather than buy oil fuel. Caribbean Cement Company Limited, which is the only cement manufacturer on the island, believes it can save at least US$8 million each year if it builds a 40-megawatt plant at a cost of US$70 million. Electricity represents the single biggest cost to the cement manufacturing business, according to ken Wiltshire, operations manager at Caribbean Cement.

BANK OF JAMAICA SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC PLANS—10/11/11
Brian Wynter, head of the Bank of Jamaica, believes the nation's economy is experiencing a transition to macroeconomic stability, lower interest rates, and sustained growth rates in spite of the challenges it faces. Wynter said the government's comprehensive economic transformation program, which started in 2009, will secure long-term stability and create an atmosphere that will foster lower interest rates and long-term investments.

EARNINGS OF TRANSIT FIRM LAG BEHIND EXPENDITURES—10/12/11
The revenue obtained by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), which is owned by the state, has not kept up with the multi-billions it costs to operate the business. During the three fiscal years ending in March 2011, the agency earned nearly $6.9 billion. However, this was just 34 percent of its combined operating costs and government subvention during the same period. The service benefits urban and suburban working-class individuals, however, with an average of 285 buses used per day, chiefly in the Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine areas.

LARGEST SOLAR PROJECT IN CARIBBEAN TO RISE IN PUERTO RICO—10/08/11

CARIBBEAN ENJOYS DIGITAL BILLBOARDS—10/09/11

JAMAICAN GAMERS TO RECEIVE INFORMATION THROUGH "THE LAB"—10/10/11

AMERICAN FIRM TO TEST SOLAR TECHNOLOGY IN JAMAICA—10/11/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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KINDLE FIRE TABLET HIT WITH PATENT LAWSUIT—10/11/11
While the new Kindle Fire tablet from Amazon will not be available to consumers until November 2011, it has already become the target of a patent lawsuit. Smartphone Technologies has filed suit against Amazon in the District Court for the District of East Texas, charging that the tablet violates four of its patents. The firm is owned by Acacia Research, a company that purchases and licenses patents. It is viewed by many in the industry as a "patent troll" and has launched many lawsuits against large players like Apple and Research In Motion.

DENNIS RITCHIE, CREATOR OF C PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE, DIES—10/13/11
Dennis Ritchie, computer scientist and creator of the popular C programming language, has died. He was 70 years old. Ritchie died at home. He was well respected internationally for his accomplishments. As well as creating C, Ritchie wrote the definitive book on C and made major contributions in the development of the Unix operating system. He received the Turing Award in 1983 and the National Medal of Technology in 1999.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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DENROY MORGAN ARRESTED ON MARIJUANA CHARGE—10/08/11
Jamaican singer Denroy Morgan, known for his disco-reggae tune "I'll Do Anything for Your" in 1981, was arrested in September 2011 for possession of marijuana. Creator of the reggae group Morgan Heritage, Morgan, 66, was carrying a brick of compressed marijuana at the time of his arrest in the Bronx, New York. Police followed his car and pulled him over when he ran a stop sign. Smelling the marijuana, the police found two bags of the drug weighing about 25 pounds. They then returned to the house in the Bronx and found 310 pounds of the drug. Morgan was released on $8,000 bail.

ALISON HINDS, SOCA QUEEN, DISAPPOINTED IN MIAMI CARNIVAL—10/10/11
Alison Hinds, known as the "queen" of soca, criticized the disorganization that kept her from performing at the Miami Broward One Carnival. The singer, who is from Barbados, was very upset that she was not allowed to perform. She attributes the cancelled performance to the actions of the Carnival organizers, but is giving them a chance to explain what happened.

DESIGNER SUES ELEPHANT MAN—10/12/11
Dancehall artiste Oneil "Elephant Man" Bryan is facing a lawsuit stemming from an alleged failure to pay a Jamaican designer JA$1 million for clothing. The designer's attorney is preparing a case against the musician if he does not pay his overdue bills. This is not the first time Bryan has faced financial problems. In 2010, his Mercedes Benz was seized from his home by the Tax Administration Department for failure to pay taxes, and he was charged with stealing electricity by the Jamaica Public Service agency.

SKATALITES POPULAR WITH YOUNG FANS—10/13/11
The pioneer Jamaican band Skatalites has found new fans among the younger generation in Canada. Lester "Ska" Sterling, 75, says he feels good playing among younger groups. Sterling is playing with eight new band members, since drummer Lloyd Knibb has died, and bassist Lloyd Brevett has retired. The group includes vocalist Doreen Shaffer, who worked with the original band in 1964-1965.

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SPORTS
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FOOTBALL COACH MARK MENDEL DIES—10/08/11
Mark Mendel, football coach, administrator, and business executive, died suddenly of a heart attack, closing another period of Jamaican football history. Mendel was born in Romania and held Israeli and Jamaican citizenship. He was responsible for changing the local football establishment in the 1980s and 1990s. He introduced the first professional football team in Jamaica, the Swallowfield Football Club.

JAMAICAN EQUESTRIAN HAPPY TO COMPETE IN PAN AM GAMES—10/09/11
Samantha Albert, Jamaican equestrian, is pleased that she will be able to join the competition at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October 2011. She will be allowed to compete because the European Union lifted a ban on horses coming from Central America due to an outbreak of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis. Albert says she is excited about going to the Pan Am Games. The Jamaican lives in the United Kingdom and will travel with a bay gelding, Culture Couture and compete in cross-country and show jumping.

JAMAICAN GYNMASTS TURNS IN GOOD PERFORMANCES IN JAPAN—10/10/11
Jaida Lawrence and Toni-Ann Williams placed 152nd and 167th, respectively, during the individual all-around qualification at the 43rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Lawrence finished 30th overall in the vault, 185th in the uneven bars and balance beam, and 181st in floor exercise. Toni-Ann had her best performance ever on the balance beam despite tearing out the middle of the palm of her right hand during the competition. She placed 86th in the competition. Physicians taped up her hand and she went on to compete in all four events.

SEPARATE FALLING SOCCER GOAL POST INCIDENTS KILL 3 CHILDREN—10/12/11
Jamaican authorities report that a 6-year-old has been killed by a falling soccer goal post in the third such accident in 2011. Jevaughn Bailey was playing on the field at his school in St. Ann when a post fell on him. A 7-year-old died in January 2011 at another school when a post fell on him, while a 9-year-old died in March 2011 when a gust of wind caused a goal post to fall on him.

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Checking the Owner's Manual

The warning light on the car's instrument panel was one I had never seen before. My ignorance of what it meant at the time did not change the fact that it was "telling me" something was wrong. I had two choices. I could ignore it and hope it went away, or I could investigate and find out what it meant and take the necessary action. There was a good chance the first option could cost me much more than I would bargain for, my safety and wallet included, so that was not very appealing. It was also irresponsible. So considering myself a responsible person, I took the second option. There was only one place to check what the light meant and that was in the car's manual. There I discovered that the light indicated low tire pressure. I took a walk around the car and the tires looked fine. Nevertheless, I figured that while it could have been a malfunction, the car manufacturers knew far more about the vehicle than I did, so at the nearest gas station, I put in the recommended pressure in all four tires. Sure enough, once the car started, the warning light went off.

As I settled into my seat, it occurred to me that this particular experience had a couple of significant spiritual lessons. The Holy Spirit is like the car's instrument panel and because a part of his role is to guide us into all truth (John 16:13a), when something is wrong he warns us that we are straying or have strayed off course. That warning comes in different ways; maybe a check or feeling of restraint in our spirit, a discomfort with a particular decision, a "no" where we were expecting a "yes," to name a few. How do we respond then? We can either ignore what He is saying, or we can refer to the Christian's manual, The Bible, for corrective action. Either way, the choice is ours.

What is interesting about the Holy Spirit's warnings is that they usually "stay on" for quite some time. Just like when I looked at the tires they seemed fine, we may do our own self-check and feel everything is fine. The thing we are pondering seems very advantageous to us; the decision we made seems and feels right. Yet, the warning is still there. It is God's way of alerting us to something we need to attend to.

As you make your way along your Christian journey, have you checked your "instrument panel" lately? Are there any "warning lights" that you have been ignoring? If so, I encourage you to check your "owner's manual." It is far more reliable than your feelings.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending October 7th, 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:00:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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TECHNICAL SCHOOL TO GET UNIVERSITY STATUS—10/01/11
The Jamaican government has decided to give HEART College of Innovation and Technology university status, one of several education institutions slated for the upgraded title over the coming decade, according to an announcement from Andrew Holness, Minister of Education. The school, which was formerly known as the Caribbean Institute of Technology (CIT), will be part of the government's efforts to invest in technical institutes as is common in other countries, including Germany, Austria, and Japan.

FORENSIC SCIENCE USED TO CATCH TAX EVADERS—10/02/11
Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Finance Minister, has vowed to catch those who operate billion-dollar businesses but avoid paying taxes. Shaw said the government is working to utilize forensic science to find tax evaders. The commissioner general of the Tax Administration has turned to forensic science to discover which individuals are avoiding the general consumption tax (GCT). The magnitude of tax abuse is "horrendous," according to Shaw, who notes that it is robbing the nation's treasury of needed revenue.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CRITICAL TO NATION'S ECONOMY—10/03/11
Olivia Grange, Jamaican Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, acknowledged that entrepreneurial activities among the youth of the country are important to its economy. The government is committed to developing the entrepreneurial spirit in young people with the organization of entities like the Jamaica Youth Business Trust and the Young Entrepreneurs' Association. According to Grange, young people represent the largest portion of the population and are therefore crucial to economic development in the future.

GOLDING EXPLAINS RESIGNATION—10/04/11
Bruce Golding, Jamaica's outgoing Prime Minister, stated that the perceptions among the public about how he handled the extradition of drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the United States had an impact on his decision to resign from his leadership post. Golding said his opposition to the U.S. request for extradition reflected the fact that the indictment was based on illegal wiretap evidence. The extradition of Coke was "a breach" of Jamaica's Constitution, he said.

DRIVERS OUTSIDE KINGSTON PAY MORE FOR GASOLINE—10/05/11
A gas survey conducted by the Consumer Affairs Commission in Jamaica showed that residents of rural areas pay more for gasoline than city dwellers. The Jamaica Gasoline Retailers Association has charged that the higher costs are not due to transportation expenses, but to pricing policies employed by marketing firms. There is a gap in prices totaling as much as $22 in the prices paid by rural residents for regular gas. The rural gas gap has widened in 2011, according to the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), but not by much.

HOLNESS BECOMES FRONT-RUNNER FOR POSITION OF PRIME MINISTER—10/06/11
Andrew Holness, the current Minister of Education in Jamaica, has been propelled past his rivals in his effort to become the next head of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) and the ninth Prime Minister of the country. Four of his chief rivals for the position have given him their full support, meaning that there are now 12 government MPs who have publicly stated their support for Holness. He is now the front-runner in replacing Bruce Golding, who plans to resign as head of the JLP and leave his post as Prime Minister in November 2011.

HENRY EXPLAINS HIS ABSENCE FROM JLP PRESS CONFERENCE—10/06/11
Mike Henry, the chairman of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), has explained his absence from a press conference called by party members to endorse Andrew Holness, Minister of Education, for the top spot in the JLP and Prime Minister of Jamaica. Henry said he could not attend because he is responsible for balancing all interests in the party. Party members have until October 20, 2011, to make nominations for the position of party leader.

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FUNCTIONAL AFTER 30 YEARS—10/07/11
The new Harbor View Sewage Treatment Plant has finally been commissioned after being out of operation for over 30 years. The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) and residents of the area took the National Water Commission (NWC) and other state agencies to court to address the non-operational treatment plant, noting that the absence of the plant resulted in environmental degradation of the area and posed a significant health risk. An out-of-court settlement was reached in July 2010 when the NWC promised to build an interim sewage treatment facility within six months and revamp the Harbor View Sewage plant within 18 months.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN NATIONAL BUILDING SOCIETY MEETS WITH DIASPORA—10/03/11
Florida representatives of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) are meeting with Jamaicans in the U.S. Diaspora to discuss mortgage rates, mortgage financing, opportunities in real estate, and Internet access to information about land titles. Earl Jarrett, general manager of the organization, will be the chief presenter at the Miami, Florida meeting. The group is aware of an increased interest in Jamaican real estate among Jamaicans in the Diaspora.

JAMAICAN TO BE CHIEF USHER OF WHITE HOUSE IN UNITED STATES—10/05/11
Angella Reid, a Jamaican-born hotelier, will be the first female chief usher at the White House, the home of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. Reid was born in Trinityville, St. Thomas, and went to Excelsior High School in Kingston before becoming a front-office trainee at the Montego Bay Half Moon Hotel in 1978. Reid, 52, will take over as chief usher from Rear Admiral Stephen Rochan, who has taken a job with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

HINCHCLIFFE TO J OIN STATE DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE IN U.S.—10/06/11
Audrey Hinchcliffe, a well-known Jamaican businesswoman, has received an invitation from United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to serve on the U.S. Department of State International Council on Women's Business Leadership (ICWBL). She will serve for a term of two years. The group's chief goal is to advise the State Department in creating policy, proposals, and strategies for business negotiations and outreach as they pertain to the economic empowerment of women around the world.

JAMAICAN YOUTH ACTIVIST ISSUES MEMOIR—10/07/11
Gavin Hutchinson is sharing his story with everyone willing to read it. He has written a memoir about his journey from idealism to reality and the experiences he had along the way. In 2006, Hutchinson was 23 and planned to return to his homeland of Jamaica, in spite of getting permanent residency in the U.S. while he attended a university in Florida. Now 28, Hutchinson has released the story of his experiences in a book called "Tried and True: Revelations of a Rebellious Youth." The book describes his job has a weekly talk show host, working for the Bob Marley family, and launching a nonprofit meant to empower Jamaican youth through the arts and culture.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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INTEGRATED AIR TRAVEL TO BE STUDIED BY CARIBBEAN TRADE MINISTERS—10/01/11

$35.5 MILLION IN COCAINE SEIZED IN TWO SEPARATE DRUG BUSTS—10/03/11

SECRETARY GENERAL OF CARICOM OPTIMISTIC ABOUT AGREEMENT WITH CANADA—10/04/11

OIL EXPLORATION, PRODUCTION BANNED NEAR CARIBBEAN ISLANDS—10/05/11

HAITI FINDS NEW PRIME MINISTER—10/06/11

CHAVEZ SAYS HOUSES ON LOS ROQUES WILL BE SEIZED—10/07/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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FISHERFOLK KEPT AFLOAT BY SMALL BUSINESS LOAN—10/03/11
Fishing, although a traditional means of making a living in Jamaica, is not always a lucrative business. The risks of the trade are understood by those who follow it, but they are willing to push on because it is a tradition in their families. Loss of their boats and other equipment experienced as a result of hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan in 2004, nearly devastated the island's fishing population.

FALMOUTH NAMED PORT OF THE YEAR—10/04/11
The Port of the Year Award for 2011 has been won by the Port of Falmouth. The announcement was made at the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards held at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, Germany in September. The Port of Falmouth achieved the high honor ahead of ports in Turkey and Norway. The award is given in recognition of improvements to handling facilities and cruise tourism infrastructure during the previous 12 months.

RED STRIPE TO MOVE U.S. BEER PRODUCTION TO NORTH AMERICA—10/05/11
Red Stripe, Jamaica's signature beer brand, has decided to move the production facilities for product destined for the United States to a location in North America. The move will be accomplished under a license agreement and will mean job losses for Jamaica. The firm has said, however, that expected returns from higher U.S. penetration and an increased focus on its domestic business will place the organization in a stronger position overall.

FINANCING LAGS BEHIND SUCCESSES IN LOCAL FILM INDUSTRY—10/06/11
Despite the considerable success of local films, the Jamaican film industry continues to struggle to be competitive with its regional and international rivals, according to Gillian Wilkinson-McDaniel, a senior consultant at the Film Commission. The chief challenge for the industry in Jamaica involves funding. Local funding is difficult to obtain, and attracting productions from overseas is hampered by problematic local conditions and lack of financial incentives.

U.S. COMPANY DISCUSSES NEW PLANTS WITH CARIBBEAN UTILITIES—10/01/11

ROSETTA STONE SOFTWARE TO BE USED IN JAMAICAN SCHOOLS—10/02/11

CUBA, VIETNAM JOIN TO CREATE ENERGY SOURCES—10/05/11

CARIBNOG QUESTIONS DISASTER READINESS OF CARIBBEAN NETWORKS—10/07/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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KINDLE FROM AMAZON CONTINUES TO GET PREORDERS—10/06/11
The new Kindle Fire tablet computing device from Amazon has continued its pre-order sales at a fast pace. It remains to be seen whether the actual product will meet the high expectations set by Apple's iPad, however. In the first six days after the start of pre-order sales, the Fire has been selling at a rate of some 20,000 units every day, says eDataSource, a marketing research company. Amazon sold 95,000 of the devices on the first day of pre-ordering.

APPLE FANS MUST MAKE DO WITHOUT STEVE JOBS—10/07/11
Apple fans all over the world mourned the death of the company's founder and chief design guru, Steve Jobs at the age of 56. People paid their respects at Apple stores in Manhattan, Boston and Paris. The crowds who gathered to pay their respects highlighted the impact that Steve Jobs and his creations had on modern life and on the Apple brand, which became synonymous with major innovation and style-making.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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REGGAE PIONEER LEONARD DILLON DIES—10/03/11
Leonard Dillon, a pioneer of reggae music, has died at the age of 68. According to his daughter Patrice Dillon, the musician suffered from cancer. Dillon emerged before Bob Marley and Peter Tosh as one of the first singers in Jamaica to use Afro-centric themes and social commentary in his songs. His work illustrated the evolution of Jamaican music. Tosh introduced Dillon to Marley and the Wailers, and the musicians recorded together at Studio One in Kingston, the first black-owned recording studio and label in Jamaica.

VYBZ KARTEL FACES MURDER CHARGE—10/05/11
Vybz Kartel, a controversial dancehall star, was arrested by police in Jamaica on suspicion of murder. Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, is extremely popular, but his commercial success is also associated with links to the Kingston underworld. Kartel was part of a feud with fellow artiste Mavado, and an argument between the two resulted in escalating violence in the island's inner cities. Now Kartel has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a conspiracy to murder Barrington Burton, a promoter who was killed earlier in 2011.

PROTOJE MAKES VIDEO FOR NO LIPSTICK—10/06/11
Protoje has become increasingly popular in the local music scene in Jamaica since his debut single entitled "Arguments" in 2009. He has now had several hit songs, including "Rasta Love." All the songs were accompanied by quality music videos. He has recently made a music video for a new single called "No Lipstick," which was shot on location at Great Huts Resort in Portland by his sister, LeAnn "Dream Seeker" Ollivierre.

CONTESTANTS ON "TEACHA'S PET" SAD ABOUT KARTEL MURDER CHARGE—10/07/11
The murder charge brought against dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel has had a major impact on the future of his reality series "Teacha's Pet." And the contestants on the show have expressed extreme sadness at the news of the charges. After the charges were filed, LIME, the telecommunications firm, withdrew its sponsorship from the series. The network carrying the show also plans to pull it from the broadcast schedule. The women on the show are shocked and sad about the circumstances and want Kartel released from jail as soon as possible.

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BOLT WANTS FALSE-START RULE CHANGED—10/01/11
Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt wants the false-start rule to be changed. He believes that the authorities should reconsider the decision to disqualify an athlete for making a false start in a race. Bolt himself fell victim to the rule in the 100-meter race at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu and was disqualified.

GAYLE COULD BE BACK AS HEAD OF JAMAICAN NATIONAL TEAM—10/05/11
Chris Gayle could take the position of captain of Jamaica's national team for the WICB Regional Super50 Championship tournament in Guyana. He has been recommended for the post and is waiting for ratification from the Jamaica Cricket Association. He has not led the team for the past three years, but would still offer considerable experience to the role after acting as a former West Indies captain. His presences on the team would be a major batting boost and could help Jamaica's chances to win.

JAMAICAN RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM TRAINS AT HEWORTH ARLC—10/06/11
Jamaica's rugby league team is holding a training camp at Heworth ARLC before going to Philadelphia to play in two World Cup qualifiers. Jamaica, which includes several players linked to the York City Knights, is coached by former York Wasps winger Dean Thomas. Seven players in Jamaica's domestic league are coming to the United Kingdom the week of October 6, 2011.

JAMAICAN TRIO SHORTLISTED FOR WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR TITLE—10/07/11
Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and Yohan Blake, all Jamaicans and all gold medal winners at the World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, South Korea, have been shortlisted for the 2011 World Athlete of the Year Award given by the IAAF. The three Jamaicans are part of a group of ten male and ten female candidates chosen by a panel of eight athletics experts of the IAAF.

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Return to Sender

Have you ever felt like some of your prayers were intercepted somewhere between earth and heaven, and got stamped "Return to Sender"? Recently I was thinking about that, and it occurred to me that the devil is in the business of intercepting our prayers, or the answers to them, and carting them off into his camp while leaving us to doubt or blame God when we do not see the expected results of those prayers. Of course, that is assuming that we are praying in the will of God as guided by the Holy Spirit (Jude 20). I like the fact though, that despite the enemy's best efforts, we can go into his camp and take back what he has stolen from us! I think if we could ever see his backyard, it would be filled with stuff and within that stuff are things that belong to us; our health, our finances, our relationships, our family members, our careers, to name a few.

So, let us put on the whole armor of God, and wage war with the one who would dare take what is not his. A closer look at the armor shows how marvelous an arsenal God has given us!

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." (Eph. 6:11-18a, KJV)

That really excites me. As long as we have on the whole armor of God, we have nothing to fear. We can stare the enemy down, knowing fully well that with the Lord on our side, we will have the victory. The devil is no match for us who are on God's side. What he has stolen, he has to give it back. Those prayers prayed in the will of God marked "Return to Sender" are bogus. With sword in hand, and praise on our lips, we will march into the enemy's camp and we will not leave until we take back all of that which is rightfully ours. Hallelujah

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending September 30th, 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:40:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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FOOD SAFETY ACT TO COVER IMPORTED GOODS—09/24/11
Robert Montague, Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, reported that the Cabinet is set to discuss the drafting of a Food Safety Act that will establish standards for imported foods. According to Montague, this is necessary for the protection of the Jamaican people.

BRUCE GOLDING TO RESIGN—09/25/11
Jamaica's Prime Minister Bruce Golding has announced his resignation. His action was taken in response to a potential rebellion among members of the ruling party that could have resulted in putting him out of office. Golding will resign as soon as a new leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is elected in November at the annual general conference.

IMF PROGRAM SAFE FOR THE SHORT TERM—09/26/11
Although there have been concerns about the 2010 standby arrangement that exists between Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the program will continue for the short term in terms of fund disbursement. Reviews for December of 2010 and for March and June of 2011 are pending, but all signals suggest that the arrangement is "alive and well."

ISLAND'S ECONOMIC GROWTH COULD SURPASS 2.5 PERCENT FOR 2011—09/27/11
According to Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, the economic growth of the country is likely to exceed the targeted 2.5 percent for 2011. Shaw says he is "optimistic" about the growth rate. Jamaican continues to work toward attracting investments in tourism and in information and communications technology. The government has also approved a law to permit the expansion of casinos in Jamaica as well.

MUNROE SAYS RESIGNATION OF GOLDING PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY—09/28/11
Trevor Munroe, the director of the National Integrity Action Forum (NIAF), believes that the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) offers a chance for Jamaicans to demand transparency in governance. There is now an opportunity to implement measures that will make the government more accountable for its actions, according to Munroe.

TOM TAVARES-FINSON INTERESTED IN REPRESENTING WEST KINGSTON—09/29/11
Attorney-at-law Tom Tavares-Finson has stated that he is interested in representing the constituency of West Kingston in the government upon the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Although some members of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) believe he was responsible for undermining Golding's efforts, Tavares-Finson says he did nothing of the sort and has long had a desire to represent the people of the West Kingston district in government.

BRYAN HOLNESS KILLED ACCIDENTALLY—09/29/11
According to police investigators, the son of Dr. Patricia Holness, chief executive officer of the Registrar General's Department, was shot and killed by accident when a group of friends were playing with an illegal fun. Police in St. Catherine detained one of the three men in the group, while the other two were released after questioning. It was determined that the killing was accidental, contradicting earlier reports that a "lone gunman" on a bicycle killed Bryan Holness, 19, a student at the University of the West Indies.

CRUISE PASSENGERS ENJOY NEW TRANSPORT SYSTEM—09/30/11
A new system of transportation is scheduled for cruise ship ports, says Edmund Bartlett, Jamaican Minister of Tourism. The existing system, which divides the responsibility for transferring cruise ship passengers among several entities, will be replaced by a single company charged with handling ground transportation for the passengers. The single system will be more efficient and reduce the harassment of tourists.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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YOUNG JAMAICAN FOOTBALLERS MAKE MARK IN AUSTRIA—09/24/11
Jamaican youths are making a positive impression on the Austrian football club of USK Anif. Craig Butler and four members of the Phoenix All Star Football Academy are pioneering a move into Austria that provides a major opportunity for the Jamaican players. According to Butler, head of the Academy, the players will be able to develop their skills outside of Jamaica in a sustained way that could not be accomplished on the home island.

JAMAICAN-BORN ARTIST CELEBRATES DECADE OF MAKING ART IN GEORGIA—09/27/11
Tamara Natalie Madden, a Jamaican-born artist, is celebrating her ten years' of making art in Marietta, Georgia, with a one-woman exhibition. The celebration marks an achievement of transcending the tragedy of being diagnosed at the age of 22 with a rare, incurable kidney disease, ICA nephropathy. She moved to the United States at the age of 13 and began making art seriously as therapy after receiving her diagnosis. In 2000, she found her half-brother in Jamaica, who donated a kidney that was successfully transplanted. Her art exhibit is a representation of her determination to overcome the odds to become a professional artist.

DIASPORA CONCERNED ABOUT GOLDING RESIGNATION'S IMPACT ON INVESTORS—09/28/11
The Jamaican Diaspora has voiced concerns about how the uncertainties surrounding the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding from office will affect foreign investors. The "indecisiveness" could send a negative message to investors who want to find opportunities in Jamaica. The rapidity by which the government's leadership changes hands is critical in shoring up investors' confidence in the country, say observers.

GIS TECHNOLOGY AIDS JAMAICANS LIVING ABROAD—09/29/11
Jamaicans who live in the United States and in other countries can benefit from the Geographical Information System (GIS) technology in regard to making real estate development decisions. According to Janice McIntosh, the chief representative officer at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) in the Florida office believes services like iMap Jamaica provide an initial way for individuals to determine whether or not the land they own is in their name or is untitled. The iMap Jamaica application was introduced by the National Land Agency (NLA) in September 2010.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CAYMANS DECIDE NOT TO EASE VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR JAMAICANS—09/24/11

CARIBBEAN OFFICIAL BANNED BY FIFA—09/25/11

JOBLESS RECOVERY EXPECTED FOR BAHAMAS, CARIBBEAN—09/26/11

PUERTO RICO SEES INCREASE IN DRUG AND WEAPONS TRAFFICKING—09/27/11

CONFERENCE OF CARIBBEAN NURSES HELD—09/28/11

DRUG SUBMARINE STOPPED BY U.S. COAST GUARD IN CARIBBEAN—09/29/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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COFFEE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION CRITICAL OF GOVERNMENT ACTION—09/24/11
The All-Island Coffee Growers' Association issued a strong criticism of the government's planned divestment of the Wallenford Coffee Company, which is owned by the state. The organization has described the company as the "most prized coffee asset" on the island, and the most recognized coffee brand in the world. Wallenford is the largest licensed processor of coffee beans and handles Jamaica Blue Mountain and High Mountain coffee.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGING NORMS IN MEDIA OUTLETS—09/25/11
Information technology experts believe that social networking is a disruptive technology that will ultimately make existing products, services, and business models obsolete. While this has not yet occurred, it is the case that normal media and entertainment industries are feeling the impact of social networking. The potential legal and political impacts of social networking have been emphasized by recent local and international events. Legal experts are raising the possibility that social networking could taint a jury pool in court cases and deny defendants the right to a fair trial as a result.

FLIGHTS BETWEEN ORLANDO AND KINGSTON RESUME—09/26/11
Air Jamaica will again offer nonstop flights between Orlando, Florida, and Kingston, Jamaica. The flights will feature a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 154 seats. The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays at an introductory fare of US$89 one way plus taxes.

NATION BUILDER AWARDS TO HONOR HARD WORK—09/27/11
Thirteen organizations and individuals throughout Jamaica have been nominated for the 2011 NCB Nation Builder Awards. The award nominees represent a broad range of businesses in the hospitality, technology, and distribution and production industries. Awards are given in categories including Women in Business, Start-up, and Impact. The awards are designed to encourage entrepreneurship and positive impact on the lives of others.

MOBILE APPLICATION TRACKS WEATHER—09/24/11

WIND FARM IN JAMAICA SAVES J$229 MILLION IN FIVE-MONTH PERIOD—09/25/11

AMERICAN COMPANY TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY FROM OCEAN WATER—09/26/11

NETWORK SECURITY ADDRESSED BY CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS—09/29/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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HOSPITAL ROBOT TENDS TO PATIENTS' NEEDS—09/26/11
Panasonic has created a robot that includes telepresence functions. The robot was developed for post-operative care to help patients discuss issues with their physicians when they are offsite. Hospi-Rimo is a communications robot based on Panasonic's drug-delivery bot. It can be controlled remotely or move autonomously. It could be used in hospitals or in residential situations where elderly individuals live alone.

SOLAR POWER INCORPORATED INTO ROOFING PRODUCTS—09/27/11
OneRoof Energy is providing the financing for solar photovoltaic cells that are embedded into roofing materials. A new leasing arrangement is available from the company, which allows individuals replacing their roofs to integrate solar panels into the construction at no incremental cost. Solar leases are now available in some 20 states in the United States, but the solar-lease-and-roof combination is designed to attract consumers who want roof-integrated photovoltaics for aesthetic reasons.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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TASH WINS 2011 RISING STARS TITLE—09/26/11
The most recent season of Jamaica's popular talent show Digicel Rising Stars, has crowned Chantel "Tash" Lamont, 17, as its winner. Tash received a check for J$1 million as her prize. This was the eighth season of the talent competition.

SHAKIRA, ROGER WATERS PURCHASE CARIBBEAN ISLAND—09/28/11
Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and singer Shakira have purchased an island in the Caribbean together. Shakira, the Colombian superstar who currently dates Gerard Pique, a soccer player of Barcelona, Spain, is partnering with Waters to buy Bonds Cay for $16 million. The island is located north of the Bahamas. The musicians plan to rebuild a resort on the site that will cater to millionaire clientele.

BEENIE MAN UPSET AT USE OF SON IN SKIT MOCKING HIM—09/29/11
The divorce of Moses "Beenie Man" Davis and Michelle "D'Angel" Downer has attracted public attention and ridicule. And now Beenie Man has claimed that Ity & Fancy Cat, a Jamaican comedy duo, have taken the mockery too far. The comedians introduced a skit that mocked the divorce and made fun of their son. Beenie Man was not amused by these efforts and criticized the use of his son for entertainment value.

JAMAICAN MUSIC PROMOTER IN JAIL FOR IDENTITY FRAUD—09/30/11
After living in Manchester for 14 years, Godfry Fogah, 38, a Jamaican music promoter who organized concerns for major stars, has been identified as an illegal immigrant living under a false identity. Fogah director events featuring 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and The Game, but all the while was a Jamaican who had entered the United Kingdom illegally in 1997 on forged papers. The name on the fraudulent papers was Errol Stone. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison for identity card offenses and obtaining services by deception. He will not face automatic deportation upon release since his sentence is less than 12 months, however.

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USAIN BOLT HELPS YOUNG RUNNERS—09/27/11
Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt is taking a break from his running schedule to help young runners in southern California. Bolt says he always has fun with kids and enjoys teaching them and inspiring them. Bolt is also making additional appearances in Los Angeles before returning to Jamaica.

NASH WITHDRAWS FROM JAMAICAN CRICKET SQUAD—09/28/11
West Indies vice captain Brendan Nash, a left-arm batsman, has decided to exclude himself from the Jamaican cricket team. The team was set to play in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 Tournament in October in Guyana. The exclusion of Nash could result in a loss for the side. Nash, 33, cited personal reasons for leaving the team.

JAMAICA COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN'S FOOTBALL—09/29/11
FIFA and the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) were co-hosts of the Women's Football Com-Unity Seminar in Kingston. The meeting was held to develop girls' and women's football across the island. Horace Burrell, JFF president, said he had listened to the participants at the seminar and the coaches and decided that the development of women's football would be a good thing for Jamaica.

MARLON SAMUELS CLEARED TO PLAY IN INTERNATIONAL MATCHES—09/30/11
The International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, has cleared Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman, to play again in international matches. It has been over three years since Samuels was banned from competition for an illegal bowling action. Samuels, 30, said it felt good to be able to bowl again in international competition.

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Little In Your Own Eyes

For some people, success is very difficult to handle. The more successful they become, the more they become strangers to humility. Irving Berlin shone a spotlight on the dilemma of the successful when he observed, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success." In other words, it comes with its own seduction. Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates summed it up well when he said, "Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."

King Saul found himself in such a situation. God had sent him to destroy the Amalekites, but he felt he could do as he wanted instead of what God had instructed (1 Samuel 15). Drunk with his success, the narrative tells us that he left for Carmel to set up a victory monument in his honor (v.12). Matthew Henry observes, "By his wars and victories he hoped to magnify and perpetuate his own name and honour." The narrative tells us about God's conversation with Samuel which resulted in Samuel's conversation with Saul. Totally ignorant of his haughtiness, Saul boasted to Samuel of his obedience (v.13) which the prophet immediately challenged (vv.13) before pronouncing judgment upon him (vv. 16-31).

The primary verse of interest is verse 17, "And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?" The most convicting words, "when thou was little in thine own sight." While Saul was still humble, God made him king, but as success came he forgot to remain humble. He started working his agenda instead of God's; he forgot that it wasn't about him, but all about God. Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to Saul. Many, including ministers of the Word, have become caught up in the success that God has allowed them. Believing their own hype and that of others around them, they lose sight of the fact that the God who promotes is the same God who demotes. None of us, no matter how successful, can afford to forget where we are coming from. We are where we are all because of God's grace.

As you move in the realm of success, how do you see yourself? Are you still little in your own eyes and following God's agenda, or are you all grown up and following your own?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending September 23rd, 2011

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:50:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS TO PROTECT JAMAICAN RUM—09/17/11
Christopher Tufton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, has told the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) to enhance its protections of brand Jamaica in regard to rum via Geographical Indication (GI) registration. GI refers to a name or sign used on products that specifies a specific geographical location and represents a certification that these products have certain features, are made with traditional methods, or have a certain reputation because of their geographical origins.

WITTER WANTS DISCLOSURE OF EMPLOYERS DISPLAYING SKIN-TONE BIAS—09/18/11
Jamaicans have been angered by revelations that some employers are hiring workers on the basis of skin tone. Many are calling for disclosure of the names of employers who have specifically asked the Jamaican government's skills training agency for light-skinned trainees to fill job vacancies at their firms. Earl Witter, public defender, plans to require the agency, known as HEART Trust/NTA to provide the names of these employers.

PICKERSGILL WANTS END OF JLP ADMINISTRATION—09/19/11
Robert Pickersgill, the chairman of the People's National Party (PNP), is encouraging party supporters to work for the end of the governing Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) government. He has called for the "curtain to come down" on the JLP administration. Pickersgill's remarks were made at the PNP's 73rd annual conference and signaled the beginning of the party's active campaigning for the general election in 2012.

CHINESE VICE PREMIER HAS DISCUSSIONS WITH GOLDING—09/20/11
China's Vice Premier, Hui Liangyu, and Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding held discussions in Kingston. Hui noted that Jamaica was the first country in the Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China some 30 years ago. Hui introduced a five-point plan to further enhance the relations between Jamaica and China, including the creation of stronger economic and trade links.

GUYANA BANS MUSIC OF VYBZ KARTEL—09/21/11
The Jamaican dance hall musician Vybz Kartel has had his music banned from the state-owned radio network in Guyana. His songs have been banned because of what authorities in Guyana consider to be "obscene lyrics" and because such music provides "nothing positive" to the entertainment industry as a whole. This is the first time Guyana's government has taken such actions against a specific artist. Kartel angered some local promoters in Guyana in August of 2011 when he was a no-show at a music festival sponsored by the government.

JAMAICANS STILL FACE ONEROUS VISA REQUIREMENTS—09/22/11
Jamaica's Cabinet considered easing visa requirements for Jamaican nationals in order to facilitate entry to the Cayman Islands and to encourage visits by business travelers to Jamaica. If existing regulations were removed, the travel situation would be eased for some Jamaican nationals visiting the Caymans. The regulation removal would primarily impact individuals under the age of 15 and older than 70.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY AT JAMAICA'S PORTS—09/23/11
According to the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) in Trinidad and Tobago, there are reasons to be concerned about the lack of security in Jamaica's Port of Kingston. The inadequate port security represents a threat to local importers and customs brokers, who may be used unknowingly to ship illegal substances throughout the Caribbean region. DOMA's concerns were emphasized by the discovery of a shipping container full of marijuana valued at $30 million at the Pt Lisas Port.

LAW STUDENT FILES HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT AGAINST UNIVERSITY—09/23/11
Anthony Morgan, a law student in Montreal, Canada, who is of Jamaican descent, filmed white students at a local business school wearing blackface and Jamaican colors and chanting in fake Jamaican accents about using marijuana. According to Morgan, students at Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) took part in these activities during an annual sporting event traditionally held during freshmen week at the school. School authorities issued a formal apology and will investigate ways to ensure that such behavior does not recur.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN FIRM IN UK OPENS GHANA MONEY TRANSFER SERVICE—09/19/11
JN Money Services Ltd. in the United Kingdom has introduced a new money transfer agency known as Ghana Money Transfer. JNMS, which is the remittance unit of the Jamaican National Building Society, began operations in the UK in 2009, but only started its Ghana service in September 2011. The target market for the new financial business service is the approximately 500,000 Ghanaians who live in the UK.

ILLEGAL FISHING DISCUSSED IN HONDURAS BY JAMAICAN OFFICIALS—09/21/11
High-level security officials from Jamaica met with their Honduran counterparts to find ways to stop illegal fishing as well as the illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons. The discussions were prompted by the accusations brought against Jamaican coast guard personnel by a Honduran navy commander who believed that excessive force was used to stop a boat from Honduras fishing for lobster and conch in Jamaican waters at Pedro Cays.

COMPLAINT FILED WITH QUEBEC HUMAN RIGHTS AGENCY IN BLACKFACE CASE—09/22/11
McGill University law student Anthony Morgan, who is of Jamaican descent, plans to file a complaint against the HEC business school in Montreal, Canada, for activities that encouraged students to wear blackface, dress in Jamaican flag colors, and mock Jamaican speech by putting on fake Jamaican accents. According to the school, the students were participating in a traditional back-to-school event and said they were attempting to portray Usain Bolt, Jamaica's three-time Olympic gold champion sprinter.

JAMAICAN DRUG LORD TRIES CHARM TO WIN LENIENCY FROM THE COURT—09/23/11
Christopher "Dudus" Coke, convicted Jamaican drug lord, has written a seven-page letter to a federal judge in New York City to request leniency in sentencing. Coke entered a plea of guilty when charged with racketeering and assault. He could spend 23 years in prison for these crimes. In an attempt to forestall a harsh sentence, Coke listed 13 reasons why the maximum sentence was inappropriate in his case, which included a mention of his "charitable deeds and social services" in Jamaica.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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UK GOVERNMENT URGED TO ELIMINATE AIR PASSENGER DUTY CHARGE—09/17/11

COMPANY REDUCES INSURED LOSS ESTIMATE FOR BAHAMAS HURRICANE—09/18/11

KILLING OF MIGRATING BIRDS BY HUNTERS SPARKS GLOBAL OUTRAGE—09/19/11

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT PROMOTES INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OF HAITI—09/20/11

STUDY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE CURRENT INFORMATION ON DRUG USE—09/22/11

ARMY OFFICER SHOT TO DEATH IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—09/23/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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HYDRO DIVESTS ITS SHARE OF ALPART REFINERY—09/17/11
Norsk Hydro ASA has agreed to divest its interest of 35 percent in Alumina Partners of Jamaica or Alpart for a cash consideration of US$46 million from UC Rusal. Hydro acquired bauxite and alumina operations in Brazil earlier in 2011, strengthening its position in the aluminum value chain. The divestiture is scheduled for completion in October 2011.

CHINESE, JAMAICA SIGN GRANTS—09/20/11
A vice premier from China, along with a 60-member delegation from that country, came to Jamaica in order to sign two grants designed to enhance the island's development. China is increasing its investments in the Caribbean region, and Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has stated his commitment to helping Jamaica achieve its highest economic potential.

LOCAL FERTILIZER FIRM GETS EXPORT DEAL WITH CUBA—09/21/11
Fertilizer producer Newport Fersan Jamaica Ltd., which is the only fertilizer producer on the island, has made a deal with Cuba to supply 98,000 bags of its product to that nation. This represents some 4,600 metric tons. Financing will occur via the Export-Import bank's Cuban line of credit. The fertilizer will be delivered in two shipments, the first of which is scheduled for October 2011, and the second 15 days later.

NEW AIRLIFT OPERATIONS WILL INCREASE TOURIST ARRIVALS—09/22/11
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, announced that the island will soon welcome three new airlines, just in time for the lucrative winter tourist season. The announcement came at the same time that British Airways announced its plans to reduce service to the Caribbean beginning in 2012. The two new airlines are Copa Airlines and Satena, and tourist officials believe the addition of these services will create an influx of business from Europe and Latin America to Jamaica.

UTILITY FIRMS MEET AT ENERGY FORUM IN ST. THOMAS—09/17/11

SPAIN PROVIDES HELP IN HIGH-TECH FARMING—09/21/11

JAMAICA HAS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION—09/22/11

PHONE APPS FROM JAMAICA TOUTED AS NEXT CULTURAL EXPORT—09/23/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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ONSTAR EXPANDS PRIVACY POLICY ON DATA SHARING—09/21/11
OnStar will impose a new data-sharing policy as of December 2011. The policy will permit the company to share individual users' information with more people and could include a possible sale of the business operations. Upon the completion of such a sale, OnStar could transfer personal information of its users as part of the "transferred assets" of the firm. The user information will be shared even if users are not paying for the OnStar service.

APPS TO BE INTEGRATED IN AUTOS FROM TEN MANUFACTURERS—09/22/11
No fewer than ten automakers plan to integrate Pandora via its Sync AppLink system. Ford was the first to implement the new technology approach, but it will now be joined by nine other car manufacturers, including Toyota and General Motors. The integration of apps means that services like Pandora, Google search, and Twitter can be utilized in an automobile. Control of the apps is likely to be through voice interaction and in-car buttons for safety reasons.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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REGGAE ARTIST SHOWS POLICE IN NEW YORK A MAJOR MARIJUANA STASH—09/17/11
Denroy Morgan, a Jamaican reggae musician, was pulled over by New York police for erratic driving and failing to stop at a stop sign. Their actions resulted in the discovery of over 300 pounds of marijuana, shrink-wrapped in bales, in the car. Denroy was carrying more than 25 pounds of the drug in the car trunk, and the rest was found at an address in the Bronx. Ultimately, armed with a search warrant, police found a total of 351 pounds of marijuana, which has a street value of between $140,000 and $350,000.

CASHFLOW RECORDS DENIES SCAM ALLEGATIONS—09/19/11
The famous Jamaican record label, Cashflow Records, is denying charges that the firm has a direct involvement in a scam that promises interactions with famous musicians for a price. According to a number of artistes, someone posing as a representative of Cashflow has called them to promise the opportunity to tour with prominent musicians for a price. The company's publicist, Buju Wayne, says that only DJ Neil or Father P. can conduct business on behalf of Cashflow, and anyone else who makes promises using the name is involved in a scam.

ORANE "SPECIALIST" WILSON SHOWS WINNING WAYS IN FIRST SINGLE—09/20/11
The first single by Orane "Specialist" Wilson has been well-received by critics and audiences. The catchy "Phone Card Banana Chips" hook has become a part of Jamaica's popular culture and earned Wilson praise from dancehall aficionados. The single has been given significant air play on local radio stations. Wilson calls his success "overwhelming."

LATE "SUGAR" MINOTT FEATURED IN NEW REGGAE ANTHOLOGY—09/21/11
Lincoln Barrington "Sugar" Minott died in 2010. He was a reggae singer, sound system operator, and producer. In October 2011, VP Records plans to release its Reggae Anthology, which will include a bonus DVD that feature a live performance by Minott at JapanSplash! Minott was a commanding presence in Jamaican music from the mid 1970s, and his loss is felt throughout the industry. He was very influential and an inspiration to other musicians and singers.

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BOLT WINDS 100 METERS IN BRUSSELS—09/17/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's champion sprinter and three-time Olympic champion, won the men's 100-meter race in the Diamond League athletics competition in Brussels. He clocked 9.76 seconds to take the top spot. Bolt led a sweep of the races by Jamaicans, including Nesta Carter, Lerone Clarke, and Asafa Powell.

BLAKE UPSTAGES HIS MENTOR, USAIN BOLT—09/18/11
Yohan Blake upstaged Usain Bolt at the Van Damme Memorial competition. Bolt ran the 100-meters with the season's fastest time, but Blake, his training partner, ran his race with a time that was just .07 seconds off of Bolt's world record. Blake surprised many at the meet by winning the 100-meter world title in Daegu after Bolt was disqualified for a false start. Blake himself was surprised by his time of 19.26 seconds.

ASHMEADE WILL PLA FOR JAMAICA AT FIBA WOMEN'S MEET—09/21/11
Tajay Ashmeade, women's basketball senior at Seton Hall, plans to compete for Jamaica's Senior National Team at the FIBA Women's Championship tournament. The meet will be held in Nieva Huila, Colombia during the last week of September 2011. Ashmeade, who was born in Jamaica, was a great help in the team's winning of a silver medal at the 2010 Centrobasket Tournament in Puerto Rico.

SPORTS MINISTER COUNSELS BLAKE TO STAY "HUMBLE"—09/22/11
Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, finds Yohan Blake, who is the new World 100-meter champion and second-fastest man over 200 meters, to be a source of inspiration and a role model for the youth of Jamaica. However, she urged the 21-year-old athlete to stay "humble and respectful," since the world is watching his every performance.

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The Sovereignty of God

Have you ever stopped to consider just how big a God we serve? He is not just God; He is Sovereign God exercising controlled sovereignty over all His creation. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines "sovereignty" as "a) supreme power; b) freedom from external control; c) controlling influence." Yet, even such descriptions only provide a small glimpse into the nature of who God really is.

In his exposition on what it means for God to be sovereign, A.W.Pink writes, "We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is 'The Governor among the nations' (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the 'Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords' (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible."

A sampling of texts from Old and New Testaments reminds us that 1) His purposes are unstoppable, cannot be foiled, and He can do whatever He pleases (e.g. Psalm 33:10-11; 135:6-10; Job 42:2). 2) He is in complete control of everything (e.g. Daniel 1:9; 4:17; Jeremiah 10:13; 2 Corinthians 8:16). 3) He determines whatsoever comes to pass (e.g. Daniel 2:21; Psalm 139:16; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:36).

By any standard, that is power and autonomy! Such is the nature of the God that we serve; the God we have the privilege of talking to. When seen for who He is, it becomes easier to trust Him with our todays and tomorrows. At least it should be, and we get to choose. I choose to trust Him. He can do a much better job with my life than I ever could, trying to do it by myself. How do you choose?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending September 16th, 2011

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:35:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO KILLINGS OF MENTALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS—09/10/11
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) announced that it will begin a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing of eight mentally challenged individuals by police in that past two years. Terrence Williams, INDECOM Commissioner, says his office will examine each case to determine whether the killing was justified.

CLARKE HONORS VICTIMS OF 9/11—09/11/11
Yvette D. Clarke, Jamaican-American member of the United States Congress, honored the victims of the 9/11 attacks, saying their sacrifice would be revered forever. She made her remarks at a meeting of the Caribbean Media Corporation. Clarke represents the 11th District in Brooklyn, which has a predominantly Caribbean population.

INNER-CITY YOUTH GET SECOND CHANCE—09/12/11
A program sponsored by the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica Inter-American Development Bank will allow about 100 inner-city young people between the ages of 16 and 29 to enter the job market via "microfranchises." The program, known as "Microfranchise as Tool for Economic Promotion of Youth at Risk," is designed to create sustainable employment opportunities for youth from eight inner-city communities in the Corporate Area.

JPS AUDIT ON METER REPLACEMENT SUPPORTED BY PNP—09/13/11
The People's National Party (PNP) supports hiring an auditing company, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), to review the meter replacement program of the Jamaica Public Service Company. The PNP also believes that JPS operations should be overseen by the Jamaican Parliament, according to Phillip Paulwell.

REPORTS OF COLOR PREJUDICE IN HIRING ANGER JAMAICANS—09/13/11
In response to reports of color prejudice in the job market, Jamaica's Labor and Social Security Minister, Pearnel Charles, compared discrimination on the basis of skin tone to apartheid in South Africa and promises to bring "bigoted employers" to court. Portia Simpson Miller, Opposition leader, has suggested a boycott of businesses that seem to hire only light-skinned individuals.

GIRL, 9, SPONSORS YEARLY SHOE DRIVE IN JAMAICAN VILLAGE—09/14/11
Haven Hall, 9, remembers seeing the poverty in Harmons, Jamaica, a place she has visited each summer since she was four years old. At the age of seven, Haven decided to help the school children of the village by providing them with uniform shoes. Asking guests at her birthday party that year for help, she received 17 pairs. She has conducted a shoe drive each year since then, and in 2011, she provided over 100 pair of shoes to the village.

EDUCATION MINISTRY INTRODUCES DRESS CODE FOR TEACHERS—09/15/11
Jamaica's Ministry of Education has devised and implemented a dress code to be applied to the attire of teachers while in class. The standard emphasizes the importance for all staff members and teachers in schools to be dressed appropriately for their jobs and well-groomed in the office. Failure to follow the dress code could result in disciplinary actions.

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES PROJECT LAND—09/16/11
Robert Montague, Jamaica's Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, introduced a program designed to provide landowners with more titles. He noted that land tenure had not been settled in the country, as about 52 percent of all land in Jamaica is untitled. This represents more than 480,000 parcels. Project Land will ensure that landowners acquire title to their properties without having to wait for as long as 30 years to do so.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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NEW MRS.ETHNIC WORLD IS JAMAICAN—09/10/11
Daisi Pollard Sepoelveda of Jamaica received the title of Mrs. Ethnic World International 2012 at the Ethnic World Pageant 2011 in Los Angeles, California. She won in six competition categories. She will now spend 2012 traveling and doing promotion for the Ethnic World system. She plans to make a book tour to promote a novel written by her great-grandfather Jerome Aredell Williams. The proceeds of the book go to the Legacy Project, which prepares children in the foster care system to take control of their own lives when they "age out" of the system

JAMAICANS IN CUBAN PRISON VISITED BY NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER—09/12/11
Dwight Nelson, the Minister of National Security, visited La Condesa Prison in Cuba to talk with the 18 Jamaicans held there. Jamaican and Cuban authorities have cooperated since 2006 in tracking and apprehending Jamaicans involved with drug or firearms trafficking.

JAMAICANS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS BEGIN THEIR LIVES IN CHINA—09/13/11
The six Jamaicans who received scholarships from the government in China are finishing their registration at a number of universities in that country. The students - Shelly Ann Murphy, Earl Bailey, Danielle Russell, Raphael Ewin Shirley, Dahlia Sterling, and Rohan Wright - were given their official documents by Qintdian Zheng, China's new ambassador. The six are pursuing a variety of degrees.

HEALTH CARE MISSION TO JAMAICA SLATED FOR OCTOBER 2011—09/15/11
The Jamaican Diaspora Healthcare Sector and Friends of Jamaica will conduct a global healthcare fact-finding mission in Jamaica between October 10 and October 15, 2011. The mission will be held in partnership with the national Ministry of Health. This represents part of an effort designed to integrate healthcare outreach from overseas with the Ministry's strategic plan.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TEN HAITIAN BODIES FOUND OFF SHORE OF TURKS AND CAICOS—09/10/11

MILLIONAIRE FUGITIVE FOUND IN CARIBBEAN NATION AFTER THREE YEARS—09/12/11

CARIBBEAN NATIONS AND CHINA ENCOURAGE MUTUAL COOPERATION—09/13/11

TRACKED SHOREBIRD SHOT IN GUADELOUPE—09/14/11

SOLAR PANEL PROJECT STARTED IN PUERTO RICO—09/15/11

FATHER OF NATALEE HOLLOWAY WANTS DEATH OF DAUGHTER DECLARED—09/16/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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INVESTMENTS SUSPENDED DUE TO UNCERTAINTY IN TAX REFORM—09/10/11
According to a poll by the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), companies in Jamaica believe that existing tax reform proposals will discourage billions of dollars in investments, which could result in fewer jobs created. Brina Pengelley, president of the JMA, says the revision of port duties could have a negative impact on 300,000 jobs. These taxes are likely to increase costs to local businesses and expose them to competition from cheaper imported goods.

SUGAR FIRM EXPERIMENTS WITH RE-ENGINEERED SUGAR CANE—09/11/11
The Golden Grove Sugar Company is experimenting with re-engineered sugar cane varieties that will hopefully increase crop yields, resist diseases, and eliminate the millions of dollars in losses experienced by the year-old firm in 2011. The new cane varieties come from Barbados, which has a cane-breeding facility that tests and develops different strains. The new cane will populate the company's fields by 2012.

CANADIAN FIRM WANTS JAMAICAN WORKERS FOR "HEAVY DUTY" JOBS—09/12/11
An organization based in Canada is looking for Jamaican workers to train for various job positions in the heavy-duty sector. Job opportunities are plentiful for operators of heavy equipment, technicians, diesel mechanics, truck mechanics, drivers, pipe fitters, and welders. Cooks and meat cutters are also wanted. Individuals with backgrounds in Jamaica's mining and construction industries have a good chance to get these Canadian jobs.

JAMAICA TARGETS CHINESE MARKET TO INCREASE TOURISM—09/13/11
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, has announced that the nation plans to implement an "aggressive" marketing initiative in China to enhance trade and tourism between the two nations. Bartlett says there are efforts underway to find the right representative in China, a person with a good understanding of the market who can head a Jamaican marketing team in the tourism sector. Tourists from China have been increasing in Jamaica for some time.

ANTIGUA PRIME MINISTER ATTENDS CHINA-CARIBBEAN FORUM—09/12/11

MOBILE NETWORKS IN 12 CARIBBEAN AREAS TO BE MODERNIZED—09/13/11

CARIBBEAN TECHNICIANS INVEST IN HYDROCARBON TECH—09/14/11

CARIBBEAN ENTERTAINMENT APP RELEASED BY JAMAICAN ENTREPRENEURS—09/15/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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CELL PHONE NETWORKS LIMITED BY CARRIERS—09/15/11
According to research at the University of Michigan, conducted with the help of MIcrosoft Research, operators of wireless networks could unknowingly be responsible for downgrades in network performance. This is due to the technology used to move traffic through the networks, which becomes increasingly complex. So-called "middleboxes," or hardware responsible for firewalling and other network functions, could be slowing down network connections and exposing users to security issues.

PANASONIC ROBOT TO TAKE ON IRONMAN TRIATHLON—09/16/11
The Evolta robot from Panasonic is only seven inches tall, but it is scheduled to participate in the wellknown Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. The competition's course is grueling for human beings, but the robot is ready. Evolta has previously climbed the Grand Canyon, walked from Tokyo to Kyoto, and lived through 24 hours of LeMans. The robot will swim, bike, and run for over 140 miles within one week as it covers the Ironman course. According an Evolta developer Tomotaka Takahashi, the greatest hurdle for the robot is the swimming.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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UNTRUE RUMORS OF MAVADO SHOOTING CIRCULATED—09/10/11
David Brooks, known as Mavado, a popular Dancehall "singjay," is fine, despite the widely circulating rumors that he had been shot in New York. The Jamaican music industry buzzed with the news that "Gully Gaad" had been shot and taken to a hospital for treatment. However, sources close to Mavado say he was never shot and is in fine health. Mavado was in New York promoting his new label.

NEW APP PROMOTES SKIN CARE LINE—09/13/11
Vybz Kartel, the popular Dancehall entrepreneur and entertainer, is promoting his new skin care products via an application for the iPhone and iPad. The products will be on shelves in Jamaica on September 15, 2011, and include Vybz Body Brightener and Vybz Astringent. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, also intends to introduce a line of fragrances for men and women.

TORONTO FIRST TO SEE NEW JAMAICAN ACTION FILM—09/15/11
A new Jamaican action film, "Ghett'a Life," from director Chris Browne, had its premiere showing in North America in Toronto, Canada at the 2011 Toronto Film Showcase. The film was ten years in the making and was funded by local Jamaican investors. It features local music and talent and illustrates the reality of life in inner-city Kingston. The film and Browne won the grand prize at the Hartley Merrill International Screenwriting Competition in Cannes, France, in 2006.

AUTHOR DISCUSSES JAMAICAN CHILDHOOD IN NEW BOOK—09/16/11
Jean Lowrie-Chin, Jamaican author, has written a new book that focuses on her real-life experiences growing up on the island. In "Souldance," she discusses her early life in Westmoreland, speaking of her mother's religious devotion and dedication to seeing her children get a good education. At a reading in New Kingston, Lowrie-Chin's tales resonated with an audience that found her poems and prose describing familiar issues in Jamaican society.

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SPENCER LOOKING FOR WIN IN ITALY—09/10/11
Kaliese Spencer, women's 400-meter hurdles champion at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) games, is the leader of a Jamaican contingent of competitors to the IAAF World Challenge meet in Rieti, Italy. Six other Jamaicans will compete at the meet as well, including Nesta Carter and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce.

BLAKE SET RECORD IN BERLIN—09/11/11
Jamaican Yohan Blake achieved a personal best in the 100-meters to clock 9.82 seconds in Berlin. Blake, 21, easily defeated Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis. Blake took the world title in Daegu after Usain Bolt, his training partner, was disqualified.

BOLT'S MOTHER FORGIVES STARTER'S DECISION TO DISQUALIFY SON—09/12/11
Alan Bell, the starter who is responsible for disqualifying Jamaican champion sprinter Usain Bolt in the 100-meter race at the World Championships in South Korea, has been forgiven by Bolt's mother, Jennifer. She told Bell that she and Wellesley, her husband, understood his decision. Bell, 60, said the decision was the easiest one he had ever made; the hard thing was dealing with the media.

BOLT BREAKS GAY'S RECORD—09/14/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaican Olympic champion, ran the 100-meters at a track-record speed of 9.85 seconds in Zagreb. With this time, Bolt smashed the recording of his rival, the American Tyson Gay, who had set the bar at 9.92 seconds in 2010.

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Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

We find His first recorded words from His first sermon in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (KJV). Before He arrived on the scene, John, his cousin, was preaching in the wilderness of Judaea saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:1-2). The introduction of Jesus' sermon shows a passing of the baton. No longer was the kingdom of heaven at hand, it was now here and Jesus was teaching the principles of that kingdom.

When Jesus talked about poverty in spirit, He was not talking about the opposite of being materially rich. To this end, Luke 6:20 - which seems like a contradiction - must be understood in light of the fuller statement of Matthew 5:3. James M. Boice, in his exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, observes, "To be poor in spirit is to be poor in the inward man, not in outward circumstances. Consequently, to be poor in spirit is to recognize one’s spiritual poverty before God. . . . [It] is the opposite of being rich in pride; it is to be spiritually bankrupt before God."

A prudent study of the verse, and what it means to be poor in spirit, reveals two very important truths. Firstly, sinful human beings cannot achieve the standards of God’s righteousness and the requirements for the kingdom of heaven. The first principle of Christian ethics is that a new nature, given by the Lord Jesus Christ, is required in advance. Secondly, there must be an emptying in our lives before there can be a filling. We must become poor in spirit before we can become rich in God’s spiritual blessings. In other words, the old wine must be poured out of the wineskins before the new wine can be poured in (Matthew 9:17).

A true poverty of Spirit is unnatural to man, and therefore impossible. Nothing but a direct confrontation with the holy, just, and loving God will produce it. It is impossible to create a true poverty of spirit by looking within or by looking around at other people. True humility and a true sense of need come when we look to God for the basis of our self-evaluation. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: How do I (my life, my words, my thoughts, my actions, my desires) measure up against the Word of God? When we look to God and His Word for the basis of self-evaluation, a true response is like that of Isaiah’s, who when He saw God, cried, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Have you checked your spirit lately?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending September 9th, 2011

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:30:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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COMMISSION ADDRESSES WATER SHORTAGE IN ST. MARY—09/03/11
The National Water Commission (NWC) has turned its attention to handling the water shortage occurring in many communities in St. Mary. According to Anthony Cornwall, area manager for St. Mary-Portland, the inadequate water supply will be addressed with a master plan for the parish that will ensure the provision of water on a regular basis in the area. Most communities currently receive water only two or three days per week.

JAMAICAN DIPLOMATS GROUNDED IN 2009-2010—09/04/11
Officials at Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade were unable to make trips overseas in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 because of a huge budget cut totaling $23 million. Diplomats have been reluctant to describe how the lack of funding impacted their mission. According to experts, much of the Ministry's work is not being addressed due to the freeze on travels.

PLEA BARGAIN BY COKE CONSIDERED A "BARGAIN" FOR JAMAICA—09/05/11
Jamaican drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke pleaded guilty in the United States on drug and weapons charges. Some Jamaicans have criticized the island's government for allowing Coke to operate freely without moving against his criminal activities and believe the actions of the U.S. demonstrate the value of have a strong rule of law. Critics believe the lack of government action against Coke illustrates the failure of the Jamaican state.

CENTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP STARTED BY BRANSON—09/06/11
Sir Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin enterprises, plans to launch the Branson Center of Entrepreneurship in early September 2011 in Montego Bay. The center will provide aid for entrepreneurs who want to succeed in establishing responsible businesses. Branson believes that entrepreneurship is crucial to the creation of a strong, sustainable economy in the region.

80 PERCENT OF FOOD PROCESSORS EXPECTED TO FAIL EXPORT TESTS—09/07/11
According to estimates from the Jamaican government, four-fifths of food processors will fail new export tests imposed by the United States in less than four months. Therefore, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Commerce Minister, says the government will move to protect some J$10 billion of export earnings. The new law, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires food processors to meet new standards. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012.

BOARD SAYS JAMAICA IS A MODEL FOR FAMILY PLANNING—09/07/11
The National Family Planning Board is countering the idea that Jamaican women have more children than they can handle. According to the director of the organization's outreach programs, Dianne Thomas, there has been a downward trend in the childbirth rate per woman since the 1970s when the average woman had between six and seven children.

GOVERNMENT FORMALLY RECOGNIZES WOMAN'S ROLE IN ANTHEM CREATION—09/08/11
The Jamaican government plans to give its formal recognition to Christine Alison Lindo, the former wife of Eugene Mapletoft Poulle, for her part in creating the nation's national anthem. The House has indicated its intent to honor Lindo's contribution. Her late husband never received formal recognition for his co-authorship of the anthem. Prime Minister Bruce Golding has characterized this as a "gross oversight."

JAMAICA FALLS IN RANKING OF TOP REGIONAL ECONOMIES—09/09/11
According to the yearly World Economic Forum Global Competitive Index, Jamaica has fallen in the ranking of 142 regional economies. Jamaica dropped by 12 places to a rank of 107 in 2011. Its fall was attributed to a lack of physical security, poor infrastructure development, inefficient allocation of resources, and a lag in innovation.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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U.S. REJECTS POSTHUMOUS PARDON FOR GARVEY—09/05/11
The Obama Administration in the United States has rejected an effort to obtain a posthumous presidential pardon for Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Garvey. The rejection is not expected to end the quest to clear Garvey's name, however. Garvey is credited with promoting social, political, and economic interests of the ordinary black people in the Western Hemisphere. The United States Department of Justice stated that it does not adjudicate such pardon requests, believing its time is better spent on handling pardon requests from living persons.

JAMAICAN WOMAN DEPORTED FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS—09/07/11
Jamaican Lasandra Frinkson, 27, received a deportation order from Antiguan authorities when she was apprehended by police driving without a valid license. The mother of three did have a learner's permit to drive but it had expired. She was subsequently arrested and charged with driving without a license or insurance. Frinkson, who is pregnant, was then ordered to be deported and released into the custody of immigration officials.

DAUGHTER OF REGGAE LEGEND TO CREATE OLYMPIC GARB FOR ATHLETES—09/08/11
Cedella Marley, daughter of the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley, will design the gear for Jamaica's Olympic team. Marley, who lives in Miami, Florida, uses her father's music to inspire her Olympic collection, particularly the "Catch a Fire" album, which discusses rebellion.

NELSON TO SIGN AGREEMENTS WITH CUBA—09/09/11
Dwight Nelson, Jamaica's National Security Minister, will sign two agreements with the government of Cuba designed to help make the relationships between the two nations stronger. The agreements will focus on cross-border initiatives to fight against drug trafficking and other types of organized crime. Both nations have recognized an increase in the number of illegal drug and weapons trafficking groups that use the maritime and air space between Jamaica and Cuba to move their illegal wares between Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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PIRATES IN CARIBBEAN FASCINATED BY FINE CERAMICS—09/03/11

BYRON SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF COURT OF JUSTICE—09/04/11

PUERTO RICAN CRIME WAVE CLAIMS 11—09/05/11

ACCREDITATION OF SPANISH JOURNALIST REVOKED IN CUBA—09/06/11

HAITI TO MOVE JOBS, PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY—09/07/11

VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVE "BEST QUALITY OF LIFE"—09/08/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA HAS LARGE ROLE IN DESIGN CARIBBEAN EVENT—09/03/11
Jamaica's creative industry will have a large role in the staging of Design Caribbean for 2011. This is the largest trade show in the region and feature handmade designs and innovative products. JAMPRO will introduce a national collection of 27 design pieces inspired by regional culture. The work of Jamaican artists will include various media, including metal, clay, fiber, and wood. Pieces include voodoo clocks, salad servers made of cow horn, ceramic bowls, wicker furniture, and other merchandise.

NEW TELECOM LAW ENHANCES POWER OF REGULATORS—09/04/11
According to Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, a new telecommunications law will address the matter of competition in the industry. The announcement was made in the context of the government's approval of the acquisition of Claro's operations in Jamaica by Digicel. There are concerns that Digicel could discourage other firms from entering the telecommunications market due to its size. The law provides more power to the regulator, including methods for preventing anticompetitive activities.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS OBTAIN FUNDING—09/05/11
Two firms launched under a competition in the Obra youth initiative have received grants totaling $120,000 each to expand their business. The companies, Knowledge Unlock Soaring Heights (KUSH) and Glowbal Ink, will now be able to market their products with help from the Sandals Foundation of Jamaica. Products include crochet sandals and ceramics that glow in the dark.

PREGNANT COWS AND SHEEP TO BE PROVIDED BY SEPROD LTD.—09/06/11
Seprod Limited has enhanced its livestock division and is now providing sheep for slaughter and pregnant heifers for sale. Seprod has 5,000 head of cattle and more than enough heifers to sustain its dairy business. Breeding cows will therefore be sold "in-calf." The firm introduced sheep to its operations in 2010 to graze fruit orchards, but currently breeds the sheep for mutton.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS HAS MOST FIXED BROADBAND SUBSCRIPTIONS—09/03/11

JAMAICANS STUDENTS USE ONLINE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY—09/04/11

HIGH-TECH CONSULTANT DIGITIZES RARE REGGAE FROM THE PAST—09/05/11

NETFLIX OFFERS ONLINE STREAMING TO LATIN AMERICA—09/06/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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MICHAEL HART, EBOOK PIONEER, DIES AT64—09/08/11
Michael Hart, the man who pioneered the modern ebook industry with the launch of Project Gutenberg, has died. He began his book digitization project in 1971 with the United States Declaration of Independence, which he typed into a Xerox mainframe computer at the University of Illinois. He then digitized the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, the Bible, and Shakespeare. Currently the project offers 40,000 digitized books. Project Gutenberg was built on the premise that anything entered into a computer can be reproduced forever.

ANDROID APP DOWNLOADS COULD SURPASS APPLE—09/09/11
In 2010, the Android OS could rack up 8.1 billion application downloads, while Apple's iOS devices are expected receive six billion app downloads. These numbers represent a major increase in app downloads for both platforms. Consumers demand mobile applications, according to Nick Dillon, analyst with Ovum, and the Android platform is becoming increasingly popular with consumers and manufacturers. Android also benefits since other application storers have developed to provide alternatives to the Apple app stores.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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THORBORNE SISTERS FORM SONGWRITING FIRM—09/03/11
Nyanda and Nailah Thorborne have joined with sisters Tasha and Candace to create Bloodline, a songwriting company. The four sisters are based in Miami, Florida, but their latest song was inspired by a visit to Ocho Rios. The sisters write songs together, often at the request of their publisher. They also have a home studio and travel to California. Their song "Say Yes" was featured on a debut album of Nicole Scherzinger They also work with Jamaican producer Supa Dups frequently.

JAMAICA TO SHOWCASE CULTURE IN JAPAN—09/04/11
Olivia Grange, Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, will facilitate a series of concerns to showcase Jamaican performances. The event, called Jamaica Rocks, is scheduled to play in 24 cities between September 9 and October 16, 2011. The concerts will include folk and popular music and also present the evolution of Jamaican pop music from Mento to Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, and Dancehall forms.

JAMAICAN FOLK SINGERS SHARE BEAUTY OF THE MUSIC—09/05/11
The Jamaican Folk Singers will feature the beauty contained in the island's folk music culture through its 2011 concert season in Kingston. The singers' concerts provide entertainment for the whole family and will offer a trip down memory lane with songs from school days, folk fairs, plantation life, and Kumina. The season offers the group a chance to use Jamaican folk music to "lift up" the population by presenting traditional values.

TORONTO HONORS CARIBBEAN FILM PERSONALITY—09/08/11
Cameron Bailey, a media personality with roots in Barbados and Canada, is slated to be honored at the 2011 Caribbean Tales Film Showcase in Toronto, Canada. Bailey, who was born in the United Kingdom, was among the first Caribbean personalities to provide a diversity-oriented viewpoint to film criticism and appreciation in Canada. He reviewed films for major publications and produced and hosted a weekly TV program on international cinema.

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JAMAICAN WOMEN WIN 4X4 RELAY—09/03/11
Rosemarie Whyte, Davita Predergast, Novlene Williams-Mills, and Shericka Williams achieved a new national record in the women's 4x400 meter race at the IAAF World competition in Daegu, South Korea. They clocked 3:18:71 and obtained the silver trophy.

BOLT REDEEMS HIMSELF BY WINNING 200 METERS—09/04/11
Jamaica's sprint champion Usain Bolt easily won the 200-meter race in Daegu. Bolt was disqualified from running in his signature 100 meter competition when he produced a false start in the race. Bolt won the race with a time of 19.40 seconds.

POWELL FRUSTRATED WITH INJURY—09/07/11
Jamaican Asafa Powell has said that a recent groin injury prevented the "break through" he had hoped for at the World Athletics Championship. Powell had to forego running at Daegu in South Korea, but will run in the Diamond League Competition, which will be held in Zurich, Switzerland.

CYCLISTS GET READY FOR CARIBBEAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS—09/08/11
The Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Association is preparing for the 11th annual Caribbean Cycling Championships (CCC), which will be held in Montego Bay. The OECS and cycling champion Jyme Bridges, who trains in Cuba, will participate in a Road Race on September 18, 2011. Cyclist Omari King, who also trained in Cuba for the CCC, will also be in the Road Race. Tamiko Butler will race for Antigua and Barbuda, in the women's Road Race and Time Trial.

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Seeing As God Sees

When Abram received his marching orders to leave the idolatrous region of Mesopotamia for a land he did not know, for his obedience the LORD promised him, in part, "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing" (Gen. 12:2, KJV). As he and his household made their way through the plain of Moreh, again the LORD assured Abram, "Unto thy seed will I give this land" (vv. 6-7). The promise of heirs made a lot of sense for Abram's name meant "high father". The fly in the ointment was that Sarai, his wife, was barren (Gen. 11:30); she could bear him no children.

We are not told that Abram thought about the reality of his situation and how that fit into the plan of God. However, when God reassured him "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (15:1), he did not hesitate to bring it up. "And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir" (vv. 2-3). The LORD countered, "This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir" (v. 4). He then took Abram out of his tent and said to him, "Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be" (v.5). I would imagine that for a moment there was silence. As Abram gazed up into the skies looking at the countless stars, the promise of God echoing in his ears, something happened to him for the narrative tells us, "And he believed in the LORD" (v. 6a). In other words, he was able to see what God was seeing.

We do not know for sure if he understood everything at that point. Outwardly, his situation had not changed. Sarai, his only wife, was still barren, but in spite of that he believed in the promise of the LORD. He did not know how his LORD was going to pull off what He had promised, but they had traveled this far together and he was learning that his task was to trust and leave the outcome to Jehovah, the LORD.

We are in the same position today. As we journey with the LORD we find ourselves facing seemingly impossible situations. There are times when in our moments of weakness, like Abram, our faith wavers and we devise our own solutions (Gen. 16:1-4). However, "let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)" (Hebrews 10:26). Let us change our perspective from being circumstances-centered to being God-centered. Let us remind ourselves of His promises and start to see as He sees. It is the only perspective that matters.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending September 2nd, 2011

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:25:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO MERGE—08/27/11
The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) will merge as Jamaica's government implements a major recommendation resulting from a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). According to Arlene Harrison-Henry, attorney-at-law and member of the PCOA, the merger is designed to provide more effective civilian oversight.

PRINCIPALS SHOULD BE BETTER LEADERS, SAY SENIOR EDUCATORS—08/28/11
Poor leadership by school principals in Jamaica is one of the chief factors that cause students' underperformance across the nation. In spite of all the other elements facing teachers and students, improved leadership could result in improving the quality of students at all levels of Jamaica's education system. According to Elaine Foster-Allen, the principal of Shortwood Teachers' College, and Dr. Tamika Benjamin, lecturer at Mico University College, there is a direct relationship between school performance and leadership by principals.

MARCUS GARVEY HIGH SCHOOL TARGETED BY HOLNESS—08/29/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's Minister of Education, has targeted Marcus Garvey Technical High School in St. Ann's Bay for intervention by the Ministry. According to Leslie Riley, the school's principal, the coming intervention is particularly timely because of the special circumstances of the school. Riley noted that the school is not ordinary, but has experienced infighting at all levels that has impacted the morale of the staff. Residents of St. Ann's Bay view the school as a troubled institution with performance below their expectations.

DEAL BETWEEN DIGICEL AND CLARO APPROVED—08/30/11
The Jamaican government has given its approval to a merger between Digicel Jamaica and Claro. The merger represents a joining of the largest and smallest telecommunications firms on the island. The combined firm will represent over 75 percent of the wireless market in Jamaica. The government is already facing criticism for the decision to approve the merger.

DRUG LORD PLEADS GUILTY IN NEW YORK—08/31/11
Christopher "Dudus" Coke, Jamaican drug lord, has entered a plea of guilty in a court in Manhattan in the United States. His plea ends an international anti-drug initiative that began in May 2011 with urban warfare in Kingston that resulted in the deaths of many Jamaicans. Coke leads the Jamaica-based crime organization known as the "Shower Posse." He was indicted by the U.S. in 2009 on drug and weapons charges, and efforts to extradite him from Jamaica to the U.S. led to violent incidents and deaths in Kingston.

U.S. DOWNGRADE INCREASES UNCERTAINTY IN JAMAICA—09/01/11
Bryan Wynter, the governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), has stated that the downgraded United States credit rating, and the debt crisis impacting the Euro, have resulted in greater uncertainties in financial markets worldwide. The downgrade has caused global stock indexes to fluctuate wildly, especially in developed nations.

JOINT OIL EXPLORATION CONSIDERED FOR COLOMBIA, JAMAICA—09/02/11
Maria Angela Holguin, foreign minister of Colombia, and Jamaican foreign minister Kenneth Baugh, are investigating the possibility of conducting join offshore oil explorations in the maritime area shared by the two countries. The Hydrocarbons Agency of Colombia and the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica are performing environmental impact studies as part of the study.

POLITICAL UPHEAVAL COULD RESULT FROM "DUDUS" EVIDENCE—09/02/11
According to David Rowe, a Jamaican attorney and professor based in the United States, the written evidence submitted during the trial of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, former gangster-leader of Tivoli Gardens, could mean major upheavals in the political system of Jamaica. Coke pleaded guilty to drug and gun-running charges, providing detailed evidence describing the activities of others involved in the criminal incidents.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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MENTALLY ILL JAMAICAN DEPORTED BY CANADIAN AUTHORITIES—08/29/11
A Jamaican man suffering from mental illness was deported from Canada in spite of a request to delay the deportation from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The man, who was deported after the Canadian Federal Court denied a final appeal in the case, was convicted of two counts of assault by a Canadian court in 2005.

ICONIC UK RECORD VENDOR CLOSES—08/30/11
The Dub Vendor record shack in Clapham Junction, London, closed and was replaced by a pound shop three years ago. Now the street where the legendary reggae-dancehall music store was located for three decades has been wrecked by rioters during recent sociopolitical protest demonstrations. The store location and the building next door were burned to the ground, and John McGillivray, founder of Dub Vendor, has decided to sell the property and do business solely online instead.

FORGED PASSPORT USED BY JAMAICAN WOMAN TO GET JOB—08/31/11
Hazeldine Holding, a Jamaican woman in the United Kingdom, used a forged passport to get a job with a farm company, which paid her more than £60,000. Holding, 61, pleaded guilty to owning a false identity document with the intent to deceive. She was sentenced to five months in Jail.

JAMAICAN-CANADIAN JOURNALIST WRITES AUTHOBIOGRAPHY—09/01/11
Ewart Walters, Jamaican-born journalist who started his own newspaper in Canada, has written an autobiography describing his experiences at Calabar High School in Kingston and his work on the paper. Walters left Jamaica in 1951 after Hurricane Charlie left hundreds of thousands of island residents dead, injured, and homeless. His book also covers his years with the Jamaican government as Counselor in Ottawa and as an advisor on privacy and access to information in the office of the President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN SMUGGLING ROUTES TARGETED BY UNITED STATES—08/27/11

CARICOM CHAIR CALLS FOR CLOSER TIES TO CENTRAL AMERICA—08/28/11

SEVEN DEAD FROM HURRICANE IN CARIBBEAN, U.S.—08/29/11

EDUCATORS LOOK FOR SOLUTIONS TO POOR MATH PERFORMANCE—08/30/11

ECONOMIC FORUM WITH CHINA TO BE HOSTED IN TRINIDAD—08/31/11

PRIME MINISTER IN TRINIDAD THREATENED BY GIRL ON INTERNET—09/01/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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GOVERNMENT TO SPEND MILLIONS ON OCHO RIOS RESORT REVAMP—08/27/11
The government of Jamaica will spend $21 million to revitalize the resort town of Ocho Rios. Over $11 million will go toward the construction of an artisan village that will enable visitors to purchase items made locally. According to Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, the rest of the money will be spent on physical improvements that include a weekly maintenance of street drains. The improvements will be implemented over five years.

ISLAND GDP INCREASES BY 1.5 PERCENT FOR JUNE QUARTER—08/28/11
The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Jamaica rose by about 1.5 percent for the quarter ended in June 2011, according to Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson, director-general of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). This was the second consecutive quarter of growth.

COFFE FARMERS NOT TOLD OF OVERDUE PAYMENT—08/29/11
Derrick Simon, the president of the All Island Jamaica Coffee Growers' Association, says coffee farmers are "left in the dark" about important issues, including an overdue final payment to some farmers growing Blue Mountain coffee. The payment was for the crop year that ended in May 2011. The overdue payment has had a negative impact on the ability of some farmers to prepare for the July 2011 crop year. Donovan Stanberry, permanent secretary in the Minister of Agriculture, said that negotiations are underway with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide financial help to the farmers.

LIME HAPPY TO BRING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO JAMAICA—08/30/11
LIME, a major Jamaican telecommunications company, is glad to sponsor coverage of the IAAF World Championship in Daegu by the Observer newspaper. According to Steven Price, LIME's regional special projects manager, said the paper's distribution and award-winning coverage of sports, made the partnership between the two entities a perfect fit.

CAYMANS TO ENHANCE SECURITY SCREENING—08/29/11

NEW WI-FI, INTERNET SOLUTIONS PROVIDED BY COPIA—08/30/11

CITY OF LAMENTIN TO USE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE FOR CRIME REDUCTION—08/31/11

U.S. COAST GUARD RESCUE 21 USES CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY—09/01/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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SCIENTISTS BELIEVE RECYCLED NEWSPAPERS COULD FUEL VEHICLES—08/30/11
Scientists at Tulane University have found a type of bacteria that is able to transform paper into butanol, which is a biofuel that can be used in place of gasoline. The bacteria are known as TU-103, and it was discovered in animal droppings. It is thought to be the first bacteria in nature that can produce butanol from cellulose directly. The researchers at Tulane have experimented with old copies of the newspaper the Times Picayune from New Orleans and reported having success in obtaining butanol that can be used as fuel.

VEHICLE COULD BE POWERED BY NUCLEAR REACTOR—09/01/11
Cadillac introduced its World Thorium-fueled concept car at the Chicago Auto Show in 2009 to show that a vehicle lasting 100 years without requiring maintenance could be built. The car did not have working thorium capabilities, however. Now, Charles Stevens at Laser Power Systems is developing a prototype thorium-powered laser, which could be used to generate energy sufficient to power a car while producing zero-emissions. Scientists are touting thorium as a better source of nuclear fuel than uranium because it is less radioactive and more lentiful.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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CALYPSO MUSICIAN USES MUSIC AS COMMENTARY—08/27/11
David Rudder is using Calypso, the party music famous around the world, to communicate on serious topics. Rudder, who is from Trinidad, thinks it is important to return the music to its roots in social commentary as created by African slaves. According to Rudder, Calypso was really used to tell the news and comment on current affairs. Rudder was a member of the 1980s pioneer band Charlies Roots. His latest album features the tradition of commentary on issues important to Caribbean people.

RAS ZACHARRI PERFORMS AT PETER TOSH MEMORIAL CONCERT—08/28/11
The 24th Annual Peter Tosh Memorial Concert will be held in Lusaka, Zambia, in September 2011. The concert will feature the famous Jamaican reggae star Bogle Broadie, or Ras Zacharri. He will bring his message of peace, love and unity, performing music from his latest album, New Horizon.

JOLLY BOYS A HITWORLDWIDE—08/29/11
Three elderly Jamaican musicians known as the Jolly Boys are making a splash around the world with their particular brand of folk music. After entertaining tourists in Jamaican hotels for almost 60 years, the Boys are enjoying a revival. They play acoustic, homemade instruments and perform the mento, Jamaican dance music developed by people descended from African slaves during the 19th century. The Jolly Boys combine traditional mento with contemporary sounds and rock-and-roll tunes by the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lou Reed.

JAMAICAN ENTERTAINER OFERED MONEY NOT TO RUN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE—08/31/11
L.A. Lewis, a popular Jamaican entertainer, says he would like to become a Member of Parliament for West Kingston and plans to run for the office. However, his plans are not welcomed by everyone, and he has even been offered money to withdraw from the race. Someone left J$100,000 on Lewis's doorstep to encourage him not to mock the election and remove his candidacy. Lewis intends to run, however, and plans to campaign for the Tivoli seat.

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BOLT DISQUALIFIED FOR 100-METERS IN DAEGU—08/28/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's champion sprinter, was disqualified from running the 100 meters due to a false start at the world championships race at Daegu, Korea. He was disappointed, but told reporters that there would be no tears. However, the disqualification means Bolt will not be able to win the "golden triple," a gold medal in each of the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay competitions, which he had wanted to accomplish. Instead, the gold in the men's 100 was won by fellow Jamaica Yohan Blake with a time of 9.92 seconds.

JAMAICANS ADVANCE IN 100, 400 WOMEN'S COMPETITIONS—08/29/11
Kerron Stewart and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have had the fastest qualifying times among the Jamaicans into the next round of women's 100-meter races. Both runners achieve the fourth-fastest time with 11.13 seconds. Veronica Campbell-Brown and Jura Levy also went through to the next round with 11.19 seconds and 11.34 seconds, respectively.

JAMAICAN GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR OCTOBER 2011—08/30/11
The Hear the Children's Cry 2nd Benefit Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 2, 2011 at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club. Sixteen children from St. Annie's and St. Aloysius schools in Kingston who have shown golfing potential will participate. They are part of the City Golf Project, which provided them with weekly lessons at the Club.

WALKER WINS SILVER IN WOMEN'S HURDLES—098/01/11
Jamaican Melaine Walker has won a silver medal for her country in the women's 400-meter hurdles in Daegu. She ran a personal best of 52.73 seconds. Walker was the defending champion going into the competition, but finished second behind Lashinda Demus of the United States, who clocked a world-leading time of 52.47 seconds.

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Tried and Refined

The narrative of Job's life and experiences, as recorded in the book bearing his name, is one with which some of us are familiar. With divine permission, Satan unleashed a wave of events that saw Job - whom God described as unique in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and shunned evil (Job 1:8) - losing his family, his wealth and his health. Unknown to Job, he was like a pawn in a cosmic chess game. Satan had called his integrity and fidelity into question, and God was confident that Job would stand firm against the onslaught. Satan could do whatever he wanted to do with Job, but God had set the boundaries within which he could operate.

Standing firm against Satan's attacks was not easy. Job knew that his life was in the hand of a sovereign God who not only had the power to give but also to take (1:21), and that whatever happened to him had to be permitted by God. To go through difficult times feeling the presence of God can be very comforting, but what happens when God seems nowhere to be found? In reality, God's presence is everywhere, but many are the saints who can voice the words of the Psalmist, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me?" (Psalm 22:1a).

As he struggled under the weight of Satan's hand upon his life, Job lamented, "Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat! Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him: On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him. (Job 23:1-3; 8-9, KJV). However, instead of becoming despondent, he recognized that even if he could not see God, God could see him; even if he did not know where God was, God knew where he was, and so he encouraged himself, "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (v. 10).

Job knew something we need to remind ourselves of - nothing touches our lives that do not pass through the hand of God first. Though what had befallen him was Satan's doing, He recognized the hand of God at work in his life. The sovereignty of God meant that there was nothing Satan could do that was not permitted by God. Job knew at the end of his time in the valley, if he remained faithful, he would come out "golden". The same goes for you; the same goes for me. Our challenges can be likened to the refiner's fire. The aim is to purify our hearts, to cleanse us from within, set apart for God and ready to do His will. With this perspective, we will not spend time blaming the devil, but we stand strong, trusting God even when we cannot see Him. He is there working things out, all for our good and all for His glory.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending August 26th, 2011

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:50:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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HIV MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE HELD IN MONTEGO BAY—08/20/11
Approximately 275 delegates from 21 nations around the world met at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay for the International HIV Management Conference. This is the first time the conference was held in Jamaica. The conference will be hosted by Dr. Michelle Hamilton, Director of Immunology at National Laboratory Services.

ACQUISITION OF GARVEY BIRTHPLACE APPROVED BY CABINET—08/20/11
Jamaica's Cabinet has given its approval to the compulsory acquisition of the birthplace of the country's first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. The property at 32 Market Street in St. Ann's Bay will be rehabilitated, according to Laleta Davis Mattis, executive director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The site was the location of the 124th anniversary celebration of Garvey's birth on August 17, 2011.

JAMAICAN TELEVISION REFUSES TO SHOW PRO-GAY ANNOUNCEMENT—08/21/11
A public service announcement (PSA) produced by the Jamaican gay rights group J-FLAG and starting Christine Straw, former Miss World and Miss Jamaica pageant queen, and Matthew Straw, her gay brother, will not be aired on Jamaica television. It is believed that Christian organizations pressured the leading TV network in Jamaica not to air the ad because it was "too controversial."

NIGERIA, JAMAICA SIGN TOURISM AGREEMENT—08/22/11
Jamaica and Nigeria have reached an agreement designed to promote culture and tourism. Robert Miller, Jamaican High Commissioner, visited the Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, to explore methods for creating jobs in the tourism sector. Jamaica attracts more tourists each year than its total population of 2.8 million. Nigeria wants to grow its tourist industry and wants to transform its Abuja carnival into a black festival to attract Africans to the country.

LOCAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS CONCERNED ABOUT BRAIN-EATING AMOEBAE—08/23/11
Researchers at the University of the West Indies are investigating the free-living amoebae (FLA) of several genera to fight against its infecting of humans and other animals around the world. All of the amoebae can infect the central nervous system and have lethal consequences. The amoebae enter a body via the nose and feed on the brain until the infected organism dies. Since its discovery in Australia in the 1960s, the amoebae have been imported to 15 other nations, with incidents of infection increasing every year.

JAMAICANS TO BE EMPOWERED BY VISION 2030—08/24/11
Vision 2030 is Jamaica's first long-term development program, and it was designed to put the nation on the way to realizing its potential over the coming 20-year period. The program seeks to accomplish its goal by economic growth and infrastructure building, as well as creating a society that encourages people to live, work, and raise families there. The program has the support of both major political parties.

JUDGE REJECTS "DUDUS" MOTION—08/25/11
A district judge in the United States has rejected a motion by alleged Jamaican drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke to suppress wiretap information. According to David Rowe, a Jamaican law professor based in the U.S., the ruling means that Coke has very little chance of being freed in regard to the indictment. Prosecutors in the case relied heavily on the wiretap evidence to convict Coke on charges of conspiracy to distributed drugs and to traffic in firearms.

IMF CHANGES APPROVED BY JAMAICA—08/26/11
Jamaica has approved 2008 and 2010 amendments to the articles of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement and 14th general review of quotas. According to Daryl Vaz, the minister responsible for information, Finance Minister Audley Shaw will ensure that an order amending the schedule to the Bretton Woods Agreement to incorporate the amendments into Jamaica law will be prepared by parliamentary counsel.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN GOES AHEAD WITH CREATION OF RADIO STATION IN CANADA—08/20/11
Fitzroy Gordon of Jamaica first applied for a broadcast license a decade ago, and will finally be able to offer his radio station in Toronto, Canada, in just a few weeks. According to Gordon, the station's name and size of staff will be on the air by October 2011. The format will include chiefly American R&B music, reggae, soca, and hip hop, as well as discussions of informational and educational topics.

GILBERT-ROBERTS HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOREIGN SERVICE—08/22/11
Marcia Gilbert-Roberts, Jamaican Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union has received the Order of Distinction and rank of Commander for her work in Jamaica's Foreign Service. In 2006, she also received the Pontifical Knighthood of Dame Grand Cross of the order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II. This is awarded for service to the community, church, and nation in the international field.

JAMAICA'S HIGH COMMISSIONER VISITS SCOTLAND—08/23/11
Nearly 50 years after Jamaica declared independence, Anthony Jackson, the nation's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has made a visit to Edinburgh in Scotland. His visit is designed to strengthen ties between Jamaica and the UK, which is so closely linked to island history. Johnson will visit businesses and politicians during his four-day visit, only the second official visit to Scotland by a Jamaican High Commissioner in history.

LAWSUIT FILED BY JAMAICAN AGAINST NYC POLICE OFFICER—08/24/11
Otis Stone, a 42-year-old Jamaican who owns a restaurant in New York, has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Lieutenant Jack Ryan of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for running a "vicious campaign" for two years against the restaurant located at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Stone says Ryan began to harass him in 2009 after Stone purchased a liquor license for his business.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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GUYANA WANTS HELP TO OPERATE PROBLEM SUGAR MILL—08/20/11

BODIES RECOVERED FROM HELICOPTER CRASH—08/21/11

KATE WINSLET SURVIVES FIRE AT BRANSON MANSION—08/22/11

TROPICAL STORM IRENE THREATENS TO BECOME FIRST HURRICANE FOR 2011—08/23/11

FLORIDA OFFICIALS MONITOR HURRICANE IRENE—08/24/11

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CARIBBEAN OFFERED HOPE IN U.S.—08/25/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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SUGAR INDUSTRY PRIVATIZATION COMPLETED—08/20/11
The Jamaican government has completed the privatization of the nation's sugar industry. A divestment agreement with COMPLANT Group of Companies was signed, turning over the three remaining factories to the organization. COMPLANT, a Chinese firm, has acquired Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine, Frome, Westmoreland, Monymusk, Clarendon, and related land at a cost of US$9 million.

BUSINESS EXCHANGE STARTED BY ANDREW PAIRMAN—08/21/11
The CEO of Anbell Group of Companies, Andrew Pairman, has established an online exchange by which firms may barter goods and services. Anbell Trade Exchange (ATX) was launched on August 15, 2011; however, the online portion will not begin its trading until September. Jamaica provides the perfect environment for establishing a business exchange, said Pairman.

VISTAPRINT TO CONSTRUCT CALL CENTER IN MONTEGO BAY—08/22/11
Vistaprint, a United States technology firm, will begin building its US$14.8 million Montego Bay call center in 2012. The construction will account for as much as 20 percent of the firm's total capital expenditures for that year. The new center will be built on 12 acres of land bought by Vistaprint. The 92,000 square foot center will house customer service, sales, and design support business.

JAMAICAN BROKERS TO PARTICIPATE IN T&T SECURITIES MARKET AGAIN—08/24/11
Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) plans to re-enter the securities market in Trinidad after leaving that same market three years ago. JMMB left as a result of the economic recession and a need for cash. According to Keith Duncan, CEO of JMMB, the market is ready for expansion now, and the firm will also investigate additional opportunities in Central America.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY USED BY SANDALS RESORTS—08/20/11

QR CODES UNCOMMON IN CARIBBEAN—08/22/11

NATIONS IN CARIBBEAN PARTNER TO CREATE CLIMATE STRATEGIES—08/24/11

SMITHS DETECTION CONTRACTS WITH CAYMANS FOR ADVANCED SCREENING TECH—08/25/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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HUMAN MOTION USED TO CHARGE PORTABLE DEVICES—08/24/11
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin at Madison believe that human motion will soon be used to charge batteries in mobile devices like smartphones. According to Tom Krupenkin, associate professor of mechanical engineering, walking and running generate significant amounts of energy. Krupenkin and J. Ashley Taylor, senior scientist, believe that "reverse electrowetting" can be embedded in footwear to generate electricity. The process involves using the energy of moving liquid converted to electricity.

GOOGLE MAPS ADDS VOICE SEARCH CAPABILITY—08/25/11
Google has decided to add voice search functionality to its mapping service. Google Voice Search is an incremental advance to the technology announced in June 2011, and it permits users to speak a destination into a computer microphone. The technology is meant to make things easier for users. It is already on mobile phones running Google's Android operating system.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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REMIX BY TIANA RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS—08/23/11
Tiana, known as the "princess of dancehall," is a dominant force on the Internet and the streets with her latest offering "Pum Pum Phat." This is a remix of Popcaan's "Raving." Tiana's version has received tens of thousands of YouTube views and has become a popular topic of discussion on Dancehall forums around the world.

ANDREW TOSH DISCUSSES FATHER'S TUNES—08/24/11
Peter Tosh was part of the Jamaican music scene in the early 1960s that also featured Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. The three musicians built the foundation for what became reggae music. Tosh and Wailer went out on their own in 1974 and watched Marley become the "face" of reggae. However, Tosh continued to play and record his more strident brand, and now his son Andrew is standing up for his father's political recordings. Columbia/Legacy has reissued the elder Tosh's recordings with outtakes, alternate versions, unreleased material, and extensive liner notes with pictures.

CARIBBEAN FILMS TO BE INTRODUCED IN TORONTO—08/25/11
Several major Caribbean films will be introduced at the 2011 Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Showcase in September. The films include "Hollywood North," Calypso Rose: Lioness of the Jungle," "Ghett'a Life," and "The Skin." The films are made by Trinidadian, Jamaica, and Antiguan filmmakers, respectively. Other films will also be screen during the ten days of the Showcase event.

DANCEHALL DEEJAY SIZZLA IN HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH—08/26/11
The Dancehall Deejay Sizzla was taken to the hospital following a motorcycle accident in St. Ann. Sizzla suffered a number of broken bones and internal bleeding as a result of the crash. Sizzla, whose real name is Miguel Collins, collided with a bus on the Salem main road near Runaway Bay. According to reports, he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

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POWELL READY TO MOVE OUT OF BOLT'S SHADOW—08/20/11
Asafa Powell, Jamaican sprint champion, believes it is time he takes center stage in the running world, stepping out of the shadow of another Jamaican champion, Usain Bolt. Power has been ranked first in the world in 2011. His best time of 9.78 seconds in the 100-meter race is one-tenth of a second faster than Bolt's best time in the 100 meters.

JAMAICA COULD WIN GOLD IN WOMEN'S RELAY AT IAAF—08/22/11
The Jamaican women's 4x400 relay team is ready to win gold at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics. Jamaica has won first place at the meet in the past. In 2001, Jamaica's team ran its best time in the race. Shericka Williams, Novlene Williams-Mills, Christine Day, and Kaliese Spencer want to defeat the United States team, denying that team a third consecutive victory at Daegu, South Korea this year.

BOLT EXPECTED TO WIN MEN'S 100 METERS—08/24/11
According to forecasters, Jamaica's Usain Bolt will win the men's 100-meter race at the IAAF World Athletics Championships. Jamaicans Bolt, Asafa Powell, and Yohan Blake are among the favorites at the competition. Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown is expected to turn in an excellent performance in the women's 100 meters.

BOLT MAKES NO PROMISES FOR PERFORMANCE IN DAEGU—08/25/11
Jamaica's Usain Bolt set two new world records and took three gold medals when he last competed at the world championship sprint races, but he says that faster times for the 100-meter and 200-meter races in Daegu, South Korea's competition are unlikely. Bolt experienced a lay-off due to an injury, and this has ended any thought of going faster at the world competitions in September. Bolt reminds his fans that he is human and that expecting him to turn in ever-faster times with each race is unrealistic.

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"Not As I Will"

The place was Gethsemane, a garden outside the city, a place planted with the olive and other trees, across the Kidron brook and on the Mount of Olives. It was a place that Jesus and His disciples were familiar with (John 18:1-2), and so on this night it would not have been unusual for them to be have gone there. According to Matthew's narrative, they had just finished their last meal together and Jesus, knowing what was imminent, spoke to them about a number of things. The narrative continues, "And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:37-39, KJV).

It is hard to imagine the "weight" that was on Jesus' shoulders. He who was born to die, in His humanity felt the deepest anguish, and there in the garden with His friends close by He seemingly struggled with the burden of what was ahead. This was He of whom the angels declared to Joseph, "Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Here He was, pleading with the father, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." The word "cup" is often used in this context in Scripture to point out sorrow, anguish, terror, and death. In essence Jesus' prayer was, "If the world can be redeemed - if it be consistent with justice, and with maintaining the government of the universe, that people should be saved without this extremity of sorrow, let it be done" (Albert Barnes). However, He did not stop there but continued, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

For sure that has to be the hardest part. Yielding our will to that of the Father. Giving up what we want to do, for what He wants us to do. Giving up what we would like to have, for what He wills for our lives. Giving up where we would rather go to go wherever He sends us. Giving up the known for the unknown. His will versus our will - the two are not always the same. Left to our own ways we would take the easy way out, we would take only the best of what life has to offer. However, where is the growth in that? How is God glorified on “Easy Street”? How do we put Him first if we are not prepared to surrender our will for His? Yet, as His representatives on earth that is exactly what we are called to do. There is nothing to say that His way is easy and comfortable. Lest we forget, it is never about us but all about Him and Jesus demonstrated that to the fullest.

"Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." As you strive to please God in your service and obedience to Him, do you finish your prayers with that sentence?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending August 19th, 2011

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 03:20:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS DONATION COVERS SHORTFALL—08/13/11
A donation totaling $650,000 will cover a shortfall experienced by Special Olympics Jamaica when it sent Jamaican athletes to a competition in Greece during June 2011. The organization receives funding from several entities, but these were unable to cover the total costs of athletes' needs during the games in Athens. United Way of Jamaica has made the donation to cover those costs.

SMITH OF OLINT GETS 30-YEAR SENTENCE—08/14/11
Jamaican David Smith, the man who led Olint, the failed investment program, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by a United States District Court in Orlando, Florida. He was accused of defrauding thousands of individuals of more than US$220 million and pleaded guilty to 18 counts of money laundering. Smith also pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He will spend 24 years in an American prison, but will first be returned to Turk and Caicos, where he pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy as well to serve his sentence there.

REGGAE MUSICIAN FAVORS GAY RIGHTS—08/15/11
Mista Mahaj P, a Jamaican-born reggae singer based in the United States, has made an album in support of gay rights. In doing so, he has broken one of the major taboos among reggae musicians. Mista Mahaj P says he made the album to address homophobia and the hypocritical attitudes about gays held in his native homeland and around the world. He has designed the album to educate people about gay rights.

JAMAICANS TEND TO SUPPORT ISRAEL OVER PALESTINIANS, SAYS SURVEY—08/16/11
A survey sponsored by The Israel Project found that 42 percent of Jamaicans want the government to provide support to Israel, compared to nine percent who favor Palestinian interests. In October, 2011, Jamaica, along with the rest of the world, is slated to vote on a unilateral Palestinian effort for state recognition without the need for negotiations with Israel. According to the poll, a large majority of Jamaicans believe that this effort will only "harden" extremists on both sides of the issue and make peace even more difficult to obtain.

JAMAICA'S DEBT IMPACTS HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS—08/17/11
The large amount of debt owed by Jamaica has had a significant impact on the operations of schools and hospitals on the island. Both types of organizations have learned to "make do" with less because paying of the national debt is a top priority. Jamaica owes $18.2 billion to its creditors. This exceeds the entire production of the domestic economy in a year, or 132 percent of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

SUGAR WORKERS TO BE JAMAICAN, SAYS COMPLANT—08/17/11
According to Tang Jianguo, the chief executive officer of the COMPLANT Group of Companies, the Chinese organization that bought Jamaica's sugar factories, most of the management and workers at the factories will be Jamaicans. The firm expects Chinese and local workers to integrate cultures and provide examples of cooperation. Day-to-day operations will be handled chiefly by local Jamaican workers, Tang said.

LITERACY MONITORING PROGRAM WELCOMED BY HOLNESS—08/18/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's Minister of Education, has characterized a new literacy monitoring program in Jamaica as one of major importance, since the government has had a difficult time obtaining accurate adult literacy figures. By developing a national plan to attain universal literacy, Jamaica becomes the first nation in the Caribbean to attempt accurate measurement of literacy levels.

JAMAICA RANKS FIRST IN RECOVERY OF TOURISM INDUSTRY—08/19/11
Jamaica leads the recovery of the tourism industry in the Caribbean and will be recognized during the World Travel Awards later in 2011. The awards are known as the "Oscars of the travel industry," and note the growth in number of visitor arrivals in Jamaica during the year. Visitors to the island increased by five percent in 2011 over 2010 totals. The awards ceremony will occur in October at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island in Montego Bay.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICANS HELD ON DRUG CHARGES IN ARIZONA—08/13/11
Police in Chandler, Arizona, have identified a number of Jamaican drug dealers traveling to their town to buy large quantities of marijuana. The dealers then mail the drug back to the Northeast. Police have arrested over 130 suspected drug dealers and confiscated over $3 million in cash from 30 deals being conducted in 2011 alone. According to John Shearer, police lieutenant in Chandler, many of those arrested are Jamaicans who live in New York and travel to the Southwest to get their marijuana.

JAMAICA ASSOCIATION IN GEORGIA HONORS OUTSTANDING JAMAICAN—08/14/11
The Atlanta Jamaica Association (AJA) marked the island's 49th independence anniversary by honoring Elaine Grant Bryan in recognition of the contributions she has made to the positive image of Jamaica. She was named an outstanding Jamaican in Atlanta, Georgia. Bryan has received a number of awards for her work in the field of education. She is currently working on a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

GUILTY PLEA FROM JAMAICAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL ENTRY TO U.S.—08/15/11
Christopher Lawrence, 46, was deported from the United States in 2006. He has now pleaded guilty to reentering the U.S. illegally. Lawrence was detained after a car accident because of problems police identified with his driver's license. It was found through fingerprinting that Lawrence had been deported from Miami in 2006 after a conviction relating to drug charges. He will be sentenced in December 2011.

DIASPORA IN SOUTH FLORIDA LAUNCHES INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS—08/18/11
The South Florida Jamaican Diaspora has announced an evening event featuring Jamaican culture to launch preparations for the Golden Jubilee of the island's independence. The ceremonial event was introduced by Tomas Regalado, the mayor of Miami, and Sandra Grant, Jamaica's Consul General, who announced the beginning of plans for the jubilee celebrations. The events will begin run from January to December 2012.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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KLASS SUSPENDED BY FIFA—08/13/11

TABLE TENNIS COMPETITION WELCOMED TO GUYANA—08/14/11

OFFICIAL FROM DOMINICA BECOMES NEW CHIEF OF CARICOM—08/15/11

BROOKLYN TO CELEBRATE WEST INDIAN DAY WITH PARADE—08/16/11

RESEARCH FINDS HUMAN WASTE KILLS CORAL—08/18/11

TWO NEW TAX AGREEMENTS REACHED IN BAHAMAS—08/19/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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TAX EXPERTS CONCERNED ABOUT REFORMS—08/13/11
Several tax experts have criticized recent tax reforms due to their potential effect on low-income wage earners. According to Ena Wong Sang, local business owner, the tax reform shifts taxes to the people in society who are less able to pay. Sang emphasized the need for provisions to mitigate this potential problem. In general, government discussion on tax reform favors a move toward more indirect taxation, a broadening of the tax base, and a lowering of the general consumption tax rate.

PWC DECISION REVERSED BY JAMAICAN APPEALS COURT—08/14/11
A court decision against PricewaterhouseCoopers Jamaica (PwC), which cleared the audit and consultancy company of negligence for advice it provided to Caribbean Steel Company Ltd., has been reversed by a Jamaican appellate court. The PwC advice ultimately cost the steel firm millions of dollars. The appeals court ruling clears the company of a judgment totaling J$13.8 million. The original judgment was imposed in 2006.

TRADE AGREEMENT WITH COSTA RICA TO BE APPROVED—08/15/11
The Jamaican government intends to approve the total implementation of the CARICOM/Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, stated that Jamaica has applied the agreement provisionally and decided on full implementation. The agreement is designed to increase trading between CARICOM and Costa Rica through the granting of duty-free, preferential access for a wide range of products on a reciprocal basis.

PROBE OF JPS PLANNED—08/17/11
Winston Hay, the former head of OUR, the Office of Utilities Regulation, has warned that any investigation of the billing practices in force at Jamaica public Service Company Ltd. (JPS) must be clearly defined in order to provide results that will be meaningful. The Cabinet has conducted discussions designed to establish a commission to examine the billing practices of the light and power company, according to Clive Mullings, Minister of Energy and Mining. Billing mechanisms and the firm's new meter system would be the focus of the inquiry.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE COMPUTERS—08/13/11

LEADER OF CAPNET WANTS PUBLISHING TO MOVE FORWARD—08/14/11

TOURISM MINISTRY IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS TOP-RATED WEB SITE—08/15/11

LIME ADDS NEW PLAN TO ENCOURAGE INTERNET ACCESS—08/17/11

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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GOOGLE MAPS ADDS WEATHER LAYER—08/18/11
The Google Maps application now features a weather layer that displays the current weather conditions for locations around the world. Users can hover over a widget to view current cloud cover and conditions for even the smallest towns. The weather data is obtained courtesy of the United States Naval Research Lab. The weather layer is not yet supported on Android systems.

OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY ADDS WORDS FROM TECH, SOCIAL MEDIA—08/19/11
The Concise Oxford English Dictionary celebrates its 100th anniversary in August 2011, and concurrently, has added over 400 new entries, most of which reflect the prevalence of technology in modern society. Editor Angus Stevenson has included new meanings for the word "follower" that note the popularity of Twitter; Twitter was also the source of the new entry "retweet." Other technologically inspired words include "noob" for an Internet neophyte and "woot," used to express enthusiasm in electronic communications.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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BURRELL SEVERS TIES WITH BROWN—08/13/11
The well-known dancehall music producer Cordel "Skatta" Burrell has ended his relationships with Clifton "Clif-Twang" Brown, an Internet star. Brown's video, which vaulted him to prominence, had more than 1.6 million hits on YouTube. Burrell helped Brown to negotiate various deals as a result of his video popularity, but will no longer manage the musician.

INTERNATIONAL REGGAE WINE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED—08/14/11
Montego Bay will be the setting for the first annual International Reggae Wine Festival. The event is being touted as the "ultimate" wine experience and will feature some of the best wines in the world. Jamaican wine producers will be highlighted along with international purveyors. The festival will also showcase fashion, food, and the arts, along with major reggae music performers.

REGGAE PRODUCER KILLED BY GUNMEN IN KINGSTON—08/17/11
Joel Chin, a leading producer of reggae music, was shot and killed near his upscale home in Kingston. Police report that the attack occurred late at night as Chin exited his automobile in the driveway of his own home. No motive has been given for the crime. Chin, 35, was the grandson of Vincent "Randy" Chin, a pioneer reggae producer and founder of VP Records in New York.

LEGEND "MONTY" MORRIS TO APPEAR IN LOS ANGELES—08/18/11
Eric "Monty" Morris, Jamaica's legendary Ska musician, plans a return to Southern California at the end of August to play his fifth show in Los Angeles. Morris will be honored with a tribute as a "living legend" at a popular reggae venue. Morris has just returned from his first European tour in support of a full-length album called "The Living Legends Collection."

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SPORTS
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MULLINGS FAILS DRUG TEST—08/13/11
Steve Mullings, Jamaican runner, has tested positive for drugs ahead of the world championship meet in Daegu, South Korea. Mullings has been rated as the third-fastest man and could face a lifetime ban from the sport as a result of testing positive for the masking agent furosemide. This drug is generally used to hide the presence of banned substances. This was Mullings' second drug offense.

JAMAICAN DEPENDS ON TAYLOR, DALEY FOR WIN VS. T&T—08/14/11
The final of the West Indies Cricket Board Women's League will feature Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams have played excellent cricket throughout the tournament, and T&T is the two-time defending champion. Jamaica is depending on Stafanie Taylor and Shanel Daley to lead them to the win. Taylor is the most successful women's player in West Indies history, having more than 1,400 runs and 45 wickets in 36 ODIs.

WOMEN'S FOOTBALLERS LACK SUPPORT IN JAMAICA—08/15/11
Organizations like the Jamaica Football Federation provide a lesser degree of support for female football players than for their male counterparts. Female football teams continue to struggle with lack of support and lack of funding. However, Jamaican women in football have a high level of enthusiasm and commitment, reflecting the fact that the sport is the fastest growing female sport in the world. Some 26 million females play the sport worldwide. Sherwin Williams West Indies Ltd. has been the only firm in Jamaica for the past ten years to make a tangible investment in women's football programs.

JAMAICANS TO COMPETE FOR CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP—08/16/11
Five Jamaicans are ready to represent the homeland in the two-day Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Puerto Rico. Shacquille Sinclair and Oshane Williams will lead the Jamaican contingent in the time trials and 17-to-18 road race age category. Also racing will be Dervin Myers, Jermar Brissett, and Owen Cardoza Jr. All are competing in the championships for the first time.

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Standing Up For Christ

In an environment where anything goes, standing up for one's beliefs can be costly. In some countries around the world, Christians who face persecution and resulting hardships every day because of their faith are far more aware of this than we are in the West. Yet, they stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances while holding fast to the profession of their faith.

It is not easy swimming upstream when it seems everybody else is swimming downstream. It is not easy to say "no" when it seems everybody else is saying "yes". It is no wonder genuine Christians stick out like sore thumbs; they find it impossible to accept and embrace much of what society deems acceptable simply because certain behaviors and attitudes are contrary to the Word of God. Unfortunately, some professing Christians choose to remain silent and in the process they unintentionally allow the perpetuation of those behaviours and attitudes. It is so easy to go along with the crowd instead of "rocking the boat" by taking a stand.

John the Baptist had other ideas. In a culture where criticizing the king was to sign one's death warrant, he had openly rebuked King Herod for taking his sister-in-law, Herodias, as his own wife. Fearing that John's preaching would start a revolt against him, Herod had him thrown in jail. According to the narrative, Mark 4:1-29, Herodias, who was smoldering with hate and wanted John killed, completed a series of manipulative moves that boxed the king in a corner. After a couple glasses of wine too many, he had promised Herodias' daughter anything she wanted. The mother promptly saw her opportunity and told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist (V.24). Not willing to take a stand, Mark tells us, "And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother" (vv. 26-28, KJV). We can only imagine that she looked at it with immense satisfaction. She had silenced the voice of rebuke. This despite the fact that having John killed did not change the reality of the inappropriateness of her marriage to the king.

Standing up and speaking out cost John his head. He knew the probable consequences but instead of compromising by remaining silent, he chose to stand up for truth and righteousness. In a culture of darkness, his light shone brightly. What about your light? When things are going the wrong way in your spheres of influence - your offices, your homes, your churches - and when things get out of hand, do you speak up? Christians are supposed to be the light of the world (Mark 5:14) and the whole purpose of light is to repel darkness. If you are not shining where you are and if no one knows what you stand for, then something is wrong. Maybe it is time for a light check?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending August 12th, 2011

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:15:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SHAW BELIEVES IMF COMMITMENTS WILL BE MET—08/06/11
Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, has restated his position that the nation will meet its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Adhering to the commitments is critical for Jamaica's continued economic stability, he noted.

SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN HIDDEN BY LACK OF CHARGES, PROSECUTION—08/07/11
According to Betty Ann Blaine, founder of an organization devoted to the health and wellbeing of children in Jamaica, child rape represents one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. She noted three cases of rape of children under age 12 in the past two years in which the accused were set free in spite of DNA evidence indicating their guilt. Jamaicans overall are reluctant to report the crime, and prosecutions often fail as witnesses and victims are "bought off" by the perpetrators. In 2006, 78 percent of sexual assault and rape cases admitted to hospitals were children and teenagers.

POLITICAL PARTIES SALUTE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ANTHONY ABRAHAMS—08/08/11
Anthony Abrahams, former member of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), was acknowledged for his contributions to politics after his death. Abrahams, 71, served as a Member of Parliament for the Eastern Portland area between 1980 and 1989. He was also well known as the host of the "Breakfast Club" morning talk show on the radio.

ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS TO SEE REDUCTION IN RATES—08/09/11
According to the Jamaica Public Service company (JPS), Jamaican consumers will get a reduction of about five percent in their electric bills for August 2011. The company attributed the drop in rates to a decrease in the fuel and IPP charge that is applied to August bills. This charge will total $20.71 per kilowatt hour for August, compared to the $22.50 per kilowatt hour applied in July 2011.

NATIONAL GALLERY MOURNS PASSING OF GUY MCINTOSH—08/10/11
The National Gallery of Jamaica has noted the passing of Guy McIntosh, a well known art collector and owner of the Frame Center Gallery. His gallery had a major role in developing Jamaica art in the 1980s, exhibiting many of the top artists of that era. According to Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, McIntosh was a "great supporter of Jamaican art" and a major contributor to the cultural development of the nation.

CAPITAL INFLOWS COULD DECREASE DUE TO U.S. CREDIT DOWNGRADE—08/10/11
Jamaica could see a slowdown of its capital inflows due to the downgrade of United States credit, according to the Bank of Jamaica. It is unclear how great an impact the downgrade will have on the foreign asset portfolios of investors, but it is expected that the economy overall will have more difficulty obtaining a growth rate of the projected 1.5 percent for 2011.

LOBSTER INDUSTRY HIT BY ILLEGAL SALES OF PERMITS—08/11/11
According to Robert Montague, Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, there will be an investigation into claims that licensed lobster fishermen have been selling their permits to unregistered fishermen. Montague said that "strong and harsh action will be taken" against those found to engage in this practice.

TALK SHOWS IN UK BLAME CARIBBEAN NATIONALS FOR RIOTS—08/12/11
While officials in the United Kingdom are not blaming recent rioting on any racial or cultural group of people, talk shows have started to blame Caribbean nationals for the unrest. Anthony Johnson, Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, learned that the radio call-in programs had begun attributing the violence to people with Caribbean origins. This has made it difficult for those who live in communities with significant Jamaican populations to get to work.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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EIGHT JAMAICANS HELD ON DRUG TRAFFICKING IN BARBADOS—08/06/11
Eight Jamaicans are among the ten individuals being held by police in Barbados at Queen Elizabeth Hospital after they swallowed a quantity of drugs. The individuals had arrived on a plane from Jamaica and were found to have swallowed the drugs when they were x-rayed.

MISSING JAMAICAN NURSE SOUGHT IN CAYMANS—08/07/11
Kerran Baker, 25, disappeared from her home in Bodden Town in the Cayman Islands on July 30, 2011. The Jamaican nurse's family and others have been searching for her since that date, but there is still no sign of where she may be or a reason for her disappearance. She was last seen on July 30 at about 7 pm leaving Foster's Food Fair on Airport Road.

JAMAICAN AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN VISITS HOMELAND—08/08/11
Claudia Barnes, Jamaican Ambassador to Japan, is on vacation in the homeland after attending the Heads of Mission Meeting held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. After experiencing a major earthquake in Japan in March 2011, Barnes feels there is no challenge she cannot face. She noted that the Ministry was able to account for every Jamaican known to be in Japan at the time of the quake. Barnes is serving her second year as ambassador to that nation.

JAMAICAN DIASPORA CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE—08/11/11
The Jamaican Diaspora in South Florida is launching "Jamaica 50" as a start of the celebration of Jamaica's Golden Jubilee anniversary of Jamaica's independence. Many civic, diplomatic, and community leaders will join the Diaspora community to share in the launch, which is slated to feature a variety of entertainments. The highlight of the ceremony will consist of a symbolic acknowledgement of the friendship between the cities of Miami and Kingston.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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MEDICAL SCHOOL ACQUIRED BY DEVRY—08/07/11

ENGINEERS IN GUYANA START TO DISMANTLE PLANE WRECKAGE—08/08/11

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO WINS GOLFING CHAMPIONSHIPS—08/09/11

FIFA OPENS CORRUPTION CASES AGAINST SOCCER OFFICIALS—08/10/11

CARIBBEAN RECORDS TWO EARTHQUAKES —08/11/11

MAYOR OF HAITI CAPITAL PLANS TO CLEAR QUAKE CAMP—08/12/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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KRUEGER HAS PASSION FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS—08/08/11
Muffetta Krueger worked for years in the corporate world, but decided to start her own natural products firm Muffetta's Natural. She provides environmentally friendly household products. Krueger, a Jamaican-born woman living in the United States, says she no longer wanted to work with products that harmed the environment, and so she left her corporate position to make her own cleaning products from baking soda, washing soda, vinegar, and herbs. She founded Muffetta Enterprise, the parent of Muffetta's Natural, to develop, manufacture, and test natural cleaning products.

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY TO INTRODUCE ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY—08/09/11
Jamaica-based Glamour Destination Management Company and Regatta Travel Solutions, which is based in Miami, Florida, plan to launch a new online travel agency. The Jamaica hospitality and tourism industry has welcomed the idea. The new agency will permit Jamaican firms to reach a wider audience of potential tourists. John Lynch, Jamaican Director of Tourism, says the plan represents a "significant achievement" for the island's tourism industry.

DENBIGH READY TO EXPLOIT TOURISM POTENTIAL—08/10/11
According to Earl Jarrett, general manager of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show could be a major tourism attraction for the island. Jarrett said the agricultural show in Clarendon is expected to grow, providing a significant opportunity for Jamaicans overseas, along with other visitors, to experience the nation's agricultural offerings. About 65,000 patrons from across Jamaica attended the show in 2010.

ETHANOL BUSINESS CLOSES—08/11/11
One of Jamaica's three ethanol producers has closed its doors due to a continued increase in feedstock prices. Jamaica Ethanol Processing was a casualty of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and has been in trouble for three years. Problems were attributed to the volatility in the commodities market and the upside-down trading situation in which hydrous ethanol feedstock costs were higher than the product line sold, according to Erwin Jones, managing director of Jamaica Ethanol Processing. The firm had produced 50 million gallons of ethanol each year and had 31 staff members before its closure.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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DATA ON MOBILE NETWORKS DECRYPTED BY RESEARCHERS—08/10/11
Karsten Nohl of Security Research Labs in Berlin, Germany, wants mobile operators to enhance their security efforts. He has started to release software that will transform phones into "snoops" of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) traffic. Using a GPRS interceptor, it is possible for an individual to read a neighbor's Facebook updates, says Nohl. He and partner Luca Melette were able to read data sent over mobile networks in this way using an inexpensive Motorola unit and some free applications. They were able to decrypt data from T-Mobile, O2 Germany, Vodafone, and E-Plus in Germany.

HYBRID SOLAR PANEL MAKES HYDROGEN—08/11/11
Nico Hotz, a research engineer at Duke University, believes that the best use of the sun is to make hydrogen. He has created a rooftop solar panel that can generate the gas from the sun's heat. Hydrogen, which is made by separating hydrogen atoms from a water solution, can then be stored and utilized to create electricity in a fuel cell. Hotz says this method creates more usable energy than solar photovoltaic panels and at a lower cost.

TECH CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 2011—08/06/11

AMATEUR RADIO LINK TO SPACE STATION TO BE AVAILABLE TO CARIBBEAN YOUTH—08/08/11

CARIBBEAN TECH ENTREPRENEUR "CROWDFUNDS" FILM—08/09/11

JAMAICAN TEACHERS TO GET SMARTPHONES FROM RIM—08/10/11

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ENTERTAINMENT
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ULTIMATE 2011 ALBUM AVAILABLE AUGUST 26, 2011—08/06/11
Tad's Record, the large music recording and publishing firm based in Jamaica known as the "ultimate reggae experience," will introduce a major experience in Dancehall. The Ultimate 2011 album is the firm's collection of 25 of the top Dancehall tunes of the year. It will be available on the Internet and in stores on August 26, 2011. The album features Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Buju Banton, I-Octane, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, and Lady Saw.

SEAN KINGSTON ATTENDS TEEN CHOICE AWARDS CEREMONY—08/07/11
Sean Kingston, 21, showed his fans that he has recovered from the watercraft accident he experienced in May 2011 and the subsequent open-heart surgeries he endured after doctors found his aorta had been torn. Kingston walked the red carpet at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards ceremony in Universal City, California, in his first public appearance since the accident. He said his condition was "100 percent right now" and that he has made a complete recovery.

RAS KASSA CRITICIZES JAMAICAN DISC JOCKS—08/08/11
According to Ras Kassa, internationally known Jamaican music video director, too many Jamaican disc jockeys are recording, playing, and producing their own material. This dilutes the quality of radio and the legitimacy of dancehall-reggae music, in Kassa's opinion. If disc jockeys record and produce their own music, regular producers and artistes will not receive the attention they need to promote their work, he says.

SIRE WILLARD WHITE PERFORMS IN KINGSTON—08/11/11
Sir Willard White, the Jamaican-born opera singer, is returning to the homeland to perform classical music in Kingston at a fund raiser for the Arts Foundation of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. The concert will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on August 14. It is hosted by the Arts Foundation and the Jamaica National Building Society. White is one of the best bass-baritones in the world.

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SPORTS
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SPENCER RUNS IN WORLD RECORD TIME—08/06/11
Jamaican Kaliese Spencer ran a personal best in the women's 400-meter hurdles at the Samsung Diamond Meet at Crystal Palace in London with a time of 52.79 seconds. This run put Spencer in ninth place on the all-time list and ranks her as the second-fastest Jamaican in history. Spencer is now favored to win a gold medal at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

POWELL INJURED, OUT OF GRAND PRIX COMPETITION—08/07/11
Jamaica's Asafa Powell has announced that he is withdrawing from competition in the 100 meter race. He suffered a groin injury in Budapest and had hoped it would improve enough to allow him to compete in the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace. However, he decided to withdraw from this meet in order to concentrate on preparations for the World Championships in Korea in three weeks.

JAMAICANS IMPRESSIVE IN CYCLING RACE—08/08/11
Shacquille Sinclair and Oshana Williams, professional cyclists participating in the Tour de l'Abitibi in Canada in July, performed well, according to Iona Wynter Parks, first vice president of the Jamaica Cycling Federation. The two riders were the only ones in the race from a Caribbean island. For five of the seven stages, Sinclair was in the main field, 3.33 minutes behind the leader on General Classification.

POSITIVE DRUG TEST FOR JAMAICAN SPRINTER—08/10/11
An up-and-coming sprinter who was expected to represent Jamaica in Daegu, South Korea, at the IAAF World Championships in three weeks has had a positive drug test. The test was administered at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the end of June 2011.The test revealed the presence of a masking agent, generally used to prevent the detection of banned or illegal substances like anabolic steroids or stimulants. The athlete in question has been notified and must face a disciplinary hearing, ruling him out of the championship competition.

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Being Led of the Spirit

In his letter to the believers in Galatia, Paul writes, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (5:16-18, KJV). Isn't it interesting that he used the world "walk"? This tells us the Christian life is a journey, and to walk in the Spirit is to walk as guided by the Spirit. In other words, to live under His influence and not resist Him and in doing so, "ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." So far, so good.

However, as we are guided by the Spirit along our journey, what happens when He is leading us somewhere we would rather not go? Or to take it one step further, somewhere we definitely do not want to go? Because He is the one leading and because He only works in accordance with what is in the will of God, a part of trusting Him means trusting that wherever He leads is all a part of God's plan for our lives. That can get tricky because He sees and knows far more than we do. For the most part we have a fear of the unknown; we want to see and know where we are going and why. These thoughts came to mind as I reflected on the opening verse of Matthew 4, "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil," and I thought, "To be what????" For sure, the Spirit must have taken a wrong turn somewhere! To compound matters, this was not a quick trip through the wilderness but rather a forty-days and forty-nights (v.2) assault on the mind, the emotions and the will during a time of fasting and according to Mark 1:13, while surrounded by wild beasts. It is no wonder that when the devil left Him, "angels came and ministered unto Him" (Matthew 4:11).

On the outside looking in, all of this makes very little, if any, sense. Yet it wasn't that the Spirit did not know what He was doing; it wasn't that He had lost His way. His leading Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil was all a part of God's plan for "the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:11). It follows that as we are led by the Spirit we too may be led to places and into situations that seem strange. For those of us who are methodical in whatever we do and those of us who like to be in control, this is rather scary. Yet we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit will never lead us into situations contrary to the Word of God and that are not in keeping with the will of God for our lives. Yes, those valley experiences are included as well. The challenge is not to resist Him though everything in our flesh will want to do that.

Where is He leading you? What is He asking you to do? What is your response?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending August 5th, 2011

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:20:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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INTERCEPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS ACT CHANGED IN SENATE—07/30/11
Senator Dwight Nelson, Jamaican Minister of National Security and sponsor of the Interception of Communications Act, noted that his bill will be amended to address its lack of extraterritorial application. This is meant to make it easier to share information with agents of foreign states.

BILLIONS OF POTENTIAL POWER SAVINGS POSSIBLE, SAYS JPC—07/31/11
Consumers and businesses in Jamaica could reap savings totaling J$15.4 billion on their power bills if two critical measures of fuel and system losses line up with regional and sector averages. This is the conclusion of a study from the Jamaica Productivity Center (JPC). The savings would represent about 20 percent of Jamaicans' power bills.

TUFTON GETS MORE SECURITY IN LIGHT OF THREATS—08/01/11
Christopher Tufton, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, is receiving more security after being threatened by those who oppose his ban on the scrap metal industry. The Jamaican government has been more closely scrutinized since it decided to enact a complete shutdown of trade in scrap metal due to the high theft levels in that sector. Anthony Hylton, Opposition Spokesperson on Industry, wants the administration to reconsider the ban to remain in compliance with international treaty obligations.

GOLDING OPENS TOURIST ATTRACTION IN TRELAWNEY—08/02/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding officially opened the country's newest tourist attraction at Falmouth Pier in Trelawny. Captain Hook Adventures is a "pirate dinner show" that features sword fights, Jamaican dance, and live cannon. Golding noted that the new attraction represents part of a renewed expansion of tourist options for Jamaica.

ABUSE OF GIRLS RARELY PUNISHED—08/02/11
According to Betty Ann Blaine, a child advocate and founder of Hear the Children's Cry, an organization focused on protecting Jamaica's children, child rape represents one of the most rapidly growing crimes on the island. However, the crime brings little or no outcry from the public when its perpetrators are not punished. Blaine believes there are cultural norms at work in Jamaica that promote sex with young girls, and inner-city families are often paid by gang leaders to hand over their daughters for sexual activity or to cover up sexual abuse of minors to avoid "shaming" their families..

THWAITES CITES "OBSTACLES" TO WORKING CLASS LAND OWNERSHIP—08/03/11
Ronald Thwaites, a deacon and member of the Opposition People's National Party, states that Jamaican laws and the extremely high costs linked to regularizing tenure are responsible for denying the nation's working class the right to own property. This keeps this population from full participation in the economy of the country.

CHILDREN'S LIVES SAVED BY EARLY HIV PLANNING EFFORTS—08/04/11
There has been a decrease of 31 percent in the number of children's deaths in Jamaica, according to Rudyard Spencer, Minister of Health. Dr. Tracy Evans-Gilbert, a pediatrician based at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, believes this is because of sustained effort by those fighting HIV on the island, beginning in the 1990s. This is when antiretroviral drugs first became available to those who could afford them.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN WOMEN'S BEHEADINGS—08/05/11
Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the beheadings of Charmaine Rattray and Joyette Lynch, 19, Rattray's daughter. The two were killed during a home invasion in Spanish Town. According to authorities, the murders appear related to a gang power struggle involving the Clansman gang and the One Order gang. These two killings occurred just two days after Scott Thomas, 18, was beheaded by a gang of men in Spanish Town, and the same week, an apparent "copycat" crime decapitated Gary Smith, 37, of August Town, Kingston.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICANS IN U.S. CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE—07/30/11
Jamaicans who live in the Washington, D.C. area celebrated Jamaican independence by participating in numerous official events. The Jamaican Embassy, led by Ambassador Audrey Marks, will have an open house designed to give the public a chance to meet the ambassador. The Jamaica Association of Maryland and Team Jamaica Bickle will sponsor independence balls and other events.

NEW CHIEF MAGISTRATE OF BELIZE IS JAMAICAN—08/02/11
Ann-Marie Smith, a Jamaican national, is slated to become the new foreign chief magistrate of Belize. She will take office on September 1, 2011, succeeding Margaret McKenzie, who has served in the position since 2007. Magistrate Smith brings a reputation for being tough on criminals, which stems from her own experiences as a victim of violent crime in 2010. Smith was shot by masked gunmen in an ambush outside her home.

MORRISON PLANS TO OFFICIATE AT LONG OLYMPICS IN 2012—08/03/11
Kevin Morrison, FIFA award-winning referee from Jamaica, is ready to bring his skills to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Morrison, 33, was selected FIFA Referee of the Year by the Jamaica Football Referees Association. This was the second major award for Morrison, who also received the Digicel Premier League Referee of the Year award in 2010.

BLAIR TO SPEAK AT SENTENCING OF DAVID SMITH—08/04/11
Jamaican pastor Reverend Ainsley G. Blair, who is based in the United States, will speak at the sentencing of David Smith in Orlando, Florida. Smith is the head of Olint Corporation. He faces 20 years in prison on 23 counts of fraud for a Ponzi scheme that took over $220 million from thousands of Jamaican investors. Blair invested US$15 million with Olint to build a hospital in Portmore, St. Catherine. This project has stalled since the loss of these funds through Olint's actions.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN AIRLINER CRASHES IN GUYANA—07/30/11

VIOLENCE RESULTS FROM HOTEL CLOSINGS IN COSTA RICA—07/31/11

SUNKEN SUBMARINE IN HONDURAS CARRYING COCAINE—08/01/11

HEROIN SEIZED IN PANAMA—08/02/11

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE FOUND OFF TURKS AND CAICOS—08/03/11

TROPICAL STORM BRUSHES DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HAITI—08/04/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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ST. ELIZABETH'S HOPES TO IMPROVE POSITION IN TOURIST INDUSTRY—07/30/11
Stakeholders in Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth are making efforts to improve the bed-and-breakfast accommodations in the area. According to Jason Henzell, chairman of the Treasure Beach Foundation, the market for villas continues to grow, and considerable investment is being made in high-end facilities. To appeal to the overseas market, the tourist industry in St. Elizabeth must focus on promoting bed-and-breakfasts and villas, rather than guest houses. Currently, there are 51 tourist accommodations in Treasure Beach.

HIGH ELECTRIC BILLS NEGATIVELY IMPACT MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES—07/31/11
Jamaican manufacturers want the government to take action and take care of the high electricity bills that are crippling their business. According to Rosalee Hamilton, president of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Alliance, business must continually decide whether to pay the Jamaica Public Service company, their bank, or their workers. Costs have become so high that many firms cannot pay their bills, and ultimately they must close. The planned construction of two new power plants in Jamaica may lower the island's dependency on oil and reduce the costs of electricity as well.

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR TO SEE CHANGES—08/02/11
While no decision has yet been reached on proposed changes to how the transportation center in downtown Kingston will operate, changes of some type will occur. The Transport Authority, the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation, and the Urban Development Corporation have partnered to review the system implemented in January 2011 and to recommended changes. Transport operators and the public have registered complaints about the underutilization of the transportation center.

NCB CAPITAL MARKETS BROKERS DEBT DEAL—08/03/11
The National Water Commission has asked NCB Capital Markets Ltd., to be the lead broker in an effort to raise US$37 million of debt guaranteed by Jamaica's government. The money will be used to fund the water monopoly's new subsidiary treatment company. The debt will be raised via private placement of three bonds. NCB Capital Markets will underwrite US$30 million of this debt.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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TOYOTA BIKE ALLOWS GEAR SHIFTING WITH THE MIND—07/30/11
Toyota has made a mind-controlled bicycle. The bike, developed in partnership with Saatchi LA, Parlee Cycles, and Deeplocal, has a built-in smartphone dock, a frame made of carbon fiber, and a helmet designed to read electrical brain activity. The helmet allows riders to shift gears using only thought. The helmet was developed by Deeplocal, human-digital interface specialists.

LEAPFROG MAKES TABLET COMPUTER FOR BABIES—08/01/11
Two new tablet computers have been designed for children under the age of 10. LeapFrog, the educational toymaker, is offering a 5-inch tablet aimed at four to nine-year-olds. Amazon has begun to take pre-orders for the Vinci, a tablet computer targeting babies as young as under one month old. The Vinci has a 7-inch touch screen in a soft-covered case that is easy for a baby's hands to hold. It uses the Android OS and is priced at $369.

RIM OFFERS NEW SOCIAL APP EXPERIENCE—08/01/11

AXION INTERNATIONAL GETS FIRST PURCHASE IN CARIBBEAN—08/02/11

HAITI'S PRESIDENT BELIEVES TECHNOLOGY IS THE KEY TO IMPROVEMENTS—08/03/11

CYBER ATTACKS FOUND BY MCAFEE—08/04/11

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ENTERTAINMENT
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U.S. ISSUES VISA TO BEENIE MAN—07/30/11
Dancehall deejay Moses "Beenie Man" Davis will receive a United States visa just over one year from the date on which it was taken from him for unknown reasons. The deejay was one of four popular deejays who had visas cancelled by the American Embassy in Kingston in 2010. Beenie Man wanted the visa in order to work on a new album, which requires him to travel to the U.S.

JAMAICAN MUSIC 50 INTRODUCED DURING SUMFEST—08/02/11
Jamaica Music 50 had its launch during the Reggae Sumfest event in Montego Bay. Jamaica Music 50 involves an examination of how Jamaican music evolved over the years since the nation's independence from Britain in 1962. According to Maxine Stowe, the leader of Jamaica Music 50, the early years of reggae music will be the subject of an in-depth study. Bunny Wailer, Junior Lincoln, and Wayne Chen are also involved with Jamaica Music 50.

SEAN KINGSTON HAD HEART SURGERY AFTER HIS JET SKI ACCIDENT—08/03/11
Sean Kingston, the Jamaican-American music star, admitted to having had open heart surgery following his jet ski crash in Miami Beach on May 29, 2011. The accident nearly resulted in his death. Kingston said that as he was being released from the hospital after the accident, he reported feeling pain in his chest. After several diagnostic scans, the doctors decided to operate to repair a torn aorta. Kingston is making a full recovery from his ordeal.

SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER DESERVES ATTENTION, SAYS JAMAICAN PRODUCERS—08/04/11
Shurwayne Winchester, a soca hit-maker from Trinidad and Tobago, is receiving lots of attention in the Caribbean music scene. He has been working with some of the best of Jamaica's artistes and producers. Some producers believe Winchester could be the musician to "bridge the gap" between soca music and dancehall music.

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SPORTS
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DIAMOND LEAGUE DOMINATED BY JAMAICA—07/30/11
Usain Bolt took a first place finish in the men's 200 meter race at the Diamond League in Stockholm, Sweden. His time was 20.03 seconds. Ainsley Waugh, another Jamaican team member took third place in the 200 meters with 20.56 seconds. Jamaica's Kaliese Spencer, Melaine Walker, and Nickiesha Wilson took first, second, and third places, respectively in the women's 400 meter hurdles.

POWELL LEADS JAMAICAN TEAM IN HUNGARY—07/31/11
Asafa Powell, the national 100-meter champion, wants to be the first man to run the 100 meters in under 10.00 seconds in Hungary. Powell is leading a strong Jamaican team in the Istvan Gyulai Memorial in Budapest. Powell has previously run the 100-meters in under 10.00 seconds a total of 71 times.

UNDER-23 FOOTBALL PLAYERS SEEK OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION—08/03/11
The Under-23 football team from Jamaica plans to begin their efforts at qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games in London with a match against St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the first round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) phase in Suriname. According to head coach Alfredo Montesso, the team has had very productive training sessions and expects to perform well in the coming match.

JAMAICAN GOLFERS COMPETE IN AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS—08/04/11
Jamaican golfers plan to participate in the RBC Royal Bank's 55th Caribbean Amateur Gold Championships in Trinidad. Jamaica's national team is one of nine regional teams competing in the tournament. Manager Teddy Richards will aid the team members and encourage them to bring their "reggae rhythm" to the championships.

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Unconditional Acceptance

Have you ever felt excluded from an event or group because you did not meet someone else's standards? How about feeling rejected by others because you were considered not "good enough"? According to social scientists, inherent in the process of growing and developing as a person to achieve individual potential is our need to be accepted for who we are. Nevertheless, it seems parts of the media have done and continue to do a masterful job in making some people feel personally inadequate. Advertisers tell us we are too fat, too slim, we need to buy this or that to get a desired look, to become more attractive. For some people, it is pressure from our families, friends, and most regrettably, our spouses. It is as if we are encouraged to strive for something that is always out of our reach. And some of us have spent hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars trying.

These thoughts came to mind as I reflected on Romans 5:8 where Paul writes, "But God commendeth [showed] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (KJV). Stop and read the verse again. Paraphrased in The Message it reads, "But God put His love on the line for us by offering His Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to Him." That is right. While we were yet sinners, while we were of no use whatsoever to Him, God accepted us as a people worth saving. It is easy to gloss over this wonderful truth. To fully understand the extent to which God pursues the sinner is to understand that to be a sinner is to be His enemy. We came into the world as sinners, as enemies of God, and so from the very beginning we were not "good enough." Yet God, because of His great love, looked beyond our sins, our faults, our imperfections, our weaknesses and saw something in us that He deemed valuable. Not only did He have warm thoughts towards us, covered as we were in the ugliness of sin, but He demonstrated His love and acceptance by giving His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus took our place and through dying on the cross, saved us from an eternal hell.

It is important to note that God did not stipulate that for Him to love us we first had to become "good enough." While we may struggle with our insecurities in our efforts to be accepted by those around us, God accepts us the way we are. Our thoughts and feelings about ourselves should be based on this unshakeable truth and not on some secular media-driven standards. While we may not be able to meet and live up to the standards of others, we can rest comfortably in the fact that God loves and accepts us the way we are. His intent is that we enter into a relationship with Him, through Christ, and allow Him to work out His purposes in our lives. It is difficult to struggle with low self-esteem when we embrace His love and acceptance. No matter who you are, what you have done, what you look live, God loves you and He has demonstrated that love for the whole world to see.

Unconditional love and acceptance feels wonderful, doesn't it? Think about that the next time you look into the mirror.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending July 29th, 2011

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:15:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SHAW EXTENDS INVESTMENT INVITATION TO CHINA—07/23/11
Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, has extended an invitation to the Chinese to increase their investment in the nation. Shaw delivered his invitation on a visit to China for meetings with government ministers there. Shaw said available Chinese funds could be handled through investments rather than low-interest loans to Jamaica.

FOUR BEHEADINGS IN ONE WEEK IN JAMAICA—07/24/11
A beheaded victim's body was discovered in August Town at the eastern end of the Corporate Area. The new killing is thought to be a copy of three previous beheadings found in Lauriston in St. Catherine. The four crimes occurred just days apart. The involved communities are in shock and believe that police are not taking sufficient action to keep the violence out of their neighborhoods.

U.S DEBT CRISIS COULD IMPACT ISLAND'S ECONOMY—07/25/11
According to at least one financial expert, Jamaica's economy could feel a negative impact if the United States government goes into default on its debt in August. Dr. Adrian Stokes, vice president of Scotiabank's product development and a financial analyst, believes that if there is a default in the U.S., Jamaicans living in both countries will be affected by the economic downturn that could occur.

GOVERNMENT PUTS INDEFINITE BAN ON SCRAP METAL TRADE—07/26/11
Jamaica's Cabinet has banned trade in scrap metal indefinitely, according to Dr. Christopher Tufton, Industry Minister. Tufton says the decision was implemented because metal theft is rampant throughout the island. While it was not an easy decision for the Cabinet, Tufton said the decision reflects the desire to protect the national interest. An estimated $1 billion in equipment and infrastructure has been stolen to date.

MULLINGS SAYS JPS STILL BELONGS TO JAMAICA—07/26/11
According to Clive Mullings, Jamaica's Minister of Mining and Energy, consumers remain the ultimate shareholders in the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) company. He made his remarks at the signing ceremony in which 40 percent of the JPS shares were transferred to the Korea East West Power Company (KEWP).

ARMORY THEFT NETS JAMAICAN POLICE OFFICER 15 YEARS IN PRISON—07/27/11
Russell Robinson, a Jamaican police sergeant, received a sentence of 15 years in prison for his part in the theft of guns and bullets from the armory for which he had supervisory responsibility. Robinson had previously been convicted on 19 counts of illegal possession of ammunition and firearms. He was arrested in 2010 when authorities discovered 18 high-powered guns and 11,000 rounds of ammunition in a house near the Kingston armory Robinson supervised.

DANCEHALL STAR CHARGED WITH ASSAULT—07/28/11
David "Mavado" Brooks, Jamaican dancehall musician, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault and malicious destruction of property as a result of an event in Montego Bay. The musician turned himself in to St. James police and was released on bail.

POLICE REPORT LOWER MURDER RATE FOR JUNE 2011—07/29/11
According to Jamaica's Police High Command, there was a decrease in the nation's murder rate in June 2011, with 86 homicides on record for the month. There were 98 reported murders in June 2010 and 123 in June 2009. The drop was attributed to enhanced operational activities by the police. The murder rate continues to be driven by gang-related violence in 2011, with 35 murders in June being classified as gang-related.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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LEVY TAKES SILVER IN FIRST TIME REPRESENTING JAMAICA—07/23/11
Daina Levy, who was born in Canada of Jamaican parents, took the silver medal in the hammer-throw competition during the first session of the Pan-American Junior Track and Field Championships in Miramar, Florida. Levy, 18, said she felt "amazing" when she took a medal for her parents' home country. She will begin classes at the University of Auburn in September.

ST. PETERSBURG HONORED BY REGGAE ROYALTY—07/24/11
Stephen Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, played a concert in St. Petersburg, Florida, that lasted nearly two hours. Marley was born in the United States but has strong ties with Jamaica. He included Bob Marley classics in his set, as well as songs from his first solo album. While not as well known as his brother Ziggy, Stephen is a star musician in his own right and has won five Grammys.

JAMAICAN GETS PROBATION FOR LYING TO AMERICAN CONGRESS—07/25/11
Karl Rodney, 73, the founder of New York Carib News, received a sentence of two years of probation and 500 hours of community service in a case that involved lying to the United States Congress. He was also fined US$2,500. He was responsible for organizing Caribbean conferences that led to the downfall of Charles Rangel, the Democratic Congressman from Harlem in New York.

FLORIDA TO HOLD JAMAICA GRAND INDEPENDENCE BALL—07/26/11
The Jamaican Diaspora has been invited to celebrate the 49th year of Jamaican independence by attending the Jamaica Grand Independence Ball 2011. It will be held July 30, 2011, in Weston, Florida. The evening will include a message by guest of honor Professor Jane E. Cross of the Nova Southeastern University. The ball will feature Jamaican food and music. It is sponsored by Needy Kids of Jamaica, a group devoted to providing for needy children in Jamaica and the United States.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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BANK TAKEN OVER IN ANTIGUA TO PREVENT ITS COLLAPSE—07/23/11

BERMUDA DEFEATS ST. VINCENT IN BASKETBALL—07/24/11

FIFA CHALLENGED TO PROBE FURTHER INTO BRIBERY CASE—07/25/11

JOE ARROYO, SALSA STAR, HAS DIED—07/26/11

KILLING OF AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT IN CURACAO INVESTIGATED—07/27/11

MURDER VERDICT IN ANTIGUA TRIAL WELCOMED—07/28/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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DEAL WITH NESTLE DOUBLES WISYNCO FROZEN FOOD SALES—07/23/11
Wisynco Group will be the exclusive distributor of Nestle Jamaica Ltd.'s ice cream products, announced William Mahfood, Wisynco's managing director. The deal may increase the firm's frozen food sales by 100 percent in the coming year. The agreement goes into effect on August 1, 2011. The agreement for ice cream product distribution is an extension of the company's partnership with Nestle Jamaica.

UTILITIES REGULATION OFFICE SPINS OFF TELECOM DIVISION—07/24/11
Jamaican's Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced that the telecommunications division of the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) will be separated from the organization and treated as its own entity. The action is designed to further the government's efforts to keep up with changes in the ever-evolving telecom sector. Golding said the sector was complex and large enough to warrant its own regulator.

MONTEGO BAY FREE ZONE WORKERS FACE UNEMPLOYMENT—07/26/11
Approximately 219 workers at a firm in Montego's Free Zone fear that they will lose their jobs without compensation as a result of a decision from the Olympic Sports Data Services firm. The firm plans to downsize because of "a fallout" in the customer base in the United States. Olympic Sports handles Internet betting and bookmaking. It has operated in Jamaica since 1996.

NEW DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL TESTED BY CRAZY JIM—07/27/11
The owner of Crazy Jim, the firm of Smith and Stewart Distributors Limited, has decided to test a new strategy designed to increase sales. Under the new plan, the firm will help multiple micro-enterprises get loans to purchase and distribute its ice cream brands. The ice cream making company received the support of the Jamaica National Small Business Loans Ltd. to lend J$60,000 to J$150,000 to individual businesses for the purchase of freezers, ice cream, and other frozen products manufactured by Crazy Jim.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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GOOGLE PLANS TO HOST AND INCREASE SPEED OF WEB SITES—07/28/11
Google continues its effort to make the Web operate more rapidly by announcing a new service for rewriting and hosting web pages for others. This will allow browsers to load the pages faster. Google plans to charge a fee for the new Page Speed Service. The date of the service's introduction has not yet been announced.

RESEARCHERS SAY CELL PHONES DO NOT INCREASE TUMOR RISK IN CHILDREN—07/29/11
According to a study from Scandinavia, cell phones do not raise the risk of brain tumors in children. The study has been published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It involved a survey of nearly 1,000 children, aged seven to 19 between 2004 and 2008. It concluded that children who use cell phones regularly do not have a higher risk of brain tumors than those who do not claim regular utilization of cell phones.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION ON MARTIME EDUCATION ANNOUNCED—07/23/11

HI-TECH TIRES INTRODUCED BY GOODYEAR—07/24/11

FLOW HAS "WOMAN POWER"—07/25/11

NEW INSIGHTS INTO SPREAD OF CORAL DISEASE UNCOVERED—07/28/11

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ENTERTAINMENT
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DANCEHALL NIGHT AT REGGAE SUMFEST 2011 HAILED—07/24/11
The annual dancehall night at Reggae Sumfest 2011 received rave reviews from attendees who watched some of the top dancehall music starts perform into the early hours of the morning in Montego Bay. Acts included Khago, Zaumnda and Chan Dizzy, as well as Agent Sasco, Konshens, Beenie Man, Mya, and Elephant Man. The act that generated the most comment was that of I-Octane, how sang many of his most famous hits.

REGGAE SUMFEST INTERNATIONAL NIGHT A HIT EVEN WITHOUT R.KELLY—07/25/11
International Night at Reggae Sumfest 2011 featured a calmer environment than dancehall night for its thousands of audience members. The show made up for the absence of R. Kelly, who had to undergo emergency throat surgery, with performances by Coco Tea and the main headliner Beres Hammond, who received a standing ovation from the crowd.

JAMAICA JAM FEST TO KICK OFF IN AUGUST—07/26/11
Jamaica will be the site for music and island culture during the 2011 Jamaica Jams Festival held in Rufus King Park in Kingston. The festival will honor 15 years of outdoor entertainment. The family-friendly festival will be held in August, and more than 150,000 individuals are expected to attend. Featured on opening night will be Bill Jacobs Big Band. The festival also features more than 450 multicultural vendors, music, free rides for children, an automobile exhibit, and a farmers' market.

NICKI MINAJ CHARGED WITH INDECENT LANGUAGE AFTER PERFORMANCE—07/27/11
Hip-hop superstar Onika Ranya Maraj, known as Nicki Minaj, was charged with indecent language after her performance at Reggae Sumfest 2011 in Montego Bay. The artiste was given a summons by police upon leaving the venue. She was ultimately fined US$11 for her crime.

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SPORTS
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JAMAICAN TEAM DISSATISFIED WITH MIRAMAR CONDITIONS—07/23/11
According to media sources, Jamaican athletes at the 2011 Pan American Junior Championships in Florida are less than happy with the event's organization. A report from Carlene Edwards, senior communications officer at Supreme Ventures Ltd., noted that only two 56-seat shuttle buses were provided for transporting the athletes and officials from 43 nations back and forth from the Florida International University campus and Competition Stadium, where the teams are housed. Some teams had to wait over two hours for a bus to pick them up.

CARTER SAYS OF BOLT "I THOUGHT I HAD HIM"—07/24/11
Nesta Carter was certain he would beat Usain Bolt in the 100-meter competition at the Diamond League in Monaco until he realized that he gave this race away. Carter, an Olympic gold medalist in the 4x100- meter relay, ran ahead of Bolt and the rest of the field for much of the race, but Bolt gained in the closing meters and took the victory from Carter on the line. He won with a seasonal best time of 9.88 seconds. Carter admitted he "messed up" in the last 20 meters.

BAD WEATHER, POOR ORGANIZATION, INJURIES AT PAN AM MEET—07/25/11
In addition to the bad weather conditions and complaints about unsatisfactory organization at the Junior Pan American Championships in Florida, the Jamaican team also suffered several injuries over the three days of the meet. Kellion Knibb aggravated a strained elbow, Javarn Gallimore had a torn hamstring, Rochelle Farquharson sprained her ankle, and Janieve Russell suffered lower back strain, among others. The injuries had a negative effect on the performance of these athletes, and some were pulled from competition altogether.

FANS TREATED TO INTERNATIONAL STAR ATHLETES IN DAEGU—07/27/11
Many top-rated international athletes will compete in Daegu, Korea, from August 27 to September 4, 2011, testing their prowess in advance of the 2012 London Olympics. The event in Daegu will give fans the chance to view performances of some of the biggest stars in track and field. Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelley Ann-Fraser-Pryce, and Veronica Campbell-Brown will participate in the competition in Korea.

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Talking About “Body Parts”

As the parent of a soon to be college basketball player, I have had my share of sitting in gyms watching different teams practice and play over the years. One thing that usually intrigued me was that if one player did not do exactly as the coach instructed during practice, the entire team had to do laps around the gym. Something about that did not seem fair and some of the boys’ facial expressions said as much! However, in the context of team, it reinforced the fact that the actions of one affected the whole. This is not unlike what happened in Eden. Adam and Eve messed up and all of humanity continues to be affected by the consequences of their actions. Again, that does not seem fair. Just maybe, if we were able to start in our own Eden we would have made a different choice! However, just like those boys doing their laps in the gym, we did not get a vote. For better or for worse, we are a team.

The apostle Paul used the same idea when he sought to remind members of the early Church of their obligations to each other. To the Corinthians he writes, "The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance" (1 Cor. 12:25-26, The Message). I find the last two sentences rather compelling; if one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the cheerfulness.

One body, one team. We all need each other. Earlier on in his letter Paul states, "For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him" (vv. 14-18, KJV). In other words, there is interrelatedness between each part with each part doing exactly as it should. Then and only then is the body truly healthy.

What does that mean on a practical level? As members of the body of Christ we are obligated to each other to play our part as God intended. We cannot opt out simply because we do not like some of the other body parts. Secondly, what part do you play? Maybe someone could benefit from a word of encouragement, a phone call, a note to say you care. Thirdly, understand that together we are the church, the body of Christ. Individually, we cannot wait for someone else to do what God placed us in the Body to do. An ineffective body part is a strain on the body; the body may compensate but it is not functioning as well as it should.

Are you effectively doing your part? Is the Body hurting because of the loss of your contribution?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending July 22nd, 2011

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:15:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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U.S. REVOKES VISA OF O'GILVIE, "DUDUS" BUSINESS ASSOCIATE—07/16/11
The United States Embassy in Jamaica revoked the visitor visa of Justin O'Gilvie, a former associate of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged drug lord. According to the embassy, O'Gilvie has a visitor's visa but is has not been able to cancel this visa physically. Therefore, it has issued a letter requesting airlines to prohibit him from boarding any flights bound for the U.S. on the basis of that visa. O'Gilvie was partnered with Coke in Incomparable Enterprises Limited.

JAMAICAN POULTRY FARMERS FIGHT DUTY REDUCTIONS—07/17/11
Poultry producers in Jamaica plan to present a petition designed to pressure the Ministry of Agriculture to join with them in fighting a plan to reduce the taxation of chicken imports. The proposed cuts from the Ministry of Finance, which are meant to reform the Common External Tariff structure, would lower the duty on chicken to 20 percent from 100 percent.

ISLAND-WIDE TRAIN SYSTEM CONCEPT RENEWED—07/18/11
According to Jamaica's Minister of Transportation Mike Henry, the government is looking for approximately $300 million from private investors to revive an island-wide train system suspended some 20 years ago. A temporary train service instituted between Spanish Town and Linstead has been successful in its month-long trial run. Over 2,000 passengers have ridden the train each day.

SCRAP METAL THIEVES DAMAGING BUSINESSES IN KINGSTON —07/19/11
Business owners in Kingston are asking police to help in stopping the illegal trade in scrap metal. According to Howard Mitchell of Corpack Jamaica Ltd., thieves have taken the telephone cables that line the north side of Marcus Garvey drive, which has eliminated the phone communications for him and other businesses in the area. Without phones, product orders have fallen by 50 percent, and several people have lost their jobs, says Mitchell.

GOVERNMENT APPROVES TRANSFER OF JPS SHARES TO KOREAN FIRM—07/19/11
Jamaica's Cabinet has given its approval for transferring 40 percent of the shares of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to the Korea East West Power Company. The shares were sold by Marubeni, a Japanese company that had held 80 percent of the JPS stock. Now both Marubeni and Korea East West own 40 percent of JPS. Clive Mullings, Minister of Energy in Jamaica, says the Korean firm is expected to improve JPS operations significantly.

JAMAICAN WOMAN WINS MISS DEAF INTERNATIONAL TITLE FOR 2011—07/20/11
Cassandra Whyte is the winner of the Miss Deaf International 2011 competition. She is the first Jamaican representative to win this honor. Whyte was selected from a field of over 20 young women representing countries including China, South Africa, Brazil, the United States, India, Mexico, and Mongolia. Whyte will act as an ambassador for deaf women around the globe.

JLP MEMBER CRITICIZES JPS FOR HURTING THE POOR—07/21/11
Everald Warmington, Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) Member of Parliament, has rejected a government announcement stating that Marubeni Corporation will be allowed to transfer half of its shares in the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) firm to a Korean company. Warmington says this will only create a larger monopoly that will charge more for power, even as Jamaicans currently struggle to pay these bills. He has called for the government to eliminate the operating monopoly altogether.

RESIDENTS IN LAURISTON AFRAID AFTER BEHEADINGS—07/22/11
People living in the Lauriston community in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, are worried after several gruesome crime discoveries in the neighborhood. In a period of two days, three individuals were found dead, the victims of beheadings. Police believe the acts are related to feuding factions inside the Clansman gang over who should assume leadership. Many area residents are afraid to leave their homes, and while others are thinking of moving out of the neighborhood permanently, since the killings are targeting non-gang members.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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PENN RELAYS SOMETIMES USED AS UNLAWFUL ROUTE INTO U.S.—07/18/11
Jamaicans have provided strong performances during their participation in the Penn Relays, the track and field event held yearly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, it may be that some of the Jamaicans who applied for visas, allegedly so they could participate in the competition, actually only disguised themselves as athletes and obtained the visas in order to make an illegal back-door entry into the United States, according to the U.S. State Department.

JAMAICAN BRIDE LEAVES NEW HUSBAND MINUTES AFTER ARRIVING IN UK—07/19/11
Johnny Gannon, 57, paid £5,000 to fly his new Jamaican bride to Scotland where he thought they would begin their married life together. However, Patrice Chambers, 24, left Gannon just 20 minutes after her arrival at his home in the United Kingdom. Chambers got on a train and went to meet her Jamaican boyfriend, with whom she had conspired to carry out this plan to get her into the country. Gannon says he was surprised at her actions, since he had known her for two years and thought their relationship was genuine.

JAMAICAN CONVICTED OF KILLING WIFE CAN BECOME U.S. CITIZEN—07/20/11
A judge in the United States has determined that a Jamaican immigrant, who was convicted of murdering his wife in 1985, has the right to become an American citizen. Vernon Lawson, 65, convinced the court that he was a reformed man. Lawson stabbed his wife to death while under the influence of the drug PCP. He served over 13 years in prison for the crime and overcame his addictions during that time. He became a drug and alcohol counselor after his release. The judge found that Lawson suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome when he committed the crime and that he has redeemed himself since leaving prison.

JAMAICAN STARTS SERVICE FIRM IN NEW YORK—07/21/11
Karene Stewart, a Jamaican-born entrepreneur, has created Casually Chic, a New York concierge company that helps individuals who are too busy to deal with activities like shopping and closet organizing. Stewart established her company in 2008 and has attracted clients from London and Paris. She is introducing the firm to the global market. While her firm is based in New York City, Stewart has the capabilities of meeting the demands of international customers.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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INTEREST IN BEEKEEPING ENCOURAGED BY GUYANA PRIME MINISTER—07/16/11

CARICOM WANTS EXPERTS TO STUDY MIGRATION—07/17/11

ENDANGERED SPECIES LIZARD SPECIES MAKING COMEBACK IN CARIBBEAN—07/18/11

FIFA LEADER TO FACE BAN FROM WORLD FOOTBALL—07/19/11

CARIBBEAN RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT REGION'S CRIME RATE—07/20/11

ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CARIBBEAN RISES BY 1.9 PERCENT—07/21/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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DIGICEL/CLARO DEAL DECISION EXPECTED SOON—07/16/11
Digicel, the telecommunications company, is about to discover whether its planned takeover of Claro, a mobile provider in Jamaica, will receive the approval of the Office of Utilities Regulation and the Fair Trading Commission. It has been over three months since the company first announced the deal. According to Daryl Vaz, Minister for Information, Telecommunications and Special Project, the deal could have major implications for consumers and competitiveness in the industry.

COMPANY MAKES MULTI-MILLIONS ON SALE OF ENERGY ASSETS—07/17/11
TAQA, a firm based in Abu Dhabi, has made a profit totaling US$7.6 million by selling its energy assets in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Damian Obiglio, president and chief executive of Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), contradicted earlier reports that TAQA sold its stake in the regional assets without gain or loss. In 2010, TAQA divested its stake in a joint venture with Marubeni in the Caribbean that featured a 40-percent share of JPS.

STATE-OF-THE-ART BUSINESS COMPLEX OPENS IN ST. ANN'S BAY—07/18/11
The Evansville Business and Entertainment Complex as opened in St. Ann's Bay, providing a boost for development in the area. The new business complex includes ballrooms, air-conditioned bars, conference halls, and offices spaces ranging from 600 square feet to 3,000 square feet. The building's facilities are available for all types of functions, such as weddings, graduations, live shows, and conferences.

AIR TRAVEL RANKING DROPS FOR JAMAICA—07/20/11
Jamaica has fallen below Trinidad and Tobago in the air-travel rankings published by Global Traveler. Jamaica's ranking has dropped five positions after T&T acquired the majority share of Air Jamaica. The top five countries in the rankings were Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Turkey.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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START-UP MINES WEATHER DATA FOR PROFIT—07/19/11
EarthRisk Technologies has created a web-based software application that predicts extreme heat events 30 to 40 days before they occur. HeatRisk software is targeted for meteorologists working at energy firms and other organizations that need long-range forecasting to adjust their risk from extremes of heat or cold. EarthRisk plans similar product for a more general audience and is trying to determine whether the technology can be used to predict extreme storms.

PROUST SOCIAL NETWORK AIDS USERS IN TELLING LIFE STORIES—07/20/11
The Proust social network, which was named after the 19th-century French author Marcel Proust, is designed to encourage participants to explore their past histories. It asks users to discuss specific memories and experiences, offering several categories of questions that seek to elicit how a person feels about events in their lives and life in general. The network allows users to share their life histories with as much or little detail as desired, and then decide whether or not to share these stories with other Proust members.

BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY ENJOYED AT SHEFFIELD ALL-AGE SCHOOL—07/16/11
The Sheffield All-Age School in Westmoreland has the benefit of a fully furnished computer laboratory provided by the Afro-Caribbean Technology Exchange. The lab represents a five-year plan that had to overcome problems associated with relocating the school and dealing with its supply of electricity. According to Vice-principal Jean Manning, the school can now use computer equipment to help students learn. There are 15 laptops available to teachers and 25 new desktop computers, plus other digital equipment. The total cost of the technology is US$63,000. The school has 470 students.

JAMAICAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS LOGGED ON WEB DATABASE—07/17/11
Pro-Goals Sports, a sports talent management company based in the United States, is using a new idea to elevate the Jamaican football team onto the information superhighway. The company will post important information about the Jamaican players and leagues on an Internet-based databank that can be accessed by the entire world. Clubs, agents, scouts, and other interested parties will be able to find this information efficiently and quickly. The company has already started to collect the information, which will be available on SoccerAssociation.com in about a month.

TECH AWARDS GIVEN TO FOUR WINDS INTERACTIVE—07/18/11
Four Winds Interactive has obtained four industry awards for developing an interactive method of wayfinding for Royal Caribbean International. The firm, a provider of digital signage solutions, created a way for customers, guests, workers, and other visitors at stores, hotels, and other kinds of businesses to find their way through the facility via a touch-screen display. This has been especially useful on cruise ships.

MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN JAMAICA USE THE INTERNET—07/19/11
Almost 75 percent of the young people in Jamaica log on to the Internet to find information or interact with their friends via social networking, according to the 2010 Jamaica National Youth Survey. Nearly 74 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 24 have access to computers. Forty-seven percent use computers in their homes. Ninety-three percent use computers chiefly for Internet access. Six percent access the Internet through a cell phone.

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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LOVELLA ELLIS CONTINUES FATHER'S LEGACY—07/17/11
Lovella Ellis is the daughter of Alton Ellis, the Jamaican rocksteady musician. She spent years in activities other than music, but has decided to follow in her father's example by taking up a career as a singer. She is becoming increasingly well-known in London, where she grew up, but has yet to impact the Jamaican stage. Her only performance in Jamaica was at her father's funeral. The negative attitude toward women in the music industry concerns Ellis, and she worries about women who are easily manipulated.

ZIGGY MARLEY NOTES DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIMSELF AND FATHER—07/19/11
While Ziggy Marley is proud to carry on the legacy of his father Bob Marley, he emphasizes that there are differences between them. Bob Marley died at the age of 36 when Ziggy was 12; He is now 42 and says he and his father had disagreements while he was growing up. He also notes the fact that his was born in a town, but his father was born in the country. Ziggy Marley has written a song about his father's womanizing, noting that he made his mother's life difficult. Ziggy also notes the inability of Bob Marley to eliminate the "yes men" from his life, which is why Ziggy spends time along or with a small number of friends instead of with an entourage.

MYA SCHEDULED TO PERFORM WITH WAYNE WONDER—07/20/11
Jamaican dancehall deejay Wayne Wonder will be one of the performers at Reggae Sumfest 2011 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. The American R&B singer Mya will be performing with him. Mya, a Grammy winner, accepted an invitation from Wonder to participate in Sumfest. The two collaborated on a remix of Wonder's "If I Ever," which received considerable airplay in both foreign and local markets.

SHAGGY GIVES SHOW IN HOMETOWN—07/21/11
Shaggy, the best-selling dancehall artist, performed his reggae music on his home island. His free performance for fellow Jamaicans included a number of other reggae stars. Shaggy told MTV News that he wanted to present a show in the place where he was born and raised and wanted the worldwide audience to know that dancehall music is alive in Jamaica. The show included Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Dr. Genius, Christopher Martin, QQ, and other prominent artists.

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SPORTS
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WILSON WINS AT LIEGE INTERNATIONAL MEET—07/16/11
Nickiesha Wilson, 25, was the only athlete from the English-speaking Caribbean to obtain a victory at the Province of Liege International meet in Belgium. She clocked 56.97 seconds to win the women's 400 meter hurdles. She is seeking a place on the Jamaican team for the World Championships in South Korea.

DIXON PERFORMS AT HER BEST IN PUERTO RICO—07/18/11
Vonette Dixon had one of her best performances of the 2011 season on the final day of the Senior Central America and Caribbean Championships in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Dixon took the gold medal in the women's 100-meter hurdles final, clocking 12.77 seconds. Her win opened the way to a Jamaican sweep of medals in the sprint hurdles.

GRANGE PRAISES JAMAICA'S SPECIAL OLYMPIANS—07/20/11
Olivia Grange, Jamaican Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, praised the performance of the Jamaican team at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, as "inspirational." The team came away with 31 medals, 12 of which were gold, 14 silver, and 5 bronze. At a luncheon to celebrate the victories in St. Andrew, Grange said everyone on the team was a winner, since they overcame a variety of challenges to achieve their victories.

JAMAICA DEFEATS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO IN WICB REGIONAL UNDER-19 MATCH—07/21/11
Jamaica beat Trinidad and Tobago on the last day of the first round of the WICM Regional Under-19 tournament. The Jamaican team only needed 19 runs to win, and Oshane Walters and John Campbell reach that number in two overs for a 10-wicket victory.

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Making the Right Decisions in Tough Situations

It started out as a simple stroll. It was at the time when kings go forth to battle and Israel, under the military leadership of David's designate, Joab, was at war with the Ammonites. The narrative tells us that while Israel besieged Rabbah, David stayed in Jerusalem. On this particular spring evening and with his army doing well in battle, "it came to pass . . . that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon" (2 Samuel 11:2, KJV).

Even if the Scripture did not tell us what happened next, chances are good we could have figured out how this drama unfolded. A handsome and powerful king with time on his hands, so to speak, looking across the way at a beautiful naked woman is fertile ground for trouble. Like Eve in the very beginning, and countless others since then, David found himself in the proverbial “wrong place at the wrong time.” In Genesis we read of Eve, "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat" (3:6). Instead of sensing imminent danger when she was first approached by the serpent (Genesis 3:1) and removing herself from that place back to where she should have been, she stood to reason with the serpent and lost that battle. David, standing on the roof gazing at this beautiful specimen of God’s creation, had a moment in time to decide if he would make a hasty retreat and go back into the house. However, the narrative continues, "And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house" (2 Samuel 11:3-4).

For some of us, being innocently in the “wrong place at the wrong time” brings its own challenges. The magnitude may not be like that of David's, in this instance, but we find ourselves in situations we did not foresee and did not plan for. Suddenly, it seems, we are presented with an opportunity to do something we would not normally do. The seemingly helpful co-worker of the opposite sex, the busy-eyed flirtatious fellow believer, the chance to take something that is not ours, to look a something we should not be looking at, the compliment or email from someone we know we should stay away from for our integrity’s sake. Danger lurks and seductively so. Right there and then we have to decide; we must decide. It would be wonderful if we could all affirm that we would make or have always made the right decisions, but as we have seen, that is not always the case. The immediate consequences of his actions were that a husband was murdered and an innocent baby died. His circumstances remind us that we must always be vigilant; we must not let our guards down. We cannot afford to admire, think on, rationalize, or reason through the circumstances of our testings. Instead, let us be quick to "get out of there." It is not always easy but He has promised, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). With His help and by His grace, we can make the right decisions.

How are you doing with your challenges?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending July 15th, 2011

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:50:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SPENCER WELCOMES HIV/AIDS FOUNDATION—07/09/11
Rudyard Spencer, Jamaica's Minister of Health, welcomes the new foundation established by the Jamaica Business Council on HIV/AIDS. Spencer believes the foundation is critical to the efforts of the government to fight the disease effectively. The foundation's main goal will be to raise money to ensure that any with HIV/AIDS who needs treatment will receive it.

SENATE OBJECTS TO LARGE JPS BILL—07/10/11
Jamaica's Senate is outraged at Jamaica Public Service (JPS) due to the very high bills for electricity imposed on customers. These customers included a government senator, Hyacinth Bennett, whose home charges for May and June of 2011 totaled more than $163,000. Senator Bennett and several other senators have decided to take on JPS, saying that the "call for justice" should be heard at JPSCo.

JAMAICA HAPPY WITH NEW LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM—07/11/11
Jamaica's Minister in the Office of the Cabinet, Arthur Williams, spoke at an event introducing the Jamaican Chapter of the Global Leadership Interlink (GLI). The organization is a nonprofit that encourages values-based leadership and ethical development. Jamaica is the newest member of the GLI network, which includes thousands of university students and professionals worldwide. GLI plans to create a new standard of professionalism in the public sector with the support of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

JAMAICAN EFFORTS TO REDUCE LIONFISH POPULATION ON SCHEDULE—07/12/11
Jamaica is one of the countries in the Caribbean region that is most impacted by the effects of lionfish. The fish has established itself in the local waters, and while conditions in Jamaica are not yet as bad as they are in the Bahamas, the island is fast approaching that status, says Dr. Dayne Buddo, head of the National Lionfish Project. Without intervention, the lionfish invasion, the most rapid finfish invasion ever recorded, will have a seriously negative impact on Jamaica's fisheries.

COKE BEGINS HIS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM—07/12/11
Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged drug lord, is ready for his first New York court appearance. He hopes to convince the court to exclude wiretap evidence that will be used against him by United States prosecutors. The case against Coke depends heavily on wiretap information that allegedly shows him planning drug and gun deals.

ISRAEL OFFERS AID TO JAMAICA ON ENERGY—07/13/11
Israel's ambassador to Jamaica, Moshe Sermoneta, announced that Israel has an interest in aiding Jamaica with its energy crisis. He also noted that agriculture and tourism in Jamaica could benefit from a closer relationship with Israel. Because Israel has few natural resources, according to Sermoneta, it has been forced to develop alternative energy sources. He says Jamaica could reap the benefits of these innovations.

COKE MUST WAIT FOR COURT RULING ON EVIDENCE—07/14/11
Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged Jamaican drug lord, must wait before finding out if wiretap evidence brought against him by United States prosecutors will be allowed at his trial or excluded by the judge. Judge Robert R. Patterson has reserved judgment on the application brought by Coke's defense to exclude the wiretap information. Judge Patterson declined to set a date for the ruling, but it should be made before the September 12, 2011 trial date.

JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE CLAIMS ELLINGTON FAILS TO UNDERSTAND PROTESTS—07/15/11
According to Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), Owen Ellington, commissioner of police in Jamaica, does not understand the protests claiming application of a double standard in the investigation of the murder of Khajeel Mais. The JFJ is not calling for the suspect in the case to be names, but for the same standard to apply to all cases involving "persons of interest." The JFJ has suggested that Jamaican police were granting more legal protections to foreign nations than to Jamaican citizens in similar circumstances.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN-BORN MARINE BURIED WITH HONORS—07/10/11
Sgt. Marlon Earl Myrie, 25, a Jamaican-born United States Marine, was killed in Afghanistan in June 2011 and has been buried with military honors at the South Florida National Cemetery, a U.S. veteran's cemetery. He was honored with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. Myrie died in an incident involving a hand grenade and died at a field hospital in Helmand Province.

GRANGE TOUTS JAMAICA'S SPORTS AND CULTURE AT UK FUNDRAISER—07/11/11
Olivia Grange, Jamaican Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, stated that the island is prepared to become the top training center for sprint athletes from around the world. She is encouraging investors in sports to create initiatives that will develop improved facilities in Jamaica. Grange made her remarks at a fundraising dinner for the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) in Birmingham, England.

JAMAICAN INFORMATION SERVICE IN MIAMI ACCEPTING ESSAY CONTEST ENTRIES—07/12/11
Entries for the 11th Annual Independence Essay Competition, which is organized by the Miami office of the Jamaica Information Service, are being accepted. The yearly contest is one of the activities scheduled to commemorate Emancipation and Independence celebrations among Jamaican communities in Florida. It is open to first and second generation Jamaican children between the ages of five and 18 who live in Florida. The winner in each of the several categories will receive a plaque from the Jamaica Consulate General and a monetary prize from Partners for Youth Foundation.

49TH INDEPENCE CELEBRATION SCHEDULED IN SOUTH FLORIDA—07/13/11
Jamaica's 49th Independence and Cultural Celebration (JICC) has been scheduled for August 7, 20011, in South Florida. The celebration will include entertainment, interactive exhibits, and various Jamaican foods. It will also showcase Jamaica's history and cultural heritage in order to link Jamaica's culture to the greater Diaspora community in South Florida.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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RICARDO ALEGRIA DIES—07/09/11

PEOPLE'S SUPREME COURT IN CUBA SETS HEARING FOR GROSS—07/10/11

COLOMBIA OFFERS AID TO CARICOM—07/12/11

GUYANA RECEIVES HELP TO ADDRESS POVERTY FROM CDB—07/13/11

HAITI'S HOUSING SITUATION STILL DESPERATE—07/14/11

DRUG SUBMARINE INTERCEPTED IN HONDURAS—07/15/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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KOREAN POWER COMPANY TO PARTNER WITH JPS—07/09/11
The Korea East-West Power company (KEP) is a new partner of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The Korean firm plans to generate new capacity, according to Damian Obigito, president and chief executive officer of JPS. KEP sees an opportunity in Jamaica to expand power generation. The firm wants to get into the Jamaican market, already operating a power plant in Haiti. The Korean company is also expanding to North America.

WAGE INCREASE FOR PUBLIC WORKERS IN JAMAICA—07/10/11
The thousands of workers in Jamaica's public sector will receive a salary increase of seven percent, following two years of wage freezers dictated by the global economic crisis. About 126,000 workers will see the pay increase beginning in September 2011. About $248 million in retroactive pay will be provided between May 2012, and May 2014 as well.

BUILDING PERMITS TO BE ENFORCED IN CAPITAL—07/11/11
Jamaican authorities plan to crack down on individuals who launch construction projects. The mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, has offered a six-week amnesty to postpone who are building or have built something without getting approval from the city of Kingston. About 80 percent of new construction currently has no official approval, and the city loses some $7 million each year in building fees as a result.

NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST WANTS NEW RULES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS—07/12/11
The National Housing Trust (NHT) will begin lobbying efforts to ask government authorities to introduce new rules forcing business owners to apply and display certificates that indicate the NHT contributions deducted from employee wages were being remitted. The NHT is also asking that the National Housing Trust Act be amended to permit issue of employer compliance certificates. The request is part of a program to increase NHT compliance rates and give workers the chance to see that their NHT contribution forms were being delivered.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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AMAZON TO MAKE TABLET COMPUTER BY FALL OF 2011—07/13/11
Amazon.com Inc. has announced its intention to make a tablet computer available by October 2011. The tablet is designed to compete with Apple's iPad. Amazon also plans to release two updated Kindle versions in the third quarter of 2011. One version will offer a touch screen, while the other will be a less expensive version of the current Kindle.

NEW PHOTO SHARING SOCIAL NETWORK ANNOUNCED BY GOOGLE—07/14/11
Google is introducing a new social networking photo service called Photovine. It will allow consumers to take photos from the phones and upload them as a stream of pictures in a way similar to tweets on Twitter. Users may subscribe to another user's Photovine to see their latest pictures almost as soon as they take them. The service has yet to go live: consumers can only ask for an invitation on Photovine's website at present, and there is no start date established for the service.

CALIX E7 PLATFORM CHOSEN BY LIME—07/09/11
The top communications firm in the Caribbean region, LIME, has chosen the EXA Powered Calix E702 Ethernet Service Access Platform (ESAP) to improve its mobile backhaul in 12 Caribbean markets. The new equipment will allow the company to provide enhanced communications services to individuals, business interests, and governments in the 14 Caribbean nations that have been using the Calix Unified Access portfolio since 2005. LIME will now be able to expand its broadband and network services to neighboring homes and businesses as well.

FIRST SOLAR WATER PUMP SYSTEM BRINGS WATER TO ST. MARY—07/12/11
The residents of Carron Hall in St. Mary, who have been living without potable water for some time, will now receive their water from the first solar water pumping system to be installed in the Caribbean region. Robert Montague, Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament for West St. Mary, handed the system over to the community at a cost of $3 million. It comprises an underwater solar pumping station designed, installed, tested and commissioned by the University of Technology.

MAN IN CHINA MAKES IPAD-CLONE—07/13/11
A Chinese man has made his own iPad-like tablet computer and posted a 20-minute video on a Chinese YouTube equivalent website to show others how to do it. His version sues computer parts, a touch screen, a case with a keypad, and the Windows operating system. Liu Xinying, 21, calls his creation DIY IPAD 3." Liu built the computer "for fun" and says it cost him about $309 to build.

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BROADBAND INTERNET PROJECT IN PROGRESS—07/14/11
Work has started to implement a major Jamaica-wide broadband network. The project will cost more than J$500 million over five years. According to Hugh Cross, managing director of the Universal Access Fund Company Ltd. (UAF), the time to build the infrastructure required for the network will total 18 months. The project has been approved by the government and includes a central server facility hosting a variety of education materials. It will be accessible to users via local area networks established in high schools throughout Jamaica.

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SEAN KINGSTON PERFORMS AFTER ACCIDENT—07/09/11
Sean Kingston, Jamaican-born singer, suffered injuries in an accident five weeks ago, but he has recovered sufficiently to be on the set of Iyaz's new video, Pretty Girls. Kingston released the song "Beautiful Girls in 2007, which has been given as the reason he is appearing on Iyaz's album.

YOUTH IN SWITZERLAND FAVOR VINTAGE REGGAE—07/10/11
Young adults in Switzerland are eager to attend concerts that feature vintage Jamaican artistes, according to Marc Ismail, independent music producer and music historian. This same group of people enjoys both dancehall and roots music. The Swiss preferences indicate that "old school" acts are what young people want to see. Favorites include Max Romeo, the Gladiators, the Abyssinians, and Israel Vibration.

MYSTIC DAVIS EARNS STARDOM AS DANCER—07/11/11
Mystic Davis, Jamaican dancer and dancehall artiste, is beginning to enjoy some recognition for her musical talents. Davis, who was born in Portland, studied ballet during her time at Wolmer's Girls School. She has appeared in videos with Nicki Minaj and Sean Kingston. Mystic shares her talents with the community by choreographing dances for several events and groups.

RAINE SEVILLE RETURNS TO JAMAICA'S MUSIC WORLD—07/12/11
Loraine "Raine" Seville took some time off from her singing career to focus on her role as a mother, but she has returned to make more dancehall music and reclaim her title of DASECA first lady. Seville says she is planning to "reinvent" herself as an artiste.

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ODAIL TODD SEEKS GOLD MEDAL FOR SECOND TIME—07/10/11
Odail Todd, Jamaica's World Youth Championship winner of the 100 meters plans to become the second man to be victorious in the sprint double running the 200 meters in the fastest time on the last day of the IAAF meet in Lille, France. Todd, a student from Green Island High School, won his semi-final race with a personal best time of 21.02 seconds. Todd won the sprint double at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Junior Trials in June 2011.

POWELL WINS IN BIRMINGHAM—07/11/11
Jamaica's Asafa Powell won an easy victory in the 100 meters at the Diamond League event held in Birmingham, England. The wet conditions at the race caused Powell to turn in a time of 9.91 seconds. He had reached a world-record time for 2011 with 9.78 in Switzerland ten days before. Powell said he only ran hard enough in Birmingham to win that particular event because of the damp, cold weather.

JAMAICA CONTINUES TO SEEK MEDALS—07/12/11
The Jamaican team participating in the 2011 World Masters Championships in Sacramento, California, still hoped to win medals after reaching two finals. Benson Ford was in fourth place in the Men's 80-84 100 meters with a time of 17.66 seconds. Karl Smith withdrew from the men's 50-54 100 meters when he suffered a possible hamstring injury.

WINDIES UNDER-19S DEFEAT U.S.—07/13/11
Jamaican John Campbell scored a century in a match in which the West Indies Under-19 team was victorious over the United States team. The Windies defeated the U.S. by 268 runs in the second of four matches in Broward County Stadium in Florida. Campbell received the support of captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who stroked 53 from 75 balls and Ramon Senior, who hit 42 out of 44 balls.

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Loving the Unlovable

Have you ever met someone who was difficult to love? Not necessarily romantically, but just to love as another human being. The phileo kind of love that we are exhorted to show to another. I have known a few people like that; really obnoxious personalities with a healthy dose of bad attitudes and manners. Looking at some of them one could never tell. They are what I call "lime people" - deceptively smooth on the outside, sour on the inside. It is quite possible that even as you are reading this, at least one person you know comes readily to mind!

The challenge for some of us is that we share the pews with some of these people. Yes, they are sitting among us in our Churches on Sunday mornings. The unlovable unbeliever we can probably understand, but an unlovable Christian seems like an oxymoron. More times than not we avoid them like the plague. Yet in a way that only Jesus can, He challenges us to break through our apprehensions and judgments when He says rather emphatically to those following Him, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34, KJV). Notice this was a "new commandment" because the law did not make such a demand. In this new era, we are to love others the way He loved us and that means, among other things, without conditions. In other words, we cannot say we will love someone if he or she changes their attitudes and behaviors to meet our predetermined standard(s) because God, through Christ, did not impose any such conditions on us.

Paul exhorted the Roman believers, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" (Romans 12:10a), and again, "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law" (13:8). He realized this was not our natural disposition when he exhorted the Thessalonians, "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you" (1 Thess. 3:12).

God doesn't expect us to avoid the unlovable among us but to love them. But there is a purpose, as there always is, to what He asks us to do and Jesus pulls the veil apart so we can get a glimpse: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Our greatest challenge can be the open door to our greatest opportunity. So the next time you see or come across someone you deem unlovable, you are in the right place to show him or her the love of Christ. Consider it a test, and purpose it on your heart that you will ace it. Moreover, by doing so, you will put the devil to shame and Christ will be exalted. Now, that is what I call exciting!

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending July 8th, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:12:02 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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U.S. PROSECUTORS WANT "DUDUS" WIRETAP EVIDENCE ALLOWED—07/02/11
United States prosecutors have filed a request requesting that the court allow wiretap evidence that could put Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged Jamaican drug lord, in prison for a considerable length of time. Prosecutors have criticized Coke, who is facing illegal arms and drug charges, for failing to raise the legality of the wiretaps as an issue in a Jamaican court before waiving his right to challenge the order of extradition.

ANGRY MOTORIST SHOOTS KINGSTON STUDENT—07/03/11
Physicians at Kingston Public Hospital tried to save the life of Khajeel Mais, 17, after he was shot by an angry driver. The driver of a black or blue BMW X5 was angry because he had been hit by a taxi. Mais was a passenger in that taxi. The Kingston College student was on his way to past-students' celebration at Meadowbrook High School when he was shot.

JAMAICAN POLICE OFFICER JAILED AFTER DOPE FIND—07/04/11
An inspector with the Jamaican police force is in jail, put there by his fellow officers after they found 150 pounds of marijuana in his automobile trunk. The inspector was stopped by anti-corruption agents as he drove toward Kingston with three boxes and a knapsack filled with marijuana bricks. Although the officer was not identified, Karl Angell, a spokesperson for the police, said the suspect had worked in law enforcement for twelve years.

SALE OF CITRUS PLANTS BANNED IN JAMAICA—07/05/11
Jamaican authorities have prohibited the sale of all citrus plants in the country in an attempt to stop the spread of an invasive pest that carries bacteria capable of destroying the commercial citrus industry. That industry is valued at some $43 million. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, all nurseries are closed until further notice and all plant sales halted to stop the spread of the "citrus greening" disease. This disease, also known as "yellow dragon disease," has been found in all of the island's parishes.

BAUXITE INDUSTRY RECOVERING—07/06/11
According to industry observers, there are indications that the aluminum industry is recovering from the economic downturn. Alumina Company Jamalco has reported its best six-month period in 52 years in terms of company performance. The increase in production was attributed to the replacement of old equipment and the efficiency of using caustic soda to extract alumina from bauxite.

PLANS FOR 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN THE WORKS—07/07/11
Plans are already being made for the celebration of Jamaica's 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2012, according to Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. Grange said the celebration will last all year, beginning on December 31, 2011, and running until December 31, 2012. The government plans to expand the celebrations with links to the Jamaican Diaspora rather than confining them to the island itself.

PABLO MCNEIL, JAMAICAN OLYMPIAN, DIES—07/07/11
Pablo McNeil, the two-time Olympic champion and Jamaican sprinter, died after a long illness at the age of 71. McNeil had been Jamaica's 100-meter representative at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964 and in Mexico City in 1968. McNeil became a sprint coach in his later years and was responsible for convincing Usain Bolt to switch from cricket to track. McNeil coached Bolt until the runner turned 16.

SHRIMP VENDORS PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING—07/08/11
Over 40 shrimp vendors in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth, are taking part in Team Jamaica training as part of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund's Rural Economic Initiative program. The program is supported by $3 million in funding. The training covers topics such as self-esteem, customer service, cultural awareness, and history. The vendors will also be trained in business development and food handling.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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DEBATE CONTINUES OVER DIASPORA RIGHT TO VOTE—07/03/11
While many Jamaicans believe that individuals in the Diaspora should be able to vote in Jamaican elections, others do not support this position. Jamaicans overseas consist of those who currently live outside Jamaica on a permanent basis, and those who only live beyond Jamaican boundaries temporarily. Some observers believe the debate should focus on whether those overseas Jamaicans who are currently eligible to vote should be allowed to continue this practice, and whether those who do not have current eligibility to vote should be given that right.

CANADIAN ALUMNI GROUP HONORS JAMAICAN GRADUATES—07/04/11
The Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations held a reception for students of Jamaican heritage who graduated from high school in Ontario, Canada. About 45 students participated in the event, receiving certificates presented by Margarett Best, Ontario's Jamaican-born Minister of Health Promotion. Seven students received monetary awards for their achievements in scholarship.

JAMAICAN MAKES GOOD IN MARTHA'S VINEYARD WITH FOOD TRUCK—07/06/11
Sharnel Abraham, whose uncle owned a jerk chicken food cart in Jamaica, is preparing authentic Jamaican food in a food truck located on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. Abraham feels optimistic about his future with the truck in Martha's Vineyard and plans to expand his Jamaican food concept throughout the United States.

JAMAICAN LESBIAN GRANTED ASYLUM IN UNITED KINGDOM—07/07/11
A lesbian from Jamaica has obtained "refugee protection" from a tribunal in the United Kingdom. The woman had appealed to UK authorities, saying she would face persecution and clinical depression if she returned to her home country. The woman came to the UK to study in 2003 and was originally refused the right to remain in the country. After her appeal based on the claim that Jamaica was a "deeply homophobic" nation where she had been threatened with "corrective rape," she was granted asylum in the UK.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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POLICE CHIEF IN PUERTO RICO QUITS OVER CRITICISMS—07/02/11

LICENSES FOR TRAVEL TO CUBA ISSUED BY U.S.—07/03/11

CUBA ATTEMPTS TO SHINE LIGHT ON "SHADOW ECONOMY"—07/04/11

EFFORTS MADE TO CONTROL RISING FOOD COSTS IN CARIBBEAN—07/05/11

PRESIDENT OF HAITI ANNOUNCES SECOND CHOICE FOR PRIME MINISTER—07/06/11

AGREEMENT TO CREATE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY PRAISED—07/07/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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REPORT SUPPORTS MONOPOLY AND LNG CONVERSION—07/02/11
International consultants have recommended that Jamaica make changing the chief fuel source for generating electricity to liquefied natural gas (LNG) a priority. Making this change would cause a reduction in power supply costs to consumers by 33 percent. Additionally, an expert report from Castalia notes that the Jamaican government should not break up the existing monopoly in the area of power distribution held by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). A breakup would cause higher rates for residential and small business consumers and not result in lowered costs for large industrial consumers.

GROUP ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO MAKE DEMANDS OF GOVERNMENT—07/03/11
Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) wants the island's students to take the lead in changing the way government currently withholds information from the public. Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairman of the group, made her remarks at an event held to recognize three students for their submissions to an essay contest sponsored by the Access to Information (ATI) unit in the Prime Minister's Office. The competition was designed to enhance awareness of citizens' rights to obtain official documents under the provisions of the ATI Act of 2002.

LOWER TAXES FOR THOSE WHO PRACTICE CONSERVATION—07/04/11
Jamaican consumers can avoid the special ten-percent General Consumption Tax (GCT) if they conserve on their usage of electricity. Those residential customers who use more than 200 kilowatt hours of electricity are subject to this special tax, which was imposed beginning in December of 2009.

DEVELOPMENT BANK HANDED OUT $1.2 BILLION IN LOANS—07/05/11
Nearly $1.2 billion in concessionary loans has been provided by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) between April 2010 and March 2011. The loans were used to finance projects in local productive sectors and allocated via 12 approved financial institutions. The projects targeted small and midsized businesses and micro and large endeavors in manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, and tourism.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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PRIUS CONCEPT BICYCLE ALLOWS SHIFTING BY THINKING—07/06/11
The new concept bicycle introduced by the Prius Project allows the rider to shift gears just by thinking. The concept works via electrodes in the rider's helmet that pick up neuroelectrical activity and then transmits those signals to an electronic shifter under the seat, which shifts the gears. The Prius X Parlee (PXP) bike is being manufactured by Parlee Cycles of Beverly, Massachusetts, as part of the Prius Projects campaign of Toyota.

FACEBOOK SAYS USERS CAN NOW MAKE VIDEO CALLS—07/07/11
Following Google's lead in introducing state-of-the-art social networking features, Facebook reports that its users can now make video calls at the Facebook website. The feature is handled by Skype, an internet phone service. However, there is no option to conduct a video chat with more than one person at a time on Facebook.

AFRICAN-CARIBBEAN CENTER OFFERS DIGITAL EDUCATION PROGRAM—07/02/11
The African-Caribbean Center has started Digital U, a program that teaches technology skills to teenagers in Fort Myers, Florida. The free two-week program introduces digital technology topics to students in one of the poorest areas of the community. Teachers in the program believe that learning the latest technology will change the lives of the middle and high school students in this area.

NETFLIX TO EXPAND SERVICES INTO CARIBBEAN REGION—07/05/11
Netflix, the video rental and streaming company, has decided to expand its services to include the Caribbean, Latin American, and South American markets. The move is expected to provide the company with additional credence to expand into other foreign countries.

NEW OFFICE EQUIPMENT INTRODUCED BY ATL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS—07/07/11
A new line of multifunction office equipment from the Canon company was introduced by ATL Business Solutions. ATL is the first company to carry the imageRUNNER ADVANCE series of equipment in the Caribbean. The ADVANCE series offers higher quality printing, more profitability, and greater ease of use than previous models. The line includes large format printers that are capable of scanning, copying, and printing documents all in one piece of equipment.

NEW FACILITY OF LIME MONTSERRAT OPENS—07/08/11
The grand opening of a new LIME Montserrat administration building and retail venue was announced by Joseph Cassell, the firm's general manager. LIME has provided its services in Montserrat for more than 85 years, but has been using temporary offices since the volcano crisis. The new building indicates that LIME is ready to stay in Montserrat, says Cassell.

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ENTERTAINMENT
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FANS IN ZIMBABWE SHORT-CHANGED BY PROMOTERS—07/02/11
Local music providers in Zimbabwe have been criticized for placing the value of money before the welfare of music fans. According to critics who attended the concert performed by Jamaican musician Elephant Man, the conditions of the concert were terrible and reflected the ignorance and lack of organization in catering with fans. The stage was too crowded for Elephant Man to move about freely, which hampered his performance for fans.

PROMOTERS OF SUMFEST CRITICIZED BY MUTA AND CORDEL GREEN—07/04/11
Two important music industry leaders, Mutabaruka and Cordel Green, spoken-word artist and executive director of Jamaica's Broadcasting Commission, have criticized the promoters of Sumfest for failing to have Jamaican reggae stars as the headlining acts at the reggae festival. Mutabarauka and Green noted the difference between Sumfest and a reggae festival in Germany that featured Jamaican artistes.

TIANA EMERGES AS NEW DANCEHALL DIVA—07/05/11
Tiana, whose real name is Danielle Shand, is becoming one of the most popular dancehall artists in Jamaican music. The singer, based in St. Mary, made her break-through single "I Won't" in 2009. The single addresses issues of domestic violence. It was recorded after the infamous incident that involved the pop superstars Rihanna and Chris Brown.

"FREEZE" IS "COOL"—07/06/11
Sanjay "Freeze" Pennant is one of the most influential producers of Jamaican music today. Freeze, who comes from Mandeville, was inspired by locals Don Corleon Christopher and Pharrell. He broke through in producing in 2009 with a single for Jah Mason. He has showcased his skills on a wider stage since coming in second in the Smirnoff Ice Press Play Riddim Competition in 2009.

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SUNSHINE GIRLS PREPARED FOR WORLD NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS—07/02/11
Jamaica's Sunshine Girls are ready for the opening match at the World Netball Championship competition versus South Africa. According to the Girls' head coach Oberon Pitterson, all of the team's members are in excellent shape and ready to play. Pitterson says the team has the tools and equipment to handle the competition.

NEWTON MARSHALL LEADS JAMAICAN DOGSLED TEAM—07/05/11
Jamaican Newton Marshall rose to prominence in 2009 when he entered the Yukon Quest dogsled race in that year. He finished in 13th place, a respectable showing for a rookie racer, and fans acknowledged that the Jamaican was a real competitor. He is a favorite with the media and with fans, but he has come up from extreme poverty, bad education, and overcome personal obstacles to get to where he is. His story is told in a new book by John Firth called "One Mush," which examines the events that brought Marshall to international fame.

DISCUS HISTORY MADE BY DACRES—07/06/11
Fedrick Dacres is the first Jamaican to be victorious in winning a gold medal in the discus event at an IAAF athletics championship. He threw the discus 67/05 meters for a world record at the IAAF World Youth Championships in France. Dacres is coached at Calabar High School by Julian Robinson.

NO COMPLACENCY FROM BOLT BEFORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS—07/07/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's triple Olympic sprint champion has attributed his injuries in 2010 on his laid-back personality. Bolt says he has now learned from his mistakes and will not be complacent as he prepares for the world championship competition in South Korea. Bolt acknowledged that having an easy year made him lazy, but promised it would not happen again.

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On Being A Role Model

It would probably be a nice thing if we all had good role models to emulate. It is commonly held that a role model is a "person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others" and it is difficult to argue with that. However, that does not tell us anything about the quality and character of the person being modeled. Role models can be good or bad depending on how they influence or affect us. Because such influences can have lasting consequences, it is extremely important that we choose our role models carefully.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1, KJV). Other translations put it differently. For example: "You must follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (CEV) and "Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ" (HCSB). I do not believe Paul's intent was for the believers to shift their focus from following Jesus to following him. After all, Jesus is the perfect example and the best role model one could ask for. However, what we see is that as Paul gave instructions to the church on a number of issues, he concludes what we know as the previous chapter with the words, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God : Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" (10:31-33). It is on that note that he proceeded to say, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." In other words, emulate me; imitate me; learn from me as I emulate/imitate Christ. This emulation was a form of discipleship that allowed for the spiritual growth of the believers, as well as it placed them in a position of holding Paul accountable for walking in "the Way of Christ" so he would not be a stumbling block to them.

It is important to note that this was not a call to blind allegiance; they were to follow the Apostle only to the extent that he was following Christ. The principle here is that good role models are not interested in amassing followers at any cost. They realize the burden of their responsibility and the importance of influencing the lives of others in positive ways. As we go about our daily lives, who are we role models to? What kind of a role model are you? Are you leaving a positive and lasting legacy or are you influencing the lives of others in ways that are questionable?

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." As you resolve to follow in the steps of Christ, ask God to help you to let that be your appeal to someone in your sphere of influence. Become a role model and model Jesus. Someone is looking for one to follow.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending July 1st, 2011

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:20:00 UT

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JAMAICANS APPROVE OF GOLDING'S TREATMENT IN ENQUIRY—06/25/11
According to a Bill Johnson survey, 42 percent of Jamaicans responding stated that Prime Minister Bruce Golding received the treatment he deserved from attorneys while testifying at the Manatt-Dudus enquiry. Thirty-five percent believed Golding had been treated rudely by the lawyers.

JAMAICAN BUSINESSMAN MURDERED IN ST.ANDREW—06/26/11
Roderick "Bunny" Francis, a 66-year-old Jamaican managing director of B&D Trawling Ltd., was shot and killed at his home in Queens Way, St. Andrew. Francis and other members of his family were ambushed as they left the house just after 10 AM. The Major Investigation Task Force is processing the scene at which gunmen fired many shots at the Francis family, hitting Roderick Francis in the back before escaping. Francis, who is well known to the fishing industry, later died at St. Andrew's Memorial Hospital.

JAMAICA'S GOVERNMENTS HAVE NOT MITIGATED RISKS OF HOMOPHOBIA—06/27/11
A number of governments put in power in Jamaica have not promoted human rights policies as effectively as they might have, according to some critics. The island's legislative system does not guarantee that the country's laws will "engender a sense of belonging" or "ensure equal rights for all," including the most marginal and vulnerable groups. Counselors and educators are not provided adequate training to deal with issues of sexuality, and too many appear incapable of removing their personal religious beliefs from their professional duties.

U.S. SAYS JAMAICAN PENALTIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING TOO LENIENT—06/28/11
According to the United States Department of State, Jamaica's government is not imposing strong enough penalties on those found guilty of human trafficking. The findings were published in the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, which showed the island still at the Tier-2 level is attained in 2010. Tier-2 denotes nations with governments that do not completely comply with minimum standards imposed by the U.S. Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, but have made progress in attempting to meet those standards. Jamaica's punishment of up to ten years in prison for human trafficking is insufficient in comparison to punishments for other serious crimes, said the report.

MOST JAMAICANS BELIEVE NATION "BETTER OFF" AS BRITISH COLONY—06/29/11
According to a survey conducted by Johnson Survey Research, 60 percent of Jamaicans polled believe the nation would be in better shape today if it had remained under British rule. Only 17 percent believed Jamaica would be in worse condition as a British colony. The survey results reflect the poor economic progress the island has made over the past 50 years, compared to other Caribbean nations, said Bill Johnson, pollster. The results were consistent among all age groups.

HAY-WEBSTER LEAVES PNP—06/29/11
Sharon Hay-Webster, Member of Parliament, has resigned from the Opposition People's National Party (PNP). She said she could no longer tolerate the abuse and lack of party support in regard to her dual-citizenship case. Critics in and out of the PNP have pressured her to relinquish her United States citizenship. In her resignation, Hay-Webster said she would not be rushed into any decision, but would let due process run its course on the issue.

GOLDING SHUFFLES CABINET IN ADVANCE OF 2012 ELECTION—06/30/11
Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica, has decided to replace the top justice officials in his Cabinet as part of a restructuring ahead of the general elections scheduled for 2012. Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne has been dropped from the Cabinet because of her testimony during the extradition hearings of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged drug lord. Golding also changed the top positions in the industry, energy, and agriculture ministries.

SAMUDA SAYS JAMAICAN REMAINS A LAND OF OPPORTUNITY—07/01/11
Karl Samuda, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, is assuring potential investors in Canada that there are many opportunities for wealth creation in Jamaica. Samuda made his remarks at the JAMPRO "Invest in Jamaica" forum in Toronto. He noted that the island has much potential in trading and investment sectors, particularly in health and sports tourism, information technology, agriculture, and energy. Samuda said Jamaica needs more investors in order to create more jobs.

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SAMUDA PROVIDES INCENTIVES FOR CANADIAN COMPANIES—06/26/11
Karl Samuda, Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, provided Canadian companies with sufficient incentives to encourage the chief executive officer of Solamon, Graeme Boyce, to announce that his company will host several forums in Jamaica to discuss renewable energy initiatives. Boyce said Samuda convinced his firm to open a field office in Jamaica in 2011. Samuda discussed these issues at a meeting of Canadian business leaders at an event sponsored by Scotiabank in Toronto.

YENDI PROMOTES JAMAICAN COFFEE IN JAPAN—06/27/11
Yendi Phillipps, the current Miss Jamaica Universe, is acting as an ambassador representing the interests of the Jamaica's Coffee Industry Board and the Association of Japanese Importers of Jamaican Coffee. She presented a gift of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee to Japan's Minister of Agriculture Michihiko Kano, while on a trip to that country to work on the Blue Mountain Coffee campaign. She also visited Sendai, an area strongly impacted by the earthquake and tsunami that occurred earlier in 2011.

JAMAICAN TO SERVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION—06/29/11
Tracy Robinson, a Jamaican and senior lecturer in law at the University of the West Indies, has been elected to a position on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Robinson, who is also a Rhodes Scholar, was elected at the 41st regular meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) in El Salvador. Her term of four years will begin on January 1, 2012. The commission investigates human rights situations in OAS member states.

ROBERTSON REPLACED AS ENERGY MINISTER—06/30/11
The Jamaican government seated four new cabinet ministers, including one to replace James Robertson as Minister of Energy and Mining. Robertson quit his post after his visa was revoked by the United States. Clive Mullings will replace Robertson, who says the cancellation of his visa could be related to an unsubstantiated claim that he made death threats against an asylum-seeker before he left the country.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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$77 MILLION PROMISED BY U.S. FOR CARIBBEAN SECURITY—06/25/11

NO MORE RULING ELITE, SAYS ZELAYA IN HONDURAS—06/26/11

TRANSITIONAL SHELTERS IN HAITI BECOMING PERMANENT HOUSING—06/27/11

HONDURAN RAINFORESTS RANKED AS ENDANGERED—06/28/11

CARIBBEAN TEACHERS IN NEW YORK SEEK AID WITH IMMIGRATION STATUS—06/29/11

CULINARY TEAM FROM VIRGIN ISLANDS WINS GOLD MEDALS—06/30/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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VEIRA RECOMMENDS TEENS FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP—06/25/11
Valerie Veira, the chief executive officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), advised attendees at Camp Millionaire, an entrepreneurship camp for teenagers, to focus their energy on writing business plans instead of resumes. According to Veira, writing a resume that highlights summer work experience is outdated. Instead, she says young people should focus on entrepreneurship as their path to employment.

NEW YOUTH POLICY ON TAP FOR JAMAICA—06/26/11
Warren Newby, Jamaica's Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Culture, has announced a major overhaul of the nation's National Youth Policy. According to Newby, the ministry completed a National Youth Survey and is conducting an audit of youth who serve in community-based organizations. He says the ministry is making youth governance stronger by establishing the Jamaica Youth Foundation and adopting a new constitution for the National Youth Council.

SECURITY FOR LOAN MOVED AFTER TERMS CHANGE—06/28/11
After the terms changed, security for a provincial loan to a salt-fish exporter in Nova Scotia is now located in the province. CanJam Trading Ltd., which has headquarters in Dartmouth, will sell a property in Jamaica it had used to secure a $1.85 million loan received in 2004 via the Industrial Expansion Fund. The new security will be the firm's two fish processing plants in Clark's Harbor. The change represents how much remains in the loan repayment amount.

JAMAICAN LANDLINE RATES INCREASED BY LIME—06/30/11
LIME will begin charging as much as eight percent more in landline telephone service charges to residential and business customers on August 1, 2011. The rate increase is being attributed to "inflationary pressures." Rates for residential customers will rise eight percent from J$850 to J$920 per month. Business customers will see an increase of 7.5 percent. LIME also said it would raise its charge for calls to Haiti from landlines beginning August 1 as well.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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APPLE TO PROVIDE FREE IPHONE 3GS—06/28/11
According to Mike Abramsky, analyst for RBC Capital Market, Apple will soon offer the iPhone 3GS at no cost and the iPhone 4 for $99. The new pricing will occur when the iPhone 5 is released. Abramsky predicts that Apple will significantly reduce the prices of the iPhone 3GS and 4 versions as part of an entry-level strategy targeting midmarket smart phone buyers and competing Android device buyers. He believes at free iPhone will be "psychologically compelling" for consumers.

WIRELESS NETWORK MAY HAMPER GPS SYSTEMS—06/29/11
Results from tests conducted by federal regulators indicate that a planned high-speed wireless broadband network from LightSquared, a company in Virginia, may interfere with GPS systems. These systems are used in aviation, precise timing networks, and consumer navigation devices. The study's findings fuel the debate over whether the Federal Communications Commission should allow LightSquared to go ahead with its proposed new nationwide wireless network. The network is designed to compete with Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

INVITATIONS TO GOOGLE NETWORK STOPPED DUE TO HIGH DEMAND—06/30/11
Users of Google+ were provided with the ability to invite their friends into the new social network offering, but the option was quickly repealed just a few hours later because of the heavy demand for services. According to Vic Gundotra, responsible for oversight of Google's social networking initiatives, the invitation mechanism was shut down due to "insane demand." There was no indication of when the invitation capability would be returned to users.

LAW IN CALIFORNIA TO IMPOSE TAXES ON E-COMMERCE—07/01/11
A new state law in California will now require out-of-state retail firms, including Amazon.com, to collect sales tax on purchases made online by customers in California. Amazon and one of its competitors, Overstock.com, will stop paying commissions to their Internet marketing affiliates based in California for "click-through" customers. This action has made the affiliates angry, and there may be a class-action lawsuit brought against the firm as a result.

INTERNET EXCHANGE POINT LAUNCHED—06/25/11

NEW SOFTWARE ANALYZES STYLE OF BIBLE AUTHORS—06/29/11

INVIZIO TO BE ONLY CONTENT PROVIDER FOR FLORIDA CARIBBEAN NEWS—06/30/11

ASTRONOMERS FIND BRIGHTEST QUASAR TO DATE—07/01/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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LARGE INVESTMENT FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL—06/25/11
Digicel plans to renew its commitment to youth football and development of football at the grassroots. A new program will allow the cell phone firm to enhance its commitment to the game by introducing a multi-million dollar plan that involves coaching clinics, referee programs, and mentoring initiatives. These programs are designed to find and cultivate talented football players.

CAMPBELL=BROWN, POWELL WIN SPRINTS AT NATIONALS—06/26/11
Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown received the 100-meter men's and women's championships at the Jamaican Nationals. Powell clocked 9.90 seconds in the finals to win the title, while Campbell-Brown achieved her victory in the 100 meters with a time of 10.84 seconds to defeat Kerron Stewart, Olympic 100-meter silver medalist...

POWELL ISSUES WARNING TO BOLT WITH 100-METER RUN—06/28/11
Asafa Powell has sent a warning to his competition, notably Usain Bolt and other rivals for the world title, with the fourth-fastest 100-meter run in the history of the Diamond League. Powell ran 9.72 seconds on the same track in 2008, but achieved a world-leading time of 9.78 seconds at the meet. Powell, 29, was in excellent physical condition and says his goal is to maintain his training and to run faster.

JAMAICAN SWITCHES ALLEGIANCE TO UK—06/29/11
Julian Reid, a Jamaican athlete, has switched his allegiance from the island nation to Great Britain, according to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Reid will now be able to compete for Great Britain by the middle of August, 2011. Reid attended Wolmer's Boys before moving to Texas A&M, was Jamaica's representative at the 2009 World Championships in the triple jump. Reid, 22, joins Germaine Mason, a fellow Jamaican who switched allegiance to Great Britain as well.

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Taking God Out of the Box

We do not know much about her. According to the narrative in 1 Kings 17, she was a widow living with her son in Zarephath, a Baal-worshipping city on the Mediterranean coast of Phoenicia between Tyre and Sidon out of the borders of Israel. We also know that she was poor, destitute and desolate because at the time we met her, she was down to her last "handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, [she was] gathering two sticks, that [she] may go in and dress it for [her] and [her] son, that [they] may eat it, and die" (v. 12). That she had to gather the sticks herself confirms her lowly status as it was clear she had no slaves to do such a menial task. Being a widow with no one to look after her, she had resigned herself to the fact that after this last meal she and her son would die; there was nothing else to eat. Even if spurred on by the will to survive and a mother's instinct to provide for and protect her offspring, she had no money to buy whatever, if anything, that was available. The famine had taken its toll. Yet it was to this woman that God had sent Elijah: "Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee" (v.9).

To sustain him? What was God thinking? Didn't He see the woman's condition? She was one meal away from her and her son starving to death. Then there was Elijah. God was sending him into Gentile territory to be fed by a widow when, as we discovered later, there were many widows in Israel at the time (Luke 4:25-26). Why not send him to one of them? Lest we forget, Elijah was a hated man in Israel because he was held responsible for the drought and the resulting hardships. Israel had embraced the worship of Baal and was being punished by God. So, here we have God, to whom all things are possible, sending His prophet from among His chosen people to a Gentile widow in a Baal-worshipping city for sustenance. Couldn't He have provided for Elijah some other way? In a way that made some sense?

Because He is omnipotent, of course He could have but why should He? When God does something we typically expect Him to do so in ways that makes sense to us. If we could figure Him out or always understand His ways He would not be much of a god. He reminds us that His ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). His dealings in this situation clearly demonstrate His ability to provide for and bless His people in any way, in any situation, and through whomever He chooses. When we are looking for and expecting Him to act in a certain way, we need to remember He is not limited in the ways He operates in our lives.

We would be remiss if we did not observe two important truths in the narrative: Elijah's obedience in going where he was sent, and the widow's obedience in doing what God had commanded her to do regardless of the external situation. Both acts of obedience were responsible for the miracle that followed (vv. 15-16). One of the lessons for us is that as children of God we can expect Him to work in our lives and situations in ways that we would least expect. In other words, with God always expect the unexpected. Take Him out of the box and watch Him do the things He alone can do, and bring to pass all the things He alone can make possible.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending June 24th, 2011

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:40:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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LAND PROGRAM TO RECEIVE SURVEY EQUIPMENT—06/18/11
The government of Jamaica has received several important pieces of equipment required for a surveying program designed to define the island's strategic boundaries. The National Land Administration and Management Program's (LAMPII) first phase will help landowners who do not have an official Certificate of Title to obtain one.

MANATT-DUDUS REPORT DISAPPOINTS JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE—06/19/11
The human rights organization Jamaicans for Justice stated it was very disappointed in the report on the Manatt-Dudus issue. The group believes that the commissioners issuing the report should have been chosen after a joint consultation and that the report only provides Jamaicans with more reasons to question the findings. The organization says it is "appalled" that the commission made only four recommendations and issued no sanctions to relevant parties.

MORE SUGAR PRODUCTION BRINGS HOPE TO INDUSTRY—06/20/11
The Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) released its daily factory operations report for June 16, 2011, which showed that sugar production has increased. A total of 134,507 tons of sugar were produced among five of seven estates with the crop of 2010-2011. Three factories reported surpassing their projected totals for the year.

SUCCESSFUL JAMAICAN BRANDING ACCOMPLISHED BY DRAGON SLAYER—06/21/11
The Jamaican-based chef and singer Keith "Levi Roots" Graham participated in a television program in the United Kingdom in 2007 that showcased Jamaican entrepreneurs. The program, called "Dragon's Den," gives individuals the chance to pitch business ideas to five investors. Graham brought his Jamaican jerk sauce, which he represented with a reggae song about his business. Four years later, he remains the chief marketing tool for the company, and his Levi Roots brand is now the main Caribbean brand in the UK.

JAMAICA READY TO GROW—06/22/11
Jamaica is on the brink of continued growth, showing a 1.5-percent increase in Gross Domestic Product over the past year, according to Michael Stern, Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce. Douglas Orane, CEO of GraceKennedy, supports the Minister's optimistic view of the economy, noting that entrepreneurship on the island is vibrant and growing.

FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES IMPRESSED WITH CONVENTION—06/23/11
First-time delegates to the 2011 Jamaican Diaspora Convention in Ocho Rios were impressed with the conference and the range of attendees, who came from North America and the United Kingdom, as well as South Africa. The convention presented a chance for Jamaicans overseas to renew their commitment to supporting the home island.

BANTON SENTENCED TO LIGHTEST JAIL TERM POSSIBLE—06/24/11
A federal judge in Tampa, Florida, handed down a sentence of ten years in prison for reggae musician Buju Banton. This was the lightest sentence allowed by law for the crime of trafficking in cocaine. Banton, 38, received a break when a district judge removed a gun conviction, which would have imposed an additional five years on the minimum sentence.

CABINET TABLES INTERCEPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS LAW—06/24/11
The Cabinet has approved tabling a bill designed to change the Interception of Communications Act, according to Daryl Vaz, Minister with responsibility for information. The changes would permit sharing information collected via interception and the use of that information in criminal prosecutions. Under certain guidelines, the bill will allow disclosure of interceptions to foreign governments or agencies of such governments.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICA'S SPECIAL OLYMPIANS LEAVE FOR WORLD GAMES—06/18/11
Jamaica's Special Olympics team is ready to leave for Athens, Greece, to participate in the 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games. The team had faced difficulties related to obtaining sufficient funds to support its stay in Athens, but the governments of the United States and Spain helped the team by cancelling visa fees for the 55 team members. This relieved the team of paying J$1 million.

JAMAICAN DIASPORA MADE STRONGER—06/19/11
Attendees of the 2011 Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Ocho Rios hope that the conference will strengthen the Diaspora movement and address internal and external criticisms that arose during the course of the event. Many Jamaicans overseas are not involved with the Diaspora movement, but attendees believe these individuals can be encouraged to provide a greater "buy in," particularly if the island's government would ensure that it does not control the movement. Some Jamaicans have hesitated to participate due to worries about government involvement.

COKE DUE FOR TRIAL IN U.S.—06/20/11
Christopher "Dudus" Coke, accused drug lord from Jamaica, will be brought before a federal jury in New York in September 2011. Coke, 42, is charged with narcotics trafficking. He was arrested in June 2010 and extradited to New York. A trial date of September 12, 2011, has been set. Prosecutors estimate the trial will last about three weeks.

JAMAICAN WOMAN STABBED TO DEATH IN BARBADOS—06/21/11
Police in Barbados are investigating the stabbing death of a Jamaican national and mother of three. Horrified witnesses watch as a man left Natoya "Chubby" Ewers, 31, for dead with "multiple chop wounds" to her body. A person of interest has been identified and is being sought by police.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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SEAS OFF CUBA TO RISE OVER 30 INCHES BY 2100—06/18/11

POLICE IN TRINIDAD REQUEST INFORMATION FROM FIFA—06/19/11

CARIBBEAN FILMS SHOWCASED IN ZANZIBAR—06/20/11

WARNER STEPS DOWN FROM POSITION AT FIFA—06/21/11

HEALTH OF CARIBBEAN NATIONALS FAILING IN UNITED STATES—06/22/11

LAWMAKERS IN HAITI REJECT MARTELLY'S CHOICE FOR PRIME MINISTER—06/23/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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FARMERS WHO LOST CROPS TO STORM DAMAGE RECEIVE AID—06/18/11
The government of Jamaica plans to provide financial aid to the hundreds of farmers who suffered losses totaling $1.6 million in crops during recent heavy rains. According to Christopher Tufton, Minister of Agriculture, some 2,500 farmers lost crops, and his representatives are visiting farms to assess the damage. Tufton did not say how much money would be given to the farmers.

COFFEE DEAL CLOSES IN SEPTEMBER, CONTROL OF FACTORY UNCERTAIN—06/19/11
The acquisition of the largest processor of Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, is expected to close in September 2011, says Peter Melhado, joint chairman of Mavis. However, questions concerning the operational control of the firm after the finalization of the deal remain unanswered. Melhado says negotiations on the matter continue with excellent progress and that there are no insurmountable problems.

FALMOUTH TRANSFORMATION DEEMED A SUCCESS—06/20/11
In the two months since Falmouth was transformed from a sleepy town to Jamaica's top cruise ship destination, stakeholders have expressed their satisfaction with the rate of economic expansion resulting from the thriving business environment. According to the mayor of Falmouth Bolin Gager, his town is now open to the world, and he is delighted about it. Gager says the new climate has introduced many economic opportunities, including restaurants and new craft businesses.

INCREASE IN CRIME MEANS LOWER PRODUCTIVITY, SAYS REPORT—06/21/11
A report from the World Bank indicates that the crime rate in Jamaica tends to divert investors from providing productive resources. The report also noted that Jamaica's continued disappointment in the area of economic growth development was due to the high rate of crime, lack of training in the labor force, and poor tax incentives.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR FOR IPHONE RELEASED—06/20/11
Withings, a French company, has made a blood pressure monitor that connects directly to an iOS device in the United States. There is extra hardware to buy, but the product includes a free app that provides blood pressure measurements on the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. It also keeps track of the user's statistics. The blood pressure cuff is a plug-and-play add-on, which is attached to the device via a cable. Users receive a free Withings webpage so they can monitor their readings over time.

A NEW WORLD CREATED BY THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING—06/21/11
A small firm in the Netherlands headed by Janne Kyttanen is producing what has been called the best 3-D printing in the world. The firm, Freedom of Creation, designs custom prosthetics and other industrial products. Kyttanen has been a pioneer in the field of consumer 3-D, promoting the technology since the late 1990s. His vision is to move away from traditional manufacturing, storage, and distribution, toward a totally Internet-based consumer-driven design and construction process.

RING-SIZED FINGERTIP MOUSE DEVELOPED—06/23/11
A touchpad only a single square millimeter in size developed by MicroPointing could be embedded in a ring. MicroPointing, an Israeli startup firm, will offer the tiny touchpad to manufacturers for embedding in all types of devices, such as smartphones, netbooks, game controls, cameras, or steering wheels. It works by detecting the force produced by the fingertip as it moves across three sensors mounted to little posts and spaced a few tenths of a millimeter apart.

BEZOS BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF 10,000-YEAR CLOCK—06/24/11
Amazon's head, Jeff Bezos, has started building a clock designed to run for 10,000 years. The clock is being constructed inside a desert mountain. For Bezos, the clock represents the power of thinking for the long term, and he hopes it will alter the way humans think about time. Bezos has created a website to publicize the clock, which is being compared to the symbols of power left by the Egyptian pharaohs.

ICT CONFERENCE NOT JUST TALK—06/18/11

PREPAID SMARTPHONES REPRESENT BARGAINS FOR BUYERS—06/22/11

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY U.S.—06/23/11

IT AND CALL CENTER EXPLORED BY ANTIGUA—06/24/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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MORRISON REPRESENTS ASSET FOR REGGAE BOYZ—06/18/11
Jason Morrison is proving his worth to the Reggae Boyz senior football team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition. Morrison's versatility has been a boon to the team in the match against Honduras. While he was initially surprised at Coach Theodore Whitmore's request that he play the sweeper position, he decided he could do it because it was similar to the central midfield position he had played before.

DIRECTORS TO DECIDE ON GAYLE'S FUTURE—06/19/11
Directors of the WICB met to decide whether or not Chris Gayle will be featuring in the Test series against India. The Jamaican batsman has caused some controversy with comments he made during an interview with an island radio station. Gayle's future is uncertain, and he is not scheduled to play in the first Test against India at Sabina Park on June 20. The WICB said his comments created "ill will" with the team's management.

ROWE HONORED WITH STAND AT SABINA PARK—06/21/11
Lawrence Rowe, former batsman for the West Indies, has been honored by the Jamaican Cricket Association with a dedicated stand in his name at Sabina Park in Kingston. Rowe was best known for his triple hundred and world record of a century and double century in his debut Test. Rowe has been compared to Sir Frank Worrell for the graceful style of his batting.

BOLT TO MISS JAMAICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS—06/22/11
Jamaica's Olympic champion Usain Bolt will not participate in the Jamaican National Track and Field Championships, according to Ludlow Watts, treasurer and chairman of the competition's organizing committee. Bolt is not entered in the meet, and his manager issued a statement announcing that Bolt's next competition will be in Paris in July.

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Born With A Purpose

Parents have an awesome but sobering responsibility. To bring a child into the world, give him or her a name, and plan for the future of this little person is no easy task. Parents have hopes and dreams for their children. We want them to be successful and as much as is within our power, at the very minimum, for them to have a good education which will translate into a stable career, a relatively good life, and secure their future. We may not do everything perfectly, but for the most part our intentions are good.

However, parents are not the only ones who have plans for the child or children entrusted to their care. Though we embrace them as our own they are ultimately God’s and He too has a plan for their lives. Every child that comes into the world does so with a God ordained purpose. For a number of reasons that purpose may not be realized, but it doesn't change the fact of purpose. In the Scriptures we see several instances where individuals were called by God for specific purposes and in some cases, from they were in their mothers' wombs. For example, from the prophet Isaiah, "Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath He made mention of my name" (Isaiah 49:1, KJV). From the prophet Jeremiah, "The LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak" (Jeremiah 1:4-7). From the apostle Paul, "It pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen" (Galatians 1:15).

Clearly, not all of our children will be called as profoundly as Isaiah, Jeremiah and Paul. Not every child will be called directly to ministry, but every child is called to something God honoring and it is the responsibility of parents, god-parents, adopted parents, and other caregivers to pray for discernment in that regard. In our prayers we should pray for that God-given purpose, often times dormant in those lives, to be quickened and for our children to walk in that purpose. Yes, it is not just about giving them our love and other material things, but also about a spiritual legacy. Not only should we pray unceasingly for them but we should also consistently bless them by speaking words of life and encouragement into their lives. A blessing could be something like, “You are the righteousness of God and will walk in His purpose” or, “You will excel because you are a child of purpose and God’s plan for your life will be manifested for His glory.” Alternatively, declare your own blessing based on the God’s word and promises. No matter how rebellious they may be, they can never outrun our prayers and declarations. We do our part and trust God to do His. However, first things first. Those of us who have a position of influence in the life of a child need to nurture our own relationship with God and seek His wisdom for the task at hand. If there is ever a time our children need good God-fearing role models, it is now.

How are you doing in that regard?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending June 17th, 2011

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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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.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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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.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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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

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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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.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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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.

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

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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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.

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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.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending June 10th, 2011

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:20:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SECRET CABLE REVEALS LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN GOLDING—06/04/11
According to a secret diplomatic cable between the United States and Jamaica that has recently come to light, leaders in the island's private sector reported losing confidence in Prime Minister Bruce Golding. The cable was sent just two years after Golding took office and expressed worries among business leaders concerning the delay in making a deal with the International Monetary Fund.

FAITH-BASED TOURISM MEANS POTENTIAL BILLIONS FOR JAMAICA—06/05/11
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, stated that Jamaica has made inroads into the faith-based tourist market. The inaugural stop of the ship Carnival Destiny's "Cruise with a Cause" in Montego Bay brought more than 4,000 passengers and crew members to the port Passengers included religious leaders and music ministers who accounted for almost J$1 billion in expenditures, plus the passengers participated in a number of community outreach projects on the island.

HUNDREDS OF COMMUNITIES IN JAMAICA VULNERABLE TO DISASTER—06/06/11
According to an assessment from Jamaica's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), over 300 communities received a ranking of "highly vulnerable" to natural disasters. Fifty-six of these will participate in a pilot project designed to improve the capacity they have to mitigate and manage a disaster.

JAMAICANS DON'T CARE ABOUT CARICOM—06/07/11
The Complete Snapshot study conducted in April 2011 by Dr. Herbert Gayle discovered that Jamaicans have little or no interest in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regional union. Only 24 percent of 200 individuals surveyed believe that Jamaica benefits from CARICOM, which has been in existence since 1973. Sixteen percent of Jamaicans surveyed believe that Jamaica loses in being part of CARICOM.

US$3 BILLION PROJECT FOR DRY DOCK IN CLARENDON IGNORED—06/08/11
Lloyd Cole, a Jamaican physician, proposed the construction of a dry dock facility in Clarendon at Jackson Bay. However, the US$3 billion project has remained dormant for more than 20 years, even after obtaining the support of government ministers from several administrations. Dr. Cole, frustrated at the delay, has made a second appeal for the project, which he believes could create jobs for as many as 5,000 individuals.

RECORD LEVEL OF LOAN DEFAULTS AMONG JAMAICANS—06/09/11
According to data released by the Bank of Jamaica, Jamaicans with underserviced loans more than three months represented a record amount of J$25.6 billion in March 2011. This is 32.6 percent higher than the total in 2010. The increase in non-performing loans is occurring at the same time that deposit takers are less interested in lending. There has been a two-percent decrease in total loans. The high non-performing loan amounts do not endanger the viability of banking institutions, however, since it represents just 7.5 percent of all loans.

PARLIAMENT TO SEE TOBACCO BILL—06/10/11
The Tobacco Bill is set to go before Parliament in Jamaica after more than ten years in existence. The legislation is designed to control tobacco use on the island. Final amendments to the bill are being made, according to Rudyard Spencer, Minister of Health. The bill includes a total ban on advertising for tobacco products, a ban on sale of tobacco to minors, and a crack-down on the illegal trading of tobacco products.

U.S. EMBASSY CRITICAL OF PORTIA AFTER 2007 GENERAL ELECTION—06/10/11
According to a diplomatic cable sent in March 2008 to the United States, officials at the local U.S. embassy in Kingston claimed that Portia Simpson-Miller's lack of leadership had left the People's National Party (PNP) "in shambles." The cable also claimed that the party appeared to be "lost at sea" and unable to accept its defeat.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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GOLDING TO VISIT UNITED STATES ON DEVELOPMENT MISSION—06/04/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding will be at the head of a delegation from the island to the Inter-American Development Bank International Forum on Caribbean Investment and Development. The forum will take place between June 5 and June 10, 2011, providing a place for public and private sector organizations to address trade and finance issues of importance to the Caribbean.

SEAN KINGSTON IN RECOVERY—06/06/11
Jamaican-American musician Sean Kingston is recovering from serious injuries suffered on Labor Day weekend when he experienced at jet-ski accident. Kingston suffered a broken jaw, broken wrist, and water in the lungs following a collision between his jet ski and a bridge. He is now walking and his condition was upgraded to serious.

JAMAICAN ACTIVE IN HIV/AIDS EFFORTS HONORED—06/07/11
Human Rights Watch and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network plan to honor Jamaican activist Dr. Robert Carr, who died at the age of 48 in Canada in May 2011. Carr will be honored for outstanding contributions in the protection of human rights of individuals who live with HIV/AIDS. Also honored will be the organization founded by Carr, the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition.

DIASPORA TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT—06/09/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding believes that the Diaspora has a critical role in moving the country forward. Golding stated that the contribution of the Diaspora to Jamaica involves more than the $2 billion in remittances that is sent back to the island each year. Jamaicans living overseas are investing in the homeland as well.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ACTING PRESIDENT OF CONCACAF SUSPENDED—06/04/11

EVACUATIONS ON TAP FOR HAITI AS LAKE OVERFLOWS ITS BANKS—06/05/11

CARIBBEAN FASHIONWEEK OPENS—06/06/11

GOVERNMENTS IN CARIBBEAN TOUT GARDENING TO STEM FOOD COSTS—06/08/11

HOSPITAL IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC STRIKES IN SPITE OF CHOLERA CASES—06/09/11

NATURAL PROTECTION FROM EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE FOUND—06/10/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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HIRING POLICY DEFENDED BY SANDALS RESORTS—06/05/11
Sandals Resorts International is defending its hiring policies after being criticized for retaining high-salary managerial positions at local properties for foreigners. The company says that its board comprises individuals of Caribbean and Jamaican nationality and that local people can be found at all levels of the organizational hierarchy. The accusation was made by email from an unknown sender, and Sandals believes the contents of the email are libelous, false, and defamatory.

MURDER RATE DECREASE NEGATIVELY IMPACTS LOCAL UNDERTAKERS—06/06/11
While the current police commissioner has been effective in reducing Jamaica's murder rate, local undertakers have noticed a significant drop in business. Since late 2010, police have been announcing a consistent reduction in the number of murders, funeral homes have taken an economic beating, says Tommy Thompson of Brite-Lite Funeral Services. Early in the 2000s, Jamaica had an average murder rate of 1,000 deaths per year, and his business was thriving. Since late 2010, business has dropped by 40 percent over six months.

JAMAICA COULD HAVE SHARE OF FASHION INDUSTRY MONEY—06/07/11
According to several fashion designers, Jamaica would benefit from the creation of a central design facility that would train future stylists. This would allow Jamaica to get a percentage of the multi-billion-dollar worldwide fashion industry. Carlton Brown, one of Jamaica's top designers, has noted the lack of unity in the local design sector and would like to see his colleagues collaborate more to grow their business. Jamaican had a strong fashion industry in the 1980s when there was capacity for the manufacture of international brands.

GARDENS TO HELP WITH FOOD EXPENSES IN CARIBBEAN—06/08/11
The Jamaican government is supporting a Caribbean initiative to encourage more independent food growing through backyard gardens. Citizens of Jamaica can grow much of their own food and supplement it with other locally grown produce to reduce their dependence on costly imported food products. The government believes that home-grown vegetables would go a long way in avoiding future food crises on the island.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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VERIZON IPHONE OWNERS CANNOT USE APPLE'S NEW ICLOUD—06/07/11
Apple has introduced the beta version of its new iCloud storage service, but it requires the latest version of iOS. This means that users of the Verizon iPhone will not be able to utilize the new service. While other iPhone users will be able to access all of their iTunes content, which will be stored online, from any device without needing to sync with their computers, Verizon iPhone users will be locked out because they will still have iOS 4.2.6. The new service requires iOS 4.3.3. Verizon's iPad will be able to upgrade to this new iOS, however.

REPORT SAYS ONE-QUARTER OF HACKERS IN U.S. INFORM FOR FBI—06/08/11
According to the Guardian newspaper, 25 percent of all computer hackers in the United States are working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The British publication says that the reformed hackers are easy for the agency to recruit, since they would rather provide information to authorities than experience long terms in prison. Targeting hackers and turning them to lawful purposes has become an important objective for law enforcement.

IP ADDRESSES NEARLY GONE, INTERNET COULD STOP—06/09/11
Every computer, smartphone, server, and modem that is linked to the Internet has its own unique Internet Protocol address, or IP address. This address allows users to find the particular computer. The format for the IP was standardized in 1977 as a 32-digit binary number. There were 4.2 billion addresses available with this format, which seemed adequate at the time. However, these IP addresses have nearly all been taken. On June 8, 2011, several large companies will experiment with 128-digit numbers for the first time in an attempt to expand the IP address universe. Old cable or DSL modems may not be able to handle the new long numbers and so will not be able to access machines that use them.

SPACECRAFT FINDS SIGNS OF MAGNETIC BUBBLES—06/10/11
The aging Voyager spacecraft launched by NASA in 1977 has been moving away from Earth for over 30 years. It may now be finding indications of what researchers believe are large magnetic bubbles that exist at the border of the Sun's influence and the space beyond. The bubbles are similar in shape to sausages and are over 100 million miles across. Scientists believe they impact the way high-energy cosmic rays move into the solar system and could tell researchers how stars interact with their environments.

ONYX TECH DISTRIBUTION PROVIDES REGION WITH SOFTWARE, HARDWARE—06/06/11

MOBILE TELEVISION BEGINS IN CARIBBEAN—06/07/11

LIQUID LENSES FOR CAMERA PHONES ON THE WAY—06/08/11

CELL PHONES CAN CAUSE AIRCRAFT TO CRASH—06/09/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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GIDDEN CRITICAL TO JAMAICA'S OLYMPIC BASKETBALL GOAL—06/04/11
Vanessa Gidden, the six-foot-four-inch center on Jamaica's women's basketball team, carries the hopes of the nation for the London Olympic Games in 2012. Gidden, 25, left Jamaica at age 10 to come to the United States, and played basketball for Stamford High School in Connecticut, where her talent was recognized by her coach Curtis Tinnin. She says she has never forgotten where she comes from and will play for Jamaica in the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship for Women, the final step toward a place in the Olympics for Gidden.

ASHMEADE RUNS PERSONAL BEST IN DIAMOND LEAGUE 100—06/05/11
Although American Tyson Gay won the men's 100-meters in Clermont, running the fastest time in the world thus far in 2011, Jamaica's Nickel Ashmeade ran a personal best time of 9.96 seconds. Gay ran the distance in 9.79. Ashmeade is following in the footsteps of fellow Jamaican champion Usain Bolt, who set a world record in 2009 with a time of 9.58 seconds.

MULLINGS SENDS MESSAGE TO COMPETITORS—06/06/11
Jamaican Steve Mullings won the 100-meter race at the Diamond League meet in Oregon with a time of 9.80 seconds. Just hours after America's Tyson Gay ran the distance in 9.79 seconds in Florida, Mullings was victorious in Eugene, Oregon, with a time suggesting he could be a major force at the World Championships in the 2011 season.

BOLT WINS FIRST 200-METER VICTORY OF 2011 SEASON—06/09/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's Olympic sprint champion, set the best time in the world for the 200 meters by running the race to win with 19.86 seconds. With his victory, which was achieved in heavy rains, Bolt shows doubters that he is returning to his top performance level. This was Bolt's first 200-meter race in 13 months.

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"Why Call Ye Me, Lord, Lord?"

Jesus had a habit of getting straight to the point and it could be unnerving. With laser-like precision His words often struck deep, leaving His hearers at a loss for words. It wasn't just His eloquence. It was the way He unmasked the hypocrisy of His audience while making it clear that there was nothing in their actions, thoughts, or motives that was hidden from His view.

In chapter 6 of Luke's narrative we see the equivalent of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). As He meanders His way through various teachings, in verses 45 and 46 we read Him saying: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" It would have been so easy for them to have missed it. The fruit of our lives that springs forth from the condition of our hearts bears testimony to our allegiance. If we are aligned with God, our fruit will bear that out. However, the opposite is also true. "where the love of the world and the flesh reign there is an evil treasure in the heart, out of which an evil man is continually bringing forth that which is evil; and by what is brought forth you may know what is in the heart, as you may know what is in the vessel, water or wine, by what is drawn out from it" (Matthew Henry).

Having pointed out the obvious disconnect that it was the condition of the heart that was important, Jesus asked the probing question: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" While the people talked a good talk, their walk with Christ was not aligned with what they professed. It is not enough to hear the sayings of Christ; we must do them. It is not enough to profess relation to Him, as His servants; we must make it our business to obey Him. For Jesus to be "Lord" is to have Him be the controller of our lives. It means we are wholly at His command, we are devoted to His service, and we are serving the interests of His kingdom. We cannot call Him "Lord" yet walk in our own ways and doing as we please. If we are going to call Him "Lord," we must do the things He says we ought to do.

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Remember, He judges the heart not by words but by works. What do you call Him? What do your actions say?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending June 3rd, 2011

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:00:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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FORMER MINISTER UNDERSTANDS WIKILEAKS PUBLISHING—05/28/11
Burchell Whiteman, former government minister and Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, says he understands why a newspaper published controversial diplomatic communications from WikiLeaks, but also believes timing and selectivity of the releases must be balanced with the need to know.

JAMAICAN WOMEN USING BLACKMARKET ABORTION PILL—05/29/11
The drug Cytotec is intended to prevent ulcers in the stomach, but women in Jamaica are using it without a physician's prescription in order to obtain abortions. According to the Ministry of Health, there is widespread use of the drug for inducing labor among pregnant women and for the termination of unwanted pregnancies as well. A new ministry policy will limit access to the drug to obstetricians, gynecologists, and hospital consultants.

JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT REJECTS U.S. DEPORTEE PROPOSAL—05/30/11
In 2007, Jamaica's government told the United States is was not interested in a plan to handle deportees, in spite of appealing to the American government for help on previous occasions. A private diplomatic cable obtained via WikiLeaks shows that the administration of Bruce Golding rejected a program that would have provided U.S. funding to help reintegrate migrants who were returned forcibly to the homeland.

BRITISH COMPANY TO IMPROVE IT SKILLS ON ISLAND—05/31/11
Go Digital All Ltd., a company in the United Kingdom, plans to provide learning services in Kingston and in rural areas of Jamaica beginning in 2012. The firm offers training in information technology and works with schools to train parents as well using school facilities. When the company brings its services to Jamaica, it will also be bringing 27 portable hand-held PCs donated by a high school in Nottingham in the UK for reconditioning and eventual use by Jamaican youth.

FORMER MINISTER MACMILLAN DIES—06/01/11
Col. Trevor MacMillan, Jamaica's former Minister of National Security and Senator, died at home in St. Andrew from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 71. Prime Minister Bruce Golding paid tribute to MacMillan, saying that he had conducted himself with honor and distinction. MacMillan had also served in the Jamaica Defense Force for 27 years before taking the position of Commissioner of Police.

JAMAICA'S FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS HONORED—06/02/11
At the end of June 2011, a Wall of Honor will be constructed at National Heroes Park in Kingston to commemorate Jamaican policemen and women who have given their lives in the line of duty. Dwight Nelson, Minister of National Security, announced the intent to build the wall at the 68th Annual Joint Central Conference of the Jamaica Police Federation.

JAMAICAN DOCTORS JOIN IN BUSINESS VENTURE—06/03/11
Collie Miller and Winston F.B. Clarke, Jamaican physicians, have partnered, along with the Clarke family, to create Exec Direct Aviation Services Ltd. The new venture involves a new all-cargo airline flying between Jamaica and Curacao. US$1.5 million has been already put toward the startup company, which will initially fly one carrier every week between the two islands.

PORTEOUS OUT OF RUNNING—06/03/11
Sally Porteous, the Jamaica Labor Party's candidate for central Manchester, will and not run in the next general election in 2012. She has been the JLP candidate for central Manchester since 2007. Porteous says her decision to run for reelection as councilor in the Mandeville Division depends on when the local government elections will occur.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN WOMAN DEPORTED FROM UK FOR FRAUD—05/28/11
Semone Welcome, 34, used false documents to obtain work as a care giver in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The Jamaican will be deported and banned from returning to the UK for ten years. She earned over £36,500 while working illegally in Birmingham. She arrived in the UK on a six-month tourist visa in 1999. By June 2009, her employers at South Birmingham Primary Care Trust became suspicious and checked into her background where it was found she had forged a visa in her Jamaican passport when applying for the job.

GIL SCOTT HERON DEAD AT 62—05/29/11
Gil Scott Heron, jazz and soul musician, has died in New York after becoming ill after a trip to Europe. Heron was born in Chicago, Illinois to Jamaican soccer star Gilbert Heron and the singer Bobbie Scott. His recording career began in 1970. He is best known for his spoken word piece "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." Heron was credited with being one of the pioneers of hip-hop and rap music.

SEAN KINGSTON STABLE AFTER ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA—05/30/11
Jamaican musician Sean Kingston is reported as being in stable condition in Miami, Florida, following a jet ski accident. He was on a watercraft with a female passenger when they collided with the Palm Island Bridge. Kingston was treated at Jackson Ryder Trauma Center.

MARKS COMMENDS NEWSPAPER FOR SPELLING BEE SUPPORT—06/01/11
Audrey Marks, Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, has praised The Gleaner Company of Jamaica for its support and sponsorship of Jamaica's entry into the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest in the U.S. Jamaica's entry, Hanif Brown Jr., was welcomed by Marks during a visit to the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C. Marks said the Gleaner's commitment "speaks volumes" about the development of Jamaica's youth.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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MUSEUM TO HONOR VICTIMS OF TRUJILLO—05/28/11

FIFA SCANDAL FOCUSES ON BLATTER—05/29/11

GUYANA RECOVERING "LOST" TIME—05/30/11

FIFA'S BLAZER WILL NOT END LINK TO BRIBERY LAWYERS—05/31/11

ST. GEORGE'S VET SCHOOL CLOSE TO ACCREDITATION—06/01/11

SLOW SUMMER SEASON EXPECTED FOR CRUISE SECTOR—06/02/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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WILLLIAMS PRAISES CREDIT UNIONS—05/28/11
Arthur Williams, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Sector, has praised Jamaican credit unions for providing opportunities for many individuals who would not otherwise have eligibility for accessing funds from the financial sector. Credit unions, he said, have stayed true to their core mission and ensured that their members can reach their goals, ultimately contributing to improvements in the overall economy.

NEW TAX DESIGNED TO ATTRACT NEW TOURISTS—05/29/11
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's tourism minister, believes that an increase in the head tax paid by incoming airline passengers will contribute toward the creation of better marketing campaigns. The $10 increase will prompt improved marketing to attract more visitors from emerging markets. Bartlett says the funds will be placed exclusively toward attracting visitors from Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, and China. These nations represent the new targets of marketing efforts.

SCOTIABANK SEES DECLINE IN NON-PERFORMING LOANS—05/30/11
Scotiabank Jamaica is experiencing a decrease in the number of loans that are non-performing due to new strategies imposed by the bank. This includes an aggressive strategy for collections. At the end of the quarter on April 30, 2011, non-performing loans still totaled $4.2 billion. This was an increase of $315 million over the same period in 2010, but represented a decrease of $24 million than the amount seen in the quarter ending in January 2011.

CLARO DEAL IN THE CLEAR, SAYS DIGICEL—06/01/11
The problem that had halted the merger application in El Salvador between Digicel and Claro has been removed, and Digicel believes the deal will go through. Digicel's business in El Salvador and Honduras represents part of a negotiation between the owner of Claro, America Movil, and Digicel. The hold-up involved a procedural issue that has been resolved.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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DIGITAL PICTURES BECOME REAL POSTCARDS WITH NEW SERVICE—06/01/11
Postcardly, a new service that is designed to bridge the gap between digital photos and the physical world, will transform these pictures into real-world postcards that can be sent via the mail. With an account at Postcardly, users enter the recipient's mailing information and create an email account for that person. They then attach a picture to a short message, and Postcardly prints it out and mails it for the sender. The service costs $4.99/month for five postcards, and $9.99/month for 15.

TEENAGER IN CHINA SELLS HIS KIDNEY FOR IPAD 2—06/02/11
Anhui Province Zheng, 17, sold his kidney to purchase an iPad 2, according to the Shanghai Daily. Zheng received 20,000 yen, the equivalent of $3,084.45, for the kidney. However, his health has taken a turn for the worse, and he regrets his decision. He said a broker contacted him over the Internet and offered to sell his kidney for 20,000 yen. Zheng had the surgery at a hospital that was not qualified to perform transplants. When his mother discovered where he got the money for his new iPad, she reported the matter to the police.

SOCIAL ACTIVIST IN MALAYSIA TO TWEET APOLOGY 100 TIMES—06/03/11
Fahmi Fadzil, a Malaysian social activist, has promised to apologize via Twitter to fulfill the terms of a settlement in a case of defamation. Fahmi says he will post his apologetic tweet 100 times in three days. The case involved comments Fadzil said about a friend was had been mistreated by her employers at a magazine. Lawyers for the magazine threatened to take action against him for defamation, but a settlement was reached. The only demand in the settlement is that Fahmi make the 100 tweets, which represents one tweet every 35 minutes over three days.

ACCESSORY ADDS CAMERA BUTTON TO IPHONE—06/03/11
Red Pop is an accessory that adds a large red camera button to the iPhone. This resolves the problems many have with attempting to take photos with the popular device. Consumers find the small shutter-release button on the iPhone difficult to use. The iPhone 4 accessory is estimated to cost $75. Red Pop is looking for funding to take the item into production.

REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR ICT DEVELOPING—05/28/11

TECHNOLOGY USED FOR POSITIVE OUTCOMES—05/29/11

LATIN AMERICA, CARIBBEAN BUY MOST HOLLYWOOD SERIES, FILMS—05/31/11

MALWARE TARGETING MOBILE DEVICES ON THE INCREASE—06/02/11

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SPORTS
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BRYAN INJURY PRECLUDES PARTICIPATION IN GOLD CUP—05/28/11
Kavin Bryan, Jamaican forward, will not be playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition in June 2011 because of a broken leg. Bryan, 27, broke the fibula of his right leg and suffered an ankle dislocation during the second half of a match in the Vietnamese League, in which he scored the only goal in the game. Bryan has said he is disappointed, but that everything happens for a reason.

BOLT HAPPY WITH COMBACK RACE—05/29/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's sprint champion, said he was happy to race again after a lay-off of nine months. Bolt, 24, turned in a somewhat ragged performance, but was still hard to beat. He took the Golden Gala honors in Rome in 100 meters with a time of 9.91 seconds, beating fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell. Powell ran the distance in 9.93 seconds.

JAMAICAN GOLFER GETS BIG BREAK—05/30/11
Carl Whyte, Jamaican golfer, is one of the participants in the reality series "Big Break" on the Golf Channel. The series plays golf professionals against each other for the ultimate prize: playing in the PGA tour, plus over US$50,000. Whyte, who is from Green Mount in Manchester, now lives in Salisbury, Maryland. He attended Knox College.

CAMPBELL-BROWN FINE-TUNES PERFORMANCE FOR NATIONALS—05/31/11
Veronica Campbell-Brown, defending Olympic champion in the 200-meters, continues to perfect her performance to get ready for the Jamaica National Championships. She hopes for a season's best of under 10.92 seconds in her final race at the Ostrava Golden Spike competition in the
Czech Republic.

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DEVOTIONAL
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Only For A Season

Elijah had just delivered God's judgment to King Ahab that there would be no rain in Israel until he (Elijah) said so, right after which God told him: "Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there" (2 Kings 17:3-4, KJV). This sure sounded like he would be settled in for the long haul! It is interesting to note that Elijah did not make prior preparations for himself even though he knew what was coming. There was no borrowing of pots and pans to store water for a season. Rather, he did exactly as the Lord told him "and the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook" (v. 6).

We do not know how long he was there for, but what we know is that "after a while . . . the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee" (vv. 7-9). So far, everything had gone exactly as God had said. What we want to note, however, are the following - it was God who had sent him to the brook; the brook dried up; it was time for him to move again. Why didn't God simply bring food to Elijah where he was by other means? For sure, that wasn't a big deal for a God who had demonstrated on Mount Carmel that He was the God of everything. I would like to suggest that this wasn't about God but Elijah. Would he trust God in a situation where he had nothing else to fall back on? His season at the spot was over. God's faithfulness would continue to and beyond Zarephath.

Life really is about seasons. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 we read, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" and there are times when God have us walk a certain path that is meant to last only for a season. However, we can become so comfortable by our dried-up brook reflecting on the way things were that we fail to trust God with the next step. Maybe we are expecting Him to do something in a way He has done it before, yet being God, He can do anything in whatever way He chooses. For Elijah, the famine was not over but his season by the brook was. Had he stayed by the brook he would have died from starvation. His blessing, food and sustenance, was now commanded in Zarephath and in order to claim it he had to leave where he was. A dried-up brook could be a failed relationship, a failed friendship, a job loss, or some other unexpected challenge. Regardless of whatever it is, it could be that your blessing has been commanded elsewhere. All of this assumes no violation of God's Word, for He will not give an instruction that conflicts with His Word.

If God has demonstrated His faithfulness in your life, you can trust Him with your next step. He knows what He is doing.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending May 27th, 2011

Fri, 27 May 2011 18:30:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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TRUTH COMMISSION DESIRED BY JAMAICANS—05/21/11
Jamaican citizens are interested in having a truth commission established to handle past violations of human rights, according to a survey by the Truth and Justice Action Group of the Jamaica Council of Churches. Sixty-five percent of 20 experts and eight focus groups across the country support the creation of a commission. Over 40 percent of the survey respondents believe a truth commission would have a positive effect, strengthen democracy and raise leaders' accountability.

CHILDREN IN JAMAICA FACE CRISIS—05/22/11
According to child rights activists and social workers, children in Jamaica are most often poor, badly education, vulnerable targets of pedophiles, face rape, experience criminal and violent acts, and are at risk of being trafficked or pregnant. Claudette Pious, founder of Children First, is attempting to reform street children through the dramatic arts.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS CONTINUE THEIR STRIKE—05/23/11
Many flights bound for Jamaica, together with flights leaving the island, were delayed and even cancelled or diverted as the strike by air traffic controllers moved into a second day. According to Mark Williams, vice president of commercial operations at the Airports Authority of Jamaica, stated that the strike left hundreds of unhappy passengers stranded in airport lobbies. Flight delays have generally been two hours long.

ENERGY MINISTER QUITS, U.S. VISA IS REVOKED—05/24/11
James Robertson, Jamaica's Minister of Energy and Mining, has left his cabinet position after the United States government revoked his visa. The visa revocation was imposed by what Robertson characterized as unproven allegations of wrongdoing. No comment was forthcoming from the U.S. State Department on the matter. Robertson sent a letter to Prime Minister Bruce Golding, which informed Golding that Robertson would leave his office immediately. He plans to keep his seat in Parliament, however, and his position as one of four deputy heads of the Jamaica Labor Party.

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION TO END LNG AUCTION—05/25/11
The Office of the Contractor-General is calling for Jamaica's government to abandon the tender process for a scheduled PNG project, since there is evidence of unfairness in the process. The anti-corruption authority wants the government to implement a new tender process under its supervision. The group referred its findings to public prosecutors and police for further criminal investigation as well. After a year of investigation, the commission found the selection of a group led by Exmar of Belgium to be rife with conflict of interest matters, documented bias, and preferential handling of the preferred bidder.

MERGER OF CAL AND AIR JAMAICA FINALIZED—05/26/11
According to Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, the merger between Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines has been finalized. Winston Dookeran, the finance minister of Trinidad & Tobago, signed the agreement along with Shaw in the presence of T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The Jamaican government will now have a 16-percent ownership in the shares of Caribbean Airlines. The agreement also makes the airline the national carrier of Jamaica.

JAMAICAN STANDS BY PREDICTIONS OF RAPTURE—05/26/11
A Jamaican man, who prefers to remain nameless, continues to support the contention of American Harold Camping that Judgment Day did occur on May 21, 2011. According to the man, the date was correct, but the event did not unfold the way he and other Camping followers expected. He believes that Judgment Day has come and that the rapture and end of the world will occur on October 21, 2011.

CHALLENGED ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT TO WIKILEAKS—05/27/11
The administration of Prime Minister Bruce Golding has issued a challenge to the press to publish all of the cables from the United States that it can publish, rather than only selected items from the letters. Daryl Vaz, Jamaica's minister with responsibility for information, said the government plans to make a legal challenge against the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, calling for the paper to provide public access to all leaked documents with any relationship to Jamaica.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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ALL READY FOR JAMAICAN DIASPORA CONVENTION—05/21/11
Everything is in place toe the biennial Jamaican Diaspora Convention in Ocho Rios scheduled from June 15 to 17, 2011. Participants had threatened a potential boycott of the convention to signal their dismay at how the format of the conference had changed and the way delegates were chosen. Senator Marlene Malahoo, the minister with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs in the Foreign Minister, has attempted to stem the tensions, however. She noted that Jamaica's government has adjusted its foreign policy to showcase the significant ways the Diaspora impacts the island.

DRUG SUSPECTS IN GRAND CAYMAN FACE IMMIGRATION CHARGES—05/23/11
Police found 275 pounds of ganja in a drug canoe, along with four men who were trying to take the drugs to Grand Cayman. The men, all Jamaican nations, were arrested when their canoe was seized by authorities on the north coast. They were arrested for illegal entry into the Cayman Islands and on suspicion of importing drugs.

DIASPORA IN FLORIDA ENCOURAGED TO LOBBY FOR JAMAICA—05/26/11
The Caribbean Diaspora in Florida has been challenged by Glen Khan, chairman and CEO of the Laparkan Group, to lobby for the removal of obstacles to the importation of Jamaican products into Florida. Khan made his remarks at a trade forum at the Jamaica/USA Business Expo. Since Florida is an agricultural region, there is some resistance to importing certain products from Jamaica.

JAMAICANS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DEMAND FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS—05/27/11
Many Jamaican university graduates who find themselves unemployed on the island are turning to teaching English in programs like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. Teaching English overseas gives graduates the chance to experience different cultures. Some students go abroad for work because they feel that God has called them to be missionaries to Asian nations. As more countries encourage their citizens to learn English. Opportunities for Jamaican graduates in this field continue to increase.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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MORE HAITIANS DENIED VISAS FOR UNITED STATES—05/21/11

NO CHARGES IMPOSED IN RAPE CASE IN ST. LUCIA—05/22/11

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TO SEE 500 LAYOFFS—05/23/11

2011 CARIBBEAN HURRICANE SEASON TO BE ACTIVE—05/24/11

PUERTO RICO WANTS LARGER PORTION OF WEDDING TOURISM—05/25/11

FIFA BRIBERY CASE WILL NOT BE HEARD BY AMERICAN ATTORNEY—05/26/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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CARIB CEMENT VULNERABLE TO FAILURE—05/21/11
The Caribbean Cement Company Ltd. showed its best performance to day in export sales, but remains vulnerable to collapse. The firm reported one of its worst years, with cement falling to a seven-year low, while operating costs rose to more than J$2 billion. Higher production costs tied to greater energy expenses, and the firm's lack of working capital have forced the acknowledgement that the firm may not be able to continue.

SIMPLER CUSTOMS SYSTEM AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSES—05/22/11
The Jamaican government has offered companies the option of using a simpler customs system in which they will pay more at ports and eliminate waiting for waivers. According to Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance, the proposed tax reform requires a major revision in the granting of waivers, and firms typically wait for months to get the waivers. Rather than going through the bureaucracy of obtaining waivers, companies will have the option to pay a higher rate and then just go on to customs and clear their goods.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS STILL ON STRIKE—05/23/11
Many airline flights to and from Jamaica have been delayed as the air traffic controllers continue their strike into its second day. According to Mark Williams, spokesperson for the Jamaica Airports Authority, the controllers' walkout has meant delays of about two hours. Managers have been called in by Jamaica's civil aviation authority to take the place of the striking controllers, who demand retroactive pay increases and involvement in government negotiations concerning public sector wages.

JAMAICAN MUSICIAN JOINS WITH ISSA TRUST FOUNDATION—05/25/11
Trudy TruDiva, the Jamaican music star, is collaborating with the ISSA Trust Foundation by writing a song designed to raise money for aid to the Foundation's charity initiatives. The announcement of the partnership was made at the Annotto Bay Hospital in St. Mary. Trudy says it is her passion for helping children that prompted her to join with ISSA to raise money for medical aid in Jamaica.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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IPHONE SEARCH APP OFFERS WEBSITES, NOT JUST LINKS—05/23/11
Do@ is a new iPhone application that returns active, live websites in a search rather than a list of links. The app is free and offers the ability to enter, explore, and exit a website without losing the other live sites returned in the search results. Do@ comes with approximately 30 categories and more than 400 searchable web applications.

VIDEOS ON IPHONE NOW AVAILABLE IN 360-DEGREE VIEW—05/24/11
A new device known as Dot will make it possible for owners of the iPod Touch and iPhone to take 360-degree videos without the need to move or rotate the phones. Dot is made by Kogeto, a company based in New York. It attaches to the iPhone and takes 360-degree panoramic video that can be viewed on the phone or uploaded for sharing on Facebook and Twitter.

AUTO FEATURES SEAT THAT MONITORS THE DRIVER'S HEART—05/25/11
Ford has created a driver's seat that is able to monitor the driver's heart functions. The seat uses six sensors embedded in the backrest to detect electrical impulses that are generated by the heart. There is no need for actual contact with the skin for the sensors to work. The technology was created at the Ford European Research and Innovation Center in Germany with the aid of researchers from Aachen University.

CARPORT IN CONNECTICUT CHARGES AUTOS WITH SOLAR POWER—05/26/11
General Electric Energy Industrial Solutions has introduced a solar-power carport. The firm's chief executive officer Luis Ramirez announced the GE EV Solar Carport with the aid of Connecticut's governor, Dannel Malloy. The carport uses solar panels on the roof with charging stations for electric vehicles underneath the cover. The panels produce enough electricity in one year to power the equivalent of 20 homes.

4G TECHNOLOGY BROUGHT TO CARIBBEAN BY LIME—05/21/11

HISTORY BEING CREATED IN GRENADA —05/22/11

DIGICEL SAYS LIME NOT THE FIRST TO BRING 4G TO REGION—05/23/11

ENVIVIO DELIVERS MOBILE TV SERVICE TO CARIBBEAN—05/24/11

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SPORTS
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CALABAR RELAY TEAM WANTS TO WIN IN NYC—05/23/11
The 4x400 relay team from Calabar High school is looking for a victory in the June 11, 2011, competition at the Adidas Grand Prix at Icahn Stadium in New York City. The team from Red Hills Road in Kingston had great success in 2010-2011's season, but it was denied the chance to compete in the United States Penn Relays because of delays in securing visas. Now the team hopes to repeat its 2008 performance in the Grand Prix with wins in both the 4x400 meters and the 4x100 meter races.

HUGE SETBACK POSSIBLE FOR JAMAICAN ATHLETES—05/24/11
A decision made by the National Junior College Athletic Association will restrict the opportunities for Jamaican athletes looking for scholarships from colleges in the United States. Starting in August of 2012, two-year colleges must reduce the number of foreign students on their team rosters, and non-residents of the U.S. will be prohibited from obtaining more than one-quarter of all scholarships awarded to a team. The new ruling could be devastating for Jamaican athletes, according to some observers.

BOLT ADMITS FEELLNG NERVOUS ABOUT RACING—05/25/11
Olympic and world champion sprinter, Jamaican Usain Bolt, says that he has been away from running for so long that he is actually feeling nervous about a meet for the first time. Bolt had a difficult time in 2010, and now he wants to show that he is still the fastest man in the world. Bolt will run his first 100-meter race of 2011 at the Golden Gala IAAF Diamond League meet in Rome.

BOLT WANTS TO SHOW FANS HE'S BACK ON TRACK—05/26/11
Jamaican world champion sprinter Usain Bolt admits the 2010 season was not his best, but he wants to assure his fans that he is "back to business" in 2011. He is ready to compete with the likes of Asafa Powell and Christophe Lemaitre at Rome Olympics Stadium in the 100 meters. The race is part of the Golden Gala Diamond League meet and will give fans the chance to assess his physical condition and his commitment to the competition.

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The Power of Remembering Who He Is

Jesus had just finished feeding the multitude with a little boy's lunch. It was an incredible miracle. Five thousand men plus women and children, sitting down in ranks by hundreds and fifties, eating until they were filled and all from five loaves and two fishes. As if that wasn't enough, there were twelve baskets full of leftovers (Mark 6:40-44)!

Shortly after, Jesus "constrained His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. And when He had sent them away, He departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land" (vv.45-47, KJV). According to the narrative, not only was the ship in the midst of the sea but there was a contrary wind and the men were experiencing much difficulty. By this time it was the fourth watch, somewhere between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and Jesus, walking on the water, went out to them "and would have passed by them. But when they saw Him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw Him, and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And He went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered" (vv. 48b-51).

What did they wonder about? They were in awe and wonder of Him that was among them. He had walked on water and the minute He came into the ship, the storm had ceased! "Amazed in themselves beyond measure" suggests being in a state of ecstasy "as if it were a new and unaccountable thing, as if Christ had never done the like before, and they had no reason to expect He should do it now" (Matthew Henry). But then Mark added a compelling sentence: "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened" (v. 52). In other words, they had forgotten what Jesus had done before!

Isn't that so much like some of us? When we are confronted with challenging situations, we are in awe when God comes through for us. It is as if we have forgotten who He is and the miraculous works of His hand, not just in the Scriptures but also in our day-to-day lives. Whatever we are going through, we ought to remember that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and so what He has done before, He can do again. There are no limits to His power; no circumstances too difficult for Him to handle. We are never too far our for Him to reach; He will walk on water if He must. Our challenge is to remember or we risk entering into states of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. On the other hand, remembering who He is and what He has done provides us with assurance and comfort. Not only does it change our perspective in our circumstance, but we will walk in expectancy that He will do for us all He says He can and will do.

How much of who He is, what He has done and what He is capable of doing do you know? How much of it do you remember?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending May 20th, 2011

Sat, 21 May 2011 02:25:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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EYE CARE PROGRAM SCREENS THOUSANDS OF JAMAICANS—05/14/11
Miracle Operation, an eye care program locally administered by the health ministries of Cuba and Jamaica, has examined over 60,000 Jamaicans since its beginning in 2006. Yuri Gala Lopez, Cuban ambassador to Jamaica, said the benefits of the program include the more than 6,000 surgeries performed at no charge in both nations.

RETURNING JAMAICANS UPSET AT IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES—05/15/11
Although they were born in Jamaica, individuals who live abroad find a less than welcoming return to the island. Once landing at one of Jamaica's international airports, they must comply with immigration rules that allow them only a three-month stay in their birth country. If they wish to stay more than 90 days, they must apply for an extension, which costs J$10,000. These rules apply even if a passport notes that the place of birth is Jamaica.

MODERATE EARTHQUAKE SHAKES JAMAICA—05/16/11
An earthquake of moderate strength hit Jamaica at 10:07 local time. It was reported that a number of structures in Kingston suffered cracks as a result of the quake. The island has two transform faults, known to be a dangerous kind of fault, on each side. According to the University of the West Indies, the quake measured 5.0 on the Richter scale.

NEW MOVIE INTRODUCED BY ACTOR-ARTIST PAUL CAMPBELL—05/17/11
Jamaican Paul Campbell, world-famous actor and artist, has introduced his new film "Out the Gate." He was joined by Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works, and Kay Osborne of Television Jamaica. The film also forms part of the Kingston Pon Di River festival of performing, visual, literary, and culinary arts. Campbell's film features Oliver Samuels, who is has been called the king of Jamaican comedy.

GOLDING BUDGET SPEECH "BLOWS AWAY" OPPOSITION—05/17/11
The budget speech given by Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding gave the People's National Party (PNP) Opposition reason to organize its debate better to address the realities and challenges facing the budget process. The government must deal with the monetary excesses of the past, which resulted in inflation topping 100 percent in a single year. Jamaica has lost US$2.7 billion in export earnings, J$16.5 billion in revenues from bauxite, and J$5.7 billion in General Consumption Taxes.

JAMAICAN SKA PIONEER DIES—05/18/11
Lloyd Knibb, an influential Jamaican drummer who was instrumental in creating and popularizing ska music is dead at the age of 80 years. Knibb succumbed to liver cancer. He had been treated in the United States but returned to Jamaica during his final days. Knibb was the original drummer in The Skatalites band, which came to fame in 1964. Although the ban split in the 1960s, it reunited 20 years later. Two of the band's albums received Grammy nominations.

JDF KEEPS SILENT ON KINGSTON INCURSION—05/19/11
The Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) has refused to make public the findings of an internal review of its operations during the Kingston incursion. Dr. Carolyn Gomes, executive director of Jamaicans for Justice, a human rights organization, is not happy with the lack of information coming from the JDF. She says that "no comment" is not an acceptable answer to questions arising from the force's operations in Kingston.

POLICE CHANGES AIM TO REDUCE ROAD FATALITIES—05/20/11
A number of partnerships formed between the Jamaican government and other stakeholders are designed to slash the number of road fatalities by 50 percent by 2020. The partnerships seek to create institutional capacity and encourage individual support for the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety program. This worldwide program was launched in Jamaica with a National Road Safety Symposium at the University of the West Indies, Moria.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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WALCOTT SAYS JAMAICANS IN CANADA "HURTING"—05/14/11
According to Renaldo Walcott, associate professor and chairman of the University of Toronto's Sociology and Equity Studies Department, many Jamaicans and others from the West Indies face difficult times in Canada because of poverty and institutional racism. The children of West Indians are particularly affected, being perceived as violent individuals, performing poorly in schools, and finding it hard to rise to higher socio-economic levels.

DIASPORA FACING DIFFICULTIES—05/16/11
Marlene Malahoo-Forte, Kenneth Baugh's deputy minister of state, will visit the United States to quell worries that the Jamaican government is having problems in its relationship with the Diaspora. Some Jamaicans in the U.S., the United Kingdom and Canada are angry and have threatened to boycott the biennial Diaspora conference in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Jamaicans overseas have complained about their lack of involvement in deciding the agenda of the conference.

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE INDITED IN JAMAICAN PATIENT'S DEATH—05/17/11
Legal authorities in Brooklyn, New York, have charged an employee at Kings County Hospital in connection with the death of Esmin Greene, 49, a Jamaican psychiatric patient who died after being left on the floor of a waiting room for almost 24 hours. Easton Royal, 53, is charged with falsifying records. He allegedly changed the records to show that he had been checking on patients. Royal could spend a maximum of eleven years in prison if convicted.

FLOWER MART SHOWCASES JAMAICA'S NATIVE PLANTS—05/18/11
The display of Jamaica's native flowers and other plants was a popular attraction in Washington D.C. The display was featured at the Around the World festival organized by Flower Mart. Over 20,000 visitors saw the display at the Washington National Cathedral. According to Debbie Page, advisor chairperson of Flower Mart, the firm considered Jamaica's participation an important part of the celebration.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CUBANS MAY TRAVEL ABROAD MORE EASILY IN FUTURE—05/14/11

SUPPLY AND DEMAND FROM CHINA HAVING STRONG IMPACT—05/15/11

SPANISH FIRM TO BRING CHINESE OIL RIG TO CUBAN COAST—05/16/11

NEW CARIBBEAN REMITTANCE RULES PROPOSED BY U.S.—05/17/11

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA EASES HAITI TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS—05/18/11

MAN SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR KILLING ON TOBAGO—05/19/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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IMPACT OF TOURISM TO BE STUDIED BY GOVERNMENT—05/14/11
Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism will study the economic impact that tourism has on the island. The study's findings will be used to develop policy initiatives in the tourism sector. Edmund Bartlett, portfolio minister, signed a contract totaling US$220,000 with Nathan EME Ltd., a consultancy firm, to perform the research. The project is funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

DEVELOPMENT BANK, STOCK EXCHANGE JOIN FOR VENTURE FUND—05/15/11
Jamaica's Prime Minister Bruce Golding has created a venture capital initiative designed to help 24 to 60 companies, each of which must make a commitment to going public and creating a new pool of business for the new junior stock market. The Jamaica Stock Exchange and the Development Bank of Jamaica are collaborating on a survey to identify small and midsized firms for investment by the new venture fund.

JAMAICA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IN OPPOSITION OVER CEMENT SHIPMENT—05/16/11
A consumer protection agency in the Dominican Republic will not permit a $250,000 shipment of Jamaican cement to be unloaded because there is no certification to guarantee its quality. This announcement was made two days after Jamaica's government imposed a 48-hour deadline for releasing the shipment from Carib Cement Company. The shipment has been held by officials in the Dominican Republic since April 2011 because they are demanding lab tests to determine the cement's quality.

DANCEHALL STAR LAUNCHES NEW RECORD LABEL—05/17/11
Mavado, a popular dancehall star, has made an official launch of Mansion Records, his new record label. Mavado, whose real name is David Brooks, plans to release the first single on the label at the end of May 2011. Mavado says he started the label to help young artistes as well as himself.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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QUALITY OF LED LIGHT IMPROVED BY MARVELL CHIP—05/16/11
Marvell, a semiconductor company, has introduced a chip designed to improve the light provided by LED bulbs. It will also connect the bulbs to a network. The small 8801 chip is approximately the size of a penny and will be offered at a price similar to that of existing LED lights. This could mean significant improvements in lighting quality at lower prices for consumers, according to Kishore Manghani, Marvell's vice president of communications and consumer business.

ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY "REDISCOVERED" BY TEENS—05/17/11
Teenagers are moving away from digital photographic devices toward the old technology of classic film. Cameras like Minolta and Nikon are the devices of choice among teens, more popular than new point-and-shoot digitals. Teens find it fascinating to deal with manual aperture settings and finding the best lighting for a photo. Sales of digital cameras have fallen by two percent between 2009 and 2010, while analog camera sales rose from 30 percent to 40 percent during the same period, according to the Photo Marketing Association.

SONY PULLS SITES AFTER EXPLOIT DISCOVERED—05/18/11
Sony took down websites that permitted PlayStation Network users to sign in and reset their passwords in response to a hacker break-in discovered in April 2011 just days later when a second exploit was found. The new exploit allowed hackers to alter users' passwords. The problem does not impact a user's ability to sign in through a PlayStation 3 or PlayStation Portable, but only on some Sony websites.

ANDROID WI-FI SECURITY PROBLEM FIXED BY GOOGLE—05/19/11
A security hole in Android that could have permitted a third-party to use an unencrypted Wi-Fi network to access contact and calendar data has been eliminated by Google. The fix required no action by users and will require all Android devices to connect to Google's Calendar and Contacts servers through Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (https). This will stop unauthorized individuals from taking authentication tokens used by the operating system when validating devices.

NEVIS TO IMPLEMENT GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY—05/14/11

ANGUILLA ENCOURAGES POLLUTION PROTECTION FOR THE SEA—05/17/11

BUS RAPID TRANSIT DEAL SIGNED BY SMARTMATIC—05/18/11

CARIBBEAN REGION CHANGED BY MOBILE SERVICES, SURVEY FINDS—05/19/11

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SPORTS
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2012 HIGHLAND GAMES MAY BE HOSTED BY JAMAICA—05/14/11
Jamaica could be the host of the 2012 Scottish Highland Games. A feasibility study conducted by Lord Jamie Sempill of Edinburgh said it would provide an opportunity for Scots to visit Jamaica and for Jamaicans to reconnect with their Scottish heritage. The historical relationship between the island and Scotland goes back some 400 years, and evidence of it is found in place names and surnames throughout Jamaica. The games would coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence.

ASHMEADE WINS SPRINT CONTEST IN PONCE GRAND PRIX—05/16/11
Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade won the men's sprint championship at the Ponce Grand Prix in Puerto Rico. He is the first man to break the 20-second barrier in the 200-meter event this season. Ashmeade ran the 200 meters in 10.05 seconds.

BOLT's RIVALS WATCHED FROM A DISTANCE—05/17/11
Jamaican Usain Bolt, Olympic and world recordholder, is watching his rivals win from a distance. His two chief rivals, the American Tyson Gay ran the 100 meters in Manchester, England, while Jamaican Asafa Powell ran the 100 meters at the Shanghai Diamond League competition. Powell clocked 9.95 seconds, while Gay ran a personal best at 9.69 seconds. Bolt, 24, says he is not worried and expects everyone to perform at their highest levels at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu.

SPENCER WINS AT DIAMOND LEAGUE MEET—05/18/11
The win by Kaliese Spencer in the 400-meter hurdles, eclipsed victories for Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown at the International Association of Athletics Association (IAAF) Diamond League meet. Spencer, the defending champion, ran the race in 54.20 seconds. Campbell-Brown, 29, won the women's 100 meters, on her birthday, with a time of 10.92 seconds.

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"I Saw the Lord"

Have you ever wondered how Isaiah felt when He saw the majesty and glory of God as recorded in Isaiah 6? It was in the year that King Uzziah, an interesting character, died in which Isaiah "saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple" (v. 1, KJV), and that was only the start. He continues: "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged" (vv. 2-7). WOW!

What if that was you? What if God in His grace were to show you a glimpse of the heavens and the throne of God, could you handle it? What would your reaction be? Isn't it interesting that when Isaiah saw the Lord, he immediately recognized his sinfulness? There is no room for pride or self-centeredness when we get a glimpse of the holiness of God. His holiness is like a light that shines and reveals our nature and character, but in a moment of surrender He not only takes away our iniquities but also purges our sins. God can do a lot of things in an instant!

The apostle John reminds us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9). While most of us may not have the same vision as Isaiah, those who spend time in God's Word come face to face with Him as He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. We too see Him in His majesty; we are confronted with His holiness. Yet how do we respond? We can both confess our faults and allow Him to do His work in our lives, or we can be like the one who "beholdeth himself [in a glass], and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was"(James 1:24).

When we "see" the Lord, things should not remain the same. Our lives, our attitudes, and our characters should be transformed by the power of His Spirit. We should become more like Him.

When was the last time you "saw" Him?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending May 13th, 2011

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:55:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICA GETS RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAN—05/07/11
Solamon Energy president Jay Yeo announced that his firm will meet with the Jamaican government to discuss solar solutions for the previous locations of bauxite mines. Jamaica has thousands of unused bauxite mines, but research funds have now been made available to develop several of the mines into agricultural farms. Solamon will devote resources to supplying a number of solar farms on the sites of the abandoned mines.

SIMMS STARTS NEW RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR WOMEN'S AID GROUP—05/08/11
Glenda Simms, former executive director of Jamaica's Bureau of Women's Affairs, is conducting a new recruitment drive for the organization she began in 2008. A massive drive for new members will be put in place for St. Elizabeth Women Ltd., to encourage sustainable development in rural communities by helping women with the grass-roots economy. The development efforts focus on farming, horticulture, and crafts.

OFFICIAL WANTS TO EDUCATE CITIZENS ABOUT PAYING TAXES—05/09/11
Joseph M. Matalon, the president of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) believes the nation's government should create a public education program designed to inform citizens about how important it is that they pay their taxes. Matalon says that many Jamaicans do not know about or are unaware of the importance of tax-related issues. He also believes that all major tax measures should be discussed so that citizens understand the issues under review.

JAMAICA HOME TO UNIQUE ENDEMIC SPECIES—05/10/11
Jamaica is the location for several species of animals and birds that are found nowhere else in the world. These species are known as endemic species and occur only in isolated geographic regions. Biologists are eager to visit the island to study the 28 endemic bird species. These include the red-billed streamertail, Jamaican woodpecker, Blue Mountain vireo, loggerhead kingbird, and sad flycatchers.

TAX AGENCIES IN JAMAICA NOW UNIFIED—05/10/11
Jamaica's Inland Revenue, Taxpayer Audit & Assessment and Tax Administration Services Departments will merge into a single department as of May 1, 2011. The new department will be known as Tax Administration Jamaica. The action is expected to simplify the tax system and improve its efficiency through improved administration and business processes. Finance Minister Audley Shaw said the Jamaican people will see improved services, and the nation will enjoy enhanced compliance with tax requirements as a result of the merger.

JAMAICA, EUROPEAN UNION JOIN TO FIGHT POVERTY—05/11/11
The European Union will spend about 90 million euros on projects in Jamaica, including programs to prevent crime and build roads. According to Scarlette Gillings, the managing director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, the support of the EU has been crucial to initiatives designed to improve Jamaicans' quality of life in the inner city and rural areas. Funding from the EU represents 42 percent of all monies slated for poverty-improvement grants.

WILKINSON SAYS GOLDING'S COURT PLAN "RETROGRADE"—05/12/11
Bruce Golding, Jamaica's Prime Minister, announced plans to study the idea of Jamaica having its own final appeals court in February 2010. However, this proposal has been criticized by Ian Wilkinson, the new president of the Jamaican Bar Association. Wilkinson believes Golding's initiative is a "retrograde step" and that legal experts say the Caribbean Court of Justice should be the final court of appeal.

FOREIGN FISHERMAN ILLEGALLY FISHING IN JAMAICAN WATERS—05/13/11
The ten fishermen from Nicaragua who were caught fishing illegally in Jamaica's water have been remanded into custody after an appearance in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court. The men pleaded not guilty to breaching the Fishing Industry Act. The men were caught with 2,000 pounds of shark carcasses and did not have a Jamaican fishing license.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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THREAT OF BOYCOTT HAUNTS DIASPORA CONVENTION—05/08/11
The biennial conference of Jamaicans in the Diaspora, which is scheduled to be held in Ocho Rios in June 2011, is facing the threat of a boycott from nationals who oppose the way Jamaica's government in handling certain issues. Jamaicans living in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are upset about the way advisory boards that govern their operations are chosen and about their involvement in the processes of making decisions. Some member organizations in the U.S. have little interest in attending the meeting under the current bureaucracy.

GOLDING'S SON TO VISIT KENYA—05/09/11
The son of Bruce Golding, Jamaica's Prime Minister, plans to make a visit to Kenya in May 2011. Steven Golding will visit the country together with Empress Eartha Camielle Mullings, a leading television personality, to conduct a motivational speaking tour. The mission of the two visitors is to bring a positive and encouraging message to the country. Golding is the president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which was formed by Marcus Garvey. He is a strong supporter of African nationalism. Mullings is a singer, songwriter, media host, and philanthropist.

SUPRISE REGGAE FLASH MOB IN NEW YORK CITY—05/10/11
The rhythms of Jamaica took over Union Square in New York as the Jamaica Tourist Board partnered with Flash Mob America to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the passing of legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley. More than 200 reggae fans performed to choreographed dance moves, which included Usain Bolt's "Bolt to the World" move. Notable Jamaicans at the event were Ziggy Marley, Devon Harris of "Cool Runnings" fame, members of Jamaica's national women's basketball team, and Jamaican chess master Maurice Ashley.

GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT TO SAVE DIASPORA CONFERENCE—05/12/11
Delano Franklyn, Jamaica's former junior minister for Diaspora affairs, called upon the government of the country to save the biennial conference of Jamaicans in the Diaspora scheduled for June 2011. Franklyn hopes that a potential boycott of the event by some members could be stopped if the government changed its approach to the organization. Some Diaspora leaders are disillusioned from what they see as their "non-involvement" in the decision-making process of the group.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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GREATER INVESTMENT BY ROYAL CARIBBEAN IN HONDURAS SEEN—05/07/11

CRUISE LINE BUILDS SCHOOL COMPLEX IN HAITI—05/08/11

GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO REPORTS UPGRADES FOR REMOTE TOWNS—05/09/11

TOURISTS DRAWN TO CUBA FOR SALSA DANCING—05/10/11

PUERTO RICO HAS HIGHEST RATE OF PRE-TERM BIRTHS IN U.S.—05/11/11

INTERNATIONAL AID FOR HAITI A PRIORITY FOR GOVERNMENTS—05/12/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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DIGICEL, CLARO MERGER STILL NOT FINALIZED—05/07/11
Daryl Vaz, Jamaica's minister with the responsibility for information, has stated that the government has yet to approve the merger between Digicel and Claro, another mobile provider. According to Vaz, there have been several meetings in which Prime Minister Bruce Golding has attended and that he expects Golding to speak to the issue shortly. Details of the merger transaction have not been disclosed.

HENRY ACCUSES PNP OF CORRUPT PRACTICES ON ROAD PROJECT—05/08/11
Jamaican Minister of Public Works Mike Henry has accused the former People's National Party (PNP) administration of misusing public funds in early 2000 on a major road project. He believes the PNP did so in order to improve its chances of winning during the election. Henry says that the Cabinet must settle a claim of some $10 billion from a firm known as Pihl.

KINGSTON MILLINER WINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION—05/09/11
Cinderella Hats, a firm owned by Marcellas James, has made its mark both locally and overseas. James is a second-generation milliner who learned her craft from her mother and sister. In the poor economy, she struggles to obtain raw materials and faces higher prices, but she is determined to succeed. She received international recognition with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence. Her hats are well-known in Europe and were seen at the Royal Wedding of Prince
William in the United Kingdom

GROWTH SEEN AT NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK JAMAICA LTD.—05/10/11
For the six months ending on March 31, 2011, there was a 15.3 percent growth in EPS at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd. The organization's net earnings rose from J$2.16 to J$2.49. The Board of Directors announced an interim dividend of J$0.18 for each ordinary stock unit. Interest income fell by 14.5 percent from J$17.7 billion to J$15 .1 billion

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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FACEBOOK STATISTICS SHOW ITS GLOBAL NATURE—05/10/11
A report from comScore indicates that Facebook continues to attract visitors from around the world. In March 2011, 693 million unique visitors aged 15 or older visited the social networking site from home or work. This represents an increase of 43 percent from 2010. Europe represents the largest group of users, followed by North America. The highest rate of growth was seen in the Middle East and Africa.

HEWLETT-PACKARD CREATES WI-FI WIRELESS MOUSE—05/11/11
Hewlett-Packard has announced an innovation in mouse technology. Its new mouse is the first on the market that connects to a PC wireless receiver instead of using a RF signal from a wireless USB connection. The battery in the WiFi Mobile Mouse is designed to last twice as long as a charge from Bluetooth devices and can run for up to nine months before going dead. According to HP, the mouse also matches the 30-foot receiving range of Bluetooth.

NEW SECURITY FEATURES ADDED FOR FACEBOOK USERS—05/12/11
Facebook has introduced new security features that are designed to protect the network's users from having their accounts hijacked. The site will now display warnings when users could be tricked by click-jacking and cross-site scripting attacks. Both of these attacks exploit a web browser vulnerability, and Facebook is working with browser firms to fix the underlying issues.

JAPANESE GET FIRST SMARTPHONE TO SHOOT 3D HD—05/13/11
NTT DoCoMo, a Japanese cell phone carrier, will provide a smartphone that is equipped with two cameras capable of shooting high-definition three-dimensional videos by the end of May 2011. The Aquos Phone SH-12C is made by Sharp and includes a larger screen and faster processors than the two 3D HD smartphones already on the market in Japan. These phones only shoot stills and not video. The Aquos phone is designed to compete with the G Optimus 3D expected in the summer of 2011. The phone hits the Japanese market on May 20, 2011. Pricing of the phone has not yet been announced.

GLOBAL DATABASE COULD PROVIDE WARNING OF DISASTERS—05/08/11

POLICE CONSIDER TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS TO FIGHT CRIME—05/09/11

CORT URGES CARIBBEAN NATIONS TO USE FINGERPRINT SYSTEM—05/10/11

NEVIS TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY TO OTHER ISLANDS—05/11/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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LOCAL COLLEGE STARS RECEIVE MEDALS AT PENN RELAYS—05/08/11
Carrie Russell of the University of Technology led three Jamaicans who were victorious in individual college events at the 117th Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Four Jamaicans won the college women's 100m championships, and Leaford Green won the men's 400 m hurdles. Former St. Jago High School star Melissa Ogbourne won the college women's triple jump.

SINCLAIR, ASHMEADE PERFORM IMPRESSIVELY AT INVITATIONAL—05/09/11
World-leading times were obtained by Nickel Ashmeade and Kenia Sinclair at the Jamaica International Invitational meet. Ashmeade won a personal lifetime best time in the men's 200m, while Sinclair performed well in the women's 800. Ashmeade ran 19.96 seconds to win over Steve Mullings. Sinclair clocked one minute, 58.41 seconds to bear her previous time in the event.

BOLT TO COMPLETE IN 100-METERS AT GOLDEN SPIKE—05/10/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter and world record holder, has decided to run in the 100-meter race in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia at the Golden Spike meet in May 2011. Bolt holds the world record in the 200-meters says he will compete in the 50th edition of the event, but only recently announced the distance he would run. This will be Bolt's fifth time at the meet.

YOHAN BLAKE MAY BE COMPETITION FOR BOLT—05/11/11
Jamaican Yohan Blake, 21, has run the 100 meters in 9.80 seconds and is being touted as strong competition for Usain Bolt, Olympic and world champion sprinter. Blake is generating the same kind of excitement as Bolt did in his breakthrough year in 2008. Blake made news with his run at the Jamaica Invitational, which clocked a world-leading time and a new personal best.

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“The Problem is Me”

The prayer was simple but rather profound. Eight words that zeroed in on the problem. "Dear God: I have a problem. It's me." There is no doubt that in our Western culture we are more individualistic than in other cultures. Generally speaking, things are centered on ourselves - the things we like or don't like, our desires, our needs. It is said that the three big issues facing our generation are consumerism, individualism and a sense of entitlement. Everything around us seems to reinforce that message - our individual rights to this, our individual rights to that. "What about me?" "How does this or that affect me?" "What is it in for me?" are just some of the questions we ask ourselves when faced with certain situations. It is as if we are wired for selfishness.

Not surprisingly, we take the same attitude into our spiritual lives. If we are not satisfied with what is happening in our places of worship, it’s "their problem" because our attendance is dutiful and we come only to be entertained and be served. Let someone else work with the children, including ours. Let someone else be a ministry volunteer. All of this while we sit critically of those who are giving of themselves, finding fault with what they do, how they do them, while thinking to ourselves we could do it much better. If only we had the time or the interest.

Jesus calls us to live above ourselves. In Luke 9:23-24 we read: "And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." In another instance Jesus said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal" (John 12:24-25). The words “verily, verily” underscore the importance of the truth of His Words. Though speaking of His death, we can apply the very same principle to our lives. As long as we live for ourselves, individualistically, we live alone. It is only when we die to self and start living for God and others that we bring forth much fruit.

"Dear God: I have a problem. It's me." My self, my ways, my desires, my attitudes. Isn't it time we yield to His lordship over our lives and allow Him to live through us? A time to surrender ourselves to His will and His ways? In the words of the hymn writer, “Let me lose myself and find it Lord in thee.” It is only then that our lives will be transformed from being centered on ourselves to being sweet smelling fragrances of God’s grace. How are you living?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending May 6th, 2011

Fri, 06 May 2011 16:25:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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NO NEW TAXES FOR JAMAICANS—04/30/11
According to Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Minister of Finance and Public Service, the government will not impose new taxes on citizens in order to finance a budget gap totaling $140.8 billion for 2011-2012. Instead, the gap will be filled by using the domestic market to raise $97 billion and external sources for the remaining $43.8 billion.

SEAFOOD FIRM PARTNERS WITH GOVERNMENT TO STEM LIONFISH—05/01/11
Rainforest Seafoods is partnering with the Jamaican government in attempts to control an invasion of lionfish, which is decimating the island's native fish stock. The government has encouraged Jamaicans to eat lionfish, which will save other fish and provide sustainability for Jamaica's fishing industry. Rainforest is planning an expansion of its seafood processing operation that will include lionfish. According to company CEO Brian Jardim, Jamaicans need to "eat our way" out of the problem.

CROP PRODUCTION IN JAMAICA RISES 24 PERCENT—05/02/11
According to Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture, the island grew 24 percent more crops in the first quarter of 2011 as in the same period in 2010. A total of 147,378 tons of produce was grown in the first quarter of 2011, the highest amount recorded for a single quarter period since 1999. In combination with export commodities, which include coffee, bananas, cocoa, and sugar, the agricultural sector showed an overall growth rate of 14 percent.

GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR PROMOTE LITERACY—05/03/11
Private sector and government leaders are returning to the classroom in an effort to promote literacy among the young people of Jamaica. This is part of Read Across Jamaica Day, an initiative sponsored by the Jamaica Teachers' Association. It is designed to encourage reading and literacy among the island's school students. The government hopes to have a literacy rate among Jamaicans totaling 100 percent by 2015.

JAMAICAN POLICE ON ALERT FOLLOWING DEATH OF BIN LADEN—05/03/11
Police in Jamaica were put a high alert after the United States Department of State issued a global warning about retaliation against the U.S. for the killing of Osama bin Laden, the terrorist and mastermind behind the attacks of 9/11. According to Glenmore Hinds, Jamaica's Deputy Commissioner of Police, overt and covert actions have been put in place in response to the warning.

DAVIES CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT ON PROVISIONS FOR THE POOR—05/04/11
Dr. Omar Davies, the Opposition spokesman on the topic of finance, says that the Jamaican government is not providing adequate measures to aid the poor and other vulnerable groups in its 2011-2012 budget. Davies notes that current economic conditions require the government to provide a "reprieve" for Jamaicans, but there is no attempt to mitigate their financial burdens in the budget.

CULINARY GROUP SHOWCASES FOOD FOR COMPETITION—05/05/11
The Culinary Federation of Jamaica (CFJ) showcased some of the foods that will be part of the competition at the International Culinary contest to be held in Miami, Florida. Executive chefs on the island are using local produce to highlight regional foods. The chefs have embraced the "Eat What You Grow-From Farm to the Table" campaign sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture in their competition entries.

BUSINESS SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT FOCUS ON EARLY EDUCATION—05/06/11
Business leaders in Jamaica are supporting the government's emphasis on early childhood education. Glen Christian, executive chairman of Cari-Med Ltd., agrees with other business representatives that Jamaica needs more investment in education, since it represents a strategic development tool. Christian noted his agreement with Andrew Holness, Minister of Education, who is attempting to move the focus of education efforts to early childhood, particularly in rural areas where many schools are inadequate.

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AIRLINE WORKERS CHARGED WITH DRUG SMUGGLING—04/30/11
United States federal agents arrested a dozen people at the Detroit Metro Airport and charged them with smuggling cocaine and marijuana from Jamaica. Ten employees of Delta Airlines working as baggage handlers and two associates were arrested as a result of an investigation that began in January 2010. At that time, authorities in Jamaica found 53 pounds of marijuana in a suit case placed on a Northwest Airline's flight for Detroit.

JAMAICAN POLICE TRAIN IN CANADA—05/01/11
Four police officers from Jamaica are learning new combat techniques at a training center in Edmonton, Canada. The Jamaican officers have the ability to train new recruits upon their return home. They are learning defense tactics and studying legal matters in the classroom at the Solicitor General and Public Security Staff College during a nine-week program.

JAMAICANS SEEK OPPORTUNITY IN CHINA—05/02/11
Some Jamaicans go to China as students on scholarships from the Chinese government and stay on, taking jobs as English teachers or in other organizations. While it is difficult to know how many Jamaicans reside in China, those who belong to the Caribbean Association in China (CAC) and who register at the embassy number at least 50. Even this small number of Jamaicans has had a significant impact acting as cultural ambassadors, generally through their work via CAC. Of all the Caribbean nations represented in the organization, Jamaicans represent the highest membership.

SUICIDE ATTEMPTED BY JAMAICAN IN FOREIGN PRISON—05/05/11
A boy held in custody for approximately one year in a St. Maarten's prison attempted suicide. He was in prison for living illegally on the island. The boy tried to hang himself in his cell. The teenager had been in prison custody for about a year waiting for the government in Jamaica to provide him with a passport that would permit St. Maarten authorities to deport him. He was born of Jamaican parents in St. Maarten. The law there does not automatically consider him a citizen, but rather as an illegal alien. St. Maarten authorities say there is a procedure that must be followed to obtain legal nationality.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CRITIC SAYS BOARD OF CARIBBEAN AIRLINES SHOULD BE DISMISSED—04/30/11

PUERTO RICAN BASEBALL STAR DIES AT AGE 105—05/01/11

INVESTOR SAYS CARIBBEAN "RIPE" WITH POTENTIAL—05/02/11

JAMAICA, HAITI IN DISPUTE ARISING OVER SOCCER—05/03/11

CUBA MIXING PEAS WITH COFFEE BEANS TO SAVE MONEY—05/04/11

CUBANS MOVING SLOWLY TO REFORMS—05/05/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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OBSTACLE ARISES IN AIRLINE DEAL—04/30/11
Finalization of the deal made between Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica has been delayed once again. Audley Shaw, Jamaican Minister of Finance, said that a two-week extension has been granted in order to allow the parties to resolve certain issues. The nature of the issues was not communicated, nor was another deadline set for the signing of the agreement.

CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON BUSINESS OF SPORT—05/01/11
Jamaica has decided to take its sports development role more seriously. Representatives from the island will lead a discussion on the "Business of Sport' at a conference in Kingston in early May. The conference is coordinated by Carole Beckford & Associates and Strategic Corporate Interventions. The event will include international, regional, and national participants from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and Jamaica. Government officials and sports management agencies will collaborate on finding polices to influence information sharing and more economic activity related to sports.

IMF ARRANGEMENT TO CONTINUE—05/02/11
Jamaica's government plans to extend its existing borrowing arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for another two years. The Standby Arrangement, which totals US$1/27 billion was signed in February 2010 and was to end in May 2012. Audley Shaw, Jamaica's Finance Minister, said the Cabinet had given him authorization to ask for a 24-month extension. Shaw says this represents a commitment to fiscal responsibility from the government.

POWER SUPPLY PROJECT HAS ONE BIDDER: JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE—05/03/11
The Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd. is the only bidder on a project to supply 480MW of generating capacity, according to the Office of Utilities Regulation. The firm remained the only bidder even after the imposition of a deadline extension of 30 days to accommodate additional proposals. The regulator plans to begin its evaluation to determine if the bid is responsive to the requirements of its request for proposal.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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WIKILEAKS FOUNDER CALLS FACEBOOK "APPALLING SPY MACHINE"—05/03/11
According to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, Facebook, Yahoo, and Google are tools of the United States intelligence community. Assange singled out Facebook as the prime target, noting that Facebook stores information that is especially interesting to the U.S. government for constructing dossiers on users. Facebook offers the "most comprehensive database about people," their relationships, names, addresses, and locations, and all of it can be accessed by the intelligence community.

CONSUMERS WANT INTEGRATED TECHNICAL SUPPORT, SURVEY FINDS—05/04/11
A study by Accenture, a technology consulting firm, has determined that consumers would like to turn over the support of all their devices to a single company that could provided them with integrated technical support. Sixty-three percent of so-called "super users" want a single firm to manage all their home and mobile electronics from broadband to cable. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed want help to reduce potential problems that place their data at risk or cost them significant amounts of money. Sixty-two percent want help in making their computers run faster when on the Internet.

GOOGLE, FACEBOOK MAY BUY SKYPE—05/05/11
Google and Facebook are considering the acquisition of Skype, or a joint venture with the firm. Skype's recent corporate strategy has been to encourage business-to-business activity. The negotiations are in the very early stages, so it remains unclear if anything will come of the planning as yet.

NEW 3-DIMENSIONAL TRANSISTOR STRUCTURE UNVEILED—05/06/11
Intel plans to introduce the first 3-D transistor structure into production. The structure is known as Tri-Gate. It will be used in chips made with the 22-nanometer process. Instead of forming a conducting channel on a planar surface, the new structure forms it on three sides of a three-dimensional "fin." This allows Intel to make smaller and faster chips with lower voltages, which will result in even smaller devices.

NEW DIVISION ANNOUNCED BY TECH DATA—05/02/11

GEOTHERMAL PROJECT PLANNED FOR NEVIS—05/03/11

CUSTOMERS CONTINUE TO USE SYSTEMS DESPITE DATA BREACHES—05/04/11

CEO OF SONY APOLOGIZES FOR DATA BREACH—05/05/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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JAMAICAN SPRINTER BACK ON TRACK AFTER BAN—04/30/11
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has completed a six-month ban for using a prohibited drug as treatment for a toothache. She is the current 100-meter Olympic and world champion, and has returned to competition after her ordeal. She was concerned about the reception she would receive running in the Penn Relays, but has decided to focus on running as fast as she can.

PENN RELAYS FEATURE JAMAICAN SPRINTERS—05/01/11
While more than 180 athletes from 16 countries participated in the Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Jamaican men's team was a standout. Aided by Asafa Powell, the men's team won the 4x100m relay, clocking 38.33 seconds. The team comprised Michael Frater, Nesta Carter, and Steve Mullings, in addition to Powell.

WEST INDIES WIN IN FINAL OVER PAKISTAN—05/05/11
Lendi Simmons and Ravi Rampaul performed at their top level and were instrumental in achieving a win for the West Indies over Pakistan in the final one-day international at the Guyana National Stadium. They achieved a 10-wicket win, with Simmons striking seven fours and three sixes for a career best.

FEDERATION TO GET TOUGH WITH PLAYERS ABOUT CALL-UPS—05/06/11
Football players who do not inform the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) when they decline national call-ups will find themselves sanctioned by the government entity in the future. The JFF and the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) confirmed a meeting in which they decided to make the technical infrastructure of football much stronger. The agencies also want to improve the coordination between them. Unless they have a good reason, players must respond "favorably" to the national call-ups.

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“Sweeter than Honey & the Honeycomb”

Recently I saw something rather interesting. Well, to me it was. On my morning commute, a lady across from me took out her Bible, read for two minutes, promptly closed and put it away. Then she took out one of the daily tabloids and read for the remainder of the journey. I should point out that the journey lasted about 40 minutes. Of course, there could have been all kind of reasons for the disparity in reading times. However, what made the whole thing interesting for me was that almost immediately the words of the Psalmist came to mind: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb" (Psalm 19:7-10, KJV).

The word translated "law" may be understood as meaning all that teaches us true religion, and therefore it is no exaggeration to agree with Matthew Henry that the Word of God "is of much greater benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe, or the light of the sun." When received by faith, it is more precious than gold; it is sweet to the soul, sweeter than honey. Honey is often touted not only for its sweetness and fine taste, but also for its curative (healing) effects. The honeycomb is often mentioned, for it is considered superior in flavor, sweetness, and richness to honey that has been exposed to the air for a time. It is no wonder the proverb states, "Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones” (Pr 16:24; 24:13, 14).

If the honeycomb with all its sweetness is a healing to the bones, how much more the Word of God is a healing to our spirits? Bible Commentator John Gills observes: "They [the words of God] are the means of curing the diseases of the mind; of healing wounded spirits, and broken hearts, and broken bones; they make the bones which were broken to rejoice; what heals the bones strengthens the whole man, a man's strength lying much in his bones; these strengthen the inward man, cause believers to go from strength to strength, and to hold on and persevere to the end."

Knowing the benefits of staying in the Word, it is no wonder the enemy tries to keep us away from it! It is easy to find believers who have no problem becoming engrossed in reading secular novels and other materiel while complaining they find the Bible boring or do not have the time to read it. Yet true worshippers not only take delight in reading, meditating and acting on the Word of God, they also expect the Word to change their lives. In other words, the more time we spend in the Word, the more opportunities there are for the Word to shape our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes. So let us understand that while reading is a wonderful hobby, we should not neglect the reading of the Word. Once we start to "chew" on it, we too will discover "more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."

What has been on your taste buds lately?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending April 29th, 2011

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:35:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT TO AID BANANA INDUSTRY—04/23/11
The government of Jamaica plans to match the 650,000 euros to be provided by the European Union to help the banana industry address market changes arising from globalization. Banana Board General Manager Janet Conie announced that the Board will spearhead the change initiative over a period of 18 months. The grant funding from the EU will allow the industry to access new markets.

SURVEY SHOWS JAMAICAN TEENS IN TROUBLE—04/24/11
High school students in Jamaica feel stressed out, suicidal, and bullied. They smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, and they are obese and lonely. So says a survey on students' health from the National Council on Drug Abuse. The survey also found that teens' parents are unaware of the problems facing their children. Most students surveyed said their parents do not understand their problems and don't know what their children do in their free time.

DISPUTE BETWEEN JAMAICA, BARBADOS COULD REACH HIGH COURT—04/25/11
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) may hear a case involving the alleged mistreatment of a Jamaican woman at the Barbados airport. According to Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the CCJ may be asked to rule in the dispute between the two countries. This would represent the first time the government of Jamaica takes a case to the CCJ since its establishment in 2001.

CONTRACTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE CALLS FOR ACTIONS ON CORRUPTION—04/25/11
Jamaica's Office of the Contractor General (OCG) wants more aggressive efforts to be made in battling corruption on the island. The call for stronger action came after the arrest of Suresh Kalmadi, chief organizer of the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 on charges of widespread corruption in the awarding of contracts involving the event. Kalmadi's arrest emphasized the failings of Jamaica's institutional framework to address corruption, according to the OCG.

RASTAFARIANS DEMAND GREATER RESPECT FROM GOVERNMENT—04/26/11
Bungo Isaacs, a Rastafarian elder, wants Jamaica's government to show more respect and recognition of the Rastafarian faith. Isaacs made his plea during a lecture at the University of the West Indies attended by many Rastafarians, attorneys, and students. The lecture discussed the so-called Coral Gardens Incident,, which two days of violence involved Rastafarians in 1963. The incident resulted in a crackdown on Rastas by government agents, and some were killed, imprisoned or targets of serious harassment.

PRELATE IN JAMAICA CRITICAL OF "BLASPHEMOUS" SCULPTURE—04/27/11
Archbishop Emeritus Donald Reece has been critical of the decision of a newspaper to publish a photo of what he believes to be a "blasphemous sculpture" of Jesus in its Easter Sunday edition. Reece says he cannot understand how the Observer newspaper would include a three-page "exposition" of Christ naked. Laura Facey, the artist, defended her sculpture and said she is happy that her work is sparking controversy.

SKIN BLEACHING A PROBLEM—04/28/11
Although most Jamaicans know that skin bleaching is dangerous and can lead to skin cancer, they continue with the practice, hoping to lighten the color of their skin. Most of those who perform skin bleaching use over-the-counter products, but poorer individuals tend to use cheaper products that they buy on the black market. Many such products come from West Africa. People bleach their skin in the belief that lighter skin tones lead to a better life, but in reality, long-term use of skin bleaching products has been linked to ochronosis, a condition that causes dark splotches on the skin.

NO POLITICAL BIAS IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, SAYS GOVERNMENT—04/29/11
The Jamaican government has denied that there is a political bias in the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Program (JDIP). The program, which totals US$400 million, is designed to improve roads and other infrastructure on the island. Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works, says that roads are chosen under the program on the basis of economic importance, and not because of any political connection. Opposition party members have suggested that politics influences the use of JDIP funds.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN IMAM DEPORTED FROM GERMANY—04/23/11
Abu Ameena Bilal Philips, a Jamaican-born Islamic leader, or imam, has been expelled from Germany because of certain speeches he made. In these speeches, Philips argued that homosexuals should receive the death penalty for living their lifestyle. He gave this speech to some 2,000 Muslims in Frankfurt. The law in Germany permits deportation of any individual who incites hate. While born in Jamaica, Philips grew up in Canada and was a member of the Communist Party before converting to Islam at age 25.

JAMAICAN AMBASSADOR BONDS WITH FLORIDA DIASPORA—04/24/11
Audrey P. Marks, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, has made her first official visit to Florida. While in the state, Marks met with members of the Diaspora to strengthen the ties between these individuals and Jamaicans on the home island. Marks was on a six-day tour of Florida and emphasized enhancing the relationship between Jamaica and the U.S., which has been historically amiable.

REGGAE RADIO LEGEND MAKES APPEARANCE IN SOUTH FLORIDA—04/28/11
Barry "G," Jamaica's legendary radio performer, is making a special guest appearance at the Reggae Runnin's event in South Florida. He will perform live on WHQT-FM HOT 105, where he will co-star with Tanto Irie, the host of Reggae Runnin's. Barry "G" is known as the "Godfather" of Jamaican radio, dating back to 1975.

FORMER JAMAICAN RADIO LEADER IN NY NEEDS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT—04/29/11
Brenda Letford, former vice president of Irie Jam Media/Radio, a Jamaican radio station in New York, was diagnosed with lupus in 2007. Now 36, Letford must find a kidney donor in order to claim victory over the disease. Her diagnosis was put at Stage 4 lupus, and she has been on kidney dialysis since 2008.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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COLLINS WINS THRILLING RACE—04/23/11

U.S. NAVY FLOATS HOSPITAL SHIP IN LATIN AMERICA—04/25/11

CARIBBEAN OFFICIALS TO ATTEND ROYAL WEDDING IN UK—04/26/11

CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICA TO CREATE NEW BLOC—04/27/11

BERMUDAN ENTREPRENEUR TO LAUNCH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FIRM—04/28/11

IGT MAKES AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS—04/29/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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EXPANSION OF JP BRAND PLANNED—04/23/11
JP Tropical Foods, the largest banana producer in Jamaica, was devastated by the damage caused by Tropical Storm Gustav in 2008. In 2011, the cultivation of bananas remains a mainstay of the firm's operations in St Mary, but other crops, including sweet potatoes, pineapples, and cassava, represent a growing amount of cultivated acreage. According to Jeffrey Hall, the head of Jamaica Producers Group Ltd., this expansion of the crop line is part of a plan that builds on lessons learned after Gustav. The firm decided to reinvent itself and to develop a strong branded presence in fresh produce.

BANK COACHES SMALL, MIDSIZED BUSINESSES IN PROFITABILITY—04/24/11
The National Commercial Bank (NCB) is helping more than 40 businesses in Jamaica through its business training program aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bank has partnered with ActionCOACH, a coaching company, to provide seminars on building a better business.

PUBLIC SERVICE FIRM TO "LEGITIMIZE" POWER THIEVES—04/25/11
The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) plans to reduce the number of its illegal users by 30 percent by the end of 2011. The power firm will enhance its efforts against electricity theft by attempting to bring illegal users, which number an estimated 100,000 chiefly residential users, into the fold. The firm has implemented a tamper-proof system in several areas to combat electricity theft.

TRADE UNION SAYS FORMER BAUXITE WORKERS NEED AID—04/26/11
According to the National Workers Union, former bauxite workers need financial aid from the Jamaican government to counteract the effects of job redundancies occurring as a result of the economic recession. Union president Vincent Morrison says many of the workers remain unemployed and need government aid to fulfill their basic needs.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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U.S. AIR FORCE OPENS SUPERCOMPUTER TO RESEARCHERS—04/26/11
The PlayStation 3-based supercomputer of the U.S. Air Force has been opened up for use by university researchers. The Air Force has completed its Condor Cluster, the PS3-based supercomputer, and it has been rated as among the 40 fastest computers in the world. While it was used exclusively by the Air Force to analyze images of spy plans, it is now available for additional research purposes, including artificial neural network research.

SECURITY BREACH IN PLAYSTATION 3—04/27/11
Sony is facing major litigation resulting from a leak of personal data of users of its PlayStation 3 devices. The security breach affected users and businesses alike. Critics of Sony say the company believed its security was good enough to keep out hackers, but was proved wrong. The huge breach of personal information affected over 75 million individuals worldwide, including users who stream video from Netflix or Hulu to their PS3 devices.

TOYOTA INVESTING IN WIRELESS AUTO CHARGING—04/28/11
If Toyota Motor Company has its way, users may charge their hybrid or electric vehicles wirelessly. The company has made an agreement with WiTricity to partner in a project to create wireless automotive chargers that do not require a point of contact to charge a car battery. WiTricity has developed technology that could ultimately allow plug-in vehicles to be charged just by parking near a car charger. The technology is already in development for use with consumer electronics like cell phones and laptops.

MOZILLA REVAMPS FIREFOX GRAPHICS AND JAVASCRIPT—04/29/11
Mozilla is attempting to create an improved browser by creating new Firefox engines to run JavaScript and display graphics. The new JavaScript engine is called IonMonkey, and it is designed to run web-based applications faster and with less disruption. The new graphics engine is also designed to improve performance of graphics display in the browser to make operation faster and more secure.

SOFTWARE, DIRECTORY PUBLISHERS INTEGRATE—04/24/11

NEW VISION REQUIRED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR—04/25/11

BARBADOS CLOSE TO PROVIDING FREE WI-FI TO ALL—04/28/11

COMPANY SAYS MOBILE PHONES ARE ITS FUTURE—04/29/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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GAYLE WINS WITH NEW TEAM—04/23/11
Jamaican Chris Gayle defeated his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and achieved a nine-wicket win with his new team Royal Challengers Bangalore. Gayle took some time to gauge conditions and bowlers, but ultimately unleashed an excellent performance that appeared to have a note of revenge in it, according to some observers.

PUMA AND BOLT A GREAT MATCH—04/24/11
According to Christian Maximilian Voigt, the head of global sports marketing and sports law for PUMA, Jamaican Usain Bolt represents a perfect partner for the company. Voigt believes that PUMA is very lucky to have the talented Olympic champion sprinter as a representative of the global shoe firm. Bolt is one of many internationally recognized sports legends that represent the 87-year-old firm.

JAMAICAN ATHLETES READY FOR LIME CARIFTA—04/25/11
Jamaica's team was prepared to win its 26th straight title in the Carifta games at Montego Bay Sports Complex. The games involved two sessions each day, but the team was feeling good about competing. The injury suffered by Kevaughn Robinson, who was to run in the 800 meters Under-17 class race, was a concern for head coach Leacroft Bolt, but he was hopeful of winning several gold medals during the meet.

SUNSHINE GIRLS WIN THRILLING GAME—04/27/11
Jamaica's Sunshine Girls were victorious over England, defeating the team 56-55 in the first match of the Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series at National Indoor Sport Center. The game was tense until the end, and former captain Simone Forbes, provisionally suspended for a positive doping test, had some shaky moments, but these difficulties were overcome with the win for Jamaica.

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A Matter of Standards

Have you noticed how truth seems fairly relative these days? In other words, society would have us believe that truth is whatever a person, group, or culture deem it to be and to some extent, that is true. But what about absolute truth? Things that are true regardless of time, place, or culture? Beliefs that transcend individual and collective perceptions and opinions?

To say that "all truth is relative" is self-defeating because such a statement within itself is absolute. In effect it says, "There is one absolute truth, that all truth is relative," at which point all truth would no longer be relative. The cunningness of the enemy in perpetuating the lie of relative truth extends to the Word of God, and it is not unusual for the absoluteness of divine declarations to be treated with relativism. The prevailing attitude is "that may be true for you but it isn't for me." However, authentic worshippers everywhere understand two truths: whatever is true at one time and in one place is true at all times and in all places, and whatever is true for one person is true for all people. God's Word is not true because we believe it to be true; it is true regardless of what we believe.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, on all three occasions He rebuffed the Tempter with the words, "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 6, 10). He taught the authority and complete reliability of the Bible in everything it teaches. Whether our generation accepts or rejects it or not, the Bible is still God’s Word and is inerrant in whatever it teaches. Jesus affirmed the Bible’s total inspiration, inerrancy, and indestructibility when He said, “The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35b, KJV). The Bible is still the supreme authority for Christians in all matters. It is not what we think Jesus would do or how we feel He would interpret the Scriptures, but “Thus says the Lord.”

What does all this mean for us today? Firstly, let us recognize that God stands behind His Word. Secondly, when we reject the unique, divine character of the Bible, we reject its authority, too. Thirdly, our attitudes and behaviors should not be informed by the world's standards, no matter how popular, but by the standards outlined in God's Word. The Apostle Peter reminds us that Jesus has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him (1 Peter 1:2-4). In other words, whatever He says is absolute; we don't get a vote. This is not a negative thing; rather we can rest comfortably in the knowledge that the truths of God's Word are timeless and sure. When we stand on the Word, we are not standing on something that is shifting; it is not true for someone else and not true for us. We can all lay claim to the promises of God.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday living, Which standards are you following?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending April 22nd, 2011

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:10:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE GETS $35 MILLION FROM EU—04/16/11
The organization Jamaicans for Justice has received $35 million from the European Union for a program in its Defense of Human Rights project. The organization will form a partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Stand Up for Jamaica, Rise Life Management Services, and the Independent Council for Human Rights to provide for more education, advocacy, and legal support. The goal is to enhance citizens' capacity in regard to civil rights. The project will run for 18 months.

GOVERNMENT SAYS PARLIAMENT MEMBERS "100 PERCENT" JAMAICAN—04/17/11
The Jamaican government believes that all 32 of its Parliament members are "one hundred percent Jamaican," and has invited the Opposition to expose any "aliens" in office. The action was prompted by the negative public opinion that met the announcement in March 2011 by Prime Minister Bruce Golding that five of his MPs were not eligible to see in the House.

NELSON CALLS HUMAN TRAFFICKING "CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY"—04/18/11
Dwight Nelson, Jamaica's Minister of National Security, believes that Jamaica must improve the rating it receives in the human trafficking report issued by the United States. According to the report, Jamaica is considered to be a prime source and destination for women and children subjected to human trafficking. Nelson said trafficking was a "crime against humanity," noting that most victims were poverty-stricken Jamaican women. Increasingly, boys are being trafficked as well, especially in urban and tourist areas.

FOREIGN MINISTRY "FLOODED" WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT BARBADOS—04/18/11
The Foreign Ministry of Jamaica has received hundreds of complaints from the nation's citizens that report their mistreatment at the hands of immigration officials in Barbados. The complaints were prompted by an incident involving a Jamaican woman at the Barbados airport in March 2011. Dr. Ken Baugh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, reported that Jamaicans who live in Barbados are also reporting "inappropriate" actions taken against them at Grantley Adams International Airport.

CIVICS TO RETURN TO CLASSROOMS, SAYS HOLNESS—04/19/11
Andrew Holness, Jamaica's Minister of Education, wants the subject of civics to be part of the school curriculum again. Holness believes that teaching civics is critical for developing children into solid citizens of good character. He said there is a need to improve students' behavior and that teaching the rights and duties of citizenship through civics classes, schools can help to improve the nation as a whole.

TRAFFICKING POLICE RESCUE 14 VICTIMS—04/20/11
According to a report from Dwight Nelson, Jamaica's Minister of National Security, the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the police has rescued 14 victims of human trafficking smuggled from several countries between September 2010 and March 2011. The victims, who included a minor, were brought from the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Panama, and India. Seven of the victims were females.

LOWE'S PROSTATE CANCER PROJECT EXPANDING—04/21/11
Dr. Henry Lowe is attempting to spark the creation of a new Jamaican industry by developing a line of products aimed at treating prostate cancer. Dr. Lowe will launch his ALPHA Prostate Formula 1 in the summer of 2011. His research on anti-prostate pharmaceuticals is ongoing and focuses on the Jamaican ball moss plant. He is also providing a line of "nutraceutical" products that are made from natural compounds and do not require the same kind of approval from authorities as pharmaceuticals. This means they can get on the market more rapidly.

ELECTORAL COMMISSIONI TO GET NEW POWERS—04/22/11
The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) will be able to set the boundaries of electoral divisions in the future. The Cabinet has issued its approval of legislative amendments that will provide the ECJ with this power. Daryl Vaz, the Minister with the responsibility for information, says the decision was made in response to a report from the ECJ, which recommended that the entity be given the power to establish electoral boundaries.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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SEAN KINGSTON TO PERFORM IN HARARE—04/16/11
Sean Kingston, Jamaican musician, is slated to perform in Joina City in Harare in April. He will meet his fans there, accompanied by Miss Teen Harare Liezelle Jenkins, who will be his guide in the nation's capital city. Kingston will then play a family show at the Celebration Center and a concert on Glamis Arena.

SIX MONTH SENTENCE FOR JAMAICAN MEDIA EXECUTIVE—04/18/11
Karl B. Rodney, Jamaican-born newspaper publisher and media mogul in New York, has made an agreement with the United States government to plead guilty to misleading congressional staff members. The charges stem from Rodney's participation in arranging trips for members of the U.S. Congress to attend meetings and conferences in the Caribbean. Rodney, 73, admitted that he misled the members about who was paying for the trips. He will receive a prison sentence of six months.

MARKS ADMIRES JAMAICAN INFLUENCE ON U.S. COMMUNITIES—04/19/11
Audrey Marks, Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, noted the positive contributions that the Diaspora has made on communities in the U.S. She made her remarks at a luncheon hosted by the Caribbean Bar Association of Central Florida and the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida. Marks encouraged Jamaican nationals to consider their passion for Jamaica and become involved in political decision-making in the U.S. She noted that Jamaicans have been making welcome contributions to the U.S. for over 200 years.

FARM WORKERS SUFFERING, ACCORDING TO CANADIAN RESEARCHERS—04/20/11
Many Jamaicans who migrate to Canada for employment on farms live and work in very harsh conditions. Some of these conditions result in chronic health problems, according to research conducted by Canadian scientists. Workers from Jamaica and other nations tended to develop chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other illnesses from their long-term exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. These workers are afraid to tell their employers about their illnesses, however, because they fear being sent home.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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KIDNAPPERS IN TRINIDAD DEMAND RANSOM—04/16/11

CARIBBEAN RESIDENTS DISCOVER JEWISH HERITAGE—04/17/11

DEPORTATIONS TO HAITI RESUMED BY U.S.—04/18/11

EX-WIFE OF DRUG LORD FACES MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES—04/19/11

LIBYAN INVESTMENTS IN THE CARIBBEAN THREATENED—04/20/11

MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN HAITI—04/21/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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STANBERRY PLAYS DOWN BANANA EXPORT AGREEMENT—04/16/11
Donovan Stanberry, the permanent secretary in the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture, remains optimistic about a banana export agreement he signed with the Cayman government. There are concerns among legal authorities that the agreement may be void. Stanberry says the situation is not serious and that it will be resolved soon. Since banana exports to Europe were suspended in 2008, farmers have had to look to the domestic market and other alternatives for their crops. The agreement may need to have Britain's authority before coming into force.

KINGSTON HOSTS DISPUTE RESOLUTION CONFERENCE—04/17/11
Representatives from several Caribbean countries are scheduled to attend the fifth Caribbean Conference on Dispute Resolution in Kingston at the end of April 2011. Local organizers hope to strengthen the capacity of risk communities to address disputes and improve already decreasing crime rates. The conference is called "Encouraging a Culture of Justice and Peace through Dispute Resolution: Strengthen Your Role!"

DIASPORA REPRESENTS UNTAPPED RESOURCE—04/18/11
The Jamaican Diaspora represents more than remittances and can be used for the greater good. The government is encouraging Jamaicans overseas to become more involved in the island's economy. Giving the Diaspora the ability to invest in bonds could be used to pay down the nation's expensive debt, while making the financial link between the Diaspora and island communities stronger at the same time.

FUTURE OF JAMAICA CANE PRODUCT SALES LTD. UNCERTAIN—04/19/11
According to Christopher Tufton, Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the role of the agency responsible for marketing sugar produced locally may be under threat once the industry is privatized in August 2011. Once the sector is fully privatized, says Tufton, Jamaica Cane Product Sales Ltd. will be made up of private players, and these investors will look for opportunities to brand their products and maximize their returns.

JAMAICA NEEDS INVESTMENT IN TOURISM TO MEET DEMANDS—04/20/11
Ed Bartlett, Jamaican Minister of Tourism, has challenged stakeholders in the tourism industry to meet the changing demands of their customers. He urged those in the tourism sector to develop strategies that will drive economic recovery on the island and create real wealth. The tourism industry is capable of creating more jobs as long as investments are made with an eye toward meeting consumers' demands for value and quality.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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WORLD'S LARGEST PAC-MAN GAME CREATED—04/19/11
The world's largest Pac-Man game is being developed as a promotion for Namco-Bandai, the publisher of the game. Within a week of the game development announcement, players built almost 12,000 levels. Anyone is allowed to create their own level, and then connect it to a global map showing the levels of others. All of the levels are playable, with scores ranked on a global leader board. Soap Creative designed the game as an HTML5 project for Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9.

KINDLE LENDING LIBRARY ANNOUNCED BY AMAZON—04/20/11
The Kindle from Amazon will be able to support library lending, allowing Kindle owners and users of Kindle apps to borrow ebooks from more than 11,000 local libraries. Amazon also said users will be able to annotate and highlight text in the ebooks. The content is saved and will be in the ebook if a user checks it out again. The notation capability is provide through Amazon's Whispersync technology.

IPHONE TRACKS USERS' LOCATIONS WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE—04/21/11
Alasdair Allan, a senior researcher at the University of Exeter and Pete Warden, a writer, report finding evidence that several Apple products are storing detailed information about the device user's geographic location. According to Allan and Warden, the iPhone, 3G iPad, and computer backups contain data that includes latitude, longitude, and time stamps showing where these mobile devices have been. The information is not encrypted or protected, so it can be obtained by anyone interested in getting it.

GOOGLE OFFERS CLOUD SERVICE FOR DIGITAL MAPS—04/22/11
Google plans to open its digital maps infrastructure to third parties. This will allow enterprise organizations to use the infrastructure to store and serve geospatial data to users. The service is called Google Earth Builder. The new cloud service will be available commercially in the third quarter of 2011.

DUNN SAYS JAMAICA MUST ACT TO IMPROVE INTERNET ACCESS—04/16/11

TELCELL TO OFFER FAST MOBILE BROADBAND IN ST. MAARTEN—04/18/11

BRANSON WANT TO USE PRIVATE ISLAND TO SAVE LEMURS—04/19/11

CARIBBEAN FACES TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES SAYS WORLD BANK—04/20/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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UTECH CLASSIC HOSTS BIG-NAME ATHLETES—04/16/11
The University of Technology Track and Field Classic are set to host several famous athletes at National Stadium. The stars include Asafa Powell, Shell-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Nesta Carter, Melaine Walker, and Michael Frater. The chief organizer of the event, UTech director of sport, Anthony Davis, said he was satisfied with the caliber of athletes and expects a successful meet.

JAMAICA LOSES TO CAYMAN RUGBY SQUAD—04/18/11
Jamaica lost to Cayman before a capacity crowd of fans in South Sound Rugby Ground. Cayman advances to the next round of the 2011 NACRA Men's Caribbean Championships. The Jamaican team had been characterized as "the best ever" to play in the area. The Jamaicans led 5-0 early in the match, but Cayman took control and dominated later on. The final score was 16-5.

MULLINGS LOOKS FOR PLACE ON JAMAICA'S MEN'S SPRINT TEAM—04/19/11
Steve Mullings ran a time of 9.90 seconds at Jace Lacoste Memorial Invitational Meet at Mississippi State University, beginning the battle for a place on the Jamaican's men's sprint team
for the 13th IAAF World Championships later in 2011. World champion Usain Bolt is sure of his place at the World Championship, but three spots are vacant and up for grabs. Mullings won the 100m/200m double easily and is on the way to becoming the fifth fastest Jamaican in the shorter sprint.

REGIONAL CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF SPORT—04/20/11
Jamaica will be the host to a two-day regional meeting that will focus on matters relating to the economic potential of sport. The Business of Sport conference is attracting presenters from the United Kingdom, the United States, the Caribbean, and Jamaica. Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaican Minister of Sport, and her counterpart Anil Roberts of Trinidad and Tobago, will present the government perspective and look at methods governments can use to make sport a viable industry in the Caribbean.

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"Not this man [Jesus], but Barabbas"

As Jesus stood with Pilate, Pilate looked at Him with disbelief and skepticism. How could this man be the king of the Jews as they had charged? An iterant preacher moving from place to place in the cities with people who were willing to follow Him was not a crime. More importantly, He was not a threat to Rome. He was not like the other freedom fighters the Roman army had to fight with as they tried to liberate themselves and their nation from the oppression of Roman rule. Albert Barnes in his commentary writes, "He [Pilate] regarded him, clearly, as a fanatic poor, ignorant, and deluded, but innocent and not dangerous." And so being satisfied that Jesus was not a king, at least not in the sense of which He was accused by His fellow Jews, and therefore not a threat to the establishment, Pilate declared Him innocent.

It was the custom then that at Passover one prisoner would be pardoned (John 18:38). Pilate sought to have Jesus release under this custom but the crowd would have none of it. The narrative tells us, "Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber" (v. 40). The last four words in that verse--"Now Barrabbas was a robber"--present an interesting contrast in that He was not just a robber, but one of the freedom fighters. In they eyes of the crowd shouting his name, unlike Jesus, Barrabbas had tried to do something for them. Like the other freedom fighters, he was regarded as a hero. It wasn't that long ago that Jesus was seen as such by some of these same people, for when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem for the Passover, they "took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." (John 12:13). Somewhere between then and that first Good Friday, they grew disappointed with Jesus as the promised Messiah. He failed to liberate them from the Romans and clearly had no such intentions. Faced with the choice between a freedom fighter and the Son of God, they chose the freedom fighter.

Today as we celebrate another Good Friday, we are faced with the same choice. Have we become disappointed with Jesus? Has He failed to "deliver" what we expected of Him? Did we expect that our bank accounts would always be healthy? That hardships would be a thing of the past? That our journey through this life would be easy? Because if that is what we expected when we accepted Him, then we would have missed the real reason He came into the world. John tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (3:16) and so to that end, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). He came to restore, to heal, the relationship between God and man and it was only through His sacrifical death on the cross could this be made possible.

Our outward circumstances may not reflect our inner realities. As we reflect on and celebrate the death of Jesus, let us remember there was a resurrection three days later. But today we look at the cross in the middle with much thanksgiving for in that bloody spectacle is our redemption. We should have been the ones on that cross, but He came and took our place. He paid the debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay. He paid the price on our behalf that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Like the Apostle Paul we too can say, "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

"Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man [Jesus], but Barabbas." Who is your choice?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending April 15th, 2011

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:40:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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MEADOWS LECTURES MEDIA—04/09/11
In a debate concerning the Small Committee's report on the Jamaican defamation law, Senator Dennis Meadows claimed that the media has been "infiltrated" by "undesirable" elements. These elements do not care about the public's interest, but are only serving their own agendas, said Meadows. He called for the media to protect the profession of journalism from those who served their own interests rather than those of the public.

MURDER RATE DROPS—04/10/11
According to Jamaican officials, the murder rate on the island is decreasing. However, Jamaicans for Justice, a human rights organization, noted that abuse committed by security forces and extra-judicial killings have increased in number since police and military forces have concentrated their efforts in areas with highest rates of crime. Government officials said the island's murder rate for the first three months of 2011 fell by 44 percent from the same period in 2010.

COMMISSIONER TO DISARM EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE POLICE OFFICERS—04/11/11
Police Commissioner Owen Ellington has told commanding officers to disarm any members of the police force who exhibit signs of emotional instability. His instructions were given one day after Corporal Wayne Llewellyn shot his wife and killed his mother-in-law, father-in-law, and stepdaughter before killing himself. Llewellyn was reportedly facing marital problems.

GOVERNMENT REDUCES GAS TAXES—04/12/11
The administration of Prime Minister Bruce Golding has decided to reduce the ad valorem fuel tax to ten percent, down from the previous 15 percent. The action was taken to prevent protests at the national level, according to reports. The temporary reduction will lower the price of gas by four to five dollars per liter. Before the announcement of the reduction, the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) indicated it would protest the tax in the streets.

ENDING ILLITERACY THE GOAL OF JAMAICAN FOUNDATION—04/13/11
Tools for improving the literacy rate in the schools have been provided by the Jamaica Partnership for Education (JPE), a plan sponsored by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS). The JNBS started to raise funds to eliminate illiteracy in the schools in 2009. Eight primary schools in rural areas have received computer-based "enrichment carts" and interactive software from the organization to aid in their literacy efforts.

LLEWELLYN TESTIFIES IN KERN TRIAL—04/13/11
Paula Llewellyn, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has been subpoenaed to appear in the capacity of witness in the trial examining the Cuban light bulb scandal. The trial is underway in the Corporate Area Magistrate Court. The court decided to bar Llewellyn from hearing testimony of Rodney Chin by having her removed from the courtroom. Chin is the chief prosecution witness in the corruption trial brought against Colleen Wright and Kern Spencer, former junior minister. Llewellyn said she will not comply with the court ruling, stating she cannot be barred from the courtroom.

PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATION, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORKING—04/14/11
After nine months, Jamaica's government, the Opposition party, private sector and union interests and reading to restart talks to address issues of national interest. The Private Sector Organization of Jamaica and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce both encouraged the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) and the government to begin their dialogue anew. The PNP said he still has serious concerns about meeting with the government, however.

TRAVEL TO ST. MAARTEN RESTRICTED FOR JAMAICANS—04/15/11
The government of St. Maarten has decided that Jamaican travelers will need visas to visit that nation. Roland Duncan, Minister of Justice in St. Maarten, confirmed the visa requirement but did not provide a reason for his decision. According to private sources, the new requirement is based on statistics, which show that Jamaican and Guyanese visitors overstay their entry time in St. Maarten. The new visas will be granted only for a period of three months. The government is implementing border controls to ensure its new policy is being followed.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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POLICE IN BARBADOS CHARGED WITH INDECENCY—04/10/11
Barbados police officer Jonathon Barrow has been charged with "serious indecency" for his role in the alleged sexual assault of a Jamaican woman arrested at the airport on suspicion of transporting drugs. Barrow and fellow officer Melanie Denny, faces charges of aiding and abetting the assault, were ordered to appear in court in September 2011. The arrests followed demands from the Jamaican government for Barbados to investigate the case of another Jamaican woman claiming verbal humiliation and sexual assault at the Barbados airport.

BIENNIAL DIASPORTA CONVENTION HOSTED BY JAMAICA—04/12/11
Jamaicans in the Diaspora will meet from June 15 to June 17, 2011 in Kingston at the fourth biennial Jamaican Diaspora Convention. Delegates are expected to come from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries around the world. Bruce Golding, Jamaica's Prime Minister, will be the guest speaker at the event's opening ceremony. The convention will also give the Diaspora community a chance to engage with the new minister responsible for Diaspora Affairs, Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

STUDENTS IN BELIZE ADDRESSED BY JAMAICAN PUBLISHER—04/13/11
Jamaican Shirley Carby, a Caribbean textbook publisher, lectured students on copyright issues at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Carby told the high school students attending the event that copyright aims to nurture creativity while protecting the publishing industry. Copyright is one form of intellectual property, Carby noted, and there are numerous career opportunities in the field of intellectual property, which includes industrial design, patents, folklore and traditional knowledge.

ANOTHER JAMAICAN WOMAN REPORTS MISTREATMENT IN BARBADOS—04/14/11
Donna Benjamin-McLean has come forward with allegations of abuse at the hands of Barbados authorities at Grantley Adams International Airport. Her claims stem from an incident in September 2004, but she is expressing her solidarity with Shanique Myrie, who was allegedly abused at the airport recently. Benjamin-McLean's complaint involves acts committed by airport authorities and treatment similar to that alleged by Myrie.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FIRMS TO ESTABLISH OPERATIONS IN JAMAICA—04/10/11

SPAIN, JAMAICA EXHIBIT CUBAN SOLIDARITY—04/11/11

NO BARBADOS AIRLINE MAY CREATE ROUTE TO UNITED STATES—04/12/11

RESIDENTS OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN SURPRISED BY HEAVY RAIN, FLOODS—04/13/11

ST. VINCENT GOVERNMENT ASKED TO ADDRESS BRITISH-AMERICAN ISSUE—04/14/11

T&T REPRESENTATIVES MEET TO DEBATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAW—04/15/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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LIME TO EXPAND IN REGION—04/09/11
LIME is the only full-service provider of telecommunications services in the Caribbean, and it plans to increase its regional coverage by taking over the management of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). The company received the required approvals to obtain a 51-percent stake in BTC. This means that LIME will now have 14 business units in the Caribbean, providing telecommunications services to most of the markets in which it has operations.

PEGASUS HOTEL TO BE UPGRADED—04/10/11
Quivin Holdings Limited, the new majority owner of Pegasus Hotels of Jamaica Ltd., is no longer interested in delisting the firm, but says it will do so if the mandatory offer to minority shareholders provides subscriptions above the 80 percent limit. Additionally, Kevin Hendrickson, owner of Quivin, is ready to put J$800 million into the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel to purchase its old fixtures and equipment and upgrade the hotel over the next three years. He is looking for a 25-year lease of the property in exchange, worth US$48 million by some estimates.

JPS NOW 40 PERCENT OWNED BY KOREAN COMPANY—04/11/11
The Marubeni Corporation has sold a stake in the Jamaica Public Service Company totaling 40 percent to a Korean energy firm. The deal provides for Marubeni to give up the large percentage of its holdings in the utility to Korea East West Power Company Ltd. The transaction is similar to Marubeni's deal with former partner TAQA, although the details of the arrangement have not been disclosed.

JAMAICAN JOBS CUT BY CARIBBEAN AIRLINES LTD.—04/12/11
Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL) plans to make major reductions in the number of former employees of Air Jamaica who currently work for the airline in Jamaica. CAL says it is centralizing its operations in Trinidad and Tobago. Contracts for Jamaican workers expire on April 30, 2011, and will not be renewed. This means about 300 jobs in accounting and information technology will be lost. Reservation agents have been marked for the next round of eliminations by CAL.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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BADGE IN ROBOTICS NOW AVAILABLE TO BOY SCOUTS—04/10/11
The Boy Scouts of America have decided to award a merit badge for robotics. The new badge is one of 31 science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) badges in the Boy Scout curriculum. The new STEM program's robotics badge is being offered in recognition of the growing impact of robots on society. To earn the badge, a scout must design, build, program, and test a robot; demonstrate it, share engineering notes, and either participate in a robotics competition or perform research on robotics contests.

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SAYS IPAD MORE IMPORTANT THAN BOOKS—04/11/11
The school superintendent of Auburn, Maine, Tom Morrill, believes that the iPad has become more important to students than a book. Morrill has made it possible for every student in Auburn's elementary public schools will receive a new iPad 2. Apple provided the devices to Morrill at a price of $475 each. He believes the iPad is indispensable as a learning tool.

IPHONE USED TO SEND POSTCARDS—04/12/11
Matt Brezina, the co-founder of Xobni, has introduced a product that allows users of iPhones to send physical postcards directly from the device via an app called Postagram. The application uses the API from Instagram and requires users to have an Instagram log-in. The cost of sending a postcard over the iPhone is 99 cents, which can be paid with a credit card.

FIRST PREPAID AT&T SMARTPHONE TO BE THE LG THRIVE—04/13/11
AT&T has introduced the LG Thrive smartphone. This is the first such product available on the firm's GoPhone prepaid service. The LG Thrive uses Android 2.2. It is scheduled for shipping on April 17, 2011 at a cost of $179.99. It will also require users to have a GoPhone data package for $25, $15, or $5, depending on number of megabytes. The Thrive has a 3.2-inch 320x480 touch screen, a 600 MHz processor, and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

REGULATORS CONCERNED ABOUT DIGICEL-CLARO AGREEMENT—04/09/11

GOVERMENT JOINS WITH LIME, FLOW TO PROVIDE HIGH-SPEED NETWORK—04/10/11

MOU SIGNED BETWEEN ITALY, CARICOM—04/12/11

UNIVERSITY PLANS "GREENER" TECHNOLOGY CENTER—04/13/11

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SPORTS
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BAHAMAS QUESTION JAMAICAN CHALLENGE REGARDING CARIFTA TEAM—04/09/11
Executives from the Bahamas 2011 Carifta team claim that Jamaican representatives have challenged the field, suggesting that no other nation will be winning gold medals at the junior track and field meet. According to Harrison Petty, BAAA sponsor and president of the BAAA Parents Association, Jamaica has "dared" the Bahamas to win gold and noted that this "trash talk" will be used as a catalyst to motivate the Bahamian team.

JAMAICANS PARTICIPATE IN PENN RELAYS 2011—04/10/11
The 117th Penn Relays represent one of the largest and most important sporting events for Jamaicans. Jamaicans have always had a major role in the success of the event, and Grace Foods, top food producer and distributor in the Caribbean, will continue its proud sponsorship of the 2011 games. Jamaican athletes compete with those from U.S. high schools and colleges, and yearly, many Jamaicans travel to the games to support the island's high school track heroes.

DIGICEL SERIES 2011 LAUNCHED—04/11/11
The West Indies cricket series sponsored by Digicel experienced its official launch with an event in Kingston. The event saw more than 400 guests, who included representatives of the West Indies Cricket Board, several legendary cricket players, officials from the business community, and government representatives. A film "Fire in Babylon" that showed the triumph of the West Indies cricket team over its colonial masters was shown at the event as well.

BOYS' TOWN, TIVOLI GARDENS MEET AT DIGICEL GAMES—04/14/11
The pacesetting Tivoli Gardens and Boys' Town will step up their performance at the Digicel Premier League meet. Tivoli has a three-point lead over Boys' Town in the race. However, recent results may indicate that the team from west Kingston may have lost some energy. Alvin Shaw, Tivoli assistant coach, says the team has not slowed down and is not worried about the Boys' Town rivals.

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DEVOTIONAL
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In the Hands of the Potter

One of the things I used to do as a child was to help my mother when she was baking (yes, I do know how to cook!). I liked playing with the dough and sometimes made all kinds of characters and shapes with it. When one was not to my liking, I simply crushed it up and did it all over again. I could do whatever I wanted with the dough and I only had to think about what pleased me.

Those memories came back to mind as I reflected on Jeremiah's narration of his trip to the potters house in Jeremiah 18:4-6, "And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hands, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” This was the imagery that God intended for Jeremiah to see as He sought to remind the prophet of His right to remold His people into what He intended for them to be.

In the events leading up to our text, we see a people that had gone contrary to the will of God. Of them the Lord said “They obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction” (17:23). It would be safe to say that they walked in their own ways, totally forsaking the instructions and commandments of their God. Yet, despite their rebellion and spiritual adultery, like the potter, God did not throw them away but rather sought to remold them in a manner that pleased Him. We could ask the question: “After experiencing all that the Lord had done for them, His many blessings and benefits, how could they not become the people that He intended?” As I pondered that question, I could not help but think that a significant number of us who call ourselves children of God are guilty of the same thing. As the Spirit of God seeks to direct our lives, sometimes moving us away from the things we think we need, and our respective comfort zones, we too often seek alternative paths. It is not unusual to often times walk in our own ways while keeping one eye open expecting God’s approval. Be it our choice of profession, mate, or goals in life, in the words of Frank Sinatra, we want to do it “My Way”. We want to be in control.

But God reserves the right to do what He wants to do with and in our lives. The struggle for most of us is that in wanting to do it our way, we are consciously aware that the real children of God are those that are led by His Spirit. To be led by His Spirit is to place ourselves in the hands of the Potter; to have Him mould and fashion our lives in a way that pleases Him, and in a way that will bring Him the most pleasure and glory. As we reflect on the goodness of our God, isn’t it about time that we who declare ourselves followers of Christ, yield ourselves in His hands? God desires to fellowship with us but on His terms, and the greatest prerequisite to that kind of fellowship is a yielding of body and soul. In and of ourselves, we are failures. We are prone to wander from His presence; we are prone to leave the God we love. But as clay is in the hands of the potter, so we can allow ourselves to be molded and remolded until the beauty of Jesus is seen in us. Even better is to be shaped by God in a way that will bring Him the utmost joy and pleasure. During my reflection, God reminded me that regardless of what I thought, my only purpose for being here was to declare His glory; to show forth the praises of Him who had so graciously called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

It is very difficult to not be in control. Like the clay, we have no say in the final outcome. We have no control over how often we are molded or how often we are crushed. Isaiah reminds us: “Woe unto the man that striveth with his Maker! …… Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makes thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? . . . But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (45:9, 64:8). What we do know, however, is that however He chooses to mould our lives - through sadness, disappointments, heartaches, or pleasures - when He is through, it will be a job well done and one He will approve of. Come to think of it, all that is important is His approval. Nothing else really matters.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending April 8th, 2011

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:35:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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GOLDING ADMITS MEETING "DUDUS"—04/02/11
After months of denying a request for his extradition by the United States, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding testified to having a face-to-face meeting with alleged drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Golding denied that he wanted Coke's endorsement during his political candidacy in 2006, however.

AIR JAMAICA DEAL STILL UP IN THE AIR—04/03/11
Questions continue to arise concerning the deal allegedly made between Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica. Authorities in Jamaica want the deal finalized quickly, but concerns remain in Port-of-Spain about closing the deal. According to some sources, one of the parties may be looking for a way out. Caribbean Airlines has until April 30, 2011, to walk away from the arrangement without incurring a penalty. Under the deal, Jamaica would own 16 percent of Caribbean Airlines.

GROWTH FOR OCHO RIOS, NOT FOR ST. ANN'S BAY—04/04/11
St. Ann's Bay, the capital of St. Ann, still shows slower job creation rates, business and population growth than Ocho Rios, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica. Between 1962 and 1991, St. Ann's Bay had a population growth rate of 19.8 percent, while Ocho Rios had a rate of just 3.95 percent. Statistics for 2001 indicates that St. Ann's Bay grew at a rate of 16.2 percent, while the population of Ocho Rios increased by 129 percent.

RULING POLITICAL PARTY VICTORIOUS IN BY-ELECTION—04/05/11
The party of Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding retained its majority in parliament with a win in the by-election. The election was called following the acknowledgement of a governing party legislator that he had U.S. citizenship. This was a violation of constitutional rules. Everald Warmington, Jamaica Labor Party candidate, won his election with 64 percent of the vote in St. Catherine parish. Warmington, who was born in Jamaica, only acknowledged his U.S. citizenship in March 2011. He resigned his post and gave up his American passport and joint citizenship at that time.

CHARTER OF RIGHTS IMPLEMENTED—04/06/11
Debates lasting for 16 years finally culminated in the creation of legislation to implement the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. This charter will replace Chapter III of Jamaica's constitution, since it has now been approved by Parliament. The new charter offers more complete and effective protections of the basic rights of all Jamaican citizens.

BILL ACCOMPANYING CHARTER OF RIGHTS APPROVED BY SENATE—04/07/11
The passage of the Charter of Rights Bill passed Jamaica's Senate on April 1, 2011. After the passage, the Constitutional Amendment Act, an accompanying bill, also passed. This bill amends Sections 90 and 91 of the nation's Constitution, while the Charter of Rights Bill replaces Chapter III of the Constitution. The amendment bill provides additional protections for individuals receiving the death penalty.

GROUP SAYS HUMAN RIGHTS IN JAMAICAN REMAIN "APPALLING"—04/08/11
The group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) believes that the nation still has an "appalling" record on human rights. The group cites an increase in extra-judicial killings from 253 in 2009 to nearly 400 in 2010. The JFJ's report was issued in partnership with George Washington University Law School and presented to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington D.C.
According to the JFJ, the findings in the report indicate respect for human rights has declined since the State of Emergency was issued.

GOVERNMENT SADDENED BY DEATHS—04/08/11
Mike Henry, Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works, expressed his sadness at the tragic motor accident occurring in Manchester's Christiana area. The accident resulted in the deaths of several school children. Henry said he planned to visit the accident scene and discuss the incident with the victim's family members and the community. The discussions will also touch on general road safety and the implications of major auto accidents. Three students from Holmwood Technical High School died in the accident, and 20 other Holmwood students sustained injuries when the minibus in which they traveled crashed into a wall.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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CANADA WANTS MORE TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN JAMAICA—04/05/11
JAMPRO, the national trade and investment promoter, is optimistic about the potential of increased business between Canada and Jamaica. The recent mission from Canada, which showed investors and business persons the opportunities that exist in Jamaica, brought various interests and investors together. Robert Kerr, regional manager of JAMPRO North American Regional Office based in Toronto, says the mission will lead to increased business in the near term.

JAMAICAN NATIONALS HEAD CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN STUDENT BODY—04/06/11
Danika Russell and Courtney J. Greene, both Jamaican nationals, have been selected to lead the largest representative body for Caribbean-American students in the state of Florida. Russell will be the new president of the Florida Caribbean Students Association, and Greene will be vice-president of the student body, which numbers 3,600 students. Russell is a graduate of Immaculate High School in Kingston, while Green is majoring in finance at the University of Central Florida.

JAMAICAN ENTREPRENEUR TO MEET THE POPE—04/07/11
Arnold Foote, Jamaican diplomat, advertising entrepreneur and philanthropist, has received permission for an audience with Pope Benedict XVI. Foote is president of the World Federation of Consuls, and he will be joined by the members of the group's board of directors when he visits the Vatican in May 2011. Foote says he is happy about meeting, since this is he first time that members of the Federation will be received by the Pope.

BARBADOS AUTHORITIES QUESTION POLICE IN ALLEGED ASSAULT CASE—04/08/11
High-level investigators in Barbados have questioned three police officers concerning the alleged assault on a Jamaican woman in their custody. The woman, who is from Spanish Town, St. Catherine, was arrested at the airport in Barbados in February after two kilograms of marijuana was found in her baggage. The assault allegedly occurred when she was at the Central Police Station.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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RULING AWAITED IN CASE OF DUAL-CITIZENSHIP IN DOMINICA—04/02/11

AUTHOR ADDRESSES COLD WAR PERIOD IN CARIBBEAN—04/03/11

SMITH PLEADS GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING INVESTORS—04/04/11

HAITI'S MARTELLY RECEIVES 68 PERCENT OF VOTE—04/05/11

INCREASE IN MALARIA DEATHS CONCERNS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—04/06/11

FUTURE OF CARIBBEAN REEFS FOUND IN ANCIENT CORALS—04/07/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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CREATION OF 3,000 JOBS FROM JAMAICAN TOURISM—04/02/11
Jamaica's government reports that the expanding facilities for tourism in the northwest region of the island will result in the creation of 3,000 jobs. According to Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, the expansion of the resort Grand Palladium in Lucea will add 900 new hotel suites and numerous golf courses and convention centers to the region. He also announced the opening of the Dolphin Cove attraction in Lucea. Visitors to Dolphin Cove will be able to interact personally with actual dolphins.

SAMUDA PROMOTES MORE INVESTMENT FROM TRINIDAD—04/03/11
Karl Samuda, Jamaican Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, wants to encourage more investors from Trinidad to look to Jamaica for opportunities. He made his remarks at a meeting of members of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association. Samuda said Jamaica's current administration welcomes Trinidadian investors.

$300,000 IN GRANTS TO AGRIBUSINESS ANNOUNCED—04/05/11
The Churches Cooperative Credit Union (CCCU) is focusing on Jamaica's agriculture industry in 2011 by awarding grants under its Entrepreneur's Awards Scheme to tertiary students with business plans targeting the agricultural sector. The awards will provide $300,000 to applicants who provide viable and innovative business plans with an agribusiness focus.

CHINA TO RECEIVE JAMAICAN COFFEE SHIPMENTS—04/06/11
Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture Dr. Christopher Tufton says new shipments of coffee to China will allow the island to expand its coffee production and relieve the pressures arising from dependence on a single market. The Coffee Industry Board made its first shipment of green coffee beans to China in a deal that will ultimately sell 70,000 kilograms of coffee to an Asian firm. The contract totals US$2 million and reflects Jamaica's efforts to expand its coffee market outside of Japan.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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BEGINNING OF 2011 SEES INCREASE IN MALWARE—04/05/11
In the first three months of 2011, there has been a significant increase in cyber attacks and malware, according to a Panda Security report. The firm has determined that an average of 73,000 new kinds of malware threats are released every day, a 28-percent increase in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2010.

THUNDERBIRD GROUP ABSORBED BY MOZILLA LABS—04/06/11
Mozilla announced plans to make the Thunderbird group, known as Mozilla Messaging, a part of Mozilla Labs. This is a research center, and not a profit center. Mozilla had previously hoped that the Thunderbird email software would become financially self-sufficient like the Firefox project. Mozilla will continue to develop the email program under its new organization, but its focus will be on online communications on the Web and not standalone email software products.

GOOGLE'S SEARCH DOMINANCE TO BE REVIEWED BY FTC—04/07/11
The United States Federal Trade Commission may start investigations into the dominance of Google over search on the Internet. The FTC is waiting for the U.S. Justice Department to decide if the planned acquisition b Google of ITA Software is allowable before beginning a review of the firm. ITA Software is an airline flight and ticket information provider. The deal worries other search engine firms and online travel agencies, which have claimed the deal would provide Google with a monopoly over online travel searches.

SCHOOLS IN JAMAICA TO BECOME HIGH-TECH—04/08/11
The Jamaican government has begun an ambitious initiative meant to provide high-speed Internet access in all schools, post offices, and public libraries on the island in the next year-and-half. According to Daryl Vaz, technology minister, all communities, even those in remote locations, that have public secondary or high schools, will be given Internet access capabilities. The project is designed to make it easier to provide teleconferencing services and to use teaching resources more efficiently via virtual classrooms. The five-year project is financed by the Universal Access Fund, and LIME and Flow, two telecommunications providers.

AMPER, ELANDIA INTERNATIONAL MAKE AGREEMENT—04/02/11

ICT MINISTERS FROM CARIBBEAN SEE NOVA SCOTIA BROADBAND—04/03/11

BAHAMIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM PRVATIZED—04/06/11

CAYMAN RECEIVES TECHNOLOGY TO DETECT LIGHTNING—04/07/11

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SPORTS
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TYSON GAY LOOKS FOR SPRINT LEGACY—04/04/11
Tyson Gay, American sprinter, likes to run in Jamaica, being close to Jamaican runner Veronica Campbell-Brown and her husband Omar. Gay is the only man to defeat world-record holder Usain Bolt in 2010 in Sweden. He plans to build on his past achievements, and is ready to expect more of himself in the coming competitions with Bolt.

JAMAICA ADVANCES IN CRICKET TOURNEY, BUT CONTROVERSY ARISES—04/05/11
Jamaica has qualified for the four-day tournament sponsored by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) after a semi-final against Trinidad and Tobago. The match ended with a controversial no-decision. According to WICB authorities, in such a case, the team on top during a meeting in the preliminary round would advance.

ICC CONFIRMS 10 TEAMS FOR WORLD CUP 2015—04/06/11
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), only ten teams will vie for the next two World Cup championships. The action was prompted by criticism that recent tournaments in the West Indies and India included too many teams of poor quality and took too long to play out. Haroon Lorgat, ICC chief executive, says the ICC has not yet settled on a format, but that work on this issue will begin in the near future.

MILLER REPLACES DEWAR FOR CCC FINAL—04/07/11
Nikita Miller will join the members of Jamaica's senior cricket team at the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) final in Barbados. Miller was a member of the West Indies team that left the ICC World Cup at the quarter final. Miller will replace Akeem Dewar, 19, as a member of the 13-man team.

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A Great Day to Be Alive

Every time I turn on my BlackBerry phone, I am greeted with a customized message: "It's a great day to be alive!" I had it on my previous phone as well. Why? Because it serves as a personal reminder that things could have been a whole lot worse. Stop and think about it. If God did not allow you to wake up this morning, everything else would be irrelevant. All your unfinished business would remain unfinished, your friends and family would be without whatever it was that you brought into their lives, and your purpose for being on earth would have come to an end. Consider, however, that God in His graciousness allowed you to wake up, in your right mind (even though for some of us others would say that was questionable), and so we are blessed to have at least one more day to not only do the things we want to do, and things we love to do, but equally important - to get things right with man and God if that is where we are in our lives. Another day to glorify God in everything we do.

In Psalm 118:24 the Psalmist David declares: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (KJV). We can "borrow" the verse from its original context and say this should be the attitude of every believer at the start of each new day. Yes, it is easy to take for granted the fact that we have been waking up every morning for the past twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or whatever number of years we have been doing so. We tend to somehow forget that tomorrow is promised to no one. Truth be known we have a sense of entitlement to it. How many times have we casually said to a colleague: "See you tomorrow" or "See you on Monday"? James reminds us: "Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (4:13-15). Simply put, we cannot and should not take tomorrow for granted.

Our reality is that every morning we wake up is a good reason to praise God. He didn't have to allow us that privilege. We may have gotten up with a million things on our minds and with seemingly endless chores to do, but amidst all of that let us remember none of that would matter if we had entered into our eternal sleep. So amidst the hustle and bustle, let us purpose to declare: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." Regardless of whatever you are dealing with today, it is still a great day to be alive!

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending April 1st, 2011

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:20:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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ORGANIZATION SAYS TREATY PRINCIPLES NOT EVENLY APPLIED—03/26/11
The Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) believes that the Treaty of Chaquaramas is not being applied evenly by the members of CARICOM. According to Omar Azan, president of the JMA, the treatment of Shanique Myrie at the Guntley Adams airport in Barbados was alarming. Myrie claims she was subjected to abusive and negative treatment by immigration officials at the airport because she is Jamaican. Azan believes this represents a failure of the provisions of the Treaty being applied the same way to nationals of all member states.

INVESTIGATOR SAYS JAMAICA "ROBBED" BY CORRUPTION—03/27/11
According to Greg Christie, Contractor General, there is evidence that law enforcement officials and the institutions responsible for preventing corruption in Jamaica are not effective in catching the major players driving corrosive practices in society. An independent investigator acting on behalf of the nation's parliament believes there should be a special entity created to battle corruption, saying that official graft is rampant on the island.

ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE TO BE HEARD BY CARICOM—03/28/11
Shanique Myrie, a Jamaican woman, has claimed that immigration officials in Barbados sexually and verbally abused her and then denied her entry into the country. The Jamaican government has decided to cite the incident in its complaint to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) concerning the mistreatment of Jamaican nationals by its neighboring countries. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, reported that the issue would be presented at the meeting of the Community Council in Belize. He asked Jamaicans to come forward if they feel they have been mistreated by their Caribbean neighbors.

STERN NOTES CRITICAL ROLE OF BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS—03/29/11
Michael Stern, Jamaica's Minister for Industry, Investment, and Commerce, emphasizes the critical role that business support organizations have in helping local businesses. He made his remarks at the opening of the CARIFORUM Regional Meeting of business support organizations. Stern notes that these organizations allow small and medium-sized businesses develop technical capabilities to avail themselves of current and emerging trade and business opportunities.

LAND PROGRAM HELPS JAMAICANS BECOME TITLE HOLDERS—03/29/11
Many Jamaicans have been able to become landowners due to the aid of the Land Administration and Management Program (LAMP). The program, which is now in its eleventh year of operation, is making it even easier for Jamaicans to get titles to land. The goal of the program is to end poverty and enable economic growth, as well as to develop efficient markets for land in urban and rural areas on the island. A new program will focus on the areas of St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon.

RHODES WANTS TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS TOURISM—03/30/11
Dr. Paul Rhodes, an hotelier and medical practitioner, has proposed transforming downtown Kingston into a destination for religious tourists. He says that the several churches located in the area make Kingston an under-utilized "cultural gem" of the Caribbean region. Rhodes notes that Christian heritage tourism could mean success for downtown Kingston and reports that Great Huts Hotel has partnered with Olde Jamaica Tours to provide visitors with an eight-night tour of the "church treasures" of Jamaica.

BOOK FESTIVAL ATTRACTS JAMAICAN AUTHORS—03/31/11
Literary professionals participated in the Kingston Book Festival 2012 Preview held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston. The event was sponsored by the Book Industry Association of Jamaica (BIAJ) and included authors, poets, illustrators and others who took the opportunity to display their literary interest. Attending the event were Diana McCaulay, author of Dog Heart, and Edward Seaga, author of My Life and Leadership.

JAMAICAN OFFICIALS TRAVEL TO BARBADOS TO DISCUSS ABUSE—04/01/11
A five-member team of Jamaican officials is going to Barbados to discuss the incident involving Shanique Myrie, a Jamaican woman, who claims she was mistreated by immigration workers at the Barbados airport. Authorities in Barbados have denied any wrongdoing, but Bruce Golding, Jamaica's Prime Minister, says he is not satisfied with how they explained their actions. Golding says the treatment of Caribbean visitors by officials in Barbados has long been a problem.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICANS ENRAGED BY TREATMENT OF WOMAN IN BARBADOS—03/26/11
The report citing sexual abuse of a Jamaican woman by an official at the Barbados Grantley Adams International Airport has led to anger and condemnation from Jamaica's government and public. Dwight Nelson, the island's National Security Minister, said he was outraged about the incident and intended to have discussions concerning it with ministers in Barbados. Anthony Hylton, Opposition spokesman on foreign affairs, called the woman's treatment as a "serious breach" of the Treaty of Chaquaramas and could represent criminal conduct by the airport officials.

WOMEN WRITERS' CONFERENCE TO BE HELD—03/27/11
Lovers of Caribbean literature are getting ready to attend the first Caribbean Women Writers Conference, which will be held in Brooklyn at Medgar Evers College. The conference will feature many experts participating in panel discussions on works from all Caribbean regional cultures. These include English, Creole, Dutch, French, and Spanish cultures. The event is sponsored by the English and Foreign Language departments at the college together with the Center for Women's Development and Center for Black Literature.

JAMAICAN CONSUL HANDS IN RESIGNATION—03/28/11
Marlon Gordon, Jamaica's former Honorary Consul to Barbados, has resigned in protest of the treatment of Jamaican nationals in the eastern Caribbean nation. He says his advocacy on behalf of Jamaicans cost him his job. Gordon resigned in January 2011. According to Gordon, the government of Barbados had not welcomed his position on their country's general disdain for Jamaicans. Gordon admitted that some Jamaicans cause problems in Barbados, but that is no reason for all Jamaicans to be targeted for discrimination by officials in the country.

ABBOTT OBJECTS TO PATOIS BIBLE—03/29/11
Diane Abbot, a British member of parliament of Jamaican descent, is campaigning against the Patois Bible. She has stated that she does not think Patois is a legitimate language and therefore the Bible should not be translated into it. Abbott says she cherishes the Jamaican dialect, but notes the importance of Jamaicans speaking English as their first language. English is the language of global commerce, she says, and Patois is not essentially a written language.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM MUST IMPROVE—03/26/11

AIR TRAN STOCKHOLDERS APPROVE SALE TO SOUTHWEST—03/27/11

FORMER PRESIDENT CARTER TO MEET WITH RAUL CASTRO—03/29/11

DUVALIER LEAVES HAITIAN HOSPITAL—03/30/11

FOREIGN MINISTER OF COLOMBIA VISITS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—03/31/11

FOXY BROWN MEANT TO LEAVE SHIP AT GRAND CAYMAN—04/01/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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PROFITS AT FIRST CARIBBEAN BANK DROP BY 63 PERCENT—03/26/11
The First Caribbean Bank of Jamaica saw a first-quarter drop in net profits totaling $127 million for the period ending on January 31, 2011. This represents 63 percent less than the amount recorded in the first quarter of 2009. Net interest income and total operating income rose during this period, but loan loss impairment increased significantly. According to Michael Mansoor, chairman of the bank, its performance is being impacted by the slow rate of global economic recovery.

MAGGOTTY GETS HYDROELECTRIC PLANT—03/27/11
The Jamaican Public Service Company plans to build a hydroelectric power plant in Maggotty in St. Elizabeth. The firm conducted meetings with Maggotty residents to inform them about the project. The Black River will be utilized to provide 6.3 megawatts of electric power, which will be added to the national grid, according to Clava Mantock, general manager of business support and administration for Jamaican Public Service. The plant is expected to create some 200 local jobs during its two years of construction.

SCJ HOLDINGS FAILS TO MEET REPAYMENT SCHEDULE—03/28/11
Failure to maintain a repayment schedule established in an agreement between SCJ Holdings Ltd. and Jamaica Cane Product Sales has forced SCJ to obtain a J$500 million loan facility from National Commercial Bank. The loan will provide sufficient funding to complete the sugar crop of 2010-2011. JCS is the marketing portion of the sugar industry. It will use the funds to pay sugar manufacturers on the first two shipments already sent to Tate & Lyle. This arrangement will reduce the revenue normally used to finance these payments.

HAMATY-SIMMONDS WINS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD—03/29/11
The Florida International University Alumni Association has awarded Jamaican Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, the CEO and president of Tortuga Rum Cake Company/Tortuga Imports Inc., with the Charles E. Perry Young Alumni Visionary Award. The award is presented each year in recognition of a graduate who had significantly contributed to their field of endeavor early in their careers.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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AT&T, T-MOBILE MERGER EXAMINED BY NEW YORK STATE OFFICIAL—03/29/11
Eric Schneiderman, New York's Attorney General, plans to closely examine a proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. He will analyze the merger to determine if any anti-competitive impacts will accrue to consumers or businesses in the state. The proposed acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T was announced just last week. It would result in a combination of the second-biggest wireless operator with the fourth-largest one.

ANDROID AND WINDOWS PHONE TO DOMINATE MARKET—03/30/11
A new report from IDC, a market research firm, states that Android and Windows Phone will become the dominant products in the smartphone market in the near future. Over 450 smartphones will be sold in 2011, and IDC believes that Android will represent 39.5 percent of all these shipments. This will surpass Apple's 20.9 percent market share. Windows Phone will be among the top five products shipped in 2011.

SO-CALLED ANONYMOUS DATA IS NOT TOTALLY PROTECTED—03/31/11
Privacy advocates have identified a new threat to personal data. SmartPlanet has determined that "re-identification," which is the ability to identify the real individuals behind so-called anonymous data, has become a growing problem. According to Paul Ohm former attorney with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the United States Department of Justice, notes that social media networks and sharing have made it easier to perform re-identification activity.

BASEBALL'S OPENING DAY ONLINE—04/01/11
Baseball fans can now watch their favorite teams anywhere they can get a broadband Internet connection and on nearly any digital device. MLB.TV makes it possible for fans to access local sports networks over their Internet connections. Viewers can use their smartphones or tablet PCs with high-speed WiFi connections to watch the favorite teams.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TOP WEB USER IN CARIBBEAN—03/28/11

LATIN AMERICAN OPEN SOURCE FESTVAL HOSTED BY CUBA—03/29/11

SCHOOL CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM MICROSOFT, COMMONWEALTH PLAN—03/30/11

JAMAICAN MOBILE SECTOR CONTINUES STRONG GROWTH—03/31/11

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SPORTS
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JAMAICAN OVERCOMES HARD TIMES TO WIN—03/26/11
Jamaican-born Atari Bigby, 29, overcame considerable adversity to play with the American Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers football team. Bigby plays strong safety in defense and believes his journey to the top of one of the major sports events in the world represents a significant personal achievement. Bigby has had to defend his Rastafarian beliefs many times while devoting himself to the game of football. Despite his hardships in being accepted, he was determined to play in the major football leagues and his persistence paid off with the Super Bowl win.

KINGSTON COLLEGE SETS PACE—03/30/11
Kingston College has been successful in setting the pace toward boys' supremacy in the opening day of the 2011 Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The games are being held at National Stadium. Kingston College leads with 13 points, while the defending champions Wolmer's is among the top five teams. Jerome Wilson, captain of Kingston College, took third place with a jump of 7.45 meters.

REGGAE BOYZ DEFEAT EL SALVADOR—03/31/11
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz managed to win against El Salvador despite questionable decisions by the referees and the expulsion of one of their players in a hostile game environment. The Boyz obtained a victory of 3 to 2 in what may be the first friendly international victory in Central America. Theodore Whitmore, the head coach, said the team was organized and in control and gave an overall good performance.

TORONTO SIGNS JAMAICAN DEFENDER—04/01/11
Dicoy Williams, Jamaican international defender, has been signed by the Toronto FC, reports the Major League Soccer club. Aron Winter, Toronto FC coach, noted that Williams is a solid and strong defender with many good qualities. He said Williams performed well during training but could not be signed until the team was assured of an international spot. Williams, 24, most recently played for Jamaica's Harbor View FC.

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Growing Where You Are Planted

Despite what some ministers and televangelists would have us believe, not every Christian is living on top of the proverbial mountain with everything going on in their lives the way they want it to be. Some are living with challenging circumstances: sicknesses, broken relationships, job that pay the bills but are unfulfilling, difficult bosses, unemployment, to name a few. From their vintage point, the grass is definitely greener on the other side. Unfortunately, this view often produces negative attitudes and behaviors that reflect poorly on the individual displaying them. Somewhere between feeling sorry for ourselves and our being on "the wrong side of the tracks," we have forgotten that we are God's workmanship, uniquely created and called to "declare the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9b, NIV).

It is not easy to be a good Christian when it seems nothing is going our way; when we feel that life has dumped truck loads of dirt on us. However, in those situations the perspective we miss is that because God has sovereign control over our lives, where we are is not a surprise to Him. We may be there because of things we have done and for which we are experiencing the consequences; it could be that we are on one of God's night shift, those periods of time in which He ordains a difficult path we must walk. We may not understand it, but somewhere in those experiences He is working things out for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28-29).

It is our Lord's desire that as branches on the vine we bear fruit and that those fruit remain. Jesus said to His disciples, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain" (John 15:16a, KJV). In other words, no matter where we find ourselves, our lives must bear fruit that last; we must grow where we are planted.

In John 12:24 we read, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." To focus on ourselves and where we find ourselves is not God's intent. To bear fruit means dying to self and living for others and if we truly believe we have been called, gifted, and uniquely assigned to the positions in which we find ourselves, then the time has come for us to learn how to grow in the dump. We can still praise God and allow His love and light to shine through us to impact others and bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

So while things around us might not be what we would like for them to be, let us be mindful of our attitudes. It is not by chance or by accident that we are where we are. Our sovereign God, by His divine or permissive will, has every one of us were we find ourselves for a purpose. Here every challenge is a growth opportunity; we can and must grow where we have been planted.

How much have you grown lately?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending March 25th, 2011

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 04:35:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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GOLDING SAYS U.S. FAVORED BY EXTRADITION TREATY—03/19/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding believes the extradition treaty existing between his country and the United States heavily favors the U.S., compromising the sovereignty of Jamaica. Golding made his remarks to the Manatt-Dudus commission and said the imbalance must be corrected. "Some rebalancing" is necessary because there is an "inequity" for Jamaica, he said.

CHILDREN HELD IN TERRIBLE CONDITIONS—03/20/11
A jail cell just five feet by seven feet holds 15 children aged 12 to 17 at the Freeport Police Station in Montego Bay. This station has the most juveniles in custody on the island. After the Armadale fire in 2009, the terrible conditions in which juveniles are remanded gained the attention of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who ordered that minors be transferred to correctional centers. In particular, buildings at Montpelier and Metcalfe were designated as appropriate for juvenile offenders. However, these facilities have yet to go into operation. A recent report from the Office of the Children's Advocate showed that conditions in which children are detained have not improved since Golding's order.

GORDON PECK PUSHES FOR PROSECUTION OF ABUSIVE PARENTS—03/21/11
Andrene Gordon Peck, head of Bustamante Hospital for Children's social work department, wants parents who abuse their children to be prosecuted. She also calls for a public education program meant to prevent the injuries to children treated at the hospital. In her 17 years working at Bustamante, Gordon Peck says she has never seen a parent prosecuted in a case of a child with a broken bone. More people need to be charged, she says.

US$50 MILLION FOR JAMAICA FROM IDB LOAN—03/22/11
Jamaica's government will receive US$50 million in a policy base loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The loan is meant to provide protection for basic education, health, nutrition, and early childhood development. The IDB said the money is intended to protect the island's most vulnerable population from the impact of economic downturns and to improve the effectiveness of anti-poverty programs.

JAMAICAN OFFICIAL CORRUPTION REACHES "SYSTEMIC" LEVELS—03/23/11
According to an independent investigator working for the island's parliament, a special agency should be created to battle corruption. Greg Christie, Contractor General, said there is evidence that law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions in Jamaica are not effective in catching "big fish" associated with corrupt practices. He also noted that official graft is found at "systemic" levels in Jamaica.

ARSCOTT WANTS PROTECTION FOR BAUXITE MUD LAKES—03/23/11
Noel Arscott, Member of Parliament for South West Clarendon, wants Jamaica's government to provide appropriate mechanisms to save bauxite mud lakes. He appealed for these protections after Prime Minster Bruce Golding's announcement that is a need for a new mud lake for JAMALCO, a bauxite firm. Arscott noted the problems with a breakaway mud lake in Hungary that damaged neighboring communities and said efforts must be made to protect Jamaican mud lakes.

GOLDING SAYS OFFICIALS OF U.S. HARASSED GOVERNMENT—03/24/11
Bruce Golding, Jamaica's Prime Minister, stated that officials at the United States Embassy were "belligerent" toward his government after the U.S. sought extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged drug lord. According to Golding, the charge d'affaires at the Embassy put pressure on Jamaica's justice minister to hand over Dudus during phone calls made just days after the request for extradition was received by Golding's government in August 2009.

GOLDING SAYS JLP DOES NOT HAVE TO DIVULGE EVERYTHING—03/25/11
Bruce Golding, Jamaican Prime Minister, stated that a political party does not have to reveal everything about its internal operations. He made his remarks in answer to questions from PNP attorney K.D. Knight during the Manatt-Dudus inquiry. The questions involved the hiring by the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) of the law firm of Manatt, Phelps, and Phillips.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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NY PROSECUTORS MAKE CHARGES IN DEATH OF JAMAICAN PATIENT—03/19/11
Prosecutors in New York have brought charges against medical staff members in the death of a Jamaican woman who was a psychiatric patient at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn over two years ago. According to prosecutors, a nurse and an aide at the hospital face charges of allowing Esmin Green, 49, to die on the psychiatric ward's floor. They are also charged with attempting to cover up the death. Green's death was caught on video tape from a hospital surveillance camera.

UK INTRODUCES "MEET JAMAICA 2012" PROGRAM—03/22/11
The official beginning of the Meet Jamaica 2012 program occurred at the Council House in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The program is joint public-private venture designed to increase trade between Jamaica and the UK in goods and services. It is also hoped the program will impact wider world markets as well. Jamaica plans to capitalize on the attention focused on the UK during the London Olympics in 2012.

DUDLEY LAWS, ACTIVIST, DIES—03/24/11
Dudley Laws, a community activist and freedom fighter, who was honored on March 20 by the North York Jamaican-Canadian Center, has passed after a long fight with kidney disease. Laws, who was 76 at his death, was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the United Kingdom before moving to Toronto, Canada, in 1965. He was a life-long activist, founded the Black Action Defense Committee in answer to the police shootings of a number of black men in the greater Toronto area.

UK COURT SAYS DETENTION OF JAMAICAN AN ABUSE OF POWER—03/25/11
The Supreme Court in the United Kingdom has found that the illegal detention of a Jamaican and a man from the Democratic Republic of Congo was a major abuse of power. The Jamaican, Kadian Mighty, and the Congolese man, were imprisoned illegally in 2006 under a Home Office policy pending their deportation. Mighty had been in jail for over three years on a drug charge. The high court ruled that the men should receive nominal damages totaling one pound each, reflecting the court's belief that they would have been in prison under other laws anyway.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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WARMINGTON CONDEMNED BY MEDIA GROUP IN CARIBBEAN—03/19/11

ST. MAARTEN WELCOES WORLD WAR II AIRCRAFT, PILOTS—03/20/11

2011 TRAVELING CARIBBEAN FILM SHOWCASE LAUNCHED—03/21/11

ROBERT ROSS, FOUNDER OF ROSS UNIVERSITY, DIES—03/22/11

ST. LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR—03/24/11

CARIBBEAN NATIONS TO JOIN IN FIRST TSUNAMI ALERT TEST—03/25/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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TELECOM SOLUTIONS OFFERED BY COLUMBUS—03/19/11
Columbus Business Solutions (CBS) offers high-tech communications, data storage, and data retrieval programs, along with teleconferencing solution to small and mid-sized businesses in Jamaica. An investment of US$750 million in the Caribbean will allow the firm to expand its product range for Jamaican businesses, allowing them to become more competitive.

JAMAICAN VILLAGE HOSTED AT MIAMI CONVENTION —03/20/11
The Jamaican Village, hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica, is a featured highlight at the 27th annual Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami Beach, Florida. The four-day event will allow the Port Authority to promote the new Falmouth cruise ship terminal in Trelawney.

JAMAICA CONSIDERING DIVESTMENT—03/21/11
According to Jamaican officials, the government of the island wants to privatize several key businesses, including airports and Blue Mountain coffee, the largest exporter in the country. Karl Samuda, Jamaica's minister of industry, said his country's economic growth is expected to increase from the flat numbers currently measured.

JAMAICA TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MOBILE FINANCIAL SERVICES EXPERT—03/22/11
One of the most experienced and well-respected strategic business consultants, Carl Rosenquist, will visit Jamaica in March to conduct several consultations with regulators and policymakers in the telecommunications and financial industries. He will help to define the best approach for delivering mobile commerce and mobile financial services in Jamaica.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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AT&T TO BUY T-MOBILE USA—03/20/11
AT&T is reportedly purchasing T-Mobile USA. AT&T will pay $39 billion for the company in a deal approved by the boards of both firms. T-Mobile has a unique AWS band for 3G, but may decide to use the frequencies of AT&T. T-Mobile has a faster HSPA network than AT&T. Experts believe that LTE will become a major focus for the companies as they compete with Verizon to be the top wireless provider in the United States.

WISCONSIN STUDENTS JOIN NERVE CELLS, SEMICONDUCTOR TUBES—03/23/11
In a groundbreaking project, graduate students at the University of Wisconsin in Madison say they have been successful in getting nerve cell tendrils to grow through tubes constructed of semiconductor materials. The technology could be used one day to re-grow nerve cells damaged by illness or injury. It could also result in better brain-computer interfacing.

SOUTH KOREA PROPOSES LAW TO PREVENT ZOMBIE PC USE—03/24/11
The proposed Zombie PC Prevention Bill in South Korea is designed to battle botnets by requiring PC users to implement security software. However, the proposed bill would allow a "back door" to exist, so the government could examine business details and other information of users and firms that do not comply with the mandatory software requirement.

MOBILE BANKING CONTINUES TO GROW—03/25/11
More people are accessing bank and brokerage accounts via mobile devices than ever before. In the fourth quarter of 2010, the number of individuals taking such action increased by 54 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, according to ComScore. In the fourth quarter of 2010, nearly 30 million Americans used cell phones and other mobile devices to access their bank and brokerage accounts. Nearly 19 million accessed these account through a mobile browser.

CELL PHONES, SOCIAL MEDIA USED TO FIGHT CHRONIC DISEASE—03/21/11

NETBOSS TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES RESELLER AGREEMENT—03/22/11

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO SHOWCASE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY—03/23/11

ST. KITTS TO REVIEW GAPS IN INFORMATION TECH INFRASTRUCTURE—03/24/11

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SPORTS
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MAN WHO "STARTED" BOLT HOPES FOR NEW RECORD FROM SPRINTER—03/19/11
Alan Bell is the man who fired the gun that started Usain Bolt in the 100 meters at the Berlin World Championship two years ago. Bolt's time astonished onlookers as he ran the race in 9.58 seconds. Now, Bell is preparing to start Bolt again when he officiates at the World Championships in Korea in August 2011. He is hoping that Bolt will break his own record this year.

JAMAICAN TO PLAY FOR CHARLESTON BATTERY—03/22/11
The Charleston Battery Football Club has made an agreement with Dane Kelly, Jamaican forward, for the coming USL professional season. Kelly will join the Battery from Digicel Premier League Tivoli Gardens. According to head coach Mike Anhaeuser, Kelly is a great prospect because he is young and has much potential.

POWELL, BOLT TO RACE IN ROME—03/24/11
Jamaicans Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt will competed against each other in the 100-meter race in the third leg of the Diamond League to be held at Olympic Stadium in Rome, Italy. Powell's participation in the event has been confirmed recently, while Bolt said he would join the event in January 2011. Bolt has beaten Powell eight times, while Powell has been victorious against Bolt only once.

WHITMORE SAYS REGGAE BOYZ ARE READY—03/25/11
Theodore "Tappa" Whitmore, the national senior football team head coach, says the Reggae Boyz are ready for a friendly international versus Venezuela at Catherine Hall in St. James. The team held an intense fitness session in Jarrett Park, after which Whitmore said the session went well and he was pleased with the Boyz performance. Whitmore expects Venezuela to play in a Latin American style similar to Brazil.

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No More Strangers

Being close to someone we love is a wonderful feeling. Being close to someone who loves us is also wonderful. What feeling then describes being close to the Someone who broke down the wall of partition that stood between us and God? Who gave His life so that we might live?

In the book of Ephesians, Paul speaks of the uniting of Jews and Gentiles into the church, the body of Christ. He reminds the non-Jewish Christians, i.e. the Gentiles, of their original state: "In time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others" (2:2-3, KJV). He continues, "Remember that at one time you were Gentiles (heathens) in the flesh, called Uncircumcision by those who called themselves Circumcision, [itself a mere mark] in the flesh made by human hands. [Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the [Messianic] promise [with no knowledge of or right in God's agreements, His covenants]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God" (vv. 11-12, The Amplified).

With no hope and without God? Perish the thought! Definitely not the position to be in. The worst thing about it is that there was absolutely nothing that any Gentile, including us, could do about our sorry condition. But thanks be to God the story did not stop there for the Apostle affirms, "But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been brought near. . . . Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's [own] household" (v.14, 19). In other words, we are no longer on the outside looking in; we have been grafted into the family with full access, rights and privileges. Our relationship with God can now be one of intimacy, one of closeness. As the hen gathers her chickens under her wings, so our Heavenly Father draws us close to Himself. And there are no words to describe that feeling.

How close are you to the Father?

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending March 18th, 2011

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:15:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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GOLDING WAITS FOR INFORMATION FROM JAPAN—03/12/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding expressed his concern about Jamaicans who live in Japan and was awaiting word about them after the major earthquake and tsunami that occurred in the country. Golding said he was attempting to contact Claudia Barnes, Jamaica's ambassador in Japan, to find out about her safety and the safety of other Jamaicans living there.

SPANISH TOWN GANGSTERS USE CHURCH AS COVER DURING ATTACK—03/13/11
According to police investigators, one of the worst criminal gangs in Jamaica is taking more than $400 million per year from its activities. The Clansman gang is based in Spanish Town. Most of the gang's wealth derives from extortion and contract killing. It was responsible for a recent attack on a police station in Spanish Town.

RADIO PROGRAM DISCONTINUED—03/14/11
Nationwide News Network has been told by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica to stop transmitting the program called "Ragashanti Live." The station also had to take required steps to make its programming conform to its public service license and broadcasting regulations. The directive was made after a number of complaints about the program from the public and after its own review, which was conducted between February 7 and March 2, 2011.

HOSPITAL INVADED BY GUNMEN NOW PATROLLED BY POLICE—03/14/11
A public hospital in Jamaica was invaded by gunmen, but it has been put under 24-hour police patrols. Spanish Town Hospital reported that the patrols are designed to protect its staff members and patients. According to Dwight Nelson, National Security Minister, the patrols will remain in place as long as they are needed and warned gangsters that any future attacks on the hospital will be undertaken "at their own peril."

20 PERCENT OF JAMAICA'S POPULATION LIVES IN POVERTY—03/15/11
According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the nation's poverty level passed 20 percent in 2010, an increase from 16.5 percent in 2009. In 2007, 9.9 percent of the population lived in poverty. Economic conditions in Jamaica are characterized by rising poverty levels, according to a report from the Institute, which attributes the cause to fiscal stabilization measures, extreme weather conditions in 2010, and May 2011 civil unrest.

MOTORISTS IN JAMAICA TO RECEIVE GAS PRICE REDUCTION—03/16/11
Petrojam, Jamaica's state-owned oil refinery, announced gas price reductions for the first time in six weeks. Prices for a liter of E10-87 and E10-90 gas have been lowered by 30 cents. The decrease is the result of changes in U.S. Gulf Reference prices. Diesel oil, propane cooking gas, kerosene, and butane will also see lower prices.

FOREIGN MINISTRY FINDS JAMAICANS IN JAPAN—03/17/11
Claudia Barnes, Jamaica's ambassador to Japan, reports that all 250 Jamaicans who live in Japan have been contacted. All are safe after the 9.0 earthquake and devastating tsunami that occurred in Japan. Fifty-five Jamaicans who are participating in the Jamaica-Japan partnership program are among the 250 contacted.

BANTON TO WAIT ADDITIONAL TIME FOR SENTENCING—03/18/11
Federal judge James S. Moody has decided, without explanation, to delay the sentencing of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton from June 16, 2011, to June 23, 2011. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, could receive 20 years in prison after being found guilty to three charges relating to cocaine. Banton was acquitted of a firearms charge.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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SAMUDA IN LONDON ON INVESTMENT MISSION—03/15/11
Jamaica's Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda, is traveling to London on a trade and investment mission designed to encourage demand for Jamaica's product on the international market. Samuda also wants to generate new direct foreign investments and develop partnerships among stakeholders in the United Kingdom and Jamaica.

"GHETTOUT," JAMAICAN HIT PLAY, PERFORMED IN SOUTH FLORIDA—03/16/11
The Sunshine Theater Company and Stages Production are presenting the hit Jamaican comedy called "GhettOut" in April 2011. The play is written by Michael Denton and involves a murder mystery combined with comedy entertainment. According to Bunny Allen, the chairman of Stages Productions, there is a strong demand for this type of show locally and overseas. More people have seen this play than any other Jamaican play to date, Allen said.

ELEPHANT MAN REPLACES IN NAIROBI CONCERT—03/17/11
Organizers of an Easter concert in Nairobi, Kenya, replaced Elephant Man with Busy Signal when Elephant Man reported he would not be part of the performance because he received a better offer to perform in the United States. The concert will also feature other Jamaican artistes. Busy Signal is popular in Kenya, said representatives from Fishborne Entertainment.

LONDON FOOD EXPO TO FEATURE JAMAICA DAY—03/18/11
The International Food and Drink Expo in London celebrated Jamaica Day on March 15, 2011. Jamaica was the featured nation on the "Meet the World" stage at the all-day event. Colin Brown, Jamaican chef based in the UK, and famous storyteller Joan Andrea Hutchinson were also featured at the Expo.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN WORRED ABOUT TSUNAMI WARNING—03/13/11

CARIBBEAN TOURIST OFFICIALS WANT EUROPEAN CONCESSIONS—03/14/11

TOURISM MINISTER OF ST. LUCIA APOLOGIZES TO GAY TOURISTS—03/15/11

VENEZUELA TO STOP NUCLEAR PLANS AFTER JAPAN TRAGEDY—03/16/11

PORT OF TAMPA TO BEGIN CAR FERRY SERVICE TO CUBA—03/17/11

ARISTIDE TO RETURN TO HAITI, ENDS EXILE IN SOUTH AFRICA—03/18/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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CLARO-JAMAICA ACQUIRED BY DIGICEL—03/12/11
Digicel, Jamaica's premier mobile service provider, has announced an agreement with America Movil to acquire that company's Claro business on the island. The financial terms of the agreement remain secret, but will involve a net cash payment to Digicel. The deal means that Digicel will provide its businesses to El Salvador and Honduras, maintaining its dominance in the Caribbean without having to worry about Movil.

WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS GET $113 MILLION FROM NCB—03/13/11
Jamaica's National Commercial Bank is making $113 million in sponsorship funding to the support of women-owned and operated developing businesses. Another $100 million will be provided by the bank to support loans. The arrangement involves a partnership with the Women Business Owners of Jamaica Ltd. (WBO) and will run for three years. The program will provide training opportunities for women.

JAMAICAN DENIS O'BRIEN HAS NET WORTH OF MORE THAN US$4 BILLION—03/14/11
Denis O'Brien, the founder and chairman of Digicel, has watched his net worth increase to US$4.2 billion. He is now 254th on the Forbes rich list, moving up four spots from his previous ranking at 458. O'Brien, 52, has grown the Digicel businesses to 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific.

CARIBBEAN PROMOTED BY T&T, JAMAICA PARTNERSHIP—03/17/11
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will join their efforts to promote the Caribbean region at London's Olympic Games in 2012. The partnership agreement provides for a team to represent major groups and organizations in the region in a general campaign known as "Caribbean Calling." The program seeks to enhance the Caribbean's profile on the international tourism and business stages.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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NORWEGIANS VISUALIXZE WI-FI SIGNALS VIA LIGHT-PAINTING—03/12/11
Timo Arnall, Jorn Knutsen, and Einar Sneve Martinussen of Oslo, Norway's School of Architecture and Design are using light-painting to make the invisible Wi-Fi signals in the city easy to visualize. They use the light-painting with long-exposure photography. The researchers have made a documentary called "Immaterials" that depicts the Wi-Fi light painting powered by a 13-foot "measuring rod" with 80 lights designed to illuminate various levels that correspond to signal strength.

MILITARY OFFICIALS IN U.S. WANT FACEBOOK "PHANTOM ARMY"—03/16/11
The military in the United States has provided funding for a software project that will create fake Facebook profiles. The fake profiles are designed to counter foreign enemy propaganda. Commander Bill Speaks, spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command, the agency with oversight of military operations in Asia and the Middle East, provided information about the project. A company in California is creating an application that is designed to influence conversations occurring on social media among people speaking languages other than English.

SCIENCE MAKES USE OF OLD X-RAY MACHINE—03/17/11
Researchers in the Netherlands are using an x-ray machine from 1895 and compared it to machines available today. They noted that images have gotten sharper over the years. The original x-ray machine was constructed by a local doctor and educator 116 years ago. It was discovered in a warehouse and cleaned up by Maastricht University Medical Center researchers. Modern x-ray machines use 1,500 times less radiation to make images than the old version.

AMAZON TO OPEN APP STORE—03/18/11
Amazon is likely to present significant competition to Android when it opens its new app store. The highly anticipated distribution center from Amazon will be the Google store's major rival.

Android users checked out the apps stores and found most apps available for just pennies. Prices at Amazon were about half of Google's prices for the same products.

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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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DIGICEL-CLARO DEAL COULD HARM TELECOM CONSUMERS—03/13/11

3GPP LEADS CARIBBEAN, LATIN AMERICAN MARKETS—03/14/11

MOBILE MARKET IN CARIBBEAN INCREASING—03/15/11

ISSUES AT TELEBERMUDA IMPACT VOICE SERVICES—03/16/11

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SPORTS
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GARDNER TO SHOW COYLE HIS VALUE—03/12/11
Ricardo Gardner has joined the Preston North End team as a midfielder. With this move, he ends 13 years of service at the Wanderers to join first-team football at Deepdale in the United Kingdom. He is recovering from a knee problem. Gardner played against Leeds just a few hours after joining his new team.

CARIBBEAN ATHLETES SHOW MIXED PERFORMANCE AT NCAA INDOOR—03/13/11
Keiron Stewart and Andrew Riley performed well in the 60-meter hurdles at the NCAA D1 Indoor Championships in Texas. Stewart ran the competition at 7.76 seconds. Kierre Beckles of Barbados did not make the final cut after running a time of 8.23 seconds in the women's 60-meter hurdles.

JAMAICAN TRACK STARS TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERCOL COMPETITION—03/16/11
Anneisha McLaughlin and other national representatives plan to compete in the 2011 Intercol Track and Field Champs at Usain Bolt Track and the University of the West Indies at the end of March. In addition to McLaughlin, Selcia Slack, Winston Barnes, and Darrion Bent will participate. The competition is special in 2011 because this is the 50th anniversary of intercol.

REGGAE BOYZ WIN AGAINST BRAZIL IN PRACTICE MATCH—03/17/11
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, the Under-20 team, showed how impressive they can be when they defeated the Brazilian counterparts, the Sociedad Esportive Palmeirihna, at the Traffic Football Academy. The Jamaicans began the scoring with an effort by Marvin Morgan after 35 minutes. The Boyz won the match with a score of 2-0.

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Staying Committed

It is difficult, if not almost impossible, to walk away from a very good thing. People who find themselves in such situations, whether in a relationship, a career, or whatever else, usually cherish the experiences. Perhaps the relationships are the most fulfilling. To know and be known to the point where words seem unnecessary for communication; where the person we are with seem to know our thoughts and are able to complete our sentences. They feel our hurts even when we try to hide it from them; they are in tune with our feelings. All of this is mutual of course, for if the relationship is one-sided it is not much fun.

I like to think that as David reflected on the sheep-Shepherd relationship, the "intimacy" was not lost on him. The Shepherd knows the sheep and the sheep knows the Shepherd. The Shepherd gently leads His sheep over mountains and valleys, protecting them from all kinds of danger. He provides safe pastures for feeding and still waters for rest and refreshing. He takes care of the bruises that come with the journey, checking each sheep individually and pouring in the oil when needed. After a long day, He provides an overflowing cup from which each sheep drinks; not rationed amounts but enough until it is satisfied.

The sheep trust their Shepherd. They "know" that He will do everything in His power to ensure their welfare. Despite the tendency to wander, they are never out of the Shepherd's sight. Even if one goes astray, the Shepherd will secure the others and go looking for the one that strayed. In today's parlance, they have it good. It is no wonder therefore, that David closes his psalm with the words, "And through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place" (Psalm 23:6b, The Amplified). Where else would he go? Who else could take care of him the way the LORD, his Shepherd, could and would? This was the same Psalmist who said in another place, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11, KVJ).

Like David, we too can experience the richness and intimacy of our relationship with our Shepherd. It starts with trusting Him with the things that pertains to us; to abandon ourselves in absolute surrender to His care. That is not an easy thing to do because like sheep we do not always know what is best for us. But our Shepherd can be trusted. There is no one like Him and if we allow Him to, He will lead us home - safely.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending March 11th, 2011

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:00:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN DRIVERS TO FACE MORE BREATHALYZER TESTING—03/05/11
Owen Ellington, commissioner of police in Jamaica, has decided that breathalyzer tests must be given every time there is a motor vehicle crash, a road block, or a speed check. He issued his order following a number of meetings with the National Road Safety Council.

GOLDING TO PRESENT "BOMBSHELL" IN DUDUS CASE—03/06/11
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding is set to take center stage at the commission of enquiry investigating the Dudus/Manatt charges. Golding says he is "eager" to give witness testimony to the commission, and he warned that what he has to say will be "explosive." His comments are expected to take aim at the Opposition People's National Party, particularly its lead lawyer, K.D. Knight.

"WAY OUT" PROJECT TO BENEFIT WOMEN OF JAMAICA—03/07/11
Economic benefits could be on the way for thousands of women in Jamaica as a result of a new government program. The program, "The Way Out: Jamaican Women's Political and Economic Empowerment," is set for launch on March 8, 2011, which is International Women's Day. It will focus on education and training that will lead to better jobs for women. Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, and Lade Allen, wife of the Governor General, along with Donna Parchment Brown, CEO of the Dispute Resolution Foundation, will speak at an event scheduled for the project's launch.

GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS ITS ROLE REGARDING ENERGY WASTE—03/08/11
According to Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, his government has is not ruling out the imposition of a tax on imported electrical equipment that is inefficient in operation and wastes energy. He made his remarks at the commissioning ceremony for nine new wind turbine generators at Wigton Windfarm. He has instructed government ministers to review the idea of using taxes to encourage the purchase of more energy-efficient equipment.

PHILLIPS FACES CENSURE MOTION—03/08/11
Dr. Peter Phillips is facing a censure motion brought against him by Gregory Mair, North East St. Catherine Member of Parliament. The motion involves the way in which Phillips signed to Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the government of Jamaica. Phillips signed these memoranda in 2004 with representatives from the United Kingdom and United States at the time he was the national security minister. The MOUs permit information to be shared among the countries in order to combat international crime. The issue has been an important part of the Dudus/Manatt investigation.

LIGHTBOURNE SAYS SHE IS UNAWARD OF COKE LOBBY—03/09/11
Dorothy Lightbourne, Jamaica's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, testified in the Dudus/Manatt enquiry that she was ignorant of issues relating to the hiring of a law firm to fight the extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the United States on drug and weapons charges. Lightbourne said she did not know about the authorization received by a Los Angeles law firm to fight the Coke extradition. Coke has been linked to the Jamaica Labor Party.

JAMAICAN WORKER CHARGED WITH TERRORISM—03/10/11
David Bernard, 46, has the distinction to be the first Jamaican charged with terrorism by the Organized Crime Investigation Division under the Terrorism Prevention Act. Bernard works in a restaurant at Norman Manley International Airport. The charges stem from a call to the Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division, which alleged that a worker at an airport duty-free shop planned to put explosives on an American Airlines aircraft. After investigation, police determined that the charges resulted from a personal vendetta against the employee.

HENRY WANTS TO AVOID PROTESTS IN TRELAWNY—03/11/11
Mike Henry, Jamaican Minister of Transport and Works, has called for the residents of northwest Trelawny to eliminate their plans to protest bad road conditions with road-blocking demonstrations. Henry believes the protests could have a negative impact on the cruise industry at Falmouth, imposing travel barriers to ship passengers scheduled in visit Trelawney parish.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN WRITERS SHARE IDEAS IN BLACK HISTORY MONTH—03/05/11
Three Jamaican authors now living in Canada joined together to present their views during Black History Month 2011. Olive Senior, Lorna Goodison, and Pamela Mordecai have, between them, hundreds of fiction and non-fiction titles to their credit. They participated in a special Black History Month series event at the Toronto Public Library moderated by Donna Bailey Nurse, writer and critic, to discuss their careers.

JAMAICANS PARTICIPATE IN FLORIDA CLAY SHOOTING COMPETITION—03/06/11
Members of the Jamaica Skeet Club performed well at the yearly Seminole Cup clay shooting competition in Central Florida. Overall performance leader Bruce Duquesnay placed in the top 35 of a field of 500 international competitors. According to his coach, Khaleel Azan, Duquesnay won three B-class events, showing a "major talent" because Jamaicans shoot fewer targets per year than U.S. or UK shooters. Shooters in the U.S. and UK shoot about 10,000 targets each year, compared to 1,500 for Jamaicans.

JAMAICAN-BORN DOCTOR WORKS ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE—03/07/11
Born in Kingston and now living in Florida, Dr. Linda Jane Chen credits St. Hugh's High School for Girls and Campion College for her success. Chen studied in England and at the University of Miami, and then got a medical degree from the School of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin. She is now assistant professor of clinical surgery at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. She is also the director of the Live Donor Kidney Transplant program. She is a board-certified surgeon.

JAMAICAN RECEIVES HIGHEST CATHOLIC AWARD GIVEN TO LAYPERSON—03/08/11
Sydney McFarlane, who was born in Jamaica and not lives in the United Kingdom, has received the highest honor a layperson can get from the Catholic Church. Bishop of Nottingham Malcolm McMahon recommended McFarlane for the award of the Benemerenti Medal. Pope Benedict XVI made the award in recognition of McFarlane's 20-plus years of service to a counseling service charity operated by members of the Church known as Marriage Care. McFarlane attended St. Aloysius Primary School in Kingston and was an altar boy at Holy Trinity Cathedral before moving to the United Kingdom in 1955.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CHAVEZ OF VENEZUELA THANKED BY SEAN PENN—03/05/11

CARIBBEAN REGION A MAJOR TRANSIT LOCATION FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS—03/06/11

CANDIDATE FOR HAITIAN PRESIDENCY VISITS FLORIDA—03/07/11

FOUR-STAR HOTEL ON TAP FOR DOMINICA—03/08/11

CARIBBEAN TOURIST GROUP WORRIED ABOUT CRUISE BUSINESS—03/09/11

FIDEL CASTRO GETS 100,000 FOLLOWERS TO TWITTER—03/10/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN FIRMS ENCOURAGED TO ADOPT ROADWAYS—03/07/11
The Jamaican government wants businesses on the island to help with road maintenance by participating in the Adopt-A-Roadway program. As an example, a two-year contract for landscaping and maintaining part of the Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston was signed by Sampars Cash and Carry. The program is run by the Tourism Product Development Company Ltd. and the National Solid Waste Management Authority.

JAMAICA'S FRIENDLY INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT LAUDED BY U.S. FIRM—03/08/11
Efforts by Jamaica's government to provide a legislative and fiscal environment that is attractive to investors obtained strong support from a large U.S.-based law firm, Baker and McKenzie. Simon P. Beck, principal partner of the firm with responsibilities for global wealth management, praised the Jamaican government for positioning the nation as a prime destination for investment.

ORGANIZATION OFFERS TO MENTOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS—03/09/11
Women Business Owners (WBO) Jamaica Ltd., which includes some of the leading business women on the island, is launching a national project to benefit 300 women entrepreneurs. The organization's project is funded by the Multi-Lateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank. It will run for three years and be called Strengthening and Promoting Women Entrepreneurs in Jamaica. It will offer business training and mentor each of the 300 women individually by working with them at their businesses to ensure its growth.

HIGHER PRODUCTION RATES SET FOR NORANDA BAUXITE—03/10/11
Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners estimates that it will reach record production levels in 2012. Pansy Johnson, president of the company, says that 2011 is expected to be challenging for the firm, which is based in St. Ann, but production of bauxite will increase by some 20 percent to a minimum or 5.1 million tons in 2012.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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MICROSOFT THE LOSER AS ANDROID PASSES RIM—03/08/11
Microsoft had eight percent of the mobile operating system market as of January 2011, a decrease of 1.7 percent from October 2010. Comparatively, Android's share of the market rose 7.7 percent, and RIM and HP/Palm also fell. RIM dropped 3.5 percent in October 2010 and 5.4 percent in January 2011. Microsoft has a poor record in the mobile market overall and is still recovering from the failure of its KIN cell phones. And the Window Phone 7 OS is not performing well. In general, Microsoft is losing the fight for mobile phone dominance to Android.

NEW FIREFOX 4 RELEASE CANDIDATE AVAILABLE—03/09/11
The new release candidate for Firefox Version 4 can now be downloaded for the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is out of beta and is available in over 70 languages. Millions of users testing the new version will join to validate new features and test the stability and HTML 5 capabilities of Firefox 4.

SETI WANTS INDIVIDUALS TO HELP WITH HUNT FOR EXTRATERRESTRIALS—03/10/11
The director of the SETI Institute, Jill Tartar, wants individuals to use their smart phones to help the organization search for intelligent life in the universe. A private beta test of SetiQuest Explorer has begun, and the Institute hopes that hobbyist astronomers will help it perform tasks that cannot be done well by computer technology. The new mobile app allows users to search for signs of ETs. The app runs on Android 2.2 and will be available for iPhones in the summer of 2011. Desktop computers running Flash Player 10.2 can also use the app.

SMART GRIDS SOON TO GRACE FLORIDA AND CAROLINAS—03/11/11
Progress Energy plans to put $500 million toward upgrading two electric utilities in Florida and in North and South Carolina to a smart-grid system. The two utilities provide electric power to more than 3.1 million customers. The upgrade will be funded with $200 million from the United States Department of Energy via a grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The project will help efforts of IBM to create a greater presence in the potentially significant industry of smart-grid analytics. Progress Energy will use WebSphere software from IBM to install and implement the smart-grid systems.

FERNANDEZ DISCUSSES TECHNOLOGY WITH EXECUTIVES OF DELL—03/05/11

UTS CUSTOMERS GET HIGH-SPEED DATA SERVICES—03/07/11

LIME MAKES DEAL WITH TAXI DRIVERS—03/08/11

ADACEL PROVIDES CURACAO WITH AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATION—03/09/11

Visit Caribbeantopnews.com for the weekly Caribbean News Summary, Caribbean Events & Announcements and Caribbean Recipes.

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SPORTS
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YOUNG REGGAE BOYZ ARRIVE IN BRAZIL—03/05/11
The Young Reggae Boyz, Jamaica's Under-20 football team, has arrived in Sao Paolo, Brazil for a three-week training program. They had a nine-hour flight from Miami to Brazil, but showed few signs of fatigue, and shortly after their arrival, went to the training facility at Traffic Academy where they conducted their first workout. While the team's doctor, Carlton Fraser, believes they should have had a day of rest, he was amazed at their energy and enthusiasm during the workout.

BOLT TO RUN IN MONACO—03/06/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's Olympic and world sprint champion, has decided to run the 100 meters at Louis II Stadium in Monaco on July 22, 2011. According to Bolt, he is looking forward to running in that nation for the first time. Bolt accepted a personal invitation from Monaco's Prince Albert II, who is president of the Monaco Athletics Federation.

JAMAICA MOVES TO HIGH FIFA RANKING—03/10/11
Jamaica has continued its position at the top of the rankings of the Caribbean Football Union with its highest FIFA ranking in the past six years. The Reggae Boyz rose 11 spots in the rankings to the 48th level. Cuba, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti round out the region's top five.

FOUR JAMAICAN FOOTBALL CLUBS TO PARTICIPATE IN FLOW CUP—03/11/11
Four of Jamaica's legendary football clubs will join competitors in the Flow Champions Cup at Anthon Spalding Sports Complex. They will face Reno, two-time champion, and Arnett Gardens. Tournament participants are vying for $1 million in prizes.

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The Comfort of His Goodness & Mercy

As David came to the end of his reflections on what it meant to be a sheep in the LORD's care, he undoubtedly recapped in his mind the loving and protective nature of his Shepherd as they journeyed together. Through the good times and the bad, in plain paths or making their way through the valley of the shadow of death, the thing he could rely on was the Shepherd's care. Never negligent but always diligent. Looking out for the enemies, always watchful for when the sheep strayed, using rod and staff to protect, to rescue, and to draw the sheep close to Himself.

It is no wonder he had nothing to worry about. The nature of the Shepherd was of such that He would do everything in His power to protect His sheep and to make sure they got to the destination He desired for them to be. The journey was not without dangers but it was the Shepherd's responsibility to take care of the flock, and there was no failure in this Shepherd. "Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23:6a, Amplified) is the only rational conclusion because the sheep are the beneficiaries of the Shepherd's goodness and mercy.

In the context of the sheep and the shepherd, goodness speaks of rightness while mercy speaks of compassion. The shepherd will do what is right for the sheep while showing compassion at all times. In both instances, goodness and mercy are extended to the sheep. For the child of God, sheep of the Good Shepherd, we are also beneficiaries of His goodness and mercy. God's goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Mercy is the aspect of God's love that causes Him to forgive the guilty and show compassion toward them. It is not something we can earn or deserve; it is extended because of God's goodness and favor.

There are more theological truths that could be gleaned from our text, but for now it is comforting to know that regardless of whatever comes our way, the goodness and mercies of God are available to us and they are blessings we can rely on. As long as we allow Him to lead us and as long as we commit to remaining in His care, He will never leave us nor forsake us. Everything about Him is committed to our good and even when we don't quite understand where He is leading, how He is leading, or why He have us go along a certain path, we are assured of His goodness and mercy along the way. He knows what He is doing; there should be no doubt about that.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending March 4th, 2011

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:15:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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REHAB CENTER OPENS—02/26/11
The Jamaican government has opened a facility capable of accommodating 28 deportees and ex-offenders under the nation's Reducing Re-Offending Action Plan (JRRAP). Maureen's Place, which was named for Dr. Maureen Irons Morgan, director of mental health and substance abuse for the Ministry of Health, represents a partnership between the British and Jamaican governments. It is located inside the Open Arms Drop-in Center on the premises of Bellevue Hospital in Kingston. It is designed to provide food and shelter and treatment for mental illnesses on a short-term and medium-term basis for deported individuals and ex-offenders.

BUSTAMANTE 127th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN BLENHEIM—02/27/11
Jamaicans celebrated the 127th anniversary of Sir William Alexander Bustamante's birth in Blenheim, Hanover. Bustamante was the country's first Prime Minister since its independence. He was born in 1884 and founded the Jamaica Labor Party in 1943. He became Prime Minister in August 1962 and died in 1977. He also founded the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union in 1938. Jamaican residents and government officials attended the festivities.

ROBINSON SAYS DUDUS' RIGHTS VIOLATED—02/28/11
Lackston Robinson, deputy solicitor general, said that the constitutional rights of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged drug kingpin, were breached during extradition efforts. Robinson stated that information was illegally obtained from intercepted communications about Coke. Robinson, who is also the head of the Attorney General's Litigation Department, contends that Section 22 of the Jamaican Constitution ensures that Jamaicans have a right to private conversations.

JAMAICAN HELD IN ANTIGUA PRISON DIES—02/28/11
Dwayne "Troy" Davis, 26, died while being held in a police cell in Antigua. He is said to have used his shoe laces to hang himself from a door after he turned himself in to the Gray's Farm police following an argument. Davis was married to a Jamaican woman, and both lived in Antigua with their 3-year-old daughter. Police asked him to report to the station after it was reported that he had threatened the life of a female relative. Upon his arrival at the station, he was placed in a cell and was found dead when police checked on him minutes later.

AIR CARGO FLIGHTS FROM JAMAICA TO U.S. SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY—03/01/11
Cargo flights bound for the United States have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure after there was an "unconfirmed report" about a threat to such flights. According to Nicholas Kimball, spokesperson for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, that agency is aiding authorities in Jamaica with security efforts following the reported threat. Specifics of the report were not provided.

TUFTON LAUNCHES "EAT JAMAICAN" CAMPAIGN—03/02/11
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, called for more agricultural sector investments, noting the opportunities available in the growing of local produce. Tufton believes this is a good time to use entrepreneurial methods and creativity to improving systems for production via better management and more investing. He made his remarks at the Eat Jamaican Campaign launch. This $17.2 million project has been created through efforts of the Food and Agricultural Organization, the European Union, and the Agriculture Ministry to encourage consumption of locally produced food.

CHILD OFFENDERS STUDIED TO DEVELOP INTERVENTIONS—03/03/11
Jamaica's Office of the Children's Advocate has begun research to study the characteristics of children who have broken the law. The study results will be used to create and implement necessary prevention and intervention programs. Results are scheduled for release in 2012. In 2009, 36 children were arrested for murder, 93 for break-ins, and 82 for carnal abuse.

COLE SAYS CLAIMS BY LIGHTBOURNE UNTRUE—03/04/11
Patrick Cole, Lieutenant Colonel in the Jamaica Defense Force, has denied the claims put forth by Dorothy Lightbourne, Minister of Justice, in regard to a conversation he allegedly had with her on the phone. Lightbourne claims that he spoke to her while visiting Lisa Palmer Hamilton, Acting Director of Public Prosecution. The issue involved the extradition to the United States of alleged drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Cole says he never spoke to Lightbourne.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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CANADIAN GUEST WORKERS TO RECEIVE BACK PAY—02/26/11
The Agriculture Workers Alliance/UFCW Canada has made it possible for some 130 farm workers to receive the money earned while employed on a farm in Ontario that went bankrupt in the fall of 2010. The workers were from Jamaica and other Caribbean countries. They were stranded in Ontario and owed back pay after Ghesquiere Farms went bankrupt. The efforts of the organization to address this issue began just hours after the filing, and ultimately, the workers will recover approximately $250,000 dollars in total.

THOUSANDS OF JAMAICANS IMPRISONED IN UNITED STATES—02/27/11
Statistics from Florida's Department of Corrections Bureau of Research and Data Analysis show that 857 Jamaican men were in the state's prisons as of February 11, 2011. This does not include individuals in local jails. Additionally, Jamaican men who are classified as aliens represent the third-largest group of people from Caribbean countries in prison in Florida. Cubans represent the largest group, followed by Puerto Rico.

JAMAICAN STUDENT GETS PERFECT SCORE ON SCHOLASTIC EXAM—03/02/11
Damien Chang is the first Jamaican student to receive a perfect score of 1,800 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). This test is required to enter a college in the United States. Audrey P. Marks, Jamaican ambassador to the U.S., congratulated Chang on his achievement in a letter. She said that Jamaicans everywhere view his action as "heroic." Chang attended Hillel Prep and high schools in Kingston, and he now goes to Woodberry Forest School in Virginia.

JAMAICAN ATTORNEY HAS ROLE IN SUCCESSFUL UN CONVICTION—03/03/11
Chester Stamp, a Jamaican attorney, has had an instrumental role in obtaining what has been characterized as the most successful conviction ever achieved by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The case involved a Serbian police chief who received a sentence of 27 years for his part in the murder of over 700 ethnic Albanians in Kosovo during 1999. Stamp started with the case in 2001 as senior prosecutor for the Court, his major duty to prosecute war crimes.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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BUTLER CALLS FOR MORE EFFORT TOWARD GOALS OF CARIBBEAN WOMEN—02/26/11

CANADIAN TO SPEAK AT SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE IN BERMUDA—02/27/11

HAITIAN CARNIVAL KING GETS SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENTIAL RUN—02/28/11

LAWMAKER IN PUERTO RICO RESIGNS AFTER FAILING DRUG TEST—03/01/11

UNION LEADER IN MARTINIQUE FOUND GUILTY OF INCITING RACIAL HATE—03/02/11

THIEF STEALS MONEY FROM AIRCRAFT CARGO HOLD—03/04/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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ANGER ERUPTS AT PEGASUS HOTEL SHAREHOLDER MEETING—02/26/11
A meeting of shareholders of the Pegasus Hotel was to discuss amendments to the firm's ownership articles, but ultimately became a shouting match as minority interests complained about being denied critical information. This information would help them make an informed decision about an offer from Quivin Holdings Ltd. to acquire their interest.

SHAW'S TAX POLICY ENABLES CIGARETTE SMUGGLERS—02/27/11
According to Carreras Ltd., the tax policy imposed by Finance Minister Audley Shaw may be helping cigarette smugglers to the detriment of legitimate distributors. Carreras says its volume of sales has dropped significantly as smokers move to buying black-market products instead of its more expensive legal offerings. Revenues at the firm decreased by seven percent in the third quarter of 2010, and Carreras blamed Shaw's application of excise tax policy and uncontrolled smuggling and counterfeiting.

GOVERNMENT TURNS TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AS OIL PRICES RISE—03/01/11
Jamaica's government is looking to renewable energy from sources like wind, solar, tides, and geothermal heat as world oil prices continue to increase. Jamaica plans to incorporate alternative energy sources into its overall mix. It has created the first national energy policy to create an efficient and modern energy infrastructure. Energy management is a key element of the plan.

LOAN PLAN TO HELP SMALL TOURISM FIRMS—03/02/11
Small tourism operators that provide goods and services in that business sector will benefit from a $100 million loan facility launched in February 2011 by Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism and the National Small Business Loans entity. The "Five for Five" loan program is driven by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and offers loans totaling as much as $5 million at an interest rate of five percent over five years. The loans are designed to benefit small providers of tourism services, such as hotels, transport, and attractions.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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ANTENNA PROBLEMS IN VERIZON IPHONE—02/26/11
According to Consumer Reports, the Verizon iPhone 4 has antenna problems similar to those of the original iPhone. If a user holds the phone in a particular way, he or she will experience dropped calls or have problems dialing out. Consumer Reports tested the new phone as it does all smart phones and found that covering the small gaps in the metal band running around the edge of the phone leads to a "meaningful decline in performance." Apple denies there are problems with the antenna, but did provide free cases in 2010 that mitigated the problem.

CHINA UNICOM TO INTRODUCE ITS OWN MOBILE OS—02/28/11
One of the three largest wireless operators in China, China Unicom, will launch its own mobile operating system, competing directly with the iPhone from Apple and the Android OS from Google. The wireless firm is constructing the 3G wireless network that will also compete with China Mobile and China Telecom. The new OS is based on Linux and is designed for mobile handsets and tablet computers.

SCIENTIST AT MIT CAPTURES SON'S FIRST 90,000 HOURS ON VIDEO—03/02/11
Deb Roy used a series of fisheye cameras located in every room of his house to capture the first five years of his son's life on video and to record the development of his language. Then, using a combination of software and human transcription called Blitzscribe, Roy and his wife parsed the resulting 200 TB of data to find the evolution of certain words in the boy's vocabulary. For example, they recorded how the sound "gaga" became the word "water" over a period of six months. Roy is applying the capabilities he obtained during this experiment to commerce, using the methods to television broadcasts and social media conversations to discover the "engagement" of listeners.

3D GLASSES WITH STYLE NOW AVAILABLE—03/03/11
Marchon Eyeware, a manufacturer of glasses for several different brands of eyewear, including Fendi, Coach, and others, has developed a new brand of passive 3-D glasses. These glasses, called EX3D, provide UV protection and minimize peripheral light via several wraparound design options. The glasses are available in 25 styles and are priced at an affordable $35 a pair.

LIME OPENS NEW CALL CENTER FOR SMALL, MIDSIZED CLIENTS—02/28/11

CARIBBEANCAMPUS.COM MAY CLOSE—03/02/11

PDF FILES POPULAR AS ATTACK VECTORS—03/03/11

APPLE FIXES ITUNES SECURITY ISSUES—03/04/11

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SPORTS
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YOUNG REGGAE BOYZ SHOW WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED, SAYS GRANGE—02/26/11
Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, issued her congratulations to the Young Reggae Boyz, the nation's youth football team. The team qualified for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a victory over Honduras at CONCACAF in Montego Bay. Grange said the team showed how Jamaica's youth can accomplish any goal as long as they receive appropriate guidance.

BOLT TO RACE IN PARIS 200 METER COMPETITION—02/27/11
Usain Bolt, Jamaica's Olympic and World champion sprinter, plans to run in the 200-meter race at the Paris Diamond League meet in July 2011. This will be Bolt's third confirmed appearance in Europe for the year. He will defend his 100 and 200 world titles in Daegu, South Korea, later in the year. Bolt plans to run a 100-meter race in Rome in May and a 200-meter race in Oslo in June. All the meets are part of the Diamond League series.

MONTEGO BAY TO HOST REGGAE BOYZ V. VENEZUELA—03/03/11
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz are ready to face their opponents from Venezuela in a friendly international game at the end of March in Montego Bay's Catherine Hall stadium. However, there could be higher-than-usual ticket prices for fans, since the stadium seats only 7,000. Limited gate receipts could mean a price hike to obtain future revenues.

JAMAICA LOOKS TO KEEP RECORD STREAK RUNNING—03/04/11
According to Tamar Lambert, captain of Jamaica's senior cricket team, there is considerable motivation to obtain a fourth straight tournament title in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-day competition. The goal is to win that fourth title, says Lambert, and players are focusing their efforts on that goal.

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DEVOTIONAL
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Bruised and Hurting But Cared For

To a young child, there is something magical about a mother's kiss. Usually after experiencing a bit of hurt, the crying child comes to mother and somehow as soon as she kisses the hurting spot it is as if all is well with the world again. Some of you are chuckling because you remember those and other "let me kiss it again" moments.

The sheep in the shepherd's care also had its bruising moments. Though the plateau was prepared and the "enemies" in the form of poison and prickly plants removed, every now and again the sheep's head and tender nose would get bruised by the edges of stones buried in the grass. This is in addition to the long hours spent in the hot sun as it made its way from pasture to pasture. So at the end of the day, not only is the flock tired but some of the sheep are bruised and hurting. As they made their way into the fold, the caring shepherd would stand by the door and examine each sheep individually. In his "The Healing Power of the 23rd Psalm" Charles Allen tells us that at this moment, "If there were hurt places, the shepherd would apply soothing and healing oil. Instead of becoming infected, the hurt would soon heal. Also, the shepherd had a large earthen jug of water, the kind of a jar that kept the water refreshingly cool through evaporation. As the sheep came in, the shepherd would dip down into the water with his big cup and bring it up brimful. The tired sheep drank deeply of the life-quickening draft."

This was the picture in David's mind as he reflected on his Shepherd's care, "Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over" (Psalm 23:5b). He was intimately aware that whatever hurt and exhaustion he experienced, the LORD as his Shepherd would daily tend to those. Not only would He pour the oil of healing in to his wounds, but He would also provide the refreshing, from an overflowing cup, that his body and soul needed.

As the Christian goes through life, we too experience bruising and hurting moments when all we want is for someone to "kiss" our bruises and make the hurts go away. For some of us life has been cruel; the hurts have been many and the joys too few. Despite our best efforts, our energies are spent and our physical and spiritual man exhausted. However, like the Psalmist, let us understand and appreciate that at the end of every day, we can trust the LORD, if we make Him our Shepherd, to "anoint" our hurts with His healing oil and from His unlimited supply, He offers us an overflowing cup from which to drink.

We cannot escape the bumps and the bruises. What we have is a Shepherd who cares. We may feel like one among many but we are reminded that “He calleth his own sheep by name” (John 10:3). He knows who you are, where you are hurting, and He is committed to ministering to you. Allen writes, "I like that. It makes me feel important" and I readily agree. I encourage you to run to "Daddy"; to trust your Shepherd with your hurts. Not only does He know what He is doing, He also knows exactly what to do. And His "kisses" are more than magical.

CEW

JAMAICA NEWSWEEKLY For the week ending February 25th, 2011

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 04:15:00 UT

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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN CONTESTS EXTRADITION PROCEDURE—02/19/11
Tony Vincent Ashman, a Jamaican held in custody for over 60 days after waiving his rights for an extradition hearing, has now applied to the Supreme Court for immediate release. Ashman claims that he is entitled to his freedom under Section 13 of the Extradition Act. Ashman is wanted on a murder charge in the United Kingdom. A hearing will be held on the issue in April 2011.

HAITI REJECTS DIPLOMATIC CONFLICT—02/20/11
The Foreign Minister of Jamaica and the Head of Public Health have heard explanations from Haiti's Charge d'Affaires concerning the isolation measure imposed on the Jamaican national team players. The measure was applied after discovering malaria among the players in 2007during an epidemic on the island and is still in effect. Haitian officials have cited lack of respect and hospitality toward its delegation. Jamaican authorities reject any thought of diplomatic conflict with Haiti because of what they call an "unfortunate incident."

U.S. AMBASSADOR SAYS JAMAICANS KEY TO ECONOMIC ADVANCES—02/21/11
Pamela Bridgewater, the United States Ambassador to Jamaica, believes that steps should be taken immediately to control the crime rate on the island and to remove unnecessary obstacles to direct investment. The faster such steps are taken, the faster Jamaica will reap the rewards of greater investment. Money likes to go where there is stability, said Bridgewater.

PNP MEMBERS ANGRY AT HAITIANS FOR BURNING JAMAICA'S FLAG—02/22/11
A group of People's National Party members known as the Patriots has issued a condemnation of actions by several Haitians protestors who burned the Jamaican flag. The Patriots said the desecration of the flag is an insult to the country. The protestors are angry about what they perceive is bad treatment of team members who were withdrawn from the CONCACAF U17 tournament without reason.

OIL PRICES TO RISE, JAMAICANS WARNED—02/23/11
Jamaica has been warned about the impact of higher world oil costs on the island economy. Prices have increased steadily since the uprisings in Egypt and Libya. According to Dr. Andrea Sutherland, finance lecturer at the University of Technology, oil price inflation will increase due to the violence in those nations. Visitor arrivals in Jamaica could also be impacted by the higher oil prices, which would affect the tourism industry.

APRIL PRE-TRIAL FOR DUDUS—02/23/11
April 4, 2011 is the new pre-trial conference date set in United States Federal Court to Christopher "Dudus" Coke, alleged Jamaican drug lord. The new date was set to give prosecutors and defense attorney time to review materials and to file motions. Coke, former leader of the Jamaica Labor Party, was extradited to the U.S. in June 2010 and has pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges.

BUJU BANTON FOUND GUILTY ON COCAINE CHARGES—02/24/11
Reggae star Buju Banton has been found guilty of charges that he conspired to set up a deal for buying cocaine. A federal jury in the United States deliberated for 11 hours before convicting Banton, who was found guilty of three of the four charges brought against him. He is now facing imprisonment of 15 years.

JAMAICANS, TRINIDAD-TOBAGO OFFICIALS TO MEET ABOUT 2012 OLYMPICS—02/25/11
Representatives of state and private sector interests in Jamaica held meetings with their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago to talk about plans and a potential collaboration regarding London's 2012 Olympic Games. Officials included Mark Thomas, the manager of corporate communications at Jamaica Trade and Invest, and Stanley Beard, the chairman of T&T Tourism Development Company.

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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JURY OUT ON BANTON—02/19/11
The drug case against reggae start Buju Banton is in the hands of a jury in Florida. He is facing four cocaine-related federal charges. Judge Jim Moody warned jurors not to think about the punishment issue, since the punishment imposed for a guilty verdict will be made by the judge alone.

MAVADO PLAYS WINNIPEG IN CANADA—02/20/11
Jamaican music star Mavado will perform in a Winnipeg, Canada, nightclub on March 3, 2011. Mavado, whose real name is David Constantine Brooks, is a dancehall artiste who has had trouble in Canada in the past. In 2007, he missed two performances in Toronto because travel documents were stolen from his hotel. He expects his Canadian tour to be "safer" this time.

CAPTAIN OF BOBSLED TEAM INSPIRES TEENS—02/21/11
Devon Harris, Olympic athlete and the captain of Jamaica's 1988 bobsled team, provided the keynote speech at the Harvey School Arts Center in Connecticut during a workshop designed to inspire teenagers and "tweens" to be their best. Harris told audience members that fearing a challenge is natural, but courage means going ahead despite the fear. He said he was afraid when his sled reached speeds of 80 mph, but also gave him "the greatest high" in his life.

BANTON BACK IN JAIL—02/23/11
Buju Banton, Jamaican reggae musician, is back in the Pinellas County, Florida, jail in Tampa after being found guilty of three drug charges. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was transferred to the prison after his conviction. He was in the same jail for nearly 11 months while he waited for his trial in 2010. During his first stay in the jail, he lost weight and was held in an isolation section as punishment for sharing food with inmates. He said he lost weight because he was denied vegetarian meals, but prison officials reported that he had actually gained weight during his stay.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TEACHERS IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HOLD PROTEST HIKE—02/19/11

CULTURAL TIES STRENGTHENED BETWEEN CUBA AND HAITI—02/20/11

BAHAMAS RESORT FINANCED BY CHINESE COMPANIES—02/21/11

SIX INDIVIDUALS RESCUED BY COLOMBIAN NAVY—02/22/11

BAHAMIAN MINISTER OF LABOR SPEAKS AT UNITED NATIONS—02/23/11

ST. LUCIA WELCOMES FIRST NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINER—02/24/11

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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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NEW SYSTEM TO TRACK JAMAICAN FINANCAIL RESOURCES —02/19/11
According to Devon Rowe, director general of the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, a new J$30 billion Central Treasury Management System (CTMS) is being developed to provide tracking tools that will make it easier to use Jamaica's financial resources. The Account General's department will take on the complete responsibility for handling the cash of the government after the system is implemented. If there are errors in the budget, the CTMS will be able to find them, and the government would have to act to remedy the problem.

CELL PHONES IN JAMAICA IMPOSE HIGH BILLS—02/20/11
Tim Fitzmaurice, who vacationed in Jamaica with his wife for two weeks, found he had acquired a $5,000 cell phone bill while on the island. The smart phone was receiving updates under very expensive international roaming fees, he said. Fitzmaurice had no idea that the phone was on continuously, looking for software and e-mail. Verizon told him that he could not sign up for a cheaper supplemental Jamaican vacation plan because of the nature of his regular contract.

UK CABINET MINISTER CALLS FOR MORE JOBS, SAFETY IN JAMAICA—02/21/11
Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State of International Development in the United Kingdom, made his first visit to Jamaica and announced a 300 percent increase in his nation's development and budget for the island. The total was raised to 26 million pounds, compared to 75 million pounds for the entire Caribbean region.

HOUSE OF BAGS ILLUSTRATES CONFIDENCE IN ECONOMY—02/24/11
Karl Samuda, Jamaica's Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, has welcomed the opening of a new House of Bags facility in Kingston. Samuda believes the new store shows the confidence the owners have in Jamaica's economy. The store is located in the Barbican Center and is expected to create jobs for Jamaicans.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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HTC CONFIRMS FACEBOOK PHONE—02/19/11
The so-called "Facebook phone" will be offered by HTC. The ChaCha and Salsa models will include branded Facebook buttons. These will permit instant access to the popular social network. According to HTC CEO Peter Chou, the firm wanted to create socially linked phones that would appeal to the mass market. Facebook officials say they have worked to bring their social network to HTC devices for some time.

BRAIN EXCITED BY CELL PHONE USE—02/23/11
According to new research, prolonged use of cell phones increases brain activity. However, the study did not determine whether the increase is harmful or not. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was conducted in 2009 at the National Institutes of Health to determine if electromagnetic fields emitted by the cell phones affected glucose metabolism in the brain.

TEN PERCENT OF WINDOWS PHONE 7 UPDATES FAIL—02/24/11
According to Microsoft, as many as ten percent of its first Windows Phone 7 installation updates do not install correctly. However, 90 percent of the individuals who received update notifications were able to install the new patch without problems. Of those who did have problems, almost 50 percent failed either due to faulty Internet connections or insufficient storage space on the phone.

NEW MACBOOK TO HAVE QUAD-CORE—02/25/11
Apple announced that its new MacBook Pros will include Thunderbolt, a high-speed I/O technology and the first quad-core processor to be provided in a notebook computer. The machines use the Intel Sandy Bridge processor and include a new AMD Radeon GPU.

VERIZON SELLS PLAYSTATION PHONE—02/19/11

DIGICEL LINKS JAMAICA TO BAHAMAS, HAITI VIA UNDERSEA CABLE—02/23/11

CARICOM TO IMPROVE STATISTICAL PLATFORM—02/24/11

CARBBEAN TO BECOME TECHNOLOGY HUB IN FUTURE—02/25/11

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SPORTS
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ALCE RECALLED FOR CONSULTATIONS—02/19/11
Max Alce, Haiti's Charge d'Affairs, was recalled for consultations following the expulsion of Haiti's national football team under 17 (U-17) by authorities in Jamaica. The decision was made after several Haitian team members were hospitalized with fever and suspected of suffering from malaria. Authorities from Haiti sent protest notes to Jamaica about the discrimination faced by its U-17 members. The Haitian Chancery plans to bring the matter before CARICOM, informing the organization that this behavior could harm relations between the two nations.

SAMUELS, TAYLOR LEAD JAMAICA AGAINST BARBADOS—02/21/11
Jerome Taylor and Marlon Samuels were instrumental in leading Jamaica against Barbados in the first-class championship of the WICB Regional. Taylor obtained five wickets for 69 runs from 23.4 overs. Samuels provided an undefeated 58 to lead the Jamaicans to 114 for two at the end of the match for an overall lead of 116.

AIKEN, FIREBIRDS VICTORIOUS—02/22/11
Two teams with Jamaicans who were participating in the ANZ Championship in Melbourne, Australia saw mixed results. The Queensland Firebirds, including Jamaican goal shooter Romelda Aiken, won over the New South Wales Swifts 51 to 48. Aiken scored 28 goals. The Canterbury Tactix, which included Kasey Evering of Jamaica's Sunshine Girls, were defeated by West Coast Fever 54-48.

ESPN RADIO CREATES FIRST CARIBBEAN AFFILIATE—02/24/11
Sportsradio 103, ZSR-FM at 103.5, in Nassau in the Bahamas is the first affiliate station of ESPN Radio in the Caribbean region. According to ESPN Radio, the new station's lineup includes 12 hours of programs that offer call-in shows and guest interviews. The local coverage includes local sporting events like regattas, the CARIFTA games, high school tournaments, and adult softball.

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DEVOTIONAL
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A Prepared Table Before My Enemies

What was David thinking when he wrote, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" (Psalm 23:5a). As the shepherd leads his flock across the Israeli pastures, his diligence is not limited to looking out for wild animals and finding places suitable for grazing and rest, he also must be familiar with plants. By virtue of its disposition, the sheep is a constant danger to itself; it does not discriminate in its eating habits. Poisonous plants, if eaten, would be fatal and the sharp thorns on other plants would penetrate its soft nose causing ugly sores.

The high plateaus of the sheep ranges are referred to as "tables" and because his sheep has incredible value to him, the shepherd goes to great length and trouble to prepare the “table” prior to the sheep’s arrival. He would dig out dangerous plants, these enemies of the sheep, pile them up, and burn them making the pastures safe for the sheep to graze. In effect, by destroying the enemies he prepared a table from which his flock could eat without any harm coming to them. Pastor Gray Smith writes, "The shepherd intentionally spends time walking throughout the table-top area, wanting to be seen, leaving his scent, if you will, intentionally making the wild dogs, or mountain lions wary and uncomfortable. The good shepherd leaves nothing to chance when it comes to the welfare of His flock."

This was the picture in David's mind as he talks about what it means to be in the care of the Shepherd. As sheep passing through a hostile environment, we are reminded that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). Because he and his army are enemies of the Good Shepherd and His sheep, he goes to great lengths in his efforts to steal from, to kill and to destroy the child of God (John 10:10a). By ourselves we are easy prey, but thank God we have a Good Shepherd who has gone to great lengths to protect His flock (John 10:11). All things - including Satan and his army - are under His feet (Ephesians 1:22) and so He is able to destroy the enemies of His sheep and cause His sheep to prosper.

It is comforting to know that with the LORD as our Shepherd, we are protected. He is powerful enough to set for each of us a table of feast in the middle of our enemies and make them watch as we eat, drink, and make merry. I like that picture and I am glad He is leading me.

CEW