Staff Writer———————————————————————
THIS WEEKS NEWS SUMMARY
———————————————————————JAMAICAN ECONOMY IMPROVING – 14/05/04
The governor of the Central Bank of Jamaica has recorded positive results in the economy over the last quarter ending March 2004. Mr. Lattibeaudiere said he was hoping that the trend would continue for the next quarter and into the end to the year. This improvement included growth in the economy, a reduction in the quarterly inflation to less than 2.0 per cent, stability in the financial markets and the attainment of the fiscal target…
INLAND REVENUE COLLECTS RECORD AMOUNT IN TAXES
The Revenue Department has collected a record $125 million in taxes with improvements especially in Black River St. Elizabeth. The Black River branch is reporting over $35 million in that parish alone. The government had expected to collect $90 million but instead got a whooping $135 million… CHANGE OF VENUE REQUESTED FOR POLICE CASE – 13/05/04
The policemen charged with the killings of seven youths in Breaton St. Catherine on March 14, 2001, have requested a change of venue for the trial. The six policemen were charged with the murder of the seven young men and trial set in the Home Circuit Court. However, lawyers representing the policemen filed an application for a change of venue arguing that a trial set in the corporate area would be prejudicial…
COMMUNITY OPPOSES NEW US BUILDING SITE
Community members of Liguanea area staged a demonstration against the location of the new United States building site. The Bamboo Avenue and surrounding areas voiced their opinions to the construction of the building. On Tuesday, members of the Liguanea Area Coalition of Citizens’ Association (LACCA) bore placards during the morning peak hours at the entrance of the building site protesting the erection of a commercial building in a residential area…
SOCIAL BENEFITS REFORM THIS YEAR – 12/05/04
The Social and Economic Programme (SESP) will be revamped and tighter controls placed on allocation of benefits under the programme. The Minister of Development Dr. Paul Robertson said that, a new targeting mechanism would be introduced to ensure that assistance under the SESP is provided only to persons ‘who genuinely fall within the ambit of the nationally defined social safety net’. Presently, the system is said to accommodate distribution of funds provided to party affiliates…
IS JAMAICA AT WAR?
Statistics provided by the Jamaica Constabulary Force has revealed that over 450 persons have been murdered since January of this year. The records showed that 85 persons were killed in January 98 in February 88 in March and 110 last months. So far, 25 persons have been killed this month. The statistics shows that there has been an increase in the number of murders in comparison to last year…
REFUGEES WANT TO RETURN HOME – 11/05/04
Some Haitian refugees have expressed a desire to return to home in the light of the government’s agreement to assist in repatriation. The Jamaican government is ready and willing to grant those persons who wish to return to Haiti and this will soon become a reality. Officials involved with the Haitians have been instructed through their ministries to make travel plans for those wishing to return…
ARISTIDE SEEKS ASYLUM IN SOUTH AFRICA
Former Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide has requested asylum in South Africa. Reports are that the ousted president is preparing to leave Jamaica for South Africa. The Africans have confirmed that Aristide has requested asylum until his situation becomes normal again, but little else was made public. Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said she would take the request later this week to the first meeting of the Cabinet appointed since general elections last month…
EDUCATION SYSTEM LACKING DAVIES & SEAGA AGREES – 10/05/04
The Leader of the Opposition Edward Seaga and Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies has agreed that the present education system is failing the country. They argued that in a global world, the education system has failed to produce productive workforce especially in a competitive global economy. Statistic showing persons between 18-30 have apparently passed through the education system with obtaining the necessary skills for the world of work…
SUPER CLUBS SPENDS MILLIONS ON SCHOLARSHIPS
The Super Clubs has spent millions on scholarships for their employees. The vice president of Human Resources revealed that each scholarship given to individual workers is worth approximately $400,000. For the moment, the scholarships are tenable at Nova South-eastern University (NSU), Hocking College and Johnson and Wales.
SECURITY & FOREIGN MINISTERS IN UK FOR CRIME TALKS – 09/05/04
A team security delegation led by Minister of Security and Justice Dr. Peter Phillips has left the island for a UK/Caribbean Forum. There is hope that an agreement concerning security issues affecting Jamaica.should be discussed. Out of the forum, the government is expecting support for Jamaica concerning the issue…
HOTELIER’S GIRLFRIEND KIDNAPPED AND KILLED
Negril Hotelier Jimmy Jackson lost his girlfriend who was kidnapped and killed by gunmen on her return to the island. The 36-year-old woman was kidnapped in Westmoreland and her body found in neighbouring Hanover next day. The gunmen took her just outside her family home after returning from an overseas trip….
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SPORTS
———————————————————————BANGLADESH CRICKETERS FOR WI TOUR – 14/05/04
Bangladesh cricketers will try their newly improved team against the West Indies in three one-day series starting on Saturday. Ramnaresh Sarwan will captain the West Indies team as Captain Brian Lara is recovering from injuries to his figures…
TIVOLI SECURES BIG WIN
The J-Wray and Nephew sponsored National Premier League’s first leg of the finals got on the way with Tivoli giving a hiding to Harbour View Football Club. The game was played at the National Stadium Jackson scored in the 36th minute and Tivoli had claimed their second in the 54th through Roland Dean. Harbour View managed to pull one back in the 58th with an effort from Oneil Smith…
Reggae Boyz stop Venezuela
April 29
Jamaica emerged 2-1 winners over Venezuela in their friendly international football match at the National Stadium last night. New Reggae Boyz striker Marlon King scored a debut goal in the 10th minute and Andy Williams unleashed a screamer just before half time to give Jamaica the win. Ricardo Fuller assisted both goals. Juan Orango scored Venezula’s lone goal in the 27th minute as his 30 yards shot was misjudged by out-of-position Donovan Ricketts. There were a number of incidents between the players as Barbadian referee, Noel Ford, poorly handled the game. The win serves a morale booster for the Reggae Boyz upcoming world cup qualifier on June 12 against Haiti.
UPCOMING GAMES
Jamaica vs Nigeria: May 29 – London,
Jamaica vs Ireland: June 2 – London
Jamaica vs Haiti: June 12- Miami
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