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THIS WEEKS NEWS SUMMARY
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IVAN NOT ONLY TERRIBLE BUT EXPENSIVE– 17/09/04
Hurricane Ivan was not only terrible but also expensive! The devastation it caused across the Caribbean has run into billions of dollars and CARICOM has decided to see how they can begin to help those territories affected by Ivan. Trinidad’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning visited Jamaica to see first hand what damage was done to the island. Announcements of the grants were made on Wednesday at a special meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad after Mr. Manning’s’ visit…
NO VISA UNTIL ELECTRICITY IS RESTORED
The US Embassy in Kingston Jamaica has decided not to issue any more visas until electricity is being restored some time next week. The other reason given for the suspension of visas is the reassignment of some consular and other assigned to Americans living in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands who were affected by Hurricane Ivan. Only the emergency service section would be opened to assist only American citizens…
DEVASTATION IN THE BANANA INDUSTRY
Hurricane Ivan has left a wake of devastation in the agricultural industry especially in St. Mary where many farmers depend on the Banana industry for survival. All banana trees were down and those that were not flattened were cut in half. Farmers explained that it would be another seven to eight months before they will be able to reap any thing. Chairman of the Banana Industry Charles Johnston said the damage caused to one facility alone would run into millions of dollars…
SPECIAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS SINCE IVAN – 16/09/04
Since hurricane Ivan has caused disruption in travel schedules of airlines, most operating flights to Jamaica are offering special packages to their customers in order to ease this interruption. Those passengers who opt to cancel flight plans will be reimbursed in form of travel vouchers, those wishing to rebook can do so at no charge. British West Indies Airways is also offering similar packages to those who booked between September 10 and 12…
PM CALLS FOR OVERSEAS ASSISTANCE
The Prime Minister has called on the international arena for assistance in Ivan’s wake. Following the PM’s call, the government has removed all restrictions on goods entering the islands imported by charitable organisations. The US Embassy has already began making contributions by providing emergency relief packages worth over a million Jamaican dollars The supplies are part of financial aid to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan,” said Ms. Genevieve Cowger, media coordinator….
TOURIST INDUSTRY LAYOFF EMINENT
The Jamaica Tourist Industry is saying it is about to begin its seasonal layoffs and coupled with the devastation brought by hurricane Ivan, the layoffs inevitable. However, the Tourist Industry says that these layoffs are short term and should not cause alarm as the season leading up to winter will see rehiring taking place…
ELECTRICITY RESTORATION SET FOR MID-OCTOBER – 15/09/04
The Jamaica Public Service says it should be able to restore electricity to most of the island in the island. The company said its workers are working constantly to repair the damage caused by the hurricane and this should be done within the next month. To speed up the restoration, the vice president of operations Tom Dorsey said he would be sourcing additional assistance from overseas…
FAST FOOD FRENZY
Jamaican fast food restaurants have experienced a rise in customers as many are rushing to buy their products. The reason given for the frenzy is, as one man put it, “fi bruk weh fram di tin fude”. The lack of water and electricity has caused many to turn to tin foods as the facilities to cook food is unavailable…
HARDWARE ANNOUNCES SHORTAGES AND HIGH PRICE
The Hardware Industry has predicted that aluminium zinc, lumber, and other building material will be in short supply and as such prices are expected to rise. Those homeowners who want to repair or rebuilt their homes will have to dig deep into heir pockets to do so. One hardware executive said each shipment ordered comes at a higher price and lumber, already is short supply before Ivan is one of the main building material that will come at a high price. Jeff Myrie chairman of Mainland International Limited said Honduras; one of the main suppliers of lumber is struggling with environmental issues from environmental groups lobbying against the cutting down of trees…
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HOTELS SUFFERS EXTREME DAMAGE – 14/09/04
Some world famous hotels in Negril have been destroyed in the resort town. Rick’s café one of the most notorious hangouts in Negril have been destroyed, all twenty rooms at the Tensing Pen, Miner’s Inn and Catch-A-Falling Star were all destroyed. Treasure Beach, another resort area on the south cost has also suffered devastation and SuperClubs Hedonism II has also closed it doors…
CAVE VALEY ATTRACTS TOURIST
Cave Valley St. Ann has now become a tourist attraction, but not for its beauty, but for the fact that it now sits under approximately 25 feet of water. People from all over the island is coming to the valley to view the devastation and residents of the little town looks on of what is left of their homes and businesses. Cave Valley is a major middle town with alternative routes to Clarendon, Manchester and other areas in St. Ann.
170 YEARS IN EXISTENCE
The Gleaner has been in existence for 170 years and is still considered the best and most reliable newspaper in Jamaica. Two brothers Jacob and Joshua DaCosta founded the paper on September 13, 1834. The original name of the paper The Gleaner and Weekly Compendium of News and later changed to the Gleaner in December of that same year. The newspaper was printed only on Saturdays consisting of four pages and catered for family audiences…
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SPORTS
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MANNING CUP SEASON BEGINS– 17/09/04
School Boy football began with its first kick-off between Bridgeport and Ardenne Highs. Today being the first day of kick-off will see five matches played all kicking off at the same time, at different venues Innswood play Mona at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, Kingston Technical High School play Tivoli at the Clan Carthy Field, beaten semi-finalists Norman Manley meet Spanish Town at Drewsland and defending champions Excelsior face Edith Dalton-James at the Excelsior playing field…
YOUNG BOYZ ADVERSELY AFFECT BY IVAN
Following the devastation caused by Ivan, the young Reggae Boyz have been greatly affected on their path to qualify for the Youth World Cups. The team had been performing well up to their last match and have even dominated their Caribbean counterpart. However, because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan, those games scheduled for home, has had to be postponed. Other Caribbean matches will go ahead as scheduled…
WI SQUASH BANGLADESH
The West Indies displayed their fine form in dismissing Bangladesh in a 138 run win. Chris Gayle, and Wavell Hinds, the two opening batsmen scored the highest followed by Chanderpaul and Sawan held the fort and skipper Brian Lara scored a brave 20 runs off three balls. Dillon, who was sidelined since May/June of this year, displayed fine form taking four wickets of the six lost by the Bangladesh team…
Hurricane Ivan Puts U17 and U20 Games On Hold
Sept. 14
The national Under-20s and Under-17s football teams were both scheduled to play the first leg of a home and away second round qualification duel against Haiti over the weekend. This has been put on hold due to hurricane Ivan as the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has been unable to prepare the teams. There are problems contacting most of the players due to lack of electricity and phones and other important utilities along with water damages to the offices of the JFF. It is anticipated that the JFF will request that the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) reschedule the games to sometime next week. Both the Under-20s and Under-17s earned the right to meet Haiti after putting forth dominant performances in the first round of qualifications hosted in Jamaica, maintaining unbeaten streaks that included a 12-0 walloping by the Under-20s over Antigua and Barbuda
Jamaica defeats El Salvador 3-0
Sept. 08
With goals from Marlon King in the 3rd and 37th minute along with Mica Hyde in the 39th, The Reggae Boyz defeated El Salvador 3-0 in their CONCACAF World Cup semi-final qualifying game here at the Cuscatlan Stadium in El Salvador. The win puts Jamaica on 4 points and in second place behind the USA on 5 points in Zone A. Panama was unfortunate not to have defeated the USA who equalized in the 92nd minute also sits on 4 points but Jamaica have the better goal difference. El Salvador, bottom of the table with three points, was jeered off the field, although most of the 12,000 crowds at the Cuscutlan stadium left before the end. Jamaica’s Donovan Ricketts, Claude Davis (Craig Ziadie), Damion Stewart, Tyrone Marshall, Ricardo Gardner, James Lawrence, Micah Hyde, Theodore Whitmore, Damani Ralph, Ricardo Fuller (Andy Williams) and Marlon King (Jermaine Johnson) comprise the team…
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