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THIS WEEKS NEWS SUMMARY
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NEW UK HIGH COMMISSIONER – 03/12/05
The foreign affairs ministry announced this week that Ambassador Gail Mathurin has been appointed high commissioner to the United Kingdom. The appointment also gives her diplomatic responsibilities for Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Portugal.

ST. CATHERINE CRIME ON DECLINE – 03/12/05
This week the St. Catherine South police reported that there was a 32 per cent reduction in major crimes since the start of this year. Superintendent Cornelius Walker, head of the St. Catherine South Police Division, told a crime prevention forum in Portmore, St. Catherine that “We have a reduction in all crimes this year except for two areas, break-ins and rape, where we have the same amount that we had last year,”

PJ RECOGNIZES SEAGA CONTRIBUTION TO JAMAICA –03/13/05
At a farewell dinner was hosted at Vale Royal, St. Andrew. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson officially recognized the contribution of former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Edward Seaga, to the development of Jamaica.

CARIBBEAN CEMENT COMPANY LIMITED TO CREATE 600 JOBS 03/14/05
This week the Caribbean Cement Company Limited said that its planned US$100-million expansion programme will create approximately 600 construction jobs. They urged those who live near its Rockfort plant to get certified by the state’s skills training programme in order to take advantage of the opportunity. Managing director Anthony Haynes said, “Only certified workers will be allowed to work on the sites”

STATE WORKING WITH CHURCH TO FIGHT CRIME. – 03/15/05
Jamaica’s high rate violent crime has led to national security officials holding closed-door meetings with church leaders to solicit their assistance in curbing the murderous impulse in the society. Donovan Nelson, communications adviser to National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, said this week that a delegation of government officials and high-ranking police officers has been facilitating talks with clergy. This, according to Mr. Nelson stated that the collaboration between the Church and State, started instantaneously after the launch of the government’s latest crime-fighting initiative, Operation Kingfish, last October.

POSTCORP TO REVIEW AIRMAIL SECURITY 03/15/05
The Postal Corporation of Jamaica (PostCorp) began an international airport mail security review. They are expecting to complete the review by the end of the week. The review aims to identify best practices and improvements for mail security at the Norman Manley International and The Sangster International airports.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT PROVIDES RIGHTS – 03/16/05
Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, Phillip Paulwell has said this week “The Consumer Protection Act, which was passed in the House and Senate late last year, would ensure that consumers have access to quick, inexpensive redress and adequate information to make informed choices as to their rights” He also stated that the Act would also give the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) added power, as it could now arbitrate on its own and make a pronouncement, before taking a matter to court.

STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN AFRICA & CARIBBEAN – 03/17/05
Delivering the keynote address on day one of the inaugural two-day South African Union, Caribbean Diaspora Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson called for the celebration of the strong historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean, to build on the existing framework and enhance the relationship.

11 CUBANS RESUCED – 03/17/05
This week 11 Cubans, who were rescued off Jamaica’s north west coast and were taken in the custody of the Montego Bay police. They are awaiting a decision on their fate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

WE ARE AT WAR – CALL UP OF ARMY RESERVES CALLED OUT – 03/18/05
Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, declared that the country was at war and that the government will be using the full capacity of the security forces, including the calling out of the Reserve, to launch an all out counter attack against criminal gangs. Dr. Phillips said, “We are at war, and we are only going to win by superior strategies and tactics, which are developed on the basis of superior intelligence. The criminals are also developing their plan of action and it is the side which has the deeper links with the community which is gong to be the better informed.”

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SPORTS
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LEEWARD ISLANDS TO FACE JAMAICA IN CARIB BEER FINALS – 03/13/05
Jamaica will face the Leeward Islands at Alpart in a five-day contest for the Carib Beer Challenge Trophy and US$5,000 (J$310,000). The competition brings together the winners of the Carib Beer League and the runners-up, and after 10 rounds of home and away matches, it was Jamaica first with 95 points, the Leeward Islands second with 58.

SUNSHINE GIRLZ BEAT AUSSIES
Jamaica’s under-21 netball team beat Australia 50-48 yesterday in the final Under-21 tri-Test series match at the National Indoor Sports Centre. The Sunshine Girlz clinched the tri-Test series 2-1.