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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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GOVERNMENT CREATES POLICY TO REDUCE POVERTY—07/19/14
The government of Jamaica is developing a social protection policy that is meant to alleviate poverty and even eliminate from the country altogether, according to Dr. Peter Phillips, Finance Minister. The project is a partnership of the Jamaican government and the World Bank that was introduced at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in St. Andrew. The plan features a combination of public and private resources, non-state agencies, and non-governmental organizations that will have direct involvement in the social protection structure,
DROUGHT IN JAMAICA GETTING WORSE, SAYS PICKERSGILL—07/20/14
Robert Pickersgill, Jamaica’s Environment Minister, has stated that the serious drought occurring on the island is getting worse, and water supply systems are already significantly below normal. The government is bringing water into farming districts by truck to alleviate the worst impacts.
FORMER POLICE OFFICER GETS SENTENCED FOR FRAUD—07/21/14
Devon Campbell, a former Jamaican police officer, received a sentence of 10 months on charges of immigration fraud. According to prosecutors, Campbell entered the United States in 2001 with a Jamaican passport stating a false name of Willmott Alvin Livingston. He lived under that name, married a U.S. citizen, attained permanent residency in the U.S. in 2004.He became a U.S. citizen in 2008 and used the fake name and illegal naturalization papers to get the police certification.
WATCHING WORLD CUP MEANT LOWER MURDER RATE—07/22/14
Criminals in Jamaica were so intent on watching the 2014 World Cup matches that the murder rate fell by 12 percent during the month-long soccer competition.
TEACHERS RECEIVE COMPUTER TABLETS IN E-LEARNING PROJECT—07/23/14
Teachers and students in Jamaica will receive 25,000 tablet computers through the Tablets in Schools Pilot Project. When the delivery of the tablets is completed, teachers will be able to receive training in seven institutions participating in the pilot phase. The tablets were provided by Digicel Jamaica.
JAMAICA DROPS IN RANKING ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT—07/24/14
The latest Human Development Index issued by the United Nations shows that Jamaica has fallen by 11 places in the ranking and is at risk of demotion into the category of nations with medium human development. While its 96rh place rank remains in the “high human development” category, but it is only six places away from nations with the “medium human development” label.
SHAW BELIEVES TAX COLLECTION ACT AMENDMENTS ARE “UNCONSTITUTIONAL”—07/25/14
Amendments to the Tax Collection Act will provide the commissioner general of Tax Administration Jamaica with the power to place liens against personal, intellectual, and real properties that are owned by tax debtors. According to Dr. Peter Philips, finance minister, the amendments represent a response to a culture of tax evasion and tax avoidance. Audley Shaw, Opposition spokesman on finance, called the action “Gestapo-like” and also believes the amendments are in violation of the nation’s constitution.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY IN ELLINGTON CASE—07/25/14
Amnesty International, the international watchdog organization, is calling for the Jamaican government to be fully transparent in regard to charges of human rights violations by the Jamaican Constabulary Force and the reasons Owen Ellington, former police commissioner, suddenly left his job. The refusal by Peter Bunting, Jamaica’s National Security Minister, to provide answers in the matter represents a threat to the country’s global obligations on justice, truth, and reparations for human rights violations.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN SPENDS SUMMER AT ALASKA CAMP—07/19/14
Robert Rose of Jamaica comes from St. Andrews and is participating in an international exchange program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. Rose, 28, has been a scout leader for nine years and earned the Jamaican equivalent of an Eagle Scout. He also is a pastor with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and volunteers as a chaplain for his local police force in Jamaica.
He holds a local conference license as a pastor with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. He is the volunteer chaplain for the local police force.
DELAYED VISA FOR DOCTOR ANGERS JDCF—07/20/14
The opening sessions of a Jamaican health forum held in Toronto, Canada, went on without the participation of a well-known trauma expert because Canadian immigration authorities in Kingston delayed his visa to travel to the country. Dr. Hugh Wong, the head of accident and emergency medicine at Kingston Public Hospital, was ultimately allowed a visa after the intercession of letters and phone calls to Canada’s High Commission in Kingston. Kingsley Gilliamof the Jamaica Diaspora Canada Foundation the organizer of the event, was annoyed at the extra work necessary and was angry that Wong missed the beginning of the meeting.
JAMAICAN-BORN CONVICT SAVED FROM DEPORTATION FROM UK—07/21/14
The High Court in the United Kingdom ruled that a Jamaican-born man who was in prison for nine years on a murder conviction, may not be deported, Eric Errion Johnson cannot be deported to Jamaica because he faced discrimination on the basis of being an illegitimate child. Johnson was born out of wedlock, and his mother is Jamaican. He can now appeal to an immigration authority to revoke the order of deportation.
JAMAICANS IN UNITED STATES PREPARE FOR FUTURE—07/22/14
The National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) , which operates in the United States, shows the broad roll of the Diaspora in the world. NAJASO held a three-day conference in Washington, D. C., to discuss the changes in Jamaica’s economy and society and to find ways to modernize the organization.
JAMAICAN GANJA FEATURED AT POLICY MEETING ON DRUGS IN BUDAPEST—07/23/14
The plan by Jamaica to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana made a singular impression on delegates to the Drug Policy and Human Rights conference in Budapest, Hungary. IF marijuana is decriminalized, Jamaica will be the first of the Small Island Developing States to do so. International delegates to the conference discussed the impact of the action on international treaties, the global war on drugs, and access management control
TOURIST BOARD SETS UP IN GLASGOW—07/24/14
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) began its effort to spread the feeling of Jamaica throughout Glasgow, Scotland, as the Commonwealth Games begin. Starting on July 23, the 29 Private Members Club will fill the role of handling all things Jamaica. It will be open to everyone and will offer traditional Jamaican f
FIRST JAMAICAN ASSOCIATION FORMED ON STATEN ISLAND—07/25/14
Organizers on Staten Island in New York have organized the neighborhood’s first Jamaican Association. The group is planning to take immediate action in the community, focusing on unemployment, crime, and poverty among Jamaica’s population. It also plans to offer help to those who have a difficult time adjusting to American life.
THREE JAMAICANS HAVE LUNCH WITH QUEEN ELIZABETH II—07/25/14
Three Jamaicans were among those selected to lunch with Queen Elizabeth II of England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The Queen met with a group of some 70 athletes from competing countries at the Athletes’ Village. Richard Phillips, hurdler, Nicole Aiken-Pinnock, netballer, and Martin Lyn, president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica, were chosen to represent Jamaica at the royal feast.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION HELD IN BROOKLYN—07/19/14
FAMOUS CRICKETEERS APPOINTED TO KEY ROLES IN CPL—07/20/14
JAPAN, CARICOM HOLD FIRST JOINT SUMMIT IN TRINIDAD—07/21/14
GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS CONCERNING TO CARIBBEAN—07/22/14
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HONOR LEADERS—07/23/14
USAID FUND TO GIVE US$500 MILLION TO FIGHT AIDS/HIV IN CARIBBEAN—07/24/14
CARIBBEAN OVERSEAS TERRITORY HEADS MEET WITH UK PARLIAMENT REPS—07/25/14
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN ENTERTAINMENT, CULTURE TO DRIVE TOURIST ARRIVALS—07/19/14
A summer entertainment program “Jamrock Summer – 90 Days, 90 Ways – has been launched in Montego Bay by Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment. According to Damion Crawford, Minister of State in the Tourism Ministry, entertainment is the part of the culture that can be sold and can encourage visitors to come to the island on holidays.
YOUNG JAMAICANS TO BENEFIT FROM DIGITAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES—07/20/14
A loan of US$20 million for a Youth Employment in Digital & Animation Industries Project, which received approval from the World Bank’s Board of Directors, will make it possible for some 15,000 Jamaican youths to receiving training, digital work opportunities, and investments to encourage the development of digital and animation industries on the island. International firms are looking to Jamaica as an outsourcing location for animation production. The global animation industry is valued at about US220 billion annually, and Jamaica can be well positioned to participate in this market.
COMPANY IN CARIBBEAN SEEKS TO TRADEMARK MH17—07/22/14
An unknown firm in the Caribbean wants to trademark the terms “MH17” and “MH370,” the flight numbers referring to planes from Malaysia Airlines that have been involved in major tragedies. MH370 was the flight that disappeared over the Pacific Ocean and has not been found to date, while MH17 was shot down over Ukraine and crashed with no survivors.
CLOSE EXAMINATION OF VOIP BLOCK CONDUCTED BY OUR—07/23/14
Jamaica’s Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is examining the issue of whether VoIP services may be considered illegal bypass before it decides if LIME and Digicel can continue their block on the services from their networks. Internet users utilize VoIP services to make and get free calls via mobile Internet networks. OUR is meeting with LIME and Digicel along with Consumer Affairs Commission representatives to determine if the VoIP service providers constitute a bypass action.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
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JAHMIEL WILL PERFORM WITH TOP REGGAE ARTISTES AT “REGGAE UPRISING”—07/19/14
The young reggae artiste Jahmiel will perform on the same stage as some of the most famous reggae musicians in the world at the “Reggae Uprising” event on August 10, 2014, in St. Elizabeth. The event is the news and most diverse two-day roots reggae festival, and it will showcase aspects of local culture in a local national park in St. Elizabeth.
CHRONIXX PERFORMS HIT TUNE ON TONIGHT SHOW—07/23/14
Reggae artiste Chronixx performed live on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He offered his hit single “Here Comes Trouble” on the late-night talk show. Jamaicans on the home island and around the world tuned in to watch his performance. Chronixx was one of the lead performers at Reggae Sumfest’s international night.
CONSULTANT PRAISES JAMAICA’S TALENT, BUT NOTES LACK OF INVESTMENT—07/24/14
Horace Madison, an entertainment business consultant, believes Jamaica has a considerable amount of talent, but is hindered by its lack of investment and structure. Madison was invited to the island by JAMPRO to build relationships for the investment and exportation of the creative industry in Jamaica. He believes the business sector has a role to play in developing the creative industry.
PEE KAY IN JAMAICA FOR VIDEO DUET WITH BUSY SIGNAL—07/25/14
Pee Kay, a noted hip-hop artiste from Zimbabwe, is visiting Jamaica to perform in a video with Jamaica’s Busy Signal. The track, called “Show Me Love,” was to be released in early June but has been delayed until the end of 2014. The two musicians finished shooting the video in Kingston and believe the song will appeal to audiences all over the world.
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SPORTS
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HENRY LOOKING TO BOOST BADMINTON LOCALLY WITH COMMONWEALTH GAMES—07/19/14
Jamaican Gareth Henry is returning to the Commonwealth Games hoping his participation there will boost awareness and popularity of badminton as a sport on the home island. Henry traveled to Glasgow with Garron Palmer, Ruth Williams, and sister Geordine Henry. Dr. Kingsley Ford, coach, and Ricardo Teape, manager, accompanied the team.
SPENCER KEEPS WINNING STREAK GOING—07/21/14
Jamaican Kaliese Spencer added to her winning streak in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, taking the top spot in the event at the Herculls international competition in Monaco. She ran distance in 54.09 seconds. She was the only Jamaican to win at the meet.
ALIA BREAKS 50-METER BREASTSTROKE RECORD IN GLASGOW—07/24/14
Alia Atkinson of Jamaica broke the record at the Commonwealth Games for the 50-meter breaststroke for a second time. Atkinson, 25, broke the record the first time to win her race in 30.49 seconds. She then came back to swim the distance in 30.17 seconds in the semi-final 2.
IN OREGON, JAMAICANS FIGHT COLD AND RAIN TO ADVANCE IN WORLD JUNIORS—07/25/14
Jamaican athletes fought against the cold and rainy weather in Eugene, Oregon, to advance to the next round at the World Junior Championships at Hayward Field. All four Jamaicans advanced, with Tiffany James finishing second with 54.58 seconds to qualify for the girls’ 400-meter semi-final.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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DEVOTIONAL
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Addition By Subtraction
We know the story well. Five thousand men, beside women and children, all hungry and seated on the grass. There were no shops anywhere in the desert place and even if there were, there was not enough money to feed such a multitude (John 6:7). All they had by way of food was the lunch of a little boy – five loaves and two fishes, but as the disciple Andrew pointed out, “What are they among so many?” (v. 9, KJV). They looked at the food, looked at the crowd, and then all eyes turned to Jesus.
John tells us, “And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would” (v. 11). If we read that verse too quickly, we will miss some important truths. First, Jesus took into His hands that which was not enough. Second, He gave thanks. Third, He distributed to the disciples who would serve the crowd. Though the narrative does not provide any details of their reaction, I believe the disciples were awed by this miracle of addition by subtraction. With every piece of bread that was broken and every piece of fish that was served, there was more to replace them.
As I reflected on Jesus’ actions in this story, I thought about our inability to experience this kind of miracle in our lives, especially in our finances. For some of us, when we look at our monthly commitments compared to our salary, Andrew’s question comes readily to mind. It just isn’t enough. However, look at what Jesus did with what was not enough. Before He distributed it to the disciples, He gave thanks. The more I reflected, it occurred to me that in our technological age when our salaries are directly deposited into accounts, we no longer receive physical pay stubs, and we do our payments electronically, it is easy to ignore this important principle. Instead, we try to juggle what we have against our obligations and for most of us, what we have is never enough.
It could very well be that our miracle of addition by subtraction will only be realized when we begin to follow Jesus’ lead. Next pay day, get up early, mentally take your pay in your hand and give thanks. There really is nothing too hard for the LORD. He can cause what is not enough to do more than is needed with some left over. We give Him the little, He gives us the overflow. Matthew concludes the narrative, “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full” (14:20). See, He did it before and He can do it again. He is just that kind of God.
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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.
