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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT STANDS BY ISLAND ATHLETES—07/20/13
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller stated that her government will stand by the athletes accused of doping, but also called for athletes to be more careful about any supplements they take. She emphasized that Jamaica values integrity in sports and desires a doping-free sports environment.
ALLEN ENCOURAGES ALL JAMAICANS TO UNITE TO FOSTER NATION’S PROGRESS—07/21/13
Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, is calling for all Jamaicans, both on the island in the Diaspora, to come together to support national development. Allen said the advancement of Jamaica is the responsibility of every citizen. He made his remarks at the opening ceremony of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) 36th Annual Convention in Montego Bay.
JAMAICAN HISTORY TRACED AT SEVILLE HERITAGE PARK—07/22/13
Seville Heritage Park and Great House comprises 301 acres in St. Ann parish that has been inhabited continuously for hundreds of years. It has been a settlement of Taino, the first Spanish capital of Jamaica, and a sugar plantation. With funding of $19 million, the venue upgraded its facilities and not includes a state-of-the-art exhibit celebrating Jamaican history from the 17th century. The Seville site has been called “the most historic in the Western hemisphere.”
LGBT ADOVATES IN JAMAICA CONDEMN KILLING OF TEEN CROSS-DRESSER—07/23/13
After the reported killing of a 17-year-old cross-dresser in Montego Bay, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-Sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), a Jamaican LGBT rights group, expressed its outrage at the murder. Police found the body of Dwayne Jones with a gunshot wound and multiple stab wounds dumped on the side of a road after a party. The rights group is calling for a thorough investigation of the crime.
TWO BROTHERS ACQUITTED ON CHARGES OF RAPING FIVE FEMALES—07/24/13
Sheldon Brissett, 21, and Kerron Brissett, 20, were charged with raping and assaulting five females, including an eight-year-old girl, in Irwin Point, St. James, in 2012. The brothers were acquitted of all charges in the Western Regional Gun Court after prosecutors called just two of their ten witnesses and provided no additional evidence in the case. DNA evidence previously provided in the case indicated that the brothers were not at the scene of the crime.
AMENDED LAW TO RECOGNIZE UNBORN CHILDREN AS BENEFICIARIES—07/25/13
According to Jamaica’s Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding, the law governing probate and administration of estates will be amended to allow unborn children to be recognized as beneficiaries if they survive the deceased individual and if paternity is established. The law will also allow a person who attests a will to be permitted to apply to the court to benefit from gifts left to him/her by the deceased. The changes are designed to modernize the probate process.
LLEWELLYN WARNS CRITICS ABOUT BLAMING DPP, POLICE INVESTIGATORS—07/26/13
Paula Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), is cautioning critics of her office against putting the blame for the fact that high-profile cases have fallen apart. Llewellyn spoke out after a judge at the Supreme Court instructed a jury to bring a not guilty verdict in one of the two murder cases against Vybz Kartel, a popular entertainer. She said fearful witnesses often refuse to go into witness protection programs and return to the same locations where the accused individual lives. Witnesses may accept money from family or friends of accused individuals to discontinue a case, or they may just not show up to testify. There is nothing that can be done if a witness refuses to testify, says Llewellyn.
GOVERNMENT LOOKING FOR FOREIGNER FOR TIVOLI ENQUIRY—07/26/13
Jamaican Minister of Justice Mark Golding stated that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is working with the government to find potential commissioners who would be responsible for the Tivoli Commission of Enquiry. Golding said it would be good if the people involved had the right type of experience and international standing and reputation to perform this kind of job.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICANS TEACHING IN JAPAN—07/20/13
Since 2000, a number of Jamaicans have traveled to Japan to help language teachers through participation in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. The program is facilitated by the government of Japan throughout the world. University of the West Indies graduate Raul Davis, 28, teaches senior high school students in Japan.
PNP 75th ANNIVERSARY MARKED BY JAMAICA NATIONAL MOVEMENT NEW YORK—07/21/13
The community organization Jamaica National Movement New York Inc., held a 29th annual awards dinner to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jamaica’s People’s National Party. K.D. Knight was recognized with the Norman Manley Award for Self-Reliance, while Dr. Millicent Comrie received the Marcus Garvey Award for Community Service. There were several other honorees. The event represents the major fund raising effort for the group, which supports 14 basic schools in Jamaica.
5TH BIENNIAL DIASPORA CONFERENCE ENERGIZED JAMAICANS OVERSEAS—07/22/13
The Diaspora community in the Southern United States was energized by the 2013 Diaspora Conference and wants to capitalize on the social and business opportunities that came out of the event. According to Sandra Grant Griffiths, Jamaican Consul General to the Southern United States, the 5th Biennial conference was one of the best in history in terms of outcomes that will lead to a post-conference implementation committee.
DIASPORA CAN HELP RESTORE IMAGE OF JAMAICA, SAYS BARTLETT—07/23/13
Edmond Bartlett, Jamaica’s Opposition Spokesman on Tourism, believes that Jamaicans in the Diaspora have a role to play in helping to restore the reputation of Jamaica in the global community. Because of the way Peter Bunting, Jamaica’s National Security Minister, participated in a documentary, “Destination Jamaica,” showing the nation in a negative way, Bartlett feels his call to the Diaspora is critical to restore a positive view of the country.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CARIBBEAN LIZARDS INDICATE PREDICTABILITY OF EVOLUTION—07/20/13
ACS IMPORTANT IN CREATING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ZONE IN CARIBBEAN—07/21/13
U.S. COAST GUARD FINDS 2,300 POUNDS OF COCAINE—07/22/13
CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANTS IN NYC USE FOOD STAMPS TO SHIP FOOD HOME—07/23/13
MORE DIGITAL CONTENT NEEDED IN CARIBBEAN, SAYS EXPERT—07/24/13
CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY TAKES UP CAUSE OF COMPENSATION FOR SLAVERY—07/25/13
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN CREW MEMBERS INCREASED AT CARIBBEAN AIRLINES—07/20/13
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has raised the number of crew members from Jamaica that it includes at peak travel season during July and August. The crew includes 10 pilots and 20 flight attendants from Jamaica. These workers will be employed with their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago CAL currently flies between Jamaica and New York, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando in the U.S. It also flies to Toronto in Canada and Nassau, Bahamas.
JAMAICA’S TOURIST INDUSTRY DOING WELL IN SUMMER OF 2013—07/22/13
According to Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the nation’s tourism industry is have a very good summer in spite of its many challenges. McNeill made his remarks at the 36th Annual Convention of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations. He noted that investment prospects are good, and Jamaica plans to regain airlifts out of the United Kingdom and benefit from those in Canada. He said the need to broaden tourism’s links to other economic sectors in Jamaica remains, however.
PAYTOO CORPORATION READ TO MOVE ON MOBILE MONEY—07/24/13
Michel Poignant, chief executive officer of PayToo Corporation, is denying claims that a partnership involving mobile money between his firm and Patrick Casserly of the Jamaica is at risk. He was responding to rumors that PayToo had “lost contact” with Casserly and was delaying its plans to introduce its mobile wallet product to the Caribbean. Casserly said he had taken a break but is ready to move forward with the project. Casserly is CEO of PayToo Caribbean.
TOURISM DIRECTOR RECOMMENDS EASING RESTRICTIONS ON PET TRAVEL—07/25/13
John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, believes that Jamaica would increase its attractiveness as a tourist destination if its pet-traveling laws were less restrictive. Jamaica has imposed extremely strict laws, which date back to 1948, in order to keep the nation free of rabies. Lynch said that there is a trend toward traveling with a pet, especially among up-scale tourists. With freer laws, Jamaica could tap into a growing market, he believes.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS TO PROVIE INFORMATION ON MISSING CHILDREN—07/20/13
SOCIAL NETWORKING PROGRAM TO FOCUS ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT—07/24/13
RESEARCH INSTITUTE SAYS MORE INCENTIVES NEEDED FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY—07/25/13
YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARIBBEAN URGED TO INNOVATE—07/26/13
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ENTERTAINMENT
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ASPIRING ARTISTS RECEIVE HELP FROM SPANISH-JAMAICAN FOUNDATION, EMC—07/21/13
The Arts Foundation of Edna Manley College (EMC in partnership with the Embassy of Spain and the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling J$125,000 each to five students at the college’s Visual and Performing Arts department. The students come from five of the college’s schools and were awarded the scholarships on the basis of financial need and a GPA of 3.0 or higher Funding for the scholarships came from proceeds of An Evening of Jazz Flamenco Fusion with the CMS Trio, an event held in November 2012.
OCHO RIOS TO HOS 6TH JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL—07/22/13
Ocho Rios will be the site of the sixth staging of the Jamaica International Reggae Film Festival. The 2013 festival will honor women in film and include a posthumous tribute to Jamaican-American actress Madge Sinclair. The festival, which will be held August 1 through 5, will feature 25 films in various categories over four nights. Admission to the festival is free.
DIANA KING FIRST JAMAICAN MUSICIAN TO COME OUT PUBLICLY—07/23/13
One of the most popular musicians from the Caribbean, the Jamaican-American singer and songwriter Diana King, “came out” as a lesbian on her Facebook page in 2012. Long suspected of being gay, her announcement marked the first time that a Jamaican musical artiste has come out. This breaks a major taboo in Jamaican culture. In April 2012, she performed at the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs, the largest lesbian event in the world, and proposed marriage to her girlfriend of seven years after giving an emotional speech about the challenges of her relationship due to the U.S, Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
MURDER CHARGE AGAINST VYBZ KARTEL DROPPED—07/24/13
A Jamaican judge has dropped a murder charge against popular dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel and two other men who were brought to trial for the death of Barrington Burton, a businessman. The prosecutors did not bring enough evidence to support the charge. Kartel still faces a murder trial in November 2013 relating to the August 2011 death of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Police believe Williams was beaten to death at Kartel’s home. His body has never been found.
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SPORTS
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YOHAN BLAKE IN RECOVERY, WILL NOT COMPETE AGAIN IN 2013—07/22/13
Jamaican sprint star Yohan Blake is recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in April, but he will not compete in the IAAF World Championships in Moscow in August. Blake, who is the second-highest earner on the international athletics scene, has probably lost several million dollars since his injury has precluded him from participating in meets. Cubie Seegobin, Blake’s manager, says they don’t need the money so badly that they want to risk further injury.
JAMAICAN YACHT ENTERS 2013-14 CLIPPER RACE—07/23/13
A Jamaican yacht is scheduled to participate in the 2013-20134 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The yacht is part of a new state-of-the-art fleet of racers that will make their debut at the race. It will feature Jamaica as one of the most desirable of tourist destinations. The race will cover 40,000 miles and run for 11 months. It is expected to provide significant global exposure for Jamaica as the yacht visits 15 ports on six continents around the world. This is the third time Jamaica has entered this race.
OFFICIALS AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES WON’T PAY BOLT TO APPEAR—07/24/13
The authorities running the Commonwealth Games say they will not pay Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s superstar Olympic champion runner, to appear that the 2014 competition in Glasgow, Scotland. Bolt says he would love to run at the event and is willing to participate just for the experience. He has never run at the Commonwealth Games. Bolt will speak with the heads of the Games about participating, but they continue to emphasize that there will be no payday associated with his appearance.
BOLT LOOKS TO BREAK RECORD IN LONDON—07/25/13
Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s six-time Olympic sprint champion, states that he has something to provide in the 100 meter race at the Diamond League meet in London. Bolt will be appearing in Britain for the first time since his three Olympic gold medals at the 2012 Olympic Games. He would like to run a quick race to prepare himself for the World Championships in Moscow in August.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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– Project Officer – Details Here
– Deputy Chief Of Security – Details Here
– Service Manager, Motor Vehicle Parts – Details Here
– Librarian – Details Here
– Lecturer – Details Here
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
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DEVOTIONAL
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In the Company of Many
Elijah was despondent. This immediately after the victory over four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18). One would think that he would have been on a spiritual high. However, terrified by the threats of Jebezel to take his life within twenty-four hours (1 Kings 19:2), instead of looking to God he thinks of himself only. According to the narrative, “he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:3-4, KJV).
After a series of divine encounters during which he was physically and nutritionally refreshed, Elijah journeyed “forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God” where he settled in a cave (vv.8-9a). The narrative continues, “The word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (vv. 9b-10). It is clear that Elijah was not being subtle with the focus on himself and his efforts. He was in the midst of a pity party and he was going to make the most of it! It did not matter that as God’s prophet he was in a place where he served no useful purpose. The question, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” is loaded with significance. As Bible Commentator John Gills points out, “This is not a proper place for a prophet to be in, in a wilderness, in a mountain, in a cave in it: what work could he do for God? or what service to his people?”
For all intents and purposes, Elijah was accusing God of leaving him by himself. Yet, God had news for him. After challenging him a second time with the same question and receiving the same answer from Elijah, in the midst of instructing him the LORD told him, “I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (v. 18). In other words, “Elijah, you are not alone and have never been alone. There are seven thousand in Israel who are just like you.”
Do you feel like Elijah sometimes? Zealous and jealous for the LORD God of hosts yet feeling like you are the only one in your church or sphere of influence who cares about standing up for Him? When we focus on ourselves, it is easy to feel that way for the mind that is focused on self cannot focus on God at the same time. However, in the midst of challenging situations, even life-threatening ones, it is important to remember that though we may not see them or even be aware of them, there are others who are standing firm for God regardless of the cost. Having a pity party is not the answer. When we turn our eyes to the king of kings, we are reminded that there are more that are with us than we realize. I find that every encouraging. How about you?
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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.
