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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICA LACKS ADEQUATE MORGUE FACILITIES—06/21/14
Although Jamaica has had once of the highest murder rates in the world for some time, it lacks the capacity to handle the number of victims it must process each year. There has been no national morgue in Jamaica since the 1970s, despite the fact that authorities agree autopsies are being performed in facilities so inadequate they jeopardize criminal investigations, according to Hayden Baldwin, forensic consultant to Jamaica’s police.
BARBADOS SAYS MYRIE HAS BEEN PAID—06/22/14
The Attorney General of Barbados, Adriel Brathwaite, has said that the money awarded to Jamaican Shanique Myrie by the Caribbean Court of Justice has been paid. Myrie says she has not received the payment yet, however. According to Brathwaite, damages totaling more than BDS$75,000 were paid via the Barbados Central Bank on June 19, 2014, and should have been received into the account of Myrie’s attorney one day later. The damages are being paid in regard to Myrie’s mistreatment at the hands of Barbados immigration personnel at the nation’s airport in 2011.
FERGUSON CALLS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR TO JOIN IN PROMOTING HEALTH TOURISM—06/23/14
Jamaica’s Minister of Health Dr. Fenton Ferguson wants the private sector to partner with the government and promote health tourism in the country. According to Ferguson, Jamaica could become the “health hub for the Caribbean” and create significant economic and employment opportunities for the country.
OPPOSITION PARTY CREATES ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL—06/24/14
Andrew Holness, the head of the Opposition Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), said the country’s economy has been attempting to achieve fiscal stability for over two years without success. Therefore, he has decided to create an Economic Advisory Council that will facilitate entrepreneurship and growth in jobs, production, income, and overall prosperity for Jamaicans.
THREE POLICE OFFICERS ARRESTED ON CORRUPTION CHARGES—06/25/14
Three police officers in St. James were arrested by authorities from the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on charges of alleged breach of the Corruption Prevention Act. According to reports, a motorist in Montego Bay was detained by two on-duty police who asked for vehicle documents and the driver’s license, which he could not provide. The police then allegedly told him that he would be charged and demanded several amounts of money in exchange for dropping the prosecution.
HYLTON SUCCEEDS IN GETTING “GAG ORDER” LIFTED—06/26/14
Jamaica’s former solicitor general, Michael Hylton, has succeeded in getting a “gag order” imposed by the Supreme Court in Trinidad and Tobago lifted. The order had banned non-parties from getting copies of documents filed in a case before the court. This included the media. Mr. Justice Robin Mohammed ruled, however, that the media has a right to cover court proceedings and the public has the right to access documents of the court.
REPORT FROM CHILD DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SLAMS CHILDREN’S HOMES—06/26/14
The six private children’s homes that approved the unauthorized sex education program from Jamaicans for Justice are now accused of breach the regulations that govern child care in Jamaica. Lisa Hanna, Youth Minister, said the report indicated that the operators of the homes, by approving the training, were in breach of Regulation 15(1) and 15(2) of the Child Care and Protection (Children’s Home) Regulations, since they did not request the Minister’s approval. The homes could see their licenses to operate suspended.
FIREFIGHTERS IN ST. CATHERINE HAMPERED BY LACK OF EQUIPMENT—06/27/14
Firefighters at the Spanish Town Fire Station in St. Catherine sometimes experience problems and delays due to failing fire-fighting equipment. The poor condition of the equipment results in delays in getting to fires. A report from the auditor general was critical of the state of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, but may have understated the actual problems faced by firefighters. According to a 35-year veteran of the Brigade, the last time it had sufficient resources to handle fires was in 1995.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICA AND JAPAN CELEBRATE “ONE LOVE” FESTIVAL—06/21/14
The long-standing diplomatic relationship between Japan and Jamaica, which has spanned some 50 years, was celebrated by both nations at the 11th edition of the One Love Jamaica Festival in Japan. The event was held in Tokyo at Yoyogi Park and featured musical and dance performances, as well as
NEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF TURKS AND CAICOS IS A JAMAICAN—06/22/14
Jamaica’s Margaret Ramsay-Hale will serve as chief justice of Turks and Caicos. She will take up the post later in 2014 following the acceptance by Governor Peter Beckingham of her recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission. Ramsay-Hale is the daughter of Jamaican attorney Ian Ramsay. She began her law practice in 1991 and was appointed to the Jamaican bench in 1995.
CARIBBEAN INVESTIGATIVE TV PROGRAM TO AIR IN SOUTH FLORIDA—06/23/14
Jamaican Zahra Burton made a big impact on the news industry in the Caribbean with her weekly program “18 Degrees North,” which has been called the “60 Minutes” of the Caribbean. She started the program to fill the gap in investigative journalism on issues specific to the Caribbean. According to Burton, there are millions of people in the region and the Diaspora who want credible news from the Caribbean. The show, now in its second season, will now be available on Miami, Florida’s CBS affiliate My 33.
JAMAICAN SCHOLAR RECEIVES RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP TO ISRAEL—06/24/14
Peter Nelson, who already earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of the West Indies at 25, has now been awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at Weizmann institute of Science in Israel. He was chosen from a field of 280 applicants from around the world. Nelson is an example of someone from a poor community, raised by a single mother, who went to a nontraditional high school and went on to attain a high level of achievement.
JAMAICAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UK GIVEN INTERNATIONAL JURISTS AWARD—06/25/14
Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, Jamaica’s High Commission to the United Kingdom has been awarded the International Jurists Award for 2014. The award is given by the International Council of Jurists. The High Commissioner was selected for the honor for her contributions to the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
SIMPSON MILLER WILL NOT HAVE PUBLIC MEETING WITH NATIONALS IN FLORIDA—06/26/14
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller did not plan to have a public meeting with Jamaican nationals during her three-day visit to South Florida. According to community leaders, this is unusual for an official making a visit to South Florida, which is home to a growing population of Caribbean nationals.
Those who keep watch on Jamaica’s politics say this reflects Simpson Miller’s different leadership style, which has evolved after the 2012 election returned her to power. She now allows her ministers to lead on a wide range of issues.
IN GUYANA, JAMAICAN STUDENTS CONDUCT COUNSELING SESSIONS—06/27/14
In recognition of the need for people to stand up for the cause of the disenfranchised and hopeless members of society, Marcia Yangapatty of Guyana has organized an educational exchange program that will bring Jamaican students to her home country to raise awareness of social issues that impact teens, families, women’s groups, and those dealing with grief, among others. Students from Northern Caribbean University will expose the people of Guyana to counseling and empowerment seminars.
REGGAE CONCERT SET FOR JULY 4 AT NIAGARA FALLS, NY—06/27/14
Niagara Falls in New York is popular with tourists, and on July 4, 2014, it will be the site of the first staging of the Love Order at the Border concert. The three-day event on the border between Canada and the United States will feature a mix of reggae, soul, and funk bands. The Real Music Group is the promoter of the concert, which seeks to celebrate past and present music of many genres and provide exposure for local artistes.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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U.S. TO HELP CARIBBEAN WITH ENERGY PROBLEMS—06/21/14
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BOOSTING LINKS WITH SOUTH KOREA—06/22/14
SPREAD OF CHIKUNGUNYA SLOWS—06/23/14
CARIBBEAN JURISPRUDENCE CREATED BY CCJ—06/24/14
ROGERS AWARDED MBE—06/25/14
TECH FIRM IN CARIBBEAN BUILDS APP TO CONNECT FOOTBALL FANS—06/26/14
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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PETROJAM INTENDS TO PURCHASE TWO COMBINED CARGOES—06/24/14
Petrojam, the Jamaican refining company, seeks to buy two cargoes that combine gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The cargoes will be received in Kingston in July 2014. The first cargo will contain 20,000 barrels of 90-octane gasoline, 50,000 barrels of 88-octane gasoline, 40,000 barrels of jet fuel, and 120,000 barrels of high sulfur diesel. In total, the shipments will include 200,000-240,000 barrels.
RISE IN DEMAND FOR JAMAICAN WORK PERMITS—06/25/14
According to Jamaica’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the demand from foreigners for Jamaican work permits increased by 23.1 percent if fiscal 2013-2014. Work permit fees have risen to a maximum of $170,000 since the beginning of 2014 as well. The greatest number of work permits was granted to those in professional, senior official, and technical positions. These positions represented 69.8 percent of all permits.
BUSINESS COACHING BECOMES MORE POPULAR IN JAMAICA—06/26/14
Many Jamaican companies are contacting Marcia Woon Choy for help in developing skills, knowledge, and confidence in their executives. As founder of MWC Associates Ltd., a consulting and training firm, Choy became the owner of the first franchise of ActionCOACH in Jamaica in 2010. She has exclusive rights to provide certified business and executive coaching through the firm in Jamaica.
JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE $1 BILLION IN SMALL BUSINESS LOANS—06/27/14
The government of Jamaica wants to provide $1 billion in loans to finance micro, small, and midsized enterprises (MSME) on the island. According to Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report for 2013 said that this sector is especially important for the country’s economic progress. Therefore, the government is interested in nurturing MSMEs.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
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PATTERSON TO BE GUEST PRESENTER AT CELEBRATION HONORING SKATALITES—06/21/14
In New York, the Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation plans to honor the 1960s Ska band, The Skatalites at the annual independence gala on August 16, 2014. The event’s theme is “Honoring Greatness.” The only surviving member of the original band, Lester Sterling, will be there to accept the award. The former Prime Minister of Jamaica P.J. Patterson will be the presenter at the ceremony.
INNER CIRCLE RECORDS “WORLD CUP ANTHEM”—06/24/14
Jamaica’s reggae recording group is making sure that reggae is represented at the South America Olympic football competition. Based in Miami, Inner Circle has recorded “All About the Ball,” a tune known among football fans and used at Caribbean viewing venues in the United States. The tune is being called the World cup anthem, and the lyrics by Mykal Roze promote the sport.
PLANS SET FOR INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY—06/26/14
International Reggae Day will be celebrated on July 1, 2014, and Andrea Davis, the conceptualizer of the event, says that things are in place for the annual celebration. The first event was held 20 years ago. The theme for 2014 is “You Reap What You Sow.” The focus of the event is to showcase the positive elements of reggae music.
SUMFEST DEBUT FOR PRISSY G—06/27/14
Prissy G, the reggae singer who is based in Montego Bay, will make her first appearance at Reggae Sumfest on July 19, 2014, International Night 2, at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Center. The festival will run from July 13 through 19. Prissy G, whose real name is Preceita Gray, has been singing since her childhood and appeared in many school concerts at Herbert Morrison Technical High in Montego Bay. She has made several recordings with Cotton Tree Records and has a number of music videos getting major play on local and cable TV stations.
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SPORTS
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BLAKE WILL NOT COMPETE AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES—06/21/14
Jamaica’s Olympic champion Yohan Blake will not be among the competitors at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland at the end of June 2014. The athlete missed the deadline to enter the competition. However, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, who have appealed their 18-month suspensions imposed for doping, will compete in Glasgow if they qualify in their events at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships.
ASAFA POWELL WILL RUN IN FRANCE PRIOR TO HIS DOPING HEARING—06/24/14
Asafa Powell, Jamaican sprinter, plans to run in France on July 5, 2014, just five days before his doping hearing. His participation in the Paris Diamond League was confirmed by the event’s organizers. Powell is a former 100-meter world record holder. He tested positive for a banned substance in 2013 at the Jamaica trials.
NEW ZEALAND’S VETTORI TO JOIN JAMAICA TALLAWAHS—06/26/14
Daniel Vettori, former captain of the New Zealand team, will be part of the Jamaica Tallawahs team for the 2014 season of the Caribbean Premier League. He will replace Muttiah Muralitharan. Vettori believes it is a “privilege” to help the Tallawahs defend the title. Vettori most recently played in the Twenty20 with the Brisbane Heat in the 2014 Big Bash League.
BOLT SAYS HE WILL RUN IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES—06/27/14
Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s Olympic champion sprinter, says he is “available” to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July. He has been working to attain optimal fitness levels after an injury that forced him to miss the competitions in Ostrava and Paris and the JAAA Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championship. He has submitted the required paperwork to participate in the Commonwealth Games.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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DEVOTIONAL
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“Not of Works”
The parable was simple yet profound in its truths. Two men with the same intent, the worship of God, but who were as different as night and day in their approach. According to the narrative, “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14, ESV).
It is not enough to worship God. How we worship Him is equally important. The Pharisee, not wanting to be associated with the reviled tax collector, reaffirmed his strict adherence to pharisaic righteousness that required doing no harm to others and observing all the ordinances of God, then established in the Jewish economy. In other words, his strong opinion of his own righteousness was the basis on which he built his hope of final salvation. On the other hand, the tax collector, being repentant and feeling unworthy to stand before God, demonstrated a consciousness of his guilt by smoting his breast, a token of excessive grief, and threw himself upon God’s mercy as his only claim to salvation. He realized something the Pharisee had not – that salvation was not something he could claim by his works, but only by God’s work of redeeming grace.
The apostle Paul echoed this sentiment when he reminded the church at Ephesus, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV). On our best days, our best efforts at being righteous “are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6); we have nothing in ourselves to boast about. God is not impressed with our trying to remind Him of how good we have been or how good we are. Jesus made it clear that it was not the Pharisee who had professed his righteousness through his works that went away justified, but the tax collector who had come with a broken and a contrite heart.
It is true that today’s believer is covered by the righteousness of Christ. Paul affirmed, “For He [God] hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (1 Corinthians 5:21). However, our position is not the result of our efforts, but all because of what He did. The next time we stand to pray, let us keep that in mind.
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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.
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