Staff Writer——————————————–
THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
——————————————–
JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT UPSET AT T&T DENIAL OF ENTRY TO JAMAICANS—11/23/13
The government of Jamaica has notified Trinidad and Tobago about its concern that a “significant number” of Jamaican citizens have been denied entry to the eastern Caribbean country. The most recent incident involved 12 Jamaicans turned back at Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain.
CRIMINALS DEMAND PROTECTION MONEY FROM WINDSCREEN CLEANERS—11/24/13
Young boys in the Corporate Area are being forced by criminals to work in groups as windscreen cleaners at busy traffic intersections. They must turn over the money they make to the thugs as protection money. Some of the boys are as young as seven years of age. The gunmen who make the demands have control over the community, providing little recourse to help for the children who live there.
TEACHER STARTS CAMPAIGN TO BOYCOTT PRODUCTS FROM T&T—11/25/13
Kesreen Green Dillon, a rural primary school teacher, has initiated Facebook campaign to urge Jamaicans to boycott products imported from Trinidad and Tobago in protest of that country’s treatment of Jamaican citizens. In addition to local consumers who are eager to join the boycott, the Parliamentary Opposition is also ready to express its concerns about the allegations that T&T is flouting the free-movement provisions of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
JAMAICA TO LAUNCH DEBATE ON CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE—11/26/13
The Parliament of Jamaica is poised to debate the country’s potential accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). According to Minister Phillip Paulwell, the House of Representatives will start debate on two bills, one to amend the Judicature Act and the other to amend the Constitution of Jamaica. Currently, Jamaica sends all final appeals to the Privy Council in London; three Caribbean nations send appeals to the CCJ, which is based in Port-of-Spain. Most Caribbean countries want to move appellate jurisdiction to the CCJ.
AFTER A DECADE, “EAT JAMAICAN” CAMPAIGN BRINGS MINIMAL CHANGE—11/27/13
Jamaica has still not achieved its desired level of food security after ten years of the Eat Jamaican campaign, which was intended to stimulate the production and consumption of local agriculture products. According to Dr. Jerome Thomas, the representative of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to Jamaica, some progress has been made, but significantly greater production and consumption of local foods is needed to improve the living standards of the poor in a sustainable manner.
FOUR JAMAICAN POLICE CHARGED WITH FATAL SHOOTING OF PASTOR—11/27/13
Four Jamaican police officers are facing charges relating to the fatal shooting of Trevor Edwards, a pastor, while he was in a taxi in Kingston in 2010. Two male and two female officers have pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying that Edwards was one of several gunmen who fired upon them. Witness accounts dispute the officers’ story, however.
INVITATION TO TALKS ABOUT IMMIGRATION ISSUES ACCEPTED BY TRINIDAD—11/28/13
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar of Trinidad has accepted an invitation from Jamaica to discuss issues relating to the deportation of Jamaican nationals from Trinidad and Tobago. The Prime Minister said she has advised Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to accept the invitation to travel to Kingston for the talks.
PARLIAMENT SPLIT ON PROPOSAL TO CRIMINALIZE SONGS THAT INCITE VIOLENCE—11/29/13
Jamaica’s Parliament is divided over a controversial proposal that would criminalize the production and/or singing of songs that incite violence against police, informers, gays, or other groups. According to Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding, the proposal, Clause 15, as it now reads, is not relevant to the issue of criminal gangs. As worded, Clause 15 addresses the production of cultural material to facilitate criminal activity of a criminal organization, but Golding says it is really focused on using songs to encourage violence against informants and police. Olivia Grange, committee member, believes Clause 15 should be deleted, noting that the Broadcasting Commission and other entities could address this issue.
——————————————–
JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
——————————————–
UK FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON CARIBBEAN ECONOMY—11/23/13
The British Foundation for the University of the West indies (BFUWI), together with University College London’s Institute of the Americas, will host a discussion entitled “Beyond Remittances and Tourism: What Future for the Caribbean Economy” in London on December 5, 2013. Discussions will cover potential actions, taking into account the declining economic growth from tourism, increasing debt, and debilitating social issues. Participating in the discussions will be Professor Victor Bulmer-Thomas, Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of London; Dr Vindelyn Smith-Hillman, Jamaican Economist, Economic Adviser, Law Commission and Alan Smith, Global Head of Risk Strategy & Chief of Staff Global Risk, HSBC Holdings and alumnus of UWI.
JAMAICA ELECTED TO WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE OF UNESCO—11/25/13
Jamaica has been selected to fill a seat on the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, the first time the island nation has been elected to do so. Jamaica received more votes that Angola to the committee, which decides if a property is listed on the World Heritage List. Lisa Hanna, Jamaica’s Minister of Youth and Culture, led the lobby supporting the nation’s candidacy. Hanna said the vote was historic and would bring benefits to Jamaica in the future by protecting and promoting its heritage.
JMA CALLS FOR JAMAICA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TO TAKE QUICK ACTION—11/28/13
Brian Pengelley, the president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), is asking the governments of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to act quickly to stem the effects of the boycott of T&T products. Members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States and the United Kingdom have joined in the boycott, and while he recognizes the rights of consumers to boycott T&T in response to that country’s denial of entry to Jamaica citizens, the JMA does not believe this is the correct response at this time.
JAMAICAN-BORN LECTURER IN LONDON SUSPENDED—11/29/13
Dr. Mark Walcott, 52, a Jamaican-born lecturer at Newham College in London has been suspended due to homophobic remarks he made during a discussion in a staffroom that was secretly recorded. Walcott allegedly compared gay teachers to the Ku Klux Klan and said they wanted to convert their pupils to “gayism.” Walcott was the head of the dance and drama department at the college and is a part-time psychotherapist.
————————————————-
CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
————————————————-
244 HAITIANS EXPELLED BY DOMINCAN GOVERNMENT AFTER BORDER KILLINGS—11/24/13
VIOLENCE AGAINST CARIBBEAN WOMEN A CONCERN FROM OAS—11/25/13
COURT RULING IN DOMINCAN REPUBLIC REJECTED BY SEVERAL NATIONS—11/26/13
TALKS BETWEEN HAITI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC END AFTER COURT RULING—11/27/13
GUYANA BLACKLISTED BY FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE—11/28/13
CARIBBEAN NATIONS WANT TAIWAN INCLUDED IN GLOBAL CLIMATE TALKS—11/29/13
———————————————
BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
———————————————
PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE TRADE WITH U.S.—11/23/13
The Services of the Caribbean (SOCA) organization will focus its energy on promoting new trade and investment opportunities between the service sectors and industries in the United States and CARICOM countries. The United States Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI-CBERA) is being enhanced by the new SOCA and led by the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica and the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI).
US$16 BILLION IN DEVELOPMENT AID FROM JAPAN QUESTIONED—11/24/13
A negotiator from the Caribbean has questioned the intentions of Japan in making an announcement of a US$16 billion investment in aid to developing countries just days after it announced a reduction in its target for carbon emissions. The negotiator, who remains unnamed, asked whether the money is separate from the usual development aid provided by Japan.
HEAD OF SUGAR ORGANIZATION SHOCKED AT IMPORTS IN JAMAICA—11/25/13
Peter Baron, the executive director of the International Sugar Organization, was surprised to find that the sugar he used at breakfast in Jamaica had come from Brazil. Baron was in Jamaica participating in a general meeting of the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association. He wondered why the sugar packets he used contained brown sugar from Brazil and refined sugar from Guatemala, instead of local Jamaican sugar. Sugar from those two nations is shipped to Jamaica, unpacked, and then repackaged. Baron called the situation “absurd.”
JAMAICA, SINGAPORE SIGN OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT—11/26/13
An open skies agreement has been signed by Jamaica and Singapore. The governments of the two countries have agreed to allow selected airlines to fly between them without limitations on the number of flights, capacity of aircraft, or type of plane. The agreement means greater potential for transportation, tourism, and commerce between the nations.
———————————————————————-
Caribbean Science and Technology News provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
———————————————————————–
FISHERIES GROUP URGES REJECTION OF QUEEN CONCH PETITION—11/23/13
SMALL DEVELOPING ISLAND STATES ARE KEY IN CLIMATE DISCUSSIONS—11/25/13
GENETIC RESEARCH IN CARIBBEAN ADDS TO HUMAN HISTORY—11/26/13
JAMAICA’S MINISTRY OF HEALTH ADOPTS FREE, OPEN SOURCE SYSTEM—11/28/13
————————————————–
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
————————————————–
REALITY TV SERIES TO STAR “CARIBBEAN WIVES”—11/23/13
Tulloch Media Communications, which is based in the United States, premiered the first episode of its new reality series “Caribbean Wives of South Florida.” It features women as family matriarchs who balance their marriages, careers, and living the American Dream. The company says the show will display the culture of the Caribbean region.
MC CHITA MAKES FOURTH ALBUM—11/24/13
On December 3, 2013, MC Chita, also known as Chitarisiro Chiketa, a hip-hop musician based in Jamaica, will launch his fourth album. The album is called “Red, Gold, and Green.” The musician worked with producers from Jamaica and Zimbabwe to make the album.
GREAT EXPECTATONS FOR TESSANNE—11/25/13
Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin is among the final eight contestants on the U.S. television show “The Voice.” She is pursuing her goal of being in the final six singers. Chin, 28, has been a sensation since her first appearance on the program, and suspense is growing about her chances at winning the competition.
STARS ANNOUNCED FOR 2013 CULTURE REGGAE FEST—11/26/13
On November 30, 2013, Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain will host the inaugural 2013 Culture Reggae Fest. It is expected to be one of the top reggae events of the year and will feature a large number of major Jamaican singers. Included in the lineup is Luciano, who is known for his inspirational songs like It’s Me Again Jah.”
——————————————–
SPORTS
——————————————–
JAMAICAN RELAYS AMONG BEST OF LATIN AMERICA SPORTS—11/23/13
Jamaican male and female 4×100-meter relay teams won world titles at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow in 2013. This achievement allows them standing to win the Annual Survey of Prensa Latina, confirming their rank as the pre-competition favorites. The teams are led by Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who raised Jamaica to third place in overall medals at the event.
ENTIRE JAMAICAN ANTI-DOPING BOARD RESIGNS—11/24/13
The entire board of the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (JADC) resigned as a result of the drug-testing crisis, which claimed that athletes in Jamaica have not been required to take sufficiently rigorous tests. Natalie Neita-Headley, Jamaican Sports Minister, said the government respects the decision of the 11 JADCO commissioners.
PALMER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM FOOTBALL—11/25/13
Lovel Palmer, who was excluded from the Jamaican squad for the final round of the World Cup qualifiers, has decided to retire from international football. Palmer is 29 years of age. He said he did not know why he was not included in the squad and said he was “shocked” at not being called up for the hexagonal stage.
MORE MONEY, GREATER PARTICIPATION FOR JN OPEN AMATEUR TENNIS—11/28/13
The fifth staging of the JN Open Amateur Tennis Championships in Jamaica are set to be better funded, with higher monetary prizes, more participants, and a new category. The tournament begins on November 30, 2013, at the Liquanea Club. Forty-eight people have registered to participate and aim for $150,000 in prize money. Twelve women will compete in the Ladies Open for prizes of $50,000.
—————————
JAMAICAN JOBS
—————————
Clerical Assistant – Details Here
Hospitality Professionals – Details Here
Project Manager – Details Here
Graphic and Motion Designer – Details Here
EPA and CSME Implementation Consultant – Details Here
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
—————————————————————
DEVOTIONAL
—————————————————————-
He is Faithful!
The year was 1998 and there I was sitting in the lobby of a well-known company, a bit early for my scheduled interview. As I was thumbing through a “Times” magazine, minding my own business, from deep within my being and into my mind came the word of God to Joshua: “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you” (Joshua 1:3). At the very moment I was absolutely convinced the job I had applied for was mine, but little did I know the surprise I was in for.
After four interviews I received a call that the company had decided to hire a bilingual person instead. I fully understood the reasons as it was explained to me but as I put the phone down, my spirit spoke to my mind: “Are you going to take that for an answer?” I immediately recalled God’s promise in the lobby and I responded with a verbal “No” as if speaking to someone standing in front of me. I then prayed, “Lord this wasn’t what you told me. I have no idea how you’re going to fix it, but you’ll have to because you were the one that promised!” For seven days, every day, God heard those words from me. The following week the company called to ask if I was still interested in the position. They had in fact hired the bilingual person, but someone else had just resigned and I was the preferred candidate. I could barely contain my excitement, not only at the offer but moreso because God had once again proven Himself faithful. Three more interviews later, I signed the job offer.
What promise has God spoken to your heart lately? What is your level of trust in the Word? David wrote: “O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame … Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:1a, 2a). In Joel 2:27, God reminded Israel through the prophet that “I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.” The writer of Hebrews declared, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (10:23). The Webster dictionary defines ‘faithful’ as “firm in adherence to promises”, and of God Jeremiah declared, “Great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23b). He will keep His promises (Numbers 23:19).
On that day sitting in the lobby I chose to believe the promise and I proved God faithful. Regardless of what we are each faced with, the same God speaks a Word to us in those situations. There is absolutely nothing that He cannot do. When the word of the Lord regarding the promised seed came to Abraham, of him it was simply said, “And he believed the LORD” (Gen. 15:6a). What about you? Do you believe?
—————————————————————–
CREDITS/SOURCES
—————————————————————–
The weekly news is compilation of new articles from top Caribbean and Jamaican news sources.
jamarch
