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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN CHILDREN IN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS—10/13/12
Ganesh Shetty, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, noted that 95 percent of children with mental health disorders are undetected and untreated. Shetty made his remarks at the launch of the Jamaica Academy of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. He said that of the 20 child guidance clinics on the island, only 10 of their clinicians work full-time. Shetty estimated that about ten percent of Jamaica’s one million children suffer from a mental disorder, and at least half of these have a serious condition.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE MUST PAY OVER $200 MILLION—10/14/12
Jamaica’s Ministry of Justice is facing bills for more than $200 million dollars that were not included in its budget. The Ministry’s creditors are now demanding their payments. According to Mark Golding, Justice Minister, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is demanding payment for the rental of the Jamaica Conference Center (JCC). Fees owed by the Ministry to the Norman Manley Law School, which originated in 2008, are past due as well.
UTECH HONORS JAMAICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY—10/15/12
The University of Technology (UTech) plans to hold a special ceremony in December 2012 to present the institution’s most prestigious non-academic award, the Chancellor’s Medal. The award will be given to the Jamaica Music Industry, with a special focus placed on popular music. UTech previous presented the President’s Award for Technology and Culture, which is given each year to an organization or individual making a major contribution to the development and promotion of Jamaican culture.
POLICE CHIEF ISSUES CONDEMNATION OF VIGILANTE VIOLENCE—10/16/12
Police Commissioner Owen Ellington has strongly condemned the recent increase in killings by vigilantes in Jamaica. He reminded citizens that it is a serious crime to take the law into their own hands. Ellington made his statements following an incident in which a crowd of Portmore residents beat Dwight Lester, 29, to death after he was caught allegedly breaking into a house. Authorities noted that there is little confidence in the police in impoverished communities and that Jamaica’s justice system is facing a backlog of over 400,000 unresolved criminal cases.
PAULWELL URGES SMALL BUSINESSES TO USE LOAN FACILITY—10/16/12
Phillip Paulwell, Jamaica’s Minister of Energy, is encouraging small businesses on the island to make use of a loan facility established to help them make their energy operations more “green.” The loan fund permits smaller enterprises to access J$30 million in loans at a rate of 7.5 percent. These monies may be used to retrofit operations to ensure energy efficiency, conservation, and utilization of renewables.
157 JAMAICANS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ON HEROES DAY—10/17/12
One hundred and fifty-seven Jamaicans were honored for the contributions they have made to building the nation via service in their various fields. The recognition was given at the 2012 National Honors and Awards Ceremony on National Heroes Day. Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, presided over the event and presented the awardees with their honors. Among those honored was the late reggae legend Winston Hubert “Peter Tosh” Mcintosh.
OCID POLICE OFFICER MURDERED, TWO CHARGED—10/18/12
Detectives at the Major Investigation Task Force (MIT) have brought charges against two men in connection with the murder of Corporal Warren Campbell, an officer with the Organized Crime Investigation unit. Campbell was shot to death on September 20, 2012, near his home in St. Andrew. Charged with his murder are Glaseton Stephenson, an illegal taxi driver, and Kemar Hall, a mechanic, both of St. Catherine.
MEN’S SENIOR FOOTBALL COACHING JOBS SAVED—10/19/12
Because Jamaica’s senior men’s football team advanced to the final CONCACAF qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup, members of the coaching staff retained their jobs, according to Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation. If the team had not advanced, there would have been “severe casualties,” said Burrell.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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FIRST JAMAICAN-CANADIAN WINS PRESITIGIOUS TV AWARD—10/13/12
Paulet Biedermann has become the first and only native of the Caribbean region to win the Oktoberfest-Rogers TV Woman of the Year Award in Canada. Biedermann, a Jamaican-Canadian, is an author, speaker, and radio talk show host. She received the award in recognition for her long-term contributions to her community and nation. She was chosen from 58 nominees and was one of eight women nominated. Her thousands of volunteer hours devoted to women’s shelters, prisons, and community causes resulted in her award.
MEETING WITH OBAMA A “SIGNIFICANT” MOMENT FOR VASCIANNIE—10/14/12
Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie, says that meeting President Barack Obama was one of the most important moments of his first three months at his post. He also cited his work at the Organization of American States as significant as well. During the meeting with Obama, Vasciannie says they exchanged information about government initiatives and the strong connections between Jamaica and the U.S. that have developed. Notably, the two nations cooperate in the areas of security, economic development, and health care.
JAMAICAN WORKERS PRAISED IN NEBRASKA—10/17/12
Robert Downey, the foreman for Weathercraft Roofing in McCook, Nebraska, had nothing but praise for the seven Jamaicans who work at the company on temporary visas. According to Downey, the Jamaicans have an excellent work ethic and don’t quit until a job is down. The men, who live in White House, Westmoreland in Jamaica, have worked in McCook since September 2012, with the United States government paying for their trip and finding them housing.
PRIME MINISTER TO DISCUSS TRADE, SECURITY AND AID ON TRIP TO CANADA—10/18/12
Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, plans to spend the time during her first official visit to Canada discussing trade, investment, security, and relations with the Diaspora. The Prime Minister will arrive in Canada on October 22, 2012, and will meet Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The trip marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Jamaica.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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AIRLINE TASK FORCE INTRODUCED BY CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION—10/13/12
PUERTO RICO DECIDES NOT TO BUILD GAS PIPELINE—10/14/12
BAHAMAS HAS ELECTION TO SELECT NEW PRIME MINISTER—10/15/12
CUBA ENDS EXIT VISA REQUIREMENT—10/16/12
WOMEN IN CARIBBEAN MORE EDUCATED, BUT ARE PAID LESS THAN MEN—10/18/12
SUPREME COURT IN HONDURAS STRIKES DOWN MODEL CITIES CONCEPT—10/19/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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TECHNOLOGY, DIASPORA KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, SAYS JNBS—10/13/12
The Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) believes that relationships with Jamaicans in the Diaspora and using technology are the key elements to spur economic growth on the island. New credit card services and enhanced mobile commerce will encourage more business overseas. The JNBS has attempted since 2009 to get a commercial banking license. It plans to enter the life insurance market as well.
TAX EXEMPTION DESIGNED TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS—10/14/12
The Jamaican government wants to encourage foreign firms to establish their corporate headquarters on the island by passing legislation exempting employees and officers from paying income tax. The bill, known as the Tax (Amendment) Act, 2012, passed both Houses of Parliament and needs only the governor-general’s consent to go into effect.
HOME-GROWN PRODUCTS PROMOTED BY MANUFACTURERS—10/15/12
Jamaican manufacturers showed off their products at the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) in St. Ann and are excited about the possibility of making deals with hotels that want access to more home-grown products. Local producers were connected to buyers and purchasing managers in the hotel sector via the Jamaica Promotions Corporations Business Linkages Program. Goods displayed at JAPEX included meat, beverages, bakery goods, cosmetics, spices, furniture, craft items, chemicals and ICT services.
JAMAICAN SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD—10/17/12
The chairman of GraceKennedy Group, Douglas Orane, was chosen by the Latin Trade Group as the Social Sustainability Leader of the Year for Latin America and the Caribbean. The award was given at the 2012 Bravo Business Awards. Eight other business, government, and social development leaders from the Caribbean and Latin America will also receive honors at the event scheduled for October 28, 2012, in Miami.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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FLOW PLANS TO “DISRUPT” MARKET WITH CABLE TV, HOME PHONE APPLICATION—10/13/12
ICT IN AGRICULTURE TO BE STRENGTHENED—10/14/12
MOBILE SURVEILLANCE APPLICATION IN USE BY CARIBBEAN BOOKSTORE—10/16/12
FIRST BIG INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL DEPLOYMENT BROUGHT BY CINEDIGM—10/17/12
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ENTERTAINMENT
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ASHE COMPANY, DANCE THEATER XAYMACA TO HOST JOINT SEASON—10/14/12
A partnership between the Ashe Company and Dance Theater Xaymaca (DTX) will result in a joint season of performances, including a restaging of “Lift Up Jamaica” to honor the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence. The musical presentation, originally staged in 2000, has been on tour in the United States and Europe. It tells the story of young people from different backgrounds who overcome prejudices and phobias to realize their individual roles in improving Jamaica.
CAPTAIN BARKEY SHOT AND KILLED IN NEW YORK—10/15/12
The Jamaican entertainer Captain Barkey was shot in the parking lot of a motel in the Bronx, New York. Barkey, whose real name is Wayne Hamilton, was with a female companion when the couple was attacked by gunmen. The gunmen shot and killed Barkey and then fatally shot his companion, Tracy Bennett. It is believed the shooting was linked to Bennett’s ex-lover, against whom she had a restraining order.
REGGAE LEGEND PETER TOSH HONORED BY JAMAICA—10/16/12
The government of Jamaica is recognizing the achievements of reggae musical legend Peter Tosh, some 25 years after he was murdered at the age of 42. Niambe, Tosh’s daughter, received the “Order of Merit” at the awards ceremony on National Heroes Day. Tosh was a founding member of The Wailers with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. He left the band in 1973, but his solo albums and his work with the Wailers contributed to the international reputation of reggae music. Tosh was well known for his opposition to apartheid and support for legalizing marijuana.
SCHOOL CHILDREN WOWED BY JAMAICAN POET—10/17/12
Afari, one of the best known poets in Jamaica, was the star of Jamaica Day at a Birmingham school in the United Kingdom. The children at Bells Farm Primary School in King’s Norton attended a day of performance poetry by Afari, who was visiting Birmingham as part of a Jamaica 50 anniversary tour. His performance combines poetry and comedy. Bells Farm is linking up with a school in Jamaica in a program managed by Learning Links International.
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SPORTS
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THOUSANDS ATTEND EVENT TO HONOR ATHLETES—10/16/12
Jamaicans packed the national arena in Kingston to honor their country’s Olympic and Paralympics athletes. Usain Bolt, Shell-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and other Jamaican athletes sang along with musical numbers performed during a special show honoring the abilities of the athletes who competed in London at the 2012 games. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was on hand to thank the athletes for their efforts. I-Octane, Ce’Cile and Beenie Man were among the musicians performing at the event.
REGGAE BOYZ STILL HOPE TO QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP FINALS—10/17/12
The Reggae Boyz still have a chance to qualify for their second senior World Cup Finals when hosting Antigua and Barbuda at National Stadium. Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, was confident that the team would deliver an excellent performance for the country.
JAMAICA ADVANCES IN 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING MATCHES—10/18/12
The Reggae Boyz won a 4 to 1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda, and with some help from the United States, advanced to the final round of the CONCACAF World Qualifying Series. Jamaica entered the match with seven points and a zero goal difference in Group A. The U.S. won 3 to 1 over Guatemala, pushing them to the top with 13 points, while Jamaica and Guatemala each had 10 points. Jamaica dominated throughout its match and brought home the victory to enthusiastic fans.
TWO JAMAICAN ATHLETES’ DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS ADJOURNED—10/19/12
Ricardo Cunningham and Dominique Blake, two Jamaican athletes, had their disciplinary hearings related to doping charges adjourned. Blake, a 400-meter relay runner, tested positive for methylhexanamine at the senior trials in Jamaica in June 2012. His case was adjourned until December after his attorney received the wrong court documents. Cunningham, who won the 800-meter national title at the Jamaican trials, had a positive test for pseudo-ephedrine and is arguing no fault or negligence in her case, challenging the doping charges.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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DEVOTIONAL
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Talking About Praise
One of my favorite part of Scripture is Psalm 34, especially verses 1-3; “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.”
My fascination with this Psalm lies in David’s determination to bless (praise, salute) the Lord no matter what. So many times we allow our emotions to influence our praise, but here we see the Psalmist making the conscious decision that he would bless the Lord at all times; the two important phrases being “I will” and “at all times”. We cannot always trust our emotions, and there are times when it feels like we are passing through endless valleys, and that may be the case for some, but even then, we can resolve to bless the Lord. To praise or not to praise is a decision that we make. When and how often we praise are also decisions that we make. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nothing external to you have any power over you,” and once we realize this, we will also realize that there is nothing, nor no one, that can stop our praise but ourselves.
We cannot afford to be “situational praisers.” True worshippers see praise as an offering to God for who He is; a celebration of His attributes. Inspired by the Holy spirit, David wrote, “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150).
I am with David. “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the LORD’s name is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3), so come and “magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together”. Praise ye the Lord!
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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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