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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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SIMPSON MILLER CALLS MUGABE “DISRESPECTFUL,” “MISGUIDED”—09/15/12
Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, has characterized comments by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe about Jamaican men as “disrespectful and misguided.” Jamaica has demanded an apology from Mugabe for his remarks in which he stated that Jamaica men are underachievers who all got high on marijuana or alcohol and refused to go to college. Simpson Miller said his statement was insulting to the thousands of Jamaican men who are outstanding citizens, fathers, and professionals. After eight days of “exhaustive checks,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade confirmed that Mugabe made these comments at the launch of the 2012 Research and Intellectual Institute Expo.
EDUCATION MINISTRIES IN SOUTH AFRICA, JAMAICA COLLABORATE—09/16/12
The Education Ministries of Jamaica and South Africa are collaborating on a number of key issues in order to make ties between the two nations stronger. The partnership follows discussions between Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and a delegation from South Africa headed by Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training in South Africa. The visit resulted in frank discussions of the two nations’ experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and identified areas in which they can cooperate.
EDUCATION MINISTRY RECALLS LIFE EDUCATION CURRICULUM—09/16/12
Following complaints from parents, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education recalled the health and family life curriculum from high schools across the country. Some parents fled that the text of the curriculum promoted homosexuality. It was developed for schools in the Caribbean under the supervision of UNICEF as a teaching manual. It was not on the student book list. Parents objected to the Sexuality and Sexual Health Personal Risk and Assessment Checklist, which was designed for grades seven to nine. Ronald Thwaites ordered the textbook withdrawn from the school system pending revision.
FLAG OF JAMAICA RAISED AT UNITED NATIONS—09/17/12
Jamaica’s flag will be raised at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York in recognition of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence as its membership anniversary at the UN. An event to honor Jamaica is planned with expected attendees including the President of the General Assembly and New York State and city officials who are Jamaican birth or heritage. Jamaican joined the UN on September 18, 1962.
EX-SOLDIERS LIVE IN TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES—09/18/12
Many Jamaican men and women who were in the military and fought during the two World Wars as members of Britain’s fighting forces were provided with a place to live after returning from battle at the Curphey Home. The home was created under the auspices of the Jamaican Legion to meet the needs of war veterans, especially during their senior years. The home remains in operation, housing 13 former soldiers, but they struggle with less than optimal conditions.
JAMAICAN LAWYER QUESTIONS CCJ JUDGMENTS—09/19/12
Hugh Wildman, an attorney from Jamaica, believes that the quality of judgments issuing from the Privy Council are “far superior” to those coming from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). HIs opinion is based on an unspecified case in Guyana. Guyana is moving toward abolishing appeals to the Privy Council, a process that began in 1970.
OVER 500 CASES OF DENGUE REPORTED—09/20/12
According to Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, there were 560 cases of dengue fever reported on the island as of September 8, 2012. This represents fewer cases than were reported in the entirety of 2011, which totaled 887. In 2012, an outbreak of the disease raised the total to 3,202 cases. The Ministry notes, however, that it will continue its efforts to reduce the mosquito population across the country to stem the spread of the disease.
GARVEYISM TO BE INTRODUCED IN JAMAICAN SCHOOLS—09/21/12
Jamaica has decided to look to Marcus Garvey, a Black Nationalist leader who died over 70 years ago, for help in its struggles with a stagnant economy and high crime rates. Garvey inspired millions worldwide with a message of black pride and self-reliance. The government of Jamaica has instituted a new mandatory civics program in the schools that uses Garvey’s teachings to encourage self-esteem, respect for other people, and personal responsibility.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN MAN REMANDED ON BANK ROBBERY CHARGES—09/15/12
Ryan Edwards, a Jamaican wanted in the Cayman Islands on charges of bank robbery, has been remanded in the Resident Magistrate’s Court in the Corporate Area. His remand was ordered by Magistrate Georgianne Fraser until October 4, following information that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution is waiting for a formal extradition request from the Caymans. Edwards was arrested in August 2012 on a provisional warrant when a large amount of Cayman money was allegedly found in his possession. He is suspected of involvement in a bank robbery that occurred in June 2012.
RELATIONS WITH JAMAICA CONSIDERED A PRIORITY FOR CUBA—09/17/12
According to Bruno Rodriguez, Cuban Foreign Minister, bilateral ties between Cuba and Jamaica are a priority for his nation’s government. He said that the visit by Arnold Joseph Nicholson, Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, confirmed the historical links between the two countries and the dynamic relationship between them as they focus on development in the areas of health, education, energy, sports, iron and steel, and fisheries.
JAMAICAN WOMEN DEPORTED FROM BAHAMAS—09/18/12
Eight women from Jamaica were arrested, fined and deported from the Bahamas after police raided a strip club on a West Bay street. The women were ordered to pay fines that ranged from $1,500 to $2,500 each. Immigration officials found that all of the women had obtained fraudulent extensions of their stay in the Bahamas. Each pleaded guilty to charges ranging from overstaying their allowed time, prostitution, working without proper documentation, and soliciting.
SOUTH FLORIDA BAR ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE—09/21/12
The Caribbean Bar Association, South Florida Chapter, plans to celebrate Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence at its 16th annual Scholarship Banquet on September 22, 2012. The event raises money to support philanthropic initiatives like providing scholarships to minority students in law. The event also recognizes local community members who have made contributions to the development of their communities. This year, the group will acknowledge Malachi Smith, Jamaican dub poet and law enforcement officer, among others.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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UNITED STATES SENATORS SAY U.S. MUST IMPROVE SECURITY IN CARIBBEAN—09/15/12
INTEGRITY COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY CONCACAF—09/16/12
COCAINE-FILLED SUITCASE SEIZED IN GUYANA—09/17/12
VILLAGES DISAPPEAR AS LAKES GET BIGGER—09/18/12
NEW PRESIDENT CHOSEN IN DOMINICA—09/19/12
FINES POSSIBLE FOR CARIBBEAN AIRLINES—09/20/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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MOST JAMAICAN FOOD EXPORTERS NOT CERTIFIED IN FOOD SAFETY—09/15/12
Food companies in Jamaica rarely have certifications in food safety. After a year of making improvements in order to be in compliance with the United States Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), 95 percent of Jamaican food exporters remain without Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans. There are ten HACCP-certified companies on the island to date, the same number as in 2011. The greatest challenges to the food companies come from infrastructure and financial issues. Most firms have their facilities in older buildings and do not own them, so they cannot ask banks for loans to repair them.
JAMAICANS LOVE RUM—09/16/12
Jamaicans drink more rum than all other alcoholic drinks, some 300 percent more. And they pay over J$18 billion for the pleasure of drinking their favorite beverage, according to data from Lascelles and Gruppos Campari. The data suggest that the rum market has been increasing by over four percent each year. Jamaicans consume four times as much rum as beer, and six times more rum as wine. Sales of rum rose from US$175 million in 2006 to over US$200 million in 2011.
JAMAICA TO ENTER COMMERCIAL BAMBOO INDUSTRY—09/17/12
Jamaica is ready to provide bamboo as a commercial product and has become the 38th member of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR). The country is already making furniture and household products from bamboo, but a new program is designed to create stronger and more quality products using the plant, which grows throughout the island. Membership in INBAR provides access to technology transfer models and other aid that can inform private firms in developing bamboo prototypes.
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO SUCCESS IN EXPORT SECTOR—09/20/12
Anthony Hylton, Jamaican Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, said the government is committed to creating a successful export strategy for the nation that will improve its competitive position in the global marketplace. Hylton made his remarks at the opening of the National Export Strategy Engagement Series at JAMPRO Auditorium in New Kingston.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ST.KITTS PRIME MINISTER TOUTS FUTURE OF GREEN ENERGY IN CARIBBEAN—09/15/12
GOVERNMENT, COMPANIES PARTNER TO BATTLE CHILD ABUSE—09/19/12
REVENUES FOR JAMAICAN TELECOMS RISES 138 PERCENT—09/20/12
FIVE TECH INNOVATIONS KEEP DIASPORA CONNECTED—09/21/12
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ENTERTAINMENT
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ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PERFORMS IN MANDEVILLE—09/15/12
The London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gave a performance in Mandeville organized by the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica. Fans of classical music witnesses the historic performance, the first time the world-famous orchestra performed in the Caribbean. Attendees included former Prime Minister Percival James Patterson and Audley Shaw, Member of Parliament for North East Manchester. The orchestra was conducted by Benjamin Pope.
BOUNTY KILLER, TOMMY LEE CLASH OVER “DEMONIC REFERENCES” IN MUSIC—09/16/12
Jamaican dancehall star Bounty Killer has called out artistes who reference demonic spirits in their music, believing that such references are bad for Jamaicans. Tommy Lee, also known as Gaza Sparta, was rumored to be the target of Bounty Killer’s remarks, allegedly took some shots at Bounty Killer in his new single “Goat Head.” Bounty Killer says he will not allow “devilish” music to take over dancehall.
JAMAICAN FILM INDUSTRY FACES QUESTIONS ABOUT PORNOGRAPHY—09/17/12
Two Jamaican film directors, Storm Saulter and Diavallon Fearon, are distancing themselves from the emerging pornographic film industry on the island. Some observers predict a boom in such films following a recent production featuring Haley Sweet, international porn star, and several Jamaican actors. In spite of the significant financial opportunities available in the porn industry, the directors do not support such filming in Jamaica and choose their moral principles over profits.
FORMER PRIME MINISTER COMBINES POLITICS, MUSIC—09/20/12
Edward Seaga, Jamaica’s former Prime Minister and longest serving member of Parliament, acknowledges the significant impact that music has had on his political, social, and economic views. According to VP Records, one of its most historical and comprehensive CD box sets was chosen by Seaga. The set is called “Reggae Golden Jubilee – Origins of Jamaican Music.” Seaga, a former record producer and record company owner, was a pioneer in the development of the music industry on the island, especially the ska movement during the 1960s. Seaga himself chose 100 of the most significant songs from Jamaica in celebration of the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence.
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SPORTS
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BLAKE SAYS JAMAICANS WILL RULE SPRINT RACING FOR A LONG TIME—09/15/12
According to Yohan Blake, Jamaica’s two-time Olympic silver medal winner, says the United States should get used to having Jamaica dominate men’s global sprinting for some time to come. The U.S. men’s runners have been overwhelmed by Jamaican competitors at the Olympics and in world championship tournaments cine 2008.
WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATED BY VENEZUELA—09/16/12
The women’s hockey team of Jamaica was handed a 4-0 defeat by Venezuela in the Group B match at the Pan American Junior Under-21 Championship tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico. The team, which is coached by Dr. Michelle Holt, is in second-to-last place in the rankings with just three points. Chile is leading the pack with 12 points in four matches.
JAMAICA WARNED BY FIFA FOR INVASION OF FIELD—09/20/12
FIFA, the governing organization of world football, has warned Jamaica and threatened penalties against the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) after fans invaded the pitch after the Reggae Boyz’ victory over the United States in a qualifying match for the World Cup in Kingston. If there is a similar such incident, FIFA says the JFF will receive a penalty involving serious sanctions. The JFF’s president Captain Horace Burrell promises to provide more security personnel at future events.
WOLMER’S WINS OVER ST. ANDREW—09/21/12
Wolmer’s was led to victory over St. Andrew College by Jason Wright, formerly a national Under-17 striker. His efforts contributed to the 15 to 0 win for Wolmer’s in the Group F ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup. Wright was supported by Jorginho James and Lorenzo Osbourne. The win is the largest margin of victory among tournaments in the 2012 season.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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HEALTH ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
WEBSITES ADMINISTRATOR/DEVELOPER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
PRINCIPAL
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Seeing Through the Eyes of Faith
The servant must have wondered what Elisha was talking about. For sure, after he (the servant) had woken up that morning and looked outside, he saw that “an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city” in which he and his master were staying. He knew that the Arameans were angry at Elisha who was warning the king of Israel about their plans of attack. Now they had found him (2 Kings 6:8-14). Filled with consternation he said to his master, “‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’” To which Elisha replied, “Don’t be afraid … those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (vv. 15, 16).
Of course, the servant could only see himself and his master. What did the prophet mean by those who are with us? Maybe the pressure had gotten to him and he had lost touch on reality because as far as he (the servant) was concerned, there was nobody else on their side and there was an army waiting to arrest and take them back to Aram to face the wrath of the king. While the servant stood processing all of this, the narrative continues, “And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.'” and then in what must have seemed like an instant, “The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17).
We are not told anything about the servant’s reaction to what he was now seeing. However, it is fair to conclude that he probably breathed a sigh of relief. Now he knew why the army surrounding the city did not trouble his master; he was focusing on the “hills full of horses and chariots of fire” that surrounded him. What started out as two people standing in the same moment in time, looking at the same circumstances yet seeing different things, ended with both persons seeing the same things. The difference? Seeing with the eyes of faith.
Looking at the servant before Elisha’s prayer, we see ourselves. We look around and we see our circumstances. Not only do we see them, we are intimidated by them. So much so that we echo the words, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” Yet our Lord would have us look at our circumstances not with our natural eyes, “but my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him” (Hebrews 10:38, NIV). For the believer who desires to please God, living by faith is not an option; it is a mandate (Hebrews 11:6). Genuine faith is dead to doubt, dumb to discouragement, [and] blind to impossibilities; it is unwavering, holding fast even in the face of what seems like insurmountable odds. It makes all the difference in the world in how we see things.
As you deal with your day-to-day life and situations, where is your line of sight focused? How are you seeing?
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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.
