UTECH, COLORADO LABORATORY PARTNER ON MARIJUANA RESEARCH—02/21/15
Jamaica’s University of Technology (UTech) has signed an agreement with a subsidiary of Ganja Inc. in the United States to partner on research into the best practices of medical marijuana cultivation. The partnership between UTech and Ganja Labs USA will include the creation of a multimillion dollar joint venture between public and private interests and the building and operation of a special lab and indoor/outdoor facilities for cannabis cultivation.
FLORIDA WOMAN SENTENCED FOR JAMAICAN LOTTERY FRAUD THEFT—02/22/15
Shanice Ethridge of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, received a prison sentence of five years and three months in a federal facility for accepting illegal fees from victims of a Jamaican lottery scam that targeted people in the United States. Ethridge, 34, was arrested in October 2014. In addition to the prison sentence, she must pay back $132,000 in restitution.
CLARK “DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED” IN IMMIGRATION PLAN RULING—02/23/15
Yvette D. Clarke, Caribbean American Congresswoman from New York, says that she is “deeply disappointed” by the ruling of a United States federal district judge that delayed the implementation of a new immigration plan. The plan is designed to permit thousands of immigrants from the Caribbean to apply for work permits and other legal protections. Clarke’s parents are Jamaican immigrants. She says the ruling was “unprecedented. Clarke represents the Ninth Congressional District of Brooklyn.
DANCEHALL ARTISTE MACINI THRILLS AUDIENCE IN GAMBIA—02/24/15
The Jamaican dancehall and reggae artiste Macini received a very enthusiastic reception from fans in Gambia when he traveled there over the Christmas holiday of 2014. Macini received an invitation to join the Born Africans tour of Gambia, and he expressed amazement that he seems to have made such a significant impact at each of the venues played.
JAMAICAN ATHLETE TO COMPETE FOR TURKEY—02/25/15
Jacques Montgomery Harvey, an athlete from Jamaica, has switched his allegiance from Jamaica to Turkey. He will be able to complete for Turkey beginning on July 25, 2015. Harvey, 25, has previously represented Wolmer’s Boys and Russea High at the ISSA National Boys Championships. Harvey has also changed his name and will be known as Jak Ali Harvey when he plays for Turkey. Harvey trained with the MVP Track Club led by Stephen Francis.
DRUG SUSPECT EXTRADITED TO UNITED STATES—02/26/15
Authorities in Jamaica extradited Juel Dunn to the United States. Dunn has been on the wanted list for 14 years on drug charges in the U.S. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Dunn was extradited to Florida after being arrested in St. Thomas. He waived his right to a hearing on the action.
DIASPORA CONFERENCE SUPPORTED IN WESTERN JAMAICA—02/27/15
Both the public and private sectors in western Jamaica are supporting the sixth annual staging of the Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, which is slated to occur between June 13 and June 18, 2015, at the Montego Bay Convention Center. The president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), Nathan Robb, indicated the business sector supports the event, noting the last conference was very encouraging.
UK EDUCATION FAIR SCHEDULED IN JAMAICA—02/27/15
Jamaicans will have the opportunity to interact with schools from the United Kingdom during the inaugural Higher Education and Skills Fair at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. The fair is sponsored by the British High Commission and will be free for participants. Individuals who are interested in attending schools in the UK will have the chance to discuss the application process, and receive information about funding, scholarships, and visa requirements.
