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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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DOCUMENTARY ABOUT MARLEY ATTRACTS FANS—04/21/12
A crowd of reggae fans attended a screening of a new documentary film about Bob Marley, the reggae legend and iconic figure responsible for the global reach of the musical genre. The documentary, entitled “Marley,” received high praise from the Jamaicans who watched the film. The premier was attended by former prime ministers and business leaders, as well as Marley’s widow and other members of the family.
BARTLEY CALLS FOR MORE ATTENTION TO SPORTS AND CULTURE—04/21/12
Jamaica’s director of culture, Sydney Bartley, believes that the education system in the Caribbean has failed in regard to sports and culture. According to Bartley, who spoke at the University of the West Indies Department of Creative and Festival Arts Th?nk Conference, the biggest failure in the Caribbean educational system is how it ignores the things that people do best. Sports and culture have been relegated to the status of extracurricular activities, but should be given as much time in the classroom as science and math.
MURDERED JAMAICAN GIRL TRYING TO HELP FAMILY—04/22/12
Amelia Pitterson, 18, had just made a down payment on land for her family in an attempt to lift them out of poverty. Before this dream could be realized, however, Pitterson was murdered in her house in St. Catherine. Pitterson worked at the Bank of Jamaica and was trying to relocate her mother from the squatter settlement where she lived to a home of her own. While a neighbor heard a commotion during the night when Pitterson was murdered, the girl was not found until after seven the following morning by an older sister. Pitterson believed that education was the key to getting out of poverty and tried to help others follow her path. Pitterson’s boyfriend has turned himself in to police for the crime. A memorial service is planned.
FOREIGN VISITORS TRAVELLING TO JAMAICA FOR HEALTH CARE—04/23/12
The public health care system in Jamaica is often criticized, but it appears that it is good enough for people living in other Caribbean nations and in the United States. Jamaica receives many foreign visitors who come to the island for medical treatment. According to Dr. Neville Graham, the medical director of EMedical Global Jamaica Ltd., a firm that provides emergency medical evacuations, said his company brings more people into Jamaica for treatment than Jamaicans it transports to other hospitals overseas.
ATTORNEY HOPES MYRIE CASE WILL RESULT IN CHANGES—04/24/12
Michelle Brown, a Jamaican lawyer, is hoping that the case of Shanique Myrie will end discriminatory practices in the Caribbean region. Myrie has brought suit against the government of Barbados in the Caribbean Court of Justice for an incident occurring at the Barbados airport in which she alleges discrimination. Brown said the case could be a turning point in regard to discrimination and they way people are treated throughout the Caribbean.
VACCINE COVERAGE IMPROVING IN JAMAICA—04/25/12
Jamaica is taking steps to improve the vaccine coverage of the nation’s children. According to Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Jamaican Health Minister, 100 percent of children received vaccine coverage for tuberculosis in 2011. Additionally, in that year, 92 percent coverage was obtained for polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Eighty-eight percent vaccine coverage was achieved for mumps, measles, and rubella. These figures showed improvement from the coverage rates of 2009.
POWELL FIRED AS LEADER OF RADA—04/26/12
Al Powell, who had been the executive director of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, or RADA, was fired from his post. He was dismissed immediately upon an audit of the agency, which found worrisome factors. The audit discovered that there was no documentation of his credentials on file at RADA. Also, the audit concluded that Powell misused the government credit card issued to him. Additionally, Powell hired private attorneys to handle a matter involving the dismissal challenge of a finance director rather than using the legal officer of the Agriculture Ministry. This cost RADA nearly $4 million.
JAMAICANS WHO TRAVEL TO U.S. TO SEE INCOME DISCLOSED—04/27/12
Jamaican individuals who frequently travel to the United States, such as athletes, pilots, and merchants, will see their incomes and savings above US$50,000 disclosed to the U.S. government under a new law. The measure, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), is designed to catch tax avoiders, and it means the U.S. will have more data than the Jamaican government concerning the financial and spending patterns of Jamaicans, even those who do not hold green cards.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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“HATE-MAIL” TRIAL TO BEGIN—04/22/12
Some of the most prominent and well-known politicians and business people in Jamaica are involved in a trial to be held in a Florida court. In the trial, Jamaican-born Florida lawyer Professor David Rowe will face former information and telecommunications minister of Jamaica Daryl Vaz, in a lawsuit arising from so-called “hate-mail” that allegedly libeled Vaz and other individuals. Rose could also face additional lawsuits from P.J. Patterson, Audley Shaw, Bruce Golding, and others, who were alleged to have been libeled in the widely circulated e-mail that claimed the officials committed bribery, money laundering, and corruption and had close connections with criminals.
CRICKET MATCH TO MARK JAMAICA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY—04/23/12
The Jamaica 50 cricket match is one of several official events scheduled to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence in the United Kingdom. The match was launched at the Kia Oval in Kensington, South London and was patronized by the Jamaican High Commission and Victoria Mutual Finance (UK) Ltd. The match will feature Jamaican Legends XI versus England Veterans XI in a Twenty20 match. Hundreds of Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals are expected to attend the event, which is seen as a precursor to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
JAMAICAN-BORN POET TO WRITE PIECE FOR CULTURAL OLYMPIAD—04/24/12
Ita Gooden, Jamaican-born poet who resides in the United Kingdom, has won the opportunity to write a verse for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Gooden is one of 12 individuals across the UK who have been selected to write a special poem to celebrate the event this summer. Gooden, a nurse and midwife, was selected to represent the West Midlands. The poetry project is sponsored by the National Lottery to focus interest on its investment in sports and the arts. The verses will be showcased at Olympic Park during the 2012 games in London.
RECKORD HONORED IN CHILE—04/25/12
Christopher Reckord, the Bin 26 director and wine contributor to the Jamaica Observer Life section, has been given the “Order of Bernardo O’Higgins” by Chile’s ambassador to Jamaica, Alfredo Garcia. Reckord was honored for his efforts to promote and educate the world about Chilean wines. In his speech conferring the Order on Reckord, Garcia called him a “Renaissance man” and a man who is sensitive to the welfare of his fellow Jamaicans.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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FUGITIVE BRIT EXTRADITED BY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—04/21/12
ACTOR SEAN PENN PLANS TO STAY IN HAITI “FOR THE LONG HAUL”—04/22/12
SIX PEOPLE DIE OF CHOLERA IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—04/23/12
UNITED STATES TO INVESTIGATE DOMINICAN SUGAR ABUSES—04/24/12
TRINIDAD TELEVISION HOST ACCUSED OF BROADCASTING ASSAULT IMAGES—04/25/12
MARRERO, OLDEST FORMER MAJOR LEAGUER, CELEBRATES 101 YEARS—04/26/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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CARIBBEAN AIRLINES TO MAKE JAMAICAN PILOTS REDUNDANT—04/21/12
Caribbean Airlines (CAL), which is owned by Trinidad, plans to make all of the positions of pilots represented by the Jamaican Airline Pilots’ Association (JALPA) redundant in May 2012. Sixty-four of the 75 JAPLPA members work for CAL, which also operates Air Jamaica. CAL issued a statement to advised pilots based in Kingston of the company’s decision. Critics of CAL see the move as an attempt at union-busting by critics.
MANUFACTURERS OPPOSE LEAVING CARICOM—04/24/12
The president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), Brian Pengelley, has warned that leaving the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will not resolve issues related to trade imbalance and that leaving the membership of CARICOM would be a drastic measure that would require serious consideration. Gregory Mair, opposition spokesman on industry, commerce and energy, has questioned the benefits to Jamaica of remaining a member of the Caribbean Community.
EXPO JAMAICA 2012 RECEIVES REGISTRATION FROM ALMOST 400 BUYERS—04/25/12
The buyer recruitment drive conducted by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has secured the participation of almost 400 local and international buyers for the Expo Jamaica 2012 trade show. According to JAMPRO, 390 buyers from 21 nations will participate. Nearly 200 of the buyers will come from overseas. The record number of buyers recruited from major markets around the world indicates the major appeal of products from Brand Jamaica, said Sancia Bennett, president of JAMPRO.
BEACHES RESORT OWNER EXPLAINS WHY HE HIRES JAMAICANS—04/26/12
Gordon “Butch” Stewart, owner of Beaches Resort, says he has tried to hire local people on Turks and Caicos to work at his resort, but he has had to recruit suitable workers from other locations. He says that recruiting workers from other countries is not a preference, but a necessity. Certain positions must be filled to operate the resort, and if islanders are not willing or able to do the work, he has to find individuals who are. Stewart created a controversy when he said he planned to hire 150 Jamaicans to work in the Turks and Caicos resort, bringing the total number of Jamaicans at the resort to 500.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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GOVERNMENT IN JAMAICA WANTS EMERGY COST SAVINGS—04/21/12
CARIBBEAN NATIONS BEGIN TO TRANFORM LANDFILLS INTO ENERGY—04/22/12
FIRST MOBILE APP INTRODUCED IN GRENADA—04/26/12
BARBADOS RECEIVES HIGHEST RANKING IN REGION IN INFO TECH REPORT—04/27/12
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ENTERTAINMENT
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NEW MIX TAPE RELEASED BY VOICEMAIL—04/21/12
Jamaica’s dancehall duet singers Voicemail has released a new mix tape in advance of a new album to be available in the summer of 2012. The mix tape is called “Journey Continues,” and it was mixed by Kurt “The Party Animal” Riley, a popular radio deejay. Kevin Blair of Voicemail says the album is still being fine-tuned, but the duo wanted to keep their fans entertained until the album comes out, so they released the mix tape.
MELDA GRAHAM PROMOTES “OLE TIME” JAMAICAN CULTURE—04/22/12
Melda Graham, a retired teacher living in St. Elizabeth, is a cultural ambassador for Jamaica who wants to impart something of the “ole time” island. She is passionate about educating the public about Jamaican culture wherever she is and uses any opportunity to inform people about Jamaican history. She is aided in her efforts by a collection of artifacts that include a “chimmy” (an enamel potty), an old tailor iron, a clay pot, a Telefunken radio, and a dulcimina grip. Childhood memories fuel her desire to promote the retention of Jamaican cultural practices. She appears at trade shows and other events to communicate her information.
BUSY SIGNAL HONORS HIS ROOTS WITH NEW ALBUM—04/24/12
Jamaican artiste Busy Signal has bone back to his roots with traditional reggae music on his new album. The album was recorded in Tuff Gong studios in Kingston. It was produced by Shane Brown and Errol Brown and offers songs characterized by hope, love, and liberation in the traditional style.
ASSOCIATION BIDS FAREWELL TO TYRONE BLAKE—04/26/12
Tyrone Blake of Merritone Disco received the respects of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA). With the passing of Blake, another part of the rich musical legacy of Jamaica is gone. Merritone Disco represented a key part of the island’s popular music culture since the 1960s, and the sound system created by Tyrone’s father Val Blake continued to be influential into the present day.
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SPORTS
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JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL GIVE PREVIEW OF LONDON 2012—04/22/12
The Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston will provide those eager for the 2012 Olympics to get a peak at Jamaica’s top athletes. Usain Bolt will participate, along with several Olympic and World champions including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Asafa Powell. The event will be held in National Stadium on May 5, 2012.
KERRON STEWART WINS—04/23/12
Olympic bronze medalist Kerron Stewart became the fastest Jamaican woman in the 2012 season in the 200 meters with a win at the War Eagle Invitational track and field meet in Alabama. Stewart ran the distance in 22.79 seconds. Jovanee Jarrett and Eric Keddo of Jamaica also won their events, Jarret with a long jump of 6.60 meters, and Keddo in the male 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.97 seconds.
JAMAICAN ATHLETES IN PENN RELAYS HONORED IN NYC—04/24/12
Jamaican athletes on their way to competing in the Penn Relays Carnival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were treated to a welcome lunch at The Dream Restaurant in New York City. The restaurant is owned by Mark Clarke of Trelawny, Jamaica. Over 50 athletes are representing Jamaica at the 118th staging of the Penn Relays Carnival.
WOMEN WIN OVER SRI LANKA—04/26/12
Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed steered the West Indies Women to a victory over Sri Lanka in the first one-day international meet at Kensington Oval. The West Indies Women had an 88-run win over the Sri Lankan team, with Daley making 63 of 97 balls and the Windies Women made a 228 for six off their 50 overs. Taylor and Daley added 68 for the second wicket, providing the best platform, and Mohammed took five wickets for 34 runs from her 10 overs.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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PROJECT MANAGER
VICE PRINCIPAL
PRODUCTION MANAGER
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT SALES AND MARKETING
MARKETING AND PR SPECIALIST
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
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DEVOTIONAL
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“Not My Will, But Thine, Be Done”
At some time or the other we have all heard it. To pray effectively is to pray in the will of God. If we regard God as our Source of the good and necessary things in life, as well as we should, James tells us there are two reasons we do have the things we need: “Ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:2b-3, KJV). Bible Expositor John Gill states that to ask amiss is to ask “not in the faith of a divine promise; nor with thankfulness for past mercies; nor with submission to the will of God; nor with a right end, to do good to others, and to make use of what might be bestowed, for the honour of God, and the interest of Christ.” To that end some of us end our prayers with the words of Jesus, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42b). But just exactly does that mean?
The life of Jesus while He was on earth was a pattern of wanting to do only what God wanted done. To His disciples He affirmed, “My meat [purpose] is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work” (John 4:32). In other words, His sole purpose was to do the will of God (see also Hebrews 10:5-10), and everything about Him and His life lined up with that purpose. Even when facing death by what was then the most cruel of methods, crucifixion, He yielded Himself to the will of the Father. Fast forward over two thousand years later and there you are in prayer. You have a laundry list of petitions of things you really need. Do you trust your own judgement or do you trust God that what He wants for you transcends anything that you could ask or imagine for yourself (Ephesians 3:20)? It is not easy to yield our will to that of the Father; just ask Jesus. His Gethsename struggle was of such that “there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:43-44). Yet for those who desire to be in the nucleus of God’s will, is there really any other way to pray? The flesh that seeks to satisfy itself is constantly at war with the Spirit that strives to do the will of God (Galatians 5:17).
Some of God’s finest statesmen of our times have said much on the issue of praying in the will of God. Pastor and author A.W.Tozer puts it this way, “To pray effectively we must want what God wants-that and that only is to pray in the will of God.” Gonville ffrench-Beytagh, late Anglican dean of Johannesburg, reminds us, “You are not drawn to God primarily for your own benefit but for His.” Evangelist R.A.Torrey states, “The chief purpose of prayer is that God may be glorified in the answer.” And here we are thinking it is primarily about us and our needs.
“Not my will, but thine, be done.” Seven important words we need to bear in mind the next time we come to our Lord in prayer. While He can work all things for our good, it is never is about us; it must always be about Him, His will done His way in our lives.
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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.
