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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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NEW JUDGES SWORN IN—01/14/12
Sir Patrick Allen, Jamaica’s Governor-General, has sworn in two new judges for the Supreme Court and one to the Court of Appeals. The swearing in took place in a ceremony at King’s House. Justice Patrick Brooks was sworn in to the Court of Appeals, while Evon Brown and Nicole Simmons became Pusene judges, or associate judges, of the Jamaican Supreme Court. Chief Justice Zila McCalla expects progress to be made in 2012 toward meeting the needs of the justice system on the island and that the Judicial Services Commission has been identifying and interviewing appropriate candidates for several positions.
DAVIES SAY TRANSIT COMPANY IN “DISARRAY”—01/15/12
Dr. Omar Davies, Jamaica’s Transport and Works Minister, has described the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) as being in a state of “disarray” and requiring a significant overhaul. Davies, who has only recently taken on the job of Transport Minister, is not satisfied with what he found during a preliminary review of the company’s operations. He has already met with Paul Abrahams, the chief executive officer of the JUTC, to discuss this issue.
GOVERNMENT OF SIMPSON MILLER TO FIGHT IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE—01/16/12
Newly elected Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller stated that the issue of climate change and its impact on the environment represents a priority for her government. Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Water, Land, Environment, and Climate Change, believes it is necessary to make Jamaicans more aware of the problem. He said the battle against environmental problems could cost approximately $163 million, but if nothing is done to save the infrastructure, things could get even worse.
MCNEILL APPOINTED NEW TOURISM MINISTER—01/17/12
Physician and parliamentarian Wykeham McNeill has been selected to be Jamaica’s new Minister of Tourism and Entertainment. McNeill has served the industry for some time, beginning in 2000. During Portia Simpson Miller’s first term as Prime Minister, McNeill was a state minister in the Ministry of Tourism under leader Aloun Assamba. McNeill believes that the tourism and entertainment sectors should merge for their mutual benefit and will lead to expanded opportunities for both divisions.
SIMPSON MILLER WANTS TO PUT THE PEOPLE FIRST—01/18/12
Newly elected Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is calling on Members of Parliament to focus on the Jamaican people when they are deliberating and making decisions in their governmental roles. Simpson Miller reminded 63 Members of Parliament who were elected on December 29 that they are the people’s servants and should not betray them. She made her remarks during the ceremony swearing in of the Members.
GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE INTEREST RATES, INFLATION—01/19/12
According to Anthony Hylton, Jamaica’s Industry Minister, the government is committed to a policy that seeks to reduce interest rates along with the rate of inflation. The nation has experienced significant structural readjustments, according to Hylton, especially in regard to the Jamaica Debt Exchange. The bank of Jamaica will attempt to keep inflation at between six percent and eight percent for fiscal 2011-2012, Hylton noted.
BUNTING IN NO HURRY TO REDUCE POLICE POWERS—01/19/12
Peter Bunting, Jamaica’s National Security Minister, has suggested that there will be rush to repeal legislation that grants additional powers to the police. The legislation was passed after a state of emergency was declared in 2010. Bunting made his remarks in spite of the fact that the Opposition in the last Parliament voted against renewing the Constabulary Force Interim Provisions for Arrest and Detention Act of 2010. The law was part of an anti-crime plan at the time.
GOVERNMENT WANTS TO END MONOPOLY OF JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY—01/20/12
According to Phillip Paulwell, Jamaica’s Minister of Energy, the government is taking quick action to end the monopoly that the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has over the distribution of electricity. Paulwell says the government is discussing how to introduce more competition into the electric utility sector. He is confident that a proposal will be presented to which both the government and the JPS can agree, although the sensitive nature of the negotiations prevented him from providing any details.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN EXPAT, FLORIDA LOCAL WORK TO BRING BASEBALL TO JAMAICA—01/14/12
The sport of baseball is virtually unknown in Jamaica, but that may soon change due to the efforts of Floridian Damon Van Brocklin, a real estate developer, and Jamaican expatriate Donovan Duncan. The pair has decided to bring the sport to the island. They have discussed ways to bring the American sport to the island with Jamaica’s government, which has tried in previous years to have a baseball field. After some difficulties, Van Brocklin and Duncan obtained a site for a field at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Kingston and are working with the new director of baseball in Jamaica’s Institute of Sports, Donovan Corcho, to begin construction of the field at the end of January 2012. They believe that baseball will have a positive effect on Jamaica and could even increase its tourism revenues.
ATLANTA BEGINS JAMAICAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS—01/15/12
Jamaicans who live in Georgia will have a chance to participate in celebrations of their homeland’s 50th anniversary in 2012 during the state’s year-long series of events. The year will begin with a launch ceremony at the Atlanta City Hall at which Audrey P. Marks, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, will officially begin the activities. The activities are beginning planned by the Jamaica 50th-Atlanta Planning Committee under the sponsorship of Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Georgia, Vin Martin.
DIASPORA SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL BOARDS—01/17/12
Jamaica’s new Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller believes that the Jamaican Diaspora should become more engaged in island affairs and intends to make an effort to encourage their participation. It has been suggested by some in the Diaspora that one way Jamaicans living abroad could play a meaningful role in the development of Jamaica would be to appoint them to serve on school boards. In the modern world, Jamaica no longer needs to be defined by its geographical boundaries. Global technology could permit Jamaicans overseas to participate in board meetings and have a positive impact on educational institutions on the island.
MURDERS IN TORONTO DECREASE AFTER CRACKDOWN ON JAMAICAN GANG—01/19/12
Toronto, Canada, police and police authorities in Jamaica have reported that gang-related murders have dropped dramatically in the 20 months since the arrests of leaders of the Shower Posse, a criminal organization involved with drug and arms trafficking in a number of countries. Jamaican police have noted a 32 percent decrease in the nation’s homicide rate since the 2010 crackdown on the Shower Posse. In Toronto, the rate has fallen to the lowest level in 25 years after a two-year-long anti-gang initiative targeting the Shower Posse.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ANTIGUA MAY BE INFLUENCED BY A JAMAICAN REPUBLIC—01/14/12
CARIBBEAN TEAMS DOMINATE OTHERS IN TWENTY20—01/15/12
TOURISM MUST BE NURTURED IN CARIBBEAN TO GROW NATIONAL ECONOMIES—01/16/12
SEAN PENN ACCEPTS ROLE OF HAIT’S “AMBASSADOR AT LARGE”—01/17/12
LARGEST OIL REFINERY IN THE CARIBBEAN TO CLOSE—01/19/12
MASSIVE OIL DRILLING RIG ARRIVES IN CARIBBEAN—01/2019/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICAN ENTREPRENEURS ENCOURAGED TOWARD CARBON TRADING—01/14/12
Entrepreneurs in Jamaica would do well to investigate the potential of carbon trading. Climate change is creating a demand in society to transition toward lower carbon economies. Such economies would have a reduced dependence on fossil fuels and would encourage practices that mitigate the amount of greenhouse gases released into the Earth’s atmosphere. The carbon trading market helps to facilitate the transition by giving a financial incentive to implement emission-reducing programs.
COMMUNITY TOURISM URGED—01/15/12
Because of the isolation of average Jamaicans, communities tend to develop their own unique cultures over the years that have been passed down to modern generations. Jamaica is lucky in that these remnants of lost cultures from many parts of the world survive on the island. Diana McIntyre-Pike has conceptualized an initiative that aims to capitalize on the unique qualities of individual villages. Villages as Businesses (VAB) seeks to bring vacationers and communities together for the benefit of both. The initiative allows Jamaica to create income-generating projects via community entrepreneurship.
JAMAICAN MANUFACTURING REVIVAL POSSIBLE—01/17/12
According to Jamaica’s Minister of Industry Anthony Hylton, manufacturing has a huge growth potential on the island. It is likely to become a major driver of growth against, he says. It is a critical part of industry for attracting investors, earn foreign exchange benefits, and create jobs. Jamaica must address its trade relationship with Trinidad and Tobago to make improvements in the manufacturing sector, as well as improve its procurement policies, and enhance its marketing and promotion efforts.
LABOR MINISTRY WANTS TO END STIGMA OF HIV/AIDS AND FOOD—01/18/12
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s Occupational Safety and Health Department has launched a pilot project that seeks to inform the public about the fact that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through food products. The project allows companies to become actively involved in the effort by signing a proclamation that requires acknowledgement that HIV is not transmitted through food and that they do not stigmatize or discriminate against HIV-positive individuals. There is much discrimination against people with HIV at present in Jamaica, particularly when it comes to handling food.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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NEW IDB FUND TO BENEFIT RENEWABLE ENERGY, CLEAN TECH FIRMS—01/14/12
HOLNESS BLASTED BY LIME; LIME WANTS OVERHAUL OF TELECOM REGULATIONS—01/15/12
PRESS, POLITICIANS USED SOCIAL MEDIA IN GENERAL ELECTION—01/16/12
TECH DISTRICT IN CAYMANS APPROVED—01/17/12
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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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SMART PHONE ENHANCES OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES—01/14/12
Smart phone app developers are finding ways to enhance the experience of outdoor lovers. For example, the Navigator Deluxe app allows users to find a state park, then using a Cal Parks app, they can select the trail they want to hike. Outdoor Compass points them in the right direction, and the Digital Altimeter app lets hikers know the altitude of their climbs. Other apps let users identify wildlife and plant life found along a trail, while a Coleman lantern simulation shows a campfire on the smart phone screen. Many such apps for outdoor enthusiasts are free.
REPLACEMENT FLOURESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE HAS APPS, WI-FI, LED—01/19/12
A Japanese firm announced the development of an LED fluorescent lamp replacement that is equipped with Wi-Fi. The 40-watt LED from NetLED can be networked to the cloud as well, which allows users to dim its brightness from a smartphone, computer, RFID-enabled device or motion sensor. There is also an iOS app for NetLED, and an Android version is under development. The light has a high cost, with each individual main tube costing $257. The primary NetLED service costs $781, but it supports up to 100 lights. The lights could provide significant savings to businesses by controlling the amount of brightness and wattage used by individual employees.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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POPCAAN SONG BANNED FROM JAMAICAN AIRWAVES—01/14/12
Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has decided to ban a recent single from Dancehall star Popcaan from the local airwaves. “Nuh Box Pon Jaw” is a song that was recorded in October 2011. It will no longer be played on Jamaican radio and television stations after the Commission decided that it promotes violence. A press release issued by the Commission stated that the song beached the Children’s Code for Programming and that it endorses violence as a way to resolve conflict. In contrast to the Commission, Anju Blaxx (Andrew Myrie), music producer for UIM Records, which recorded the song, believes it is about defending oneself rather than promoting violence against others.
BBC’S “RASTAMOUSE” TOPS COMPLAINT LIST FOR 2011—01/16/12
Rastamouse, a television series involving crime-fighting Rastafarian mice, was the children’s program most complained about in 2011. The BBC series obtained over 200 complaints because of how it stereotyped black people and because of the language used by the Jamaican mouse characters, who spoke “patois.” Parents complained that children who used the same language as the mice could face accusations of racism.
BOB MARLEY’S LAND ROVER TO BE RESTORED—01/17/12
It has been reported that Bob Marley’s favorite ride was his 1976 Land Rover. The reggae legend used this vehicle to travel in rural Jamaica. After his death in 1981, the Land Rover was on display at the Bob Marley Museum. After 25 years, the Land Rover’s paint is peeling and faded, and it has a broken grill. A local Land Rover dealer in Montego Bay will now restore the SUV according to instructions from Land Rover headquarters and with original parts used to replace any that require attention.
JAMAICA 50 SONG COMPETITION DEADLINES EXTENDED—01/18/12
Deadlines for the Jamaica Festival Song and Jamaica Gospel Song competitions for 2012 were extended. The deadline for both these competitions are now Tuesday, January 31st. The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is recognized as a significant step in the careers of many important Jamaican artistes who have later gained international celebrity. The competition is currently on a mission to re-engage young people and encourage them to create songs that reflect a spirit of celebration, but that have a global appeal.
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SPORTS
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RILEY COULD BE NAMED BEST COLLEGIATE ATHLETE—01/16/12
Andrew Riley of Jamaica, senior at the University of Illinois in Champaign, is on the 2012 Bowerman official watch list. The Bowerman award is given to the best track and field athlete of the year. The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has described Riley as “owning” NCAA high-hurdle championship titles for both indoor and outdoor competitions. In 2011, he was the indoor 60-meter hurdles champion, and in 2010, the outdoor 110-meter hurdles champion. Riley, 23, ran his personal best in the 110-meter hurdles in 2011 in Oregon at 13.32 seconds, the 17th fastest time on record for the year.
BURRELL COULD RETURN TO JFF AFTER BAN EXPIRES—01/17/12
Captain Horace Burrell has a clear path for returning to the hierarchy of the Jamaica Football Federation after serving three months of his six-month ban from the FIFA, football’s world governing body. The final three months of his penalty, which was imposed due to an ethics violation in a cash-for-votes scandal in 2010, were deferred. He will now serve a two-year period of probation.
MCKENZIE PLANS TO BREAK 20-SECOND BARRIER IN 2012—01/19/12
Ramone McKenzie, who was a top athlete at Calabar High School, says he is ready to break the 20-second limit during the 2012 season. He also intends to be part of Jamaica’s Olympic team as it heads to London in the summer of 2012. McKenzie, 21, became a professional in November 2009 but has been plagued with injuries since then. He says he is feeling fit now and ready to rise to his potential.
POWELL, CAMPBELL-BROWN ENTER U.S. MEET—01/20/12
The starting lists for the United States Open at Madison Square Garden in New York at the end of January 2012 will include Jamaica’s Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown. The two athletes will participate in four of the 12 scheduled events. Powell, former World 100-meter record holder, will face Justin Gatlin and Trell Kimmons from the U.S. and Nesta Carter and Kimmari Roach of Jamaica, and Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda. Powell is making his first appearance at an indoor meet in eight years.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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TRAINING SPECIALIST
FINANCE/ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
TAX ASSOCIATE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
DIALER COORDINATOR
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Spotting the Phony
The headline was eye catching – “Man Tried to Pay Wal-Mart With $1 Million Dollar Bill”. My first reaction was “Really? And he expected to get away with it?” However, according to the report, after the Sales Clerk rang up his purchases totaling $476, the man casually handed the clerk the million-dollar bill and patiently awaited his change. When the clerk questioned him, “he began arguing and insisting that it was real. This despite the fact that since 1969, the largest US bill in circulation is $100. Wal-Mart called the police and astoundingly, the man stuck around! He was subsequently arrested and charged with “attempting to obtain property by false pretense and uttering a forged instrument.”
Instinctively, some of us are thinking the man must have been crazy to do something like that. Maybe he is and maybe he is not. Somehow, he had convinced himself that he could pull off tendering a phony bill and getting away with it. It did not matter that its denomination was illegitimate or that it would have been impossible to get over $999,500 in change from the clerk. As far as he was concerned, “it was real,” and even the arrival of law enforcement officers did not clue him in to the fact that he was now in deep trouble.
What does this story have to do with us as believers? I dare say there is an important truth we can learn from it. In the kind of worship that we offer to God, and the way we live our lives, are we like the man with the phony bill? Totally unacceptable but we convince ourselves that what we offer is real? The religious leaders of Jesus’ day found themselves in that position, so much so that Jesus affirmed, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). From as far back as in the Old Testament, men have tried to offer worship to God that is very different from what He deems acceptable. To one generation He admonished them, “You cannot worship me in that way” (Deut 12:31 NKJV). Not much has changed since, and God continues to spot the phony from the real thing.
How is the legitimacy of your worship? Is it “holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1), and are we worshipping “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24)? Remember, no matter how much we convince ourselves otherwise, anything less is phony and will be rejected. Isn’t it about time you examine what you are offering?
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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.
jamarch
