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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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PRIME MINISTER SAYS JAMAICA NEEDS A GREEK-STYLE BAILOUT—03/03/12
Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, believes the island would benefit from a Greek-style bailout as it continues its negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan agreement. If such a bailout could be obtained, the Prime Minister thinks Jamaica would grow and thrive. While she understands that Jamaica could not receive the same level of aid as Greece, she does think that some consideration from the IMF would stimulate growth.
PRIME MINISTER REPEATS CALL FOR END OF TIES WITH UK—03/04/12
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller again spoke of severing ties with the British monarchy, just as Prince Harry, grandson of Britain’s current Queen prepares for a state visit in honor of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne. Simpson Miller has always been an outspoken supporter of ending the relationship with the monarchy in Britain. She has suggested a referendum on the subject for later in 2012. Simpson Miller believes that the 50th anniversary of Jamaican Independence is a good time to fully take charge of its own destiny. She will meet with Prince Harry before a state dinner hosted by Sir Patrick Allen, Jamaica’s Governor General.
PRINCE HARRY TO MEET USAIN BOLT, PRIME MINISTER ON VISIT TO JAMAICA—03/05/12
Prince Harry of Britain will meet with Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller during his visit to Jamaica. Harry is traveling the Caribbean on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her Diamond Jubilee. Harry will be in Jamaica for four days, visiting at a time when the government is urging the end of ties with the British monarchy and a complete end to its colonial past.
BRITAIN’S PRINCE HARRY TO FACE ANGRY JAMAICANS DURING VISIT—03/05/12
Prince Harry is likely to face anger from Jamaicans about Britain’s enslavement of their countrymen and brutal treatment of their ancestors during his first solo diplomatic visit to the country. According to Verene Shepherd, history professor at the University of the West Indies, there was a political separation from the United Kingdom in 1962, but decolonization is not complete, and Britain should make amends for its treatment of Jamaicans’ ancestors. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller wants to cut ties to the British monarch and establish Jamaica as a republic.
PRIME MINISTER WANTS APOLOGY FOR SLAVERY FROM BRITAIN—03/06/12
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has called for Britain to apologize for “wicked and brutal” slavery, as well as for the end of ties with the country. She has made these remarks as Prince Harry, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, is making an official visit to the Caribbean in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Simpson Miller says it is time for Jamaica to take total charge of its own destiny and move to replace the Queen as the head of state.
JAMAICA SEES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS SECTOR—03/07/12
Jamaica could potentially earn US$100 million every year by entering the estimate trillion-dollar international sports industry marketplace. This could happen if the government implemented policies that targeted the business of sports, according to Natalie Neita-Headley, Jamaica’s Minister without portfolio with responsibility for sports. She made her remarks at the official start of the Business of Sports Conference at JAMPRO headquarters in Kingston. It is necessary to create an organization dedicated to marketing sports as a product in order to attract entrepreneurs and tourists to the country.
PRIME MINISTER SAYS WOMEN CONTINUE TO “STRUGGLE” FOR OPPORTUNITIES—03/08/12
While Jamaica has made progress toward gender equity, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller believes many Jamaican women continue struggling against obstacles that keep them in poverty. Most women in rural communities are becoming even poorer, said the Prime Minister, and this impacts their opportunities and those of their family members. The empowerment of rural women is an “urgent priority” and urges greater efforts to be made in providing these women with equal access to resources that will reduce hunger and poverty.
JAMAICANS OUTRAGED AT POLICE SHOOTINGS—03/09/12
The residents of Denham Town, West Kingston, blame Jamaican police for the killings of a 13-year-old girl, two elderly men, and three other individuals during shootouts between police officers and gunmen. Human rights activists have accused police of being “trigger happy” in this and other incidents across the country, which have resulted in the deaths of 45 people in the first 10 weeks of 2012. According to Chiara Liguori, Caribbean researcher for Amnesty International, police enter marginalized inner-city neighborhoods expected everyone to be a criminal. Jamaicans for Justice, a rights organization, says police should not resort to high levels of violence to control crime.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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FORMER JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER TO SPEAK IN ST.KITTS-NEVIS—03/04/12
Andrew Holness, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, will be the guest speaker at the 47th main opposition party People’s Action Movement (PAM) convention in St.Kitts-Nevis. Holness is the leader of the opposition Jamaica Labor Party (JLP). Holness, 39, was the ninth Prime Minister of Jamaica. He retained his education portfolio, having serviced as Education Minister in Bruce Golding’s administration. Holness is a graduate of the University of the West Indies.
JAMAICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE INDUCTED INTO WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME—03/05/12
Annette R. Corbett Gardiner, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, will be inducted into Broward County, Florida’s Women’s Hall of Fame on March 25, 2012. The annual Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Luncheon honors and celebrates women in the county who have contributed to the promotion and progress of women in the county. Annette works to advance and empower women across racial, cultural, and economic sectors. She serves in the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition and as First Vice Chair of the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women.
MARLEY COFFEE TO EXHIBIT AT NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO IN CALIFORNIA—03/08/12
Sustainably grown and ethically farmed Marley Coffee will participate in the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California from March 9 to March 11, 2012. The firm plans to showcase its current products, which include gourmet coffee and teas. Rohan Marley, chairman and co-founder of the company, will attend the expo with his sister Karen Marley.
JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT, WORLD BANK TO OFFER DIASPORA BOND—03/09/12
The Jamaican government in collaborations with the World Bank will offer a bond to the Jamaican Diaspora by Independence Day. The bond effort is being attempted to tap the US$5.4 billion annual savings of this group. The development bond would invest in education and health, as well as retire government debt. A limited take-up of this first offer is expected due to the unfamiliarity of the market with the product. Diaspora bonds have been offered by Israel in the 1950s and India in the 1990s, and are chiefly used to fund development.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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BRITISH PRINCE ARRIVES IN BELIZE ON FIRST SOLO ROYAL VISIT—03/03/12
CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES CAUGHT IN CHINA-TAIWAN RIVALRY—03/05/12
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SIGN AGREEMENT—03/06/12
BAHAMA BREAK DOWN FOR BOAT CARRYING PRINCE HARRY —03/07/12
THRILL-SEEKERS PUT THEMSELVES IN PATH OF JUMBO JETS AT MAHO BEACH—03/08/12
CARICOM DISCUSSES ITS FUTURE IN SURINAME—03/09/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA’S COFFEE INDUSTRY FACES DIFFICULT TIMES—03/03/12
Jamaica’s coffee growers, particularly those on remote, low-tech farms like those in Brandon Hill, are facing difficult economic times. While the island produces one of the world’s best coffees, many small farmers are being driven out of business by a decline in the Japanese market and an infestation of beetles. Japan is the chief market for Blue Mountain coffee, but consumers are purchasing less coffee because of the worldwide economic downturn. The resulting price decreases have left little for growers after processors, shippers, retailers, and other middlemen take their percentage of the profits.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE CAN STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMY—03/04/12
All Jamaicans, particularly those in the business sector, should welcome the “Meet Jamaica” initiative, said Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). The program was designed by the government to increase trade between Jamaica and the United Kingdom and other global markets. It seeks to capitalize on the global interest that will come with the Olympics in London in 2012. This is an opportunity to help Jamaican firms maximize their potential, said Jarrett.
RUSSIANS MAY INVEST IN JAMAICAN ETHANOL PROJET—03/07/12
Russian investors may be interested in developing a plant in Jamaica designed to provide ethanol from sweet sorghum. The plant would also provide by-products like brewing applications and animal feed. The investors are exploring a plan to use sweet sorghum instead of sugarcane for the production of ethanol, and they are discussing the potential project with government ministers.
TAX PLAN CALLED “MISGUIDED” BY LEVY—03/08/12
Robin Levy, deputy general manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), believes that the plan of the Private Sector Working Group (PSWG) to lower corporate income taxes will not result in greater tax compliance. According to Levy, most of those who evade taxes will continue to do so regardless of the tax rate. Cutting the corporate tax rate by half would only provide a tax break for currently compliant organizations, he said. Getting companies on the exchange is a better way to get them to be tax-compliant, said Levy.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES EXTEND THE “MOBILITY” OF RADIO—03/03/12
CAYMAN ISLAND LAUNCHES SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE—03/07/12
U-GO STATIONS MAKES DEAL TO SELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN CARIBBEAN—03/08/12
RESORTS IN CARIBBEAN BAN MOBILE PHONES ON BEACHES—03/09/12
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ENTERTAINMENT
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MARTIN CONTINUES SKA RE-BIRTH PROJECT—03/04/12
Winston “Sparrow” Martin, feels compelled to revive the Skatalites and encourage the proliferation of ska music in the 21st century. He believes there is a “lack of consciousness” in contemporary song lyrics. “Ska is conscious,” says Martin, and it is as original as rocksteady and reggae. He believes that the artistes involved with these styles are “more focused on money” and not “long lasting.” Martin’s Ska Rebirth group comprises nine men, aged 23 to 26, who have been taught by Martin to play wind ensemble and rhythm sections of guitars, piano, and bass.
MOVIE MONTH BEGINS AT UWI-MONA—03/05/12
A series of activities involving Jamaican film has begun at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The theme is “March is Movie Month at Mona” and is sponsored by the Department of Literatures in English and the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Filmmaker Barbara Blake Hannah gave a lecture tracing 50 years of Jamaican cinema. The activities during the month are designed to increase awareness and interest in film studies at the university. A film-studies minor will be introduced there in September 2012. Other featured presenters included are director Chris Browne and Dr. Esther Figueroa.
JESSICA YAP FOUNDATION EVENT CALLED “FANTASTIC”—03/06/12
The performance of the Cole/Robertson trio at University Chapel, Mona, featured the Jamaican-born pianist Jon Robertson and was a big hit with fans. The trio played a selection that included Mozart, Turina, and Mendelssohn. The audience gave the performers a standing ovation at the end of the concert. Jessica Yap played the violin at the recital. She is a first-year medical student at the University of the West Indies. She received a scholarship and decided to “pass on” the benefit by creating the “Pass It On Scholarship Foundation” to help other medical students. The recital was the first in a series of events designed to raise money for the foundation. Yap says the goal of the foundation is to “build a better Jamaica.”
BERES HAMMOND JOINS 2012 WESTERN CONSCIOUSNESS EVENT—03/07/12
Beres Hammond, one of the top reggae acts in the world, will appear at the Western Consciousness event at Paradise Park by Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland in April, 2012. Worrell King, who is responsible for signing Beres, is very happy that Hammond will perform and knows fans will be happy. This will be Hammond’s sixth appearance at the event, which has been in existence for 24 years. The theme for the 2012 show is “Impacting Reggae’s New Generation.”
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SPORTS
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REGGAE GIRLZ LOSE TO CANADA AT CONCACAF UNDER-20 WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT—03/04/12
Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz ended the dream of a World Cup championship for their country when they lost 0-2 to Canada in the second Group A match at the CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship at Romel Fernandez Stadium in Panama City, Panama. The team succumbed to two late strikes from the Canadian team. Canada and Mexico will now play in the semi-finals.
BLAKE CONSIDERS INCREASING WORKLOAD IN OLYMPIC MEDAL BID—03/07/12
Yohan Blake, the Jamaican 100-meter world champion nicknamed “The Beast” due to his difficult training program, is considering adding to this program in order to try to four gold medals at the 2012 Olympics in London. Blake may add the 4×400 relay to the 4×100, 100-meter, and 200-meter races he is already expected to run. Blake sees no reason not to add to his roster of races if he is in shape. Blake trains with Coach Glen Mills and Usain Bolt.
KEDDO MAKES TEAM TO COMPETE IN IAAF WORLD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS—03/08/12
Eric Keddo, Jamaican sprint hurdler, was surprised he made the cut for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Indoor Championships, but is ready to do his best in each competitive round. Keddo began the season late after a long 2011 season of competition. Keddo says he is happy to be going with the team to Istanbul, Turkey, and looks forward to making the finals in the 60-meter hurdles.
FOSTER-HYLTON READY TO WIN MEDAL IN LONDON OLYMPICS—03/09/12
Brigitte Foster-Hylton, 2009 100-meter hurdles champion, is ready to compete and win at the London 2012 Olympics after recovering from a torn hamstring suffered in 2010. She holds the Jamaican national record of 12:46 seconds in the event, but was unable to defend her title in Daegu, South Korea in 2011 because of the injury. She says she is “stronger than ever” now and is training well.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
HOTEL MANAGER/VIP
PROGRAM SUPPORT OFFICER
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
DISTRICT MANAGER – WENDY’S (JAMAICA)
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Receiving Grace in the Tough Places
For twenty years Samson judged Israel (Judges 16:31) and for all of those years he was on the Philistines’ most wanted list. For one of whom the angel announced to his mother would be a Nazarite, set apart to God from birth, and would “begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5, NIV), he had a tremendous weakness for Philistine women. At a time when the Philistines had dominion over Israel, he had married a Philistine woman (14:1-7), later hooked up with a Philistine prostitute (16:1), and then there was Delilah (16:4).
The details of Samson’s life and his foolish choices around these women and the resulting consequences are immortalized in Judges chapters 13-16. A man of incredible strength who once slew one thousand men with the jaw bone of an ass (15:15-16), he fell victim to the charm of Delilah. She was approached by the five Philistine lords with the promise of wealth to “entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him” (16:5). After three failed attempts, and with Samson inexplicably clueless, she finally got him to disclose the needed information which she gladly passed on to her leaders. After he fell asleep on her knees (v.18), “she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him” (v.19).
After twenty years, the Philistines finally had their man. After gouging out his eyes, they imprisoned him, and thanked their god, Dagon, for their good fortune. At a celebratory event, “Everyone was feeling high and someone said, ‘Get Samson! Let him show us his stuff!’ They got Samson from the prison and he put on a show for them. They had him standing between the pillars” (v. 25, The Message). But prior to that something happened that somehow the Philistines inexplicably missed. According to the narrative, while he was slaving away in the prison house, “the hair of his head began to grow again” (v.22, KJV). That was all Samson needed. He prayed, “O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes” (v.28) and with that he bowed his head, pushed against the pillars with all his might, “and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life” (v. 30).
What does all of this have to do with us? Everything! While the lessons from Samson’s life are many, one of the most important is that no matter how much we make a mess of our lives, we are not beyond being used by God. After everything Samson had done that was contrary to the will of God, the growth of his hair while in prison was a demonstration of God’s grace. Like Samson we may still suffer the consequences of our actions, but the plans and purposes of God will not be denied. In death, the promise of the angel that Samson would “begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines” was fulfilled. What he started, David would later complete.
No matter the number of mistakes we have made, God is still in the business of using those who make themselves available to Him. No one is so far gone that they are out of His reach; no one whose life is so messed up to whom He will not extend His grace. For that my heart bursts with gratitude. How about yours?
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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.
