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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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BROADCASTER TIED TO JOURNALIST SHOOTING TO REAPPEAR IN GUN COURT—04/28/12
Jamaican broadcaster Wayne Whyte, along with Safari Farr, both of whom have been charged in regard to the shooting of journalist Jody-Ann Gray, have been remanded. The men will appear in Gun Court on May 25, 2012. Paula Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecutions, expects to have all witness statements by that time. Whyte and Farr have been charged with wounding with intent, illegal firearms possession, and illegal possession of ammunition. Gray, seven months pregnant and a co-worker of Whyte’s at KOOL 97FM was shot at her home in St. Catherine on April 4, 2012.
ARCHITECTS BUSY WITH DESIGN OF ISLAND’S FUTURE—04/29/12
The Jamaica Institute of Architects (JIA) takes pride in its contributions to the building of the nation as Jamaica celebrates 50 years of independence. The organization’s annual dinner event on April 21, 2012, was focused on the role that architects play in national development. Milton Samuda, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce president, was the guest speaker at the event and discussed the next steps for potential action in the future.
ISLAND MURDER RATE DROPS BY 30 PERCENT—04/30/12
The murder rate in Jamaica fell by 30 percent, according to a news release from the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) quoting a government minister. The rate has dropped from 3.1 murders per day to two murders per day, the lowest rate in nine years. The reduction was attributed to greater intensity in crime-fighting strategy and less of a tolerance among Jamaicans for high crime levels.
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER STABBED BY SUSPENDED MALE STUDENTS—05/01/12
Aabuthnott Gallimore High School dean of discipline, Gavin Myers, was stabbed by a group of male students suspended from Grade 11. Myer is in the hospital recuperating from his injuries while the school board holds an emergency meeting to address the incident. In addition to stab wounds, Myer suffered a broken leg. The teacher, 31, who held the position o f dean of discipline for more than a year, was attacked by boys who were suspended due to disruptive behavior and violent acts like intimidation and robbery.
SUPREME COURT OF JAMAICA REJECTS POLICE CHALLENGE—05/02/12
The Jamaican Supreme Court rejected a motion from police officers, which challenged the authority of an independent commission to investigate allegations of abuse by the Jamaican security forces. Eight policemen challenged the charges brought against them by the Independent Commission of Investigations. The charges allege the police failed to cooperate with a government panel looking into the killing of two men in August 2010. The Supreme Court found, however, that the Commission had the authority to conduct the investigation. This means that police and others can be compelled to testify in other investigations concerning suspected abuses.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, JAMAICA ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE TRADE IMBALANCE—05/02/12
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago may renew their efforts to resolve bilateral trade difficulties. In discussions with Anthony Hylton, the Jamaican counterpart of Minister of Trade and Industry of Trinidad and Tobago, Stephen Cadiz, the two nations expressed interest in creating real unity in the Caribbean region. Both officials talks about issues affecting their respective countries in the areas of trade, agriculture, energy, and construction. Trade imbalance in cement, music, and hamburgers sparked disagreements between the two nations, and this must end, according to Cadiz.
JAMAICA’S FOREIGN MINISTERS RECALLED—05/03/12
According to Senator Christopher Tufton, Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs, foreign trade, and investment, the Jamaican government must show the reasons it recalled several foreign mission leaders in its first four months in power. Tufton has called on the government to provide the identities of the mission heads who were recalled since January 2012.
UNICEF AND JAMAICA’S GOVERNMENT PARTNER IN PLAN FOR CHILDREN—05/04/12
The children of Jamaica will derive benefits from a Country Program Action Plan (CPAP) that was signed by the government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The plan has a value of more than US$13.85 million and will run for five years. The plan will be implemented between 2012 to 2015 and includes three basic parts: adolescent health and empowerment, child protection, and quality education. UNICEF designed the program to support the goals of the Medium Term Socio-economic Framework Vision 2030, the Millennium Development Goals, the Millennium Declaration and outcomes of a World Fit for Children. It will also meet the government’s global obligations concerning the elimination of discrimination against women.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JOVAN YOUNG, LONDONER, HOPES TO REPRESENT JAMAICA AT OLYMPICS—04/28/12
Although Jovan Young, 27, was born and raised in Lewisham and was named South London boxing champion three times, is hoping to represent Jamaica in the 2012 London Olympics. Young is allowed to be on the island’s team by virtue of his parents and grandparents, who are from Jamaica. Young won a bronze medal at the 2010 Caribbean and Central American International, a gold medal at the 2011 Jamaican National Championships, and a silver medal at the Pan American test. He is focused on getting a spot on the Olympic team.
SUPPORT FROM DIASPORA TO ATHLETES AT PENN RELAYS STRONG—04/29/12
The support provided to Jamaican athletes participating in the 118th Penn Relays Carnival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been remarkable, and has been called “highly patriotic” as well. Jamaicans living in the United States are eager to show their support of the athletes who make them feel a strong national pride. Team Jamaica Bickle feels as though its advocacy encourages the Diaspora to combine resources every year to take care of the high school students who represent the majority of athletes at the Penn Relays.
“JAMERICANS” COME OUT TO SEE SIMPSON MILLER IN BROOKLYN—04/30/12
Jamaicans living in New York came out by the hundreds to see Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at Lennox Road Baptist Church in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The Jamaicans stood in line for three hours to listen to the Prime Minister, who was visiting the region for the first time since her election. Simpson Miller received thunderous applause from the capacity crowd inside the church who came to honor the new Prime Minister on her multi-purpose visit to New York.
JAMAICAN NATIONAL DESIGNS “EMOTIONAL” AUTOMOBILE—05/01/12
Nicholas Pennycooke, a Jamaican national, has designed an “emotional,” user-friendly car at Media Lab’s spring meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pennycooke says the car will be able to communicate with the individuals near them. The car will let you know that it “sees” you by swiveling its headlights to follow you as you cross a street, for example, and dilate its “pupils.” It may even project a smiling face on the windshield. While the design is currently a “suggestion,” it is a start for other developers to work from.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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BUSH NAMED CARIBBEAN COUNCIL VICE CHAIRMAN—04/28/12
PUJARA LEADS INDIA A ON CARIBBEAN CRICKET TOUR—04/29/12
SCIENTISTS FIND 24 NEW LIZARD SPECIES IN CARIBBEAN—04/30/12
DEVELOPERS IN CARIBBEAN GET CREATIVE ABOUT CAPITAL—05/01/12
WOMEN RIDERS CELEBRATED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON IN CARIBBEAN—05/02/12
AHMC ANNOUNCES BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON CANCER CENTER—05/03/12
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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NATIONAL COMMERCE BANK CELEBRATES 31 YEARS OF KEYCARD—04/28/12
Representatives of the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and the bank’s customers celebrated the 31st anniversary of the bank’s signature Keycard credit card. The card was first offered on April 24, 1981, and is the only local proprietary card in Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean. According to Sheree Martin, general manager of marketing at NCB, it is an iconic brand that has meaning for thousands of Jamaicans. The bank currently carries three kinds of Keycards: the Classic, the Lovebird, and the Gold.
PRESIDENT OF JMA ENCOURAGES GOVERNMENT TO “BUY JAMAICAN”—04/29/12
Brian Pengelley, the president of the Jamaica Manufacturing Association (JMA), encouraged the nation’s government to retrofit its agencies and ministries with products made locally. Pengelley views this approach as a twist on the “Buy Jamaica, Build Jamaica” mantra of his organization, which is designed to target consumers. Pengelley asked each ministry head to issue a directive that only Jamaican products be used in their organizations. He suggested starting with products like toilet paper, uniforms, office supplies, and furniture.
EXPO JAMAICA 2012 PRAISED BY INTERNATIONAL BUYERS—04/30/12
Buyers from around the world were recruited by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to participate in Expo Jamaica 2012, held at National Arena at the end of April. The buyers were impressed with the displays of Brand Jamaica provided by over 200 companies and 2,000 products. Expo Jamaica is the nation’s top trade show event. More than 200 buyers were on the Expo floor in the first two days of the four-day show, according to Berletta Henlon Forrester, manager of export promotions at JAMPRO.
FLORIDIANS LEARN OF INCREASED INTEREST IN JAMAICAN REAL ESTATE—05/01/12
At the JN Real Estate Fair, Florida residents discovered there is an increased amount of interest in the real estate market in Jamaica. Jamaicans living in Florida participated with overwhelming enthusiasm to the real estate event, and more than 400 people attended. According to Wanica Purkiss, executive with mortgage and operations at Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), interest rates are at the lowest level in 30 years, and the building sector is exploring lowered construction costs. Additionally, in the past three years, Jamaica’s government has extended its 9.4 percent mortgage rate beyond its original end date.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CLOUD CARIB PARTNERS WITH VMWARE IN BAHAMAS—04/30/12
IDB, CANADA TO FUND GREEN ENERGY INVESTMENTS—05/01/12
LETTER OF INTENT ISSUED FOR 24MW SOLAR PROJECT IN JAMAICA—05/02/12
ICT DEVELOPMENT IN CARIBBEAN DEPENDS ON EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE—05/03/12
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ENTERTAINMENT
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JAMAICANS ON COMMONWEALTH WRITERS PRIZE SHORTLIST—04/29/12
Three Jamaican writers have made the shortlist of the Commonwealth Writers 2012 Book Prize and Short Story Prize. They are Alecia McKenzie, Hazel Campbell, and Diana McCaulay. Jamaican Olive Senior was also shortlisted but for Canada where she currently lives. The Commonwealth Writers is a new program within the Commonwealth Foundation, which focuses on connecting, developing and inspiring writers in the 54 nations of the Commonwealth.
YASUS AFARI MAKES DIGITAL ALBUM—05/02/12
Yasus Afari has made good on his word by putting his latest album live on iTunes before it was launched at a listening party at Bookophilia in St. Andrew. “Ancient Future” is the poet’s seventh album and his first digital release. Zojak World Wide, the top digital distributor of reggae music will market the new album. According to Afari, his entire catalog is now available digitally “because we have to stay relevant.”
LLOYD BREVETT OF SKATALITES DIES—05/03/12
Lloyd Brevett, pioneer double-bassist and founding member of The Skatalites Band, has died at the age of 80. He passed while at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in St. Andrew. Brevett received Jamaica’s fifth highest honor in October 2001 when he was given the Order of Distinction. In October 2010, he received the Silver Musgrave Medal for his contributions to music.
JAMAICA 50 LOGO CHANGED, WARNING ISSUED ABOUT ILLEGAL USE—05/04/12
Robert Bryan, the director of the Jamaica 50 Secretariat, has warned about potential legal action against individuals who use the official Jamaica 50th anniversary logo without permission. The logo has been rebranded with a new trademark and slogan: “Proudly Celebrating Jamaica 50.” Both are protected by copyright law. It is hoped that putting punitive measures in place will protect the commercial arrangements made in regard to the anniversary events.
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SPORTS
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MORGAN CONTINUES WINNING DISCUS PERFORMANCE—04/30/12
Jason Morgan, Jamaica’s national discus record holder, had his second-best performance of the season with a throw totaling 64.65 meters. This was a new record for the Golden Eagle Classic and the University of Southern Mississippi. Morgan has set five meet records in eight wins so far in the 2012 season. He continues his preparations for the Olympic trials in June and is the only Jamaican discus thrower this season to achieve the Olympic “A” standard of 65 meters.
JAMAICAN FLAG TO FLY AT PENN RELAYS—05/01/12
Jamaica’s national flag will fly officially at the Penn Relays Carnival every year, beginning in 2013, in recognition of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence and its contribution to the relays event over the past 40 years. Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller presented the flag that will fly in perpetuity at the event in the future to the President of the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Amy Guttmann.
GIBSON STAYS AWAY FROM GAYLE IN REGARD TO WICB CLASH—05/03/12
Ottis Gibson, West Indies coach, stated that he is staying clear of the dispute between Chris Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). He plans to wait for the organization to figure out the availability of the player for the limited-overs feature of the England tour. Gayle has not played for the Windies in the past year due to a disagreement with the WICB. While a deal brokered by CARICOM appeared to settle the issue, the controversy flared again and has endangered Gayle’s participation in the England tour.
RESTRUCTURING ON TAP FOR LOCAL FOOTBALL—05/04/12
The football hierarchy in Jamaica is looking to develop a more viable structure for all stakeholders over the next few months. The effort will be put in place following a report due in the summer of 2012. According to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the existing league systems on the island cannot be sustained and are not conducive to real development. The change has already begun with the Eastern Confederation, which dissolved its Super League competition this season.
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JAMAICAN JOBS
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WORKFORCE MANAGER
FINANCIAL ANALYST
RESEARCHER/LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
DISTRICT MANAGER – WENDY’S (JAMAICA)
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
Visit JAMAICAN JOBS.
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DEVOTIONAL
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“He Gives His Beloved Sleep”
I love to sleep. For me, that is not as hard to admit as some people would think. This does not mean I advocate sleeping when one should be up and about being productive or engaged in “healthy” leisure, but there is a time for sleep; restful and restorative sleep. Even Jesus slept, so there is nothing particularly sinful about sleeping. In fact, one time He slept so soundly that not even a windstorm would arouse Him from His slumber (Luke 8:22-25). Some of us could definitely relate to that!
A good night’s sleep is a gift from God. The anxious workaholic who strives to do everything in his or her own effort may disagree, but there is nothing virtuous about working long hours, regardless of vocation, that leaves one with little time for proper sleep. Psalm 127:2 reminds us, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.” When feeling troubled and unable to sleep, we should remind ourselves that as long as we are right with God and other people, the Lord “replenishes every sorrowful soul.” (Jeremiah 31:25). Jeremiah slept sweetly when he dreamt of the redemption of Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 31:26).
For those who have difficulty sleeping, for whatever reasons, it is important to examine if the inability to sleep in any way reflects a lack of trust in God in our circumstances that provoke such restlessness. Maybe there are areas in our lives in which we are experiencing conviction and like David, that is something we have to address (see Psalm 32:3-5). However, once we are secure in who He is, what He is able to do, and trust Him with the things pertaining to us, we can realize the truth of Proverbs 3:24, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.”
Our mental outlook not only affects our ability to sleep but also our spiritual well-being. D.A. Carson puts it this way: “We are whole complicated beings: our physical existence is tied to our spiritual well-being, to our mental outlook, to our relationships with others, including our relationship with God. Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is get a good night’s sleep – not pray all night, but sleep. I’m certainly not denying that there may be a place for praying all night: I’m merely insisting that in the normal course of things, spiritual discipline obligates you to get the sleep your body needs.” I wholeheartedly agree.
So, how is your sleep? Remember, God promises His beloved sleep. Do what you have to do in order to walk in that promise. Trust me, it is an enjoyable experience and the benefits are many.
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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.
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