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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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POLICE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY FUTURE UNCERTAIN—07/31/10
Since the Independent Commission of Investigations Act repealed the Police Public Complaints Act, the future of the civilian Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA) is unclear. The organization was established to investigate allegations brought against the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), but after 17 years, members of the PPCA are unsure of whether they still have jobs. According to employees of the agency, they have not yet been informed as to their status or the status of some 250 investigations initiated since the beginning of 2010.
JAMAICAN POLICE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH VIDEOTAPED KILLING—08/01/10
Police in Jamaica are holding three officers in custody following the appearance of a video tape that allegedly shows the officers beating and shooting a suspect. The police say they were acting in self-defense, but an amateur video recorded by an unknown witness shows the killing, which occurred in Buckfield, some 20 miles from Ocho Rios.
ISLAND REAL ESTATE DAMAGED BY WEAK ECONOMIC CONDITIONS—08/02/10
Investors hope that the real estate market in Jamaica will rebound following indications of improving economic conditions. The market was also impacted negatively by warnings from the United States Department of State in May 2010 about the threat of violence in Jamaica. While the economy shows improvement, the housing market continues to be flat.
DAUGHTER OF HULK HOGAN SUED BY JAMAICAN PRODUCERS—08/03/10
Brooke Hogan, the daughter of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, faces legal action from two Jamaican music producers who claim she used their song without giving them credit or paying them. Jammy James and Camar Doyal, owners of Jam 2 Productions, say that one of their songs was used on Hogan’s debut album without permission. They are claiming $200,000 in damages.
NEW POLITICAL PARTY FORMED IN JAMAICA—08/04/10
The New Nation Coalition (NNC) is the newest of Jamaica’s political parties. At the head of the new party is Betty Ann Blaine, children’s advocate. The party has ten founding members and promises reformation, urban housing, rural land reforms, and policies based on Christian principles. The party has given its support to Contractor General Greg Christie and has called for the expansion of powers in his office.
GANGS BLAMED FOR COP KILLINGS—08/04/10
Authorities have issued alerts following the murders of three police officers in just eight days. According to Owen Ellington, chief of police, the killings are thought to be retribution for gang crackdowns related to the search for alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke, who was wanted by prosecutors in the United States. In 2010, nine police officers have been killed thus far, compared with 11 total in 2009.
GOLDING TO VISIT COLOMBIA—08/05/10
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding will make an official visit to Bogota, Colombia, to participate in the swearing-in of the nation’s new president Dr. Juan Manuel Santos. Golding is expected to have meetings with Jamaicans who live in Colombia and will also talk with the country’s outgoing president Dr. Alvaro Uribe Velez.
POLICE WANT VIDEO OF KILLING IN BUCKFIELD—08/06/10
Jamaican police are attempting to find the eyewitness who videotaped the shooting and killing of a man by police officers in Buckfield, St. Ann. They also want the cell phone used to capture the incident on video. Les Green, Assistant Commissioner of the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB), confirmed that this individual is being sought for help in the investigation. According to detectives, they have collected statements concerning the killing of Ian “Ching Sing” Lloyd, a resident of St. Ann, who was allegedly shot by police in front of a cheering crowd.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA FUTURE IMPROVING, BUT STILL DIFFICULT—08/01/10
Jamaica is eager to attract more visitor traffic from the Diaspora, but Jamaicans who live in the United States are facing difficulties with jobs, loss of wealth, and the after-effects of the worst economic recession in 70 years. These factors have reduced consumers’ confidence and their willingness to spend money. Some 14 million Americans are out of work, and the pessimistic mood continues to impact the ability of Jamaicans to visit the homeland.
FARM WORKERS IN CANADA CAN ENCOURAGE MORE HIRING—08/03/10
Pearnel Charles, Jamaica’s Minister of Labor and Society Security, says that the Jamaican farm workers who already have jobs in Canada can influence employers to take on more workers from the island by showcasing their positive attitudes and strong work ethic. Charles made his remarks on a tour of Canadian farms that employ Jamaican’s under the Canadian Seasonal Farm Workers Program. About 6,000 Jamaicans work on Canadian farms every year.
JAMAICAN SOLDIER DIES IN AFGHANISTAN—08/04/10
Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum of the Scots Guards regiment was killed in Afghanistan. The Jamaican-born soldier died as the result of small arms fire while in command of his men in a mission to provide security for Afghan nationals in the Lasahkar Gah district of Helmand province. McCallum, 31, was born in Hanover and is survived by a son, parents Lurline and Paul McCallum, and five siblings. He enlisted with the British Army in 1998 and then joined the Irish Guards Regiment in Germany in 1999.
JAMAICAN-AMERICAN INVESTMENT SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN NYC—08/05/10
Gateway Capital Holdings LLC and the Jamaica American Chamber of Commerce will hold the first Jamaica-American Investment Summit (JAIS) on September 30, 2010 in New York City. The summit features a unique exchange of investment information and is meant to bring together private equity fund managers, brokers and dealers, investment banks, business leaders, and entrepreneurs in one location. This is the first time such a gathering has been attempted.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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10,000 PARTICIPANTS TO MARCH IN CARIBBEAN PARADE IN TORONTO—07/31/10
HAITIANS STILL HOMELESS SIX MONTHS AFTER EARTHQUAKE—08/01/10
MOROCCO TO FINANCE HOTEL IN DOMINICA—08/02/10
PATIENTS IN U.S. RECEIVE EQUAL CARE FROM FOREIGN-BORN DOCTORS—08/03/10
LEADER OF CARICOM TO RESIGN—08/04/10
WYCLEF JEAN TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT OF HAITI—08/05/10
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SPORTS
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JAMAICAN TEENAGER BORN TO RACE CARS—07/31/10
Alan Scott Hoo, 16, is making an impact on the international racing scene. Leaving Jamaica at age seven to reside in Florida, Hoo has been racing go-karts since that time. He is now about to be Jamaica’s first Formula One driver, having finished fifth in his first competitive race in February 2010. Hoo won the title of Rookie of the Year with that race performance. He is enrolled in the Skip Barber racing school in Sebring, Florida, and has signed with the Boys NASCAR race series camp.
SUNSHINE GIRLS TO MEET AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND—08/02/10
The 12-member Sunshine Girls team is traveling to Australia and New Zealand for a competitive two-Test series. The Jamaicans will meet Australia on August 8 and 15, and the go on to New Zealand to meet that top-ranked team on August 18 and 21. Head Coach Connie Francis says she is optimistic about their chances of winning both series.
JAMAICA BEHIND IN T20 GAME, SAYS COURTNEY FRANCIS—08/03/10
According to Jamaica’s cricket team manager Courtney Francis, there is need of a review of the structure and management of local Twenty20 cricket. Francis called for the review following the team’s fourth place finish at the inaugural meet. Francis says the Jamaica Cricket Association should look at how local Twenty20 competitions are organized, while national selectors must review the criteria they use to choose the players.
STEWART WILL NOT REPRESENT REGGAE BOYZ BEFORE “WORDS”—08/05/10
Damion “Stew Peas” Stewart has refused to represent the Reggae Boyz until he “has words” with Coach Theodore “Tappa” Whitmore about some existing issues. Stewart was sent home from the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament following accusations of lacking focus and not being enthusiastic about being part of the team. Stewart believes he was dismissed unjustly.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Separated Unto God
In his first letter to the dispersed Jewish believers in the then Asia Minor, the apostle Peter instructed them, “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16, KJV). Theologians refer to this call as the effectual call, the work of God’s spirit appropriated on the human heart and which is essentially the influencing of the mind to turn to God, or to enter into His kingdom. Though initially written to that constituency of believers, the admonishment is as true for us today as it was for them then.
It is a wonderful thing to be called of God, however, being called of God into His kingdom carries its responsibilities. We see Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, admonishing believers to “be holy in all manner of conversation.” The original Greek word translated “conversation” also means “behavior” and so that portion of the text could be read, “be holy in all manner of behavior.” We also notice the given reason why they (and us) should be that way was because the One who has called them (and us) is holy, but what does that mean? Bible Scholar Albert Barnes, in his notes on the text, writes, “The meaning here is, the model or example in accordance with which they were to frame their lives, should be the character of that God who had called them into His kingdom. They were to be like Him.”
Because what was true for them is also true for us, we are also called to model our lives after the One who has called us. Most of us, if not all, can testify to being greatly challenged in this area, yet the Word of God shows no compromise; we are to be holy [set aside for sacred purposes, devoted, consecrated and pure.] It is not a badge of pride but an emptying of our selfish desires and the taking on of the spiritual desires and values of God’s word. Embracing these values enables us to have holy thoughts that leads to holy behaviors, and because God is holy, as we do His will and follow His ways, we become holy also.
Being separated unto God is not a one shot deal, but is a daily and continuous process. Some days we experience victory, other days failure. But the challenge remains the same – model our lives after Him who has called us. We should be mindful that as we follow Him, He uses our lives to call others. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).
As you go about living your life, which model are you using?
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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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