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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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FOOD SAFETY ACT TO COVER IMPORTED GOODS—09/24/11
Robert Montague, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, reported that the Cabinet is set to discuss the drafting of a Food Safety Act that will establish standards for imported foods. According to Montague, this is necessary for the protection of the Jamaican people.
BRUCE GOLDING TO RESIGN—09/25/11
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding has announced his resignation. His action was taken in response to a potential rebellion among members of the ruling party that could have resulted in putting him out of office. Golding will resign as soon as a new leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is elected in November at the annual general conference.
IMF PROGRAM SAFE FOR THE SHORT TERM—09/26/11
Although there have been concerns about the 2010 standby arrangement that exists between Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the program will continue for the short term in terms of fund disbursement. Reviews for December of 2010 and for March and June of 2011 are pending, but all signals suggest that the arrangement is “alive and well.”
ISLAND’S ECONOMIC GROWTH COULD SURPASS 2.5 PERCENT FOR 2011—09/27/11
According to Audley Shaw, Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, the economic growth of the country is likely to exceed the targeted 2.5 percent for 2011. Shaw says he is “optimistic” about the growth rate. Jamaican continues to work toward attracting investments in tourism and in information and communications technology. The government has also approved a law to permit the expansion of casinos in Jamaica as well.
MUNROE SAYS RESIGNATION OF GOLDING PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY—09/28/11
Trevor Munroe, the director of the National Integrity Action Forum (NIAF), believes that the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) offers a chance for Jamaicans to demand transparency in governance. There is now an opportunity to implement measures that will make the government more accountable for its actions, according to Munroe.
TOM TAVARES-FINSON INTERESTED IN REPRESENTING WEST KINGSTON—09/29/11
Attorney-at-law Tom Tavares-Finson has stated that he is interested in representing the constituency of West Kingston in the government upon the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Although some members of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) believe he was responsible for undermining Golding’s efforts, Tavares-Finson says he did nothing of the sort and has long had a desire to represent the people of the West Kingston district in government.
BRYAN HOLNESS KILLED ACCIDENTALLY—09/29/11
According to police investigators, the son of Dr. Patricia Holness, chief executive officer of the Registrar General’s Department, was shot and killed by accident when a group of friends were playing with an illegal fun. Police in St. Catherine detained one of the three men in the group, while the other two were released after questioning. It was determined that the killing was accidental, contradicting earlier reports that a “lone gunman” on a bicycle killed Bryan Holness, 19, a student at the University of the West Indies.
CRUISE PASSENGERS ENJOY NEW TRANSPORT SYSTEM—09/30/11
A new system of transportation is scheduled for cruise ship ports, says Edmund Bartlett, Jamaican Minister of Tourism. The existing system, which divides the responsibility for transferring cruise ship passengers among several entities, will be replaced by a single company charged with handling ground transportation for the passengers. The single system will be more efficient and reduce the harassment of tourists.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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YOUNG JAMAICAN FOOTBALLERS MAKE MARK IN AUSTRIA—09/24/11
Jamaican youths are making a positive impression on the Austrian football club of USK Anif. Craig Butler and four members of the Phoenix All Star Football Academy are pioneering a move into Austria that provides a major opportunity for the Jamaican players. According to Butler, head of the Academy, the players will be able to develop their skills outside of Jamaica in a sustained way that could not be accomplished on the home island.
JAMAICAN-BORN ARTIST CELEBRATES DECADE OF MAKING ART IN GEORGIA—09/27/11
Tamara Natalie Madden, a Jamaican-born artist, is celebrating her ten years’ of making art in Marietta, Georgia, with a one-woman exhibition. The celebration marks an achievement of transcending the tragedy of being diagnosed at the age of 22 with a rare, incurable kidney disease, ICA nephropathy. She moved to the United States at the age of 13 and began making art seriously as therapy after receiving her diagnosis. In 2000, she found her half-brother in Jamaica, who donated a kidney that was successfully transplanted. Her art exhibit is a representation of her determination to overcome the odds to become a professional artist.
DIASPORA CONCERNED ABOUT GOLDING RESIGNATION’S IMPACT ON INVESTORS—09/28/11
The Jamaican Diaspora has voiced concerns about how the uncertainties surrounding the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding from office will affect foreign investors. The “indecisiveness” could send a negative message to investors who want to find opportunities in Jamaica. The rapidity by which the government’s leadership changes hands is critical in shoring up investors’ confidence in the country, say observers.
GIS TECHNOLOGY AIDS JAMAICANS LIVING ABROAD—09/29/11
Jamaicans who live in the United States and in other countries can benefit from the Geographical Information System (GIS) technology in regard to making real estate development decisions. According to Janice McIntosh, the chief representative officer at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) in the Florida office believes services like iMap Jamaica provide an initial way for individuals to determine whether or not the land they own is in their name or is untitled. The iMap Jamaica application was introduced by the National Land Agency (NLA) in September 2010.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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CAYMANS DECIDE NOT TO EASE VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR JAMAICANS—09/24/11
CARIBBEAN OFFICIAL BANNED BY FIFA—09/25/11
JOBLESS RECOVERY EXPECTED FOR BAHAMAS, CARIBBEAN—09/26/11
PUERTO RICO SEES INCREASE IN DRUG AND WEAPONS TRAFFICKING—09/27/11
CONFERENCE OF CARIBBEAN NURSES HELD—09/28/11
DRUG SUBMARINE STOPPED BY U.S. COAST GUARD IN CARIBBEAN—09/29/11
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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COFFEE GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION CRITICAL OF GOVERNMENT ACTION—09/24/11
The All-Island Coffee Growers’ Association issued a strong criticism of the government’s planned divestment of the Wallenford Coffee Company, which is owned by the state. The organization has described the company as the “most prized coffee asset” on the island, and the most recognized coffee brand in the world. Wallenford is the largest licensed processor of coffee beans and handles Jamaica Blue Mountain and High Mountain coffee.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGING NORMS IN MEDIA OUTLETS—09/25/11
Information technology experts believe that social networking is a disruptive technology that will ultimately make existing products, services, and business models obsolete. While this has not yet occurred, it is the case that normal media and entertainment industries are feeling the impact of social networking. The potential legal and political impacts of social networking have been emphasized by recent local and international events. Legal experts are raising the possibility that social networking could taint a jury pool in court cases and deny defendants the right to a fair trial as a result.
FLIGHTS BETWEEN ORLANDO AND KINGSTON RESUME—09/26/11
Air Jamaica will again offer nonstop flights between Orlando, Florida, and Kingston, Jamaica. The flights will feature a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 154 seats. The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays at an introductory fare of US$89 one way plus taxes.
NATION BUILDER AWARDS TO HONOR HARD WORK—09/27/11
Thirteen organizations and individuals throughout Jamaica have been nominated for the 2011 NCB Nation Builder Awards. The award nominees represent a broad range of businesses in the hospitality, technology, and distribution and production industries. Awards are given in categories including Women in Business, Start-up, and Impact. The awards are designed to encourage entrepreneurship and positive impact on the lives of others.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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MOBILE APPLICATION TRACKS WEATHER—09/24/11
WIND FARM IN JAMAICA SAVES J$229 MILLION IN FIVE-MONTH PERIOD—09/25/11
AMERICAN COMPANY TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY FROM OCEAN WATER—09/26/11
NETWORK SECURITY ADDRESSED BY CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS—09/29/11
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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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HOSPITAL ROBOT TENDS TO PATIENTS’ NEEDS—09/26/11
Panasonic has created a robot that includes telepresence functions. The robot was developed for post-operative care to help patients discuss issues with their physicians when they are offsite. Hospi-Rimo is a communications robot based on Panasonic’s drug-delivery bot. It can be controlled remotely or move autonomously. It could be used in hospitals or in residential situations where elderly individuals live alone.
SOLAR POWER INCORPORATED INTO ROOFING PRODUCTS—09/27/11
OneRoof Energy is providing the financing for solar photovoltaic cells that are embedded into roofing materials. A new leasing arrangement is available from the company, which allows individuals replacing their roofs to integrate solar panels into the construction at no incremental cost. Solar leases are now available in some 20 states in the United States, but the solar-lease-and-roof combination is designed to attract consumers who want roof-integrated photovoltaics for aesthetic reasons.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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TASH WINS 2011 RISING STARS TITLE—09/26/11
The most recent season of Jamaica’s popular talent show Digicel Rising Stars, has crowned Chantel “Tash” Lamont, 17, as its winner. Tash received a check for J$1 million as her prize. This was the eighth season of the talent competition.
SHAKIRA, ROGER WATERS PURCHASE CARIBBEAN ISLAND—09/28/11
Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and singer Shakira have purchased an island in the Caribbean together. Shakira, the Colombian superstar who currently dates Gerard Pique, a soccer player of Barcelona, Spain, is partnering with Waters to buy Bonds Cay for $16 million. The island is located north of the Bahamas. The musicians plan to rebuild a resort on the site that will cater to millionaire clientele.
BEENIE MAN UPSET AT USE OF SON IN SKIT MOCKING HIM—09/29/11
The divorce of Moses “Beenie Man” Davis and Michelle “D’Angel” Downer has attracted public attention and ridicule. And now Beenie Man has claimed that Ity & Fancy Cat, a Jamaican comedy duo, have taken the mockery too far. The comedians introduced a skit that mocked the divorce and made fun of their son. Beenie Man was not amused by these efforts and criticized the use of his son for entertainment value.
JAMAICAN MUSIC PROMOTER IN JAIL FOR IDENTITY FRAUD—09/30/11
After living in Manchester for 14 years, Godfry Fogah, 38, a Jamaican music promoter who organized concerns for major stars, has been identified as an illegal immigrant living under a false identity. Fogah director events featuring 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and The Game, but all the while was a Jamaican who had entered the United Kingdom illegally in 1997 on forged papers. The name on the fraudulent papers was Errol Stone. He was sentenced to 11 months in prison for identity card offenses and obtaining services by deception. He will not face automatic deportation upon release since his sentence is less than 12 months, however.
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SPORTS
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USAIN BOLT HELPS YOUNG RUNNERS—09/27/11
Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt is taking a break from his running schedule to help young runners in southern California. Bolt says he always has fun with kids and enjoys teaching them and inspiring them. Bolt is also making additional appearances in Los Angeles before returning to Jamaica.
NASH WITHDRAWS FROM JAMAICAN CRICKET SQUAD—09/28/11
West Indies vice captain Brendan Nash, a left-arm batsman, has decided to exclude himself from the Jamaican cricket team. The team was set to play in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 Tournament in October in Guyana. The exclusion of Nash could result in a loss for the side. Nash, 33, cited personal reasons for leaving the team.
JAMAICA COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL—09/29/11
FIFA and the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) were co-hosts of the Women’s Football Com-Unity Seminar in Kingston. The meeting was held to develop girls’ and women’s football across the island. Horace Burrell, JFF president, said he had listened to the participants at the seminar and the coaches and decided that the development of women’s football would be a good thing for Jamaica.
MARLON SAMUELS CLEARED TO PLAY IN INTERNATIONAL MATCHES—09/30/11
The International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, has cleared Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman, to play again in international matches. It has been over three years since Samuels was banned from competition for an illegal bowling action. Samuels, 30, said it felt good to be able to bowl again in international competition.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Little In Your Own Eyes
For some people, success is very difficult to handle. The more successful they become, the more they become strangers to humility. Irving Berlin shone a spotlight on the dilemma of the successful when he observed, “The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.” In other words, it comes with its own seduction. Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates summed it up well when he said, “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.”
King Saul found himself in such a situation. God had sent him to destroy the Amalekites, but he felt he could do as he wanted instead of what God had instructed (1 Samuel 15). Drunk with his success, the narrative tells us that he left for Carmel to set up a victory monument in his honor (v.12). Matthew Henry observes, “By his wars and victories he hoped to magnify and perpetuate his own name and honour.” The narrative tells us about God’s conversation with Samuel which resulted in Samuel’s conversation with Saul. Totally ignorant of his haughtiness, Saul boasted to Samuel of his obedience (v.13) which the prophet immediately challenged (vv.13) before pronouncing judgment upon him (vv. 16-31).
The primary verse of interest is verse 17, “And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?” The most convicting words, “when thou was little in thine own sight.” While Saul was still humble, God made him king, but as success came he forgot to remain humble. He started working his agenda instead of God’s; he forgot that it wasn’t about him, but all about God. Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to Saul. Many, including ministers of the Word, have become caught up in the success that God has allowed them. Believing their own hype and that of others around them, they lose sight of the fact that the God who promotes is the same God who demotes. None of us, no matter how successful, can afford to forget where we are coming from. We are where we are all because of God’s grace.
As you move in the realm of success, how do you see yourself? Are you still little in your own eyes and following God’s agenda, or are you all grown up and following your own?
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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
