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THIS WEEK”S SUMMARY
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COMMISSION ADDRESSES WATER SHORTAGE IN ST. MARY—09/03/11
The National Water Commission (NWC) has turned its attention to handling the water shortage occurring in many communities in St. Mary. According to Anthony Cornwall, area manager for St. Mary-Portland, the inadequate water supply will be addressed with a master plan for the parish that will ensure the provision of water on a regular basis in the area. Most communities currently receive water only two or three days per week.
JAMAICAN DIPLOMATS GROUNDED IN 2009-2010—09/04/11
Officials at Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade were unable to make trips overseas in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 because of a huge budget cut totaling $23 million. Diplomats have been reluctant to describe how the lack of funding impacted their mission. According to experts, much of the Ministry’s work is not being addressed due to the freeze on travels.
PLEA BARGAIN BY COKE CONSIDERED A “BARGAIN” FOR JAMAICA—09/05/11
Jamaican drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke pleaded guilty in the United States on drug and weapons charges. Some Jamaicans have criticized the island’s government for allowing Coke to operate freely without moving against his criminal activities and believe the actions of the U.S. demonstrate the value of have a strong rule of law. Critics believe the lack of government action against Coke illustrates the failure of the Jamaican state.
CENTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP STARTED BY BRANSON—09/06/11
Sir Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin enterprises, plans to launch the Branson Center of Entrepreneurship in early September 2011 in Montego Bay. The center will provide aid for entrepreneurs who want to succeed in establishing responsible businesses. Branson believes that entrepreneurship is crucial to the creation of a strong, sustainable economy in the region.
80 PERCENT OF FOOD PROCESSORS EXPECTED TO FAIL EXPORT TESTS—09/07/11
According to estimates from the Jamaican government, four-fifths of food processors will fail new export tests imposed by the United States in less than four months. Therefore, Dr. Christopher Tufton, Commerce Minister, says the government will move to protect some J$10 billion of export earnings. The new law, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires food processors to meet new standards. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012.
BOARD SAYS JAMAICA IS A MODEL FOR FAMILY PLANNING—09/07/11
The National Family Planning Board is countering the idea that Jamaican women have more children than they can handle. According to the director of the organization’s outreach programs, Dianne Thomas, there has been a downward trend in the childbirth rate per woman since the 1970s when the average woman had between six and seven children.
GOVERNMENT FORMALLY RECOGNIZES WOMAN’S ROLE IN ANTHEM CREATION—09/08/11
The Jamaican government plans to give its formal recognition to Christine Alison Lindo, the former wife of Eugene Mapletoft Poulle, for her part in creating the nation’s national anthem. The House has indicated its intent to honor Lindo’s contribution. Her late husband never received formal recognition for his co-authorship of the anthem. Prime Minister Bruce Golding has characterized this as a “gross oversight.”
JAMAICA FALLS IN RANKING OF TOP REGIONAL ECONOMIES—09/09/11
According to the yearly World Economic Forum Global Competitive Index, Jamaica has fallen in the ranking of 142 regional economies. Jamaica dropped by 12 places to a rank of 107 in 2011. Its fall was attributed to a lack of physical security, poor infrastructure development, inefficient allocation of resources, and a lag in innovation.
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JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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U.S. REJECTS POSTHUMOUS PARDON FOR GARVEY—09/05/11
The Obama Administration in the United States has rejected an effort to obtain a posthumous presidential pardon for Jamaica’s first national hero, Marcus Garvey. The rejection is not expected to end the quest to clear Garvey’s name, however. Garvey is credited with promoting social, political, and economic interests of the ordinary black people in the Western Hemisphere. The United States Department of Justice stated that it does not adjudicate such pardon requests, believing its time is better spent on handling pardon requests from living persons.
JAMAICAN WOMAN DEPORTED FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS—09/07/11
Jamaican Lasandra Frinkson, 27, received a deportation order from Antiguan authorities when she was apprehended by police driving without a valid license. The mother of three did have a learner’s permit to drive but it had expired. She was subsequently arrested and charged with driving without a license or insurance. Frinkson, who is pregnant, was then ordered to be deported and released into the custody of immigration officials.
DAUGHTER OF REGGAE LEGEND TO CREATE OLYMPIC GARB FOR ATHLETES—09/08/11
Cedella Marley, daughter of the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley, will design the gear for Jamaica’s Olympic team. Marley, who lives in Miami, Florida, uses her father’s music to inspire her Olympic collection, particularly the “Catch a Fire” album, which discusses rebellion.
NELSON TO SIGN AGREEMENTS WITH CUBA—09/09/11
Dwight Nelson, Jamaica’s National Security Minister, will sign two agreements with the government of Cuba designed to help make the relationships between the two nations stronger. The agreements will focus on cross-border initiatives to fight against drug trafficking and other types of organized crime. Both nations have recognized an increase in the number of illegal drug and weapons trafficking groups that use the maritime and air space between Jamaica and Cuba to move their illegal wares between Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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PIRATES IN CARIBBEAN FASCINATED BY FINE CERAMICS—09/03/11
BYRON SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF COURT OF JUSTICE—09/04/11
PUERTO RICAN CRIME WAVE CLAIMS 11—09/05/11
ACCREDITATION OF SPANISH JOURNALIST REVOKED IN CUBA—09/06/11
HAITI TO MOVE JOBS, PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY—09/07/11
VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVE “BEST QUALITY OF LIFE”—09/08/11
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BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA HAS LARGE ROLE IN DESIGN CARIBBEAN EVENT—09/03/11
Jamaica’s creative industry will have a large role in the staging of Design Caribbean for 2011. This is the largest trade show in the region and feature handmade designs and innovative products. JAMPRO will introduce a national collection of 27 design pieces inspired by regional culture. The work of Jamaican artists will include various media, including metal, clay, fiber, and wood. Pieces include voodoo clocks, salad servers made of cow horn, ceramic bowls, wicker furniture, and other merchandise.
NEW TELECOM LAW ENHANCES POWER OF REGULATORS—09/04/11
According to Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, a new telecommunications law will address the matter of competition in the industry. The announcement was made in the context of the government’s approval of the acquisition of Claro’s operations in Jamaica by Digicel. There are concerns that Digicel could discourage other firms from entering the telecommunications market due to its size. The law provides more power to the regulator, including methods for preventing anticompetitive activities.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS OBTAIN FUNDING—09/05/11
Two firms launched under a competition in the Obra youth initiative have received grants totaling $120,000 each to expand their business. The companies, Knowledge Unlock Soaring Heights (KUSH) and Glowbal Ink, will now be able to market their products with help from the Sandals Foundation of Jamaica. Products include crochet sandals and ceramics that glow in the dark.
PREGNANT COWS AND SHEEP TO BE PROVIDED BY SEPROD LTD.—09/06/11
Seprod Limited has enhanced its livestock division and is now providing sheep for slaughter and pregnant heifers for sale. Seprod has 5,000 head of cattle and more than enough heifers to sustain its dairy business. Breeding cows will therefore be sold “in-calf.” The firm introduced sheep to its operations in 2010 to graze fruit orchards, but currently breeds the sheep for mutton.
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CARIBBEAN TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY provided by Caribbeantopnews.com
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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS HAS MOST FIXED BROADBAND SUBSCRIPTIONS—09/03/11
JAMAICANS STUDENTS USE ONLINE EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY—09/04/11
HIGH-TECH CONSULTANT DIGITIZES RARE REGGAE FROM THE PAST—09/05/11
NETFLIX OFFERS ONLINE STREAMING TO LATIN AMERICA—09/06/11
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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SUMMARY
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MICHAEL HART, EBOOK PIONEER, DIES AT64—09/08/11
Michael Hart, the man who pioneered the modern ebook industry with the launch of Project Gutenberg, has died. He began his book digitization project in 1971 with the United States Declaration of Independence, which he typed into a Xerox mainframe computer at the University of Illinois. He then digitized the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, the Bible, and Shakespeare. Currently the project offers 40,000 digitized books. Project Gutenberg was built on the premise that anything entered into a computer can be reproduced forever.
ANDROID APP DOWNLOADS COULD SURPASS APPLE—09/09/11
In 2010, the Android OS could rack up 8.1 billion application downloads, while Apple’s iOS devices are expected receive six billion app downloads. These numbers represent a major increase in app downloads for both platforms. Consumers demand mobile applications, according to Nick Dillon, analyst with Ovum, and the Android platform is becoming increasingly popular with consumers and manufacturers. Android also benefits since other application storers have developed to provide alternatives to the Apple app stores.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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THORBORNE SISTERS FORM SONGWRITING FIRM—09/03/11
Nyanda and Nailah Thorborne have joined with sisters Tasha and Candace to create Bloodline, a songwriting company. The four sisters are based in Miami, Florida, but their latest song was inspired by a visit to Ocho Rios. The sisters write songs together, often at the request of their publisher. They also have a home studio and travel to California. Their song “Say Yes” was featured on a debut album of Nicole Scherzinger They also work with Jamaican producer Supa Dups frequently.
JAMAICA TO SHOWCASE CULTURE IN JAPAN—09/04/11
Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, will facilitate a series of concerns to showcase Jamaican performances. The event, called Jamaica Rocks, is scheduled to play in 24 cities between September 9 and October 16, 2011. The concerts will include folk and popular music and also present the evolution of Jamaican pop music from Mento to Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, and Dancehall forms.
JAMAICAN FOLK SINGERS SHARE BEAUTY OF THE MUSIC—09/05/11
The Jamaican Folk Singers will feature the beauty contained in the island’s folk music culture through its 2011 concert season in Kingston. The singers’ concerts provide entertainment for the whole family and will offer a trip down memory lane with songs from school days, folk fairs, plantation life, and Kumina. The season offers the group a chance to use Jamaican folk music to “lift up” the population by presenting traditional values.
TORONTO HONORS CARIBBEAN FILM PERSONALITY—09/08/11
Cameron Bailey, a media personality with roots in Barbados and Canada, is slated to be honored at the 2011 Caribbean Tales Film Showcase in Toronto, Canada. Bailey, who was born in the United Kingdom, was among the first Caribbean personalities to provide a diversity-oriented viewpoint to film criticism and appreciation in Canada. He reviewed films for major publications and produced and hosted a weekly TV program on international cinema.
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SPORTS
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JAMAICAN WOMEN WIN 4X4 RELAY—09/03/11
Rosemarie Whyte, Davita Predergast, Novlene Williams-Mills, and Shericka Williams achieved a new national record in the women’s 4×400 meter race at the IAAF World competition in Daegu, South Korea. They clocked 3:18:71 and obtained the silver trophy.
BOLT REDEEMS HIMSELF BY WINNING 200 METERS—09/04/11
Jamaica’s sprint champion Usain Bolt easily won the 200-meter race in Daegu. Bolt was disqualified from running in his signature 100 meter competition when he produced a false start in the race. Bolt won the race with a time of 19.40 seconds.
POWELL FRUSTRATED WITH INJURY—09/07/11
Jamaican Asafa Powell has said that a recent groin injury prevented the “break through” he had hoped for at the World Athletics Championship. Powell had to forego running at Daegu in South Korea, but will run in the Diamond League Competition, which will be held in Zurich, Switzerland.
CYCLISTS GET READY FOR CARIBBEAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS—09/08/11
The Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Association is preparing for the 11th annual Caribbean Cycling Championships (CCC), which will be held in Montego Bay. The OECS and cycling champion Jyme Bridges, who trains in Cuba, will participate in a Road Race on September 18, 2011. Cyclist Omari King, who also trained in Cuba for the CCC, will also be in the Road Race. Tamiko Butler will race for Antigua and Barbuda, in the women’s Road Race and Time Trial.
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DEVOTIONAL
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Seeing As God Sees
When Abram received his marching orders to leave the idolatrous region of Mesopotamia for a land he did not know, for his obedience the LORD promised him, in part, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2, KJV). As he and his household made their way through the plain of Moreh, again the LORD assured Abram, “Unto thy seed will I give this land” (vv. 6-7). The promise of heirs made a lot of sense for Abram’s name meant “high father”. The fly in the ointment was that Sarai, his wife, was barren (Gen. 11:30); she could bear him no children.
We are not told that Abram thought about the reality of his situation and how that fit into the plan of God. However, when God reassured him “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward” (15:1), he did not hesitate to bring it up. “And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir” (vv. 2-3). The LORD countered, “This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir” (v. 4). He then took Abram out of his tent and said to him, “Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be” (v.5). I would imagine that for a moment there was silence. As Abram gazed up into the skies looking at the countless stars, the promise of God echoing in his ears, something happened to him for the narrative tells us, “And he believed in the LORD” (v. 6a). In other words, he was able to see what God was seeing.
We do not know for sure if he understood everything at that point. Outwardly, his situation had not changed. Sarai, his only wife, was still barren, but in spite of that he believed in the promise of the LORD. He did not know how his LORD was going to pull off what He had promised, but they had traveled this far together and he was learning that his task was to trust and leave the outcome to Jehovah, the LORD.
We are in the same position today. As we journey with the LORD we find ourselves facing seemingly impossible situations. There are times when in our moments of weakness, like Abram, our faith wavers and we devise our own solutions (Gen. 16:1-4). However, “let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” (Hebrews 10:26). Let us change our perspective from being circumstances-centered to being God-centered. Let us remind ourselves of His promises and start to see as He sees. It is the only perspective that matters.
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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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