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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS   STORIES
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NATIONAL ID SYSTEM TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY 2020—07/12/15
The Jamaican government plans to roll out a National Identification System (NIDS) for all residents of the island by 2020. According to Onika Miller, the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, said that the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) is on schedule and will be ready with the framework for the NIDS by November 2015. While the project has taken some time, said Miller, it has reached a stage where activities have been completed and can be moved ahead. The government will be prepared to issue a National Identification Number (NIN) to newborns in the third quarter of 2015.

METAL DETECTORS IN SCHOOLS WELCOMED—07/16/15
The Jamaican government plans to put metal detectors in more island schools, and both students and teachers are in favor of the action. Teachers and students believe that the appliances will ensure their safety and will not get in the way of their studies. Some are concerned about the costs of the detectors, however. According to Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education, metal detectors will be installed in all of Jamaica’s primary and high schools in time for the coming school year. The detectors are meant to reduce violence in the schools. Peter Bunting, National Security Minister, noted that more than 600 Jamaicans have lost their lives to violence since the beginning of 2015, and 39 of these were children.

POLICE MOURN SLAIN COLLEAGUE—07/17/15
Police officers at the station in Denham town are mourning the death of Constable Crystal Thomas, who was murdered during a bus hijacking on Spanish Town Road in Kingston. Moving quickly with the investigation of the crime, police have apprehended two suspects and are holding them in custody. The policewoman’s service pistol, which was stolen when she was killed by the armed men, has also been recovered. It was found during an investigation in Kingston just hours after the suspects were held in Hunt’s Bay. The members of the Jamaica Constabulary force (JCF) provided chaplains to the Denham town station to support and counsel police there. Thomas, 24, lived in Kitson Town, St. Catherine, and was described by her superiors as a dedicated and hard-working member of the JCF.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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THREATS AGAINST JAMAICAN-BORN FOOTBALL PLAYER INVESTIGATED IN UK—07/15/15
Police in London have launched an investigation into threats made against Raheem Sterling, a Jamaican-born English football player. Sterling is about to be transferred from Liverpool to Manchester City, and the transfer has been a topic of considerable debate ever since it was announced. The amount of the transfer fee could make Sterling the second-most costly UK football player. Sterling and his daughter, who is three years old, have received threats via Twitter. According to the police, the threats are being taken very seriously because of the nature of the language used, and investigations are by Liverpool CID detectives are ongoing.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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80 LOCAL FIRMS SET TO PARTICIPATE IN CHRISTMAS-THEMED SHOWCASE—07/15/15
Eighty local companies that make authentic Jamaican souvenir and gift items will participate in the “Christmas in July” showcase event scheduled for July 24, 2015, an event hosted by the Tourism Linkages Hub with participation from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC). Held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the event will give producers a chance to display their products and network with industry contacts.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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LADY SAW MAKES HISTORY—07/16/15
When Lady Saw goes on stage at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, she will be the first female to close the popular Dancehall night at the music festival’s 23rd staging. Lady Saw said she was “humbled” to be chosen to close the evening and noted how far women have come in the music industry. She said she is prepared to show that women “can do it as well as the men and even better.” Lady Saw, 46, first performed at Sumfest in 1994 and loves doing the show. Other acts included in the evening’s performances are I Octane, Popcaan, Gully Bop, Tommy Lee Dexta Daps, and Konshens, among others.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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ALVAS POWELL LEAVES JAMAICAN NATIONAL TEAM—07/16/15
Alvas Powell, 20, the defender from the Portland Timbers, has left Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz national team during the CONCACAF Gold Cup competition. His departure followed disagreements about playing time. He will return to the Timbers, but his future with the national team remains uncertain. Powell walked out on the team at the Gold Cup, saying he was disappointed at his lack of playing time. He also said that leaving the team is best for his personal development as a player.  Powell’s leaving represents a setback for the defender and could result in significant consequences.