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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS   STORIES
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FIVE JAMAICAN POLICE OFFICERS ARRESTED IN SHOOTING OF STUDENT—07/05/16
Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) has arrested five members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in connection with the shooting of a student of the Convent of Mercy Academy. The female student was traveling in an illegal taxi with other students when she was shot in the head. A report provided to INDECOM stated that the driver of the taxi was allegedly stopped by police, who then started shooting at the vehicle. One of the shots hit the girl, who underwent surer at Kingston Public Hospital and remains in intensive care. All of the officers are attached to the Mobile Reserve Division.

HOLNESS SAYS JAMAICA WANTS STRONG TIES WITH REGIONAL NATIONS—07/06/16
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has stated that his government is committed to making strong connections with Trinidad and Tobago and with other countries in the Caribbean region. He made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 37th Conference of the CARICOM Heads of Government, which was held in Georgetown, Guyana. The issues of trade and free movement for Caribbean nationals are important issues for discussion, said Holness, and must be addressed in meaningful ways as Jamaicans are concerns about denial of entry cases and treatment of island nationals at ports of entry. However, Holness said he was encouraged by bi-lateral discussions and emphasized his intention to make stronger ties within the Caribbean, particularly with Trinidad and Tobago.

MEMBERS OF CARICOM DISAGREE ON ACCEPTING CITIZENSHIP BUYERS—07/07/16
One of the more contentious issues raised at the 37th annual CARICOM conference for 2016 was whether the member nations are found to accept people who buy citizenship to Caribbean countries. A legal opinion submitted by the organization’s Office of the General Counsel states that CARICOM nations who do not have a citizenship-by-investment program (CIP) must accept people with such citizenship as CARICOM nationals and given the same rights as those receiving citizenship through birth or naturalization. It also submitted that “citizen by investment” or an “economic citizen” of a CARICOM nation be included in the definition of “national” in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Dr/ Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, insists that his nation does not agree with this opinion of the General Counsel and will not acknowledge the recommendations.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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STATUE OF MARY SEACOLE UNVEILED IN LONDON—07/04/16
A memorial statue recognizing the contributions of Jamaican-born Mary Seacole to the United Kingdom has been unveiled in the gardens of the St. Thomas Hospital in London. Mary Seacole, who was born in Kingston in 1805, made significant efforts toward nursing wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War. The inscription on the statue displays the words written in 1857 by war correspondent Sir William Howard Russell: “I trust that England will not forget one who nursed her sick, who sought out her wounded to aid and succor them, and who performed the last offices for some of her illustrious dead.” Attending the unveiling were speakers Jamaican Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Deidre Mills, the chairperson of the Guy’s and St. Thomas’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Sir Hugh Taylor, and more than 300 guests. Mills noted that Seacole will continue to inspire generations into the future. Mills also praised the 12-year-long efforts of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal and the Mary Seacole Memorial Association for raising £500,000 for the statue. Lord Clive Soley, chairperson of the Appeal, remarked that Mary Seacole was finally getting the recognition she deserved for her support of British soldiers. The statue is the creation of sculptor  Martin Jennings. UK Chancellor George Osborne said the Treasury provided £240,000 to help pay for the installation.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA EXPERIENCE BEGINS OPERATIONS—07/07/16
Initiated by David Hall of VIP Attractions, Jamaica Experience, which operates the Club MoBay and Club Kingston venues at both of the island’s international airports, was launched enthusiastically at Montego Bay’s Palmyra Beach. Jamaica Experience will be introduced across several platforms, including newspaper, magazine, mobile app, website, and a TV show. It is designed to provide businesses with the chance to communicate directly with actual and potential visitors to Jamaica, as well as to the local population and Jamaicans in the Diaspora. The introduction of Jamaica Experience was a showcase for Jamaican culture, and included food from Margaritaville, and beverages from Red Stripe and Wray and Nephew. Entertainment was provided by Ity and Fancy Cat, Beenie Man, and DJ Benjamin.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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JAMAICAN JAZZ LEGEND PERFORMS IN HOLLYWOOD—07/06/16
Jamaica’s jazz star Monty Alexander will join bassist and Grammy winner John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton in a 40th anniversary reunion performance at the Catalina Bar and Grill in Hollywood, California on July 10, 2016. The date marks 40 years to the day that the trio recorded their album “The Monty Alexander Trio – Montreux Alexander – Live! At the Montreux Festival.” Alexander, 71, is rated among the best jazz pianists in history. John Clayton, a composer, conductor, arranger and educator in addition to being a bassist, has performed with people like Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah and Charles Aznavour. Drummer Hamilton has been featured on some 200 recordings with musicians like Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney and Barbra Streisand.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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USAIN BOLT QUITS OLYMPIC TRIALS, HOPES TO COMPETE IN RIO—07/06/16
Jamaica’s Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt has withdrawn from Jamaica’s Olympic Trials as a result of an aggravated hamstring injury. He hopes that a selection policy that permits medical exemptions will go in his favor so that he will be able to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in August. Bolt said he suffered a slight tear in his left hamstring. The team is training and preparing as if Bolt is there, said Michael Rodgers. If allowed to compete, Rio would be Bolt’s third consecutive Olympics; he is hoping to win gold in the 100-meters, 200-meters, and the 400-meter relay.