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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS   STORIES
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JAMAICAN POLICE REPORT MAJOR CRIMES DROP BY TEN PERCENT—06/07/16
According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the overall rate of serious and violent crime in Jamaica dropped by ten percent between January 1 and June 4, 2016. The JCF relied on data from its Statistics and Information Management Unit and discovered there was an overall reduction in the number of murders on the island of two percent, compared to the same period in 2015.The statistics show a 29 percent reduction in rape and a 27 percent reduction in aggravated assaults. The numbers also indicated that there was a six percent rise in the number of shootings, however. Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine accounted for most of the crime reduction. St. Andrew’s Central Division reported a four percent increase in murders, 103 in the 2016 period compared to 81 recorded during the same months in 2015.

JDF WELCOMES 199 NEW SOLDIERS—06/08/16
The Jamaica Defense Force (JDE) added 199 new soldiers to its force. The new recruits completed a 26-week-long instruction session where they learned theories and information about the JDF. The instruction included training in a range of practical skills required for military action under various conditions and in various locations as well. Robert Montague, Jamaica’s Minister of National Security, congratulated the new recruits, telling them they are called upon to perform to their best level in the service of their country.

TRINIDAD PROMISES TO REMOVE ADMINISTRATIVE DELAYS OF JAMAICANS—06/09/16
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that he has been assured by the government of Trinidad and Tobago that the administrative delays occurring in the processing of the 53 Jamaicans detained in T&T will be cleared. According to Holness, Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of T&T, pledged that any administrative delays in processing the Jamaicans that hinder their return to their families will be quickly resolved. Rowley made his promise during bilateral meetings with Holness at the Association of Caribbean States Summit in Cuba on June 4, 2016.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN ENGINEER BENEFITS ENERGY SECTOR IN OMAN—06/06/16
Duane Rowe, a Jamaican energy engineer, is in Oman in the Middle East helping that country develop its energy policy. Rowe is the planning and economics manager at the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP). He first traveled to Oman in 2011 to become the senior planner at OPWP after being recruited by an international employment firm. He says the move to Oman was the best decision he has made because he had a very good experience with his first boss, who he calls the “best thinker I have  met.” Rowe said he had to become accustomed to some of the “cultural idiosyncrasies” of the Arab world, but he made the required adjustments. As senior planner,Rowe provided technical leadership in regard to the economic analysis of Oman’s power market and made recommendations concerning ways to bridge the gaps in energy capacity.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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JAMAICA TO FIND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES DURING OLYMPICS IN RIO—06/07/16
During the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Jamaica will be actively looking for potential business opportunities. According to Alison Stone Roofe, Jamaica’s ambassador to Brazil, the embassy is cooperating with the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) on activities that target the Paralympics as well. Brazil is scheduled to host the Paralympics in September 2016. Among the activities are a hospitality center catering to sports fans and other visitors near the Olympic Stadium, a tour by local entertainers, and traded and investment activities organized  by JAMPRO.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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GRANGE SUPPORTS NEW FOCUS OF REGGAE SUMFEST—06/08/16
Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture and Entertainment, has given her support and approval to the new focus of Reggae Sumfest, which the event’s organizers say will display the best of the island’s roots, rock and reggae artists. The theme for 2016 will be “Our Music, Our Festivals.” Grange believes the change is good and that the new direction, which focuses on the promotion of new and established Jamaica artistes could improve Jamaica’s position in the strongly competitive reggae market. According to Grange, this market can handle several festivals produced with international benchmarks and that feature local talent. Through these festivals, the world can see “unparalleled entertainment starring Jamaicans and by Jamaicans” on the island that created reggae music.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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IN OSLO, JAMAICANS TAKE FIRST AND THIRD IN 400 METERS—06/09/16
Jamaica’s Stephenie-Ann McPherson and Novlene Williams-Mills, finished first and third, respectively, in the 400-meter race at the Olso ExxonMobil Bislett Diamond League Games. McPherson won with a time of 51.04 seconds, powering past Natasha Hastings of the United States. Williams-Mills took third place with a time of 51.66 seconds. McPherson now enjoys the second-place sport in the Diamond race with 19 points. Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas is in first place with 20 points, followed by Hastings, who has 14 points. Williams-Mills is in fourth place with seven points.