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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
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ANDERSON APPOINTED FIRST NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR IN JAMAICA
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed Major General Anthony Anderson to be the nation’s first National Security Advisor. His responsibilities in the new position will include acting as the chief technical advisor to the government on issues of national security strategy and management in ways consistent with the international best practices implemented by other jurisdictions worldwide. Anderson’s new role is critical for the support and coordination of the country’s national security superstructure. Selected for his expertise, knowledge and critical strategic management skills, Anderson has been Chief of Defense Staff for six of his 32 years on the Jamaica Defense Force.
JAMAICANS STILL WAITING FOR DECISION ON COCKPIT COUNTRY
It has been eight years and two political administrations, but Jamaicans are still waiting for a decision about how the government intends to handle the environmentally sensitive Cockpit Country. A decision was promised in June 2016 by Daryl Vaz, who is responsible for land, environment and climate change in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. There has been no news about the situation until recently, however, as Colonel Oral Khan, chief technical director in the Ministry said that the Cockpit Country issue is “still very much alive.” Negotiations concerning the definition of boundaries are ongoing for the area, which is rich in biological diversity and a major source of fresh water for Jamaicans.
FIREARM EXPORTS FROM U.S. SUSPENDED DUE TO LICENSING CONTROVERSY
The United States has decided to suspend the export of firearms to Jamaica, citing concern over developments at the nation’s Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA). The agency has been a focus of controversy since the exoneration of Patrick Powell for the murder of a schoolboy and revelations that his file at the FLA went missing. According to a statement issued by the United States Embassy in Kingston, the U.S.. is reviewing the firearm export licensing approval process applied to Jamaica. No further details were provided, and it remains unclear how this decision will impact security forces on the island.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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HOLNESS MEETS WITH DIASPORA MEMBERS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a one-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago and met with over 150 members of the Jamaican Diaspora there. Holness declared the Diaspora part of Jamaica’s “commonwealth;” he included the Caribbean Diaspora in his determination. He said that the Diaspora was critical to the growth and development of Jamaica and that members needed to exercise their influence and power in favor of the home island in their adopted foreign countries. Holness also addressed the relationship between Trinidad an Tobago and Jamaica after the bilateral discussions held with Dr. Keith Rowley, T&T’s Prime Minister, in July 2016. In an overview of the policies designed to achieve economic growth and job creation, Holness cited the IMF program, the island’s positive economic outlook, energy prospects, and bipartisan efforts meant to enhance infrastructure development.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WANTED BY KING’S HOUSE FOUNDATION
The King’s House Foundation wants to develop residential homes on ten acres of the 100-acre property on which the residence of Jamaica’s governor general is located. The Foundation hopes that the development of mid-to-upper-income town houses on the King’s House property will provide a source of income for the foundation, which is responsible for maintaining the Crown property; it also hopes that the Holness Administration will approve the plans. The town houses would be built by Pan-Jamaican Investment Trust Limited, a property conglomerate, on the northwest corner of Kings House bordering Annette Crescent on Upper Waterloo Road.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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JAMAICAN MODEL CHOSEN AS COVER GIRL FOR ITALIAN VOGUE
Alicia Burke has been selected to feature on the cover of the November 2016 issue of Italian Vogue. She will be the first Jamaican or Caribbean model to appear on the Italian edition of the magazine. Vogue magazine is the top editorial opportunity for models around the world. Two other Jamaicans have made Vogue covers in the past. Lois Samuels was on German Vogue some 20 years ago, while Jeneil Williams was on the cover of the Turkish edition in 2013. The cover photo was shot by Steen Meisel and shows Burke as one in a couple with male model Hussein Abdulrahman.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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USAIN BOLT, ELAINE THOMPSON ON SHORTLISTS FOR IAAF AWARDS
Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson of Jamaica have been named to the shortlists for the IAAF World Athlete of the Year Awards. Bolt has won the award five times and became the first individual to win three consecutive 100-meter and 200-meter Olympic gold medals in Rio in 2016. Bolt also holds world records in the two distances: 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds, respectively. Thompson won the 100-meter and 200-meter women’s Olympic gold medals in Rio.
