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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
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PRIVATE SECTOR PLEASED WITH DALLEY ACTIONS—11/17/15
Jamaica’s private sector is happy with the actions taken by Horace Dalley, the new Minister of Health. Dalley came to the post following the deaths of 19 premature babies from outbreaks of klebsiella and serratia bacteria at two area hospitals. Just one week after Dalley became Health Minister, he requested that the boards of the Western Regional Health Authority and the University Hospital of the West Indies “step down” from their positions, “as a matter of accountability,” he said. According to Dalley, the board of the University Hospital has not been subject to a review for some time. He thanked both of the boards for their cooperation and plans to announce new boards right away.
OLD WATER SYSTEMS IN JAMAICA FAILING DUE TO HIGH HEAT AND DROUGHT—11/18/15
Jamaica has experienced three consecutive years of decreased rainfall, which led to wild fires, dying crops, and daily water use limitations. The island’s Meteorological Service has encouraged Jamaicans to become more aware about how climate change has already become a fact of life. Water storage is at low levels, and it is expected that the current drought conditions will surpass those of 2014. Therefore, the National Water Commission has imposed annual restrictions and rolling turn-offs. The agency is also reactivating wells that have been out of use, and even calling for dredging dams and reservoirs to increase storage capacity. Robert Pickersgill, Jamaica’s Minister of Environment, Water and Climate change, has issued a prohibition notice for any individual apprehended using water for any purpose other than sanitary and household use. The penalty for such use can be as high as 30 days in jail.
JAMAICA NOT SAFE FROM TERRORISTS, SAYS SECURITY EXPERT—11/19/15
Mark Shields, British counterterrorism authority, warns that attacks like those occurring in France could happen in Jamaica as well. The island may be considered a “soft target,” said Shields, and residents should not underestimate the threat presented by militant radical groups like the Islamic State. Shields noted that the embassies of the United States and France, as well as the British High Commission, could be considered “attractive” targets. In order to keep Jamaican safe, Shields recommended that local law enforcement personnel increase the public’s level of awareness about terrorism in general.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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BLACK COMMUNITY IN UK CELEBRATES JAMAICAN HERO—11/16/15
The Black Community of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom has bestowed its awards to the town’s Caribbean and African heroes. A lifetime achievement award was given to Johnny Flowers, 77, who moved into Huddersfield from Jamaica over 50 years ago. During his years in the community, he became prominent in business, and along with his wife Alda who worked as a nurse in the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for most of life, was honored with the Jamaican Diaspora Award for Excellence. The couple has three children and three grandchildren. The Heroes awards are given in recognition of the great contributions individuals of Caribbean and African heritage make to their communities in the UK.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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TWO NEW TRELAWNY HOTELS WILL PROVIDE 1,000 JOBS—11/16/15
Carlos Moleon and Fredrick Moe, two Spanish and Jamaican businessmen, have partnered with Ocean by H10 Hotels in a joint venture that will result in the construction of two new hotels in Trelawny. The first of these will open in the last part of 2018 and will have 426 luxury, ocean-view rooms. The second hotel will be an adults-only facility with 375 ocean-view rooms. The project is expected to create 1,000 new jobs for Jamaicans in Trelawny
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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSON ON CULTURE HONORS SISTER SCULLY—11/16/15
Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Opposition Spokesperson on Culture, noted the passing of the legendary gospel singer Audrey “Sister Scully” Hall. Grange noted the singer’s strong commitment to her church and community in Spanish Town, saying that the community lost a great member who served the people and the church. Hall was best known for her rendition of a gospel classic from the southern United States called “Hurry Up.” Hall was considered one of the pioneers of Jamaican gospel music.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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BOLT SAYS HE WANTS A CHANCE TO PLAY FOR MANCHESTER UNITED—11/20/15
Jamaica’s Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt has long joked about wanting to play for Britain’s Manchester United club, but now he says he is serious about getting a chance to make the team. Bolt, who has won six Olympic medals and is the world’s fastest man, said he is good enough to play for the top club. He has visited Old Trafford several times and noted that a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 was the beginning of his consideration about playing for the club. Bolt said he thought that the club’s new manager should think about giving him a trial because he is “quick” and knows how to control the ball and understand the nature of play.
