HAMILTON RECOGNIZED AS GLOBAL “EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR”—05/09/15
Kirk Anthony Hamilton, a Jamaican entrepreneur, will be recognized at the White House in the United States as one of 50 “emerging” entrepreneurs in the world. The honors event is designed to emphasize how important it is to invest in women and young entrepreneurs in order to develop innovative solutions to world challenges. Hamilton is the founder and CEO of Infiniti Partnership, a firm that bridges opportunities with individuals, capital, and markets via dual channels of investment and business expansion,
NEW EXHIBIT AT PENN GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS JAMAICA’S HERITAGE—05/10/15
The exhibit at Penn Gallery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, entitled “Out of Many, One People,” takes its title from Jamaica’s national motto, focuses on the diverse ethnic and cultural background of the island. Tamara Natalie Madden, an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia, created the exhibit that also includes the Caribbean and Central and South America for cultural recognition. According to Madden, since emigrating to the U.S. from Jamaica, she realized her inspirations arose from memories of the Jamaican people who were often overlooked by others due to their life circumstances.
JAMAICAN DESIGNER IN FINALS OF LIFETIME TV SHOW COMPETITION—05/11/15
Hope Wade, a Jamaican designer who is based in the United States, is one of three finalists chosen to go forward in the fashion contest television series “Project Runway: A Critique” on the Lifetime Television Network. According to the announcement she received, the show’s creators said their loved her submission and were inspired by the risks she was willing to take to reach her fashion goals. The winner of the contest will receive US$10,000.
MANY DISTINGUISHED JAMAICANS INVOLVED IN DIASPORA MAPPING PROJECT—05/12/15
Among the Jamaicans who are involved with the Diaspora Mapping Project are P.J. Patterson and Merlene Ottey. The project is the creation of the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the participation of distinguished Jamaicans is intended to promote and advance the project. P.M. Patterson is the former Jamaican Prime Minister and an Olympic athlete. Ambassador Merlene Ottey lives in Slovenia. The project emerged from the Jamaica Diaspora Conference held in 2006, which promoted an online survey to find where Jamaicans are living overseas and to discover their skills and interests. The Ministry is linking up with the nation’s overseas missions and Diaspora advisory board members.
NEW DIASPORA AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY PREPARED—05/13/15
The government of Jamaica is working on a new international migration and development policy designed to address the changing scope of the challenges facing Jamaicans in the Diaspora. Proposed legislation will be sent to the House of Representatives once it is approval by the Cabinet. The policy is expected to address human rights, social protections, labor mobility and development, as well as family, safety, public order and data research. The legislation is being prepared by the Planning Institute of Jamaica.
PASSPORT AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR DIASPORA CONFERENCE—05/14/15
The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) plans to offer a three-day passport service at the Jamaican Diaspora Conference, which is scheduled for June 13 through 18, 2015, at the Montego Bay Convention Center. According to Lesline Chisholm, director of PICA’s customer service, because of the event’s short duration, people coming on Monday will get their passport back on Wednesday, although the standard service takes seven days. PICA will also provide immigration officers at the Conference location to facilitate processing of documents.
JAMAICAN “GANGSTER” CAUGHT IN U.S.—05/15/15
Reports from the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) indicate that Michael Headley, also known as “Dudus,” and characterized as one of Jamaica’s top-ten gangsters, has been captured in the United States. Headley will be deported back to Jamaica, along with Mead Myrie and Kevon Maitland. Headley was caught through cooperative efforts of the National Strategic Anti-Gang Unit and international law enforcement authorities who partner with the unit. Headley is wanted for murders and shootings, the JCF said.
UNITED NATIONS PRESSURES JAMAICA TO REPEAL ANTI-GAY LAWS—05/15/15
Jamaica faces increased international pressure to repeal its anti-gay laws and to make the environment for LGBT individuals better on the island. The latest calls for change in Jamaica’s policies come from the United Nations’ review of Jamaica’s human rights record. Jamaica has faced calls to repeal these laws for several years, but in 2015, several countries are joining in demanding action, including Sweden, Canada, and the United States.
