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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
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ANTI-GANG LEGISLATION USED TO ARREST OVER 100 SUSPECTS IN INNER CITY—08/23/15
Jamaican police say that while gangster activity is rampant in the communities of Tivoli Gardens, Wilton Gardens, Trench Town, Hanna Town, and Denham Town, the Western Police Division in charge of these areas has accounted for most of the individuals charged under the anti-gang legislation. Police say they have made progress in controlling the criminal gangs that cause havoc in these communities. Glenmore Hinds, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said 42 of 167 individuals currently in court proceedings arising from the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Bill, are from the Western Division, which has housed many of Jamaica’s most notorious gang members.
YOUTH PROJECTS, CHARITIES TO BENEFIT FROM QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE—08/25/15
Over J$340 million will be flowing to Jamaica from Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Trust, a charitable foundation designed to celebrate the Queen’s 60-year reign and her contributions to the British Commonwealth. The Trust, which was created in 2012, will provide monies to various Jamaican charities and youth projects via the Jamaican High Commission in London. The project includes those meant to develop youth entrepreneurship, youth in agriculture, and rural and urban crime reduction programs. Also, one of the major focuses of the Trust will be providing aid to program designed to prevent blindness.
200 SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE WATER FROM GOVERNMENT—08/26/15
Jamaica’s government will supply water to 200 schools in an attempt to address rationing imposed because of the drought conditions in the Caribbean. The National Water Commission (NWC) is partnering with the Ministry of Education to make sure that schools have sufficient water for the coming school year, which begins September 7, 2015. The schools slated to receive the water include those in Kingston, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Thomas, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Portland. According to Ronald Thwaites, Minister of Education, schools should teach their students about how climate change impacts drought conditions and how to use water prudently during emergency periods.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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NEW AMBASSADOR TO UNITED STATES APPOINTED—08/24/15
Ralph Thomas, currently Jamaica’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, has been selected to serve as the island’s new Ambassador to the United States. He will replace Ambassador Stephen Vascianne. In making the announcement of Thomas’ appointment, A.J. Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that the new Ambassador had served in China during a particularly critical time for Jamaican-Chinese relations. Nicholson also stated that he expects Thomas to bring the same level of critical thought and creative energies to Jamaica’s relationship with the United States.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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TOURIST BOARD SEES “GOLD” IN BOLT’S 100-METER VICTORY—08/23/15
Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, believes that the current victory of Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s legendary sprint champion, in the 100-meter race at the IAAF competition in Beijing, China, will greatly enhance efforts to promote Jamaica as a tourist destination. Paul Pennicook, Director of Tourism, will join Dr. McNeill on a trip to Beijing in order to take part in activities developed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to market the island during the Championships. According to McNeill, Bolt’s win will provide a “significant boost” to the Jamaica House promotional plans of the JTB.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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21ST-CENTURY GARVEYISM STARS AT JAMAICAN FESTIVAL—08/25/15
Over 5,000 people participated in the annual tribute to Marcus Garvey held at IRIE FM radio station in Ocho Rios. The event marks the anniversary of Garvey’s birth on August 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay. Featured at the 2015 staging of the celebration was a presentation by African Socialist International Chairman Omali Yeshitela. Chairman Omali used a similar style of Garvey himself, bringing “21st-century Garveyism” to Jamaica. He spoke on the festival’s theme of “one Africa,” explaining that there is only one African nation and that Jamaica is part of it. During his lifetime, Garvey created an organization based on the concept of African self-determination and “Africa for Africans” both at home and overseas.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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USAIN BOLT WINS 10TH GOLD MEDAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS—08/27/15
Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt won a record tenth gold medal at the World Championship event in Beijing, China, with a victory over America’s Justin Gatlin in the 200-meter race. Bolt ran the distance in 19.55 seconds, easily outpacing Gatlin’s 19.74 time. This was Bolt’s best time of the 2015 season. The victory means that Bolt is 2-0 with Gatlin at the Beijing championships, having previoulsy defeated him in the 100 meters.
