—————————————-
THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
—————————————-
JAMAICAN WOMAN NAMED TO TRANSITION TEAM AT UNITED NATIONS
Michelle Gyles-McDonnough of Jamaica will be part of the five-member transition team of Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General-designate at the United Nations. She is the highest-ranking Jamaican in the UN system. Previously appointed as UNDP Deputy Assistant Administrator and Deputy Regional Director in Asia Pacific residing in Bangkok, she was subsequently asked to serve on the transition team, which will engage with UN member states, officials and civil society to ensure a smooth change in the organization’s leadership. Gyles-McDonnough has served as UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, and UNFPA Representative for Malaysia and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
OVER 200 INDIVIDUALS HONORED AT KING’S HOUSE AWARDS CEREMONY
At the 2016 National Honors and Awards Ceremony at King’s House, more than 200 people were recognized for their contributions to the development of Jamaican society. Five Jamaicans received the Order of Jamaica, the fifth highest honor in the nation. They included are retired Member of Parliament and former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ken Baugh; senior citizens’ advocate and researcher, Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer; former Ambassador to the US, Ambassador Anthony Johnson; art historian and former Director-Curator of the National Gallery, Dr. David Boxer; and neurosurgeon, Professor Renn Holness. Thirty-three received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), including Senator Tom Tavares Finson, and journalist Clifton “Cliff” Hughes. Teenager Antini Anderson was awarded the Bade of Honor for Gallantry for rescuing her sister from a fire, who Orland Brown of Ackee Walk was recognized for heroism for his actions in saving a child who was being swept away by raging waters.
JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO AMEND IMMIGRATION ACT
Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said the government wants to change the Immigration Act to provide Jamaicans overseas with benefits similar to those enjoyed by holders of the Jamaican passport. According to the Minister, the Economic Growth Council (EGC) proposed the amendment following concerns by Jamaicans in the Diaspora about problems they face when returning to the home island to transact business. As the Diaspora is critical to the island’s economic prosperity, she noted, it is important that the government support efforts designed to facilitate economic growth and the creation of jobs.
———————————————
SPONSORSHIP
———————————————
Are you ready to reach the world with your event, business or product? This WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY is syndicated to over 60 radio stations worldwide. We invite you to become a sponsor today. Contact us at [email protected]
———————————————
THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
———————————————
DIASPORA JAMAICANS HONORED ON NATIONAL HEROES DAY
Jamaicans from the Diaspora were among 200 individuals who received National Honors for their contributions toward nation building. The National Honors and Awards Ceremony at King’s House in Kingston featured six Jamaicans among the honorees. Shabba Ranks was the first Jamaican deejay to be recognized and accepted worldwide; he was honored for his contribution to the Jamaican music industry. The late reggae star Gregory Anthony Isaacs received the Order of Distinction for his local and international contributions to the island’s music industry. Chris Chin of VP Records received the Order of Jamaica for his work in the industry. Dr. Millicent Comrie, a gynecologist based in Brooklyn, received the OD for her contributions to medicine and family life. Orville Brian Dorman of the United Kingdom received a Badge of Honor for his commitment to the service of Jamaica and defense of its interests overseas, while Enid Joyce McLaughlin was recognized for her work with the Jamaican Diaspora in Canada.
——————————————-
THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
———————————————
KINGSTON WHARVES GETS UNEXPECTED BOOST IN BUSINESS FROM HURRICANE
Kingston Wharves announced that several Maersk vessels will arrive in the near future after the Post-Panamax container “Northern Jubilee” had to change its schedule because of damage suffered by the Freeport Container Terminal in the Bahamas from Hurricane Matthew. The firm is also ready to help the company by acting as a trans-shipment terminal. According to Simone Murdock, marketing and client services manager at Kingston Wharves, said there is no confirmation concerning the reopening of the Freeport terminal, so the company is ready to continue providing service to Maersk and other vessels finding themselves displaced.
—————————————————–
THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
—————————————————–
REGGAE LEGEND PETER TOSH HONORED WITH MUSEUM
Peter Tosh, Jamaican reggae legend, is being honored in his home country with a museum dedicated to his life and music. The new museum is located near the Bob Marley Museum, one of the major tourist attractions in Kingston. The Peter Tosh Museum opened on October 20, 2016, the 40th anniversary of the release of his song “Legalize It.” On display at the museum is a guitar shaped like an assault rifle that was frequently used by Tosh. Also exhibited is his unicycle. Tosh received the Order of Merit posthumously in 2012. Although he was one of the founders of the original “Wailing Wailers,” together with Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston and Junior Braithwaite, Tosh is not as well-known as Marley. He was killed by a gunshot in September of 1987 during an attack on his house by a gang headed by Dennis Lobban, who remains in prison for the crime.
——————
THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
——————
USAIN BOLT IN RUNNING FOR IAAF MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jamaica’s record-breaking Olympic champion Usain Bolt has been named among the contenders for the men’s Athlete of the Year Award for 2016 from the IAAF. Other athletes competing for the title include Mo Farah of Great Britain and South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk.
