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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS   STORIES
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LABOR MINISTER TO MEET WITH FARM WORKERS IN CANADA AND U.S.—08/17/16
Shahine Robinson, Jamaican Minister of Labor and Social Security, is visiting Canada and the United States in order to hold meetings with current and potential workers and employers under the Overseas Employment Program. Robinson will take part in discussions designed to expand the seasonal agricultural programs utilized by Jamaican workers in Canada and the U.S. The Minister is also expected to meet with 33 Jamaican farm workers who had been negatively impacted by a fire at the Chary Produce Farm in Ontario.

HOLNESS SAYS INDECOM TO CONTINUE—08/18/16
In a message delivered by Derrick Smith, Jamaican Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that, in spite of the sometimes difficult relationship between government agents and INDECOM, the organization is “here to stay.” In his remarks, Smith said that the government’s vision for INDECOM involves its becoming an organization that has gained the confidence of both citizens and the state. He also noted the importance of the organization in having a positive impact on Jamaica’s system of law and order.

CARICOM PAYS TRIBUTE TO JAMAICAN ATHLETES BOLT AND THOMPSON—08/19/16
CARICOM has provided a major tribute to Jamaican Olympic gold medal sprint champions Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson, who both won the prestigious 100-meter titles at the 2016 Games in Rio. Bolt is the first athlete to win three consecutive Olympic titles in an event, while Thompson is the only the second Jamaica woman to win the 100-meter Olympic title. In praising Bolt, the statement from CARICOM read, “Mr. Bolt’s feat of three consecutive triumphs in the 100 meters is unprecedented in the history of the Games and fills our Community with pride.” The CARICOM statement provided in tribute to Thompson said her “outstanding performance presented further evidence, if any was needed, of the deep pool of talent that her country, Jamaica, possesses in track and field.“

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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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CARIBBEAN DIASPORA JOINS MOVEMENT TO EXONERATE MARCUS GARVEY—08/18/16
Several Caribbean organizations based in the United States are campaigning to exonerate Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero. The Diaspora organizations joining the effort include Caribbean Georgia; Caribbean American Advancement Foundation; Caribbean Political Action Committee; Foundation for the Exoneration of Marcus Garvey; Jamaica Association of Maryland; Jamaica Nationals Association; and Rebuild Dominica. According to Jamaica’s Dr. Claire Nelson, founder and president of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), the campaign provides a significant opportunity for engaging civil rights activists, research and educational institutions, and the Caribbean Diaspora community in creating cultural exhibits, discussion forums, and lectures to educate the public about the legacy of Garvey and to support the effort to “right a wrong.” The exoneration effort includes the submission of a petition that asks for a presidential pardon for Marcus Garvey, who was convicted in 1923 of mail fraud. The exoneration request claims Garvey was targeted by the United States government for his role as a leader in the Pan-African movement.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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SHAW SAYS JAMAICA TO SEE 14,000 MORE HOTEL ROOMS IN NEAR FUTURE—08/18/16
According to Audley Shaw, Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and Public Service, some 14,000 hotel rooms will be rolled out on the island during the coming three to four years. This represents a major investment for Jamaica. Shaw made his remarks following the grand opening of the Blue Mountain Renewables (BMR) wind farm in St. Elizabeth. The increase in number of hotel rooms reflects an addition of 30 percent to Jamaica’s tourism industry, he said. Shaw also praised Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett for creating opportunities through economic links offered in the “vibrant” tourism sector.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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DAMIAN MARLEY RELEASES CONTROVERSY WITH VIDEO FOR SINGLE—08/18/16
Reggae musicians Damian Marley has released a video for his controversial single track, “Nail Pon Cross.” The image designed to promote the the track shows Marley hanging from a cross and was met with strong objections from the general public on the Internet, which called the image “sacrilegious.” The video was first shown on TIDAL, the global music-streaming service, and Marley did not respond to criticisms on social media attacking his character. In an interview, Damian Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, explained that he was not thinking about politics or police when writing the song.”I was just thinking about basic everyday life. How we judge each other. How we judge our friends. How we judge everything. So that’s really what this song is about.” TIDAL, which believes the video is timely in that addresses important issues of the day. In the exclusive TIDAL release, Marley is portrayed tied to a cross, along with an African-American man, a Mexican immigrant, a Muslim man, and a Los Angeles policeman. It represent the “wrongful crucifixion of many,” according to Shannon Atran of MWW PR.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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RULES ALLOWING ATHLETES TO SWITCH COUNTRIES MAY CHANGE—08/17/16

The IAAF is considering whether to tighten the rules that permit athletes to switch country representation in track and field competitions. IAAF leaders have talked about the issue at the 2016 Rio Olympics and plan to put “transfer of allegiance” up for discussion at its coming council meeting. Just before the Rio Games, the IAAF allowed 85 athletes to compete for new nations, including 12 currently on Bahrain’s team who had previously represented African or Caribbean countries. IAAF leaders believe it is time to review the rules to determine if they remain applicable today. Andrew Fisher, 24, of Jamaica competed for Bahrain in the 100-meters in Rio. He admits he went to look for a new country to represent because he felt he could not qualify for the Olympics if he applied to the Jamaica team headed by Usain Bolt. He specifically went to Bahrain to get a chance to compete in Rio.