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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
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PNP CALLS FOR BY-ELECTIONS WITHIN THREE MONTHS
Phillip Paulwell, leader of Opposition Business in Jamaica’s House of Representatives, announced that Portia Simpson Miller and Dr. Omar Davies, will resign their posts as of June 29, 2017. This has prompted Julian Robinson, General Secretary of the People’s National Party (PNP) to call for by-elections within three months of the resignations. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has committed to calling an early by-election in South West St. Andrew, which is Simpson Miller’s constituency, but has not indicated any such commitment in regard to Dr. Davies’ constituency in South St. Andrew. Robinson emphasized that the PNP expects the by-elections to be scheduled in a timely fashion.
HOLNESS SAYS NATIONAL ID SYSTEM “A PRIORITY” FOR JAMAICA
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness believes that the creation of a national identification system (NIDS) is a priority for the nation. He made his remarks at the start of the debate over the National Identification and Registration Bill in the House of Representatives. The bill would facilitate the establishment and regulation of the system, which would register, verify, and authenticate the identity of Jamaican citizens and other individuals living in Jamaica. It would also establish a National Civil and Identification Database that would generate national ID cards. Holness believes the system will make it easier to do business by having a positive impact on security-related programs, promoting financial and social inclusion, and facilitating compliance with tax laws.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP CARIBBEAN NEWS
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T&T GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATES MICHAEL JACKSON’S DOCTOR
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is investigating Grenadian-born Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted and sent to prison on charges of involuntary manslaughter in regard to the death of pop music star Michael Jackson. It has been reported that Murray, a cardiologist, is attending to patients in a private medical facility without the required medical license. The T&T Ministry of Health stated that the Council of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago has the responsibility for registering and licensing medical practitioners and enforcing against those not appropriately licensed. Murray is allegedly treating patients at a private facility in central Trinidad.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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JAMAICAN FOOTBALL STAR DONATES TO VICTIMS OF TOWER FIRE IN LONDON
Jamaican Raheem Sterling, Manchester City and England winger, is making a major donation to aid the victims of the Grenfall Tower fire in London. The BBC reports that Sterling, 22, grew up in northwest London after moving these from Jamaica and began his football career at Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road Stadium. The stadium is just a mile away from Grenfell Tower. The fire engulfed a block of apartments and killed at least 17 people. Many others lost their homes. Sterling said he was extremely saddened by the event and wants to help any way he can. He expressed his condolences to the families impacted by the tragedy.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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REMITTANCES IN 2016 TOTALED US$2.2 BILLION, SURVEY FINDS
Jamaicans who live overseas sent US$2.2 billion back home to their families in 2016, according to the 2016 Economic and Social Survey. This was an increase of US$65.5 million over the 2015 total. According to the survey, the 2016 amount represents the seventh year in a row in which remittances rose after the negative impact of the international financial crises on Jamaican remittances in 2009. The United States is the largest course of remittances to the island, totaling $1.4 billion, or 64 percent of the total remittance inflow for 2016. Other top remittance providers are the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Cayman Islands.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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SKIP MARLEY NOMINATED FOR VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
Skip Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, received a nomination for the 2017 BET Viewer’s Choice Award in the category of Best New International Act. Skip Marley is known for his singles, including “Lions,” “Calm Down,” and “We Are the Movement.” He was also featured on Katy Perry’s 2017 single “Chained to the Rhythm,” which he co-wrote. The duo performed the tune at the 59th Grammy Awards ceremony. The BET Awards ceremony will be held June 25, 2017, in Los Angeles. The BET Awards honor achievements in black entertainment categories of music, sports, television, and films released between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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USAIN BOLT RUNS FINAL RACE IN JAMAICA AS FANS SALUTE HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
Olympic eight-time gold medalist Usain Bolt ran – and won – his 84th and last race in Jamaica on June 11, 2017, before an enthusiastic crowd of adoring fans. In an event called “Salute to a Legend,” fans celebrated Bolt as an embodiment of sportsmanship, gumption and the spirit of the Jamaican people. The tribute event and race competition ran for five hours, giving the 35,000 people in attendance at National Stadium in Kingston the chance to honor one of the greatest athletes in history. Bolt first made a name for himself at National Stadium in 2002 by winning the world junior title in the 200 meters at the age of 15.
