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THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
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U.S. ACCUSES JAMAICAN JUDICIARY OF HAVING “POOR” RECORD ON CORRUPTION—03/07/16
According to the 2016 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report issued by the United States, judges in Jamaica have a “poor record” when it comes to prosecution of corruption cases against high-level officials in the government and law enforcement. The U.S. report claims that corruption in Jamaica is widespread and “entrenched,” although it does not provide statistics to prove its point. Successes for the island’s law enforcement agencies are limited because of a “chronic inability” of prosecutors and courts to get prompt convictions.
NEW GOVERNMENT HAS 14 MINISTRIES, 18 MINISTERS—03/08/16
The new Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, has constructed his government with 14 full ministries operated by 18 government ministers. There are also four Ministers of state. The Holness government will be smaller than that of the previous administration, which had 20 ministers and eight state ministries. He is attempting to make the Cabinet as efficient and frugal as possible, Holness said, and called on his ministers to run their agencies in an open manner without corruption.
EDMUND BARTLETT APPOINTED MINISTER OF TOURISM AGAIN—03/09/16
Edmund Bartlett, who has been serving as Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, has been appointed to that post by the new Prime Minister, Andrew Holness. A long-serving Parliamentarian and a marketing executive, Bartlett has been in the government for over 30 years and also served as Minister of Youth and Community Development and Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, and Culture. Bartlett said that his administration is renewing its support for developments on the South Coast in adventure and eco-tourism, as well as the expansion of marinas in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
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MISS JAMAICA PAYS VISIT TO EAST AFRICA—03/09/16
Dr. Sanneta Myrie, Miss Jamaica World and Miss World Caribbean, is visiting East Africa on a tour marked by participation in various youth development workshops and mentorship programs. These volunteer service programs are organized by the international group, Shashamane Sunrise, which is dedicated to supporting the education of children in developing nations.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
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ELECTRONIC BUSINESS REGISTRATION SYSTEM LAUNCHING SOON—03/07/16
Jamaica’s government is planning to introduce its electronic business registration system very soon. The system is designed to provide a more problem-free and convenient method for transacting business, said Judith Ramlogan of the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ). The system will provide a registration and regulations form online, which entrepreneurs can use to submit the required documents, requests, and fee payments. People without access to the Internet or a computer can use the system through kiosks that will be set up at various Tax Administration Jamaica offices and at the COJ.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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PIANIST’S VISIT TO SPUR ORCHESTRAL PROGRESS—03/07/16
The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica (POJ) will host Dr. Jon Robertson and a string quartet from the Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida. The musicians will work with the POJ in a number of technical areas during their visit. There will also be a free concert on March 12, 2016, at the Garrison Church in St. Andrew. Pianist Robertson will conduct two workshops for advanced orchestral conductors in Jamaica. According to Andrew Ho, chairman of the POJ, collaborating with Robertson and the Lynn Conservatory represents an important step for the orchestra in building its technical proficiency.
Robertson is a pianist, conductor, and academic; he received a full scholarship to the Julliard School where he earned multiple degrees in piano performance.
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THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
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BOLT READY TO SHOW OFF HIS SPEED AT THE RACERS GRAND PRIX—03/10/16
Jamaican Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt says he plans to use the inaugural Racers Grand Prix on June 11, 2016, to show how well prepared he is to perform at his peak level at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Bolt said he is looking forward to competing in Jamaica, which he rarely gets a chance to do, and that he wants to show his top form in his home country. Glen Mills, the patriarch of the Racers Track Club and the force behind the event, said the meet with bring together some of the top athletes in local and international track and field sports, like Usain Bolt.
