—————————————-
THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS   STORIES
—————————————-

OUTCOME OF JAMAICAN ELECTION PLEASES CARICOM—02/27/16
A team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) charged with observing Jamaica’s general election reported that the nation’s voters were able to cast their ballots “without intimidation” and stated that the election’s results displayed the “will of the people” there. The CARICOM observers also said that all polling locations had adequate security in place and that the poll workers were “resolute” all day and performed the required procedures that were designed to ensure that all those who wanted to vote were able to do so.

OAS CONCERNED ABOUT GENDER IMBALANCE IN JAMAICA’S POLITICAL SYSTEM—02/28/16
The mission chief of the Organization of American States/Electoral Observation Mission (OAS/EOM) Janet Bostwick repeated the organizations concerns about imbalances that exist in the current political system in Jamaica. In a preliminary report about the nation’s 17the general election, the mission recommended implementation of affirmative action to aid in raising the participation of women in Jamaica’s electoral process. Only 26 of the 152 candidates participating in the 2016 election were women. This represents 17.1 percent of the candidates; 11 women were ultimately elected to the House.

HOLNESS SWORN IN AS JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER—03/02/16
Andrew Holness, the leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, pledging to create partnerships that will position Jamaica as the “center of the Caribbean.” Holness went on to say that Jamaica cannot remain satisfied with the status quo and that his dream was to fulfill the dream of Jamaican citizens. Holness called for Jamaicans on the island and in the Diaspora to take part in the development of the country. Sir Patrick Allen, Jamaican Governor General, issued a welcome to Holness and thanked outgoing Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller for her years of service as well.

———————————————
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
———————————————

JAMAICAN IMMIGRANT STUDENTS URGE PASSAGE OF U.S. FINANCIAL AID BILL—03/02/16
In the state of Connecticut in the United States, immigrant students who have no legal status there are calling for state lawmakers to give them eligibility for financial aid programs at state-operated colleges and universities. Students from Jamaica, Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico made an appearance before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee of the state General Assembly to inform the lawmakers about how they struggle to pay for their education, many working several jobs to meet their financial needs. A bill proposed in 2016 would give these immigrant students edibility for various types of financial aid that receive funding via tuition paid by all students.

———————————————
THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
———————————————

ADVANCED AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO OPERATE IN JAMAICA—02/29/16
The Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) has awarded a contract for the implementation of a state-of-the-art air traffic management (ATM) system to Thales. The system represents modernization of the ATM and will allow for enhanced delivery of the air traffic services on the island. Six sites will be modernized the Thales ATMs. These sites include the Kingston Air Traffic Control Center, Sangster International Airports, and Norman Manley airport, along with three radar sites. Combined, the new ATMs will cover the entire island and its airspace.

—————————————————–
THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
—————————————————–

REGGAE ARTISTE MAKES VIDEO TO PLEAD FOR DISCOVERY OF SON’S KILLERS—03/02/16
A YouTube video made by Jamaican veteran musician and reggae star Luciano constitutes a plea for information about the murder of his son and help in finding the killer. Menelik McClymont, 19, was killed on the weekend of February 27, 2016. Luciano, whose real name is Clyde McClymont, states his belief that his son became involved in a fight with another young person who took offense in some way. In the video, he also speaks of the “unnecessary” actions taken by some young Jamaicans and calls for his son’s killer or killers to be brought to justice.

——————
THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
——————

FRASER-PRYCE, THOMPSON CONFIRMED FOR JAMAICAN INVITATIONAL—03/01/16
Jamaican runners Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson, who are training partners, are confirmed as participating in the Jamaica International Invitational-IAAF World Challenge scheduled for May 7, 2016. Fraser-Pryce, 29, is the Olympic and 100-meter champion; she has regularly competed at the local meet since 2007. Thompson, 23, a silver medalist in the 200-meters and winner of the 200-meters at the meet in 2011, 2013, and 2014, is ready to make another appearance at the competition, her fifth. In 2015, Thompson won the women’s 100-meter event at the invitational with a time of 10.42 seconds, a personal best.