THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
SAMUSA CALLS PLASTIC BAG BAN A SUCCESS
Jamaica’s chairman of the Standards Council at the Bureau of Standards, Senator Matthew Samuda, has characterized the nation’s ban on plastic bags a success. The ban on plastic bags has been in effect since January 1, 2019. Samuda said the bags are no longer available on the island. This type of policy places Jamaica at the forefront of the move toward environmental protection and good practice, he said. Samuda also noted that the deposit refund program for PET and other plastic bottles will be implemented in 2019.
JAMAICA CONSTABULARY FORCE READY TO HELP WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is equipped to handle domestic violence issues. The agency moved to remind the public that it has what it needs to help individuals deal with domestic violence. The public should contact the Domestic Violence Centers if they need assistance. The JCF was prompted to issue the reminder after two incidents occurred within a 24-hour period, leaving several people dead. In a statement from the JCF, the agency said Jamaica has experienced a number of issues that negatively impacted the country’s crime statistics.
THIS WEEK’S TOP CARIBBEAN NEWS
KITTS AND NEVIS ABSTAINS FROM BOTING ON VENEZUELA
The CARISOM states are divided on the issue of Venezuela, and the division was evident when St. Kitts and Nevis abstained from a vote within the Organization of American States (OAS) on “accepting” the nomination of a candidate supported by Venezuela’s Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who weeks to replace President Nicolas Maduro as the head of the country. St Lucia, Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas voted in favor of accepting Gustavo Tarre, while Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname voted against the measure, supporting Madura.
THIS WEEK’S TOP JAMAICAN DIASPORA NEWS
ATTORNEYS IN NEW YORK RAISE FUNDS FOR TEAM JAMAICA BICKLE
In New York, a group of prominent attorneys from across the United States will gather to raise funds to support Team Jamaica Bickle at the Swan Club. The event marked the inaugural staging of the Labor of Love Gala on April 13, 2019. The fundraiser was organized by attorney Stephen Drummond of the law firm Drummond & Squillace, and Willie Gary of the law firm Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, and Gary, and Dawn Warren of the firm Warren, Warren, and Appolon.. The nonprofit Team Jamaica Bickle has been in operation for 25 years and houses Jamaican athletes at the yearly Penn Relays Games in Philadelphia.
THIS WEEK’S TOP BUSINESS NEWS SUMMARY
UNREGISTERED JAMAICAN LAND WORTH OVER $200 BILLION
According to land surveyor Andre Gordon, data indicate that nearly 350,000 parcels of land, or 40 percent of all the island’s land parcels, do not have registered titles. Real estate sector stakeholders are calling for Jamaicans with unregistered land to apply for titles, which confer several benefits to the landowners. Gordon said that a rough estimate of the land’s value could be in excess of J$200 billion, or US$1.6 billion. Parishes with the most unregistered land are Portland and ST. Elizabeth.
THIS WEEK’S TOP ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
GRAMMY-WINNER SHAGGY RETURNS TO MUSICAL ROOTS WITH NEW ALBUM
The newest album from Jamaica’s two-time Grammy winner Shaggy which is entitle “Wah Gwaan?!,” represents a return to his musical roots. The album will be released on may 10, 2019, and has been in the works at the same time as the singer’s project with Sting, called “44/876.” The new recording is his first solo album in six years. A video of “Money UP” from “What Gwaan?!” has been shot in Grants Pen in Kingston.
THIS WEEK’S TOP SPORTS NEWS
REGGAE GIRLZ PLAYERS CALLED ON TO TAKE PRESSURE OFF STRIKER SHAW
Hue Menzies, the head coach of Jamaica’s senior women Reggae Girlz team, has called upon the team’s players to “step up” to take some pressure off the team’s lead striker, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw. In Durban, South Africa recently, Shaw saved the team with an amazing solo performance against South Africa leading to a 1-1 tie and a record for Shaw of 19 goals in 12 games. Her effort was instrumental in helping the team qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the summer of 2019. Shaw has scored 24 of Jamaica’s 65 goals scored in its last 12 months. Menzies recognizes the team’s performance in South Africa, but is concerned that his other attacking team players need to depend less on Shaw. We need to be able to do a bit more without depending on Bunny,” the head coach said.
