She made history in 2015 by becoming the first female artist to close Reggae Sumfest. This year, Minister Marion Hall will again do the unprecedented, giving away thousands of Bibles at the festival on July 22.
The Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, performance will mark her return to Sumfest since retiring her life as Lady Saw and joining Christendom seven years ago.
Appealing to her virtual congregation, Hall expressed her desire to buy bulk Bibles, adding that she’s already found a supplier.
“I want to buy 2000 or 3000 Bibles,” the Mi Soon Alright singer said. “I saw one with a good deal. The large prints are very expensive, but the one that everyone can see, there are good reviews on this. They are US$3,526, and we can get 2000. I want to take them to Sumfest with me; I want to issue out the Bibles.”
She’s getting support from Sumfest principal Joe Bogdanovich, from providing an address to have the books shipped to organizing queues at the venue for orderly distribution.
“I believe that if there’s ever a time that people need to get into the word of God, it’s now because we are at war,” she justified.
“The devil is out. There’s so much mess on this Earth, so much going on, and even our island Jamaica. We need the word in the streets.”
She’s still sorting out the logistics of raising funds and said she’ll perhaps launch a GoFundMe campaign or create a wishlist for people to “sow a seed.”
This won’t be her first Bible donation. Shortly after baptizing in December 2015, she distributed several Bibles to Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre inmates in St. Catherine.
There was a slight rebound in Jamaica’s rainfall levels for the month of March, but the country continues to face a meteorological drought.
“Rainfall was not as bad as it could have been, and so, we take comfort in [that] fact,” said Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Evan Thompson, at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday (April 26).
Mr. Thompson outlined that for March, 88 millimetres of rainfall were expected, and the country experienced 84 millimetres.
This is a significant improvement compared to previous months, such as December when, normally, about 115 millimetres of rainfall is expected for the island, but in 2022, Jamaica received only 57 millimetres.
Then in January, the expected 103 millimetres of rainfall was met with an actual 33 millimetres or just about a third of what is normal.
“And when we looked at the data that we received for the month of February, looking at the period from October to February, we saw that this was probably, cumulatively, the lowest amount of rainfall that we had ever seen in Jamaica as far as our records indicated. So, we have been really in a severe drought situation,” Mr. Thompson said.
He pointed out, however, that although the country was almost on par with what is normal for the month of March, there is still “room for concern”, and this does not mean that the drought has been broken.
Mr. Thompson explained that the drought is predicated on a period of two months, and “it will take a lot more rainfall to ensure that we break the drought pattern because we have to look over a period of eight weeks before we make a determination of whether we are still experiencing drought.”
Furthermore, the onset of the duration of a meteorological drought is determined by comparing the average rainfall over that two-month period with the 30-year historical norms for the country and for each parish.
According to Mr. Thompson, the country would not be considered as experiencing a drought if there is more than 60% of normal rainfall. However, if rainfall goes below 60%, it would be determined that the country is experiencing normal drought conditions. A severe drought occurs when rainfall is under 20% of the norm.
With these classifications, a number of parishes are still experiencing normal drought conditions, with Portland being the only parish not experiencing a drought at all. This is because the northeastern end of the island is usually the wettest.
The Constitutional Reform Committee will take the advice from the public into account when reviewing the Constitution. This is the assurance coming from the minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte.
Speaking at the first Town Hall Meeting of Phase 1 of the Constitutional Reform Process held at the Civic Centre, Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay on Wednesday, April 26, Malahoo Forte disclosed that citizens would be heard through focus groups, other town hall meetings, email, and can also WhatsApp at (876) 441-9097.
Minister Malahoo Forte said the process involves “Jamaicanizing the constitution, simply what that means is that we want the constitution to be passed by the parliament of Jamaica (and) approved by the people of Jamaica. Because what we have was not approved by the people of Jamaica, and it didn’t come into effect by the parliament of Jamaica, and the parliament is the place where laws are passed.”
In addition, she said, “The second thing that we want to do is abolish the monarchy that is in the constitution as our form of government, and we would establish the republic. We would establish a new office; these are the things we are consulting on because there are specific items that the people have to approve.”
According to the Minister, these factors include how the public chooses the president, the type of presidency— executive, non-executive, or hybrid—and how much executive power the president is given. This includes whether or not there is still a separate head of state, which is chosen through the electoral process.
Also to be taken into consideration is how long a president should be in office and what powers the President has.
The Minister said although there are issues that people want to have rectified, these issues outlined are guided by the constitution, and as a result, it is being brought to Jamaicans to see how these issues will be changed. Without these changes, other areas in the constitution cannot be changed.
Notwithstanding this, President of the Cornwall Combined Disability Association (CCDA) Andrew East asked why we have taken so long to reform the constitution.
Dr. Nadeen Spence, a member of the Constitutional Reform Committee, believes the reason it has taken so long to start the process of becoming a republic is “that there are a number of things that we liked in the old arrangements and there are a number of things we didn’t like. I hope that is this time that all Jamaicans feel it is time to end this relationship with the British monarchy. But unless Jamaican people are ready to do so, we won’t get to a point where we truly end it.”
Several roadways across Westmoreland are slated to be repaired and rehabilitated. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Everald Warmington, following a tour of sections of the parish on Wednesday, April 12.
He said the key among these will be the rehabilitation of the main thoroughfare in the community of St. Paul’s, for which approximately $290 million has been allocated. In addition, approximately $20 million has been earmarked for repairs in the Gooden’s River district, the Minister further indicated.
The day’s tour took Mr. Warmington from Grange Hill to Glasgow, Little London to Moreland Hill, Little Bay to Salmon Point, Retreat to Sheffield, and Whitehall, Negril. Representatives of the National Works Agency, NWA, and Members of Parliament accompanied him.
Mr. Warmington advised that the scope of works will include asphalting, patching, and drainage improvement, among other critical repairs.
“Westmoreland is no longer a neglected parish. We have three Members of Parliament in Westmoreland who aggressively seek alleviation of the different infrastructural problems. We recognize the needs… and the urgency of addressing [the] infrastructure here,” he pointed out.
Mr. Warmington also toured sections of Hanover on Thursday, April 13. Among the areas visited to assess the road infrastructure were Malcolm Heights, Richmond, Cacoon, and Davis Cove.
Companies operating in the Global Services Sector (GSS), as well as businesses in the finance, tourism, agriculture, and logistics industries, are being invited to participate in the Outsource2Jamaica 2023 Conference.
The event, being organized by the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ), is slated for May 10 and 11 at the Jewels Grande Montego Bay All-Inclusive Resort and Spa in St. James, under the theme ‘Ahead of the Curve.’
Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the Agency’s head office in Kingston on Tuesday (April 11), Conference Co-Chair, Gloria Henry, informed that the two-day forum will focus on new and emerging trends impacting the GSS and other industries and companies globally.
“We’re talking about artificial intelligence, the metaverse, all the different things that are impacting the Internet of Things, Big Data, robotic process automation, and emerging services that we have seen on the horizon,” she said.
Ms. Henry indicated that the focus areas had been recognized as opportunities that Jamaica can capitalize on, using its nearshore advantages. As a result, logistics will be a vital part of the discussions.
She also informed that some of the best thought leaders, speakers, advisers, and influencers would participate in the conference.
EXPERTS
“We have Stephen Loynd, who is an expert on the metaverse, who will be sharing the stage with some of our local experts here in Jamaica to talk about opportunities within the metaverse that are… unexploited by Jamaican firms. We will have David Bell from Idea Farms, an expert in marketing, and going to talk about the different types of marketing [strategies] and how we can reposition ourselves as local businesses,” Ms. Henry added.
Meanwhile, GSAJ President, Anand Biradar, is encouraging all industry stakeholders to participate in the conference, describing it as a “must-attend” event.
“It is in demand. We got a high level of interest and sponsorships coming, and there are just a few more slots left. Make your presence felt… attend the conference,” he emphasized.
Mr. Biradar highlighted several benefits to be derived by target stakeholders attending.
“If you are an operator, you will learn what your peers are thinking [and] planning, so [that] you can collaborate, learn and work on your strategies, going forward. If it is a government stakeholder, which plays a very important role in driving growth for Jamaica in the future, they will get exposed to international speakers [and] what’s really happening under the hood, which will help better design policy framework incentives, where needed, going forward,” he shared.
Unattached youth have been charged by Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, to take advantage of the removal of fees at the HEART/NSTA Trust to access training opportunities.
Under the measure, which became effective on April 1 and was first announced by the Prime Minister in his Budget Debate presentation on March 16, Jamaicans will no longer be required to pay tuition or administrative fees for HEART programmes up to level four (associate degree).
“Important steps have been made with the removal of fees. Every Jamaican who wants to get training can do so because HEART has a programme for you,” Mr. Holness said.
The Prime Minister delivered the keynote address at the official launch of the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) Residential Camps on Friday (March 24), at the AC Marriott Hotel in St. Andrew.
The programme is designed to take unattached youngsters from marginalized communities and expose them to a period of skills training and personal and character development.
Over a six-week period, the participants will receive the necessary exposure and engagement to develop their skills, gain new experiences and transform their lives.
The Prime Minister said that the “ultimate intent is to change their mindset and outlook on life”. He noted that with the launch of the residential camps programme, HEART/NSTA Trust is now a “complete” national service and training agency
Noting that the entity is mandated to provide the training necessary to support industry, the Prime Minister said that HEART also has a responsibility to unlock the human resource potential within vulnerable communities and equip youngsters residing in these areas with skills to enter the labour force.
Implemented in 2017 as part of the Government’s Housing, Opportunity, Production, and Employment Programme (HOPE), the JNSC targets young people aged 18 to 23, allowing them to be fully empowered through national service.
It is structured to provide continual development over a one-year service period, with the objective of developing a range of life skills and build sound character to make persons more versatile and better equipped for success in their chosen career path.
Following the passage of the Defence (Amendment) Act in the House of Representatives in 2017, the JNSC is now the standard mode of enlistment for persons joining the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to serve as full-time soldiers.
In light of current developments in the Jamaican cannabis sector, the Ganja Growers and Producers Association, Jamaica (GGPAJ) in collaboration with the Jamaica Licensed Cannabis Association (JCLA) have come up with several recommendations that they would love to see the government implement.
These recommendations were brought forward during a Zoom meeting held on Wednesday, March 15.
The meeting aimed to address the increasing concerns regarding the local cannabis sector, and made recommendations to the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) for meaningful changes to ensure equity in the sector.
Firstly, they advised that the bilateral arrangement between Jamaica and Canada must be observed in a reciprocal manner, where cannabis exports for commercial purposes are concerned. That is, the GOJ should stop commercial imports of ganja from Canada and any other country that does not accept commercial ganja exports from Jamaica.
Additionally, they suggest that the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) be reformed to hire competent cannabis industry professionals who can successfully lead the local cannabis sector and collaborate with stakeholder groups and people in a more contemporary and effective manner.
Consequently, there is a need to review the Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis Licensing) (Interim) Regulations, 2016 with the aim to remove inconvenient compliance requirements to make them more relevant, allow the industry to become more accessible and operation costs much more affordable.
In light of this recommendation, they are requesting the Government to facilitate the provision of parcels of land to allow traditional, small and indigenous farmers to participate with secured land tenure within the cannabis sector.
CHANGE IN LEGAL STATUS
At the same time, they are requesting to change the legal status of ganja from decriminalized to full legalization status.
However, this would mean that the Government would need to reject the U.N. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. They believe this is warranted as the rule is outdated, oppressive and makes no sense in the current ganja and cannabis world.
In addition, they are asking the government to hasten the process of getting the GI recognition of Jamaica, which will allow areas in Jamaica to apply for appellation status, as well as the policy formulation required for the legislative drafting of the Breeders Rights Act in order to protect local ganja breeders.
Amid the acknowledgment of the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) that cannabis has great medical value, the GGPAJ and JCLA are requesting funding for the facilitation of public education on the medicinal benefits of cannabis to the public, as well as updating the list of ailments that cannabis is good for, so patients can inform themselves and their medical doctors & or practitioners.
Finally, the organizations suggest that GOJ facilitate, through affirmative action, the access or inclusion of traditional, small, and indigenous ganja farmers with haste. This will include incorporating previous proposals made by local ganja advocacy groups, as well as the long-requested two-year moratorium to fast-track small and traditional ganja farmers in the regulated ganja industry.
The stakeholders are requesting a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Aubyn Hill, to discuss the recommendations, preferably before his announced visit to Canada.
Health & Wellness Minister Christopher Tufton says there are plans to admit patients to the main building of the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) by the end of the year.
He made the disclosure at the town hall meeting held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre in Sam Sharpe Square, St. James on Thursday, March 23.
During the town hall meeting ,he assured citizens they were following a road map to complete the project.
“In the beginning, we rushed to solve a problem because of all the other pressures that we had to deal with, including the occupation of a building with no alternative. In that context, we were subject to far more margins of error at that time. Fast forward to today, I can say with a lot more certainty but not an absolute certainty that we have a road map, we have some timelines… and I do believe with the greatest level of confidence as opposed to 4 years ago that we are going to see re-engagement of the main building starting, if not the end of this year, early next (year) and that will continue to a full engagement.”
However, Tufton said he could not give a specific date to complete the rehabilitation at this time, but he is confident they are on the right path.
Councillor for the Spring Gardens Division, Dwight Crawford, asked the health minister what assurance the population had that the facility would be kept up to standard.
Minister Tufton replied, “policy perspective, what I have made clear is that we cannot come back to this point … we have to re-scope our maintenance schedule, which involves personnel and routine inspection, etc.”
Vivian Gordon, project manager of the CRH rehabilitation project, added that he and the Commission Agent would make sure the system is working and will not wait until a constructor says so. He continued, “as part of our scope (we will conduct) document training and also video training of the facility personnel, so when they are operating the facility, they understand the reason why it was done that way.” Persons who are involved with the day-to-day activities at the CRH will also be a part of the maintenance team.
Robert Blake, representing the disabled community, wanted to know from the panelists if the hospital would be accessible to the disabled.
Gary Hamilton, Senior Vice-President of the WSP, said it would meet the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, providing full accessibility to the disabled community.
Medical Officer of Health for St. James, Dr. Francine Phillips-Kelly says Jamaica is experiencing a hypertension pandemic.
In an interview with the Western Mirror she revealed that Jamaica has a very high hypertension rate. According to the most recent. Ministry of Health (MOH) survey, 58% of the population is classified as having hypertension as their high blood pressure reading is greater than 130/80 while 33% has a reading greater than 140/90.
Dr. Phillips-Kelly said, “the complications of hypertension are many and varied, if brain, heart or kidney are damaged the individual can get a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure (respectively). We have a long list of individuals who are now on dialysis because they have kidney failure.”
She noted that this was one of the reasons the Heart Foundation is pushing to have the food labels on the front of packages.
She advised that people of all ages should undergo an annual check-up to determine whether they have hypertension, and those with a family history should undergo an examination at least twice a year, as they are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Persons diagnosed with the hypertension should visit the doctor between 2 or 3 times for the year depending on their control of the issue. While those who do not manage it properly, will have to visit the doctor more frequently.
Doctors will recommend that hypertensive patients are put on a programme that changes their lifestyle such as a diet that limits salt in their food as well as start on exercise if they have not done so.
At the same time, if their blood pressure is not controlled by lifestyle changes, then the use of various medicines for the different categories of hypertension are recommended for use. These medications are covered under the National Health Fund.
To curb the high hypertension rate, last week Wednesday on ‘No salt Day,’ persons at the Type 5 Clinic in Montego Bay were exposed to food demonstrations to prepare food with no salt but instead use organic herbs vs. using powdered packets with sodium. These herbs include onion, garlic, oregano and basil.
Albion Primary emerged champion of the inaugural Green Pond High School Inter Primary Netball Competition held at the school’s compound recently.
The resurgent Albion won the three-team competition, seeing off Green Pond Primary and Infant in the final.
Albion, under the guidance of Claudia Robinson Cargill, has shown real self-belief and resurgence in recent months with some impressive performances. Along with the victory, Albion also walked away with several other awards, including the Most Valuable Player and being named the Best Attacking Team.
Meanwhile, the Glendevon Primary and Infant school which claimed the third spot, copped the award for Best Dressed. Green Pond was judged the Best Defensive Team.
Only three teams participated in the competition, but the chief organizer and coach of the Green Pond High School netball team, Jacinth Carey, says she is hoping this is the start of something annual.
“Netball is my life. It’s a sport I truly value, but it has for some time now been on a downward trek here in the west… not enough competitions are being held for students at the group level, so they can grow and appreciate the value of the game, and that is something I want to help and improve,” she told the Western Mirror. “That was the motive behind organizing the competition, even though it was at short notice.
Netball is a worldwide game, with scholarships and so on being offered, so if talent can be unearthed at this early stage and nurtured, who knows what can happen to that individual! Remember, netball is a job, players travel to Australia, New Zealand, and England to play (work), so it’s a market to tap into,” she added.
