Gov't. exploring new wind energy sites Page 7
April 5 - 18, 2010
• A community newspaper serving the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth
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2008 Press Assn. of Jamaica Double Awardee
•southcoastnews@yahoo.com
Alligator Pond under siege missiles and damaging several vehicles on the station compound. The police responded with gunfire and tear gas canisters that sent people scurrying for cover. Following the intervention of senior police officers the situation was defused and an uneasy calm returned to the community the following day. However, the damage to the reputation of Alligator Pond had already been done, with news of the disturbance featuring prominently in the local media and on the Internet.
Persons blocking roads in Alligator Pond on New Year’s Day
The oil-stained beach in Alligator Pond. Poor sanitation and waste disposal practices by local fishermen has led to significant damage to the community’s environment.
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he community of Alligator Pond, located on the southwestern border of Manchester and St. Elizabeth, has become world famous for its seafood. Resting at the foot of the Don Figero Mountains, approximately 35 km from Mandeville, the fishing village has become a mecca for locals and foreigners alike, who crave for a laid back day of enjoying the rustic charm that Jamaica's south coast has to offer, while partaking of the freshly caught and delectably prepared bounty of the sea. The Little Ochie restaurant with its unique dining booths in the shape of canoes is perhaps the most famous Jamaican eatery in the world. With the drive to expand south coast community based tourism pushing full steam ahead, Alligator Pond has been identified as one of those locations with the greatest potential for success in this fast growing segment of Jamaica's tourism product. In January of this year the annual Alligator Pond regatta was revived after becoming dormant for a number of years. This event, which began some 20 years ago as a New Year's Day spectacle, had over the years been reduced to a
fragmented activity, with no boat races. According to Programmes Co-ordinator at the Manchester Parish Development Committee, Ms. Angela Lawrence, the move to revive the regatta was part of the local sustainable development profile for the parish and formed one of many development plans for the Alligator Pond area.
Little Ochie Seaford Restaurant She pointed out that members of the Alligator Pond community wished to embrace community tourism, as well as the development of the nearby cays and river as tourist attractions.
"This year the Citizens Association, the Little Hands Committee and Little Ochie decided that instead of everybody doing their own separate thing, they would come together and formed a committee called the Friends of Alligator Pond. The Manchester Parish Development Committee was invited to facilitate this process and to work with the groups and to help them develop this as an annual event, so we helped them to organise the activities and bring back the boat races," she said. But instead of being a celebration of all that was good about Alligator Pond, New Year's Day 2010 proved to be the most disastrous in the community's recent history. Civil Unrest With thousands of revelers flooding into the area for the festivities, the community erupted into a riot triggered by a controversial shooting incident by the police which left one community resident dead and another in hospital. As frightened and panicking residents and visitors alike attempted to flee the area through the massive buildup of traffic, some villagers turned their wrath on the police station, hurling
Although, the long term damage to the region's tourism potential is yet to be fully assessed, the community is said to have made some recovery in the short term. The same however cannot be said for the enviromental damage that is being caused by the very activity that has brought the community its fame. Environmental Damage As a community that has made its fame from fishing, many of those who reap the bounty of the sea show little concern for the environment in which they work. Careless practices by some fishermen have contributed to the severe pollution of the Alligator Pond fishing beach. The sand along the shoreline has been stained black, caused by the spilling of oil from the fishing boats that use the beach. According to one member of the fishing community who requested anonymity, this is oftentimes the result of repairs being made to engines by fishermen directly on the beach. He also spoke of persons changing the oil in their engines and discarding the used oil directly on the beach in the belief that it would be absorbed into the sand. This mistaken belief has not only caused major pollution of the beach but also the water along the shoreline as well. Clean up would involve removing and replacing the polluted sand, a task that would cost millions of dollars. See Alligator Pond on page 2
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Alligator Pond from page 1 Empty fuel containers and garbage also litter the beach, testimony to the lack effort being made to sanitise the area by those who rely on it for their livelihood. Much of this damage is in close proximity to the popular Little Ochie seafood restaurant and where once patrons could take a 'dip' before enjoying their meal, few visitors today will risk the possible health consequences of swimming in the polluted water.
A child splashes in the water beside a sign declining liability for raw fish purchased from vendors along the beach adjacent to the Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant.
Another cause for concern is the vending of fish on the beach adjacent to Little Ochi. For over 20 years the restaurant has been providing excellent service and atmosphere to patrons. Now, all that good PR is at risk because of a growing number of persons who attempt to sell raw fish to patrons of the restaurant. This fish is often scaled and gutted directly on the beach, creating an offensive smell and attracting flies, which in turn cause a major inconvenience for patrons of the restaurant. Efforts by Little Ochie proprietor Evrol “Blackie' Christian to create some sort of order in how these vendors operate has proven ineffective, with him being accused of 'giving we a fight'. The bottom line is, battered as it is by social, economic and environmental challenges, Alligator Pond is quickly losing its unique charm and attraction and needs immediate action to stem the destructive practices plaguing the community. In April 2003, the Gleaner's Outlook Magazine had this to say about Alligator Pond: “Little Ochie in Alligator Pond Manchester, is prime spot for weekend or holiday getaways. Here is one place where you will not be overwhelmed by crowds, harassed by vendors and touts or disgusted by polluted environment. Make your way past Mandeville and down towards the south coast bay which is much loved for relaxation and play. The destination is famous for its food, as much as for its beach. Enjoy fried or steamed fish and festival and bammy, and play in the rough waters and silver-sand beach of the south coast location.” How much of this article is still true today?
Big boost for irrigation project T
he Government has allocated $148 million to the National Irrigation Development Project to increase crop production and diversity, thereby increasing farm incomes and rural employment in the long term. Implemented in May 2002, the project is jointly funded by the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and has three pilot projects, located at Pedro Plains and Hounslow in St. Elizabeth, and Seven Rivers in St. James. Among the physical targets for 2007/08 are: the completion of the registration of three Water User Associations, continued irrigation training and management programmes for Association members; testing and commissioning the Little
Park/Beacon irrigation system; commissioning of the Seven Rivers irrigation system; and completing the rehabilitation and expansion of the Hounslow irrigation system. Among the achievements of the four year project are: the establishment of a project steering committee; a social organizer and engineering consultant has been engaged; and three Water User groups have been formed. In addition, the installation of pipes and fitting of appurtenance for the Little Park/Beacon irrigation system was completed; the installation of new pipelines and partial replacement of old asbestos pipes were completed; two wells were rehabilitated; and a new switchgear and pumps were also installed at these wells.
SOUTH COAST NEWS Unit 2- 10 Ward Ave. Mandeville, Manchester Tel: 305-0435 (Claro) 381-3564 (Digicel) 531-4785 (LIME) southcoastnews@yahoo.com
Editor Clive Williams Writers Howard Hendriks Shereido Carter Photographers Clive Williams Phillip Lemonte Carl Levy Jessica Williams Special thanks to the Jamaica Information Service
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April 5 - 18, 2010
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UCC degrees now fully accredited
A Students of the Montego Bay Community College share an umbrella one rainy afternoon recently.
ll the eligible degree programmes offered by the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) have recently received the official stamp of approval from the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), the government's quality assurance body for higher educational institutions in Jamaica. In welcoming this important milestone, UCC President, Winston Adams said it “will undoubtedly increase the marketability of the thousands of past and future graduates of UCC.” He added that the granting of programmatic accreditation was “an expression of the continued confidence in the institution's missions and goals, the quality of our faculty and students, our academic programmes and the level and appropriateness of our resources to deliver quality programmes.” Vice-President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Grace Turner said this latest accreditation of UCC's degree programmes will result in several benefits to students. “Government employees who study with us will be able to receive financial assistance from
the government,” she noted. “A second benefit to UCC students is that they will now be able to receive financial aid from the Students' Loan Bureau, which does not fund studies at institutions that are not listed as having accredited programmes,” Dr Turner disclosed. A third benefit, she suggested, is that UCC graduates who have been denied promotion in government agencies, because their programmes of study were not yet accredited, may now be eligible to receive their promotions and any increments due. Dr Turner also noted that programmatic accreditation now made it much easier for UCC graduates to transfer credits and articulate into masters degree programmes offered by other local or international universities. A total of six degree programmes offered by UCC have now been fully accredited by the UCJ. They are the: • Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management • Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration • Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing • Bachelor of Science Degree in Informational Technology • Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration • Associate of Science Degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) UCC is the first private independent university college in the region to have all its eligible degree programmes accredited, following the granting of institutional registration and recognition status in 2007 from the UCJ to develop, deliver and award degree programmes in business and related areas. UCC was established in 2004 from a merger of the Institute of Management Sciences, and the Institute of Management and Production, totaling 33 years of providing tertiary education and training to mainly working professionals. The university has nine locations based in Kingston, May Pen, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Mandeville and Savanna-la-Mar.
Sports Development Foundation gets new head T
he General Manager of Independence Park Limited, Major Desmon Brown has also been appointed, temporarily, in the capacity of General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation. Major Brown's appointment at the SDF, effective April 1, comes upon the end of the contract of the previous General Manager Mr Ludlow Watts. Mr Watts' contract ended on March 31, 2010. The decision to appoint Major Brown to lead both entities now, instead of appointing a new General Manager of the SDF, is in keeping with the ongoing public sector transformation process and the plans to re-organise the agencies of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for greater impact and efficiency.
Adjustments made to GCT act
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mendments to make the General Consumption Tax (GCT) collection more effective and also to reduce interest on Income Tax have been approved by Cabinet. Minister with responsibility for Information, Daryl Vaz, said the Income Tax Act will be amended to reduce the interest on late payments from 40% to 20%. This reduction is expected to encourage taxpayers with arrears to come forward and clear their outstanding balances. The Minister indicated that the changes to the GCT Act will also affect imported services. The changes will define an imported service; specify
the time of the supply of an imported service and the calculation of input taxes on imported services. The amendments will address fixed penalties relating to improper display and handling of the GCT certificate and also to compel taxpayers to be registered with the GCT Commissioner. There will be clarity on the application of GCT on one-off major entertainment events. The amendments will also remove the disparity between the treatment of imported raw materials and the procurement of raw materials locally by manufacturers.
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MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
Despite economic downturn
Sumfest 2010 a ‘go’ show F
ollowing one of its most successful staging last year, there is currently a great deal of debate as to whether Reggae Sumfest will take place this year. 2010 would see the week-long music festival celebrating its 18th anniversary but the lack of information about this year's renewal is fueling speculation that the economic downturn that began last year and from which many people across the world, including Jamaica are yet to recover from, would make staging the festival an economic disaster. The lack of a title sponsor and no word as to what acts will headline the festival is also being viewed suspiciously. Well, Sumfest fans need not worry as word from the organisers, Summerfest Productions is that all systems are go for the staging of this year's festival. Despite a later than usual start, plans they say are in full gear to make this year's event a success. Reggae Sumfest 2010 will take place July 18 - 24 in Montego Bay, with the opening beach party being followed by the main events at the Catherine Hall home of the festival. Over upcoming weeks, more details will be released to the public about the event. In the meantime, here's a flashback to last year's festival.
April 5 - 18, 2010
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Visiting U.S. professor to eye post-recession economy
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t is not easy for any country to find opportunities to guide its future, while at the same time struggling to dig itself out of a recession. But opportunities exist for political and business leaders to rethink the economic path that lies before them, even if there may be failures and disappointments along the way. The global financial crisis also offers the opportunity for reflection and the re-alignment of goals. As the stand-by agreement with the International Monetary Fund has now been signed, Jamaica is now entering a critical period of re-adjustment to challenging times, as well as hard work to address those challenges. Professor David Westbrook, who is currently visiting Professor of Law at the University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law in Kansas, will be visiting Jamaica from April 14-16, 2010, to discuss ways in which countries like Jamaica can move forward in the wake of the global crisis. His visit is sponsored by the U.S. State Department and organized by the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section. During his stay, he will engage in discussions with Women Business Owners, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the Small Business Association of Jamaica and private sector leaders. On Wednesday, April 14 he will participate in a panel discussion at the U.S. Embassy, under the theme “Moving Forward from a Strong Foundation: Options and Opportunities for the Jamaican Economy,” with financial analyst Dennis Chung (author of “Charting Jamaica's Economic and Social Development”). On Thursday, April 15, Professor Westbrook will visit the parish of Clarendon as a guest of the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce. He will discuss how the local business sector is addressing some of the challenges of globalization and will tour local businesses for a first-hand look. Professor Westbrook is the Floyd H. and Hilda L. Hurst Faculty
Scholar at the University at Buffalo Law School at the State University of New York (SUNY), where he teaches various courses in corporations, finance and business as well as international law. He is the author of “Out of the Crisis: Rethinking our Financial Markets” (2009). He is a respected voice on financial market reform and globalization, and has spoken at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the London School of Economics and
NATO headquarters in Belgium, among others. He was also invited to the inaugural “policy roundtable” of the Bureau of European Policy Advisors to discuss responses to the financial crisis. Professor Westbrook received his law degree in 1992 from Harvard University, where he was a Ford Fellow; and a bachelor's in 1988 from Emory University, where he was a Woodruff Scholar.
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Independent police investigations bill passed reports of, or are aware of an incident that is deemed an offence. Additionally, a member of the security forces, or a specified official, who in the course of his/her duties becomes aware of, (or) is involved in any incident, must take steps that are necessary, including reporting the case to the responsible officer to ensure that a report is made to the Commission, will also have regional offices. The Act was passed with 33 amendments. The Commission will replace both the BSI and the Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA).
an agent of the state is being called into question, without necessarily doing prejudice to the investigation of any crime that may have been committed in the course of the response to which an abuse of rights may have taken place," Mr. Golding stated. Another significant amendment to Bill is that members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will become liable to being investigated if they commit a breach of the Act, even if they were not part of a joint operation. The amendments also require bodies, other than the police, to notify the Commission once they receive
Members of the Black River Police apprehend a suspected pickpocket in the town
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he House of Representatives has passed the Bill for the creation of an Independent Commission of Investigations to probe abuse of rights by the security forces. The Commission will also have the authority to investigate other agents of the state, such as correctional and customs officers involved in such acts. Prime Minister Bruce Golding, explained that one amendment requires the Commissioner of Police to implement measures to ensure that police personnel, as soon as practicable after being notified of an incident, attend the scene to ensure its preservation, until the arrival of an investigator assigned by the Independent Commission. Thereafter, each member is obligated to continue to take steps to preserve the scene, until the Commission's investigator is satis-
fied that it is no longer necessary. But Member of Parliament for East Central St. Andrew, Dr. Peter Phillips, expressed concern that an impractical situation may be created, where there are two authorities (the Commission's investigator, and the police) in charge. "We run the risk of creating a kind of paralysis in some situations, by just having the bifurcation of authorities that would take place," Dr. Phillips contended. He suggested, instead, that the police, to whom the commissioner's powers are delegated, be allowed to exercise ultimate authority. However, Mr. Golding explained that the intent behind the establishment of the Commission would be frustrated if it is not able to preserve evidence. "Which is why, it is only in relation to the preservation of evidence that we are defining this superior
authority and responsibility and placing it with the Commission," the Prime Minister explained. Mr. Golding pointed out that currently, once the Bureau of Special Investigations' (BSI) representatives arrive, they take charge of the crime scene. However, this presents a problem as the BSI represents the police therefore, in essence, the police is investigating itself. "The BSI could be there in two capacities - investigating what happened, but also investigating the conduct of one of their own. We run into this problem of, how do we make the investigating authority independent, but still support it with the statutory authority it needs to discharge its investigating duty," he pointed out. "The purpose of all of this is to hold agents of the State accountable and, therefore, put the investigative body in charge of that scene, where the accountability and the conduct of
New computer lab donated to Christiana Primary School
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new computer lab was opened at the Christiana School, in Primary Manchester, on March 31. It has been named in honour of the late past student and Jamalco engineer,
Mr. Kirk Rattray. The lab contains some 28 computers, and construction was made possible through the efforts of the Ministry of Education and donations from persons including members of the Rattray family. At the dedication ceremony, Principal of the school Mr. Paul Baker, argued that computers have become a necessity in every sphere of life as they facilitate commerce and education. "A computer is no longer an item of want; rather, it is an item of need, so we must be computer literate. In this regard, it was visionary that persons thought of constructing a computer lab at the school to facilitate our students with knowledge of the computer and how it is used to their advantage," the Principal said. Ms. Yvonne Rattray, sister of Kirk, said that her brother was deeply involved with affairs at the school, as he provided financial support for various activities there.
"He wanted to help build a community centre in the area, and with this in mind, he had given a part of a bonus that he had received from his workplace, and we continued from there. The family is honoured. They could have named it after other people, but they chose him. We will do what we can to help in its maintenance, and to equip it with more computers," she said. Meanwhile, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Education, Mr. Alphansus Davis, lauded the contributions of private citizens in the building of the computer lab, noting that it was done as a collaborative effort in the interest of nation building. Highlighting government's goal of achieving 100 per cent literacy by the year 2015, he assured that the computer laboratory was bound to improve the learning skills of students at the school. Christiana Primary has more than 1,200 students on roll, served by 40 teachers.
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Chase hands over $21 million basic school in Manchester and physical abilities progressed at an astounding rate and a very high proportion of learning took place at this stage. “This is where we need to provide them with positive learning experiences. If we fail them, we must prepare for the consequences. If they do not reap the benefits of a good early childhood education, they are more likely to be arrested for violent crimes by age 18 and eventually become chronic law breakers,” the CEO added.
Students of the St. Paul's Basic School in Manchester perform a cultural item during a ceremony held on Friday March 19 to open their spacious new school.
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he St. Paul's Basic School in Manchester was struggling to keep its doors open due to crammed and uncomfortable conditions in a 15' x 17' space which they shared with the St. Paul's Primary School. The school was barely able to sustain itself financially as operators were unable to increase the school population and had to depend on fund-raisers and the kindness of businesses in the area. On Friday March 19 that situation began to change as the dream of a modern and adequate facility for the students was realised when the Culture, Health Arts, Sports and Education Fund (CHASE) handed over a newly constructed school building at a cost of $21 million. “Now we can truly live out our motto 'Be Your best' …. today we are opening the new doors of learning and will continue to be the cream of the crop in Manchester,” said Mrs. Elaine Mitchell, principal of the school. The new building which is specifically designed to meet the standards of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) and to expose young students to modern learning and training at the beginning our their school life, now boasts three spacious and comfortable classrooms with fixtures and furniture; kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as play equipment with security perimeter fencing. Mr. W. Billy Heaven, Chief Executive Officer of the CHASE Fund in his address to the gathering, pointed out that a pretty building would not, by itself deliver quality education at the early childhood level. “This is just one of the several standards required by the Commission and factors such as the qualification of teachers and their attitude towards students; the developmental and education programmes; as well as the students' nutrition and safety are also critical,” Mr. Heaven said. The CHASE CEO further stated the importance of schools having proper management structures in place to ensure transparent accounting principles, plans and policies. “If we allow this critical investment to go down the drain, then the education of our children will also go down,” he pointed out.. Mr. Heaven pointed to research, which he said, showed that from birth to age 6, the growth of children's mental
Parents Must Get Involved Too The parents in the audience were also encouraged by Mr. Heaven, to become an integral part of the education of their children as, he pointed out, the teachers alone could not take on all the responsibilities. “You, the parents, are their first teachers and I urge you to provide the right environment, the attention and affection for the children to develop in a healthy manner,” he said Since its inception, CHASE has committed some J$1.4 billion to the early childhood education sector to facilitate infrastructure development, teacher training, curriculum development, the provision of state-of-the-art equipment and teaching aids, nutrition, research as well as the delivery of services for children with special needs. The Fund has built and expanded 354 schools at a cost of $796 million; provided $359 million for training some1,426 teachers at the diploma level and approximately 4,000 at level 2. Added to that, the Fund has also concentrated on nutritional support to the tune of $219 million.
St. Elizabeth Custos passes on
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ustos of St Elizabeth, Albert Farquharson passed away in hospital on April 16 after a brief illness. He was 84 years old. The retired teacher, who ended his professional career as principal of Lacovia High School, served as Custos for 15 years. Friends and associates hailed Custos Farquharson as a dignified son of St. Elizabeth who selflessly served the parish. According to Wilfred Nembhard, President of the St. Elizabeth Lay Magistrates Association, the Custos contributed so much to the development of the parish that his life should be celebrated rather than mourning his death. He spoke of Mr. Farquharson's outstanding service to early childhood and secondary education, as well as to the community by way of his work as a teacher and Lay Magistrate.
Mayor of Black River and chairman of the St. Elizabeth Parish Council, Jeremy Palmer, remembered Mr. Farquharson as one "who carried out his duties with the greatest amount of dignity... he was truly a man who served his parish and his country very well". Prime Minister Bruce Golding in noting the passing, recalls Mr. Farquharson as a senior Custos who served his parish with outstanding dignity and who was devoted to several causes, chief of which was education. Mr. Golding noted that “Custos Farquharson gave his life to the development of the parish first as a teacher and principal and then as its first citizen, the Custos. His life exemplified the work ethic of the bread basket parish of Jamaica, St Elizabeth. On behalf of the government, I give thanks for his many years of service as Custos and extend condolences to his family.” Custos Farquharson is survived by two sons.
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Gov't. exploring new wind energy sites
Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson, (fourth left) breaks ground for the Wigton Windfarm 2 project, in Manchester, recently. The project is set to boost the country's renewable energy resources. Also involved in the exercise are: Councillor for the New Port Division, Anthony Bryce (first left); Councillor for the Mandeville Division, Sally Porteous (second left); Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay (third left); Project Manager at the facility, Martinho Soares (fifth left); and Group Managing Director at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr. Ruth Potopsingh.
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he Government will be exploring 22 new wind energy sites, to add wind generated electricity to the existing Wigton Windfarm 1, and the soon to be completed US $49 million Wigton 2, in Southern Manchester.
Through an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) grant of over US$700,000, sites will be researched for their commercial viability and, if viable, they will be developed and used to offer cheaper energy production. The research process will be completed in 18 months.
"These sites have been selected from a high level map which was developed for wind intensity. But, we need to know that it is blowing at a constant rate throughout the day. That is what makes a wind site successful," explained Group Managing Director of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr. Ruth Potopsingh. Dr. Potopsingh said that Wigton 1 and 2 will enable the country to save over US$ 2.5 million per year, on oil imports. "The beauty about renewable energy, especially wind, after you have made your capital investment, you do not need to buy fuel. That is the multiply effect of the benefits that can be gained from not having to buy fuel, after you have install your renewable energy devices," she said. Professor of Physics at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Anthony Chen, who was part of a research team engaged in developing wind energy, as they responded to the oil crisis in the 1970s, said that turbines are being manufactured which make wind energy economically feasible. "When we started doing wind studies in the 1970s, it did not make much economic sense. With these massive (new) turbines, it makes a lot of sense. You can produce electricity by wind and sell it at 20 cents (US, per kilowatt), and still be profitable," he stated. The current Wigton wind project will maximize wind potential and assist in meeting the renewable energy policy target of 11% by 2012, as well as offer health and environment benefits from operating clean, renewable energy facili-
ties, as an alternative to traditional power plants. At the recent ground breaking ceremony in Rose Hill, Manchester, for the Wigton 2 project, Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson, said it will save the country much hard currency and, along with the soon to be established Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, will drive lower electricity costs. Mr. Robertson also told a recent energy forum in Kingston that the National Energy Policy would ensure that Jamaica develops a modern and efficient energy infrastructure and a diversified energy mix. In 2000, the PCJ formed its renewable energy subsidiary company, Wigton Windfarm Limited, and by April, 2004, the 20.7 megawatt facility was commissioned. The plant has been operating successfully for six years, with only minor interruptions due to hurricanes. The Wigton site, with wind speed averaging 8.3 metres per second over six years of measurement, fulfilled the main criteria for the development of a wind farm. The plant has been grid connected with underground cabling leading to a sub station on the site, which houses metering, transformer equipment and switch gear. In generating electricity, the turbines produce no pollutants harmful to the environment. Wigton Windfarm Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the PCJ, and forms part of the Government's commitment to initiating renewable energy systems for Jamaica. Garfield Angus
JAMPRO re-opens office in Canada
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ampro, formerly Jamaica Trade and Invest, has reopened its office in Canada after a five-and-a-half-year absence. The office, managed by Regional Manager, Robert Kerr and with support from Senior Consulting Officer, Nardia McKenzie, will service all of North America and is situated at the Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, said the re-opening of the North American office and the London division two years ago, will serve to re-engage Jampro internationally. "Jampro will be seeking to promote and introduce Jamaican products to potential buyers and also to try to encourage Canadian businesses to look at Jamaica
favourably as a location to invest, especially as far as the Jamaican Diaspora is concerned," he said. Noting that the Diaspora has a critical role to play in the recovery of the Jamaican economy, he said that the worldwide financial crisis will soon be over and "we don't want to lose the opportunity of laying a solid foundation for the future." "If we're able to look at Jamaica as our home, no matter where in the world we live, and try to give as much help and assistance, both in terms of technical expertise and physical investment, then I'm pretty sure it will advance the process of recovery," Mr. Samuda stated. Stating that the climate for doing business in Jamaica is improving, he informed that, "we now have a one-stop type provision for importers and we're looking to have that for exporters as
well." He said that Jamaica is also trying to introduce the model that is used in Singapore, but because of financial constraints that will take a longer time to come on stream. Jamaica's newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Sheila Sealy Monteith, welcomed the reopening of the Jampro office, which she said, will "re-institutionalise the presence of Jampro here." Regional Manager, Robert Kerr, said that his office will be focusing on three main sectors across Canada and the United States. These are manufacturing, creative industries and information and communication technology (ICT). Jampro will be utilising several types of technology to reach different industries and investors, including web-based seminars called webinars.
JBDC now fully responsible for small businesses
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he Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) will now assume full responsibility for all micro and small business activity, as Government moves to streamline the small business sector. The announcement was made in Parliament recently by Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Karl Samuda, who said that operations of the Micro Investment Development Agency, (MIDA) and
all small business activity previously managed by JAMPRO will be incorporated into the JBDC. Outlining Government's measures to stimulate business and spur economic recovery, Minister Samuda asserted that the small business sector represents “one of the most important recovery tools” because of its capacity to create jobs at the cheapest possible price. The Industry Minister pointed out that craft manufacturing holds great
potential for the future of Jamaica's small business sector, but that there's need for training. In this regard, the Minister said he will be part of the Prime Minister's official delegation to China, and will seek technical assistance and training for Jamaica's indigenous craftsmen in the “finer points, so that their products are not simply eye-catching but are of international standard.” To achieve the best results, he said, his Ministry will be working in con-
junction with the Ministry of Tourism, the Craft Institute and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The Minister said other key aspects in the effort to reinvigorate the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector will include the expansion of direct lending through the JBDC. He noted that 483 jobs were generated from the $150-M the JBDC loaned to the small business sector last year.
Delinquency rate on these loans was just 2%, he reported. Additional measures that will directly impact the MSME sector will include increased funding through the Development Bank of Jamaica; and greater collaboration with other Approved Financial Institutions (AFIs) on training and project development, the Minister stated.
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History lessons available here
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he history of Jamaica is not only written in textbooks. Much of it can be found inscribed on the tombstones of churches like St. Mark's, located in Mayfield, St. Elizabeth (just outside of Southfield). From 1655 when British General-at-Sea William Penn and General Robert Venables seized Jamaica from the Spanish, the church has played a vital role in the lives of rural communities especially with the lack of other outlets for social interaction. Many churches also took a leadership role in the educational needs of the community, establishing schools and colleges across the island. The Church of England had been in Jamaica since the conquest of the island from Spain in the seventeenth century. The first church to be established was the church of St Jago de la Vega in Spanish Town and this was built sometime between 1661 and 1664 on the ruins of the Spanish Church of the Red Cross, which had been destroyed by the invading British troops. The
Anglican Diocese of Jamaica was established 1824. Anglican Church Cemeteries in Jamaica contain a wealth of information recorded on the gravestones. The Cemetery of St. Andrew Parish Church for example, which is the largest private cemetery in continual use in the island, takes up some 8 1â „4 acres. It has in excess of 7,000 graves. It is an historic site and the inscriptions provide valuable insights to personalities, customs and culture over the past 350 years. While the cemetery at St. Mark's may not be as prominent, it none-the-less rich with information about the lives of the families that made that section of St. Elizabeth their home over the last 200 years. So the next time you pass one of the historic churches of the south coast, pause awhile at take a step back in history. We however suggest you do in within the daylight hours.
MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
11
Rotary Club donates medical equipment to Mandeville Hospital Chinese radio, TV stations won’t compete with local stations...Min. Vaz
M
inister with responsibility for Information, Daryl Vaz has dispelled concerns expressed earlier this week by the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) that the proposed introduction of Chinese radio and television stations would be in competition with existing commercial media entities. Mr. Vaz explained that the discussions with the Chinese government are in the preliminary stages and the early indications are that they are interested in the rebroadcast of Chinese radio and television programmes in both the English and Chinese languages. The Minister noted that the proposal from the Chinese offers an opportunity to deepen appreciation for other cultures. He said similar arrangements are already in place with international relay services such as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Alliance Francais.
Mr. Vaz said Cabinet has given approval for discussions to begin on a proposal received for cooperation between the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the People's Republic of China to transmit Chinese programmes over free-to-air radio and television stations. He said talks were held at the ministerial level, with a delegation from China Radio International and China Central Television to discuss their interest in establishing a television and radio service in Jamaica. Responding to the MAJ's query for details of the Government's media policy, Mr. Vaz said the Broadcasting Commission is at an advanced stage in making the recommendations on a new media policy which has been the subject of consultations with the television, radio and cable licensees.
Big plans for Jamaica 50
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abinet has approved the establishment of a Committee and Secretariat to lead the celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence in 2012. The Planning Committee will be drawn from representatives of the private cultural sector; tourism, education, youth, financial, agriculture and mining sectors; as well as the religious community, among other sectors. The Planning Committee along with the Secretariat which will be housed at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, will be responsible for the planning and implementation of activities toward the Jamaica 50 celebrations including the staging of CARIFESTA
as part of Jamaica 50 celebrations. Speaking on the plans, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange said, “We want to our jubilee celebrations in 2012 to be the best yet. Jamaica 50 will be memorable. We will celebrate our strengths as a nation as we plan for the future with purpose, faith and confidence.” The Secretariat will be supported by the agencies of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, in particular the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Jamaica will celebrate 50 years as an independent nation on August 6, 2012.
Caribbean tsunami warning recommended
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aribbean disaster response organizations are proposing that a Caribbean tsunami warning system be put in place. This update was provided to Prime Minister Bruce Golding during a meeting with heads of emergency response organizations at Jamaica House on March 3. Director General of the Office of Disaster Response and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Ronald
Jackson, told the Prime Minister that the nation would have between seven and ten minutes to prepare for a tsunami resulting from an earthquake in Cuba and 10 to 20 minutes to respond to a tsunami from an earthquake in Haiti. ODPEM is currently preparing a situation analysis and response evaluation for Cabinet that will outline how critical agencies will respond to a catastrophic earthquake.
President of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, Dr. Olajide Adekeye (2nd left), explains the operation of the three mobile blood pressure machines and two cardiotocographs that have been handed over to the Mandeville Regional Hospital by his organisation. Listening from left are: Assistant District Governor of the Rotary Club, Dr. Lynden Rose; Branch Manager at Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB),Marcia Whittaker; Client Support Officer at JMMB, Nigel Nelson; Deputy Director of Nursing at the Hospital, Saidie WilliamsAllen, and Chief Executive Officer at the institution, Alwyn Miller.
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he maternity ward at the Mandeville Regional Hospital has received three mobile blood pressure machines and two cardiotocographs, valued at over US$8,000, from the Rotary Club of Mandeville, with support from Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB). At the handing over ceremony, held at the hospital on April 15, Branch Manager at JMMB, Mrs. Marcia Whittaker, highlighted the health care that persons are receiving at public health facilities, and noted her experience of that service when she took her daughter to the Mandeville Regional Hospital, recently. "I walked into the hospital, tests were done, and after everything was finished, I asked how much I owed, and they told me 'nothing'. That was saving of a good amount of money. That was my first experience with free health care, and it reinforces the commitment that JMMB has in providing equipment for the hospital. As part of our social responsibility, we believe that we should continue to assist people. And through these projects we are able to touch a wide variety of people," she said. In his response, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Mr. Alwyn Miller, said the ongoing support from the Mandeville Rotarians, helps the institution to give quality service to the over 5,000 deliveries that take place at the maternity ward annually. "The Rotary Club of Mandeville has a rich history of assisting people throughout this parish, particularly the Mandeville Regional Hospital. This gift is significant, not only because of the value, but also because it is to
serve our fellowmen, and help to facilitate and preserve lives," he said. In his inaugural address last year, President of the Rotary Club of Mandeville, Dr. Olajide Adekeye, said that part of his mission during his tenure was to source equipment for the hospital. Since then, he and his team have presented several pieces of vital state-of-the-art equipment to the institution.
ALPART’s Lance Neita honoured for community work in St. Elizabeth A
lpart bauxite company recently honoured its former communications manager, Mr. Lance Neita, for his role in helping to build harmonious relations between the company and communities in Manchester and St. Elizabeth. At a function held at the company's sports club in Nain, St. Elizabeth, Mr. Neita was lauded by community leaders, civic and political representatives, for his role in the formation of the Community Council, through which the company undertakes programmes in the areas of education, health, sports, youth and community development. Mr. Neita's contribution to the parish was recognized by Member of Parliament for South East St. Elizabeth, Mr. Frank Witter, who spoke of his ability to mend fences between the company and the communities in around the aluminum plant. “We used to have lots of demonstrations; people blocked the train lines, and with the input of the Community Council, those types of agitations have vanished," Mr. Witter revealed. Member of Parliament for South Manchester, Mr. Michael Peart, stated that the personality of the honouree, and his understanding of rural communities, helped in the easing of tensions in the bauxite mining and processing areas.
"Mr. Neita has a remarkable ability to remain cool under trying situations. He has quietly achieved many things for the communities, and has set an example for many to follow," Mr. Peart stated. Head of the St. Elizabeth office of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Ms. Viviene Morris-Brown, for her part, stated that Mr. Neita helped to "champion the cause of culture". "As a genuine lover of culture, yourself, you have demonstrated your passion for the performing arts, especially for the traditional folk forms. We admire your sustained effort to ignite that passion in the members of the community council. We have benefitted from your wit, and your sense of humor," Mrs. Morris-Brown said. In his response, Mr. Neita said the Community Council "has been the best part of my working life". "We have made so much progress in problem resolution, community projects, education, agriculture, water supply, hurricane alleviation and youth development. We have gone way beyond the days when we use to shout at each other, because we resolved that we were going to work together to solve challenges. The bauxite industry cannot move forward without the understanding and trust of the community," Mr. Neita emphasised.
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MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
High school graduates shun YEP
Recent high school graduates have been slow to take up funding available through the YEP programme
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ith only two months to go before the end of the 2010 academic year, most of the $250 million funding available through the Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP) for 2009 high school graduates, has not been taken up by those it was intended to serve.
Launched with much fanfare last year, Yep was aimed at helping school leavers become employed, by providing low-interest funds to start small businesses as part of $2.25 billion that was being made available to the smallbusiness sector. This according to Prime Minister Bruce Golding, was meant as a
demonstration of faith in Jamaica's youth. But apparently, the youth have not been demonstrating much faith in themselves. In September last year, the first three awardees, who hailed from St. Thomas received their loans through JN Small Business Loans Limited (JNSBL), one of the administrators of the funds; investing in shopkeeping and chicken rearing. Yet even as approximately 39,000 students graduate from high schools each year, according to Credit and Risk-assessment Manager at JNSBL, Thelma Yong, only two other youngsters had taken up loans at her organisation. Speaking at a recent Gleaner Forum, Yong said a total of 10 persons had initially applied to JN but five backtracked at the last minute. She was unable to say how other financial institutions, including select credit unions, NationGrowth, Access
Country Pride
Finance Services Limited and Micro Credit Limited, which also partnered in YEP, had fared. She however suspected that the take-up was also low. And while admitting that the government was disappointed with the take-up of the facility, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Michael Stern, confirmed that more money would be pumped into the programme from the 2010-2011 Budget. This he said, was based on government's determination to change the mind-set of young people to that of entrepreneurship. Last year as part of the launch of the YEP, a series of training sessions were held across the island, starting in June, providing more than 1,000 graduates with an orientation in starting and running their own businesses. The graduates also went through an Entrepreneurship Workshop to develop their Business Plans, which is the pre-requisite for the granting of a loan. These training sessions have however bourn little fruit, with poor marketing being blamed, something that Minister Stern agrees with. "It needs a lot more marketing; something has to be done in conjunction with the partners," he reportedly said.
Despite the humble circumstances of their abode, the occupants of this house in Harry Watch, Manchester, seem to put a great deal of effort into their floor.
MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
13
The Auto Zone
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MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
Guiding development:
Counsellors to bolster school transformation
counsellors can assist in evaluating students' learning styles and in early identification of behavioural issues," said Sewell-Lawson The workshop, according to Sewell-Lawson, served to reinforce methodologies already being used by many of the counsellors. In addition, there was need to highlight guidelines about collecting and using data to effectively monitor student development. "Often it's only when the students get into a fight or fuss that the guidance counsellor intervenes. They do have preventative programmes, but in terms of knowing your student and being able to target specific intervention programmes to them, that has been missing because the counsellors don't have the data to monitor the students," Sewell-Lawson explained.
Porus High School Guidance Counsellor David Powell and a student of the school meets with representatives of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF)
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n today's school environment, student behaviour is a serious concern and some students leave primary and high schools without proper reading skills. To combat the issue, greater emphasis is being placed on the role of guidance counsellors in influencing the total development of students. "Guidance counsellors are the best placed and equipped educators to assist classroom teachers with management and student development," Antoinette Brooks, assistant chief education officer with responsibility for guidance and counselling in the Ministry of Education, said recently. According to her, "The basic needs of students must be met for them to learn effectively." Brooks was the co-presenter at a one-day workshop targeting guidance counsellors, and aimed at enhancing the learning environment, in six non-traditional high schools. The training session was held at Manchester High School under the auspices of the Ministry of Education
and the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). The counsellors were from McGrath High School in Linstead, St Catherine, and the Mile Gully High School in Manchester, the initial participants in the MBSF's Centres of Excellence project, since 2008. Last year Godfrey Stewart, Porus, Green Pond and Seaforth High schools joined the project. "The Centres of Excellence concept is geared at transforming the delivery of education in non-traditional high schools," said Dawn Sewell-Lawson, assistant programme manager at the MBSF. Main aim The programme's main aim, she said, is to incorporate all facets of the school environment into the educational process. "Under the Centres of Excellence project, one of our objectives is to incorporate guidance counsellors into learning and development, so
Early warning mechanisms Outlining five points, Sewell- Lawson explained that schools needed the support of counsellors to incorporate an "evidenced-based culture" to plan and develop early-warning mechanisms that could identify negative behaviour in students on entry to schools. Secondly, schools also needed the support of counsellors to help students to understand their responsibility in their education. Thirdly, programmes should be established to encourage parents' participation in the learning process. Fourth came the idea of institutionalising the social curriculum to enhance the school environment. The strengthening of the support of civic groups in schools was the last point in the plan. Llewelyn Bailey, programme manager at the MBSF, said that these targeted interventions could transform the schools into becoming models of educational excellence. David Powell of Porus High School welcomed the new initiatives being promoted by the MBSF and said that, of the five points emphasised at the workshop, he would immediately be seeking to widen parents' participation in school activities. "I'll be doing that to foster unity and to stimulate growth in the performance of our students," he said. Mark-Shane Francis, guidance counsellor at the McGrath High School, said he would also be seeking to incorporate a strategy to increase parents' participation in designing the school's development plan. "We plan to have some of our parents act as wardens to help around the school; and, although that may cost us, it would be worth the expenditure," said Francis.
Porus High School like many others, is affected by the negative behaviour of some students
The MBSF, a joint effort of the Jamaica National Building Society and the Victoria Mutual Building Society, has allocated $100 million to support the initiatives of the six schools over a five-year period, The Centres of Excellence initiative is slated to end in 2012. The findings and results of the MBSF intervention are being carefully documented for ongoing implementation, hopefully for all comparable schools.
Career enhancement programme coming to 54 more schools islandwide Prime Minister Bruce Golding says that the Ministry of Education's Career Enhancement Programme (CEP) will be expanded to 54 new schools this year. The programme allows school leavers who have insufficient qualifications to spend two additional years gaining life earning skills. “We started out in eleven schools last year involving 1,000 students. That cohort will have another year of training, but it has been going very well and in September of this year we intend to extend that to 54 new schools across the island capturing these 16-year olds when they are going into this nothingness.� Mr. Golding was addressing the Jamaica launch of Obra, a Youth: Work project of the USAID and the Youth International Foundation in Kingston on Wednesday, April 14. The Prime Minister said that the CEP programme, now a year old, has a cohort of 1500 students in eleven schools all of whom have one more year to complete
the programme. The programme is a project of three agencies of the Ministry of Education: HEART Trust/NTA, the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) and the National Youth Service (NYS). The Obra project emerged from a commitment by the USA at the Summit of the Americas in 2009 to form private and public partnership that will raise awareness of youth at risk issues and strengthen youth services to improve education, employment prospects and lifelong skills for young people throughout the region. Noting the importance of Obra to youth in the region, Mr. Golding called on the youth development organizations to focus on inspiring young people to pursue education and to shoulder responsibility. He noted that in Jamaica about 38,000 youth leave schools with two subjects or less; 16,000 of this number with no academic or skill qualifications.
MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
15
Full traceability coming to Young farmer gets combat praedial larceny big boost from
P
ermanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Donovan Stanberry, has stated that new measures to combat praedial larceny will go beyond the use of receipt books to implementation of full traceability measures. He said the Ministry is seeking to attack the problem from all angles and is focused on devising ways to strengthen traceability and further sensitise law enforcers regarding the problem. The Permanent Secretary was speaking last week at the launch of Farmers' Month, at the Jamaica Agricultural Society, in downtown Kingston. With regard to the traceability element, Mr. Stanberry said the onus to prove the origin of agricultural produce will be placed on end-users under the new system. "What the receipt book did was put the onus on the man who is carrying his produce in the van; we are going a little bit beyond that. By putting in traceability, we are also putting the onus on the
final buyer. That supermarket, that hotel, that shop, that butcher, whoever the end-user is, the onus must also be placed on him to say 'where did you get your produce from'?" he explained. He said proper abattoirs, farmers' markets and packing houses will help to control the problem, by ensuring that all produce flow through these channels. However, Mr. Stanberry said that sensitisation of the police and judiciary was also important in ensuring that the issue of praedial larceny becomes a priority. "There is no system that will catch every praedial thief, but if you can have a system that when you catch one, it is given the maximum publicity, then I think that it will act as some level of deterrent," he predicted. Mr. Stanberry informed that a campaign similar to the Crime Stop initiative is to be launched shortly by the Minister of Finance, in relation to praedial larceny.
Newport- Fersan
Land titling programme gets underway in April
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public education programme aimed at increasing land titling and registration is to get underway in April. A sum of $6.3 million has been set aside in the 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure now before the House of Representatives, for the six-month project, which ends September. It is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, with the National Land
Agency as the implementation body. The allocation provided in the Estimates will go towards revising existing Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP) brochures and designing new pamphlets. Workshops, targeting persons who write wills, will also be held as part of the sensitisation process.
Agriculture Minister look to improving horticultural sector
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inister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, has said that he will be looking at measures to improve the horticultural industry, which has seen a decline since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Dr. Tufton, who was addressing the 47th staging of the St. Elizabeth Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show, held at Independence Park, in Black River, on April 5, argued that the industry has economic potential, and he would be setting up a team at the Ministry to ensure its growth. "This show is part of us; it is a part of our history, our heritage and our culture, and beyond today, I am going to initiate some discussions, so that we may put some more effort to see to what extent we can stimulate horticulture," he told the large audience of flower enthusiasts. Pointing out the economic viability of growing flowers, Dr. Tufton said the persons who have remained in the industry must be commended for their resilience. "We believe that people can make money out of it, and with investments, it will be sustainable," he emphasised. In his address, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Mr. Glendon Harris, said horticulture has moved from being deemed a hobby, to a lucrative commercial venture. "The need to further educate persons to become responsible and take ownership of the immediate surroundings, and the utilisation of idle lands for both agriculture and horticulture production is a task that we must actively pursue. Horticulture can diversify cropping systems, reduce pesticide misuse, and conserve soil and water. Both the Horticultural Society and the JAS need to work even closer to get the message out on the many benefits to be derived from investing in horticulture," Mr. Harris said. Meanwhile, Director of the St. Elizabeth Horticultural Society, Mrs. Joyce Francis, said that interest remains firm in the annual event, and the members are committed to the organisation. "It is love of flowers, and love of people. This year we had a challenge to put on the show, but the Minister stepped in and helped us get some sponsors, and because of the sponsors, we were able to employ more people," she said.
Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen (right) declaring Nicholas Powell's acreage a Fersan Model Farm during the sponsorship handing-over ceremony recently. Sharing the occasion are Domingo Viyella, (3rd left) CEO of Newport-Fersan Jamaica Ltd. and Dennis Valdez, (2nd right) Administrative Manager, NFJ
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farmer, oung Manchester Nicholas Powell, has received a sponsorship package from Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited, which will help to boost productivity of his farm in Coffee Grove in the parish. The package includes a monthly stipend to assist with farming and other key expenses, fertiliser, pesticide, and agricultural equipment. The young farmer, who is a 2009 recipient of the Governor-General's Youth Award for Excellence, will also benefit from comprehensive soil and leaf testing, access to greenhouse technology, and technical assistance. At the handing over ceremony on Thursday March 11 at the Coffee Grove Church of God, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, commended the local fertiliser manufacturing company for assisting Mr. Powell. "I believe that the items of agricultural products and services that you offer will contribute to improving his output and will also motivate him to work harder," he stated. He noted that the young farmer, who employs eight persons and utilises modern techniques to boost production, has served as an inspiration for others in the sector. Administrative Manager at NewportFersan Jamaica Limited, Mr. Dennis Valdez, while not revealing the value of the sponsorship package, explained that the company decided to honour Mr. Powell "for this commitment to agriculture at a time when our young men and women in Jamaica often turn away from the soil". He added that Mr. Powell has demonstrated that "when farming is done efficiently and with the use of modern science and best practices, agriculture is good business".
On a tour of Mr. Powell's farm in Coffee Crove, where he cultivates cash crops such as tomato, cabbage, cucumber, carrot and sweet potato, evidence of his modern and business-like approach to farming can be seen in the abundance of his crops, which are not only thriving but are also diseasefree. Mr. Powell said that he has been employing the latest approaches to his farming practices, including the use of hybrid seeds. "With the hybrid seeds, I escape diseases. I get the seeds in the farm store for $4,600 per thousand. A lot of farmers say that it sounds expensive but trust me when you plant it you really see a profit. so when you do the math, you see that it's worth it and the reaping period is much longer," he said. He informed that other farmers, having seen his output, are also gravitating towards hybrid seeds. "Farmers like what they see, so they call me and ask me what type of seed and I help them source the seeds and the seedling trays," he said. Mr. Powell said that his major challenge is to protect his crops during the hurricane season and "that is why I am looking at the hurricane-proof greenhouse". Combining his agricultural knowledge with his training in electrical engineering from the University of Technology (UTech), he intends to manufacture his unique greenhouses for the local market. In addition to positively impacting his community through farming, Mr. Powell has put on fundraising activities through which four computers have been purchased to benefit young people in the community; has contributed to the upgrading of sanitary facilities at the Coffee Grove Basic School; and provides educational assistance for students.
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MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
$30 million to Parish Councils to truck water A derelict water truck from the failed Rapid Response Unit, parked on the premises of the Mandeville Transport Authority
Claro commits $60m to JCDC
Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, Olivia Grange accepts a mock-up of a Sixty Million Dollar cheque, representing the largest contribution from a corporate sponsor for cultural development, on behalf of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) from CLARO Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Gutierrez. Marketing Manager, Joseph Oates (left), and JCDC Executive Director, Grace Silvera (right) share in the moment. CLARO will be major sponsors for the National Festival of the Arts and Jamaica Festival for the next three years.
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elecommunications giant Claro, which is the largest phone network in the Americas, has committed $60 Million over three years to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), to enhance the country's cultural programme. The announcement was made at a presentation ceremony at the JCDC offices on Phoenix Avenue on April 14. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has praised this new partnership between the JCDC and the telecommunications company, which it is the largest sponsorship package ever received by the organisation, which is an agency of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Addressing a news conference to announce the new sponsorship, Minister Grange said that she was especially pleased that her ministry was able to conclude such a sponsorship programme at this very challenging time for the country's economy. Minister Grange said the fact that the JCDC could attract such significant sup-
port from the private sector at this time was a result of the strategic moves by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to revitalise the national cultural programme and to develop the cultural and creative industries. “You are demonstrating a great show of care for our nation and our cultural products. You are signalling that the development and preservation of our rich culture remains an important focus for both the private and public sector. And you are also demonstrating a belief in our new strategy for culture.” Claro's sponsorship will assist in funding the various development programmes of the JCDC, including the Festival of the Arts and Jamaica Festival. The Marketing Manager for Claro, Joseph Oates said the company valued cultural development. Embraced the opportunity “Claro immediately jumped at this opportunity to partner with the JCDC because we are dedicated to the development of Jamaica. And this venture will no doubt enhance the cultural develop-
ment of young Jamaicans islandwide. Our choice to become involved with neither accidental nor difficult. Without hesitation, we gave our assurance to the Minister and the JCDC that we were completely devoted to the project 100 percent.” Mr Oates said Claro would bring its “special touch” to JCDC activities which would “delight not only participants, but patrons alike”. In February, the JCDC undertook major re-branding exercise under the leadership of the new Executive Director, Miss Grace Silvera, which saw the introduction of a new logo, museum, gift shop and a raft of other initiatives which form part of a comprehensive three-year strategy. Over the next six months the Commission will be staging a number of cultural activities and programmes across the island during the annual Festival of the Arts and Jamaica Festival, which is a part of the Government's cultural development programme.
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he Ministry of Water and Housing recently allocated $30 million to Parish Councils throughout Jamaica, to assist in the trucking of water, as a way to help address the severe water woes being faced by Jamaicans, as the drought continues. This brings to $63 million the total amount that has been allocated to Parish Councils to take water to affected communities since May 2008. Minister of Water and Housing, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has also indicated that within the next 12 to 24 months, a number of parishes that have been plagued with severe water shortage will begin to receive adequate supply. This will be made possible through a US$211 million (approximately J$19 billion)
water supply improvement project, which will bring about a massive rehabilitation and restructuring of the country's water supply. “This will include a programme to improve our water infrastructure by reducing the amount of water loss after production," Dr. Chang said. And even as the Ministry does all it can to ease the water shortage situation, Minister Chang is once more making a call to citizens to "make a concerted effort to protect, conserve and manage the water that is available throughout this crisis." The allocation by the Minister comes against the background that many areas in Jamaica have not had any significant rainfall since November 2008.
MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
17
Traffic fatalities down in 1st quarter of 2010 N
ews coming from the Ministry of Transport's Road Safety Unit (RSU) is that the country has racked up the lowest firstquarter traffic fatality numbers in 10 years. For the first quarter of 2010 ending March 31, there has been a 26 per cent decrease in fatalities from road accidents compared to the same period last year. 73 persons lost their lives this year on the roads of Jamaica. Also according to the RSU, the 68 fatal crashes recorded to the end of March showed a 23 per cent decline compared to 88 last year, which was also the lowest number of fatal crashes in six years. According to statistics included in the report, the first quarter of 2010 also saw significant reductions in fatalities across several categories of road users. In the private motor carriage (PMC) passenger category, the lowest number in four years was recorded with 10 fatalities, compared to 14 last year. These users of the roads also had the lowest fatalities in six years with 12 deaths compared to 19 in 2009; a 37 per cent decline. Motorcycle casualties were down by 38 per cent while pedal cyclist fatalities showed a 43 per cent decline. Children also lost their lives in fewer numbers as six deaths were recorded compared to seven in the first quarter last year- the lowest in 10 years. Despite the generally positive news overall, pedestrian deaths recorded a three per cent increase this year over the corresponding period last year, as 31 persons lost their lives; one more than in 2009.
A cane haulage trailer blocks the Spur Tree main road recently after it failed to negotiate a corner. The driver escaped with only minor injuries.
U.S.-sponsored international security exercise in Port Royal
Commander Kenneth Douglas speaking to the security forces from 15 countries who are in Jamaica for the 2010 Tradewinds exercise currently underway in Port Royal.
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pproximately four hundred fifty security forces personnel from the United States, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and fourteen other Caribbean nations are currently in the historic town of Port Royal conducting an international military cooperation exercise called Tradewinds 2010. The maneuvers are conducted annually by Caribbean Basin Partner Nations sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) to improve cooperation and interoperability of partner nations in responding to regional security threats. Miami-based U.S. Marine
Corps Forces, South is the executive agent for the exercise. Tradewinds is primarily a maritime operations exercise that also supports USSOUTHCOM's security cooperation objectives and exercises the assets and capability provided under the Enduring Friendship program. Enduring Friendship is a USSOUTHCOM-sponsored program to build maritime security capabilities throughout the Caribbean now marking its twenty-sixth year of operation. In Jamaica, Tradewinds 2010 will focus on regional defense highlighting maritime interdiction and search-
and-rescue operations with an emphasis on command and control. The program also includes the provision of high-speed interceptor boats with extensive communication and surveillance capacity, as well as a command, control, and communication package that link the U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force-South with partner nations' operations centers to track and coordinate the seizure of illicit maritime traffic. "The exercise will also help to improve key tactical skills in marksmanship, search-and-rescue, and
maritime interdiction operations," said exercise coordinator Major Eric Dominijanni, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South. “The U.S. and the Caribbean share common interests, and regional challenges require cooperative solutions. We are committed to building lasting partnerships that will enhance our ability to work effectively together,� he added. Countries participating in Tradewinds 2010 are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize,
Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, United Kingdom and United States. U.S. presence includes personnel from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, Joint Interagency Task ForceSouth, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
GSAT review starts in Mandeville
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he first public consultation on the findings and recommendations of the GSAT Review Committee was held Thursday April 8 at deCarteret College in Mandeville, Manchester. The public consultation, which is among several to be held in the Ministry of Education's six regions up to the end of May, was attended by principals and teachers from schools in Region Five, which comprises Manchester and St. Elizabeth. Parents and guardians were also invited to make their contributions, while the Ministry of Education was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Audrey Sewell, who presented the findings, as well as Curriculum and Assessment Specialists and Education Officers. Mrs. Sewell pointed out that the recommendations based on the findings will not bear fruit, if there is no strong parental support for children. "A problem that we have to address no matter what we do from the Ministry of Education, no matter what the principals do, no matter what the teachers do; if we do not have that parental support we will not make it," she cautioned. The Premanent Secretary said that one of the main findings of the review committee was the need for a system wide accountability, which is not speaking to pay for performance.
"As the findings indicate, we need to have a promotion of system wide accountability, everybody has to be accountable for the output of the education system from the Minister, Permanent Secretary, senior directors, the board chairs, the principals, teachers, parents," she said. Mrs. Sewell noted that currently there are no established minimum standards at all levels of the education system, and that there needs to be a set minimum standard with which to determine the performance of students, while indicating that the education system needs to be driven by data management, so as to inform decision making and provide information on performance. The Permanent Secretary said that there are some policy decisions that are to be taken in order to bring about improvements in the quality of the education system. These include zoning, a students' identification system, Centres of Excellence in every new school, implementation of the School Improvement Act, a public/private sector initiative, ICT delivery at all levels, a boarding policy, standardisation of school plants and a piloting of the Career Advancement Programme. She explained that a proposal for the new Grade Six Test (GSAT Achievement includes a Continuous Assessment, where students will be required to do a book report from a choice of three books
which will be assigned from Grade Four, alongside the present test, with assesses competence in Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and the Grade Six Literacy Proficiency (GSLP). The changes that will be effected in component two are in the areas of Science, where the content of the test paper will be changed based on adjustments to the Grades Four to Six Science curriculum. Similar changes will be effected to the Social Studies curriculum, which will now include Civics and Jamaican History. The GSLP will replace the current Communication Task and will serve as an index of measurement of literacy at the end of Grade Six. These changes to the GSAT profile will also affect the Grade Seven to Nine curriculum, as the review found that there is nonalignment in the curriculum between the upper primary and the lower secondary levels. Apart from those changes, there is also a proposal to move the GSAT sitting from March to another month. The revisions will become effective three years after Cabinet approval, and is projected to begin in 2013. The GSAT review committee team pointed out that these revisions will enable readiness for Grade Seven and will allow students to function in high school.
Education ministry rewards success at regional schools sons in the education system. The St. Elizabeth based Maggotty High, which saw its caretaker, Mr. Michael White, elevated to Computer Lab Technician, came in for special commendation. "It showed excellent human resource development and a quest, by the institution, to develop the human capacity," states Director at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Vincent Guthrie. But how did Mr. White, whose last employment prior to joining Maggoty High was as a security guard, do to make the transition? "There are some classes that Mr. Michael White, now a Computer Lab Technician at Maggotty High are large, and so they would call on me to take extra chairs along By: Garfield Angus for them. I took the chairs in, and I sat in the he Ministry of Education has com- class and listened to what the teachers were mended educational institutions in teaching. I had my notebooks, and I took Manchester and St. Elizabeth, for notes," he disclosed. The unusual move resulted in him gaining a their best practices that have led to success CXC pass in Social Studies three years after he for both students and teachers. An event held at Munro College in St. started as caretaker at the school in 1996 and Elizabeth, saw several schools being recog- three other subjects by 2003. "Don't look at what is around you, and limit nised for excellence in a number of areas, including pedagogy, technology, curricula con- yourself to it. You have to look outside, and if tent and material, excellence in leadership and you can find a role model, set some goals and governance, human resources and accountabili- take them on one by one," said Mr. White who ty, safety and security, health, nutrition, guid- is now a certified systems administrator, ance counselling and emotional support for per- through the e-Learning project.
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"Mr. White had the ambition and the motive to achieve. Many people would see the position as a groundsman as a demeaning job, but he worked himself to become a teacher. That says to us that anything is possible, once you put your mind to it," stated 16-year-old Kevon Morgan, a student at Maggotty High. Information Technology teacher at the school, Ms. Claudia Forbes, said that Mr. White who, in one year, had 100 per cent success in his IT exams, was a marvellous achiever. "He watched what was done, and he is always learning. He is a living testament that you cannot be too low that you can't rise beyond your circumstances," she emphasised. Both Mr. White and Principal of Maggotty High, Mr. Raul Bent, heaped praises on sole IT teacher in the late 1990s, Mr. George Miller, for guiding the new lab technician, who teaches computer science to students and persons from the community, and others involved in the Maggotty's evening programme. Porus Primary's Parenting Club For establishing a Parenting Club, the Manchester-based Porus Primary School, got accolades from the Education Ministry for seeking to equip parents with lasting parenting skills through innovative engagements. "We thought that to engage the parents with issues of discipline could help the children. So we devised a plan for a Parenting Club, to empower parents as leaders. It is impacting a great deal on the school and the community," stated Mrs. Beverley Tulloch-Danvers, Vice
Principal at Porus Primary and co-ordinator of the club. The exposure of members of the Porus Primary Parenting Club resulted in a number of them capturing parish, regional and national titles relating to parenting. With a network consisting of teachers and parents being knitted, the Club also helped the work of the Guidance and Counselling Unit, at Porus Primary. "As a young cousellor coming in, and not knowing the culture of the community, I was able to connect with and relate to the community and parents, through the Parenting Club," Guidance Counsellor Ms. Gloria Grant says. Other Schools Also Excelled Hampton School received recognition for excellence in academics and Mandeville Primary and Junior High, and Bethabra Infant, for civic awareness and community service. Munroe College, and Top Hill All Age, shared the prize for excellence in vocation, academics and athletics. McIntosh Memorial School showcased their excellence in aesthetics, ethics and culture. For excellence in pedagogy, technology, curricula and material, Siloah Primary, glowed, excellence in sports went to Bellefield High. Excellence in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), was shared between Rose Hall AllAge and St. Albans Primary, while excellence for leadership went to Santa Cruz Primary and Junior High.
MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS
April 5 - 18, 2010
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Legal Medicine Unit now conducting autopsies daily T he Ministry of National Security is advising that the Legal Medicine Unit is now conducting autopsies on all week days (Monday- Friday). Previously autopsies were done two or three days weekly and there was a wait of up to three weeks; however this waiting period has been eliminated. The conducting of daily autopsies is part of efforts to make the operations of the unit more efficient and reduce the backlog of cases.
The scheduling of the autopsies can only be done by personnel at the Legal Medicine Unit, which is also empowered to expedite these procedures where necessary. The Unit advises further that autopsies are only conducted by forensic pathologists from the Legal Medicine Unit. Relatives of deceased persons are asked to arrive at the relevant morgue for registration at 8:00 am on the day the autopsy is to be conducted and the public is reminded that there is no fee
for autopsies, insurance reports, postmortem reports or scheduling. Persons who are approached for payment, whether by a doctor, police personnel, morgue personnel or any other person, should call the AntiCorruption Hotline at 1-888-CORRUPT (1-888-267-7878). The Legal Medicine Unit is located at the Office Center Building, 4th floor 12 Ocean Blvd Kingston. The telephone number is 924-9248.
Lionel Town Hospital training facility to be expanded
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round was broken on April 6 for expansion of the Lionel Town Hospital's training facility, in Clarendon. Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, said that the facility, to be funded by the National Health Fund (NHF), at a cost of $69.7 million, would be able to train 60 students annually. It will comprise three lecture rooms, two laboratories, a staff room, reception area, a prep room and a computer laboratory. The Minister also pointed out that as part of the project, a storage area would be renovated to provide housing accommodation for 24 of the students.
Mr. Spencer said that the move to expand the training of health workers, especially in assistive areas, is part of the Government's commitment to the sector. "In 2008, I informed Parliament of our intention to train some 500 persons, including Pharmacy Technicians, Dialysis Technicians, Lab Technician Assistants, Operating Theatre Technicians and Psychiatric Aides, at a cost of $100 million," he said. The Minister explained that there is a thrust by the Government to build the human resource capacity in the health sector. "We cannot hope to sustain the health gains that the country has made without a concerted
Contracts totalling $2.4 billion signed by health ministry for less costly drugs
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he Ministry of Health has negotiated better payment terms for 719 vital drugs to be used in the public health system. Prime Minister Bruce Golding, speaking at Jamaica House recently immediately following the signing of 35 contracts valued at $2.4 billion between the Health Corporation of Jamaica and approved local pharmaceutical distributors, said that this new agreement reflected a strong spirit of partnership between the public and private sector to address the demand for vital drugs in the country. The Prime Minister also said that similar initiatives can make specialist medical skills and services available throughout the nation. “We can introduce the tremendous value of telemedicine in Jamaica. Technology can trans-
form the way we do things. ‌We are never going to be able to put a cardiologist in every hospital and all of the specialist skills in every clinic. We no longer need to. The available technology would make it so simple,� Mr. Golding said. Mr. Golding urged the Ministry to ensure that the drugs get to patients on a timely basis. Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Health Minister Ruddy Spencer revealed that the contracts period was for 18 months. The purchase of pharmaceutical preparations and medical sundries is the single most costly item on the health budget except for wages and salaries. It has increased by 167-percent over the last 5-years moving from $898 million in 2004/5 financial year to $2.4 billion.
focus on capacity building and retaining those in whom we have invested. Jamaica cannot afford the continued depletion of our human capacity by developed nations that have significantly more resources to train and retrain their own people," he argued. Mr. Spencer said that an important part of the strategy of Government is to expand training opportunities in rural Jamaica. "This is what we have done here, to allow our young people in these rural parts easy access to training. This approach will also help to stem the rural to urban drift, as many young people migrate to urban centres in search of a better future," he said. The Minister pointed out that the demand for Pharmacy and Dialysis services is growing fast, as there has been a 44 per cent increase in the number of visits to government run pharmacies since the abolition of user fees, and that the situation is similar with regard to those per-
sons accessing renal services. Mr. Spencer said that the policy of the Government is that patients should not have to travel for more than 30 minutes to access renal services and that it is important to have the skilled personnel to provide the services, in keeping with that policy objective. He noted that the development of the training facility at the Lionel Town Hospital gives effect to that policy of providing skilled personnel to provide renal services. Mr. Spencer also pointed out that to date, 25 Pharmacy Technicians have been trained. "We started with Pharmacy Technicians, because of the obvious dire need to increase the support available to our highly skilled Pharmacists. This training facility will allow the Government, in partnership with the College of Health Sciences, University of Technology, to increase the number of trained Technicians each year," he said.
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MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS April 5 - 18, 2010
Burger King serves up Interscholastic Singles Tennis Championship Some of Jamaica's top junior tennis players will be on show for the 2010 Burger King Interscholastic Singles Championship which takes place from Thursday April 29 to Sunday May 2 at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre located at 2A Piccadilly Road, Kingston 5. Approximately 150 young tennis players from schools throughout Jamaica such as Ocho Rios High, Montego Bay High, Cross Keys High, Campion College, Norman Manley High, Hillel Academy, St Andrew High and Jamaica College will be competing in five categories: Boys and Girls 10 years and under, 12 years and under, 14 years and under, 16 years and 18 years. Title sponsor Burger King, which has been involved in tennis for over 16 years, has once again committed to supporting the competition, which will be hosted at several venues across the corporate area due to the large number of entrants expected. As was the case with last year's tournament, courts at Wolmer's Girls School, the Liguanea Club and The Senior Common Room, UWI will be utalised during the early rounds. Boys and Girls 16s and 18s will play best of 3 sets (tiebreak in lieu of a 3rd set). In keeping with ITF format, 14s and 12s will play short sets (1st to 4 games - tiebreak in lieu of a
3rd set). 10s will play 8 game prosets. Defending Champions Sicquena Sinclair, Shellita Haughton and Daniell Harris are all tipped to compete in this year's championships. However Donovan Crumbie will not return to defend his title as he has exceeded the age limit. Crumbie is currently completing his studies at the KBC Learning Centre, partners of Tennis Jamaica. Brandon Burke, who attained ITF World Junior top 100 ranking earlier this year, spoke of the tremendous benefit he received as a participant in the tournament. “I remember competing in the Burger King tournament, thereby gaining invaluable competitive experience, which helped prepare me to represent Jamaica internationally and to attend the International Tennis Academy in Florida,” he said. “Through my academic and tennis achievements I have been accepted to the Ivy League Brown University on a full scholarship starting in August.” Diana Blake-Bennett, Marketing Manager of Burger King, said that youth development through sports and education is part of her company's mandate. "This tournament is an excellent medium to achieve those goals as the game of tennis promotes discipline
Diana Blake-Bennett, Marketing Manager of Burger King, confirms her company’s sponsorship of the tournament
tennis scholarships to universities and colleges abroad." "There are also great scholarship opportunities for tertiary education available through this game, however more involvement from schools, parents and Jamaica at large is required to ensure maximum development
whilst enhancing health. We are very proud of this relationship which we have nurtured over the years with the Tennis Jamaica. We are also proud of the fact that through this tournament as well as other similar events put on by corporate Jamaica, we have been able to send a number of students on
through the sport," she added. Burger King this year provide a total sponsorship of approximately $700,000, inclusive of cash sponsorship of $500,000 and the balance in meals to be provided to all participants throughout the duration of the competition.
MANCHESTER CLUB'S GOLF WEEK & MID-ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS JUNE 26-JULY 4 2010
36 HOLES MID-ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY JULY 3-4 CATEGORIES: LADIES- JUNIORS - MEN - SENIOR MEN - SUPER SENIOR MEN
ENTRY: $4500 TWO DAYS - $3000 ONE DAY SAT: JUNE 26: LADY ELKIN SHIELD & MCGREGOR CUP- ENTRY: $3000 SUN: JUNE 27: SHOTGUN 2 BALL SCRAMBLE- ENTRY: $2500 PP TUESDAY JUNE 29: PAR AGAINST BOGEY WEDNESDAY JUNE 30: STABLEFORD THURSDAY JULY 1 PAR THREE CHAMPS MIDWEEK EVENTS: ENTRY $1000 JUNIORS PAY 50% FOR ALL EVENTS PRESENTATION SUNDAY JULY 4, AT 4:PM ENTRY INCLUDE BREAKFAST 7:30-10 & LUNCH 12-2 ON WEEKEND DAYS FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER CALL 962-2403 EMAIL:Manchester_club@hotmail.com
SPONSORS:
SUPERCLUBS MARJO BLOCKS