Jamaicans need to change misconception about crime solution—security minister

Monday, September 29, 2014 | 1:26 PM    

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — National Security Minister Peter Bunting has said that Jamaicans need to change their thinking that the solution to crime and violence rests with law enforcement.

“Law enforcement has an important role to play, but if we think it is only law enforcement that is going to fix our crime problem, then we are seriously mistaken. The truth of the matter is…when you look at the root causes of crime, it starts with the family,” the minister said.

Bunting emphasised that there needs to be a deepened understanding among Jamaicans of the causes of crime and violence affecting the island.

Addressing the launch of a Unite for Change forum and First Responders and Violence Interrupters training at the Ocho Rios High School in St Ann, on September 28, the Minister said the understanding is needed in order to identify and put in place strategies aimed at fighting the scourge.

He said it is hoped that through the Unite for Change programme, the quest for a better understanding of the issues surrounding crime and violence will be achieved and a number of misconceptions will be removed from the thinking of Jamaicans.

“A part of the Unite for Change initiative is really working to deepen our understanding of the causes of violence, because if you don’t understand what is causing it…you will end up just treating the symptoms and not curing the disease,” the Minister argued.

Meanwhile, Bunting said one of the strategies being employed by his Ministry in curbing crime and violence is the use of “softer policing”, where members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are dressed in a more civilian-friendly manner, instead of looking as if they are on a mission to confront.

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Jamaicans need to change misconception about crime solution—security minister

Official urges Jamaicans to destroy bug breeding sites as painful mosquito-borne virus spreads

KINGSTON, Jamaica –  Jamaica‘s health minister said Sunday that the government is doing all it can to combat a newly arrived mosquito-borne virus that is increasingly disrupting life and cutting productivity on the Caribbean island.

In a national address carried on television and radio, Fenton Ferguson said the chikungunya virus is spreading across Jamaica and “everyone is susceptible.”

“We are aware of the impact this is having on productivity and attendance at school and work and ask employers to be compassionate and assist their staff through this difficult period,” Ferguson said.

It’s a rarely fatal but typically very painful viral illness that has advanced rapidly through the Caribbean and parts of Latin America after local transmission started in the tiny French dependency of St. Martin late last year, likely introduced by an infected air traveler. Apparently hardest hit has been the Dominican Republic, with half the cases reported in the Americas.

In recent days, the mosquito-borne virus with no cure or vaccine has been increasingly sickening people in Jamaica, perhaps most severely in the southeastern parish of St. Thomas.

“Schools, business, churches, farms and entire communities in St. Thomas continue to report ever mounting cases of persons ill with chikungunya, some communities with over half the population affected,” said opposition official Delano Seiveright before the health minister’s speech.

Confirmed cases in Jamaica are few so far, but there are many signs that the real number of sickened people is far higher than the official tally. Laboratories have only been able to confirm a small portion of people who fall ill because many patients don’t bother seeking care so their cases go unrecorded. Some private doctors are also not reporting patients to the government, according to the health ministry.

Some Jamaicans are blasting the government for what they believe is a sluggish response to a public health threat they knew was on the way. Fenton asserts the government was prepared and is doing all it can to swat down the virus but the “expectation is for chikungunya cases to spike and then trend down” as more people become immune. People develop immunity after getting infected.

___

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Official urges Jamaicans to destroy bug breeding sites as painful mosquito-borne virus spreads

"Over a million Jamaicans won"t realise their potential"

OVER a million Jamaicans will never realise their true potential, figures management consultant Trevor Hamilton.

His math shows harrowing statistics on the country’s labour force.

“Over 65 per cent are failed by the school system and are also fooled that they must have five or more CSEC subjects to succeed,” he said. “Over 70 per cent of tertiary students graduate without any vocational skills, and over 60 per cent of the labour force is not employable.”

He estimates that less than three per cent of the population is able to speak another language, while over 300,000 persons are deprived of opportunities mainly due to their “excessive political loyalties”.

“A rational HR strategy to give the country economic and social competitiveness is overwhelmingly believed to be the only way to prosperity for all,” he said. “Now more than ever, the powers that be need to ensure that the workforce is prepared and empowered to contribute positively towards nation-building.

“Let me hasten to add that this can only be realised through the process of purposeful alignment.”

Purposeful alignment happens when investments are made in talent management as a means towards achieving a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage.

With globalisation and the consequential competition for resources, markets and harmonised standards of governance, products and services, consultants have to be familiar with best practices in their areas of specialisation, according to Hamilton.

“They also need to know exactly how to make modifications for proper alignment to the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of the environment in which they serve,” he said.

Being bilingual is also essential.

He added: “Consultants need to work with strategic partners from other jurisdictions to get accelerated access to new solutions and knowledge and lessons learned from the application of various strategies to be able to bring accelerated solutions to their clients and avoid pitfalls that others have experienced.”

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"Over a million Jamaicans won"t realise their potential"

Oriel gives Jamaicans a taste of his skills with promotional tour

Contributed

Oriel in a scene from the ‘Serious’ video.

Dominican reggae singer Oriel Barry recently undertook a two week promotional tour of Jamaica.

The tour coincided with the release of Oriel’s mix tape called the Rise of the Revoluteers which was released on September 11.

Oriel did a number of radio and TV interviews as well as live performances, during his visit to the island.

He also undertook the shooting of music videos for two songs Sticks & Stones, which was released earlier this year and Serious to be released on October 7.

Oriel is extremely pleased with the outcome of the promotional tour.

“I’m very happy with the way things went on my trip to Jamaica. Everything was very positive, I did a lot work promoting my music all over the island and the response I received was very good,” said Oriel.

The music video for Sticks & Stones which was released locally last week is already enjoying heavy rotation on a number of local TV stations including HYPE TV, RETV and CVM Plus.

The video for Serious will be released on October 21.

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Oriel gives Jamaicans a taste of his skills with promotional tour

More than $1billion won by Jamaicans from Super Lotto

Supreme Ventures has revealed that, since the inception of  Super Lotto, more than 979,000 Jamaicans have won in excess of one billion dollars.
Since the start of  the year, 196,000 have benefited from winnings, taking home more than $80 million in total.
Currently there are more than $260 million dollars up for grabs, making it one of  the largest Jackpots in Jamaica’s gaming history.
Super Lotto is a multi-jurisdictional game that currently spans nine countries in the Caribbean.

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More than $1billion won by Jamaicans from Super Lotto

Four Jamaicans among 11 winners in Proof of Concept contest

The Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC) — a project of the World Bank and its global entrepreneurship program infoDev — has announced the 11 winners of its first regional Proof of Concept (PoC) competition.

The successful applicants will receive grants of up to US$50,000 to develop, test, and commercialize innovative, locally relevant climate technology solutions.

There are four Jamaicans among the 11 winners. Shirley Lindo’s project is for Organic Soil Conditioner & Fuel Briquettes from Castor Oil Waste. Brian Wright won his award for the Pedro Banks Renewable Energy Project, while Harlo Mayne’s is the H2–Flex Hydrogen Hybrid Project. Kert Edwards was selected for his Fiber-Optic Solar Indoor Lighting (FOSIL)  project.

The PoC grants are designed to help entrepreneurs prove the value of their business concept by providing the resources and the skills necessary to prototype, test, develop, and commercialize services and products. In addition to funding, the PoC winners will also get access to the suite of advisory services offered by the CCIC, as well as considerable exposure and networking opportunities through the center’s media events.

Officially closed on April 20, the PoC received more than 300 applications from 14 countries, including territories within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Entrepreneurs were asked to submit proposals for innovative products, services, or business models in sustainable agribusiness, water management and recycling, solar energy, energy efficiency, and resource use sectors.

“This overwhelming response is very encouraging for the future of the CCIC and its activities,” said Everton Hanson, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean CIC. “The process was very competitive and even the unsuccessful applicants submitted interesting ideas that show great potential,” he added.

The 11 winning proposals represent seven Caribbean countries — Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and Belize.

Four of the winning concepts were submitted by female applicants.

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Four Jamaicans among 11 winners in Proof of Concept contest

Over 20,000 Jamaicans attend church-led rally against LGBTI agenda

The estimated crowd of 25,000 packed Half Way Tree square for close to four hours.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Monday June 30, 2014, CMC - Over 20,000 people gathered on Sunday afternoon at a mass rally organized by church groups under the umbrella of the newly formed civil society group – Jamaica CAUSE.

The estimated crowd of 25,000 packed Half Way Tree square for close to four hours to take a stance against what has been described as the push by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community to victimize those who speak out against its agenda.

Jamaica Cause was established following the removal of Professor Brendan Bain as Director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network.

This came in the wake of his appearance on behalf of a church group in a high profile case involving a gay man in Belize.

Organisers of the rally have described Sunday’s event as a historic and defining moment.

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“The cause was to educate persons and generally advocate a position in favour of the retention of the buggery law and as a push back against the LGBTI agenda, we really want to reorganize society to say that all sexual expression is free and to punish those who say otherwise. I think that Jamaica and Jamaicans are generally going to have to take note of what happened in Half Way Tree,” said Helene Coley Nicholson of the Jamaica CAUSE Secretariat.

“Our emancipation means standing up for strong families, our emancipation means standing against the homosexuality agenda, emancipation for us means standing up against the repealing of the buggery law,” said Alvin Bailey, Chairman of the rally.

Children’s advocate, Betty-Ann Blaine appealed to the crowd to encourage children to return to Sunday School. “Jamaica’s children belong to Jesus”.

“These folks are not interested in people like me … it’s the children they are after. The battle is about your child. Let us declare again that Jamaica belongs to Jesus,” she said.

At the end of the rally, volunteers from CAUSE invited persons to sign a petition against the repealing of the buggery law which will then be sent to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

The majority of those attending the rally arrived in a motorcade which started at the main gate of the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies.

The university has been the target of weeks of protest, sparked by the dismissal of Bain, which has since been put on hold, in keeping with a court injunction. It awaits a court hearing of the case brought by Bain, challenging the decision of the university to dismiss him as Director of CHART.

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Over 20,000 Jamaicans attend church-led rally against LGBTI agenda

Antigua coast guard detains Jamaicans in multi-million dollar drug bust

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Friday June 27, 2014, CMC – Law enforcement authorities say they have intercepted a vessel originating from Jamaica with more than 2,300 pounds of marijuana worth more than EC$30 million (One EC dollar = US$0.37 cents).

A statement from the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) said it participated in a joint operation involving the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (Coast Guard) in intercepting the 65ft vessel on Wednesday.

It said the vessel, which it did not name originated from Jamaica and “was being operated by six Jamaican men whose ages range from 38 years old to 67 years old.

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“The Captain and his crew are assisting the officers with their investigations,” the statement said, noting that the drugs had a street value of over EC$37 million.

The ONDCP said that the seizure is the third successful interdiction during this week and that law enforcement authorities have embarked on a programme specifically targeting young people about the consequences of illegal drugs.

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Antigua coast guard detains Jamaicans in multi-million dollar drug bust

Animation outsourcing to attract millions and jobs for Jamaicans

BY STEVEN JACKSON

Friday, February 14, 2014    

ANIMATION experts will use the outsourcing model to attract US$ millions and create jobs for Jamaicans.

Its a model practised by the local-based call centres which attract Fortune 500 outsourcing contracts and employ thousands. The difference is that animation outsourcing earns more at some US$68 billion compared with US$43 billion for call centres, according to local experts and an industry survey from audit firm KPMG respectively.

“Just give me one per cent,” reasoned Wayne Sinclair, head of GSW Studios, in reference to earning generated by the known cartoon series The Simpsons.

He addressed the three-day Regional Conference on IP and Creative Industries 2014 on Wednesday at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

“As individual territories we cannot compete against the 1.7 billion people in China, 2 billion from India and so on. But we can offer specialised services higher up the value chain given the technology that exists, we can make an impact in carving out a piece of the pie in the global animation industry,” Sinclair said.

The profile of the local animation sector rocketed in the last year following the opening of studios, academic programmes and Government facilitation services. In essence stakeholders view cartoons as serious business.

“Companies will be outsourcing to India or locally to for instance, GSW and [they] want to know that you can produce the level of quality that their fan base expects to see,” reasoned Kevin Jackson, director of public relations and finance at Jamaica Animation Network in his address at the conference.

The island’s lack of scale and experience is balanced by the common language with North America and UK producers; proximity and time zone similarity; and competitive pricing.

“This expansion is expected to provide 5,000 jobs in the Caribbean over the next few years,” stated Robert Scott head of exporting at JAMPRO at the conference.

The global animation industry earns some US$250 billion annually with roughly one-quarter outsourced mainly to India, South Korea and Philippines, according to industry estimates. The opportunity for Jamaica comes when these markets are buckling from excess work.

“When we look at the traditional outsourcing markets. They themselves are developing own intellectual property [shows]. So guess what — they don’t have any time to do other people’s work. That creates an opportunity for us,” said Scott.

In the short-term JAMPRO wants to drive job creation by taking advantage of outsourcing opportunities in animation. Then transition to more content ownership of animations for export.

“We don’t have enough animators to do the jobs,” he said of shortage of supply within the context of UWI recently graduating its first cohort of animators.

The medium term is the creation of locally owned shows exported globally. Currently Cabbie Chronicles developed locally is exported to seven countries, said Scott.

Regionally, the Caribbean Animation Cluster Project was established. It’s a programme sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which involves studios from a select number of Caribbean territories.

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Animation outsourcing to attract millions and jobs for Jamaicans

Guyana police seeking Jamaican in probe of another Jamaican"s death

Friday, January 24, 2014 | 2:08 PM    

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Guyana police were searching for a 36-year-old Jamaican as they continue investigations into the death of a Jamaican woman, whose body was found in a hotel room earlier this week.

Police say they want to question Anthony Lloyd Neville Morrison in relation to the death of Beverley Anesta Gardner, whose body was found in a room of the New York Car Wash and Hotel on Wednesday.

The woman reportedly arrived in Guyana a few weeks ago and checked in at the hotel with her partner who has since disappeared. 

Jamaican passports belonging to Morrison and Gardner were found in the hotel room where her body was discovered.

The police said an autopsy would be performed on the body later Friday.

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Guyana police seeking Jamaican in probe of another Jamaican"s death

8 Jamaicans make Caribbean"s Most Interesting People for 2013 list

News

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 | 5:12 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Having been named the Caribbean Journal’s Artist of the Year 2013, Jamaican singing sensation and The Voice winner Tessanne Chin also made the Journal’s list of 25 Most Interesting People for 2013, along with seven other Jamaicans.The Caribbean Journal compiled the list based on those who were considered newsmakers for the year as well as those who made a difference in the region. Stating that the list is in no particular order, Tessanne was touted as “uniting the Caribbean in a way largely unseen before. Chin was another reminder of the evergreen power of ‘Brand Jamaica’, and of the region’s talent for punching far above its weight.”ATL Group and Sandals Resort International CEO Adam Stewart made the list with Caribbean Journal saying: He is a “young, dynamic leader in Caribbean tourism — how Sandals continues its regional expansion will be fascinating to follow.”Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was named for remaining the world’s greatest female track athlete and being a “breath of fresh air” amidst several doping scandals on the island; while Usain Bolt made the list because as Caribbean Journal puts it, “You can’t really make a list like this without including Bolt, perhaps the greatest sprinter of all time”. The Caribbean Journal dubbed Bolt “the closest thing the Caribbean has to a brand ambassador”.Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Peter Phillips also made the Caribbean Journal’s list with the journal saying he “almost single-handedly negotiated what may be the most crucial economic agreement Jamaica has signed in a generation.” The Journal admitted that the “jury’s still out on whether Jamaica can implement it” but said that Phillips “remains crucial to the country’s near and long-term plans”. Opposition Leader Andrew Holness was described by Caribbean Journal as “one of his country’s most articulate and press-savvy advocates internationally (and, some would argue better than current Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller)”. The Journal added that following the Jamaica Labour Party leadership challenge from Audley Shaw, Holness also proved “he’s a pretty tough politician, too” in naming him among the among the Most Interesting.Entrepreneurs Ingrid Riley and Tyrone Wilson rounded off the list of Jamaicans. Caribbean Journal said Riley is one of the Caribbean’s best known entrepreneurs who is “trying to help connect the region’s information and technology sector — and doing a rather good job of it”. Wilson who was also the Journal’s Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012, “is one of the leading media innovators in the Caribbean, with his eMedia Interactive Ltd. He’s trying to change the way the Caribbean watches television, and, so far, he’s succeeding”.Others to have made the list include: St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves who “has become perhaps the official spokesperson for the Caribbean region” according to the Journal; and Rihanna.To see the full list of the Caribbean’s 25 Most Interesting People for 2013 visit Caribbean Journal’s website.

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8 Jamaicans make Caribbean"s Most Interesting People for 2013 list

8 Jamaicans make Caribbean"s Most Interesting People for 2013 list

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Having been named the Caribbean Journal’s Artist of the Year 2013, Jamaican singing sensation and The Voice winner Tessanne Chin also made the Journal’s list of 25 Most Interesting People for 2013, along with seven other Jamaicans.

The Caribbean Journal compiled the list based on those who were considered newsmakers for the year as well as those who made a difference in the region. Stating that the list is in no particular order, Tessanne was touted as “uniting the Caribbean in a way largely unseen before. Chin was another reminder of the evergreen power of ‘Brand Jamaica’, and of the region’s talent for punching far above its weight.”ATL Group and Sandals Resort International CEO Adam Stewart made the list with Caribbean Journal saying: He is a “young, dynamic leader in Caribbean tourism — how Sandals continues its regional expansion will be fascinating to follow.”Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was named for remaining the world’s greatest female track athlete and being a “breath of fresh air” amidst several doping scandals on the island; while Usain Bolt made the list because as Caribbean Journal puts it, “You can’t really make a list like this without including Bolt, perhaps the greatest sprinter of all time”. The Caribbean Journal dubbed Bolt “the closest thing the Caribbean has to a brand ambassador”.Jamaica’s Minister of Finance Peter Phillips also made the Caribbean Journal’s list with the journal saying he “almost single-handedly negotiated what may be the most crucial economic agreement Jamaica has signed in a generation.” The Journal admitted that the “jury’s still out on whether Jamaica can implement it” but said that Phillips “remains crucial to the country’s near and long-term plans”. Opposition Leader Andrew Holness was described by Caribbean Journal as “one of his country’s most articulate and press-savvy advocates internationally (and, some would argue better than current Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller)”. The Journal added that following the Jamaica Labour Party leadership challenge from Audley Shaw, Holness also proved “he’s a pretty tough politician, too” in naming him among the among the Most Interesting.Entrepreneurs Ingrid Riley and Tyrone Wilson rounded off the list of Jamaicans. Caribbean Journal said Riley is one of the Caribbean’s best known entrepreneurs who is “trying to help connect the region’s information and technology sector — and doing a rather good job of it”. Wilson who was also the Journal’s Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012, “is one of the leading media innovators in the Caribbean, with his eMedia Interactive Ltd. He’s trying to change the way the Caribbean watches television, and, so far, he’s succeeding”.Others to have made the list include: St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves who “has become perhaps the official spokesperson for the Caribbean region” according to the Journal; and Rihanna.To see the full list of the Caribbean’s 25 Most Interesting People for 2013 visit Caribbean Journal’s website.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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8 Jamaicans make Caribbean"s Most Interesting People for 2013 list

Drug-smuggling Jamaicans in Barbados make lawyer sick

JAYDENE Thomas, a Jamaican lawyer practising in Barbados, has admitted that she is sickened to the core by the number of Jamaicans who get caught attempting to smuggle drugs into that eastern Caribbean island.

Thomas, who is representing a Jamaican woman who after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle marijuana into Barbados, was sexually abused by police officers while in custody, said that at least one Jamaican each week appears before the courts for drug-related matters in that country.This she said helps to put all Jamaicans in a bad light and allows for immigration officials at the Grantley Adams Airport to treat law-abiding Jamaicans with disdain and subject them to harsh treatment.Figures released by Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade last year, revealed that a total of 1,485 Jamaicans were refused entry on arrival in Barbados between 2007 and 2012.“Every week at least one Jamaican appears in court for bringing up drugs. It’s getting ridiculous and it looks bad. Trust me, every single week I can count on a Jamaican to be in court for drugs and it is always the same story. Most are from the country areas. I am tired of helping them,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer.Jamaicans, along with Guyanese nationals, are most often refused entry into Barbados than other Caricom nationals.While there are no modern X-ray machines installed at the Grantley Adams Airport as is the case at Jamaica’s two airports, where ionscan machines donated by the British Government have been set up, narcotics officers at the airport have employed strategies that will nab offenders and Thomas is pleading with Jamaicans to desist from getting involved with the illicit trade, despite the promise of big money.“I want to make a plea to the Jamaicans who are bringing in drugs and those who are contemplating it, to stop. Don’t do it. They will be caught and the promise of payment of US$1,000 is not worth it,” Thomas warned.The sentences for drug trafficking in that country are heavy.The Barbados dollar is valued at US 50 cents.“They don’t realise that it’s a fine or prison and the fines aren’t normal because if they get caught, the minimum amount for a fine is US$7,500 and I have seen fines for BDS$150,000 for 2 kilos of cocaine,” Thomas said.Jamaicans have long complained of being subjected to unfair treatment at the hands of the Barbadian officials, but Thomas is of the view that the behaviour of some of her countrymen have fanned the flames of that fire.In May this year, 20-year-old Shanique Ameike Hyman of 90 West Street in Kingston, was sentenced to 12 months after she passed out 17 parcels of marijuana weighing half a pound at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.The pregnant Hyman arrived in Barbados from Trinidad, cleared immigration and was then interviewed by the police.She was arrested and taken to the hospital and examined by a doctor where she confessed that she was pregnant. This was confirmed by ultrasound.The young woman also admitted that she had ingested drugs, and tests revealed contraband in her digestive system.Hyman admitted in court that she was smuggling the ganja to support her family and pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis, possession with intent to supply, trafficking in the drug and importing the drug.Thomas also had a warning for Jamaican women who travel to the eastern Caribbean island to make a living off the sex trade by working as exotic dancers or in massage parlours, that they too are taking a big risk.The Jamaican women are sought after in Barbados and often promised big bucks by Barbadian pimps to sell their ‘wares’ in that country.But Thomas issued a stern warning that Jamaican women should be wary of the hustlers.“Your passports will get taken from you as soon as you land and you will have no way out. You will be exploited and will have to be constantly watching your backs because you are running from the law,” she said.THOMAS… every week at least one Jamaican appears in court for bringing up drugs

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Drug-smuggling Jamaicans in Barbados make lawyer sick

Italian doping probe of Jamaicans moving forward

BY AP reporter David McFadden in Kingston, Jamaica, contributed to this report.

ROME, Italy (AP) — The criminal doping investigation into former 100-metre world record-holder Asafa Powell, Jamaica teammate Sherone Simpson and their trainer has been delayed by bureaucratic problems but will go ahead.Udine prosecutor Andrea Gondolo told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his office has been unable to contact the athletes to ask whether they want to observe the testing of substances sequestered during a police raid in July on their training base in northern Italy.The athletes can observe the testing themselves or designate a lawyer to do so. They have 20 days to respond once contacted.“The problem has been finding an address to deliver the notification to see if they want to observe the tests, because some of the tests cannot be repeated,” Gondolo said. “But I think we should be able to move forward within a month.”If the athletes cannot be contacted, prosecutors could go to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association instead.The Canadian trainer, Christopher Xuereb, was already contacted.Milton Samuda, a Jamaican attorney who represents Powell and Simpson, did not respond to e-mails or calls seeking comment.Following the July hotel raid in Lignano Sabbiadoro, where the Jamaicans have been training for years, the athletes and Xuereb were formally placed under criminal investigation for violating Italy’s doping laws.The raid came after it was announced that Powell and Simpson had tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the Jamaican championships in June.The athletes blamed Xuereb, their newly hired trainer, and said that new supplements he provided caused the positive tests. Xuereb responded by saying that he didn’t give the sprinters performance-enhancing drugs and suggested he was being made a scapegoat.Italy’s doping laws include sections for use, administration of banned substances and importation of banned substances.Administration and importation carry more severe sentences and therefore Xuereb risks harsher punishment, Gondolo said, adding that the athletes do not risk prison time.The confiscated substances appear to be from the United States, according to the containers they were found in, Gondolo said.Powell and Simpson also risk bans from sports authorities. They have already stopped competing and missed last month’s World Championships in Moscow.POWELL… former 100-metre world record-holderSIMPSON… tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the Jamaican championships in June

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Italian doping probe of Jamaicans moving forward

Bailey-Cole leads Jamaicans in Zagreb today

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Fresh from retaining his 100-m title at the ISTAF IAAF World Challenge meeting in Berlin on Sunday, Jamaica’s World Championships finalist Kemar Bailey-Coley will line up against another quality field in the men’s 100m at the penultimate WC meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, today.

Six Jamaicans, including horizontal jumpers Dammar Forbes and Kimberly Williams, will take part in the meet that will see several World Championship medallists taking part.One more IAAF World Challenge meeting will be held this season following today’s meet, in Rietti, Italy, on Sunday.Today, Bailey-Cole, the 21 year-old Jamaican who was fourth in the World Championships in Moscow, Russia, last month, will join compatriot Jacques Harvey in the event that will also see World Championships double silver medallist American Justin Gatlin, Mike Rodgers and St Kitts and Nevis’s evergreen Kim Collins.The 37-year-old Collins was second to Bailey-Cole on Sunday.The veteran Aileen Bailey will line up in the women’s 100m, where she will face Bulgaria’s Ivett Lalova and the American trio of Alexandria Anderson, Barbara Pierre and LaKeisha Lawson.World Championships 4×400-m relay silver medallist Edino Steel will run in the first of two men’s 400m races, while the big guns including World Champion LaShawn Merritt, Kerron Clement, Martin Rooney of Great Britain and Trinidad’s Renny Qouw will line up in the second race.Kimblerly Williams, who just missed a medal in Moscow, while achieving a personal best 14.62m in triple jump, will go into the meet with a chance of winning as her main rival will be Ukraine’s World Championships and Olympic bronze medallist Olha Saladuha.Damar Forbes, who was a finalist in the men’s long jump in Moscow, and fourth in Berlin, goes up against American triple jump specialist Christian Taylor and South Africa’s Godfrey Khotso Mokoena today.BAILEY-COLE… will face the American Justin Gatlin todayDamar Forbes of Jamaica in action at the recent IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

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Bailey-Cole leads Jamaicans in Zagreb today

Four Americans, two Jamaicans in women"s 100m final

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Monday, August 12, 2013 | 11:44 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Four American and two Jamaicans will face off in the World Championships women’s 100 metre final in Russia, Moscow later today at 12:50pm (Jamaica time).Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Kerron Stewart; Americans Carmelia Jeter, national champion English Gardner, Octavius Freeman and Alexandria Anderson will go head to head. Completing the competitive line-up are Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare and Muriel Ahoure of the Ivory Coast.Double Olympic champion Fraser Pryce with the fastest time in the semis will seek to wrest the World title from defending champion Jeter of the US who is coming off an injury.But Okagbare is seeking to cap a promising season with an upset 100 metre win to add to her silver in the long jump.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Four Americans, two Jamaicans in women"s 100m final

All four Jamaicans into women’s 100m semis

Sport

Sunday, August 11, 2013

MOSCOW, Russia — All four Jamaican female 100m runners led by Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce are safely though to tomorrow’s semi-finals of the 14th IAAF World Championships after this morning’s first round at the Luhkniki stadium in Moscow, Russia.Fraser-Pryce and Kerron Stewart both won their heats while Sherry-Ann Brooks and Schillonie Calvert placed third and took automatic spots.Stewart ran 11.02 seconds, second overall to young American English Gardner who flew to a 10.94 seconds cocking to win her heat and told the Observer, “it felt good, I had a good race and just looking forward to the semi-finals now.”Fraser-Pryce who declined to stop and talk with the media, instead hurrying off to the warm up area, was easy in her race, shutting down about the mid way point before finishing ahead of Brazillian Franciela Krasucki in 11.15 seconds.Calvert clocked 11.20 seconds while Brooks the CAC Senior Championships gold medallist ran 11:32 seconds.-Paul Reid

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All four Jamaicans into women’s 100m semis

Four Americans, two Jamaicans in women"s 100m final

Sport

Monday, August 12, 2013 | 11:44 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Four American and two Jamaicans will face off in the World Championships women’s 100 metre final in Russia, Moscow later today at 12:50pm (Jamaica time).Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Kerron Stewart; Americans Carmelia Jeter, national champion English Gardner, Octavius Freeman and Alexandria Anderson will go head to head. Completing the competitive line-up are Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare and Muriel Ahoure of the Ivory Coast.Double Olympic champion Fraser Pryce with the fastest time in the semis will seek to wrest the World title from defending champion Jeter of the US who is coming off an injury.But Okagbare is seeking to cap a promising season with an upset 100 metre win to add to her silver in the long jump.

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Four Americans, two Jamaicans in women"s 100m final

Jamaicans Shelly-Ann, Kerron, Calvert and Brooks in 100m semis

News

Sunday, August 11, 2013 | 3:50 AM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Olympians Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Kerron Stewart made light work of the 100m heats on Day 2 of the World Championships to easily advance to the semis on Monday.Defending World champion Carmelita Jeter (11.24) coming off an injury was second to Ivory Coast’s Muriel Ahoure (11.22) in Heat 6.Meanwhile strong contender Blessing Okagbari of Nigeria took Heat 5 with Jamaica’s Schillonie Calvert (11.20) in third, advancing.Stewart (11.02) won Heat 2 securing the race from 50 metres to win easily going away.American 100m champion English Gardner running like a scared hare clocked 10.94 to take Heat 3. Jamaica’s Sheri-Ann Brooks was third in 11.32Fraser-Pryce, in Heat 4, was quite the opposite to Gardner clocking a relaxed 11.15 seconds in a jog.Heat 1 was won by German Varena Sailer in 11.11 seconds with Octavia Freeman of the US second and Ezinne Okaparaebo of Sweden third.The first three are guaranteed a spot in the semis along with the six fastest losers. The semis are scheduled for 10.35am Monday.

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Jamaicans Shelly-Ann, Kerron, Calvert and Brooks in 100m semis

Jamaicans in Atlanta celebrate island"s 51st Independence

News

Thursday, August 01, 2013 | 9:39 AM

WASHINGTON DC — Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in Atlanta, Georgia, will mark Jamaica’s 51st year of Independence with two major activities from August 4 to August 10.The programme of activities, planned by the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), commences with a Thanksgiving Service at the Hillside Presbyterian Church in Decatur at 5:00pm on Sunday, August 4. The service will feature music, songs and poetry, which capture Jamaica’s cultural heritage.The sermon will be delivered by Professor of Theology at Emery University, The Rev Dr Noel Erskine, while the Rev Dr Barry Davis, will bring a special musical tribute.The celebration comes to close on Saturday, August 10 with the Annual Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway.This spectacular black-tie event which is the premier annual Caribbean event in Atlanta attracts patrons from Georgia and surrounding states.A special feature of this year’s event will be the honouring of Vin Martin, former Jamaican Honorary Consul in Atlanta, who retired from that position at the end of June this year after serving for 16 years. Among those who will paying tribute to Martin, include, US Congressman, Hank Johnson; President of the AJA Errol Ritchie; Dr Erskine and Dr David Panton. Two educational scholarships will be awarded to two students of Jamaican parentage, one from the AJA and the other from the Tropical Sports Club. The AJA Community Service Award will be presented to Ms Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson of the Golden Krust Bakery.Prominent show and dance band, The Fabulous Five will provide entertainment.According to AJA president, Ritchie, the annual events commemorating the anniversary of Jamaica’s independence are very important to Jamaicans in Atlanta. “They serve to bring us together in a cultural bond that oftentimes overpowers the individualistic urges that seem to restrict our coming together as a people. “These events bring back memories of our time in Jamaica and force us to reflect on our achievements as a nation and as individuals. They also serve to remind us of our rich culture and generate the festive mood that we have all come to associate with our independence celebrations “he said.

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Jamaicans in Atlanta celebrate island"s 51st Independence