Improved inflation figures for August

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting that the inflation rate for August  was 1.1%. This is 0.3% less than the 1.4% recorded in July.      

STATIN says the rate for August was caused by a 2.7% increase in prices for food and non-alcoholic beverage.

In its monthly Consumer Price Index, released on Monday, September 15,  STATIN noted that “food increased by 2.8% as production levels of some agricultural crops declined, due to the continued drought conditions across the island.”

However, the entity says the impact of the increases in food and beverages was moderated by a 1.3% decline in the index for the division, ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and other Fuels.’

This decline was as a result of a fall in the cost of electricity and a 0.2% fall in the cost of transportation, due to lower fuel prices.

As at August 2014, the inflation rate for the calendar year-to-date was 5.0%, the fiscal year-to-date 3.3% and the point-to-point 9.8%.

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Improved inflation figures for August

Improved showing generates no goal, as Reggae Boyz fade away

On a bleak, rainy night in a charged atmosphere in Panama City, a large crowd pinned hopes on their local heroes to achieve success.

Fully clad in red and white, the supporters of Panama were highly expectant, but they witnessed a disciplined team performance led by captain Donovan Ricketts celebrating his 100th appearance, and bent on keeping a clean sheet.Panama 0 Jamaica 0The last-gasp hopes of a nation were invested in new coach Winfried Schafer and assistant Vin Blaine to inject new life, tactics and team selection from an array of players, many of whom were rejected by the former technical staff in the likes of attacking options Marlon King, Chris Humprey, Luton Shelton and local cult hero Jermaine ‘Tuffy’ Anderson.Combining with a midfield trio of Rodolph Austin, and the Reading pair of Jobi McAnuff and Garath McCleary, fortified with two additional wide players in Alvas Powell and a fifth member in debutant Shaun Cummings, the new three-man defensive formation, marshalled by debutant Wes Morgan, stalwart Jermaine Taylor, and the recalled Lloyd Doyley worked well as a unit in tandem with Ricketts.The major error must be the exclusion of the in-form attacker Jermaine ‘Teddy’ Johnson, who has tormented every team in his path by running riot, direct on goal at scorching pace, crafty dribbles more than anyone in the hexagonal. More so, on a must-win night, wet field conditions and a suspect defence in combination with speedster Shelton and marksman King, it could have been a deadly trio from the start.But it was not meant to be and he belatedly appeared in minute 75 when the game was gone. His was the third substitution; unfortunately, following a rash schoolboy tackle from Austin, to be ejected in minute 58, reducing the team to 10 players and a defensive mode, that followed a forced replacement by the injured Powell just before half-time.Panama fans disappointedNo doubt the Panamanians would have left the game more disappointed, having not scored after holding the one-man advantage for more than 32 minutes in the game.Goalkeeper Jaime Penado had nothing to do all night as Jamaica’s attack promised much, early on, with good off-the-ball running and passing combinations with twin strikers Shelton and King, but never threatened the prized target of the goal at any time.They were dominant in possession early in the first 32 minutes with defenders, captain Roman Torres, Luis Henriquez, Carlos Rodriquez and right fullback Roberto Chen running freely forward on the flank without opposition. The five midfielders handled the ball well to seize the initiative with Gabriel Gomez, Anibal Godoy supporting attackers Alberto Quintero and the penetrative pair of Gabriel Torres and Cecilio Waterman, who personally pelted three shots on goal by half-time.It was Torres’ curler from 20 yards that brought out the best save from Ricketts. On the one occasion that Ricketts was beaten, he was well covered on the line by Cummings to Waterman’s free shot at goal from a Torres corner.Jamaica, after organising a good defensive team system, responded later in the half with determined ball-winning through Austin’s strong tackles to break up plays in tandem with the now more centrally positioned McAnuff and McLeary. Powell exhibited new enthusiasm and skills to advance on the right flank, eventually crossing dangerously to the far post but no player could get to it.On the other hand Cummings’ crosses lacked accuracy while employing his right foot only on the left flank in good positions before the coaches rightfully switched him in the second half with substitute O’Brian Woodbine, who looked strangely fatigued before the game ended.Shelton’s two bursts of speed behind defenders into space promised much, as did his passing sequences with King, who recovered from a knock to get his only shot off midway the second half just before being substituted by Johnson.King earlier failed to controll a shunted cross at the near post at six yards, early in the second half from one of Woodbine’s attacking right-sided runs down the flank.Austin’s red card all but left Jamaica holding out for a point, shattering the dream in a critical three-point game, while Panama’s Quintero and Torres continued the search for a goal to the end.Johnson’s lonely effort up front proved futile as the service from midfield and defensive zones were not well co-ordinated and infrequent in a limited time frame, leading to his and Jamaica’s continued frustrations.Panama knocked but could not get inUnder pressure twice, Taylor’s miscued clearances went over the crossbar on the dangerously slippery surface.In the end it was again the magnificence of Ricketts that stood between defeat and delayed elimination, as he came up big to make a diving save low down to his right for his defenders to clear the second ball from Torres’ shot.Lucky to stave off another late onslaught, Woodbine slid at the near post as the ball deflected from the upright onto his body and arm, to be ruled as one of eight second-half corners, as Panama kept knocking at a door that was ajar at times, but remained closed for business, as Guatemalan referee Walter Lopez called full time.It could be game over if a victory is not attained for the Reggae Boyz on Tuesday against new hex leaders Costa Rica at the National Stadium.Ground staff mopping up the pitch inside the Rommel Fernandez Stadium prior to the start of the World Cup Qualifier between Jamaica and Panama on Friday night.(PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

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Improved showing generates no goal, as Reggae Boyz fade away

CSEC results improved this year, Education Ministry says

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Overall performance in the 2013 May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination improved when compared to results of 2012, the Education Ministry has reported. 

According to the CSEC Public Information Officer, Cleveland Sam, 65 per cent of subject entries achieved acceptable grades – Grades I – III, compared with 62 per cent in 2012.“This year, performance improved on 21 of the 35 subjects offered, including the two English and two Mathematics subjects. English A saw a 10 per cent improvement in performance with 57 per cent of entries achieving Grades I – III compared with 47 per cent last year; while for English B there was a five per cent improvement with 73 per cent achieving acceptable grades compared with 68 per cent last year,” he said.Additional Mathematics, which was offered for the first time last year saw improved performance at its second sitting this year – 70 per cent of the entries achieved Grades I-III, compared with 58 per cent at the first sitting. While there was a slight improvement on Mathematics over last year, performance however, remained below average with 35 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared to 33 per cent last year.  “The work produced by the majority of the candidates on Paper 02 was unsatisfactory,” the Subject Awards Committee reported. The Committee noted that more than 13, 000 candidates were unable to measure and state the length of a given line and determine the measure of an angle on one question.Of the three natural science subjects, performance improved on Biology and Chemistry and declined on Physics. For Biology, there was a marginal improvement – 73 per cent of acceptable grades this year compared with 72 per cent last year. Sixty-two per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades on Chemistry compared with 58 per cent in 2012.  For Physics there was a 10-point decline – 66 per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades this year compared with 76 per cent last year.Performance on Human and Social Biology also improved with 63 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared with 56 per cent last year. In Agricultural Science (Double Award) performance improved from 91 per cent last year to 96 per cent this year; while Agricultural Science (Single Award) remained fairly steady. This year 93 per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades compared with 92 per cent last year.Principles of Accounts was the most outstanding performer in the business subject cluster, showing the most significantly improved performance. Seventy-five per cent of the 23, 000 entries who took POA achieved acceptable grades compared with 56 per cent last year.Performance on Economics also improved significantly this year, with 81 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared with 65 per cent last year. POB and Office Administration saw a three per cent and one per cent decline respectively. Performance in foreign languages, French and Spanish, improved by three percentage points this year when compared with 2012. For French 77 per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades compared with 2012, and for Spanish 70 per cent achieved similar grades this year compared with 67 per cent last year.There was a marginal one per cent improvement on Caribbean History with 71 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared with 70 per cent in 2012. For Social Studies there was a marginal decline in performance with 66 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared with 70 per cent last year.The subjects in the expressive arts cluster performed very well overall. Ninety-three per cent of entries for Theatre Arts achieved acceptable grades compared with 90 per cent in 2012. Visual Arts saw an eight-per cent improvement in performance with 76 per cent achieving acceptable grades compared with 68 per cent last year.Performance on Music improved with 70 per cent of entries for Music achieving acceptable grades this year compared with 65 per cent last year.Physical Education and Sport returned the highest percentage of acceptable grades – 96 per cent, even though performance was down slightly when compared with 2012 when 98 per cent of the entries achieved similar grades.Both candidate entries and subject entries declined this year when compared with 2012. This year 149,311 candidates registered for CSEC examinations, compared with 156,970 candidates in 2012.Subject entries fell by just over 19,000 when compared with last year – 616,346 subject entries were submitted this year, compared with 635,498 last year.Mathematics continues to be the largest subject entry with 102,124 entries this year, down from 105,849 entries last year.English A is the second largest subject with 98,063 entries, down from 101,022 entries last year; it is followed by Social Studies–52,772; Principles of Business– 35,430; and Human and Social Biology–32,280.Additional Mathematics was the subject with the largest increase of entries; this year, 3,151 subject entries were submitted, up from 1,861 when the subject was first offered last year.The 19-year-old and over age group constituted 33 per cent of the candidate population this year; the 17-year age group made up 28 per cent; candidates 16-years old accounted for 19 per cent and those 18-years old constituted 15 per cent of the candidates, and candidates at 15-year-old represented just over three per cent of the entries.Patrick FLike our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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CSEC results improved this year, Education Ministry says

Security environment has improved, says Haiti PM

News

Thursday, August 08, 2013 | 4:16 PM

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — Haitian authorities are reporting that security across the country has improved in recent years due to efforts made to reinforce, train and equip the more than 10,000 officers who make up the Haitian National Police (HNP).“The country is much safer today even though we continue to face significant challenges in terms of funding we need to provide more adequate means to the police,” said Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe in an interview with the Haitian Caribbean News Network (HCNN), on Wednesday.“It is obvious that we have more security today. For instance, we registered only 2 kidnappings for the month of July. Compared to what was happening before, this is a record,” Lamothe explained. “But we want zero kidnapping and we want to make sure all criminals are where they belong, which is jail,” he saidLamothe, who is also Chairman of the High Council of the Haitian National Police, said the government is working at increasing the number of police officers available. He said many policemen did not have a gun or had one that was not fit for their mission.“We have provided the police with more adequate weapons and other logistical means to help them better face the armed criminals,” Lamothe said.The Haitian government has been promoting Haiti as a tourist destination and a good place for investors to do business.“Security is very important for us because the Haitian people deserve to live in a safe environment,” Lamothe said. “But also, if we say Haiti is open for business and if we are inviting tourists to visit the country, security is a prerequisite,” stated Lamothe.Haiti’s police Chief, Godson Orelus, said the improvement in the overall security situation is due to regular operations conducted by different police units to dismantle gangs and prevent criminal activities.“We have dismantled most of the gangs and arrested many of their members and their leaders,” he said.“One of the important factors in the successes of police operations is the cooperation of the population who now have more confidence in the work we are doing to protect them from bandits,” said Orelus.

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Security environment has improved, says Haiti PM

SOUTH AFRICA: Mandela improved overnight

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Nelson Mandela’s health improved overnight and although his condition remains critical it is now stable, the South African government said yesterday. One of the former president’s daughters said he was still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation was precarious.

The report that the health of the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader had taken a turn for the better came amid a growing sense in South Africa that Mandela was approaching the end of his life. Well-wishers have delivered flowers and messages of support to the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated, and prayer sessions were held around the country on Thursday.President Jacob Zuma’s office said in a statement that he received the encouraging update from the medical team that is treating Mandela. Zuma had cancelled an international trip yesterday, instead visiting Mandela for the second time in two days.“I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today (yesterday) so that I can see him and confer with the doctors,” Zuma said in the statement. “He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night.”In April, Zuma gave an overly upbeat assessment about Mandela’s condition. At that time, state television broadcast footage of a visit by Zuma and other political leaders to Mandela’s home. Zuma said at the time that Mandela was in good shape, but the footage showed him silent and unresponsive, even when Zuma tried to hold his hand.Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years during white racist rule and became president in all-race elections in 1994, was taken to a hospital on June 8 for what the government said was a recurring lung infection.Zuma urged people to pray for Mandela, and continue with their work and daily activities even while he is hospitalised.The president’s office said it was disturbed by what it called rumours about Mandela’s health and appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the former leader. Unconfirmed reports about Mandela have swirled on social media and other forums.Mandela’s condition is acknowledged to be grave. He is on life support systems, according to a few television networks that quote anonymous sources, and presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj has declined to confirm or deny those reports.Makaziwe Mandela, one of Mandela’s daughters, echoed the criticism, saying foreign media coverage of her father’s illness had become intrusive, particularly at the Pretoria hospital where many journalists have gathered.“There’s sort of a racist element with many of the foreign media, where they just cross boundaries,” she said in the SABC interview. “It’s like truly vultures waiting when a lion has devoured a buffalo, waiting there for the last carcasses. That’s the image that we have, as a family.”She said: “We don’t mind the interest. But I just think it has gone overboard.”In comments posted on the SABC website, Makaziwe Mandela said “anything is imminent” because her father, referred to affectionately by many South Africans as “Tata”, or “Father”, is in a very critical state.“I want to emphasise again that it’s only God who knows when the time to go is,” she said. “So we will wait with Tata. He’s still giving us hope by opening his eyes, he’s still reactive to touch, we will live with that hope until the end comes.”Beginning a trip to Africa, President Barack Obama said in Senegal yesterday that his thoughts and prayers were with South Africans and in particular the Mandela family. He said he was inspired, as a law school student in the early 1990s, to see Mandela step forward after decades of imprisonment to help deliver democracy in a spirit of reconciliation with his former captors.“It gave me a sense of what is possible in the world when righteous people, when people of goodwill, work together on behalf of a larger cause,” said Obama, who described Mandela as a personal hero. “And if and when he passes from this place, one thing I think we’ll all know is that his legacy is one that will linger on throughout the ages.”

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SOUTH AFRICA: Mandela improved overnight