Miss Universe Jamaica aware of overwhelming support

REIGNING Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell is currently in the throes of the Miss Universe competition in Doral, Miami, with the finals set for Sunday.

The pixie-haired beauty has already garnered a legion of fans worldwide with the pageant-watching website globalbeauties.com placing her in fifth position behind hot favourites Spain, Colombia, Serbia and the USA.

Thanks to social media, the groundswell of support for the local beauty has already reached her ears and, according to Fennell’s grooming and deportment coach Angelie Martin-Spencer, a former Miss Universe delegate for Jamaica, this could have one of two effects on her.

“I am in Miami but we have not met face- to-face just yet. She is well aware of the overwhelming support she has been receiving from Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans alike. I am really hoping that it fuels her drive and confidence rather than scares her. At Wednesday’s preliminary show the support for Kaci was unbelievable. Even persons from other countries were supporting Jamaica,” said Martin-Spencer.

With coronation just hours away, she said her advice to Fennell is to focus on staying true to herself and believing in the goals she set for herself and the international pageant.

“She has a really great chance. She is a different kind of beauty… not the cookie-cutter type of pageant girl. She has really embraced her short hair and is wearing a lot of black, unlike the typical contestant. But this just goes to show her confidence and strength of character which will do her well in this tough competition.”

Having participated at Miss Universe in 1994, Martin-Spencer is very aware of what is going through the mind of a contestant at this time.

“Your one thought at this time is making it into the top 15. If you don’t make it, you don’t have a shot at the crown. So Kaci and the others are concerned that in the preliminaries, did they do everything to impress the judges — ‘Did I walk well? How was my posing? Did I show my personality in the interview?"”

Jamaica has never won the Miss Universe title. The country came closest in 2010 when Yendi Phillipps took the first runner-up spot. Local representives Sandra Foster, Kimberley Mais, Nicole Haughton and Christine Straw have all made it to the top 10.

Phillipps has offered her support to Fennell in a video posted on social media.

“So proud of you. Jamaica is already proud of you. You’ve really done a great job flying our flag, girl. Keep flying it high. You’re almost there. Good luck. You’ve got this, just show them who you are, show them your personality. Be you. Good luck, chica,” said Phillipps.

— Richard Johnson

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Miss Universe Jamaica aware of overwhelming support

UN, ambassador group pledges support for Haiti leader

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 | 8:46 PM    

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A group of ambassadors and the UN special representative in Haiti said Tuesday that President Michel Martelly has their support through a period of political flux that many observers worry could set the troubled country back.

In a statement, the group expressed frustration that an extraordinary session of Haiti’s Parliament was not convened in recent days to authorize an electoral law needed to organise long-delayed legislative elections.

The signers, who included the ambassadors from the United States, European Union, Canada and Brazil, said Martelly enjoys their backing to ensure the “continuity of the state.” The constitutionally mandated end of the legislature was Monday, and the president could now sign a decree allowing Haiti to hold legislative elections later this year.

The U.S. Embassy has stressed that Washington will continue to work with Martelly “and whatever legitimate Haitian government institutions remain” to safeguard gains made since a devastating 2010 earthquake. It expressed “grave concern” the political impasse has continued despite “wide-ranging concessions” by Martelly, including sacrificing his prime minister last month.

Political gridlock and partisan wrangling are nothing new in Haiti, and the stalemate between Martelly and opposition lawmakers has delayed legislative elections for years.

Martelly’s staunchest political opponents accuse him of corruption and aspiring to rule by decree. He has accused them of blocking legislation that would help Haiti and trying to stir up instability that could discourage foreign investment.

On Sunday, after days of talks, Martelly announced an accord with leaders of several opposition parties, but not all his opponents, on moving toward elections and a consensus government. Among other things, they agreed that no representatives of the government or any political parties could be part of Haiti’s next electoral council, which has responsibility for organizing votes.

In the face of that deal, a group of opposition activists vowed Tuesday to ratchet up disruptive street protests they hope can force Martelly’s from office before his term ends next year. Anti-government protests with tire burning and rock throwing have grown increasingly common in recent months, causing disruptions in downtown Port-au-Prince.

“Martelly will not be able to hold onto power. He is not going to be able to remain. We’re not going to stop until he leaves,” Andre Michel, an opposition figure who is one of the few lawyers in Haiti who takes on legal cases critical of Martelly’s government, told reporters.

The president and his spokesman made no comment, cancelling a news conference for international journalists in Haiti for the fifth anniversary of the 2010 earthquake.

But at a Monday memorial for those killed by the 2010 quake, Martelly thanked the opposition leaders who signed the accord and called for an end to protests that frequently devolve into violence.

“The country already has enough problems,” he said.

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UN, ambassador group pledges support for Haiti leader

Texas deputy tests negative for Ebola - ABLOW: Why Obama is letting Ebolaphobia spread - UN medic arrives in Germany for treatment - Plane cleaners strike - CDC chief: Why I don"t support a travel ban - OPINION: Time for Congress to address crisis

Texas deputy tests negative for Ebola - ABLOW: Why Obama is letting Ebolaphobia spread - UN medic arrives in Germany for treatment - Plane cleaners strike - CDC chief: Why I don"t support a travel ban - OPINION: Time for Congress to address crisis

PM calls for greater corporate support in national cleanup

Saturday, October 04, 2014 | 4:26 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Scores of residents from the community Payne Land, along Spanish Town Road, on Saturday joined in the Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller-led national cleanup initiative.

The move, designed to help rid the areas of mosquito breeding sites, was also supported by telecoms giant Digicel, whose staff members joined in the cleanup effort within several communities.

The maim of the cleanup exercise is to rid areas of the mosquitoes that spread the chikungunya virus.

Addressing the group during the exercise, Simpson Miller commended Digicel on its responsiveness and urged other corporate entities to follow suit in their own communities.

“I want to use Digicel as an example today for other corporates to join the national cleanup efforts in their communities. Let us all work together to clean up Jamaica,” she implored.?

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PM calls for greater corporate support in national cleanup

Strong support for Jah Vinci in French Guiana

File – Jah Vinci

Dancehall artiste Jah Vinci was in top form at the weekend at a concert in South America.

Billed as headliner for the Le Mega Mouv at the Blue Rock in Saint Laurent, French Guiana, the Watch Yuh Friends singer delivered one of his most memorable performances, thrilling hundreds in attendance with an arsenal of songs from his growing catalogue.

Backed by the very experienced Live Wyah Band out of Jamaica, Jah Vinci showed growth and maturity during his set, occasionally taking time out to interact with patrons as he took them on a musical journey.

Following the concert, Jah Vinci said he was very pleased with his performance and thanked the patrons for their continuous support throughout the years.

“As you may be aware, I have faced some challenging times in recent years, but it’s moments like these that keeps me going. The fans came out and showed a lot of support for my music and, that, within itself, is enough to keep me motivated and continue doing good music,” he told the French media during an interview.

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Strong support for Jah Vinci in French Guiana

Strong support for Jah Vinci in French Guiana

File – Jah Vinci

Dancehall artiste Jah Vinci was in top form at the weekend at a concert in South America.

Billed as headliner for the Le Mega Mouv at the Blue Rock in Saint Laurent, French Guiana, the Watch Yuh Friends singer delivered one of his most memorable performances, thrilling hundreds in attendance with an arsenal of songs from his growing catalogue.

Backed by the very experienced Live Wyah Band out of Jamaica, Jah Vinci showed growth and maturity during his set, occasionally taking time out to interact with patrons as he took them on a musical journey.

Following the concert, Jah Vinci said he was very pleased with his performance and thanked the patrons for their continuous support throughout the years.

“As you may be aware, I have faced some challenging times in recent years, but it’s moments like these that keeps me going. The fans came out and showed a lot of support for my music and, that, within itself, is enough to keep me motivated and continue doing good music,” he told the French media during an interview.

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Strong support for Jah Vinci in French Guiana

Caribbean Airlines pilot sickout gets union support

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Friday July 4, 2014, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) Thursday said it understood the frustration of its members after several pilots earlier this week staged a sick out severely disrupting the domestic and international flights of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

In a statement, TTALPA said it wanted to provide and explanation to the travelling public concerning the events on July 1, where according to CAL approximately 47 pilots called in sick.

“CAL has stated its position and we will respond in kind,” the TTALPA said.

CAL Chief executive officer, Michael DeLollo, in an internal memo to staff described the sick out as “unprecedented occurrence’ adding “this unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on our operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers.”

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The airline said that while it is in communication with the TTALPA it “is disappointed with the action of the pilots.

“However, Caribbean Airlines will continue to urge further open and frank discussion in good faith with TTALPA while exploring all options available.”

DiLollo said the airline was also concerned about the potential negative impact of the disruptions to its passengers.

But TTALPA said while as the recognized majority union, it cannot sanction industrial action, “we understand fully the frustration of our individual members.

“This we have pointed out to CAL numerous times over the years and to all levels of the organization. TTALPA has never demanded anything of CAL and has utilized a non-confrontational approach through dialogue, which over the years has been rewarded with broken promises and worst of all, procrastination.”

The union accused CAL of choosing to “avoid the fact that their inaction is the major cause in these events and lay the blame solely at the feet of the pilots.

“TTALPA will continue to support its members,” it said, adding “despite their claims, over the last few years, CAL has not been dealing with us in good faith which has caused us to register our issues with the Ministry of Labour as Trade Disputes.

“However, the pilots continued to exercise extreme patience and professionalism. As of Wednesday 02 July 2014, we have been able to reach partial agreement on some of the more serious issues with further meetings scheduled during this month,” TTALPA added.

It said it wanted to assure the travelling public that “we will continue to deal with CAL’s management transparently and in good faith.

“It is our expectation that CAL will honour its recent commitments. Our members would continue to display the levels of service, professionalism and adherence to safety that has become synonymous with CAL’s pilots and that you have been experiencing over the years. We move forward with a renewed faith and commitment.”

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Caribbean Airlines pilot sickout gets union support

Netball Jamaica lends support to Romelda Aiken

NETBALL Jamaica yesterday issued a statement supporting Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken regarding a recent struggle she has been having with cyber bullying.

The release did not give details of the invasion, but said the star netball player has gone public as a means of setting an example for young, upcoming aspirants.

“Romelda is very brave,” Netball Jamaica’s Public Relations Officer Karen Rosen said in the statement.

“She recognises her position as a role model…and has decided to make the issue public so that she can be a lesson to other young girls.

“Social media is great for interaction and communication, but there are dangers lurking, and the more we talk about these things publicly, is the more we can protect our young people… especially our girls,” the release added.

Aiken, who is a key member of the Queensland Firebirds team, which competes in the ANZ Netball Championship played among franchises based in Australia and New Zealand, is also being supported by the players and management of the Australia-based club.

The matter is under investigation by Australian officials.

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Netball Jamaica lends support to Romelda Aiken

Bustamante Hospital gets JN Group support

Latest News

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 | 5:02 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) say it will donate US$1 to the Shaggy Foundation, for every remittance sent from January 2 to 15, 2014, through any JN Money Transfer (JNMT) branch in New York, Connecticut, Florida, or any JN MoneyShop in Jamaica. The Shaggy Foundation raises funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew Jamaica through an annual charity concert.“This is the only full-service paediatric hospital in the English speaking Caribbean, and it serves a population of approximately 700,000 children,” said Leesa Kow, General Manager of and JN Money Services Ltd (JNMS). “Therefore all of us need to give the promotion our support.”In addition to the donation JNMS, a subsidiary of Jamaica National, will waive remittance fees on donations of JA$2,000 to $5,000 sent to the Shaggy Foundation, through any JN MoneyShop in Jamaica; or, on US$20 to US$100 sent to the Foundation at any JNMT branch in New York, Connecticut and Florida, Kow said. The Shaggy and Friends charity show is slated for January 4, 2014 and features recent winner of The Voice Tessanne Chin as well as finalist Matthew Schuler.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Bustamante Hospital gets JN Group support

Bustamante Hospital gets JN Group support

News

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 | 5:02 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) say it will donate US$1 to the Shaggy Foundation, for every remittance sent from January 2 to 15, 2014, through any JN Money Transfer (JNMT) branch in New York, Connecticut, Florida, or any JN MoneyShop in Jamaica. The Shaggy Foundation raises funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew Jamaica through an annual charity concert.“This is the only full-service paediatric hospital in the English speaking Caribbean, and it serves a population of approximately 700,000 children,” said Leesa Kow, General Manager of and JN Money Services Ltd (JNMS). “Therefore all of us need to give the promotion our support.”In addition to the donation JNMS, a subsidiary of Jamaica National, will waive remittance fees on donations of JA$2,000 to $5,000 sent to the Shaggy Foundation, through any JN MoneyShop in Jamaica; or, on US$20 to US$100 sent to the Foundation at any JNMT branch in New York, Connecticut and Florida, Kow said. The Shaggy and Friends charity show is slated for January 4, 2014 and features recent winner of The Voice Tessanne Chin as well as finalist Matthew Schuler.

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Vaz pledges support for Shaw

BUFF BAY, Portland — While the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Standing Committee was meeting at Belmont Road on Monday night, likely challenger for leadership of the party Audley Shaw was in West Portland shoring up support for his candidacy.

He was supported by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Daryl Vaz, who claimed that Shaw was “the most winnable candidate”. However, Vaz said that West Portland delegates would be free to vote for the candidate of their choice in a leadership race .Speaking at the meeting at Lynch Park, Vaz openly declared his support for Shaw, stating that the media had pushed him to state where his support stood.“Labourites, I have been pushed by the media to say who I am supporting, and I told them that the media don’t dictate my time. I am more than concerned that my name and others are being called on other platforms and not in a complementary manner. My delegates are open to listen to all contenders because, until nomination closes, we don’t know if it is one, two or three candidates,” Vaz said.“I have my personal choice, and I will say it openly in the midst of my family that I will support Audley Shaw. You have your own future, your own mind, your own choice and, unlike others who say I have my one hundred or two hundred delegates locked to X or locked to Y, that is old-style politics, and that is what we are running from,” he stated.“I am not doing it because Audley is my friend, because everybody knows that mi an’ Audley a friend. I am doing it because, in my mind… we have the best chance with Audley. I have nothing bad to say about my current leader or anybody who is supporting him, because everybody has the right to decide his own destiny. (But), we must continue to conduct ourselves in a way that when this exercise is finished, we can all hold hands and heart to get this Government in the shortest possible time,” he declared.Meanwhile, Shaw told the meeting that he will announce his candidacy Sunday night in a national broadcast, instead of Thursday as was previously announced.He blasted the Government on the lack of support for the Finsac Enquiry, the proposed Tivoli Enquiry, and plans to rebuild the economy.“I will be addressing the entire nation on Sunday night… I will also be addressing all of the people of Jamaica,” he stated.Shaw challenged Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips to start an enquiry into the Tivoli Gardens 2010 incursion without completing the report of the enquiry into the 1990s financial sector collapse (Finsac).“I want to know how barefaced they can be. The collapse of the financial sector cost us $140 billion; broke up people’s lives; destroyed businesses; destroyed the productive sector, destroyed agricultural industries, and over 40 financial institutions closed down and many people committed suicide, and you don’t want to give us a report on that! You better give us that report, before you go to any new enquiry,” he demanded.He said that the prime minister’s visit to China brought no new deals, only the finalisation of deals the JLP had already made with the Chinese. He said his Government will grow and build the economy, including small businesses, and will call for continuity in governance for more than one term.“Our mission and my mission and the mission of a government, if God should grant me the opportunity to lead, is to create a society in which our people are well trained to world-class levels of productivity; that they are gainfully employed; that they enjoy a decent standard of living; and importantly, they must enjoy peace and prosperity in a clean, safe, and healthy environment,” he said.Foreground) The Jamaica Labour Party’s Daryl Vaz (left) and Audley Shaw show the victory sign while singing the party song at Monday night’s consultation meeting in Vaz’s West Portland constituency. (PHOTO: EVERARD OWEN)

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Vaz pledges support for Shaw

Merrit echoes lack of spectator support at World Champs

MOSCOW, Aug 11, 2013 (AFP) – Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion Aries Merritt echoed many athletes disappointment at the lack of spectators at the world athletics championships today at the Luzhniki Stadium.

The 28-year-old American – who is also the world record holder in the event – won his first round heat in Moscow earlier today in front of a sparsely populated crowd, which followed on from a disappointing attendance on the opening day on Saturday.Organisers have claimed 80 per cent of tickets have been sold for the nine day championships, and will be hoping for a full house later on Sunday for the men’s 100m semi-finals and final, with the biggest drawcard in the sport Usain Bolt appearing.The average price for tickets is 1000 rubles ($30) which is regarded as affordable for ordinary Muscovites.“Obviously I’m not happy to run at an almost empty arena,” said Merritt, who has had an injury-affected season.“I’d like the venue to be fuller so I can feed off the the crowd’s energy.“In London (at last year’s Olympics) it was very important to feel that the crowd is with you. To feel the energy the crowd gives you.“It’s exciting and you’re happy to be at the stadium.“But I guess it’s too early and I will give the crowd a ’bye’ this time.“I just hope the venue will be packed for the final on Monday.”British star Mo Farah had said that the contrast between his emotional victory in the Olympic 10,000m final and his win in Saturday’s world final was stark in terms of the crowd but added he just got on with it.“It’s hard work,” said the 31-year-old, who will bid to repeat his Olympic double gold in the 5000m later in the week.“Sometimes it’s just easier to go out in the race and do it like my 1500m race in Monaco where I just went out there and ended up running a personal best,” he added.Slovenia’s 2008 Olympic men’s hammer champion Primoz Kozmus was bitterly disappointed by the turnout on Saturday.“The arena and sector are great. I just hope there will be more of a crowd during Monday’s final,” said the 33-year-old, who is bidding to regain his world title.The sparse attendance was even picked up by Brett Gosper, chief executive of the International Rugby Board, who put on the World Cup sevens in the same venue in June, attracting very disappointing crowds after initial claims they had sold 104,000 tickets proved to be far from the case.“Athletics World Champs demonstrating again after Rugby World Cup Sevens that Moscow sporting crowds are not so easy to gather,” the Australian tweeted.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Merrit echoes lack of spectator support at World Champs

Few support Portland Emancipation Vigil

Latest News

Thursday, August 01, 2013 | 10:57 AM

PORTLAND, Jamaica — Few people attended the Emancipation Vigil at the Port Antonio Square Wednesday night as messages were read and the traditional Abeng blown by Maroon Joel Bernard at midnight. The Abeng is an instrument originally used by the Maroons for communication and to celebrate their freedom after wars with the British. Cultural items at the weakly supported event Wednesday were presented by the National Cultural Group for the Blind performing a cadre of folk songs, Breastworks Kumina Group, Turbo Plastic and Prestige band closed the proceedings with a variety of gospel and old hit songs.A proclamation was read by senior Justice of the Peace for Portland Hugh Perry. Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Few support Portland Emancipation Vigil

Phillips urges support for govt’s economic reform programme

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Finance and Planning Minister, Peter Phillips, is again urging national support for Government’s Economic Reform Programme (ERP), which he says aims to reduce the country’s debt, and set a platform for growth.

Speaking at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Biz Clinic 2013 Forum at the Mandeville Hotel, on Thursday, July 25, Phillips, while acknowledging that the programme’s implementation was a pre-requisite for concluding the new US$932.3 million four-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF), emphasised that it is also a “requirement for us to put our economy on a firm footing to achieve sustained levels of growth.”The programme, components of which have either been implemented or are currently being embarked on, aims to reduce Jamaica’s debt from the current 145 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), to 96 per cent by 2020. These components include: attainment of a 7.5 per cent primary budgetary surplus target; implementation of a National Debt Exchange (NDX) programme; tax reform; and public sector reform, restructuring of salaries to reduce ratio to GDP from 10.6 per cent, as at March 31, 2013, to nine per cent by 2015/16. Saying that there is “a tendency on the part of commentators” to associate the programme solely with the EFF, Dr Phillips stressed that whether or not there was an agreement, “we need these economic reforms, primarily, because we have an unsustainable level of public debt.”“It is true that the pain generally comes before the gain, and we are in a period now where the stresses are being felt. But, it is also the case that we can see the prospects of the growth, which is the focus of the entire programme,” he noted.Dr Phillips pointed out that inflation outturn for the April to June quarter was 1.2 per cent, which fell below the two to three per cent forecast.  Additionally, he said the Net International Reserves  (NIR) stood at just over US$1 billion, representing approximately 13 weeks of goods and services imports. This figure, he said, was US$119 million higher than the outturn at the end of the January to March quarter. “The turnaround will not come instantaneously. But, I think it is important to recognise that there are important opportunities for us to even exceed what, admittedly, are moderate growth targets for the first phase of our programme,” the minister said. “We can…complain about all the things that could be different, or we can become part of the change. I want to urge all of you to inform yourselves and be evangelists for economic reform in the country,” Dr Phillips added.

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Phillips urges support for govt’s economic reform programme

Phillips urges support for govt’s economic reform programme

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Finance and Planning Minister, Peter Phillips, is again urging national support for Government’s Economic Reform Programme (ERP), which he says aims to reduce the country’s debt, and set a platform for growth.

Speaking at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Biz Clinic 2013 Forum at the Mandeville Hotel, on Thursday, July 25, Phillips, while acknowledging that the programme’s implementation was a pre-requisite for concluding the new US$932.3 million four-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF), emphasised that it is also a “requirement for us to put our economy on a firm footing to achieve sustained levels of growth.”The programme, components of which have either been implemented or are currently being embarked on, aims to reduce Jamaica’s debt from the current 145 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), to 96 per cent by 2020. These components include: attainment of a 7.5 per cent primary budgetary surplus target; implementation of a National Debt Exchange (NDX) programme; tax reform; and public sector reform, restructuring of salaries to reduce ratio to GDP from 10.6 per cent, as at March 31, 2013, to nine per cent by 2015/16. Saying that there is “a tendency on the part of commentators” to associate the programme solely with the EFF, Dr Phillips stressed that whether or not there was an agreement, “we need these economic reforms, primarily, because we have an unsustainable level of public debt.”“It is true that the pain generally comes before the gain, and we are in a period now where the stresses are being felt. But, it is also the case that we can see the prospects of the growth, which is the focus of the entire programme,” he noted.Dr Phillips pointed out that inflation outturn for the April to June quarter was 1.2 per cent, which fell below the two to three per cent forecast.  Additionally, he said the Net International Reserves  (NIR) stood at just over US$1 billion, representing approximately 13 weeks of goods and services imports. This figure, he said, was US$119 million higher than the outturn at the end of the January to March quarter. “The turnaround will not come instantaneously. But, I think it is important to recognise that there are important opportunities for us to even exceed what, admittedly, are moderate growth targets for the first phase of our programme,” the minister said. “We can…complain about all the things that could be different, or we can become part of the change. I want to urge all of you to inform yourselves and be evangelists for economic reform in the country,” Dr Phillips added.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Phillips urges support for govt’s economic reform programme

China Harbour continues to support Jamaican athletes

JAMAICA’S Paralympians were given a further financial boost towards participating at the IPC Athletics World Championships in France, as China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) pumped in $500,000 towards their expenses.

With the games set to run from July 20-29, the total sponsorship package to date is $4.4m following Digicel’s $2.4m, and Supreme Ventures’ $1.9m . The opening ceremony was held Friday in Lyon.Jennifer Armond, CHEC’s communications manager, told the Jamaica Observer that her organisation is continuing its support for Jamaican athletes.“China Harbour has projects in 80 countries around the world and they always try to find ways where they can blend in with the culture of each country they enter, and being an engineering and construction company, mostly male-oriented, sports tends to be a definitive way to do so. Then, of course, Jamaica being a “Track Star” country, makes it an added attraction in the decision-making process,” said Armond.“CHEC’s sponsorship of sporting activities started in 2011 with a $300,000 donation to the Christina High School daCosta Cup football team for their purchase of gear and other items needed to compete.“This school was located adjacent to our Christiana Development Road JDIP project, so we granted their request as part of our corporate social responsibility policy that is integral to CHEC’s company culture of assisting worthwhile causes as for community development,” she noted.“China Harbour then caught the Olympic fever in August 2012 and handed over US$20,000 to the Jamaica Olympic Association in support of the Jamaican athletes in their 2012 London Olympics Games competition. Soon after their victorious return, CHEC spent an additional $2m towards a celebratory concert at the National Arena in October 2012, to honour the athletes, coaching staff and officials to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Armond added.She noted that these donations sparked the interest of other sporting bodies and requests started arriving in their numbers.“A decision was made by our regional general manager, Zhongdong Tang, that China Harbour Engineering Company should support the sport of football through the local Premier League Clubs Association, and they did by donating a whopping $22 million. He felt that as a main contractor for projects all across the country, the boost in football would be a formidable way to reach to the hearts and pockets of the young men that live in the communities who enjoy playing and watching the sport. The donation was used to help maintain the welfare of the football clubs across Jamaica.“The $30,000 ‘Starballer of the Month’ prize was an added incentive to encourage the players, on an individual level, to perform at their best so that in the short term they could win an immediate cash reward and in the longer term add an accolade to their resume, which worked out well for the April 2013 Starballer, Jermie Lynch, who was signed on for a six-month loan contract at Club Deportivo Luis Ángel Firpo in El Salvador,” she added.“At the moment we are reviewing our past experience in sponsoring the 2012-2013 PCLA competition before we make a decision on the coming season, but meanwhile we have continued our interest in track and field events.“As CHEC’s investments and interest deepen in Jamaica and the region, so will their support for cultural exchange; the company’s approach of inclusion and collaboration will prove itself in the days ahead,” said Armond.Jamaica will be represented by seven athletes of which the Championships are expected to draw nearly 2,000 athletes from 118 countries.The team will be captained by Tanto Campbell, who will participate in the F54/56 discus throw. The 2012 Olympic champion Alphanso Cunningham will be looking to continue his rich vein of form at Championships in the F52/53 javelin and discus events. Sylvia Grant is the only woman and will be in the F57/58 javelin and discus. The team is completed by Shane Hudson (T46 200m and 400m); Davis Bascoe (T46 200m and 400m); Romadeo Williams (T46 200m and 400m); and Isaiah Simms (T13 100m and 200m).Neville Sinclair will be the coach with Suzanne Harris-Henry the chef de mission, among the five officials with the team. Jennifer Armond (left), CHEC’s communications manager, handing over the symbolic cheque to Randy Jones (second right), director of the Jamaica Paralympics Association, and Christopher Samuda (right), president, JPA. Also sharing in the moment is Xiao Yanming, general affairs manager, CHEC.

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China Harbour continues to support Jamaican athletes

Prince gets strong support at Cassia Park nomination

Latest News

Thursday, July 18, 2013 | 1:28 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A sea of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters descended along Molynes Road this morning in support of candidate Beverly Prince as she prepares for nomination in Cassia Park Division by-election.Prince, expressing confidence, said that she will be banking on her years of hard work to bring her through to secure a victory for JLP.“I am very confident of my chances,” said Prince, moments after she entered the Tarrant Baptist Church for nomination.Prince previously served three terms as councillor for the Cassia Park Division, between 1998 and 2011 before moving to the Hagley Park Division in 2012 where she lost. Her competitor Sheryl Bloomfield is daughter of the late People’s National Party (PNP) former councillor for the Division, Cynthia Burrell.Burrell, whose death on May 30 triggered the by-election, was initially councillor for the Norman Gardens Division of East Kingston and Port Royal between 1986 and 1998, before moving to Cassia Park in 2012.Prince this morning received support from JLP top brass in leader Andrew Holness, Desmond McKenzie, Horace Chang and several other party officials who were present at the nomination.The by-election is scheduled for August 8.- Kimmo MatthewsLike our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Prince gets strong support at Cassia Park nomination

Prince gets strong support at Cassia Park nomination

News

Thursday, July 18, 2013 | 1:28 PM

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A sea of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters descended along Molynes Road this morning in support of candidate Beverly Prince as she prepares for nomination in Cassia Park Division by-election.Prince, expressing confidence, said that she will be banking on her years of hard work to bring her through to secure a victory for JLP.“I am very confident of my chances,” said Prince, moments after she entered the Tarrant Baptist Church for nomination.Prince previously served three terms as councillor for the Cassia Park Division, between 1998 and 2011 before moving to the Hagley Park Division in 2012 where she lost. Her competitor Sheryl Bloomfield is daughter of the late People’s National Party (PNP) former councillor for the Division, Cynthia Burrell.Burrell, whose death on May 30 triggered the by-election, was initially councillor for the Norman Gardens Division of East Kingston and Port Royal between 1986 and 1998, before moving to Cassia Park in 2012.Prince this morning received support from JLP top brass in leader Andrew Holness, Desmond McKenzie, Horace Chang and several other party officials who were present at the nomination.The by-election is scheduled for August 8.- Kimmo Matthews

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

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Prince gets strong support at Cassia Park nomination

St Ann Victim Support Unit coordinator faces sexual offense charge

Latest News

Friday, June 28, 2013 | 6:43 PM

ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann — A St Ann Victim Support Unit coordinator facing a sexual relation charge was remanded in custody when he appeared in the St Ann’s Bay Resident Magistrate Court on Friday, June 28.Thirty-nine-year-old Lincoln Dennis of Moneague, St Ann was reportedly charged by the Centre for Investigations of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) with sexual touching of a child on Tuesday, June 25.Dennis who operates under the Minister of Justice counselling arm was allegedly asked earlier this year to counsel the child, when the incident occurred.The child is said to be under 16 years old; the sex of the child has not been revealed.The accused will reappear in court on Tuesday, July 2. Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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St Ann Victim Support Unit coordinator faces sexual offense charge