South Coast News

The community of Alligator Pond,located on the southwestern border ofManchester and St. Elizabeth, has

become world famous for its seafood. Resting at the foot of the Don Figero

Mountains, approximately 35 km fromMandeville, the fishing village has become amecca for locals and foreigners alike, whocrave for a laid back day of enjoying the rusticcharm that Jamaica's south coast has to offer,while partaking of the freshly caught and delec-tably prepared bounty of the sea.

The Little Ochie restaurant with its uniquedining booths in the shape of canoes is perhapsthe most famous Jamaican eatery in the world.With the drive to expand south coast communi-ty based tourism pushing full steam ahead,Alligator Pond has been identified as one ofthose locations with the greatest potential forsuccess in this fast growing segment ofJamaica's tourism product.

In January of this year the annual AlligatorPond regatta was revived after becoming dor-mant for a number of years. This event, whichbegan some 20 years ago as a New Year's Dayspectacle, had over the years been reduced to a

fragmented activity, with no boat races.According to Programmes Co-ordinator at

the Manchester Parish DevelopmentCommittee, Ms. Angela Lawrence, the move torevive the regatta was part of the local sustain-able development profile for the parish andformed one of many development plans for theAlligator Pond area.

She pointed out that members of theAlligator Pond community wished to embracecommunity tourism, as well as the developmentof the nearby cays and river as tourist attrac-tions.

"This year the Citizens Association, theLittle Hands Committee and Little Ochie decid-ed that instead of everybody doing their ownseparate thing, they would come together andformed a committee called the Friends ofAlligator Pond. The Manchester ParishDevelopment Committee was invited to facili-tate this process and to work with the groupsand to help them develop this as an annualevent, so we helped them to organise the activ-ities and bring back the boat races," she said.

But instead of being a celebration of all thatwas good about Alligator Pond, New Year'sDay 2010 proved to be the most disastrous inthe community's recent history.

Civil UnrestWith thousands of revelers flooding into the

area for the festivities, the community eruptedinto a riot triggered by a controversial shootingincident by the police which left one communi-ty resident dead and another in hospital.

As frightened and panicking residents andvisitors alike attempted to flee the area throughthe massive buildup of traffic, some villagersturned their wrath on the police station, hurling

missiles and damaging several vehicles on thestation compound.

The police responded with gunfire and teargas canisters that sent people scurrying forcover. Following the intervention of seniorpolice officers the situation was defused and anuneasy calm returned to the community the fol-lowing day. However, the damage to the repu-tation of Alligator Pond had already been done,with news of the disturbance featuring promi-nently in the local media and on the Internet.

Although, the long term damage to theregion's tourism potential is yet to be fullyassessed, the community is said to have madesome recovery in the short term. The samehowever cannot be said for the enviromentaldamage that is being caused by the very activi-ty that has brought the community its fame.

Environmental DamageAs a community that has made its fame from

fishing, many of those who reap the bounty ofthe sea show little concern for the environmentin which they work.

Careless practices by some fishermen havecontributed to the severe pollution of theAlligator Pond fishing beach. The sand alongthe shoreline has been stained black, caused bythe spilling of oil from the fishing boats that usethe beach.

According to one member of the fishingcommunity who requested anonymity, this isoftentimes the result of repairs being made toengines by fishermen directly on the beach. Healso spoke of persons changing the oil in theirengines and discarding the used oil directly onthe beach in the belief that it would be absorbedinto the sand. This mistaken belief has not onlycaused major pollution of the beach but also thewater along the shoreline as well. Clean upwould involve removing and replacing the pol-luted sand, a task that would cost millions ofdollars.

April 5 - 18, 2010 • [email protected]• A community newspaper serving the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth

$50Gov't. exploring new wind energy sites

Alligator Pond under siege

Page 7

The oil-stained beach in Alligator Pond. Poor sanitation and waste disposal practices by local fishermen has led to significant damage to the community’s environment.

2008 Press Assn. of JamaicaDouble Awardee

Little Ochie Seaford Restaurant

See Alligator Pond on page 2

Persons blocking roads in Alligator Pond onNew Year’s Day

Empty fuel containers and garbage also litter thebeach, testimony to the lack effort being made to sanitisethe area by those who rely on it for their livelihood.

Much of this damage is in close proximity to the pop-ular Little Ochie seafood restaurant and where oncepatrons could take a 'dip' before enjoying their meal, fewvisitors today will risk the possible health consequencesof swimming in the polluted water.

Another cause for concern is the vending of fish on thebeach adjacent to Little Ochi. For over 20 years therestaurant has been providing excellent service andatmosphere to patrons. Now, all that good PR is at riskbecause of a growing number of persons who attempt tosell raw fish to patrons of the restaurant.

This fish is often scaled and gutted directly on thebeach, creating an offensive smell and attracting flies,which in turn cause a major inconvenience for patrons ofthe restaurant.

Efforts by Little Ochie proprietor Evrol “Blackie'Christian to create some sort of order in how these ven-dors operate has proven ineffective, with him beingaccused of 'giving we a fight'.

The bottom line is, battered as it is by social, econom-ic and environmental challenges, Alligator Pond is quick-ly losing its unique charm and attraction and needs imme-diate action to stem the destructive practices plaguing thecommunity.

In April 2003, the Gleaner's Outlook Magazine had thisto say about Alligator Pond:“Little Ochie in Alligator Pond Manchester, is prime spotfor weekend or holiday getaways.

Here is one place where you will not be overwhelmedby crowds, harassed by vendors and touts or disgusted bypolluted environment.

Make your way past Mandeville and down towards thesouth coast bay which is much loved for relaxation andplay.

The destination is famous for its food, as much as forits beach.

Enjoy fried or steamed fish and festival and bammy,and play in the rough waters and silver-sand beach of thesouth coast location.”

How much of this article is still true today?

The Government has allo-cated $148 million to theNational Irrigation

Development Project to increasecrop production and diversity,thereby increasing farm incomesand rural employment in the longterm.

Implemented in May 2002, theproject is jointly funded by theGovernment and the CaribbeanDevelopment Bank (CDB), and hasthree pilot projects, located at PedroPlains and Hounslow in St.Elizabeth, and Seven Rivers in St.James.

Among the physical targets for2007/08 are: the completion of theregistration of three Water UserAssociations, continued irrigationtraining and management pro-grammes for Association members;testing and commissioning the Little

Park/Beacon irrigation system;commissioning of the Seven Riversirrigation system; and completingthe rehabilitation and expansion ofthe Hounslow irrigation system.

Among the achievements of thefour year project are: the establish-ment of a project steering commit-tee; a social organizer and engineer-ing consultant has been engaged;and three Water User groups havebeen formed.

In addition, the installation ofpipes and fitting of appurtenance forthe Little Park/Beacon irrigationsystem was completed; the installa-tion of new pipelines and partialreplacement of old asbestos pipeswere completed; two wells wererehabilitated; and a new switchgearand pumps were also installed atthese wells.

2 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS April 5 - 18, 2010

SOUTH COASTNEWS

Unit 2- 10 Ward Ave.Mandeville, Manchester

Tel: 305-0435 (Claro)381-3564 (Digicel) 531-4785 (LIME)

[email protected]

Editor Clive Williams

WritersHoward HendriksShereido Carter

PhotographersClive Williams

Phillip LemonteCarl Levy

Jessica Williams

Special thanks to the JamaicaInformation Service

A child splashes in the water beside a sign declining liability for raw fish purchased from vendors along thebeach adjacent to the Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant.

Alligator Pond from page 1

Big boost for irrigation project

3MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS April 5 - 18, 2010

All the eligible degree programmesoffered by the University College ofthe Caribbean (UCC) have recently

received the official stamp of approval fromthe University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), thegovernment's quality assurance body forhigher educational institutions in Jamaica.

In welcoming this important milestone, UCCPresident, Winston Adams said it “will undoubt-edly increase the marketability of the thousandsof past and future graduates of UCC.”

He added that the granting of programmaticaccreditation was “an expression of the contin-ued confidence in the institution's missions andgoals, the quality of our faculty and students,our academic programmes and the level andappropriateness of our resources to deliver qual-ity programmes.”

Vice-President of Academic and StudentAffairs, Dr. Grace Turner said this latest accred-itation of UCC's degree programmes will resultin several benefits to students.

“Government employees who study with uswill be able to receive financial assistance from

the government,” she noted. “A second benefitto UCC students is that they will now be able to receive financial aid from the Students' LoanBureau, which does not fund studies at institu-tions that are not listed as having accredited pro-grammes,” Dr Turner disclosed.

A third benefit, she suggested, is that UCCgraduates who have been denied promotionin government agencies, because their pro-grammes of study were not yet accredited, maynow be eligible to receive their promotions andany increments due. Dr Turner also noted that programmatic accreditation now made it mucheasier for UCC graduates to transfer credits and articulate into masters degree programmesoffered by other local or internationaluniversities.

A total of six degree programmes offered byUCC have now been fully accredited by theUCJ. They are the:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in HumanResource Management

• Bachelor of Science Degree in BusinessAdministration

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing• Bachelor of Science Degree in

Informational Technology• Associate of Science Degree in Business

Administration • Associate of Science Degree in Management

Information Systems (MIS) UCC is the first private independent univer-

sity college in the region to have all its eligibledegree programmes accredited, following thegranting of institutional registration and recog-nition status in 2007 from the UCJ to develop,deliver and award degree programmes in busi-ness and related areas.

UCC was established in 2004 from a mergerof the Institute of Management Sciences, andthe Institute of Management and Production,totaling 33 years of providing tertiary educationand training to mainly working professionals.The university has nine locations based inKingston, May Pen, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios,Mandeville and Savanna-la-Mar.

Amendments to make the GeneralConsumption Tax (GCT) collectionmore effective and also to reduce

interest on Income Tax have been approvedby Cabinet.

Minister with responsibility for Information,Daryl Vaz, said the Income Tax Act will beamended to reduce the interest on late paymentsfrom 40% to 20%. This reduction is expected toencourage taxpayers with arrears to come for-ward and clear their outstanding balances.

The Minister indicated that the changes to theGCT Act will also affect imported services. Thechanges will define an imported service; specify

the time of the supply of an imported service andthe calculation of input taxes on imported servic-es.

The amendments will address fixed penaltiesrelating to improper display and handling of theGCT certificate and also to compel taxpayers tobe registered with the GCT Commissioner.There will be clarity on the application of GCTon one-off major entertainment events.

The amendments will also remove the dispar-ity between the treatment of imported raw mate-rials and the procurement of raw materials local-ly by manufacturers.

The General Manager of Independence Park Limited, Major Desmon Brown has alsobeen appointed, temporarily, in the capacity of General Manager of the SportsDevelopment Foundation.

Major Brown's appointment at the SDF, effective April 1, comes upon the end of the contract ofthe previous General Manager Mr Ludlow Watts. Mr Watts' contract ended on March 31, 2010.

The decision to appoint Major Brown to lead both entities now, instead of appointing a newGeneral Manager of the SDF, is in keeping with the ongoing public sector transformation processand the plans to re-organise the agencies of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for greaterimpact and efficiency.

Adjustments made to GCT act

Sports DevelopmentFoundation gets new head

UCC degrees now fully accredited

Students of the Montego Bay Community College share an umbrellaone rainy afternoon recently.


Despite economic downturn

Sumfest 2010 a ‘go’ showFollowing one of its most successful staging last year, there is

currently a great deal of debate as to whether ReggaeSumfest will take place this year.

2010 would see the week-long music festival celebrating its 18thanniversary but the lack of information about this year's renewal isfueling speculation that the economic downturn that began last yearand from which many people across the world, including Jamaica areyet to recover from, would make staging the festival an economic dis-aster. The lack of a title sponsor and no word as to what acts will head-line the festival is also being viewed suspiciously.

Well, Sumfest fans need not worry as word from the organisers,Summerfest Productions is that all systems are go for the staging ofthis year's festival. Despite a later than usual start, plans they say arein full gear to make this year's event a success.

Reggae Sumfest 2010 will take place July 18 - 24 in Montego Bay,with the opening beach party being followed by the main events at theCatherine Hall home of the festival.

Over upcoming weeks, more details will be released to the publicabout the event. In the meantime, here's a flashback to last year's fes-tival.

It is not easy for any country tofind opportunities to guide itsfuture, while at the same time

struggling to dig itself out of arecession.

But opportunities exist for politi-cal and business leaders to rethinkthe economic path that lies beforethem, even if there may be failuresand disappointments along the way.The global financial crisis also offersthe opportunity for reflection and there-alignment of goals.

As the stand-by agreement withthe International Monetary Fund hasnow been signed, Jamaica is nowentering a critical period of re-adjust-ment to challenging times, as well ashard work to address those chal-lenges.

Professor David Westbrook, whois currently visiting Professor of Lawat the University of Kansas andWashburn University School of Lawin Kansas, will be visiting Jamaicafrom April 14-16, 2010, to discussways in which countries like Jamaicacan move forward in the wake of theglobal crisis.

His visit is sponsored by the U.S.State Department and organized bythe U.S. Embassy's Public AffairsSection. During his stay, he willengage in discussions with WomenBusiness Owners, the PlanningInstitute of Jamaica, the SmallBusiness Association of Jamaica andprivate sector leaders.

On Wednesday, April 14 he willparticipate in a panel discussion atthe U.S. Embassy, under the theme“Moving Forward from a StrongFoundation: Options andOpportunities for the JamaicanEconomy,” with financial analystDennis Chung (author of “ChartingJamaica's Economic and SocialDevelopment”).

On Thursday, April 15, ProfessorWestbrook will visit the parish ofClarendon as a guest of theClarendon Chamber of Commerce.He will discuss how the local busi-ness sector is addressing some of thechallenges of globalization and willtour local businesses for a first-handlook.

Professor Westbrook is the FloydH. and Hilda L. Hurst Faculty

Scholar at the University at BuffaloLaw School at the State University ofNew York (SUNY), where he teachesvarious courses in corporations,finance and business as well as inter-national law.

He is the author of “Out of theCrisis: Rethinking our FinancialMarkets” (2009). He is a respectedvoice on financial market reform andglobalization, and has spoken at theChinese Academy of Social Sciences,the London School of Economics and

NATO headquarters in Belgium,among others.

He was also invited to the inaugu-ral “policy roundtable” of the Bureauof European Policy Advisors to dis-cuss responses to the financial crisis.

Professor Westbrook received hislaw degree in 1992 from HarvardUniversity, where he was a FordFellow; and a bachelor's in 1988from Emory University, where hewas a Woodruff Scholar.


Visiting U.S. professor to eye post-recession economy

The House of Representativeshas passed the Bill for thecreation of an Independent

Commission of Investigations toprobe abuse of rights by the securi-ty forces.

The Commission will also havethe authority to investigate otheragents of the state, such as correc-tional and customs officers involvedin such acts.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding,explained that one amendmentrequires the Commissioner of Policeto implement measures to ensure thatpolice personnel, as soon as practica-ble after being notified of an incident,attend the scene to ensure its preser-vation, until the arrival of an investi-gator assigned by the IndependentCommission.

Thereafter, each member is obli-gated to continue to take steps to pre-serve the scene, until theCommission's investigator is satis-

fied that it is no longer necessary.But Member of Parliament for

East Central St. Andrew, Dr. PeterPhillips, expressed concern that animpractical situation may be created,where there are two authorities (theCommission's investigator, and thepolice) in charge.

"We run the risk of creating a kindof paralysis in some situations, byjust having the bifurcation of author-ities that would take place," Dr.Phillips contended. He suggested,instead, that the police, to whom thecommissioner's powers are delegat-ed, be allowed to exercise ultimateauthority.

However, Mr. Golding explainedthat the intent behind the establish-ment of the Commission would befrustrated if it is not able to preserveevidence.

"Which is why, it is only in rela-tion to the preservation of evidencethat we are defining this superior

authority and responsibility and plac-ing it with the Commission," thePrime Minister explained.

Mr. Golding pointed out that cur-rently, once the Bureau of SpecialInvestigations' (BSI) representativesarrive, they take charge of the crimescene. However, this presents a prob-lem as the BSI represents the policetherefore, in essence, the police isinvestigating itself.

"The BSI could be there in twocapacities - investigating what hap-pened, but also investigating the con-duct of one of their own. We run intothis problem of, how do we make theinvestigating authority independent,but still support it with the statutoryauthority it needs to discharge itsinvestigating duty," he pointed out.

"The purpose of all of this is tohold agents of the State accountableand, therefore, put the investigativebody in charge of that scene, wherethe accountability and the conduct of

an agent of the state is being calledinto question, without necessarilydoing prejudice to the investigationof any crime that may have beencommitted in the course of theresponse to which an abuse of rightsmay have taken place," Mr. Goldingstated.

Another significant amendment toBill is that members of the JamaicaDefence Force (JDF) will becomeliable to being investigated if theycommit a breach of the Act, even ifthey were not part of a joint opera-tion.

The amendments also require bod-ies, other than the police, to notify theCommission once they receive

reports of, or are aware of an incidentthat is deemed an offence.

Additionally, a member of thesecurity forces, or a specified official,who in the course of his/her dutiesbecomes aware of, (or) is involved inany incident, must take steps that arenecessary, including reporting thecase to the responsible officer toensure that a report is made to theCommission, will also have regionaloffices.

The Act was passed with 33amendments. The Commission willreplace both the BSI and the PolicePublic Complaints Authority(PPCA).


Members of the Black River Police apprehend a suspected pickpocket in the town

Anew computer lab wasopened at the ChristianaPrimary School, in

Manchester, on March 31. It has been named in honour of the

late past student and Jamalco engineer,

Mr. Kirk Rattray.The lab contains some 28 comput-

ers, and construction was made possi-ble through the efforts of the Ministryof Education and donations from per-sons including members of the Rattray

family.At the dedication ceremony,

Principal of the school Mr. PaulBaker, argued that computers havebecome a necessity in every sphereof life as they facilitate commerceand education.

"A computer is no longer an itemof want; rather, it is an item of need,so we must be computer literate. Inthis regard, it was visionary that per-sons thought of constructing a com-puter lab at the school to facilitateour students with knowledge of thecomputer and how it is used to theiradvantage," the Principal said.

Ms. Yvonne Rattray, sister ofKirk, said that her brother wasdeeply involved with affairs at theschool, as he provided financial sup-port for various activities there.

"He wanted to help build a commu-nity centre in the area, and with this inmind, he had given a part of a bonusthat he had received from his work-place, and we continued from there.The family is honoured. They couldhave named it after other people, butthey chose him. We will do what wecan to help in its maintenance, and toequip it with more computers," shesaid.

Meanwhile, Senior Adviser to theMinister of Education, Mr. AlphansusDavis, lauded the contributions of pri-vate citizens in the building of thecomputer lab, noting that it was doneas a collaborative effort in the interestof nation building.

Highlighting government's goal ofachieving 100 per cent literacy by theyear 2015, he assured that the comput-er laboratory was bound to improvethe learning skills of students at theschool.

Christiana Primary has more than1,200 students on roll, served by 40teachers.

Independent police investigations bill passed

New computer lab donated to Christiana Primary School


The St. Paul's Basic School in Manchester wasstruggling to keep its doors open due tocrammed and uncomfortable conditions in a 15'

x 17' space which they shared with the St. Paul'sPrimary School.

The school was barely able to sustain itself financiallyas operators were unable to increase the school populationand had to depend on fund-raisers and the kindness ofbusinesses in the area.

On Friday March 19 that situation began to change asthe dream of a modern and adequate facility for the stu-dents was realised when the Culture, Health Arts, Sportsand Education Fund (CHASE) handed over a newly con-structed school building at a cost of $21 million.

“Now we can truly live out our motto 'Be Your best'…. today we are opening the new doors of learning andwill continue to be the cream of the crop in Manchester,”said Mrs. Elaine Mitchell, principal of the school.

The new building which is specifically designed tomeet the standards of the Early Childhood Commission(ECC) and to expose young students to modern learningand training at the beginning our their school life, nowboasts three spacious and comfortable classrooms withfixtures and furniture; kitchen and bathroom facilities, aswell as play equipment with security perimeter fencing.

Mr. W. Billy Heaven, Chief Executive Officer of theCHASE Fund in his address to the gathering, pointed outthat a pretty building would not, by itself deliver qualityeducation at the early childhood level.

“This is just one of the several standards required bythe Commission and factors such as the qualification ofteachers and their attitude towards students; the develop-mental and education programmes; as well as the stu-dents' nutrition and safety are also critical,” Mr. Heavensaid.

The CHASE CEO further stated the importance ofschools having proper management structures in place toensure transparent accounting principles, plans and poli-cies. “If we allow this critical investment to go down thedrain, then the education of our children will also godown,” he pointed out..

Mr. Heaven pointed to research, which he said, showedthat from birth to age 6, the growth of children's mental

and physical abilities progressed at an astounding rate anda very high proportion of learning took place at this stage.

“This is where we need to provide them with positivelearning experiences. If we fail them, we must prepare forthe consequences. If they do not reap the benefits of agood early childhood education, they are more likely to bearrested for violent crimes by age 18 and eventuallybecome chronic law breakers,” the CEO added.

Parents Must Get Involved TooThe parents in the audience were also encouraged by

Mr. Heaven, to become an integral part of the educationof their children as, he pointed out, the teachers alonecould not take on all the responsibilities. “You, the par-ents, are their first teachers and I urge you to provide theright environment, the attention and affection for the chil-dren to develop in a healthy manner,” he said

Since its inception, CHASE has committed some J$1.4billion to the early childhood education sector to facilitateinfrastructure development, teacher training, curriculumdevelopment, the provision of state-of-the-art equipmentand teaching aids, nutrition, research as well as the deliv-ery of services for children with special needs.

The Fund has built and expanded 354 schools at a costof $796 million; provided $359 million for trainingsome1,426 teachers at the diploma level and approximate-ly 4,000 at level 2. Added to that, the Fund has also con-centrated on nutritional support to the tune of $219 mil-lion.

Chase hands over $21 millionbasic school in Manchester

Custos of St Elizabeth, Albert Farquharsonpassed away in hospital on April 16 after abrief illness. He was 84 years old.

The retired teacher, who ended his professional careeras principal of Lacovia High School, served as Custos for15 years.

Friends and associates hailed Custos Farquharson as adignified son of St. Elizabeth who selflessly served theparish.

According to Wilfred Nembhard, President of the St.Elizabeth Lay Magistrates Association, the Custos con-tributed so much to the development of the parish that hislife should be celebrated rather than mourning his death.

He spoke of Mr. Farquharson's outstanding service toearly childhood and secondary education, as well as to thecommunity by way of his work as a teacher and LayMagistrate.

Mayor of Black River and chairman of the St.Elizabeth Parish Council, Jeremy Palmer, rememberedMr. Farquharson as one "who carried out his duties withthe greatest amount of dignity... he was truly a man whoserved his parish and his country very well".

Prime Minister Bruce Golding in noting the passing,recalls Mr. Farquharson as a senior Custos who served hisparish with outstanding dignity and who was devoted toseveral causes, chief of which was education.

Mr. Golding noted that “Custos Farquharson gave hislife to the development of the parish first as a teacher andprincipal and then as its first citizen, the Custos. His lifeexemplified the work ethic of the bread basket parish ofJamaica, St Elizabeth. On behalf of the government, Igive thanks for his many years of service as Custos andextend condolences to his family.”

Custos Farquharson is survived by two sons.

St. Elizabeth Custos passes on

Students of the St. Paul's Basic School in Manchester perform acultural item during a ceremony held on Friday March 19 toopen their spacious new school.

The Jamaica BusinessDevelopment Corporation(JBDC) will now assume

full responsibility for all micro andsmall business activity, asGovernment moves to streamlinethe small business sector.

The announcement was made inParliament recently by Minister ofIndustry, Investment & Commerce,Karl Samuda, who said that opera-tions of the Micro InvestmentDevelopment Agency, (MIDA) and

all small business activity previouslymanaged by JAMPRO will be incor-porated into the JBDC.

Outlining Government's measuresto stimulate business and spur eco-nomic recovery, Minister Samudaasserted that the small business sec-tor represents “one of the mostimportant recovery tools” because ofits capacity to create jobs at thecheapest possible price.

The Industry Minister pointed outthat craft manufacturing holds great

potential for the future of Jamaica'ssmall business sector, but that there'sneed for training. In this regard, theMinister said he will be part of thePrime Minister's official delegationto China, and will seek technicalassistance and training for Jamaica'sindigenous craftsmen in the “finerpoints, so that their products are notsimply eye-catching but are of inter-national standard.”

To achieve the best results, he said,his Ministry will be working in con-

junction with the Ministry ofTourism, the Craft Institute and theMinistry of Youth, Sports andCulture.

The Minister said other keyaspects in the effort to reinvigoratethe Micro, Small and MediumEnterprise (MSME) sector willinclude the expansion of direct lend-ing through the JBDC. He noted that483 jobs were generated from the$150-M the JBDC loaned to thesmall business sector last year.

Delinquency rate on these loans wasjust 2%, he reported.

Additional measures that willdirectly impact the MSME sectorwill include increased fundingthrough the Development Bank ofJamaica; and greater collaborationwith other Approved FinancialInstitutions (AFIs) on training andproject development, the Ministerstated.

Jampro, formerly JamaicaTrade and Invest, has re-opened its office in Canada

after a five-and-a-half-yearabsence.

The office, managed byRegional Manager, Robert Kerrand with support from SeniorConsulting Officer, NardiaMcKenzie, will service all ofNorth America and is situated atthe Jamaican Consulate General inToronto.

Minister of Industry, Investmentand Commerce, Hon. KarlSamuda, said the re-opening of theNorth American office and theLondon division two years ago,will serve to re-engage Jamprointernationally.

"Jampro will be seeking to pro-mote and introduce Jamaicanproducts to potential buyers andalso to try to encourage Canadianbusinesses to look at Jamaica

favourably as a location to invest,especially as far as the JamaicanDiaspora is concerned," he said.

Noting that the Diaspora has acritical role to play in the recoveryof the Jamaican economy, he saidthat the worldwide financial crisiswill soon be over and "we don'twant to lose the opportunity of lay-ing a solid foundation for thefuture."

"If we're able to look at Jamaicaas our home, no matter where inthe world we live, and try to giveas much help and assistance, bothin terms of technical expertise andphysical investment, then I'm pret-ty sure it will advance the processof recovery," Mr. Samuda stated.

Stating that the climate fordoing business in Jamaica isimproving, he informed that, "wenow have a one-stop type provi-sion for importers and we're look-ing to have that for exporters as

well."He said that Jamaica is also try-

ing to introduce the model that isused in Singapore, but because offinancial constraints that will takea longer time to come on stream.

Jamaica's newly appointed HighCommissioner to Canada, SheilaSealy Monteith, welcomed the re-opening of the Jampro office,which she said, will "re-institu-tionalise the presence of Jamprohere."

Regional Manager, Robert Kerr,said that his office will be focusingon three main sectors acrossCanada and the United States.These are manufacturing, creativeindustries and information andcommunication technology (ICT).Jampro will be utilising severaltypes of technology to reach differ-ent industries and investors,including web-based seminarscalled webinars.

The Government will be exploring 22new wind energy sites, to add windgenerated electricity to the existing

Wigton Windfarm 1, and the soon to be com-pleted US $49 million Wigton 2, in SouthernManchester.

Through an Inter-American DevelopmentBank (IDB) grant of over US$700,000, sites willbe researched for their commercial viability and,if viable, they will be developed and used tooffer cheaper energy production. The researchprocess will be completed in 18 months.

"These sites have been selected from a highlevel map which was developed for wind inten-sity. But, we need to know that it is blowing ata constant rate throughout the day. That is whatmakes a wind site successful," explained GroupManaging Director of the PetroleumCorporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr. RuthPotopsingh.

Dr. Potopsingh said that Wigton 1 and 2 willenable the country to save over US$ 2.5 millionper year, on oil imports.

"The beauty about renewable energy, espe-cially wind, after you have made your capitalinvestment, you do not need to buy fuel. That isthe multiply effect of the benefits that can begained from not having to buy fuel, after youhave install your renewable energy devices,"she said.

Professor of Physics at the University of theWest Indies (UWI), Anthony Chen, who waspart of a research team engaged in developingwind energy, as they responded to the oil crisisin the 1970s, said that turbines are being manu-factured which make wind energy economical-ly feasible.

"When we started doing wind studies in the1970s, it did not make much economic sense.With these massive (new) turbines, it makes alot of sense. You can produce electricity bywind and sell it at 20 cents (US, per kilowatt),and still be profitable," he stated.

The current Wigton wind project will maxi-mize wind potential and assist in meeting therenewable energy policy target of 11% by 2012,as well as offer health and environment benefitsfrom operating clean, renewable energy facili-

ties, as an alternative to traditional powerplants.

At the recent ground breaking ceremony inRose Hill, Manchester, for the Wigton 2 proj-ect, Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon.James Robertson, said it will save the countrymuch hard currency and, along with the soon tobe established Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)project, will drive lower electricity costs.

Mr. Robertson also told a recent energyforum in Kingston that the National EnergyPolicy would ensure that Jamaica develops amodern and efficient energy infrastructure anda diversified energy mix.

In 2000, the PCJ formed its renewable ener-gy subsidiary company, Wigton WindfarmLimited, and by April, 2004, the 20.7 megawattfacility was commissioned. The plant has beenoperating successfully for six years, with onlyminor interruptions due to hurricanes.

The Wigton site, with wind speed averaging8.3 metres per second over six years of meas-urement, fulfilled the main criteria for thedevelopment of a wind farm. The plant hasbeen grid connected with underground cablingleading to a sub station on the site, which hous-es metering, transformer equipment and switchgear. In generating electricity, the turbines pro-duce no pollutants harmful to the environment.

Wigton Windfarm Limited is a wholly ownedsubsidiary of the PCJ, and forms part of theGovernment's commitment to initiating renew-able energy systems for Jamaica.

Garfield Angus


JBDC now fully responsible for small businesses

JAMPRO re-opens office in Canada

Gov't. exploring new wind energy sites

Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson, (fourth left) breaks ground for the Wigton Windfarm2 project, in Manchester, recently. The project is set to boost the country's renewable energy resources. Alsoinvolved in the exercise are: Councillor for the New Port Division, Anthony Bryce (first left); Councillor forthe Mandeville Division, Sally Porteous (second left); Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay(third left); Project Manager at the facility, Martinho Soares (fifth left); and Group Managing Director at thePetroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr. Ruth Potopsingh.


The history of Jamaica is not only writ-ten in textbooks. Much of it can befound inscribed on the tombstones of

churches like St. Mark's, located in Mayfield,St. Elizabeth (just outside of Southfield).

From 1655 when British General-at-SeaWilliam Penn and General Robert Venablesseized Jamaica from the Spanish, the church hasplayed a vital role in the lives of rural communi-ties especially with the lack of other outlets forsocial interaction. Many churches also took aleadership role in the educational needs of thecommunity, establishing schools and collegesacross the island.

The Church of England had been in Jamaicasince the conquest of the island from Spain in theseventeenth century. The first church to be estab-lished was the church of St Jago de la Vega inSpanish Town and this was built sometimebetween 1661 and 1664 on the ruins of theSpanish Church of the Red Cross, which had beendestroyed by the invading British troops. The

Anglican Diocese of Jamaica was established1824.

Anglican Church Cemeteries in Jamaica con-tain a wealth of information recorded on thegravestones. The Cemetery of St. Andrew ParishChurch for example, which is the largest privatecemetery in continual use in the island, takes upsome 8 1⁄4 acres. It has in excess of 7,000 graves.It is an historic site and the inscriptions providevaluable insights to personalities, customs andculture over the past 350 years.

While the cemetery at St. Mark's may not beas prominent, it none-the-less rich with informa-tion about the lives of the families that made thatsection of St. Elizabeth their home over the last200 years.

So the next time you pass one of the historicchurches of the south coast, pause awhile at takea step back in history.

We however suggest you do in within the day-light hours.

History lessonsavailable here

Caribbean disaster responseorganizations are proposingthat a Caribbean tsunami

warning system be put in place. This update was provided to Prime

Minister Bruce Golding during a meet-ing with heads of emergency responseorganizations at Jamaica House onMarch 3.

Director General of the Office ofDisaster Response and EmergencyManagement (ODPEM) Ronald

Jackson, told the Prime Minister thatthe nation would have between sevenand ten minutes to prepare for a tsuna-mi resulting from an earthquake inCuba and 10 to 20 minutes to respondto a tsunami from an earthquake inHaiti.

ODPEM is currently preparing asituation analysis and response evalua-tion for Cabinet that will outline howcritical agencies will respond to a cata-strophic earthquake.

Cabinet has approved theestablishment of aCommittee and Secretariat

to lead the celebration of Jamaica's50th anniversary of independence in2012.

The Planning Committee will bedrawn from representatives of the pri-vate cultural sector; tourism, educa-tion, youth, financial, agriculture andmining sectors; as well as the religiouscommunity, among other sectors.

The Planning Committee along withthe Secretariat which will be housed atthe Ministry of Youth, Sports andCulture, will be responsible for theplanning and implementation of activi-ties toward the Jamaica 50 celebrationsincluding the staging of CARIFESTA

as part of Jamaica 50 celebrations.Speaking on the plans, Minister of

Youth, Sports and Culture, OliviaGrange said,“We want to our jubilee celebrations in2012 to be the best yet. Jamaica 50will be memorable. We will celebrateour strengths as a nation as we plan forthe future with purpose, faith and con-fidence.”

The Secretariat will be supported bythe agencies of the Ministry of Youth,Sports and Culture, in particular theJamaica Cultural DevelopmentCommission.

Jamaica will celebrate 50 years asan independent nation on August 6,2012.

Minister with responsibilityfor Information, DarylVaz has dispelled concerns

expressed earlier this week by theMedia Association of Jamaica(MAJ) that the proposed introduc-tion of Chinese radio and televisionstations would be in competitionwith existing commercial media enti-ties.

Mr. Vaz explained that the discus-sions with the Chinese government arein the preliminary stages and the earlyindications are that they are interestedin the rebroadcast of Chinese radio andtelevision programmes in both theEnglish and Chinese languages.

The Minister noted that the propos-al from the Chinese offers an opportu-nity to deepen appreciation for othercultures. He said similar arrangementsare already in place with internationalrelay services such as the BritishBroadcasting Corporation (BBC) andAlliance Francais.

Mr. Vaz said Cabinet has givenapproval for discussions to begin on aproposal received for cooperationbetween the Government of Jamaicaand the Government of the People'sRepublic of China to transmit Chineseprogrammes over free-to-air radio andtelevision stations.

He said talks were held at the min-isterial level, with a delegation fromChina Radio International and ChinaCentral Television to discuss theirinterest in establishing a television andradio service in Jamaica.

Responding to the MAJ's query fordetails of the Government's media pol-icy, Mr. Vaz said the BroadcastingCommission is at an advanced stage inmaking the recommendations on a newmedia policy which has been the sub-ject of consultations with the televi-sion, radio and cable licensees.

The maternity ward at the MandevilleRegional Hospital has received three mobileblood pressure machines and two car-

diotocographs, valued at over US$8,000, from theRotary Club of Mandeville, with support fromJamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB).

At the handing over ceremony, held at the hospital onApril 15, Branch Manager at JMMB, Mrs. MarciaWhittaker, highlighted the health care that persons arereceiving at public health facilities, and noted her expe-rience of that service when she took her daughter to theMandeville Regional Hospital, recently.

"I walked into the hospital, tests were done, and aftereverything was finished, I asked how much I owed, andthey told me 'nothing'. That was saving of a goodamount of money. That was my first experience withfree health care, and it reinforces the commitment thatJMMB has in providing equipment for the hospital. Aspart of our social responsibility, we believe that weshould continue to assist people. And through theseprojects we are able to touch a wide variety of people,"she said.

In his response, Chief Executive Officer of theHospital, Mr. Alwyn Miller, said the ongoing supportfrom the Mandeville Rotarians, helps the institution togive quality service to the over 5,000 deliveries that takeplace at the maternity ward annually.

"The Rotary Club of Mandeville has a rich history ofassisting people throughout this parish, particularly theMandeville Regional Hospital. This gift is significant,not only because of the value, but also because it is to

serve our fellowmen, and help to facilitate and preservelives," he said.

In his inaugural address last year, President of theRotary Club of Mandeville, Dr. Olajide Adekeye, saidthat part of his mission during his tenure was to sourceequipment for the hospital. Since then, he and his teamhave presented several pieces of vital state-of-the-artequipment to the institution.

Alpart bauxite company recently honoured itsformer communications manager, Mr. LanceNeita, for his role in helping to build harmo-

nious relations between the company and communi-ties in Manchester and St. Elizabeth.

At a function held at the company's sports club inNain, St. Elizabeth, Mr. Neita was lauded by communi-ty leaders, civic and political representatives, for his rolein the formation of the Community Council, throughwhich the company undertakes programmes in the areasof education, health, sports, youth and communitydevelopment.

Mr. Neita's contribution to the parish was recognizedby Member of Parliament for South East St. Elizabeth,Mr. Frank Witter, who spoke of his ability to mendfences between the company and the communities inaround the aluminum plant. “We used to have lots of demonstrations; peopleblocked the train lines, and with the input of theCommunity Council, those types of agitations have van-ished," Mr. Witter revealed.

Member of Parliament for South Manchester, Mr.Michael Peart, stated that the personality of the hon-ouree, and his understanding of rural communities,helped in the easing of tensions in the bauxite miningand processing areas.

"Mr. Neita has a remarkable ability to remain coolunder trying situations. He has quietly achieved manythings for the communities, and has set an example formany to follow," Mr. Peart stated.

Head of the St. Elizabeth office of the JamaicaCultural Development Commission (JCDC), Ms.Viviene Morris-Brown, for her part, stated that Mr.Neita helped to "champion the cause of culture".

"As a genuine lover of culture, yourself, you havedemonstrated your passion for the performing arts,especially for the traditional folk forms. We admire yoursustained effort to ignite that passion in the members ofthe community council. We have benefitted from yourwit, and your sense of humor," Mrs. Morris-Brown said.

In his response, Mr. Neita said the CommunityCouncil "has been the best part of my working life".

"We have made so much progress in problem resolu-tion, community projects, education, agriculture, watersupply, hurricane alleviation and youth development.We have gone way beyond the days when we use toshout at each other, because we resolved that we weregoing to work together to solve challenges. The bauxiteindustry cannot move forward without the understand-ing and trust of the community," Mr. Neita emphasised.


Caribbean tsunami warning recommended

Big plans for Jamaica 50

Chinese radio, TV stations won’tcompete with local stations...Min. Vaz

ALPART’s Lance Neita honoured forcommunity work in St. Elizabeth

Rotary Club donates medical equipment to Mandeville Hospital

President of the Rotary Club ofMandeville, Dr. Olajide Adekeye (2ndleft), explains the operation of thethree mobile blood pressure machinesand two cardiotocographs that havebeen handed over to the MandevilleRegional Hospital by his organisa-tion. Listening from left are: AssistantDistrict Governor of the Rotary Club,Dr. Lynden Rose; Branch Manager atJamaica Money Market Brokers(JMMB),Marcia Whittaker; ClientSupport Officer at JMMB, NigelNelson; Deputy Director of Nursingat the Hospital, Saidie Williams-Allen, and Chief Executive Officer atthe institution, Alwyn Miller.

With only two months to go before theend of the 2010 academic year, mostof the $250 million funding avail-

able through the Young EntrepreneursProgramme (YEP) for 2009 high school gradu-ates, has not been taken up by those it wasintended to serve.

Launched with much fanfare last year, Yepwas aimed at helping school leavers becomeemployed, by providing low-interest funds tostart small businesses as part of $2.25 billionthat was being made available to the small-business sector. This according to PrimeMinister Bruce Golding, was meant as a

demonstration of faith inJamaica's youth.

But apparently, the youthhave not been demonstratingmuch faith in themselves.

In September last year, thefirst three awardees, who hailedfrom St. Thomas received theirloans through JN Small BusinessLoans Limited (JNSBL), one ofthe administrators of the funds;investing in shopkeeping andchicken rearing.

Yet even as approximately39,000 students graduate fromhigh schools each year, accord-ing to Credit and Risk-assess-ment Manager at JNSBL,Thelma Yong, only two otheryoungsters had taken up loans ather organisation.

Speaking at a recent GleanerForum, Yong said a total of 10persons had initially applied toJN but five backtracked at thelast minute. She was unable tosay how other financial institu-tions, including select creditunions, NationGrowth, Access

Finance Services Limited and Micro CreditLimited, which also partnered in YEP, hadfared. She however suspected that the take-upwas also low.

And while admitting that the governmentwas disappointed with the take-up of the facili-ty, State Minister in the Ministry of Industryand Commerce, Michael Stern, confirmed thatmore money would be pumped into the pro-gramme from the 2010-2011 Budget. This hesaid, was based on government's determinationto change the mind-set of young people to thatof entrepreneurship.

Last year as part of the launch of the YEP, aseries of training sessions were held across theisland, starting in June, providing more than1,000 graduates with an orientation in startingand running their own businesses.

The graduates also went through anEntrepreneurship Workshop to develop theirBusiness Plans, which is the pre-requisite forthe granting of a loan. These training sessionshave however bourn little fruit, with poor mar-keting being blamed, something that MinisterStern agrees with.

"It needs a lot more marketing; somethinghas to be done in conjunction with the part-ners," he reportedly said.


Recent high school graduates have been slow to take up funding available through the YEP programme

Country Pride Despite the humble circumstances of their abode, theoccupants of this house in Harry Watch, Manchester,seem to put a great deal of effort into their floor.

High school graduates shun YEP


The Auto Zone

In today's school environment, studentbehaviour is a serious concern and somestudents leave primary and high schools

without proper reading skills.To combat the issue, greater emphasis is

being placed on the role of guidance counsel-lors in influencing the total development of stu-dents.

"Guidance counsellors are the best placedand equipped educators to assist classroomteachers with management and student devel-opment," Antoinette Brooks, assistant chiefeducation officer with responsibility for guid-ance and counselling in the Ministry ofEducation, said recently.

According to her, "The basic needs of stu-dents must be met for them to learn effectively."

Brooks was the co-presenter at a one-dayworkshop targeting guidance counsellors, andaimed at enhancing the learning environment,in six non-traditional high schools. The trainingsession was held at Manchester High Schoolunder the auspices of the Ministry of Education

and the Mutual Building Societies Foundation(MBSF).

The counsellors were from McGrath HighSchool in Linstead, St Catherine, and the MileGully High School in Manchester, the initialparticipants in the MBSF's Centres ofExcellence project, since 2008.

Last year Godfrey Stewart, Porus, GreenPond and Seaforth High schools joined theproject.

"The Centres of Excellence concept isgeared at transforming the delivery of educa-tion in non-traditional high schools," said DawnSewell-Lawson, assistant programme managerat the MBSF.

Main aimThe programme's main aim, she said, is to

incorporate all facets of the school environmentinto the educational process.

"Under the Centres of Excellence project,one of our objectives is to incorporate guidancecounsellors into learning and development, so

counsellors can assist in evaluating students'learning styles and in early identification ofbehavioural issues," said Sewell-Lawson

The workshop, according to Sewell-Lawson,served to reinforce methodologies alreadybeing used by many of the counsellors.

In addition, there was need to highlightguidelines about collecting and using data toeffectively monitor student development.

"Often it's only when the students get into afight or fuss that the guidance counsellor inter-venes. They do have preventative programmes,but in terms of knowing your student and beingable to target specific intervention programmesto them, that has been missing because thecounsellors don't have the data to monitor thestudents," Sewell-Lawson explained.

Early warning mechanismsOutlining five points, Sewell- Lawson

explained that schools needed the support ofcounsellors to incorporate an "evidenced-basedculture" to plan and develop early-warningmechanisms that could identify negative behav-iour in students on entry to schools.

Secondly, schools also needed the support ofcounsellors to help students to understand theirresponsibility in their education. Thirdly, pro-grammes should be established to encourageparents' participation in the learning process.

Fourth came the idea of institutionalising thesocial curriculum to enhance the school envi-ronment.

The strengthening of the support of civicgroups in schools was the last point in the plan.

Llewelyn Bailey, programme manager at theMBSF, said that these targeted interventionscould transform the schools into becomingmodels of educational excellence.

David Powell of Porus High School wel-comed the new initiatives being promoted bythe MBSF and said that, of the five pointsemphasised at the workshop, he would immedi-ately be seeking to widen parents' participationin school activities. "I'll be doing that to fosterunity and to stimulate growth in the perform-ance of our students," he said.

Mark-Shane Francis, guidance counsellor atthe McGrath High School, said he would alsobe seeking to incorporate a strategy to increaseparents' participation in designing the school'sdevelopment plan.

"We plan to have some of our parents act aswardens to help around the school; and,although that may cost us, it would be worth theexpenditure," said Francis.

The MBSF, a joint effort of the JamaicaNational Building Society and the VictoriaMutual Building Society, has allocated $100million to support the initiatives of the sixschools over a five-year period, The Centres ofExcellence initiative is slated to end in 2012.The findings and results of the MBSF interven-tion are being carefully documented for ongo-ing implementation, hopefully for all compara-ble schools.


Guiding development:Counsellors to bolster school transformation

Career enhancement programme coming to 54 more schools islandwidePrime Minister Bruce Golding says that the Ministry ofEducation's Career Enhancement Programme (CEP)will be expanded to 54 new schools this year.

The programme allows school leavers who haveinsufficient qualifications to spend two additionalyears gaining life earning skills.

“We started out in eleven schools last year involv-ing 1,000 students. That cohort will have another yearof training, but it has been going very well and inSeptember of this year we intend to extend that to 54new schools across the island capturing these 16-yearolds when they are going into this nothingness.”

Mr. Golding was addressing the Jamaica launch ofObra, a Youth: Work project of the USAID and theYouth International Foundation in Kingston onWednesday, April 14.

The Prime Minister said that the CEP programme,now a year old, has a cohort of 1500 students in elevenschools all of whom have one more year to complete

the programme. The programme is a project of threeagencies of the Ministry of Education: HEARTTrust/NTA, the Jamaica Foundation for LifelongLearning (JFLL) and the National Youth Service(NYS).

The Obra project emerged from a commitment bythe USA at the Summit of the Americas in 2009 toform private and public partnership that will raiseawareness of youth at risk issues and strengthen youthservices to improve education, employment prospectsand lifelong skills for young people throughout theregion.

Noting the importance of Obra to youth in theregion, Mr. Golding called on the youth developmentorganizations to focus on inspiring young people topursue education and to shoulder responsibility. Henoted that in Jamaica about 38,000 youth leave schoolswith two subjects or less; 16,000 of this number withno academic or skill qualifications.

Porus High School Guidance Counsellor David Powell and a student of the school meets with representativesof the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF)

Porus High School like many others, is affected bythe negative behaviour of some students

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry ofAgriculture and Fisheries, Mr. DonovanStanberry, has stated that new measures

to combat praedial larceny will go beyond theuse of receipt books to implementation of fulltraceability measures.

He said the Ministry is seeking to attack theproblem from all angles and is focused on devis-ing ways to strengthen traceability and furthersensitise law enforcers regarding the problem.

The Permanent Secretary was speaking lastweek at the launch of Farmers' Month, at theJamaica Agricultural Society, in downtownKingston.

With regard to the traceability element, Mr.Stanberry said the onus to prove the origin of agri-cultural produce will be placed on end-usersunder the new system.

"What the receipt book did was put the onus onthe man who is carrying his produce in the van;we are going a little bit beyond that. By putting intraceability, we are also putting the onus on the

final buyer. That supermarket, that hotel, thatshop, that butcher, whoever the end-user is, theonus must also be placed on him to say 'where didyou get your produce from'?" he explained.

He said proper abattoirs, farmers' markets andpacking houses will help to control the problem,by ensuring that all produce flow through thesechannels.

However, Mr. Stanberry said that sensitisationof the police and judiciary was also important inensuring that the issue of praedial larcenybecomes a priority.

"There is no system that will catch every prae-dial thief, but if you can have a system that whenyou catch one, it is given the maximum publicity,then I think that it will act as some level of deter-rent," he predicted.

Mr. Stanberry informed that a campaign simi-lar to the Crime Stop initiative is to be launchedshortly by the Minister of Finance, in relation topraedial larceny.

Apublic education programme aimed atincreasing land titling and registrationis to get underway in April.

A sum of $6.3 million has been set aside in the2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure now before theHouse of Representatives, for the six-month proj-ect, which ends September.

It is being funded by the Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank, with the National Land

Agency as the implementation body.The allocation provided in the Estimates will

go towards revising existing Land Administrationand Management Programme (LAMP) brochuresand designing new pamphlets.

Workshops, targeting persons who write wills,will also be held as part of the sensitisationprocess.

MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS April 5 - 18, 2010 15

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr.Christopher Tufton, has said that he will be look-ing at measures to improve the horticultural indus-

try, which has seen a decline since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.Dr. Tufton, who was addressing the 47th staging of the St.

Elizabeth Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show, held atIndependence Park, in Black River, on April 5, argued that theindustry has economic potential, and he would be setting up ateam at the Ministry to ensure its growth.

"This show is part of us; it is a part of our history, our heritageand our culture, and beyond today, I am going to initiate somediscussions, so that we may put some more effort to see to whatextent we can stimulate horticulture," he told the large audienceof flower enthusiasts.

Pointing out the economic viability of growing flowers, Dr.Tufton said the persons who have remained in the industry must be commended for their resilience.

"We believe that people can make money out of it, and with investments, it will be sustainable," heemphasised.

In his address, President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Mr. Glendon Harris, said horti-culture has moved from being deemed a hobby, to a lucrative commercial venture.

"The need to further educate persons to become responsible and take ownership of the immediatesurroundings, and the utilisation of idle lands for both agriculture and horticulture production is a taskthat we must actively pursue. Horticulture can diversify cropping systems, reduce pesticide misuse, andconserve soil and water. Both the Horticultural Society and the JAS need to work even closer to get themessage out on the many benefits to be derived from investing in horticulture," Mr. Harris said.

Meanwhile, Director of the St. Elizabeth Horticultural Society, Mrs. Joyce Francis, said that interestremains firm in the annual event, and the members are committed to the organisation. "It is love of flow-ers, and love of people. This year we had a challenge to put on the show, but the Minister stepped in andhelped us get some sponsors, and because of the sponsors, we were able to employ more people," shesaid.

Young Manchester farmer,Nicholas Powell, has received asponsorship package from

Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited,which will help to boost productivity ofhis farm in Coffee Grove in the parish.

The package includes a monthly stipendto assist with farming and other keyexpenses, fertiliser, pesticide, and agricul-tural equipment.

The young farmer, who is a 2009 recip-ient of the Governor-General's YouthAward for Excellence, will also benefitfrom comprehensive soil and leaf testing,access to greenhouse technology, and tech-nical assistance.

At the handing over ceremony onThursday March 11 at the Coffee GroveChurch of God, Governor-General, HisExcellency the Most Hon. Sir PatrickAllen, commended the local fertiliser man-ufacturing company for assisting Mr.Powell.

"I believe that the items of agriculturalproducts and services that you offer willcontribute to improving his output and willalso motivate him to work harder," he stat-ed.

He noted that the young farmer, whoemploys eight persons and utilises moderntechniques to boost production, has servedas an inspiration for others in the sector.

Administrative Manager at Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited, Mr. DennisValdez, while not revealing the value of thesponsorship package, explained that thecompany decided to honour Mr. Powell"for this commitment to agriculture at atime when our young men and women inJamaica often turn away from the soil".

He added that Mr. Powell has demon-strated that "when farming is done effi-ciently and with the use of modern scienceand best practices, agriculture is good busi-ness".

On a tour of Mr. Powell's farm in CoffeeCrove, where he cultivates cash crops suchas tomato, cabbage, cucumber, carrot andsweet potato, evidence of his modern andbusiness-like approach to farming can beseen in the abundance of his crops, whichare not only thriving but are also disease-free.

Mr. Powell said that he has beenemploying the latest approaches to hisfarming practices, including the use ofhybrid seeds.

"With the hybrid seeds, I escape dis-eases. I get the seeds in the farm store for$4,600 per thousand. A lot of farmers saythat it sounds expensive but trust me whenyou plant it you really see a profit. so whenyou do the math, you see that it's worth itand the reaping period is much longer," hesaid.

He informed that other farmers, havingseen his output, are also gravitatingtowards hybrid seeds. "Farmers like whatthey see, so they call me and ask me whattype of seed and I help them source theseeds and the seedling trays," he said.

Mr. Powell said that his major challengeis to protect his crops during the hurricaneseason and "that is why I am looking at thehurricane-proof greenhouse".

Combining his agricultural knowledgewith his training in electrical engineeringfrom the University of Technology(UTech), he intends to manufacture hisunique greenhouses for the local market.

In addition to positively impacting hiscommunity through farming, Mr. Powellhas put on fundraising activities throughwhich four computers have been purchasedto benefit young people in the community;has contributed to the upgrading of sanitaryfacilities at the Coffee Grove Basic School;and provides educational assistance for stu-dents.

Agriculture Minister look toimproving horticultural sector

Young farmer getsbig boost fromNewport- Fersan

Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen (right) declaring Nicholas Powell's acreage a Fersan ModelFarm during the sponsorship handing-over ceremony recently. Sharing the occasion are DomingoViyella, (3rd left) CEO of Newport-Fersan Jamaica Ltd. and Dennis Valdez, (2nd right)Administrative Manager, NFJ

Full traceability coming tocombat praedial larceny

Land titling programme getsunderway in April

The Ministry of Waterand Housing recentlyallocated $30 million

to Parish Councils through-out Jamaica, to assist in thetrucking of water, as a wayto help address the severewater woes being faced byJamaicans, as the droughtcontinues.

This brings to $63 millionthe total amount that has beenallocated to Parish Councilsto take water to affected com-munities since May 2008.

Minister of Water andHousing, Hon. Dr. HoraceChang, has also indicated thatwithin the next 12 to 24months, a number of parishesthat have been plagued withsevere water shortage willbegin to receive adequatesupply.

This will be made possiblethrough a US$211 million(approximately J$19 billion)

water supply improvementproject, which will bringabout a massive rehabilitationand restructuring of the coun-try's water supply.

“This will include a pro-gramme to improve our waterinfrastructure by reducing theamount of water loss afterproduction," Dr. Chang said.

And even as the Ministrydoes all it can to ease thewater shortage situation,Minister Chang is once moremaking a call to citizens to"make a concerted effort toprotect, conserve and managethe water that is availablethroughout this crisis."

The allocation by theMinister comes against thebackground that many areasin Jamaica have not had anysignificant rainfall sinceNovember 2008.

Telecommunications giantClaro, which is the largestphone network in the

Americas, has committed $60 Millionover three years to the JamaicaCultural Development Commission(JCDC), to enhance the country's cul-tural programme.

The announcement was made at apresentation ceremony at the JCDCoffices on Phoenix Avenue on April 14.

Minister of Youth, Sports andCulture, the Honourable Olivia Grange,has praised this new partnership betweenthe JCDC and the telecommunicationscompany, which it is the largest sponsor-ship package ever received by the organ-isation, which is an agency of theMinistry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Addressing a news conference toannounce the new sponsorship, MinisterGrange said that she was especiallypleased that her ministry was able toconclude such a sponsorship programmeat this very challenging time for thecountry's economy.

Minister Grange said the fact that theJCDC could attract such significant sup-

port from the private sector at this timewas a result of the strategic moves by theMinistry of Youth, Sports and Culture torevitalise the national cultural pro-gramme and to develop the cultural andcreative industries.

“You are demonstrating a great showof care for our nation and our culturalproducts. You are signalling that thedevelopment and preservation of ourrich culture remains an important focusfor both the private and public sector.And you are also demonstrating a beliefin our new strategy for culture.”

Claro's sponsorship will assist infunding the various development pro-grammes of the JCDC, including theFestival of the Arts and Jamaica Festival.

The Marketing Manager for Claro,Joseph Oates said the company valuedcultural development.

Embraced the opportunity“Claro immediately jumped at this

opportunity to partner with the JCDCbecause we are dedicated to the develop-ment of Jamaica. And this venture willno doubt enhance the cultural develop-

ment of young Jamaicans islandwide.Our choice to become involved with nei-ther accidental nor difficult. Withouthesitation, we gave our assurance to theMinister and the JCDC that we werecompletely devoted to the project 100percent.”

Mr Oates said Claro would bring its“special touch” to JCDC activities whichwould “delight not only participants, butpatrons alike”.

In February, the JCDC undertookmajor re-branding exercise under theleadership of the new ExecutiveDirector, Miss Grace Silvera, which sawthe introduction of a new logo, museum,gift shop and a raft of other initiativeswhich form part of a comprehensivethree-year strategy.

Over the next six months theCommission will be staging a number ofcultural activities and programmesacross the island during the annualFestival of the Arts and Jamaica Festival,which is a part of the Government's cul-tural development programme.


$30 million to Parish Councils to truck water

Claro commits $60m to JCDC

A derelict water truck from the failed Rapid Response Unit, parked on the premises of the Mandeville Transport Authority

Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, Olivia Grange accepts a mock-up of a Sixty Million Dollar cheque, representing the largest contributionfrom a corporate sponsor for cultural development, on behalf of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) from CLARO ChiefExecutive Officer, Alejandro Gutierrez. Marketing Manager, Joseph Oates (left), and JCDC Executive Director, Grace Silvera (right) share inthe moment. CLARO will be major sponsors for the National Festival of the Arts and Jamaica Festival for the next three years.

News coming from the Ministry ofTransport's Road Safety Unit (RSU) is thatthe country has racked up the lowest first-

quarter traffic fatality numbers in 10 years.For the first quarter of 2010 ending March 31, there

has been a 26 per cent decrease in fatalities from roadaccidents compared to the same period last year. 73persons lost their lives this year on the roads ofJamaica.

Also according to the RSU, the 68 fatal crashesrecorded to the end of March showed a 23 per centdecline compared to 88 last year, which was also thelowest number of fatal crashes in six years.

According to statistics included in the report, thefirst quarter of 2010 also saw significant reductions infatalities across several categories of road users.

In the private motor carriage (PMC) passenger cat-egory, the lowest number in four years was recordedwith 10 fatalities, compared to 14 last year. These usersof the roads also had the lowest fatalities in six yearswith 12 deaths compared to 19 in 2009; a 37 per centdecline.

Motorcycle casualties were down by 38 per centwhile pedal cyclist fatalities showed a 43 per centdecline.

Children also lost their lives in fewer numbers as sixdeaths were recorded compared to seven in the firstquarter last year- the lowest in 10 years.

Despite the generally positive news overall, pedes-trian deaths recorded a three per cent increase this yearover the corresponding period last year, as 31 personslost their lives; one more than in 2009.

Approximately four hundredfifty security forces person-nel from the United States,

Jamaica, the United Kingdom, andfourteen other Caribbean nationsare currently in the historic townof Port Royal conducting an inter-national military cooperation exer-cise called Tradewinds 2010.

The maneuvers are conductedannually by Caribbean Basin PartnerNations sponsored by the U.S.Southern Command (USSOUTH-COM) to improve cooperation andinteroperability of partner nations inresponding to regional securitythreats. Miami-based U.S. Marine

Corps Forces, South is the executiveagent for the exercise.

Tradewinds is primarily a mar-itime operations exercise that alsosupports USSOUTHCOM's securitycooperation objectives and exercisesthe assets and capability providedunder the Enduring Friendship pro-gram. Enduring Friendship is aUSSOUTHCOM-sponsored programto build maritime security capabili-ties throughout the Caribbean nowmarking its twenty-sixth year ofoperation.

In Jamaica, Tradewinds 2010 willfocus on regional defense highlight-ing maritime interdiction and search-

and-rescue operations withan emphasis on commandand control.

The program alsoincludes the provision ofhigh-speed interceptor boats withextensive communication and sur-veillance capacity, as well as a com-mand, control, and communicationpackage that link the U.S. JointInteragency Task Force-South withpartner nations' operations centers totrack and coordinate the seizure ofillicit maritime traffic.

"The exercise will also help toimprove key tactical skills in marks-manship, search-and-rescue, and

maritime interdiction operations,"said exercise coordinator Major EricDominijanni, U.S. Marine CorpsForces, South. “The U.S. and theCaribbean share common interests,and regional challenges require coop-erative solutions. We are committedto building lasting partnerships thatwill enhance our ability to workeffectively together,” he added.

Countries participating inTradewinds 2010 are Antigua andBarbuda, Bahamas, Belize,

Dominica, Dominican Republic,Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti,Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, St.Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent andGrenadines, Suriname, UnitedKingdom and United States.

U.S. presence includes personnelfrom the Marine Corps, Coast Guard,Army, Navy, Air Force, NationalGuard, Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Naval Criminal InvestigativeService, and the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation.


Traffic fatalities down in 1st quarter of 2010

U.S.-sponsored internationalsecurity exercise in Port Royal

A cane haulage trailer blocks the Spur Tree main road recently after it failedto negotiate a corner. The driver escaped with only minor injuries.

Commander Kenneth Douglas speaking to the security forces from 15 countries who are in Jamaica for the 2010Tradewinds exercise currently underway in Port Royal.

The first public consulta-tion on the findings andrecommendations of the

GSAT Review Committee washeld Thursday April 8 atdeCarteret College inMandeville, Manchester.

The public consultation, whichis among several to be held in theMinistry of Education's sixregions up to the end of May, wasattended by principals and teach-ers from schools in Region Five,which comprises Manchester andSt. Elizabeth.

Parents and guardians werealso invited to make their contri-butions, while the Ministry ofEducation was represented by thePermanent Secretary, Mrs. AudreySewell, who presented the find-ings, as well as Curriculum andAssessment Specialists andEducation Officers.

Mrs. Sewell pointed out thatthe recommendations based on thefindings will not bear fruit, if thereis no strong parental support forchildren.

"A problem that we have toaddress no matter what we dofrom the Ministry of Education,no matter what the principals do,no matter what the teachers do; ifwe do not have that parental sup-port we will not make it," she cau-tioned.

The Premanent Secretary saidthat one of the main findings ofthe review committee was theneed for a system wide accounta-bility, which is not speaking topay for performance.

"As the findings indicate, weneed to have a promotion of sys-tem wide accountability, every-body has to be accountable for theoutput of the education systemfrom the Minister, PermanentSecretary, senior directors, theboard chairs, the principals, teach-ers, parents," she said.

Mrs. Sewell noted that current-ly there are no established mini-mum standards at all levels of theeducation system, and that thereneeds to be a set minimum stan-dard with which to determine theperformance of students, whileindicating that the education sys-tem needs to be driven by datamanagement, so as to inform deci-sion making and provide informa-tion on performance.

The Permanent Secretary saidthat there are some policy deci-sions that are to be taken in orderto bring about improvements inthe quality of the education sys-tem. These include zoning, a stu-dents' identification system,Centres of Excellence in everynew school, implementation ofthe School Improvement Act, apublic/private sector initiative,ICT delivery at all levels, a board-ing policy, standardisation ofschool plants and a piloting of theCareer Advancement Programme.

She explained that a proposalfor the new Grade SixAchievement Test (GSATincludes a ContinuousAssessment, where students willbe required to do a book reportfrom a choice of three books

which will be assigned fromGrade Four, alongside the presenttest, with assesses competence inMathematics, Language Arts,Science, Social Studies, and theGrade Six Literacy Proficiency(GSLP).

The changes that will be effect-ed in component two are in theareas of Science, where the con-tent of the test paper will bechanged based on adjustments tothe Grades Four to Six Sciencecurriculum.

Similar changes will be effect-ed to the Social Studies curricu-lum, which will now includeCivics and Jamaican History.

The GSLP will replace the cur-rent Communication Task andwill serve as an index of measure-ment of literacy at the end ofGrade Six.

These changes to the GSATprofile will also affect the GradeSeven to Nine curriculum, as thereview found that there is non-alignment in the curriculumbetween the upper primary andthe lower secondary levels.

Apart from those changes, thereis also a proposal to move theGSAT sitting from March toanother month.

The revisions will becomeeffective three years after Cabinetapproval, and is projected to beginin 2013. The GSAT review com-mittee team pointed out that theserevisions will enable readiness forGrade Seven and will allow stu-dents to function in high school.

The Ministry of Education has com-mended educational institutions inManchester and St. Elizabeth, for

their best practices that have led to successfor both students and teachers.

An event held at Munro College in St.Elizabeth, saw several schools being recog-nised for excellence in a number of areas,including pedagogy, technology, curricula con-tent and material, excellence in leadership andgovernance, human resources and accountabili-ty, safety and security, health, nutrition, guid-ance counselling and emotional support for per-

sons in the education system.The St. Elizabeth based

Maggotty High, which saw itscaretaker, Mr. Michael White,elevated to Computer LabTechnician, came in for specialcommendation.

"It showed excellent humanresource development and aquest, by the institution, todevelop the human capacity,"states Director at the Ministry ofEducation, Mr. Vincent Guthrie.

But how did Mr. White,whose last employment prior tojoining Maggoty High was as asecurity guard, do to make thetransition?

"There are some classes thatare large, and so they would callon me to take extra chairs along

for them. I took the chairs in, and I sat in theclass and listened to what the teachers wereteaching. I had my notebooks, and I tooknotes," he disclosed.

The unusual move resulted in him gaining aCXC pass in Social Studies three years after hestarted as caretaker at the school in 1996 andthree other subjects by 2003.

"Don't look at what is around you, and limityourself to it. You have to look outside, and ifyou can find a role model, set some goals andtake them on one by one," said Mr. White whois now a certified systems administrator,through the e-Learning project.

"Mr. White had the ambition and the motiveto achieve. Many people would see the positionas a groundsman as a demeaning job, but heworked himself to become a teacher. That saysto us that anything is possible, once you putyour mind to it," stated 16-year-old KevonMorgan, a student at Maggotty High.

Information Technology teacher at theschool, Ms. Claudia Forbes, said that Mr. Whitewho, in one year, had 100 per cent success inhis IT exams, was a marvellous achiever.

"He watched what was done, and he isalways learning. He is a living testament thatyou cannot be too low that you can't risebeyond your circumstances," she emphasised.

Both Mr. White and Principal of MaggottyHigh, Mr. Raul Bent, heaped praises on sole ITteacher in the late 1990s, Mr. George Miller, forguiding the new lab technician, who teachescomputer science to students and persons fromthe community, and others involved in theMaggotty's evening programme.

Porus Primary's Parenting ClubFor establishing a Parenting Club, the

Manchester-based Porus Primary School, gotaccolades from the Education Ministry forseeking to equip parents with lasting parentingskills through innovative engagements.

"We thought that to engage the parents withissues of discipline could help the children. Sowe devised a plan for a Parenting Club, toempower parents as leaders. It is impacting agreat deal on the school and the community,"stated Mrs. Beverley Tulloch-Danvers, Vice

Principal at Porus Primary and co-ordinator ofthe club.

The exposure of members of the PorusPrimary Parenting Club resulted in a number ofthem capturing parish, regional and nationaltitles relating to parenting.

With a network consisting of teachers andparents being knitted, the Club also helped thework of the Guidance and Counselling Unit, atPorus Primary.

"As a young cousellor coming in, and notknowing the culture of the community, I wasable to connect with and relate to the communi-ty and parents, through the Parenting Club,"Guidance Counsellor Ms. Gloria Grant says.

Other Schools Also Excelled Hampton School received recognition for

excellence in academics and MandevillePrimary and Junior High, and Bethabra Infant,for civic awareness and community service.Munroe College, and Top Hill All Age, sharedthe prize for excellence in vocation, academicsand athletics.

McIntosh Memorial School showcased theirexcellence in aesthetics, ethics and culture. Forexcellence in pedagogy, technology, curriculaand material, Siloah Primary, glowed, excel-lence in sports went to Bellefield High.Excellence in the Grade Six Achievement Test(GSAT), was shared between Rose Hall All-Age and St. Albans Primary, while excellencefor leadership went to Santa Cruz Primary andJunior High.


GSAT review starts in Mandeville

Education ministry rewards success at regional schools

By: Garfield Angus

Mr. Michael White, now a Computer Lab Technician at Maggotty High

The Ministry of Health has negotiatedbetter payment terms for 719 vitaldrugs to be used in the public health

system. Prime Minister Bruce Golding, speaking at

Jamaica House recently immediately followingthe signing of 35 contracts valued at $2.4 bil-lion between the Health Corporation ofJamaica and approved local pharmaceuticaldistributors, said that this new agreementreflected a strong spirit of partnership betweenthe public and private sector to address thedemand for vital drugs in the country.

The Prime Minister also said that similarinitiatives can make specialist medical skillsand services available throughout the nation.

“We can introduce the tremendous value oftelemedicine in Jamaica. Technology can trans-

form the way we do things. …We are nevergoing to be able to put a cardiologist in everyhospital and all of the specialist skills in everyclinic. We no longer need to. The availabletechnology would make it so simple,” Mr.Golding said.

Mr. Golding urged the Ministry to ensurethat the drugs get to patients on a timely basis.

Also speaking at the signing ceremony,Health Minister Ruddy Spencer revealed thatthe contracts period was for 18 months.

The purchase of pharmaceutical preparationsand medical sundries is the single most costlyitem on the health budget except for wages andsalaries. It has increased by 167-percent overthe last 5-years moving from $898 million in2004/5 financial year to $2.4 billion.

Ground was broken on April 6 forexpansion of the Lionel TownHospital's training facility, in

Clarendon.Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer,

said that the facility, to be funded by theNational Health Fund (NHF), at a cost of $69.7million, would be able to train 60 studentsannually. It will comprise three lecture rooms,two laboratories, a staff room, reception area, aprep room and a computer laboratory.

The Minister also pointed out that as part ofthe project, a storage area would be renovatedto provide housing accommodation for 24 ofthe students.

Mr. Spencer said that the move to expandthe training of health workers, especially inassistive areas, is part of the Government'scommitment to the sector.

"In 2008, I informed Parliament of ourintention to train some 500 persons, includingPharmacy Technicians, Dialysis Technicians,Lab Technician Assistants, Operating TheatreTechnicians and Psychiatric Aides, at a cost of$100 million," he said.

The Minister explained that there is a thrustby the Government to build the humanresource capacity in the health sector.

"We cannot hope to sustain the health gainsthat the country has made without a concerted

focus on capacity building and retaining thosein whom we have invested. Jamaica cannotafford the continued depletion of our humancapacity by developed nations that have signif-icantly more resources to train and retrain theirown people," he argued.

Mr. Spencer said that an important part ofthe strategy of Government is to expand train-ing opportunities in rural Jamaica.

"This is what we have done here, to allowour young people in these rural parts easyaccess to training. This approach will also helpto stem the rural to urban drift, as many youngpeople migrate to urban centres in search of abetter future," he said.

The Minister pointed out that the demandfor Pharmacy and Dialysis services is growingfast, as there has been a 44 per cent increase inthe number of visits to government run phar-macies since the abolition of user fees, and thatthe situation is similar with regard to those per-

sons accessing renal services.Mr. Spencer said that the policy of the

Government is that patients should not have totravel for more than 30 minutes to access renalservices and that it is important to have theskilled personnel to provide the services, inkeeping with that policy objective.

He noted that the development of the train-ing facility at the Lionel Town Hospital giveseffect to that policy of providing skilled per-sonnel to provide renal services.

Mr. Spencer also pointed out that to date, 25Pharmacy Technicians have been trained.

"We started with Pharmacy Technicians,because of the obvious dire need to increasethe support available to our highly skilledPharmacists. This training facility will allowthe Government, in partnership with theCollege of Health Sciences, University ofTechnology, to increase the number of trainedTechnicians each year," he said.

The Ministry of NationalSecurity is advising that theLegal Medicine Unit is now

conducting autopsies on all weekdays (Monday- Friday).

Previously autopsies were donetwo or three days weekly and therewas a wait of up to three weeks; how-ever this waiting period has beeneliminated. The conducting of dailyautopsies is part of efforts to make theoperations of the unit more efficientand reduce the backlog of cases.

The scheduling of the autopsies canonly be done by personnel at theLegal Medicine Unit, which is alsoempowered to expedite these proce-dures where necessary. The Unitadvises further that autopsies are onlyconducted by forensic pathologistsfrom the Legal Medicine Unit.

Relatives of deceased persons areasked to arrive at the relevant morguefor registration at 8:00 am on the daythe autopsy is to be conducted and thepublic is reminded that there is no fee

for autopsies, insurance reports, post-mortem reports or scheduling.Persons who are approached for pay-ment, whether by a doctor, police per-sonnel, morgue personnel or any otherperson, should call the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 1-888-COR-RUPT(1-888-267-7878).

The Legal Medicine Unit is locat-ed at the Office Center Building, 4thfloor 12 Ocean Blvd Kingston. Thetelephone number is 924-9248.


Lionel Town Hospital training facility to be expanded

Legal Medicine Unit now conducting autopsies daily

Contracts totalling $2.4 billion signed by health ministry for less costly drugs


Some of Jamaica's top junior ten-nis players will be on show for the2010 Burger King InterscholasticSingles Championship which takesplace from Thursday April 29 toSunday May 2 at the Eric BellTennis Centre located at 2APiccadilly Road, Kingston 5.

Approximately 150 young tennisplayers from schools throughoutJamaica such as Ocho Rios High,Montego Bay High, Cross KeysHigh, Campion College, NormanManley High, Hillel Academy, StAndrew High and Jamaica Collegewill be competing in five categories:Boys and Girls 10 years and under,12 years and under, 14 years andunder, 16 years and 18 years.

Title sponsor Burger King, whichhas been involved in tennis for over16 years, has once again committedto supporting the competition, whichwill be hosted at several venuesacross the corporate area due to thelarge number of entrants expected.As was the case with last year's tour-nament, courts at Wolmer's GirlsSchool, the Liguanea Club and TheSenior Common Room, UWI will beutalised during the early rounds.

Boys and Girls 16s and 18s willplay best of 3 sets (tiebreak in lieu ofa 3rd set). In keeping with ITF for-mat, 14s and 12s will play short sets(1st to 4 games - tiebreak in lieu of a

3rd set). 10s will play 8 game pro-sets.

Defending Champions SicquenaSinclair, Shellita Haughton andDaniell Harris are all tipped to com-pete in this year's championships.However Donovan Crumbie will notreturn to defend his title as he hasexceeded the age limit. Crumbie iscurrently completing his studies atthe KBC Learning Centre, partners ofTennis Jamaica.

Brandon Burke, who attained ITFWorld Junior top 100 ranking earlierthis year, spoke of the tremendousbenefit he received as a participant inthe tournament.

“I remember competing in theBurger King tournament, therebygaining invaluable competitive expe-rience, which helped prepare me torepresent Jamaica internationally andto attend the International TennisAcademy in Florida,” he said.

“Through my academic and tennisachievements I have been accepted tothe Ivy League Brown University ona full scholarship starting in August.”Diana Blake-Bennett, MarketingManager of Burger King, said thatyouth development through sportsand education is part of her compa-ny's mandate.

"This tournament is an excellentmedium to achieve those goals as thegame of tennis promotes discipline

whilst enhancing health. We are veryproud of this relationship which wehave nurtured over the years with theTennis Jamaica. We are also proud ofthe fact that through this tournamentas well as other similar events put onby corporate Jamaica, we have beenable to send a number of students on

tennis scholarships to universitiesand colleges abroad."

"There are also great scholarshipopportunities for tertiary educationavailable through this game, howevermore involvement from schools, par-ents and Jamaica at large is requiredto ensure maximum development

through the sport," she added.Burger King this year provide a

total sponsorship of approximately$700,000, inclusive of cash sponsor-ship of $500,000 and the balance inmeals to be provided to all partici-pants throughout the duration of thecompetition.

Diana Blake-Bennett, Marketing Manager of Burger King, confirms her company’s sponsorship of the tournament

Burger King serves up InterscholasticSingles Tennis Championship

MANCHESTER CLUB'SMANCHESTER CLUB'SGOLF WEEK

& MID-ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

JUNE 26-JULY 4 2010

36 HOLES MID-ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS36 HOLES MID-ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

SATURDAY & SUNDAY JULY 3-4CATEGORIES: LADIES- JUNIORS - MEN - SENIOR MEN - SUPER SENIOR MEN

ENTRY: $4500 TWO DAYS - $3000 ONE DAY

SAT: JUNE 26: LADY ELKIN SHIELD & MCGREGOR CUP- ENTRY: $3000

SUN: JUNE 27: SHOTGUN 2 BALL SCRAMBLE- ENTRY: $2500 PP

TUESDAY JUNE 29: PAR AGAINST BOGEY

WEDNESDAY JUNE 30: STABLEFORD

THURSDAY JULY 1 PAR THREE CHAMPS

MIDWEEK EVENTS: ENTRY $1000

JUNIORS PAY 50% FOR ALL EVENTS

PRESENTATION SUNDAY JULY 4, AT 4:PM

ENTRY INCLUDE BREAKFAST 7:30-10 & LUNCH 12-2 ON WEEKEND DAYS

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER CALL 962-2403EMAIL:[email protected]

SPONSORS: MARJO BLOCKSSUPERCLUBS

South Coast News

Documents

Transcript of South Coast News