Jamaica News

Jamaica Beat Guatemala 2-1 in World Cup Qualifying Match
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Jamaica Beat Guatemala 2-1 in World Cup Qualifying Match

Demar Phillips and Ryan Johnson scored either side of halftime as Jamaica opened its World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Guatemala on Friday. Phillips opened the scoring for Jamaica in the 40th minute before Johnson extended the lead in the first minute after halftime. Guatemala substitute Dwight Pezzarossi scored in stoppage time for the visitors at National Stadium. Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore said he was thankful to take away maximum points from the match: "We got three points from this and that is the most important thing.'' Jamaica will next travel to Antigua and Barbuda, which lost 3-1 to the United States earlier Friday.
Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce  featured on NBC’s Rock Center
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Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce featured on NBC’s Rock Center

She’s already one of the fastest women on the planet, but Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce hopes to make history as the fastest at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. “The thing with success is, when you get it you want it,” Fraser-Pryce told Rock Center with Brian Williams. “I think that the last couple of years have actually made me more hungry than I was, and now that I realize my potential and I realize that I can do so much … once I push myself to the limit, maybe I can do that much better.” Fraser-Pryce, 25, won the Olympic gold medal at the 2008 summer games in Beijing, China, where she crushed her competition in the 100-meter race. Her winning time –10.78 seconds – was the fastest winning time since 1988. She was also the first Jamaican woman to win gold in the 100 meter dash. Fra...
NEPA Embarks on Sustained Programme to Protect Biodiversity
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NEPA Embarks on Sustained Programme to Protect Biodiversity

As part of efforts to protect and preserve the country's coastal and marine biodiversity, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has embarked on a sustained programme to better manage these resources. This was stated by Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, in a message read by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Genefa Hibbert, at NEPA’s Open Day function, held at its Head Office, in Kingston, Tuesday May 22. The Minister said this new approach includes: routine monitoring of coral reefs; revision of existing coastal policies; and actions and plans, as well as specific interventions to reverse the effects of climate change at risk-prone communities across the island. “Through these programmes, it is anticipated that over the long-...
Safe Driving Campaign aimed at JUTC Drivers
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Safe Driving Campaign aimed at JUTC Drivers

Drivers employed to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) are to be re-trained under a Safe driving campaign, Transport, Works and Housing Minister, Hon. Dr. Omar Davies, has announced. The initiative will be undertaken in partnership with the Road Safety Council and the Insurance Association of Jamaica. "We are going to ensure that the drivers of the JUTC buses are models of courtesy, for correct use of the road, and ultimately, of safe driving habits," Dr. Davies said, while addressing a road safety seminar hosted by the Jamaica National General Insurance (JNGI) company on Thursday (May 17) at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston. It's amazing to see Jamaica taking road safety more seriously. These drivers need to drive carefully, especially with members of the public on board. Oth...
Jamaicans Awarded Net Billing Licences – Can now sell power to JPS
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Jamaicans Awarded Net Billing Licences – Can now sell power to JPS

A total of 11 individuals and companies have been approved by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), to supply excess energy to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). The group, which include residential and commercial customers, were presented with net billing licences by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, during a meeting of the Jamaica Energy Council at Jamaica House, in St. Andrew. The licence gives approval to individuals or companies that generate their own energy through the use of renewable sources, such as wind turbines or solar systems, to sell their excess electricity to the light and power company. Mr. Paulwell informed that a twelfth application is still under review. The new licences will provide up to 100 kilowatts of energy to the...
Volunteers Refurbish Port Royal Primary and Infant School
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Volunteers Refurbish Port Royal Primary and Infant School

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, and Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson, headed a large group of volunteers who, on Wednesday (May 23), undertook refurbishing of the Port Royal Primary and Infant School. The school was selected by the PIOJ as its major project for Labour Day 2012. They were joined by South Korea’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Kimo Lim, along with representatives of the embassy in Jamaica, the Korea/Jamaica Association, the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), and staff of the PIOJ. The activities carried out included: painting of the auditorium and canteen area; planting of fruit trees; and re-organisation of the school’s library. Manager of the PIOJ’s Population and Health Unit,...
“I Love Jamaica Because…” Video Competition
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“I Love Jamaica Because…” Video Competition

No matter where you are in the world, whether in Canada, Jamaica, the United States, England, Australia, Tokyo, there is something about Jamaica that keeps you connected. Home is where the heart is and this video contest is a way to express how you feel. Be as creative as you want. Use images and pictures, music, messages from friends and family - whatever you feel tells your message the best. Read the Contest Rules, put together your video and enter for a chance to the Grand Prize to Sandals Jamaica. The competition runs from May 23rd to July 18th 2012. For more information, rules, prizes and more click here
Legal Council aims to better protect Lawyer’s Clients
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Legal Council aims to better protect Lawyer’s Clients

A Bill seeking to enhance the conduct of attorneys at law, and the quality of service they provide, was tabled in the Senate on April 27. Tabled by the Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, the Bill, entitled ‘An Act to amend the Legal Profession Amendment Act’, contains provisions empowering the General Legal Council to take specified actions to protect money, property or documents of an attorney’s clients. According to the Memorandum of Objects and Reasons, the Bill requires institutions holding funds for an attorney’s clients to pay over such funds to the Council to be deposited in a special account for the benefit of the clients; empower the Council to obtain a Court Order to require the redirection of postal articles (originally destined for an attorney’s address) to an...
Jamaica’s Unbelievable Medal Record at the Olympic games – 1948 to 2008
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Jamaica’s Unbelievable Medal Record at the Olympic games – 1948 to 2008

As we count down the days the 2012 Olympic Games in London it makes perfect sense to look back at Jamaica's medal winning performances over the decades. Ironically, Jamaica first participated at the Olympic Games in 1948 which like this year's games was also held in London. Jamaica has amassed 55 medals in total at the Olympic games 13 gold medals, 25 silver medals and 17 bronze medals. All of those medals except David Weller's 1980 bronze medal in cycling have come in track and field - an area where Jamaica has grown to dominate regionally and international in recent years. With a seemingly unrelenting flow of fresh talent year after year the future of Jamaican athletics on the Olympic stage will continue on for many more years. We are sure Jamaica will do well at the 2012 London Olymp...
Big Discounts at Hotels and Attractions for Locals
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Big Discounts at Hotels and Attractions for Locals

Jamaicans are being invited to take advantage of special discount packages being offered by some of the island's premier hotels, attractions and other tourism stakeholders. Sector partners are offering up to 50 per cent discounts on accommodation, attractions, shopping, ground transportation and at restaurants as part of the ‘Experience Jamaica' campaign, which was launched on May 8, Wyndham Kingston hotel. Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeil, said he is confident that the initiative will generate a high level of interest from the public. I'm sure they use awesome hotel software similar to SkyTouch hotel management software to manage such a great promotion. He lamented that not enough locals are experiencing the various product offerings that have made the island...