The previously announcedreopening of the WindalcoEwarton bauxite plant

became a reality on July 22, whenUC/RUSAL, owners of the St.Catherine facility, restarted min-ing operations.

This news was welcomed not only

by the Jamaican government, butalso by the hundreds of workers andtheir dependants; not to mention thelocal business community whichwere affected by the closure of min-ing operations last year.

The plant will re-employ 629workers and is expected to produce

approximately 321,000 tonnes ofalumina over the course of theremainder of the year, from itsannual capacity of 625,000 tonnes.

Russian company UC/RUSAL,the world's largest aluminium pro-ducer, also owns the WindalcoKirkvine operations in Manchesterwhich was also closed earlier thisyear and hope is that this plant willalso reopen in short order as theworld recovers from two years ofrecession. However no concreteplans have yet been announcedregarding that plant.

Sector rebirthAt an opening ceremony held at

the Ewarton Sports Club on April22, Minister of Energy and Mining,Hon. James Robertson, stated thatthe reopening of the plant represent-ed a significant rebirth for the baux-ite industry and would have atremendous impact on the Jamaicaneconomy.

Mr. Robertson said the plantimpacted positively on foreignexchange earnings, as well asGovernment revenues and in addi-tion to the 629 employees, manymore Jamaicans reap indirect bene-fits from the resumption.

He said that after fruitful negotia-tions between UC/RUSAL and the

Jamaican Government and with thegradual improvement in the baux-ite/alumina global market, the plantis being restarted as a first step in therevitalisation of RUSAL's Jamaicanoperations.

Significant investment was putinto the re-opening of the plant, hesaid.

"The figure I have received fromthe JBI (Jamaica Bauxite Institute)is about US$60 million minimum,just for being able to restart; that'swithout any major investments onthe energy side," he explained.

Mr. Robertson said that thereopening was also of significantimportance to communities in closeproximity to the plant, the mines andthe port, as well as the serviceproviders, noting that the sustain-ability of many small businessesrelied on the patronage of the com-pany and its workforce. At theheight of production, the companyheavily supported various commu-nity projects, including skills train-ing, health, education and socialinvestment.

These included restaurants, gro-ceries, bars, taxi and bus operators,variety stores, hardware stores andsmall tradespersons.

He also observed that over thepast two and a half years, Jamaicahad passed through a very difficultperiod in terms of bauxite/aluminaproduction and export, including theclosure of three of four refineriesbetween March and May 2009,regarded as among the worst periodsin the annals of the world aluminumand local bauxite/alumina industry.

The Minister said that the econo-

my had lost well over US$1 billionsince the closure of the plants.

Improvements in operationsUC/ RUSAL has made significant

improvements in the operations ofthe plant as part of its CostEfficiency Leader programme. Thecompany has taken action to ensurethat Ewarton's operations restartwith an enhanced structure and pro-duction process, considerably lowercash operating costs and improvedefficiency.

The cost of bauxite mining hasalso been reduced twice andRUSAL has decreased Ewarton'smaintenance costs. Agreements withthe Jamaican Government and theplant's contractors, were also impor-tant factors which have helped toimprove Ewarton's operational costefficiency, thereby enabling RUSALto restart the refinery.

Said Yakov Itskov, Deputy CEOof the International AluminaBusiness; "We are pleased to restartRUSAL's Jamaican operations.They are an important part of thebauxite and alumina industry whichplays a fundamental economic andsocial role in the country. RUSAL iscommitted to continuing and devel-oping its operations in Jamaica. Thisrestart at Ewarton has been madepossible because of the strong andconstructive support of the Jamaicangovernment, our contractors, andour employees who worked hard tomake the plant economicallyviable."

Commissioned in 1959, theEwarton Refinery was the secondalumina refinery built in Jamaica.

July 26 - August 1, 2010 • southcoastnews@yahoo.com• A community newspaper serving the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth

$50ATI celebrates 10thAnniversary Page 8

Ambassador Derrick Heaven, Executive Chairman of the Sugar Industry AuthorityMinister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson (centre), cuts the ribbonreopening the Ewarton Alumina Refinery in St. Catherine on July 22. Others from leftare: Chairman of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee; ManagingDirector of WINDALCO, Leonid Stavitsky; Deputy Chief Executive Officer andDirector of International Alumina Business, Yakov Itskov(SIA); Minister of Labourand Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles and Minister of Transport and Works, Hon.Michael Henry.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, (right), speaks with Everett Hyatt of Carib AgroDistributors Ltd., one of the companies displaying their products at the CASCO Business Expo held at the Manchester Clubon July 24. At centre is Carib Agro Sales Director, Reginald Burgess.

2008 Press Assn. of JamaicaDouble Awardee

CASCo Expo agreat success

Windalco Ewarton reopens...will Kirkvine follow soon?

A business expo organised by theCentral Agricultural SuppliesCompany (CASCo), held at theManchester Club on Saturday, July24 was an overwhelming success.

The expo featured displays from anumber of companies serving the parish

of Manchester in a variety of sectors. While the main focus was on the

expanding agriculture sector, visitorswere exposed to banking, travel, fash-ion, consumer goods, alternative energysystems and a host of other businesses.

See Business Expo on page 12

2 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

SOUTH COASTNEWS

Unit 2- 10 Ward Ave.Mandeville, Manchester

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

southcoastnews@yahoo.com

Editor Clive Williams

WritersHoward HendriksShereido Carter

PhotographersClive Williams

Phillip LemonteCarl Levy

Jessica Williams

Special thanks to the JamaicaInformation Service

Ministry of Health prepared for dengue outbreak

Director, Disease Preventionand Control at the Ministryof Health, Dr. Sonia

Copeland, says that the Ministry isin a high state of preparedness todetect and treat Dengue Fever,should there be an outbreak.

Her statement follows the reportedincrease in Dengue Fever cases in anumber of Caribbean territories,which has prompted the MinistryofHealth (MOH), with the assistance ofthe Pan American HealthOrganization (PAHO), to roll out aDengue Prevention and ControlPublic Education programme toheighten awareness of the preventionmeasures.

Speaking Thursday July 22 at a JISThink Tank session, Dr. Copelandnoted that the Ministry has height-ened surveillance activities acrossthe island. Health facilities, she

states, are equipped with medicationfor symptomatic treatment and willbe able to deal with possible compli-cations.

"The Ministry has been scaling upsurveillance to detect undifferentiat-ed fever, which they cannot attributeto any specific cause, and theMinistry of Health has been samplingspecimen for patients to check forDengue," she informed.

She noted that new clinicians in thepublic health system have beentrained to identify signs and symp-toms of Dengue and treatment proto-cols. The MOH Official has alsohighlighted the pivotal role that com-munity participation must play inpreventing the spread of the fever.

"Vector Control activity is veryexpensive and it is labour intensive,and that's why in many countries theshift is to intensify community par-

ticipation. It is much more cost effec-tive and sustainable to have personstake care of their immediate environ-ment and reduce the breeding sites,"Dr. Copeland noted.

The Environmental HealthDepartment of the Ministry is work-ing assiduously to ensure control ofthe breeding sites of the AedesAegypti mosquitoes. Reiterating thecall for increased community partici-pation, MOH Director ofEnvironmental Health, WilliamBroughton, appealed to persons toregularly inspect their surroundingsand destroy any apparent breedingsites.

"People in their homes have a bet-ter idea of whats happening on thepremises than somebody coming in,so we are encouraging them to searchfor all the possible places where mos-quitoes can breed," he stated.

Mr. Broughton called on persons topractice preventive measures, such asproper storage of water and garbagedisposal measures.

"If you have to store water, store itproperly; cover the containers andget rid of solid wastes, especially thetyres, so we won't have any place forwater to collect or mosquitoes tobreed," he said.

He added that fogging of mosqui-toes by the Health Departments only"gets rid of mosquitoes on wings."Persons should therefore assist thehealth department in finding anddestroying breeding sites.

Dengue Fever is caused by a virustransmitted from the aedes aegyptimosquitoes to humans. According tothe Director of Disease Preventionand Control, symptoms of the virusvary and include the sudden onset ofa very high fever, headache and painbehind the eyes. Persons may alsoexperience non-specific symptoms,such as muscle ache, joint pains andnausea.

Persons who are experiencing suchsymptoms are advised to visit theirhealth care provider, so that they canbe accurately diagnosed.

"When Dengue starts its like anyother flu- like illness, so we have tobe sure that you are not in danger orthat you are not already exhibitingsigns of Dengue HemorrhagicFever," Dr. Copeland cautioned.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever andDengue Shock syndrome are twocomplications of the illness.

The Dengue Hemorrhagic Fevermay present with additional symp-toms such as bleeding from the gum,nostrils or gastrointestinal bleeding.In the case of Dengue Shock symp-toms the patient goes into shock.

"There are two countries very closeto Jamaica that are seeing the moresevere cases of Dengue- the DengueHemorrhagic Fever. They are report-ing deaths and they have the highestcase fatality rate in the region andthey are close to us, so we really haveto step up our game and get the com-munity participation that we are ask-ing for," Dr. Copeland appealed.

JIS

Director, Disease Prevention and Control in the Ministry of Health, Dr. SoniaCopeland, and the Ministry's Director of Environmental Health, William Broughton,discuss the contents of a flier being circulated as part of the Dengue Prevention andControl Public Education Programme. They were guests at the July 22 JIS Think TankSession.

Jamaican professionals head to Japan oncultural exchange programmeThe Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the

Honourable Olivia Grange, MP has met withthe 14 young Jamaican professionals who will

participate in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching(JET) programme this year.

At a farewell reception for the participants, hosted bythe Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica His ExcellencyHiroshi Yamaguchi recently, Minister Grange endorsedthe programme.

“I am happy for the opportunity that it provides ouryoung people to learn about Japanese culture whileexposing the people of Japan to authentic Jamaican cul-ture. I am absolutely convinced that this batch will befine cultural ambassadors. I know that they will addsomething special to the programme and that both ourcountries will be proud of the experience.”

Young Jamaican professionals are recruited to per-form the role of Assistant Language Teachers in the JET

programme, but the Minister said she hoped that soonJamaican applicants would be considered for otherposts as well.

“I notice that there are other roles in the programmethat our young professionals could also perform, suchas Coordinators for International Relations and SportsExchange Advisors. Ambassador, I would love anopportunity to discuss with you how we might extendthose areas of the programme to Jamaica. There ismuch that our two great nations can share in theseareas.”

Minister Grange told Ambassador Yamaguchi thatJamaica was grateful to the Government and people ofJapan for their support and for their appreciation ofJamaican culture.

The Minister said the JET programme would help tobuild the bonds of friendship and cooperation betweenJamaica and Japan.

Tourism Minister, Hon.Edmund Bartlett, saysdespite the West Kingston

unrest in May, there is confidenceamong the country's overseastourist market partners thatJamaica remains a safe vacationdestination.

Speaking at the Private SectorOrganization of Jamaica's (PSOJ)Chairman's Club Forum Breakfast atthe Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, NewKingston, on July 21, Mr. Bartlettsaid the country's repeat visitor 52per cent record, which ranked amongthe highest in the Caribbean, wasamong the factors informing theoverseas partners.

"So, it became easier for them to

translate the message that we wantedto be carried.that what was takingplace in Jamaica was part of a widertransformation. That we, in fact, as astate, were taking a position to recov-er the country from criminals. Theyunderstood that, because they under-stand the need for them to do (thesame) in some of their own coun-tries,' the Minister said

The discussions between Jamaica'stourism officials and their overseaspartners in the key North Americanand European tourist markets,formed part of a US$10 million mar-keting and promotional initiative,spearheaded by Mr. Bartlett, whichwas pursued in the aftermath of theMay unrest.

This undertaking was deemed nec-essary by the Minister to counter thenegative international publicitywhich it generated for Jamaica, aswell as prevent a possible US$300million loss in foreign exchangeearnings from tourism.

Noting challenges to Jamaica'stourism sector, consequent on theMay unrest, Mr. Bartlett said concernhas resonated among local intereststhat "we had lostit," adding thatunder normal cir-cumstances, "wecertainly couldn'trecover, certainlynot within nine toeighteen months,in some cases."

"When wewent into themarketplace, wediscovered thatour partners rec-ognized that des-tination Jamaica,over time, hadoffered such highquality service,had really beensuch a truly safedestination forvisitors, as therecord does showthat less than oneper cent of all thecrimes commit-ted in the country,are againsttourists," hepointed out.

Voicing his dis-appointment overthe House's fail-

ure to sanction an extension of theState of Emergency, on July 20, Mr.Bartlett underscored the need to sup-press crime and violence, "if we areto give quality service to the world."

"I can double visitor arrivals toJamaica. I can double the spend,which is low and should be higher. Ican increase the foreign exchangecontribution from tourism fromUS$1.9 billion to US$3.5 billion, if

we have a safer society and if themarket feels that Jamaica is ready todo business with them in all itsforms," Mr. Bartlett assured.

In a brief address at the forum,PSOJ President, Joseph M. Matalon,urged greater collaboration amongParliamentarians on the appropriatemeasures necessary to effectivelyaddress crime and violence.

3MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Dr. Tufton reveals new fishing rulesMinister of Agriculture and Fisheries,

Dr. Christopher Tufton, launchedthe anticipated fish wire project,

which imposes a new minimum size for themesh wire used in fish pots, on Friday July 23.

The new minimum size of one and a half inchmesh wire, replaces the one and a quarter inchmesh wire being used in the construction of fishpots. The move increases the minimum size ofthe fishes which can be caught and keeps outimmature fishes, contributing to the sustainabili-ty of the island's fish resources.

Addressing the launch at the Calabash BayFishing Beach, which was recently refurbishedat a cost of $4 million, Dr. Tufton explained thatthe smaller mesh wire is the standard globalpractice, and a much more sustainable method ofcatching fish.

"It will only take from the sea fish of a certainsize, and that would exclude the fish that wewant to stay in the sea and get a little bigger," theMinister said.

He added that while the move might not bepopular with fishers, it will bring rewards to allpersons who earn their living from the industry.

"It is to ensure that this fishing beach, and oth-ers around the country, will have fisherfolk who

are not just surviving on the margin of society,but fishers who can one day generate wealth forthemselves and become more comfortable intheir community, because they are earningmore," Dr. Turton stated.

The pilot project targets fishers from threeparishes - St. Elizabeth, St. James and St.Thomas. Four hundred and fifty fishers wereselected for the programme, each of whom willbe given a roll of 1.5 inch mesh wire.

"I am proud of the fishers who are participat-ing in this programme, because what you areeffectively doing is pioneering a more consistentand sustainable fishing practice. You are theleaders in that regard," Dr. Tufton told the audi-ence.

The rehabilitation work done at the CalabashFishing Beach was sponsored by the CanadianInternational Development Agency (CIDA), andsaw the construction of sanitary facilities forsome 450 male and female fisherfolk who usethe beach.

It also included the building of sewage treat-ment systems, installation of electricity and otherconveniences for hygienic and efficient opera-tions which were previously dilapidated or non-existent.

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right), engages (from left), Chairman andChief Executive Officer, GraceKennedy Limited, Douglas Orane; StrategicConsultant and Principal of the United States-based human resources and statisticalresearch firm, Gallup Organization, Jesus Rios; and Chairman, Jamaica CustomerService Association (JaCSA), Ilsa duVerney, during the July 21 Private SectorOrganization of Jamaica (PSOJ) Chairman's Club Breakfast Forum, held at theJamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.

The search has commenced to identifyand award excellent educators,islandwide, as part of the Jamaica

Teaching Council's (JTC) efforts to rewardexcellence.

The awards will be part of activities to cel-ebrate International Teachers' Day on October5, this year. However, the church services, atwhich the excellent teachers will be awarded,will be held on October 3.

"And we hope that our Jamaican public willcome out and celebrate our teachers," Directorof the JTC, Dr. Winsome Gordon, emphasized.

She added that the education officers arealready on the search for excellent teachersand that this year is special, because theCouncil will be offering an award, in each ofthe 65 quality education circles, for specialeducation teachers, to encourage them.

"The Education Officers are responsible foridentifying the teachers, because they workwith them but they are going to look at thework of those teachers, their results and resultsdo not necessarily mean that the students are

getting A's, because we have to look at thecognitive performance and the affecteddomain and we have to look at how childrenare shaped by those teachers," she said.

"We look for planning, innovation, creativeways of teaching. any research that the teachermay have carried out having identified a prob-lem in the classroom," she explained.

In the meantime, the Director of the JTCexplained that they will be embarking on amarketing campaign for the teaching profes-sion.

"We are going to market the teaching profes-sion, because it has many advantages andsome of the issues that come across from lis-tening to dialogue from various interests arereally not what they seem, and so we will goout and say what the teaching profession is allabout and what it is doing. We are going tomarket our profession to sixth formers," Dr.Gordon also emphasized.

The JTC was designed to develop an effec-tive and efficient teaching service responsiveto the changing needs of society.

JTC to reward excellent educators

Overseas partners confident of Jamaica's safe status

4 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

The summer holiday will be extra spe-cial for some 800 students who will betaking part in the 2010 'Spruce Up

Jamaica' Summer Employment Programme,an initiative being undertaken by theTourism Product Development Company(TPDCo).

For the next six weeks, these students fromhigh schools and tertiary institutions acrossJamaica will receive hands on experience in the

tourism world of work, in the resort areas ofOcho Rios, Montego Bay, Kingston, PortAntonio and Negril.

Giving an overview of the initiative,Programme Co-ordinator, Marline Stephenson-Dalley, notes that the overall objective is toincrease the awareness of youngsters acrossJamaica, in terms of the importance of thetourism industry, the role the industry plays, aswell as expose them to the various careers that

are available in the industry.The programme, which is being implement-

ed for the third consecutive year, will see eachstudent trained and placed in a service orientedor tourism related facility for three weeks,while receiving a weekly stipend of $5,000.

Mrs. Stephenson-Dalley explains that the stu-dents must attend an orientation and trainingsession conducted by the TPDCo and coverareas such as: tourism awareness, customerservice, the marketing of Brand Jamaica, cul-ture and the role of the local tourism organisa-tions including Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB),TPDCO, Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)and the Ministry of Tourism.

"Students also discuss and examine the ben-efits of tourism, the value chain in tourism andhow it links with other areas of the economy,"she noted.

She said that it is important for the studentsto understand that tourists come from diverseplaces, with their own customs and cultureswhich we need to respect and appreciate just ashow we are proud of ours.

A highlight of the training session is the useof performing arts to convey information andmessages about the sector.

"We incorporate role play, we get them toexchange their ideas, they act out, they sing out,we do all kinds of exciting things to ensure thatthe messages are learnt and they get an under-standing of the basic concepts," she explains.

In terms of placements, she states that vari-ous sub-sectors in the tourism and hospitalityindustry are targeted, including the hotels,attractions, transportation, marketing and tele-

marketing.She says that placements began on July 12,

with the first set of interns who will be replacedby another set on completion.

"Many times they (the students) are rotatedin the organisations so they get a feel of the dif-ferent areas of the operation and we match themas best as we can, based on where they live andtheir skill," she states.

Mrs. Stephenson-Dalley points out that whilemany of the students participating are currentlypursuing courses in hospitality and tourism,there are others who are studying the sciences,arts and business related courses. The aim, shesays is to expose them to the possible careers inthe tourism sector.

"We have had cases where some interns havegone into organisations and have gotten perma-nent jobs from doing this summer programme;some have gone back to the organisation thefollowing year, to work for the entire summerand others have changed their careers anddecided on one in hospitality and tourism, eco-tourism or even environmental management,"she highlights.

"I think it is important for everybody to seethemselves as a stakeholder in tourism, manytimes persons outside of the resort areas do notunderstand or feel the benefits of the industry,and that is because they are not aware of thevalue chain, the linkages and the fact that whentourism is doing well, the hardware man, thedressmaker, the fisherman and hairdresser alsodo well," she observes.

Approximately 2,400 students have complet-ed the programme since its inception in 2008.

The Police Station atAlligator Pond,Manchester, received a

facelift after it was damaged dur-ing a disturbance involving thepolice and persons attending a NewYear's Day event.

After the incident, a number of ex-police officers responded and paintedthe station while, recently, Alpart andits Community Council, and theAlligator Pond community, replaceddamaged windows and did additionalpainting, at a cost of over $200,000.

Leudinie Spence, whose nephewwas killed in the disturbance, spear-headed a drive to raise the communi-ty's contribution of $50,000 to repairthe station. She said that they weretrying to restore harmony with thepolice.

"We can't condemn all of the

police, and that is why I am doingwhat I can do to assist them with thestation. Anything happens, we have

to call on them and the past incidentis behind us," she stated.

For business operator in the com-munity, Tashi Thompson, the stationhaving a facelift is a good thing forthe community and businesses in thearea.

"Our area is not stricken withcrime, and without the station thatwould not be the case," she said.

During a tour of the station, withofficials of Alpart, on July 15,Chairman of the Alpart CommunityCouncil, Lenworth Blake, said thatafter the damage, the police experi-enced difficulties when it rained.

"It looks quite different from whatit was some months ago. I commendthe officer (Inspector Ramsay) for hisdetermination to have it improved,and Alpart and the citizens ofAlligator Pond, who came on boardand assisted in the process," Mr.Blake stated.

For his part, Public RelationsOfficer at Alpart, Julian Keene, saidthe company joined with the citizensof Alligator Pond in a collaborativeeffort, to take on the initiative toreplace windows that were damaged.

"We value our operating communi-ties, and so we continue with a num-ber of community-based activitiesthrough the communities," he said.

Officer in Charge of the AlligatorPond Police, Inspector ClydeRamsay, stated that they were grate-ful for the completion of the project,with the assistance of the Alpart

Community Council, citizens ofAlligator Pond and the ManchesterPolice Welfare Fund. He said thatsince the completion, the officers aremuch more comfortable when itrains.

"We hope to continue this partner-ship with Alpart and the citizens, sothat we can build a much safer com-munity. The more comfortable we areat the station, is the better we will beable to perform our duties andaccommodate the citizens, who comein to make reports from time to time,"Inspector Ramsay said.

800 students for Spruce Up Summer Programme

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, makes a point as he addresses the launch of the 'Spruce up Jamaica'Summer Internship Programme at the Tourism Centre in Montego Bay on Friday, July 16. Some 800 studentsfrom high schools and tertiary institutions across Jamaica will be employed at tourism-related entities andbusinesses during the summer holidays.

Chairman of the Alpart Community Council, Lenworth Blake (left), greets Officer inCharge of the Alligator Pond Police, Inspector Clyde Ramsay (second left), as a teamfrom Alpart enter the station to view facelift workanization. Looking on are: ConstableLeslon Bennett (3rd left), Public Relations Officer with Alpart, Julian Keene (1st Right),and Woman Sergeant Marlene Green (2nd Right).

Alligator Pond Police Station gets facelift

The Newcombe Valley PrimarySchool in St. Elizabeth recently heldits school leaving and prize giving

ceremony.Four students who were successful in the

2010 GSAT examinations have receivedplaces at Lacovia, Magotty and Newell HighSchools.

Jamaica Information Service (JIS)Information Officer in the MandevilleRegional Office, Garfield Angus, who wasguest speaker at the ceremony, encouragedthe students to protect the knowledge thattheir teachers have instilled in them. He alsourged them to strive to be the kind of personthat would make their parents proud and toassociate with achievers.

"For you to achieve, your friends have tobe achievers. Spend time to read about impor-tant people and emulate the good people inyour community. If you do all of these, youwill realise a secure future," he said.

Mr. Angus further told the graduates toalways aim for excellence.

"It does not matter, which school you havebeen placed. Everything depends on you, andin the quest for excellence, no one can failyou, only you can fail yourself," he stated.

The Information Officer lauded the teach-ers and urged them to continue their valianteffort in delivering quality education to chil-dren. He also charged the parents to protectand guide their children to be successful

adults, instead of being "part of the negativesthat are plaguing our communities."

Principal of the school, Stacy-Ann Levy,in providing the school report, lauded theinstitution's many achievements over theyear, including improvements in the GradeFour Literacy Test.

A number of students from all grade levelsalso received tokens and certificates for theirperformance during the school year. Awardswere presented for good attendance, place-ment and outstanding performance in sports.

5MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Newcombe Valley Primary graduates four

One of the students awarded for goodattendance.

Information Officer at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Mandeville office, Garfied Angus, urgesgraduates of the Newcombe Valley Primary School in St. Elizabeth to guard their education. Mr. Anguswas the guest speaker at the institution's recent school leaving exercise.

Kaybert Crawford will attend Lacovia High School inSeptember.

A proud Brandon Dixon will go to Magotty High.

Oneil Mullings and Claud Turner have both been placed at Newell High.

A proud family member takes a photographat the school leaving ceremony.

ONE of the largest interna-tional land surveying com-panies, the Korea

Cadastral Survey Corporation(KCSC), has signed an agreementwith Geoland Title Limited, aJamaican land management com-pany, for the rapid expansion ofthe Land Administration andManagement Programme(LAMP).

The Korean entity which is recog-nised worldwide for having the bestpractices in land surveying andcadastral mapping internationally, isinvesting millions in the project andwill save the Government of Jamaicasubstantial expenditure.

It is estimated that US$2 millionis being pumped into the project orabout $180 million Jamaican dollars.Currently, approximately half of the650,000 land parcels on the taxroll,are registered.

President of the KCSC, Sung-YeulLee said he was honoured to be a partof the arrangement. His company hasa track record of successfully com-pleting projects for the governmentof South Korea related to land con-solidation and the digital cadastralmap inclusive of urban redevelop-ment, enhancement of squatted areaand environment.

Speaking at the recent launch ofPhase II of the project in StElizabeth, Prime Minister BruceGolding said that he is excited aboutthe potential of the project.

"Land titling is important to anysociety, particularly to Jamaicabecause there are many people whoown lands and land represents a pow-erful asset. That land is wealth, butthey are not able to use that wealtheffectively because they do not havea title," he said.

Golding said that the governmenthas instituted various programmes toexpedite the process of land titlingbut it requires far more institutionalcapacities. He said he was delightedat the partnership and hoped to seehow well the resources brought to thetable will accelerate the process.

Recent LAMP surveys suggestthat, as a result of informal subdivi-sions, the number of land parcels

may be 1.5 million or more. It istherefore possible that lower than 20per cent of landowners have aCertificate of Title which is the bestproof of ownership of land inJamaica.

This means that the vast majorityof landowners have restricted accessto meaningful credit, cannot legallysell or transfer their lands and oftencannot benefit from the agriculturalexpansion programmes whichrequire evidence of land ownership.It is with this in mind that theNational Land Policy identified theinsecurity of land tenure exemplifiedby the lack of land titles as a majornational problem.

Advocates of capitalism considerprivate property to be essential forthe construction of a prosperous soci-ety. Private ownership of landensures the land will be put to pro-ductive use and its value protected bythe landowner. If the owners mustpay property taxes, this forces theowners to maintain a productive out-put from the land to keep taxes cur-rent. Private property also attaches amonetary value to land, which can beused to trade or as collateral. Privateproperty thus is an important part ofcapitalisation within the economy.

Some also say private propertygives its owners stability, as well as avested interest in the enforcement ofproperty law. Citizens that own pri-vate property have a vested interestin fighting corruption of governmentofficials as in cases where corruptionis a direct threat to private propertyand the laws that govern maintainingprivate property.

Real estate is one of the largest sec-tors of the economy, it provides animportant source of wealth buildingand makes a significant contributionto the economy.

Land ownership and acquisitioncontinues to be the ladder for individ-ual betterment and was the stimulusthat drove growth in the US economyfor 250 years.

All around the world, private landdevelopment meets people's needs byproviding places to live, work, shopand recreate. It also provides a taxbase for cities and communities tohelp support public services.

Phase II rollout for South CoastPhase II of the initiative will entail

major expansion of LAMP's activi-ties in St Elizabeth, Clarendon andManchester, some of the parishesdeemed to have the lowest percent-age of title distribution. It will alsoincorporate government stakeholderagencies like the National LandsAgency (NLA) and the local plan-ning authorities.

According to Robert Montague,State Minister, the partnership withKCSC will provide for the mobilisa-tion of legal and land surveyingteams in the targeted parishes.

"We will be focused on land that isowned by individuals who find it dif-ficult to prove ownership. This is ourarea of primary concern," the stateminister said.

Advanced land surveying technolo-gies will also be introduced, aimed at

improving LAMP's capacity to deliv-er land titles in a timely manner,while a digital cadastral map will becompleted, which will be used forplanning and development.

Since its inception, LAMP hasseen upwards of 3,000 parcels ofland being registered and titlesupdated.

"Government recognising thatmany landowners can't access thebenefits available to a registered landowner, decided to move steadfastlywith the programme," he added.

Minister of Agriculture andFisheries, Dr Christopher Tufton, hassaid that farmers will reap tremen-dous benefits from the LAMP pro-gramme.

"We have over 25,000 farmers inSt. Elizabeth, and I see this as anempowerment mechanism toempower our farmers to use theirtitles to access financing, so that theycan produce more for themselves,their families, and for Jamaica," theminister said while addressing thelaunch at the Junction Guest House,St Elizabeth.

Minister of State with responsibil-ity for Local Government RobertMontague, said that the initiative isnot solely for agriculture, but is partof the Government's plans for ruraland national development, as overthe next 24 months some 12,000 per-sons in St Elizabeth will receive

titles."The Government has a thrust to

improve agriculture, and St Elizabethhas the largest parcels of lands thatare not titled. Once the farmers havetenure, they can access the variousprogrammes that the ministry of agri-culture has," the minister toldreporters.

Project Director at LAMP, GloriaBrown, said that the programme willchange parishes where it is to beestablished, eventually ensuring thateach parcel of land is part of the for-mal economy and is clearly identifiedand documented.

"We have facilitated our clients,recognising their importance andneeds, and have adopted theapproach of serving them where theyare. Hence, we have set up ouroffices throughout the parishes inwhich we operate, relying on thegoodwill of churches, communitycentres and government agencies toprovide accommodation," MissBrown stated.

LAMP provides a central "one stopshop" in obtaining titles at a fractionof the cost. All land surveys and legalmatters are dealt with in one placeand certain government taxes andfees are waived. The programme isoperated out of the Office of thePrime Minister (OPM).

6 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

(From left) Jaicheon Jeung, Charge d' Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Korea speakswith Garfield Knight, CEO of Geoland Limited, Prime Minister Bruce Golding andGloria Brown, LAMP Project Director, during the launch of the Land Administrationand Management Programme (LAMP) at the Junction Guest House, St Elizabeth onThursday July 1.

LAMP programme to have major economic impact

Effective May 2010, the National Land Agency(NLA) will issue Certificates of Title on newpaper with enhanced security features.

These new features are inresponse to the Land TitlesDivision having dealt in thepast with several incidentsof fraud in relation toCertificates of Title. Theincreasing availability ofinexpensive scanning andprinting technology has con-tributed to these activities.

It is on this basis that theNLA has procured SecurityPaper to eliminate thesefraudulent and corrupt prac-tices. The previous paperused to print Titles lackedsufficient security featuresthat would facilitate easyauthentication.

New Security Features- What to Look ForSpecial security featuressuch as dyes, watermarks,

an alpha-numeric number and security threads areembedded in the new paper. These features are:-

• Coat of Arms - The Jamaican Coat of Arms isimprinted and cannot be removed without recognisablydamaging the paper. When viewed under UV light afluorescent seal of the Coat of Arms appears as a water-mark.

• Alpha-Numeric Control Number - An alpha-numer-ic number appears in the top right-hand corner of thepaper. This allows us to account for every sheet of thesecurity paper. A mirror image of the alpha-numericnumber appears in red under UV light in the bottomleft-hand corner of the paper.

• Embedded Thread -Embedded threads appear alongthe left and middle of the paper.“Office of Titles” is printed in theleft thread while “National LandAgency” is printed in the middlethread.

• Watermark - When anauthentic Certificate of Title isheld up to the light, a watermarkshowing the words “SECURI-BOND” is visible. The completewatermark appears multipletimes throughout the Certificateof Title.

The implementation of thesecurity paper will not affect cur-rent registered titles. The previ-ous paper, without the new secu-rity features, will be eventuallyphased out, but the existing titleswill still be valid and there willbe no need to change them.

New certificates oftitle has enhancedsecurity features

7MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Wigton to double generatingcapacity by November

Expansion work to almost double windgenerating capacity at Wigton WindFarm, Manchester, is now far

advanced, following ground breaking twomonths ago.

By November, nine new 2 megawatt VestasV80 wind turbines will come into operation.Wigton will also open a Resource Centre, to pro-vide technical information on wind energy gen-eration.

The expansions will double WigtonWindfarm's renewable energy generation capac-ity. The new turbines will increase the number ofturbines on the wind farm to 32, and the amountof energy produced by Wigton to an annual aver-age of 106.7 Gigawatt hours, up from 51.6Gigawatt hours.

Construction of the expanded operating facil-ities began in April, following the arrival of theturbines at Port Esquivel. Since then, founda-tions have been excavated, civil works founda-tions poured and central building constructionstarted.

Wigton has also hosted a group of universitystudents, who toured the construction site andobserved technical operations.

The new turbines were transported by road,with special heavy duty vehicles, from PortEsquivel to Wigton. This required special safetyarrangements and pilot vehicles, as transporta-tion was done at night, due to the size and tech-nicalities of the process.

Wigton Windfarm is Jamaica's first commer-cial windfarm and was originally commissionedin 2004.

Today, electricity generation from wind is thefastest growing energy sector worldwide, ascountries like Jamaica hasten to find cheaper,localised and renewable sources of energy, asagainst expensive fossil fuel sources.

Wigton Windfarm's expansion will bring

Jamaica closer to its renewable ener-gy target of 11 per cent by 2012, asstated in the National Energy Policy.

Wigton Windfarm Limited is awholly-owned subsidiary of thePetroleum Corporation of Jamaica(PCJ), and is driven by its objectiveto develop and operate windfarmsand similar renewable energy sys-tems in Jamaica, to generate energyfor sale to the JPS grid for commer-cial and residential use.

Wigton is also committed to reduc-ing Jamaica's dependence on costlyand limited fossil fuels, while protect-ing human and environmental healthwith clean renewable energy.

8 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

There is much excitement these days inthe Jamaican sugar industry as foreigninvestors are poised to reverse years of

decline in production. Four hundred years ago, Jamaica was the

world's leading exporter of sugar and the indus-try boomed for three hundred years untilEuropean production from sugar beets in the19th century led to a crash in the price of canesugar. At that time, there existed over 1200 sugarfactories in Jamaica and the downturn in produc-tion resulted in most of these closing down, butnot before making fortunes for hundreds ofBritish families.

This chimney, which belonged to the CaveValley Sugar Factory, is all that remains of onesuch facility which once existed in the town ofthe same name, located in South St. Ann. Aninscription at the base of the structure reveals thedate 1872, which gives some indication of when

the factory was built. The Cave Valley Sugar Estate produced sugar,

molasses, and distilled rum. The chimney is oneof few that still exist across the island and as suchshould be maintained as a national heritage treas-ure. Unfortunately this is not being done.

Little information about the factory and itsplace in the culture of the surrounding communi-ties can be found, robbing Jamaicans of vitalknowledge about our history as a country.Today, only 7 sugar factories still exist and pro-

duction is but a fraction of what it was whensugar was 'king'.

With the current interest in Jamaican sugarfueled by increasing world demand for the prod-uct, the sweetener may regain its 'crown' in thecountry, but without urgent action, its historywill be gone forever.

Beginning in 2001, Negril becamethe party capital of Jamaica dur-ing Independence week with the

staging of Appleton Temptation Isle(ATI).

With up to 10 events being staged overa four-day period, ATI brought to Jamaicathe all-inclusive Miami party vibe that hadbeen created in Florida by Jamaicans AlexChin and Gary Hart. Under the umbrella oftheir organisation Absolute Entertainment,the team combined the forces of several ofJamaica's best party promoters to put out anovel concept in the party industry, onewhich apparently had cured the craving oftheir friends from across the globe andJamaica's party population.

With the backing of top Jamaican bever-age company J. Wray and Nephew, ATI

grew to become a signature event on theannual party calendar, and one which waswelcomed by the Negril business commu-nity with open arms. Thousands of patronsfilled hotels and supported the food, trans-portation and other businesses in the town,leaving behind millions of dollars annual-ly.

Although the relationship between theoriginal sponsors and promoters of ATIsoured somewhat a few years ago, all hasbeen forgiven and the event is now set tocelebrate its milestone in fine style.

ATI this year runs from Friday, July 30to Monday, August 2 at several venues inNegril and features seven awesome parties.These are Impy Skimpy. Pretty In Pink,Tempted Glow, Colours, Wild Sides andDolce.

ATI celebrates10th Anniversary When

sugar was king

9MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

The Mile Gully High Schoolgraduated over 100 stu-dents during its matricula-

tion ceremony held at the school onJune 30.

The ceremony was well supportedby family and friends of the gradu-ates and included a strong contingentfrom Jamaica National BuildingSociety, of which the GeneralManager, Mr. Earl Jarrett, was guestspeaker.

In presenting his report for theschool year, Principal of Mile GullyHigh, Mr. Ulit Brackett, made spe-cial mention of the positive impactthat newly appointed deans of disci-pline had on the school.

This he said, led to improvementsin the behaviour of students. Theestablishment of Mile Gully High asa Centre of Excellence under the pro-gramme instituted by the MutualBuilding Societies Foundation also

helped students to achieve higherresults, he added. With the implementation of comput-er equipment under the Centre ofExcellence, students were able to betested so as to give them appropriateassistance. This led to improvementsin exam results.

In his presentation, Mr. Jarrettpointed out that with the urgent needfor quality education in the country,all schools should become centres ofexcellence. He said with the need to

address other problems like crime inthe society, education is often neg-lected.

Fortunately, Mile Gully and its 32teachers and administrators wereable to unleash the passion necessaryto improve the school's standard.

Today, he said, Mile Gully, ratherthan being just another upgraded sec-ondary school, is now excelling inmany subject areas including busi-ness education and visual arts, aswell as in sports.

Several graduates received awardsfor outstanding achievement, includ-ing head boy Shevauni Powell whowas voted student of the year.

Mile Gully High graduates over 100

School Principal, Mr. Ulit Brackett presenting his report on the 2009-10academic year.

The 2010 graduating class of the Mile Gully High School lined up at the begining of theceremony.

A large turnout of family, friends and well-wishers were in attendance.

Members of Staff of Mile Gully Highenjoying the ceremony.

Mr. Earl Jarrett, General Managerof Jamaica National BuildingSociety, addressing graduates atthe Mile Gully High School gradu-ation ceremony, held at the schoolon June 30.

School Board Chairman, Harthan Foster, presents one of anumber of special awards during the graduation ceremony.

Mr. Jarrett congratulates Manchester High head boy and student ofthe year, Shevauni Powell. Looking on is head girl, Monique Wint.

10 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 -25, 2010

The Auto Zone

11MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Prestigious UK Chocolatier looks tousing Jamaican cocoa

One of the UnitedKingdom's (UK) oldestand most prestigious

chocolatiers, Charbonnel etWalker, is interested in usingJamaican cocoa in the produc-tion of its range of handcraftedchocolates.

Next month, the Chairman ofthe company, Galvin Weston, willbe visiting Jamaica for meetingswith representatives of JAMPROand coco industry authorities, tolook at potential joint ventureinvestment in a cocoa farm in theisland.

The principals of the companyare already investors in Jamaicaas the owners of the Frenchman'sCove Hotel in Portland, and the

chocolatier uses Jamaican rum insome of its chocolate varieties.

Mr. Weston, who took HighCommissioner, Anthony Johnson,on a tour of the company's OldBond Street store, said that theplan is to develop a tourism prod-uct that would incorporate toursof a cocoa farm and a sugarestate, with a stay at Frenchman'sCove.

High Commissioner Johnsonwelcomed the company's interestin Jamaican cocoa and encour-aged the chairman to look atdeveloping a Jamaican chocolateand also prospects in agro-tourism.

JAMPRO's European RegionalManager, Laurence Jones, said

that there is growing interest inJamaican cocoa because of itsfine grade.

He said Jamaica is one of onlyeight exclusive producers aroundthe world of fine fermentedcocoa, which is mostly used toimprove the flavour of other vari-eties.

He informed that recently, how-ever, there has been interest inusing the Jamaican cocoa for highend 'single origin' chocolate.

Founded in 1875, Charbonnelet Walker is one of Britain's earli-est chocolatiers and has a RoyalWarrant endorsing it as chocolatemanufacturers to Her Majesty theQueen.

Mile Gully High student of the year

Seventeen year-old Shevauni Powell, ofMile Gully High School in Manchester,was not always at the top of his class.

In fact, his journey to the top started with arude awakening.

"When I first came to Mile Gully, I wasplaced among the slowest students," the MileGully High head boy remembers, "I never feltgood about that and I told myself that I didn'tbelong there." So, he studied persistently and at the end of thefirst term he placed ahead of the class, forcingadministrators to put him among the fasterlearners the following term.

"Since then I have continued to work hard to

keep up my grades, although I don't alwaysplace first," he informs.

Today, Powell is the Mile Gully High SchoolStudent of the Year. He was awarded the status,not only for his consistent academic perform-ance, but for his contribution to student leader-ship and development.

"He is a model student," opines Ulit Brackett,principal of Mile Gully High. "His grades areconsistently above the class average and he isintegrally involved in many aspects of theschool and its development."

"His ability to balance his involvement insports and other co-curricular activities inspireshis peers to want to do better," adds his science

teacher, Mark Clarke.At age 16, Powell is

already six-foot, four inch-es tall and he uses his lankyframe to participate in longdistance events - earlierthis year he won the 800and 1,500 metre titles andplaced third in the crosscountry event.

Powell's tall structurealso gives him an advan-tage as a cricketer, as hebowls for the Green MountCommunity Youth Clubcricket team.

This active teen plays thesaxophone, and was namedScout of the Year by hisschool. Shevauni has alsorepresented the school inthe National Inter-Secondary Schools' Debate competition, and isactive at church.

"He came to us very weak," Brackett remem-bers, "but his determination caused him to per-severe. You can always count on Shevauni toget things done and those are important quali-ties in a good leader."

Powell is respected by members of the schoolstaff and the student body, Brackett says,"because of his general deportment and stancefor discipline".

"I have always tried to abide by the rules,and I believe that is why people respect me,"the young man says of himself. "My peers lis-ten to me because I always try to motivatethem."

Powell sat eight subjects in the Caribbean

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)examinations this year, and he is quite confi-dent that he has done well in most of the sub-jects - excluding physics.

The young aspiring surgeon said as theschool did not have an adequate science lab toensure the students grasped the subject.

The Mutual Building Societies Foundation(MBSF) provided the school with a fullyequipped science lab in April under the Centresof Excellence programme in which Mile GullyHigh is one of six schools participating.

"The new lab helped me to catch up withsome of the experiments that we were not ableto do throughout the school year," Powell said."And I am confident I will do well in the otherscience subjects, and Math and English,"Powell declared.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has confirmed that EmancipationDay, which is normally celebrated on August 1, will be observed on Monday,August 2, this year.

A press release from the Ministry advised members of the public that EmancipationDay 2010 will be observed on Monday, August 2, 2010, while Independence Day 2010will be observed on Friday, August 6, 2010.

"This is in keeping with the provisions of the Holidays (Public General) Act, whichdetermines the observance of public holidays in Jamaica. The Act stipulates where thepublic holidays fall on a Sunday, they shall be observed on the following Monday."

Emancipation Day is Monday, August 2

Earl Jarrett, congratulates Shevauni Powell at the Mile Gully High graduation ceremony, held on at the school

Shevauni lays down a mean rhythm at the opening ceremony for the Mile GullyHigh science lab, held recently.

Jamaica's HighCommissioner to theUnited Kingdom (UK),Anthony Johnson (left)makes a point during dis-cussion with Chairmanof Charbonnel et Walker,Galvin Watson (right),and Jampro's EuropeanRegional Manager,Laurence Jones.Charbonnel et Walker isone of the UK's oldestand most prestigiouschocolatiers, and it isinterested in usingJamaican cocoa in itsrange of products.

MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 -25, 201012

CASCo Expo highlights

CASCo Expo promoters Adrienne Stephenson,Shadae Whyte and Monique Daley strike a pose

Garfield Russell of Ace Supercentre explains theuse of a product sold by his company.

Camile Spencer of Serenity Spa demonstrates a handmassage.

Flow’s Andrene Cover (left) explains the company’sebiz offerings

Rapheal Hernandez, chief mechanic of small equipment manufacturer Echo,conducts one of several workshops held during the day.

This FiMi Wireless rep was having a great time at the expo. “I’m just looking,” says Mandeville councillor, Sally Porteous(left)

Tim Lankester of Jamaica Bags Ltd. (right), speaks about hiscompany’s line of products

Tracey Stephenson-Smith of Reggae Jammins (left), was keptbusy doling out samples

A huge Massey Ferguson tractor, distributed locally by HoodDaniel Well Company, was on display.

Antoinette Hawthorn of Hood DanielWell Co. Ltd. assists a potential client.

A collection of motorbikes from Huey;s Motor Cycle Shop

PriceMart’s Chantelle Williams introducesthe company’s solar energy system.

Samantha Powell (right) shows off an item availablefrom Jamaica Drip Irrigation.

Kadian Tinker and Kandia Fletcher strikesa pose with their favourite beverage.

Sydonie Kirlew kept herself really hydrated

Marsha Lee of Isratech getting ready to close a saleThe Kool Runnings Water Park mascot makes a new friend

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries,Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, was a spe-cial guest of the expo and in his address,said that the success of the agriculturalsector depends largely on the critical link-ages that can be forged at different levelsof the industry and with wider businessinterests.

"Agriculture is not just about thefarmer; it is about a range of activities thatcreate value from the primary producer allthe way through to the market players, tothe consumer who will utilise what theprimary producer produces and createadditional value to generate satisfactionthat all of us crave, and look for everyday," he said.

He noted that suppliers of agriculturaloutputs, like CASCo, and others, dependon the success of the farmer in order fortheir business to flourish. "The agro-pro-ducer, who takes the produce that is pro-duced by the farmer, depends on an effi-cient farmer in order to create value to

make the seasonings, and the spices andall other things that agriculture produces,"he noted.

He urged farmers to seek to increaseefficiency and productivity to take advan-tage of business opportunities. "When Isee the Digicel and the Cable and Wirelessbooths, and the many other things on dis-play here today, all of those activitiesspeak to the empowering of our primaryproducer, and enabling them to do theirbest," Dr. Tufton said.

More than 37 entities displayed prod-ucts and services at the business expo.

Business Expo from page 1

13MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25 , 2010

Planning a trip? Global Travel Service was in thehouse.

Fun time for the kids and kids at heart The Advantage General team was out in full force

Signing up new clients at the NCB booth

Brumalia House’s Miriam Robinson welcomes Dr. Tufton.

Everything the farmer needs in small equipment was on displayat the CASCo booth.

You could also get your blood pressure tested onsite by the Jamaica Red Cross.

Checking out the over 30 booths at the CASCo expo.

Dr. Tufton seems to be contemplating a spa treatment fromSpa Serenity.

Signing up for a Jamaican vacation at the expo.

Jeneva Gordon handing out samples of Grace’s new bar-b-que beans and franks.

Lebert Rowe of Lasco Pharmaceutical Division(left), giving an overview of his company.

A steady stream of people visited the expo during the day

Hot fashions and accessories from DaCore Boutique

The Energy Plus mento band welcomed all to the expo

14 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Minister with Responsibility forInformation, Telecommunicationsand Special Projects, Hon. Daryl

Vaz, has stated that the Government is focus-ing on the rollout of a broadband backbonein the short-term, which will ensure adequateconnectivity throughout the island.The move, he said, is in keeping with the Vision2030 National Development Plan, which desig-nates information and communications technol-ogy (ICT) as a priority area for development asa major industry and an enabler for all other sec-tors."This is a critical strategy for becoming effi-cient, effective and more productive in the pri-vate and public sectors as well as for increasingour international competitiveness," MinisterVaz stated.

He was speaking on July 18 at the openingceremony of the two-day Caribbean ICT con-ference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel inKingston. Organised by the CaribbeanTelecommunications Union (CTU), the confer-

ence is the culmination of a series of road showsheld at major towns across the island.

The events, which got underway on May 19,sought to raise awareness about the innovativeapproaches necessary for the effective use ofICT in government, business and social devel-opment.

Mr. Vaz encouraged members of theCaribbean Community to share commonvisions, and work steadfastly to ensure that,through rapid deployment and application ofICT, an enabling business environment forinvestment is provided, education and trainingis of world class standard, and "that our soci-eties are healthy, secure, cohesive and that wedeliver to the people of the Caribbean, effectivegovernance."

Secretary General of the CTU, BernadetteLewis, in her remarks, said that the road show isdesigned to promote a spirit of innovation andentrepreneurship in the development of ICT-based practical solutions to educate, demon-strate and encourage adoption of innovation for

inclusive economic and social development,and lay a foundation on which knowledge-based societies and economies may be built.

"ICTs, give us the power to connect people.toprocess information, to enable us to interact, toengender collective responses from people allacross the globe. It gives us the power to poten-tially connect to every other individual acrossthe face of the earth. That is the power we haveavailable to us today, literally at our fingertips,"she stated, adding that it is incumbent on coun-

tries to embrace and exploit these technologiesresponsibly, safely and efficiently.

The two-day conference, being held from July19 to 20, will highlight how the internet and dig-ital media are bringing more value to profes-sionals and business people.

The CTU, which is celebrating its 20thanniversary this year, is a Caribbean inter-gov-ernmental organisation dedicated to facilitatingthe development of the regional telecommuni-cations sector.

Deputy Prime Minister and Ministerof Foreign Affairs and ForeignTrade, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh,

has called on the private sector to seek totake advantage of opportunities createdthrough trade arrangements such as theEconomic Partnership Agreement (EPA)and the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

"In the implementation of trade agreements,the private sector must find creative ways oftapping into the existing potential to expandour productive base, increase productivity lev-els, and penetrate new markets, buttressed, ofcourse, by Government action to unblockbureaucratic log-jams," he said.

Minister Baugh was making his contribu-tion to the 2010/11 Sectoral Debate in theHouse of Representatives on Tuesday, July13.

He said his Ministry is prepared to lend allnecessary support to Jamaican enterprises inmaintaining and achieving market access andproviding information about these agreementsand negotiations.

The minister noted that the Government is

determined to seek every opportunity toexpand the country's trade capacity to pro-mote sustainable economic growth and devel-opment.

"The direct corollary to the negotiation of atrade agreement is the development andexpansion of our productive base to enable usto take advantage of the market access forgoods and services, which is absolutely indis-pensable. We can only achieve economicgrowth through increased production andmore investments, particularly in the area ofservices," he pointed out.

As it relates negotiations, in which Jamaicais engaged, Dr. Baugh said that the country isactively involved in trade issues at the multi-lateral, regional and bilateral levels, and willcontinue to be fully engaged in the multilater-al negotiating process within the World TradeOrganization's (WTO) Doha DevelopmentRound.

Jamaica's interest in these talks, he said, isthe development of a rules-based system,which takes account of the development needsof small and vulnerable economies.

"It is very important that we forge and formalliances with other small economies and mid-dle income countries, because it is the powerof these alliances that can assist us to make theweight and the concerns of small countriesfelt at the level of international negotiations,"he noted.

In the meantime, he said that theGovernment is engaged in preparations forJamaica's 2011 Trade Policy Review (TPR),which is the country's third such review in theWTO.

"We very much welcome this in-depth andcomprehensive review of our national tradepolicy (framework), which helps us to evalu-ate our achievements in implementing tradepolicy," Dr. Baugh said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr.Kenneth Baugh, makes a point during his presentation inthe 2010/11 Sectoral Debate in the House ofRepresentatives on Tuesday, July 13.

Minister with Responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz(left), listens to a remark from Secretary General, Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), BernadetteLewis on July 18, at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Information and Communication Technology(ICT) conference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. Commissioner of Customs and Chairman of theCentral Information Technology Office, Danville Walker (2nd right), and Chief Executive Officer, DigicelJamaica, Mark Linehan, also participated in the discussion.

Gov’t making ICT rollout a priority

Private Sector urged to use trade treaties

email yournews to:

southcoastnews@yahoo.com

In response to specific security con-cerns at the JamaicaConstabulary Force's (JCF)

Criminal Records Office, the U.S.Embassy in Kingston will not acceptpolice certificates (police records)issued before June 14, 2010.

All applicants who received theirpolice certificate before June 14, 2010will be required to obtain a new onebefore a visa can be issued. This appliesto police certificates issued before thisdate that are already in the possession ofapplicants, as well as police certificatesalready submitted to the National VisaCenter in the United States.

Applicants will not be required to pay

a fee to re-schedule their interview withthe U.S. Embassy when they have thenew police certificates in their posses-sion; however, the JCF requires paymentfor a replacement police certificate. Thisis beyond the Embassy's control. Pleasecontact the JCF directly for informationregarding its fees at (876) 922-3221.

The U.S. Embassy is notifying visaapplicants who provided valid contactinformation to bring updated police cer-tificates to their interview appointments,but regrets that it will be unable to con-tact all applicants due to the high volumeof cases.

The U.S. Embassy regrets any incon-venience that this may cause.

U.S. Embassy only accepting Police Certificates issued after June 14

Executive Director of theBroadcasting Commission,Cordell Green, has empha-

sized the important role traditionalmedia plays in the timely dissemi-nation of accurate and credibleinformation, citing shortcomingsin the area of 'new media' outlets.

Mr. Green cited traditional mediaas broadcast media, with the mostcommon being newspapers, radio,and television, while 'new media' orsocial media include YouTube,Facebook, MySpace and blogging.

He was speaking at a seminar enti-tled 'The Role of the Media:Professional Dictates versus Social

Responsibilities', at the ManagementInstitute for National Development(MIND) campus, Kingston, onWednesday July 21.

"We know, as a fact, that much ofwhat we get on the internet is opin-ionated, whether you go toWikipedia or anybody's blog. Weknow, as a statement of fact, thatthose who operate in the sphere ofnew media, such as bloggers, theydon't have the requirements as thereare no required standards, such assource verification, balance, objec-tivity or fair play," he explained.

He is, therefore, urging individu-als to be vigilant with the informa-

tion that is made available to them."Only the print media seems to be

losing out to social media, and wehave to put a question as to whetherthey are losing out, or they them-selves are being transformed. Radioand television remain very strongbrand," he said.

"Much of what is on the net isopinionated and not held to tradition-al standards, so new media is notalways credible," he said.

He argued that for journalist tomeet their social responsibilitiesthere is a need for freedom of thepress. But that, in terms of their pro-fessional mandate, as journalists,there is no need for protection otherthan that they must publish what canbe justifiable in a free and democrat-ic society, where protection ofsources takes on no greater impor-tance than a man's right to protect hisgood name.

Mr. Green encouraged media prac-titioners to develop professionalcompetences, and have the ability toaccess, understand and create com-munication in a variety of context.He also noted that informationshould be provided impartially, witha view of meeting the traditionalmandates of media, which is toinform, educate and entertain.

The seminar was organised by theProfessional Administrators Inc.(PAI), which is made up of eight sec-retaries drawn from variousMinistries and Departments withinthe Government of Jamaica.

President of the JamaicaAgricultural Society (JAS),Councillor Glendon Harris,

has said that the farmers' groupmust become engaged in a processof renewal, in order to empowerits members.

"To contribute greatly to improv-ing the standard of living of theirfamilies, their communities and theentire nation, each branch societymust begin to take charge of com-munity representation," the JASpresident said.

Mr. Harris was responding torecent calls for a transformation ofthe JAS, to make it more relevant tothe needs of 21st century Jamaicanfarmers, at the annual general meet-ing of the JAS at the Denbigh show-ground, Clarendon on July 15.

The same call was echoed byMinister of Agriculture andFisheries, Hon. Dr. ChristopherTufton, who gave the main addressat the function. He said that the JASmust be restructured to enable it tobetter serve the interests of farmers.

Dr. Tufton contended that thebody was too "heavy at the top,"which has restricted the filter ofresources down to the base of theorganisation."The branches should be given abigger portion of the resources toconduct their work on the ground,"the Minister had proposed.

Councillor Harris, who also repre-sents the Division of Maroon Town

in the St. James Parish Council,pointed out that JAS ParishManagers are already exposed toextensive training, as well as tofunding from private and interna-tional organisations.

"I am expecting that each branchsociety should provide economicprojects, that will ensure sustainabil-ity within the communities," he said.

The JAS President also agreedwith a position taken by Dr. Tufton,in his Budget presentation, that thereis a need to expand value added link-ages in agriculture. He said that agri-culture's contribution to the econo-my must also involve transformationinto food and beverage products, butcautioned that value added productsmust be high quality.

"Even though there are veryimpressive samples of value addedproducts offered at parish shows,such as Denbigh and Montpelier, wehave to move from there and provideguaranteed high quality supply," Mr.Harris stated.

The JAS President said that hisorganisation will be moving toinvolve many of its properties acrossthe island in commercial operations.

"Some of the proceeds of Denbighare to go toward purchasing Irishpotatoe, onion and other seeds forfarmers. In this new economic cli-mate, it is my belief that the time isnow upon us to step out on our ownto protect our future," he said.

15MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Broadcasting Commission bosscites shortcomings in new media

JAS must renew itself,President agrees

Jamalco employs 65 tertiary studentsin summer work programme

Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission, Cordell Green addressing a sem-inar entitled 'The Role of the Media: Professional Dictates versus SocialResponsibilities', at the Management Institute for National Development (MIND) inKingston on Wednesday, July 21. At right is Sunday Gleaner Editor, Lovelette Brooks.

Some 65 tertiary level students from Jamalco'soperating areas in Manchester and Clarendonare gaining valuable job experience, while

earning a stipend for back-to-school expenses underthe company's annual summer employment pro-gramme.

The initiative targets children of Jamalco employees,as well as students from communities in its operatingareas.

Jamalco's Human Resources Manager, ChristopherBuckmaster, said that the programme, which got under-way on June 1 and concludes on August 31, is a very"important one, because the students need the kind ofexposure they get here before they enter the world ofwork."

He said that despite the challenging economic times,the company decided to increase the number of studentsemployed from 50 to 65 in response to the hundreds ofapplications received.

Compensation and Benefits Administrator, JenniferBell, who manages the programme, said that the stu-dents are placed in areas where there is need for assis-tance or which fit in with their field of study. "Theyhave been placed across our operations at the refinery,port and mines," she informed.

For example, Engineering students from theUniversity of Technology (UTech) and the University ofthe West Indies (UWI) are carrying out experiments inbauxite processing; Accounting students are involved inauditing the company's assets; while Geology studentsare assisting in mining operations.

The students will work for six-week intervals, butsome will remain longer because of the needs in partic-ular areas and the contribution they can make inaddressing those needs.

Second year Actuarial Sciences student at the UWI,Rajhni Williams, who is working in the accountingdepartment, said that the experience has been valuable.

"I've learnt a lot and have developed my knowledgein accounting. It has been fun, but educational," he said.

Mico University student, Stacy-Ann Radney, said thatthe summer job will help her to pay boarding fees andbuy books.

"It is a great help. I am learning to interact with per-sons from different backgrounds," she said.

Jamalco's Property Accountant, Colleen Young (right), explainsthe procedure for auditing the company's assets to NorthernCaribbean University (NCU) student, Shelly-Ann Singh (left);and University of the West Indies (UWI) student, RajhniWilliams.

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The Government has earmarkedsome $5 million to assist with thefourth staging of the NationalTwenty/20 Community CricketCompetition, through the SportsDevelopment Foundation (SDF).

Speaking at the competition's offi-

cial launch at the Terra Nova Hotel,Kingston, on Thursday July 22,Minister of Youth, Sports andCulture, Hon. Olivia Grange, reiter-ated the Government's commitmentto the development of sports.

Miss Grange said that sports chan-nel people away from anti-socialbehaviour, while uniting individuals

despite the competitiveness."The greatest social intervention

tool that you can find is sports. It is aunifying force, a wonderful tool tomake people feel that, in spite of thecompetitiveness, at the end of it all,they are one; one people, one

Jamaica," she said.She noted that more than 4,000

individuals, aged 14-50, participatein the event each year, with another200 or more gaining seasonalemployment as venue administratorsand umpires.

She applauded the SocialDevelopment Commission (SDC)

and the SDF for being critical agen-cies fostering and promoting sportsdevelopment.

She thanked all who worked overthe years to ensure a solid foundationwas laid for the development ofsports in Jamaica. She also encour-aged everyone to support the compe-tition, while urging other sponsors tocome on board.

Miss Grange announced that theprize money for the competition hasincreased significantly since lastyear, with $500,000 going to thechampions; $300,000 to the runners-up; and $150,000 for the third place.

Chairman of the SDF, David Mais,said that the Twenty/20 cricket isimportant, as it give opportunities toyoung people, across communities,to participate in a game that is a greatpart of Jamaican culture.

President of the Jamaica CricketAssociation (JCA), Paul Campbell,said that 20/20 cricket represents thechanging face and landscape ofcricket across the world.

"It is the version of the game thatexcites the spectators. It represents asponsor's dream; high intensity,opportunity to align your product forthe cricketers," he said, adding thatmore 20/20 cricket is being playedthan the traditional version.

Programmes Co-ordinator,Terrence Richards, said that the com-petition has become a "household

name and a permanent fixture" incommunities, islandwide.

He revealed that this year's compe-tition, which commenced on May 29,has witnessed a total of 396 teamsrepresenting over 420 communitiesin the four-month long competition.

Mr. Richards saidthat the competi-tion will end onSeptember 12, atAlpart Sports Club,Nain, St. Elizabeth.

In the prelimi-nary round, anaverage 32 teamsare registered perparish with knock-out rallies used toidentify the top-16teams from eachparish, which willcompete at theparish level todecide the nationalc h a m p i o n .Currently, 112teams are compet-ing to determinethe 16 teams whichwill represent theparishes. .

The SocialD e v e l o p m e n tCommission (SDC)National 20/20Community cricket

is an annual event, geared towardsadvancing community agenda,resulting in good governance, eco-nomic prosperity, a sustainable envi-ronment and social well-being.

16 MANCHESTER & SOUTH COAST NEWS July 19 - 25, 2010

Jamaican attitudes towardschess are changing quickly,and although not a tradition-

al endeavour, Chess is rapidlygaining traction as a popular andgrowing activity in the island.

Through the efforts of theMagnificent Chess Club and otherchess bodies, the game is growing instature among Jamaicans, openingthe gate for it to become firm in thenational psyche.

Chess has not traditionally drawnthe national euphoria and widespreadsponsorship associated with sportssuch as football and athletics, but theattention has been growing towardsthe intellectual endeavour.

Images of Jamaicans sitting downbefore a domino table are becomingjust as acceptable as images ofJamaicans sitting down before achess table. In addition, more indi-viduals are now seeing Chess asmore than just a game, but as a tool todevelop strategic and reasoning abil-ity, and even for community build-ing.

Important indicators of changingattitudes towards chess include thevarious competitions in schools, thenational competitions, the increasingparticipation in international tourna-ments, and the increasing demand fora physical space to play the game.

Sash-Nicole Noble, GeneralManager of Magnificent Chess Club,explains that the constant calls frommembers of the public prompted thefoundation to go ahead with estab-lishing the club building, which

boasts a physical space for chessresearch, chess practice, and socializ-ing.

"We opened the club based ondemand, because we used to send thecalls we got to other clubs, but webasically warmed up to the demandsbecause the public wanted a chessclub," she notes.

"What we have found out is that it's

an absolutely enthralling game andpeople, even children beginning atfour are beginning to play. Recentlywe started a programme in the GrantsPen community and we chose menwho would usually be on the corners,and immediately they were captivat-ed, so we are extremely confidentthat once they are exposed we don'thave to convince anybody to like the

game cause it speaks in and of itself." The benefits to playing chess are

well documented, and it seemsJamaicans are becoming more recep-tive to them. The testimony to this isalso in the growing attraction amongyounger people.

The Magnificent Chess Club forexample, works with several schoolsunder its 'Chess In Schools' banner,and the club's summer programme,which runs from July 12 to August

20, is being supported by parents as apreferred option over regular summercamps that do not feature chess.Though the camp will feature otheractivities, chess is a pulling factor.

With the continued initiatives ofclubs such as the Magnificent ChessClub, this interest seems only set toincrease in Jamaica, and with ourpenchant for mastering everythingwe do, the results will continue to bepleasing.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange (second right) in discussionwith Chairman of the Sports Development Foundation, David Mais (left), President ofthe Jamaica Cricket Association, Paul Campbell (second left) and Chairman, SocialDevelopment Commission (SDC), Lloyd Pommells, during the launch of the NationalTwenty/20 Community Cricket Competition at the Terra Nova Hotel, Kingston, onThursday, July 22.

Players and fans of Junction (St. Elizabeth) celebrate winningthe SDC 20/20 cricket championship last year.

Jamaicans warming up to playing chess

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SDC gets $5 Million for Twenty/20 cricket