Welcome to Impacting Jamaica
SHARING THE LOVE: Business man donates nebulizers to hospitals
Five-minute feature on acts of kindness by local or overseas based non-government individuals and organisations that have benefitted Jamaicans.
Written and produced by the Radio Department of the Jamaica Information Service
News for Week of April 9, 2023
We are here to inspire, motivate and uplift.
OCT-DEC 2022
Small investors honoured for excellence
The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) honoured 20 micro-entrepreneurs for their excellent accomplishments. They previoisly received financing under the Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP) II, cycles one and two.
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They hail from Denham Town, August Town, and Greenwich Town in Kingston and St. Andrew; Treadlight in Clarendon; and Mount Salem, Anchovy, Salt Spring, and Norwood in St. James.
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Awards were given in a number of categories, including philanthropy, innovation, and creativity, as well as social media marketing, business technology use, entrepreneurship, and community service.
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Senator Aubyn Hill, the Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, praised the JSIF for their crucial and timely assistance. He noted that many of the entrepreneurs were adversely affected by the COVID- 19 pandemic.
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MAY-JUN 2022
Promotions for seven legal specialists
Seven members of the judiciary were sworn into higher office for the Easter Term by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen on Thursday, April 6, at King’s House. They will serve in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
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Taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath were Hon. Justice Kissock Laing, who has been appointed to act as Judge of the Court of Appeal from April 17 to July 31; His Honour Dale Staple has been appointed as Acting Puisne Judge with effect from April 12 and until further orders; while Master Pamela Mason, Master Stephany Orr, Her Honour Opal Smith, and Her Honour Tracey-Ann Johnson have been appointed as Acting Puisne Judges for the period April 12 to July 31.
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Her Honour Luciana Jackson has been appointed Acting Master-in-Chambers with effect from May 1 to July 31.
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In congratulating the appointees, the Governor-General reminded them of the crucial role they play in preserving the nation’s values and democratic principles.
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For generations, women of Jamaica have worked tirelessly to pave the way for others in various fields. In Sports, Creative Arts, Government, Business, and so much more. They showed courage and determination to achieve their goals.
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Major crimes are declining, says police chief
The police are reporting a 22 per cent decline in major crimes at the end of March 2023, when compared to the corresponding period last year.
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Addressing a virtual press conference on April 4, Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, said that murders were down by 21 per cent; shootings, 13 per cent; rapes, 47 per cent; robberies, 32 per cent and break-ins, 11 per cent.
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“We, however, continue to see a shift in the attribution of murders with the reduction in the gang-related murders relative to interpersonal conflict,” said the police commissioner. “As at March 31, gang conflicts accounted for 67 per cent of these murders, interpersonal conflicts accounted for 22 per cent, while four per cent occurred in the furtherance of other criminal activities, and seven per cent are still being determined.”
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He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force will continue to partner with key agencies as well as provide the requisite support to enable its members to carry out their duties efficiently.
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For peace of mind and healthy living, it is critical to go in pursuit of happiness. Noted counselling psychologist Andre Allen Casey says happiness is a state of mind and thinking. Get your FREE Happiness E-Guide and special podcast. They will help to change your mindset in your quest for happiness.
Centre to help deportees renews service
Senator Leslie Campbell, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has hailed the reopening of the Family Unification Resettlement Initiative (FURI) Service Center, Jamaica Chapter.
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The effort, which has been running for 21 years, provides much-needed help to members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the US who have unintentionally returned to the island in order to reunite with relatives.
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The centre offers assistance with counseling, resume writing and job search, recommendations for care and housing, and registration and paperwork procedures, among other services.
Senator Campbell said the humanitarian initiative epitomises the “sheer significance” of Jamaicans in the Diaspora giving back to compatriots through “purposeful and engaged efforts”.
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He added that “this investment of time and resources by FURI, in support of Jamaicans who have been involuntarily repatriated, is vital in helping to facilitate their meaningful reintegration into [the] Jamaican society”.
Montego Bay airport gets more cash for upgrade
Another US$70 million of investment has been earmarked for upgrading and modernisation of the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St. James.
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This is in addition to US$70 million being invested by the facility’s operators, MBJ Airports Limited.
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement after touring the ongoing runway extension and civil infrastructure project, being undertaken at the airport at a cost of US$70 million.
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Mr. Holness said that the airport’s current physical infrastructure and mechanisms are “outdated”. As such, he said this “great investment” in the airport is intended to update the facilities and improve the capacity of its services for locals and foreigners.
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Approximately 70 per cent of visitors to Jamaica come through the Sangster Airport.
A perilous moment…
By Eswar Prasad
ITHACA – This is a perilous moment for the world economy, as stubbornly high inflation, bank failures, and geopolitical tensions threaten to derail growth. There are a few bright spots, with China and India projected to post around 5% and 6.5% growth, respectively, this year.
As the latest update to the Brookings-Financial Times Tracking Indexes for the Global Economic Recovery (TIGER) demonstrates, however, the proliferation of risks and the tightening of financial conditions are taking a toll on business and consumer confidence and investment.
