EXPO Memories

Jean Lowrie-Chin

The JMEA Expo, which ended yesterday, brought back memories of its early days and the dedicated volunteers from the then JMA (Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association) and JEA (Jamaica Exporters’ Association).

There was Gloria Millwood, with her impeccable knowledge of protocol, who hosted the Hospitality Suite and Horace Abrahams, both gone to their rest. The longest-serving member of the Expo Committee, Deryck Rose, is still there, though now playing a less active role. Paulette Wong Rhoden of blessed memory was a dynamo, quickly completing her Crimson Dawn display and then running from booth to booth to help them make the deadline for the opening.

One of the most dramatic scenes was of a business owner who arrived the night before opening and was so disappointed with the appearance of his display that he destroyed it single-handedly! The contractors worked all night to get it right, and they did. The best booth competitions were filled with drama and intrigue, with rumours of expensive gifting.

The most amazing displays were sponsored by Butch Hendrickson’s Bold One of Manufacturing programme. They showcased an avenue of displays of upcoming manufacturers, with all the reusable promotional materials created for their ongoing marketing programmes. Visitors were introduced to Lacey-Ann Bartley’s All in Wood, Michelle Smith’s Chocolate Dreams, and Devon and Nayana William’s Lifespan Water.

As we were enjoying our locally grown breakfast, including the best coffee in the world, we heard a call for an Eat Jamaican campaign from a JMEA representative at Expo 2025. Our shop had run an Eat Jamaican campaign about 10 years ago and the logo we created continues to be used. It features “Doctor Bird” complete with stethoscope, a mascot we created, which featured in our cross-island road show with Ity and Fancy Cat. A highlight was a visit to the culinary arts final of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) with a young Shelly-Ann Fraser. The fact that our home-grown athletes are world leaders should tell us something about the great nutrition offered by our produce.Sure, we saved a few dollars running abroad to shop, but we need to save our economy by supporting the top-class Jamaican-made products which were on display at the JMEA Expo. The business of manufacturing creates employment and the most delicious and enjoyable products. They say the closer to home that you source your food, the healthier it is. Paulette Rhoden used to emphasise also the ready markets in the Caribbean and Central America. The US tariff may focus us more wonderfully on the opportunities that exist outside of the USA.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Digicel Foundation, Phoenix Tower International open $11.8m smart lab at Falmouth All-Age School

Thumbs up for Success! (L-R) Charmaine Daniels, Digicel Foundation CEO; Twitty-Ann Farquharson, Director of Sales, at Phoenix Tower International; Joy Clark, Digicel Foundation Chairperson; Kirk Spencer, Principal at Falmouth All-Age; and Carlyle Roberts, General Manager at Phoenix Tower International school stand with students to give an approving thumbs up to mark the opening of the Smart Lab at Falmouth All-Age.

Eight Clarendon families receive houses from Food for the Poor and Kind Hearts Foundation

On March 20, Food For The Poor (FFP), in partnership with The Kind Hearts Foundation, handed over eight houses to eight families in Clarendon. The handovers were done in Rocky Point, Mitchell Town and Portland Cottage. This donation forms a part of FFP’S campaign to rebuild the homes of those who were severely affected by Hurricane Beryl. Here, recipient Neisha Roye (fifth left) stands proudly with the team from Kind Hearts Foundation (from left): Timothy Stewart, Amanda Issa, Christina Hudson, Jacqueline Stewart Lechler and Stephanie Stewart; along with councillor for the Rocky Point division, Winston Maragh; and Marketing and Development Manager of FFP, Marsha Burrell Rose.

Food For The Poor Jamaica, in partnership with Kind Hearts Foundation conducted a handover of eight houses in Clarendon on Thursday, March 20, 2025 to needy families who were severely affected by Hurricane Beryl across the three major fishing districts of Rocky Point, Mitchell Town and Portland Cottage.

In July 2024, Food For The Poor launched a campaign to rebuild homes and repair
roofs of those affected by the devastating hurricane. Moved by this mission, the Kind
Hearts Foundation joined forces with the charity organization with a financial
commitment to build these eight houses in Clarendon. They are donating two more
houses to families in St. Elizabeth.

Reflecting on the impact of their contribution, Chairperson of the Kind Hearts
Foundation Christina Hudson stated, “Our foundation usually focuses on education and
the construction of infant schools, however, when we saw the absolute devastation
caused by Hurricane Beryl, we knew we had to pivot to help as many families as
possible. It was very moving to meet the families and see how they have made each
house their own home [and] we are grateful to Food for the Poor Jamaica for all the
work they do to make these dreams a reality.”

Marsha Burrell Rose, Development and Marketing Manager, Food For The Poor
Jamaica shared, “These families will now be given a second chance at life with these
much-needed houses. A house is more than a structure – it is a place of hope, rest and
refuge in their lives.”

Food For The Poor will be receiving another donation for a house from Canadian
Fashion Model Winnie Harlow which will be gifted to a family in St. Elizabeth. The
organization continues to forge strong relationships with donors locally and
internationally for the benefit of the Jamaican people, highlighting their motto “United in God’s Work”.

Good news but productivity issues remain

Jean Lowrie- Chin

Andrew Holness Photo: Naphtali Junior

Jamaicans welcomed Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s announcement of his Government’s plans to address the challenges of homeownership, efficiency, transportation, and our struggling poor. These include the Solidarity Programme which will award $20,000 to 50,000 needy Jamaicans who are not benefiting from other government programmes.

His New Social Housing Programme has been transforming the lives of the destitute, though he made it clear that there were still thousands of such people who need assistance. The increased National Housing Trust (NHT) loan limit to $9 million will enable low-income workers to make homeownership a reality, especially if they partner with a relative to double their investment.We can imagine the joy of parents at the news that 60 school buses will be provided for rural schoolchildren beginning in September. Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz later said that taxi and minibus drivers would still play a role as they would be shuttling children from various districts to the main roads being traversed by the school buses.

Motor vehicle owners are breathing a sigh of relief that their Certificates of Fitness will be extended and seniors are looking forward to the AmAlive app instead of having life certificates signed every quarter.The productivity issue The points made by both Prime Minister Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding in their budget presentations took me back to the final press release issued by the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) as they wound down last December, with the establishment of the independent Financial Commission.

The following were among the highlights:

• Revenue and grants for April to October 2024 were marginally ahead of budget, while total expenditure was within budget in the first supplementary estimates (FSE)

• Tax revenue forecasted for financial year (FY) 2024/25 was revised upward from $899.23 billion in the original budget to $905 billion in the FSE.

• Non-tax revenue was increased in the month of October by $33.2 billion, due primarily to the overperformance of the securitisation transaction, which exceeded the target of $45 billion by $25 billion.

• Total expenditure forecast for FY 2024/25 were revised upward by $40.3 billion to $1,064,083 billion in the FSE.

• Inflation out-turn was 4.9 per cent for October 2024. Bank of Jamaica projects it to remain in the target range of 4.0 per cent-6.0 per cent

There was an air of optimism around these points, but Chairman Keith Duncan called for a cap on expenditure for wages and salaries. The release noted that, “With wages and salaries being already high and consuming approximately 45 per cent of tax revenues and 40 per cent of total revenues for the fiscal year, Jamaica could continue to see this ratio moving higher, as economic activity slows along with growth in tax revenues. Projections currently indicate that wage levels could rise to 13.4 per cent of GDP [gross domestic] product by 2027/28, consuming 46 per cent of tax revenues and 43 per cent of total revenues.”

For hard-working, productive government employees, the salary increases are well deserved. At least two high-paying private sector organisations have noted to me that they have lost staff to government agencies offering higher salaries.

However, as the prime minister pointed out in his budget presentation, Jamaica’s productivity rate is not keeping pace with our Caribbean neighbours. While Opposition Leader Golding criticised the Government for what he termed a “take-it-or-leave-it” approach to salary revisions, the dilemma facing the Government is justifying the multi-billion increases with higher performance. If I had my way, nurses and police would be some of the topmost earners — their sacrifices and dedication make them leaders in productivity.

There have been myriad complaints about the time it takes to deal with personnel at certain government agencies, yet there have been abundant commendations for the operations of the National Health Fund. This proves that it can be done, and with current international challenges, it must be done.

Kind Hearts Foundation joined force with Food For the Poor

Jean Lowrie-Chin

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s destruction of houses in Clarendon, the Kind Hearts Foundation joined force with Food For the Poor to finance the building of eight houses. Six houses were handed over to grateful citizens last Thursday in Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, and Mitchell Town.

Marsha Burrell Rose, development and marketing manager, Food For the Poor Jamaica, said two additional houses will be donated in the neighbouring parish of St Elizabeth by the foundation. Additionally, through their influence and example, Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow will be sponsoring a house as well.

According to the foundation’s website, “In 2009, inspired by their grandparents, Richard and Diana Stewart’s six grandchildren founded Kind Hearts Foundation in order to combat the devastating poverty they witnessed in their beloved Jamaica. Their focus is mainly on community housing andeducation needs for underprivileged families.” Kudos to these caring young people.

REPUBLIC BANK CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES CONFIRMED

The schedule for the highly anticipated 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been officially confirmed. This year’s tournament will take place from Thursday 14 August to Sunday 21 September, bringing top-tier T20 cricket action to six host nations: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

A total of 34 matches will be played, with each of the six teams competing in 10 group-stage fixtures. The knockout rounds will be held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, promising an electrifying conclusion to the competition. All six teams will host home matches, ensuring fans across the region can experience the excitement firsthand.

Michael Hall, Tournament Operations Director for the Republic Bank CPL, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season:

“We are thrilled to once again deliver a world-class tournament that brings together passionate cricket fans from across the Caribbean and beyond. The 2024 edition exceeded all expectations, and we are confident that the 2025 tournament will build on that success, providing unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike.”

Men’s Caribbean Premier League 2025 Fixtures

Date and timeTeamsVenue
Thurs 14 August, 7pmSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsAntigua & Barbuda FalconsWarner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Fri 15 August, 7pmSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsGuyana Amazon WarriorsWarner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Sat 16 August, 7pmAntigua & Barbuda FalconsBarbados RoyalsSir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Sun 17 August, 11amSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsTrinbago Knight RidersWarner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Sun 17 August, 7pmAntigua & Barbuda FalconsSaint Lucia KingsSir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Tues 19 August, 7pmSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSaint Lucia KingsWarner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Wed 20 August, 7pmAntigua & Barbuda FalconsTrinbago Knight RidersSir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Thurs 21 August, 7pmSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsBarbados RoyalsWarner Park Sporting Complex, St Kitts
Fri 22 August, 7pmAntigua & Barbuda FalconsGuyana Amazon WarriorsSir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Sat 23 August, 7pmSaint Lucia KingsTrinbago Knight RidersDaren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
Sun 24 August, 11amAntigua & Barbuda FalconsSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Sun 24 August, 7pmSaint Lucia KingsBarbados RoyalsDaren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
Tues 26 August, 7pmSaint Lucia KingsGuyana Amazon WarriorsDaren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
Wed 27 August, 7pmTrinbago Knight RidersAntigua & Barbuda FalconsTrinidad
Thurs 28 August, 7pmSaint Lucia KingsSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsDaren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
Fri 29 August, 7pmTrinbago Knight RidersBarbados RoyalsTrinidad
Sat 30 August, 7pmTrinbago Knight RidersGuyana Amazon WarriorsTrinidad
Sun 31 August, 11amSaint Lucia KingsAntigua & Barbuda FalconsDaren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia
Mon 1 September, 11amTrinbago Knight RidersSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsTrinidad
Wed 3 September, 7pmTrinbago Knight RidersSaint Lucia KingsTrinidad
Thurs 4 September, 7pmBarbados RoyalsGuyana Amazon WarriorsKensington Oval, Barbados
Fri 5 September, 7pmBarbados RoyalsAntigua & Barbuda FalconsKensington Oval, Barbados
Sat 6 September, 7pmGuyana Amazon WarriorsTrinbago Knight RidersGuyana National Stadium, Providence
Sun 7 September, 11amBarbados RoyalsSaint Lucia KingsKensington Oval, Barbados
Sun 7 September, 7pmGuyana Amazon WarriorsSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsGuyana National Stadium, Providence
Wed 10 September, 7pmGuyana Amazon WarriorsAntigua & Barbuda FalconsGuyana National Stadium, Providence
Thurs 11 September, 7pmBarbados RoyalsSt Kitts & Nevis PatriotsKensington Oval, Barbados
Fri 12 September, 7pmBarbados RoyalsTrinbago Knight RidersKensington Oval, Barbados
Sat 13 September, 11amGuyana Amazon WarriorsSaint Lucia KingsGuyana National Stadium, Providence
Sun 14 September, 7pmGuyana Amazon WarriorsBarbados RoyalsGuyana National Stadium, Providence
 
Tues 16 September, 8pmEliminator – 3rd place vs 4th placeGuyana National Stadium, Providence
Wed 17 September, 8pmQualifier 1 – 1st place vs 2nd placeGuyana National Stadium, Providence
Fri 19 September, 8pmQualifier 2 – Winner of Eliminator  vs Loser Qualifier 1Guyana National Stadium, Providence
Sun 21 September, 8pmFinal – Winner Qualifier 1 vs Winner Qualifier 2Guyana National Stadium, Providence

Congrats, WLI Honourees

At the Women’s Day celebration of the Women’s Leadership Initiative, founded 21 years ago by Ambassador Sue Cobb, keynote speaker Senator Dana Morris Dixon noted that there was an increasing number of women representatives in our Houses of Parliament.

She was quoted in a Jamaica Observer report saying, “It means that the voices of Jamaican women are resonating louder than ever in the halls of power. Young girls can finally see more women — more people who look like them — contributing to national debates. Laws and policies are being shaped by more diverse perspectives, including those of mothers and daughters who intimately understand the issues families face from our perspective.”

Congratulations to the five women honoured at the event: Dr Marlene Street-Forrest, managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange; the Rt Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, bishop of Dover; Andrea Cowan, CEO of Lillan Limited; Caron Chung, executive director of American Friends of Jamaica; and Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, communications expert.

Messi Euphoria

Jean Lowrie – Chin

Lionel Messi

When we first heard the news, we only half-believed that the great Messi, my husband’s pick as best in football, was coming to Jamaica. It was a chance we could not miss and we booked our tickets while he was pondering which Messi shirt he would be wearing on the big night. We had journeyed to the Barça Camp in Barcelona with hopes of catching sight of the legend, so, yes, he decided on the Messi-Rakuten T-shirt he had bought there. Of course, I would be in my black, green, and gold, no question about that. Messi-mania became apparent on Thursday morning when there were traffic snarls all over Kingston. The entire Jamaica was descending on Kingston — teams from clubs and schools as well as “diehearted” fans.

The traffic to the stadium seemed interminable, but as we opted for special tickets, parking was well organised. This was not the case in the designated area, however. The bracelets we wore were no guarantee for seats and where we saw vendors comfortably ensconced. There was not an usher in sight to assist us, so we had to find separate seats.

However, once Messi arrived on the field for his warm-up, all was forgotten, as we were on our feet chanting his name. The goal from the greatest of all time (GOAT) had us enthralled — we had actually seen a Messi goal right here in Jamaica!The social media posts have been funny and feverish right up to Friday with the hashtag #Messiinjamaica going viral. One suggested that none of our Caribbean neighbours could come close to Jamaica, as our bragging rights had reached new heights.

We saw a video of the fan who got Messi’s shirt and his friends taking turns to pose with it. We saw a security guard who got a clap from Messi almost brought to his knees with joy.The only stadium event in Jamaica which exceeded this was the 1998 World Cup qualifying match. That day, on our way home from the match, elderly folks were at their gates waving the Jamaican flag and cheering. If we had social media then, we would have broken the Internet.

A big thank you to all the organisations which made this event possible, bringing high occupancy to our Kingston hotels and Airbnb locations. Thank you also to Inter Miami CF for embracing Jamaica and flying our flag on its social media posts.

Messi was quoted as saying that he loves Jamaica and, yes, indeed, we love him back!

Source: Jamaica Observer

Audrey Marks Appointed to the Senate of Jamaica

Jean Lowrie- Chin

Audrey Marks

First, let me reflect on last Friday’s swearing in of Audrey Marks as a Government senator at Gordon House. Our friend for decades has just ended her tour of duty — nine brilliant years — as Jamaica’s first woman ambassador to the US.

She is succeeded by another excellent Jamaican, former commissioner of police and former chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force Major General Antony Anderson, who has been appointed as Jamaica’s ambassador-designate to the US.

One thing is sure, whether she continues as a Government or Opposition senator, Senator Marks will make her mark. Those ubiquitous Paymaster outlets, now owned by Digicel, were the brainchild of Marks. She created Paymaster two years before Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek created PayPal, but as a then fledgling entrepreneur, she did not patent her technical breakthrough. So efficient was her system that in about two years billions of dollars were being processed by Paymaster for leading corporations.As US Ambassador, Senator Marks forged strong links with members of the Jamaican Diaspora and celebrated their achievements. Her ‘Jamaica Connect’ series featured celebrated Jamaican Americans who were giving back to their homeland. The embassy shared Jamaican cultural events and worthy fund-raisers, widening the Diaspora network.

She has been a passionate advocate for investment in Jamaica, hosting events where successful investors in Jamaica could share their experiences with prospective US corporations. One memorable occasion was her introduction of a senior executive of Marriott Corporation to then Digicel Chair Denis O’Brien. Within a few years, two Marriott hotels were built in Kingston, Jamaica, and one in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.Marks has served as president of the Jamaican American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and continues to mentor young entrepreneurs. I remember her encouraging others to do likewise, saying, “Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats.” In acknowledgement of her invaluable support of her country, she was conferred with the Order of Jamaica last year.

Marks noted at her swearing-in ceremony that, like many of us, her heart leapt as her flight gave a view of our lush island, knowing that she would once more have her feet on Jamaican soil while working for the country’s advancement. She was warmly welcomed by all, including Senate Speaker Tom Tavares-Finson, senators Kamina Johnson Smith, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Aubyn Hill, Kavan Gayle, and Opposition Senator Peter Bunting.

Keep rising Senator Marks, you will be an activist for your people because you have never stopped believing in our promise.

CCRP pledges to collaborate for improved fire safety among seniors

A firefighter boards a service vehicle to respond to a fire. (File photo)

The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) is saddened on hearing of the tragic death of 94-year-old Olganese Taylor of Spanish Town, St. Catherine, who perished in a fire on Saturday, March 8. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect our senior citizens. In light of this, CCRP’s Parish Representatives will be working closely with other advocacy groups, including the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the Ministers’ Fraternal, and Neighbourhood Watch, to develop and implement comprehensive safety initiatives for the elderly.
CCRP acknowledges the valuable role that churches play in regularly checking on
infirmaries and senior shut-ins. Together we will collaborate with The Jamaica Fire
Brigade to conduct routine inspections of seniors’ residences to ensure that fire safety
standards are in place. The CCRP remains committed to advocating for the welfare and safety of senior citizens and will continue to address the critical issues affecting this vulnerable group in our Jamaican society.

Source: LOOP News