Photo by Janet Silvera From left: Audley Deidrick, president and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ); Mark Hart, AAJ chairman; Transport Minister Daryl Vaz; Senator Janice Allen, opposition spokesperson on tourism; National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang; Richard Vernon, deputy mayor of Montego Bay; David Pratt, principal, PRT Group Inc; Shane Munroe, CEO – MBJ Airports Limited; and Odette Dyer, Jamaica Tourist Board regional director, break ground for the new immigration and security halls at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
WESTERN BUREAU:
Ground has officially been broken for the expansion of a new immigration hall at Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St James, valued at US$18 million (J$2.88 billion).
The project is part of the final phase of the overall US$300 million expansion efforts undertaken this year. The previous stages involved lengthening the runway, realigning the entrance and exit for departing and arriving passengers, and the creation of a new shopping concourse.
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang underscored the urgency of this expansion during the 20th anniversary celebration of MBJ in Montego Bay.
The existing facilities face challenges coping with the influx of visitors and workers, particularly during peak periods. With some 30 flights arriving daily between noon and 3 p.m., the immigration hall’s capacity is stretched, processing 5,000 to 6,000 people within a limited space.
Chang emphasised the imperative of ensuring a seamless experience for visitors to Jamaica, urging contractors to prioritise efficiency.
Acknowledging travellers’ frustrations during peak hours, he explained the cyclic nature of tourism, where numerous flights converge during specific time frames.
The expansion aims not only to alleviate congestion, but also to enhance processing speed with the installation of six-seater gates and electronic gates.
Chang stressed that creating a more spacious arrival area is crucial for efficient crowd management.
Since MBJ assumed management of Sangster, the Government has invested $500 million to bring the airport up to international standards. The immigration and outgoing security expansion represent the concluding phase, with Chang expressing gratitude to immigration and customs officers and the MBJ team. He affirmed the commitment to creating a better working environment for them.
New master plan
Looking ahead, plans include increasing the number of desks, seater gates, and eGates for Jamaican nationals returning home. Anticipating the growth in tourism and airport traffic, a new master plan is in development, extending Sangster’s capabilities beyond 2033, as shared by Audley Deidrick, CEO and president of the Airports Authority of Jamaica.
Deidrick emphasised the successful partnership between MBJ and the Government, noting improvements in service levels and operational efficiencies recognised by the Airports Council International. Sangster International Airport currently serves more than 45 direct destinations globally, playing a pivotal role as a tourism hub.
Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, reflected on the airport’s history, citing milestones such as the installation of boarding bridges, expansion of the terminal, and ongoing construction of retail areas. The retail programme, comprising food and beverage locations and duty-free shops, continues to evolve, enhancing the overall passenger experience at SIA.
Jamaica Observer column published Monday 4, December 2023
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Jamaica registered its highest temperatures on record in 2023.
When our children were little our Saturday ritual was an early morning visit to Hellshire beach. Our little ones would play in the sand, wade at the edge of the water, and enjoy the soft morning sun.
That beach has now disappeared. The hut where we bought fish and festival, several metres from the shoreline, is now at its edge. There are similar stories all around the island and yet we continue to be cavalier about climate change.
Environmentalists like Eleanor Jones, founder of Environmental Solutions, and Diana McCaulay, founder of Jamaica Environment Trust, have been schooling and warning us about Jamaica’s vulnerability as a small island developing state (SIDS).
It is encouraging that Jamaica and our Caribbean neighbours are well represented at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties, happening now till December 12 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). COP 28 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international climate summit, which has been held mostly annually over the past 30 years.
The conferences have yielded steps towards mitigating the effects of climate change, including the Kyoto Protocol for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in 1997 and the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. With 195 signatories in the following year, the Paris Agreement mobilised global collective action to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100 and act to adapt to the already existing effects of climate change.
COP28, with its theme ‘Unite. Act. Deliver’, is taking place as our planet and our own Jamaica have been recording the warmest temperatures. This is the harbinger of forest fires, floods, a clear and present danger to food security. After a long, dry summer and two days of heavy rains and flooding in November our farmers are suffering from repeated bouts of damaged crops.
Developed countries are responsible for some 98 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions but it is the developing countries that are suffering from the impact. Billions were pledged over the past four days to address this, while several large fossil fuel (oil/gas) companies pledged to reduce methane emissions to a minimal level by 2030.
“Extreme weather is destroying lives and livelihoods on a daily basis — underlining the imperative need to ensure that everyone is protected by early warning services,” said Professor Petteri Taalas, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization, which has raised an alarm at the rapidly melting glaciers around Antarctica, resulting in rising sea levels.
With our resort towns, farms, and fisheries at risk, Jamaica and our faithful investors have an important role to play in holding the countries and companies to the pledges made at COP28.
Jamaica rates high for tourist safety.
On a positive note, Jamaica has been rated as one of the safest Caribbean and Latin American destinations by the renowned Gallup. According to its findings from a survey conducted in 141 US states, Jamaica scored 75 out of 100, “coming slightly ahead of the US territory of Puerto Rico at 74; followed by Brazil, 73; Argentina, 70; Mexico, 66; Venezuela, 66; the Dominican Republic, 64; Peru, 61; and Ecuador, 59.”
The report published in the Jamaica Observer also noted: “According to [Tourism Minister Edmund] Bartlett, 1.05 million airline seats have been secured from nearly 6,000 flights coming into the island out of the United States — Jamaica’s biggest source market — during the winter season, which begins on December 15. The surge in airlift, he said, represents an increase of 13 per cent over winter 2022/2023, when Jamaica recorded 923,000 airline seats.”
Posting on social media over the weekend, a euphoric Bartlett wrote: “Jamaica wins big at World Travel Awards 30th Anniversary Banquet in Dubai tonight. Minister Bartlett received, on behalf of Jamaica, two awards: World leading Family Destination and World Leading Cruise Destination! So proud of the great piece of Rock I represent — JAMAICA.”
With our continued success in the industry, last Friday MBJ Airports Limited welcomed the inaugural flight of Norse Atlantic Airlines from London (Gatwick), UK. Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports, remarked that Jamaica was “one of their first international destinations. Our aim is to foster your growth. Recognising that you are a new airline, we are thrilled to partner with you and establish a mutually beneficial relationship going forward”.
The inaugural flight had 185 passengers on-board, including notable representatives from the UK and Nordic consumer press, commercial director at Norse Atlantic Airways, Baard Nordhagen, and Torrance Lewis, Jamaica Tourist Board’s UK district sales manager.
Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport noted: “This is a significant milestone in the relentless and collaborative efforts that have gone into connecting two diverse, culturally rich regions by the key stakeholders in the aviation industry.”
Renewed interest in Guyana
All was quiet around the border shared by Venezuela and Guyana until the latter struck oil and gas, then a deluge of investors descended on the country. Suddenly, Venezuela announced that it was contesting a previous ruling on the legal border between the two countries and would be holding a referendum on December 3 on the matter.
Last Friday the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest court, ordered Venezuela not to take any action that would alter Guyana’s control over the disputed territory, the 160,000 square kilometre Essequibo territory, but did not order a ban on Venezuela’s planned referendum on the territory’s future held yesterday.
Both Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez described the decision as a victory. By the time this column is published we would have heard the results of the referendum, which has neighbouring states and Caricom on tenterhooks.
In an Observer report Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith was quoted as saying, “The Government of Jamaica remains firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Jamaica fully supports the work of the ICJ and its ability to deliver justice where there is breach of the United Nations’ founding principles in an impartial, transparent, and independent manner. In this regard, Guyana can continue to count on Jamaica’s support of the Caricom position in defence of its sovereign rights and territorial integrity.”
Mercy for Haitian refugees
The responses from Portland residents regarding the treatment of Haitian refugees have been interesting. Erica Curtis was quoted as saying that we should have a more Christian-like approach to the Haitians and accept them as, “That’s what Jesus says.”
One can understand the resistance of some Jamaicans to this approach as there have been frightening reports on gang warfare in Haiti. However, please remember that headlines do not always tell the full story on a country and its people. Haiti is far ahead of us in art, craft, and iron works. They carve expressive figures even from the smallest pieces of wood, and one is greeted by exquisite iron designs at the airport.
With Jamaica facing a labour shortage, perhaps there may be promising workers among those who are fleeing Haiti. They should be given a chance.
Groups of Haitians have been arriving on Jamaica’s shores in recent times. Photo credit: Everard Owen
Ruel Grant (left) and Keith Nugent (Photo: Karl Mclarty)
Yes, it was a hot morning, but the joy of family and friends made it all worth it for those of us who attended the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House last Monday.
Members of the clergy, business leaders, musicians, teachers, nurses, volunteers, members of the uniformed groups — how we applauded. Seeing Marcia Griffiths receiving the Order of Jamaica brought many to their feet.
Some were little known, but their bravery was deservedly recognised. Last April Ruel Oliver Grant, a farmer in St Thomas, and internal auditor Keith Yorke Angello Nugent were presented with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry. The citation read: “In the face of grave danger, saving the lives of four females from a burning motor vehicle that exploded minutes later.”
Jamaica Observer Senior Staff Reporter Alicia Dunkley-Willis interviewed the two gentlemen after the presentations. “Both men say the memories of that day will be hard to lay to rest due to the fact that they were unable to save [the driver], 58-year-old Patrisha Brown, a former resident of Warner Street, Port Maria, in St Mary, who remained trapped despite their valiant efforts to free her.”
Tears for a gallant son: Jamaica Fire Brigade Assistant Superintendent Garnett Douse kisses the Medal of Honour for Gallantry which was on Monday posthumously conferred on his 25-year-old son Larenzo. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
She quoted Grant: “I was driving behind a car, but the road had some very sharp corners, so I didn’t really see the car while I was driving, but I knew it was in front of me. When I went around a left-hand corner I see the car capsize in the road. I was seeing the wheels, so I reversed and parked on a side of the road. I ran over and pushed the back door up. I tried the front door, [but] it wouldn’t open, it was closed. When I pushed up the front door, the weight of it brought it back down on me so I pushed it again with more force. I saw people inside cuddled up, crying.”
She noted: “He said in running to get his phone to summon cops he saw Nugent, who had also been driving along the roadway. Mi seh to him, ‘Some people inna di car.’ When mi look in the front of the car, the engine was on fire so he came and was helping. Some other people came, because there was a funeral going on in the district, so we pulled them out — one by one. We pulled out four persons.”
Nugent described for Dunkley-Willis the drama of rescuing the fourth person: “I was trying… Then I started to feel the heat on my chest and I ran off too because I started to hear my wife and aunt screaming, ‘Come! It’s going to blow, ‘ so I ran off. But when I looked, she was standing [in the car]. And the image of her standing there and the thought of her perishing was too much, so I turned back again and I called out, and Mr Grant and one of the first ladies to get out of the car came back and the three of us were able to get her out.”
Another moving moment was Jamaica Fire Brigade Assistant Superintendent Garnett Douse who, on behalf of his late son, Lorenzo Douse, received his Medal of Honour for Gallantry. He had a hard time keeping his composure and kissed his son’s medal. Young Douse, also a firefighter, had been mowed down by a car driven off the road when he was turning off the pump after extinguishing a fire at the Ocho Rios Pier last November.
Wayne Mitchell, his mom Paulette (centre) and wife Tami (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
Well-deserved, Wayne Mitchell, OD
Every year we hear criticisms about the choice of people being honoured. Perhaps the critics do not understand the process by which the recipients are selected. One can go online to the Jamaica Information Service website to download a nomination form, complete it, then either mail or deliver to the division which deals with national honours at the Office of the Prime Minister.
There is a selection committee which evaluates the nominations and then recommends those suitable for national honours. There are still many unsung heroes in Jamaica, so I suggest that the critics look around and see who they can nominate.
Let me say that I applaud the selection of Wayne Mitchell for the Order of Distinction. Because of his youthful appearance, it is hard to believe that he has been in the music business for over 20 years, creating popular dancehall and gospel songs. His Glory to God with Ryan Mark and Tessanne Chin is a classic, gaining 3.9 million views to date on YouTube.
He and his wife Tami have created the successful YouTube series Meet the Mitchells, portraying healthy family life and showing love and respect to their household worker. Mitchell ascribes his success to hard work and consistency, “It is not just about the music, it’s about character.”
He shared, “I am happy that my mother is alive to see this. Nobody is prouder than she is.” His mother, my schoolmate Paulette Mitchell, and her late husband, Wycliffe Mitchell, have raised a strong family. Congratulations to her for nurturing a son who has become a role model for fatherhood as well as an accomplished artiste. Kudos to you, Wayne Mitchell. Let no one rain on your parade.
National Day of Spain
We gathered last week to celebrate the National Day of Spain hosted by Ambassador Diego Bermejo Romero de Terreros and his wife Julia de Bermejo. He serves as Ambassador of Spain to Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis. The ambassador remarked on Spain’s continued investment in Jamaica’s tourist industry and expressed his commitment to our developmental initiatives.
Spanish hotel operators in Jamaica include the Grand Palladium, RIU, Secrets, Iberostar, Excellence, H10, Melia, and Bahia Principe. State minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge thanked the ambassador and his Government for their strong partnership with Jamaica. It is remarkable that the Spanish hoteliers plan to build 2,000 houses for hotel workers. Our outstanding hotel workers deserve no less.
The Spanish Foundation of Jamaica continues to sponsor educational, environmental, cultural, and community development initiatives. These include support for Spanish teaching and learning, Project Star and the Social Development Commission as well as empowerment of young women.
Invest in Braille
In celebration of Blind Awareness Month this October, media personality and author Dr Terri-Karelle Reid has teamed up with the Digicel Foundation to launch a campaign aimed at improving the educational prospects of blind and visually impaired students in Jamaica.
Dubbed Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille, the focus of the partnership is to address the severe shortage of Braille machines at the Salvation Army School for the Blind, Jamaica’s only school for the blind and visually impaired. Currently, there are only 26 Braille machines available to serve the over 130 students enrolled at the institution.
So far, several companies and individual donors have committed to the initiative, including NCB Foundation, Sandals Foundation, Hospiten, INAMI Management Services Limited, and Pia Baker. Please join them and assist our blind students.
With the Companies (Amendment) Act 2023 which came into being on April 1st of this year, all companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now faced with stricter requirements. They are mandated to ‘appoint an officer who shall be responsible for conducting verification of Beneficial Ownership information’, to confirm the location of such documents and would be liable for fines of up to J$5 million if such arrangements are not put into place.
Attorney-at-Law Camille Facey
Attorney-at-Law Camille Facey of FaceyLaw and Chair of the PSOJ Governance Committee, explained that these amendments “were made in accordance with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as Jamaica was in danger of being blacklisted by the FATF. The main revisions relate to the beneficial ownership of companies.”
The FATF comprises 20 countries which, on inspection of countries’ activities in money laundering and terrorist financing, will rate their status. Jamaica is on the FATF ‘grey list’, and we are ‘blacklisted’ by the UK and EU. In order to protect our country’s status, it is said that the amendments were made hurriedly, derived from international legislation and not wholly suited for domestic application. There are now appeals to make further amendments.
Camille Facey shared important points from the current amendments: “Every company must:
• keep documents relating to members/ beneficial owners for not less than 7 years.
• notify the Companies Office of where the Register of Members is kept.
• notify the Registrar of Companies of any changes to the beneficial ownership information, the Register of Members or registered office within 14 days of the change.
• record the measures taken to verify beneficial ownership information as well as any supporting documents used in the verification process.
The powers of the Registrar have also been expanded to inspect companies and verify beneficial ownership information.”
There have been appeals from MSEs to reduce fines and licensing fees, as these may not only drive them out of business, but also may be a deterrent for the creation of new businesses.
Camille Facey recommends that company officers acquaint themselves with the amended legislation by reading the following on the Companies Office website:
Many thanks to her for her guidance as she reminds, “there is still liability, whether directors/ officers /employees are not aware; have nothing to do with the collection of information or have taken reasonable steps to ensure compliance.”
Top Marubeni Scholar Rochelle Stephen and fellow Scholar Daniel McGregor (left) in conversation with Mohamed Majeed (2nd right), Managing Director of Caribbean Operations for Marubeni Power International and Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice-President, Marubeni Power International.
Marubeni-UWIDEF Scholars shine
Marubeni Power International in collaboration with the UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) awarded scholarships to five students pursuing Engineering degrees at the University of the West Indies Mona campus: Brianna Smith, Daniel McGregor, Martin McDonald, Dwight Simpson and top performer Rochelle Stephen.
At last Wednesday’s presentation ceremony, Managing Director of Caribbean Operations for Marubeni Power International Mohamed Majeed praised the exceptional quality displayed by the five recipients. “We commend your accomplishments thus far and anticipate the impact you will undoubtedly have as you progress both academically and in your future careers,” he said.
His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, in his address,
said all Japan stood in support of the development efforts of the Jamaican Government
and people for continued progress. He said he looked forward to many more acts of support for Jamaica’s development both on the part of Marubeni as well as the Government of Japan.
Reynold Scott, Board Director of UWIDEF urged the students to continue to excel, adding that programmes such the scholarship presentation are at the heart of the Fund’s function.
Responding on behalf of the quintet, Rochelle Stephen noted the “life-changing” nature of the scholarship. Rochelle, dressed in black, had lost her mother just a few days after she was notified of her success earlier this year. We wish this brave young lady and her colleagues continued success.
Aloun Assamba in a joyous moment with her son Domonic Strachan.
Farewell ‘Gentle Giant’ Domonic
Women who were not even acquainted with Aloun Ndombet-Assamba poured out their sympathy when they heard that her only child Domonic Strachan had passed away suddenly last month. Those who knew Domonic referred to him as a ‘Gentle Giant’. In a letter of condolence, a fellow parishioner at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios wrote of Domonic’s warm hug, saying: “I felt enveloped with love and care.” Domonic’s friends told his mother that he was their ‘rock’, always there for his friends.
We regarded Domonic as an IT geek, setting up systems for various companies, especially before 2000 when everyone was fearful of the ‘Y2K’ virus. At that time, he was in his early twenties and had not yet attended Miami Dade College where he was a student leader. While Aloun was in the UK, serving as Jamaica’s High Commissioner, her mother became seriously ill and required thrice-weekly dialysis. Domonic quit his business, as digital connectivity was then limited at the family’s Moneague homestead, and with his aunt Eleanor Wood, assisted in caring for his grandmother.
It was then that he started his journey as an innovative farmer and a central figure in the Moneague farming community where he conducted meetings and shared research findings. Aloun said he used no chemicals. The wasp nests around the Grierfield Great House played a key role in keeping his crops pest-free. His rainwater harvesting methods supplied the house and the farm where he implemented drip irrigation. He was so passionate about influencing others about farming that his farm tours became popular among CCRP seniors and schoolchildren alike.
Aloun related that during the summer holidays, Domonic was keen on ‘making memories’ for his two young sons. “He always spent quality time with them but this summer he went even further, taking them to camp by a riverside in St. Mary.”
We grieve with Aloun at the passing of her extraordinary son whose achievements belie his short 43 years. May his soul rest in peace.
Memorable events
The beautiful Temple of Light was the venue for their seventh annual “Poetry, Prose & Rhythms in the Garden.” Michael Reckord’s ‘Brief Walk Down Memory Lane’ captured the highlights of the previous events. Hosts Dr. Lilieth Nelson and Hanief Lallo guided us through the rich programme featuring poets Dr Michael Abrahams, Rev Michele Synegal and Neto Coard; amazing cellist Emily Elliott and a band that could play on any big stage, Sebastian Miller and Friends. We were charmed by the little ones, showing off in ‘Playing with Fashions’. It was good to see Professor Edward Baugh and Professor Mervyn Morris, ever supportive of our arts and culture.
Last Friday members of the Chinese Cultural Association (CCA) celebrated the Moon Festival at which guest speaker was Dr. Lei Feng, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, UWI, Mona. He shared the legend of the Moon Festival and both English and Chinese poetry evoking the romance and mystery of the moon. We were greeted by President Set Yoon Smith, past president and Jamaican Nobel Laureate Professor Anthony Chen, and Secretary Professor Ronald Young. The evening brought back fond memories of late President Dr Kai Meng Lui.
The membership of the CCA comprises Jamaicans of all ethnicities.
Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism (first right) greeted passengers who were aboard the flight coming out of Kansas City while Richard Vernon, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay looked on.
Over 100 passengers and crew arrived in Jamaica last Saturday aboard Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight from Kansas City, Missouri in the United States to Montego Bay.
The visitors received a warm welcome at the Sangster International Airport from tourism officials, among them was Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, who expressed his appreciation for the new service to the country.
“The excitement of the passengers was amazing. This flight brings to the reality of how connected Jamaica as a destination is in the United States. We cover 18 gateways that connect us to over 100 cities across the US,” Bartlett said.
He added that as Jamaica expands its inventory with 2,000 new rooms, he is confident that Jamaica will welcome three million stopover visitors next year.
Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board Donovan White expressed his optimism for the future of tourism in Jamaica.
“This new flight to Montego Bay is symbolic of the great things to come for the tourism industry. We have achieved a lot so far, and we look forward to additional flights that will help us to reach Minister Bartlett’s projected target of five million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025,” he noted. White added that he welcomed all the passengers for the inaugural flight and expressed gratitude for the visitors making Jamaica their preferred destination to visit.
The airline will be offering non-stop weekly flights from Kansas City to the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Jamaica is projected to welcome 3.88 million visitors in 2023, with estimated earnings of US$4.2 billion.
Students at the Jamaica-China Goodwill School in Trelawny.
The song He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, sung by The Hollies, played in my mind as we navigated the road to Morant Bay last Tuesday: “It’s a long, long road, from which there is no return, while we’re on the way to there, why not share?”
The road was not only long but also dangerous as there was no signage to tell us whether we were on a one-way or two-way section of the highway under construction. Some sections were as smooth as silk while others felt like a roller-coaster.
We were journeying to the Jamaica-China Goodwill Infant School in Morant Bay where Digicel Foundation created a Smart Room to stimulate the little ones with learning challenges and a colourful playground. The joy of the infants reciting “Love yourself and others will love you”, the enthusiasm of Early Childhood Commission (ECC) Chair Trisha Williams-Singh, and the dedication of the teachers remind us of “what is right with Jamaica”.
Our bittersweet journey reflect happenings in Jamaica over the past two weeks. At a political meeting there was the man with a chain around his neck being unlocked by Opposition Leader Mark Golding, supposedly to symbolise ‘liberation’ from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP); the optics enraged many.
We received the good news that the international rating agency Standard & Poor’s had moved Jamaica up from B+ to a BB- rating. Jamaica Observer senior reporter Josimar Scott quoted Keith Duncan, chair of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee on this positive development: “This ratings upgrade would also be driven by the institutional architecture with an independent central bank and the new independent fiscal commission which is being established along with the natural disaster risk mitigation strategies that have been put in place. This upgrade is a welcome development and should see Jamaica being able to negotiate better terms of financing of its debt and lower cost of capital for businesses.”
Further, taxpayers were relieved to hear from Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke that Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) has received an insurance payout of US$1 million which would pay their staff expenses as they wound up operations.
Resignation of Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert
But grey clouds gathered as we learnt that speaker of the House and Member of Parliament (MP) Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, in a report from the Integrity Commission, had failed to include a motor vehicle in her statutory declarations. There were calls for her resignation and she subsequently resigned as both speaker and MP, her letter noting: “I maintain to this day that the omission of the vehicle was a genuine oversight on my part. There would have been no allegations against my name had I included the vehicle in my declaration; therefore, I had no motive to have deliberately omitted it.”
Residents of the Trelawny Southern constituency, which Dalrymple-Philibert had served for 16 years, expressed deep disappointment in her resignation. Women who serve in various capacities can sympathise with the former speaker’s omission as they constantly juggle duties. In her letter she states, “As a woman maintaining a family and as a Member of Parliament, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and managing partner of a law firm, the toll that it has taken on me is immense.”
Greg Christie’s faux pas
Greg Christie
Then along came the attack in the car park of the Integrity Commission’s offices in which a director of corruption was shot (mercifully, no serious injury) and robbed.
There was general outrage when in response to a reporter’s request for a comment Greg Christie said, “Ask the Government that.” This foot-in-mouth moment was caught on camera and as it went viral calls came in from the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP), the National Integrity Action (NIA), G2K, and others for Christie’s resignation.
I found the comment by former Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) President Howard Mitchell to be compassionate, as he said he observed the stress in Christie’s expression and suggested that he take leave of absence and get counselling. He concluded his remarks by saying it may be best for Christie to offer his resignation. I have known Greg Christie for years as a brilliant attorney-at-law and outstanding professional. I am disappointed in his statement, which is unworthy of a gentleman of his calibre.
Both Dalrymple-Philibert and Christie acted out of turn. However, let this not erase the positive contributions they have made to this country.
ROM YARD PREMIERE
Congratulations to the brilliant David Heron on the grand premiere of the television series From Yard at Palace Cineplex last Monday. Heron took a courageous leap from marketing in the financial world in the 90s to follow his dream, becoming an acclaimed playwright and an off-Broadway actor in New York.
Now his journaling of his experiences as a young migrant to the US has evolved into his autobiography Yardie and the riveting series described as “one Jamaican man’s quest to find his personal and professional destiny on the rough streets of New York City”.
Proceeds of the premiere went to Bam Moms Club, towards prenatal guidance for underprivileged expectant mothers.
Farewell, R Danny Williams
R Danny Williams
This column has sung many praises to the magnificent R Danny Williams. When I remarked on social media that he helped to fund-raise for the first Rebel Salute’, readers were amazed at how far this great Jamaican stretched his hand.
It was a learning experience to sit at his feet as he chaired the fund-raising committee of the Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies. His focus and positivity raised the funds in record time. His beloved Jamaica College also benefited from his unwavering support.
His service in the private and public sector is unmatched and we are grateful that he lived to see the former Life of Jamaica building, now Sagicor, named in his honour, and to write his autobiography, instructing his people on the joy of servant leadership. Our deepest sympathy to his dear wife, Shirley, family members, and close friends. May his great soul rest in peace.
Our family star
Lowell F D Smith
We said a sad goodbye to our cousin Lowell F D Smith who we regarded as our family star. First, he put Unity Primary School in Westmoreland on the map when he was a close runner-up in the National Spelling Bee and the he won a Government Scholarship to St George’s College.
At St George’s, Lowell excelled in both academia and extracurricular activities. Not only did he consistently finish at the top of his class, but he became leader of the scout troop, the Debating Society, the Drama Club, and was editor-in-chief of the school’s yearbook The Lance.
Lowell met his beautiful wife, Lana, in law school at The University of the West Indies. He became a widely respected attorney-at-law, lauded by Gordon Robinson as a mentor. Lowell was an advisor to our company sharing witticisms, even as he did laser-like examinations of contracts.
During Lowell’s long illness, Lana devoted herself to caring for her beloved husband. Their faith and constant worship inspired our family. Our love and sympathy to Lana, their children, and extended family. May Lowell’s soul rest in peace.
Marubeni says old power plants to be replaced by renewables
Executives from JPS shareholder Marubeni commit to replacing its aging power plants with renewable energy plants in the next two years. The Marubeni executives made the commitment in a recent meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Marubeni Power International has now confirmed that renewables have been chosen to replace old fossil fuel-fired power plants at Rockfort and Hunt’s Bay in Kingston. The company made the revelation about the choice after making the commitment to the Government to align the company with the objective of having 50 per cent of power generated in Jamaica coming from renewable sources by 2030, during a recent visit.
The two power plants are expected to be shutdown starting in the next two years, and the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), based on its licence, has the right to replace generating capacity it already owns and will be spending US$500 million to replace those plants with renewable energy. It will be looking to develop projects which together will replace 171 megawatt entirely with solar and wind energy.
“In the next two years or less, some of the plants are going to be shutting down and have to be replaced, and the replacement the Government indicates to us has to be renewables,” Damian Obiglio, senior vice-president, Marubeni Power International and chairman of JPS, told the Jamaica Observer in an interview Tuesday. He added that the investment will also include battery storage to ensure power remains available when the sun is not shining or when the wind dies down.
The confirmation comes long after it was first indicated that the JPS would be replacing the old power plants with renewable energy. Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s energy minister, earlier this year told the parliamentary committee reviewing the Electricity Act that renewables would be the replacement power source, but a check with the JPS then revealed that the issue was not finalised as yet.
Marubeni says it will be working with its partners to spend US$500 million to replace 171MW of fossil fuel-generated electricity with solar and wind solutions in the next two to three years.
“JPS is in the final stages with the Government about how much battery, wind and solar power,” Obiglio added in the interview with the Business Observer. He said it is expected that 60 per cent of the investment, or US$300 million, will be spent on batteries to store power for future use. Of the US$200 million left to build the farms, he said US$160 million will go to solar farms while the other US$40 million will be invested in wind energy solutions.
“These are different investments from the other renewable investments the Government is seeking. This is the JPS just replacing existing capacity which is about to come off line with renewables,” Obiglio stressed. He said the Government indicates that it would prefer the battery farm to be somewhere in the Corporate Area where demand is greatest, either on Spanish Town Road or at its old plant at Hunt’s Bay.
“In the case of renewables, the Government have indicated a strong preference for the farms to be in the eastern end of Jamaica — the St Thomas area and the Portland area — while some of the plants may be set up in Clarendon.”
The company added that it is awaiting further directives and stand ready to cooperate as soon as the plans are agreed upon.
Just recently, executives from Marubeni Corporation and Marubeni Power International visited Jamaica in demonstration of their ongoing commitment to the country and to being an investment partner in the nation’s growth.
In the island for a one-day visit were Satoru Harada, Chief operating officer, Power Division of Marubeni Corporation and Yukio Konishi, senior vice-president, Marubeni Power International.
They paid a courtesy visit on Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the prime minister’s office, where Harada spoke to the significance of Marubeni’s investment in Jamaica and pledged to continue to partner with the Government in supporting economic growth through efficient and sustainable energy generation.
Marubeni, a major shareholder in JPS, also has interests in the 194-MW capacity power plant operated by South Jamaica Power Company, located in St Catherine.
Currently, JPS has two major investors: Marubeni Corporation and Korea East-West Power, and each holds 40 per cent of shares in JPS. The Government of Jamaica, through the Development Bank of Jamaica, holds the remaining 19.9 per cent while the remaining less than 1 per cent is held by private shareholders.
Digicel Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin, speaks during the handover ceremony for an inclusive classroom at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas on Tuesday (September 19). The facility’s construction stemmed from a partnership between the Foundation and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).
Students with mild to moderate physical and intellectual disabilities at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas now have an inclusive classroom to further support their educational journey.
‘The facility, which was handed over by the Digicel Foundation on Tuesday (September 19), stemmed from a partnership with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the school, Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin, informed that the room will cater to children aged three to six.
“Within the classroom, you will find a state-of-the-art sensory room, which includes panel mats, sensory lights, fibre-optic bean bags, a fibre-optic curtain kit, LED strip lights and noise-cancelling earphones,” she detailed.
Additionally, Mrs. Lowrie-Chin disclosed that the existing bathroom for the students has been retrofitted, a raft has been constructed, and a “bright and fun” outdoor play area has been renovated.
“The purpose of the classroom is at the heart of everything we do at the Digicel Foundation to promote inclusiveness. It means that no one is left behind; it means togetherness, including the little ones with special needs who need to feel loved and secure in their school environment,” the Chair said.
For her part, ECC Chair, Trisha Williams-Singh, applauded the Digicel Foundation for having “changed the landscape in Jamaica for special needs”.
“The Early Childhood Commission would like to thank you so much, and we encourage you to not only do more but I use this platform to ask other corporate Jamaica [stakeholders] to come on board,” she said.
Chair, Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Trisha Williams-Singh, speaks during the handover of an inclusive classroom at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas on Tuesday (September 19). The facility stemmed from a partnership between the Digicel Foundation and the ECC.
Acting Regional Director (Region 2) at the Ministry of Education and Youth, Yashieka Blackwood-Grant, speaking on behalf of Acting Permanent Secretary, Maureen Dwyer, similarly hailed the Digicel Foundation for “rising to the occasion, especially when special education needs are in the conversation”.
“We commit, every time we receive a gift, to taking the best care of it because we receive it as an investment. We know that there are countless children who must benefit from this investment, and so… this investment is going to bring returns for years to come,” Mrs. Blackwood-Grant said.
This is the second inclusive classroom to be established under the ECC’s Jamaica 60 Legacy Project.
The first was established at the Bethabara Infant School in Manchester.
Digicel Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin (left), and Chair, Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Trisha Williams-Singh (second left), enjoy play time with students at the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School in St. Thomas, Amanda McKay (third left) and Travon Shaw, inside a new inclusive classroom at the institution. The space was handed over on Tuesday (September 19).
Beach clean-ups are one of the ways we can positively impact the environment.
Dear Editor,
Our natural environment is facing unprecedented threats. Phenomena such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution threaten the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
More than ever the importance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. It is our moral responsibility to protect and preserve our fragile ecosystems. While large-scale initiatives and policy changes are vital, it’s essential to recognise that everyday actions can collectively create significant change.
Here are a few ways we can each play our part in ending environmental neglect:
*Reduce, reuse, recycle: Reducing, reusing, and recycling can be one of the most effective ways we can save natural resources, protect the environment, and save money. One way to reduce is to reuse. Instead of using plastic bags, bring reusable bags when shopping or packing food. Recently, the Digicel Foundation, under its environmental campaign called Good Energy, Clean Environment, revamped its staff initiative to collect and recycle plastic bottles. You too can reduce plastic and waste by improving recycling habits at home, school, and work.
*Conserve energy: There are small habits in our daily lives that can help to conserve energy. These acts include turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use.
Earlier this year, the Government began the phasing out of the importation, export, manufacture, distribution, and sale or purchase of incandescent light bulbs. Jamaicans will soon have to switch to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The switch to more energy-efficient bulbs can significantly lower electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
*Beach clean-ups: Digicel Foundation’s annual beach clean-ups on International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, which will be celebrated on September 16 this year, are not just about removing debris from shorelines, they are symbolic acts of care for our oceans and a reminder of the urgent need to reduce our plastic consumption. These clean-ups educate volunteers to reduce single-use plastics, promote responsible waste disposal, and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of pollution on marine ecosystems. Persons can visit the Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET) website to learn how they can participate in ICC Day.
*Educate yourself and others: I cannot stress enough the importance of staying informed about environmental issues, sharing your knowledge with friends and family, encouraging conversations about sustainability, and advocating for informed decisions.
Simple, everyday actions can create a more sustainable world. Ultimately, these actions will not only improve the environment but also inspire others to join in the effort, leading to a brighter and greener future for all.
Miguel “Steppa” Williams
Director of strategic planning and community development
Ali McNab (left), representing the Ministry of Gender, Culture, Entertainment, and Sport, and band camp instructor Jeffrey Brown (right) pose with Le-anna Smith and Ethan Clayton, two of the students who participated in this year’s edition of Food For the Poor Jamaica’s Band Camp programme at the organisation’s head office in St Catherine.
Food For the Poor Jamaica’s recent band camp project, which provides musical instruction for children age six through 16 on a variety of instruments was yet another success in engaging children for the summer holidays.
Attendees got the opportunity to be exposed to professional guidance and teaching on the various musical instruments and stylings on offer.
The children, and their parents, expression appreciation as talents were unearth and horizons expanded.
The intention is that programme will continue to be an annual event serving the community.
At the end of the programme a graduation exercise was held to recognise the achievements of attendees in tribute to the hard work they had put in towards developing competence.
See share scenes:
Drumming student Chozen Bailey (right) poses with his mother and brother after the recent graduation exercise for the band camp music training programme which concluded at Food For the Poor headquarters. Some 60 youngsters, aged six through 16 years, learned to perform on various instruments.
Jamaica Highlights 