NEW YEARS MESSAGE – 2012

TO THE JAMAICAN DIASPORA – SOUTHERN USA
DR. SUSAN LYCETT DAVIS
ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE 

Fellow Jamaicans 

My team and I – Pamela M. Gordon, Esq. and George S. Pedlar, P.A. – would like to wish you a blessed and prosperous new year. 

It is going to be an exciting year and we are prepared to meet and tackle the challenges that no doubt will be encountered.  As a team we pledge that:

“Before God and all mankind, we pledge the love and loyalty of our hearts, the wisdom and courage of our minds, the strength and vigour of our bodies in the service of our fellow citizens; We promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race”.

JET BLUE AIRLINES MODEL HEADS TO JAMAICA ON ELECTION DAY

NY: New York based Jamaican born model Raquel "Rocky" Heslop, who two years ago was the face of Jet Blue Airlines in a print ad campaign in the US told the INL that she plans to vacation in Ocho Rios from December 29 until January 5th 2012.  

"I decided to take a trip to Jamaica this year because it was long overdue. While in Jamaica, I am planning to do a photo shoot to get some hot pictures for my catalogue. I plan to visit my dad and cousin who are still living there. I will be spending some quality time with them for sure" she said.

AIR JAMAICA, OFFERING MORE TRAVEL OPTIONS TO FLORIDA WITH THE RESUMPTION OF SERVICE TO MIAMI FROM 09 DECEMBER 2011 

19 December 2011, Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I – On Friday 09 December 2011, Air Jamaica, operated by Caribbean Airlines, made its return to Miami International. The four times weekly service, will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The introduction of this new service, comes ideally for the Christmas peak season, offering customers more travel options into and out of North America.

The Bahamas gets Jamaican Remittance link 

 
Leesa Kow, General Manager,
JN Money Services Limited

Money Services Limited (JNMS), the remittance and bill payment services arm of the Jamaica National Building Society, has entered into an exclusive Agent relationship with the Bahamas-owned Bramer Money Transfers (BMT), which trades as Cash N’ Go. BMT is the remittance and bill payment service arm of the BAF Global Group Limited.   

The partnership will allow Cash N’ Go customers in the Bahamas, with business or family connections in Jamaica, to access JN Money Transfer services in Bahamas’ major commercial zones to send and receive money; make bill payments and transfer funds to accounts held in financial institutions in Jamaica; as well access mobile phone top-up services. The alliance came into effect on November 21.  

LOCAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY EVENT

VMBS...Giving At-risk Students A Musical Chance

 

Suzette Rochester, Manager, Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) - Florida Representative Office (2nd R; 2nd Row) encourages and educates 60 at-risk students at the Lauderdale Lakes Educational Complex's Smart School Charter Middle and Eagle Charter Academy during a motivational talk held recently at the Complex. Under the tutelage of re-knowned musical legend of third-world band, Willie Stewart, 60 at-risk students have begun learning the history and musical significance of percussion instruments from around the world and will participate in a world-class musical odyssey, themed: Rhythms of Africa on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the Parker Play House in Ft. Lauderdale. The Rhythms of Africa Musical Odyssey featuring these at-risk students is one of the many ways in which Victoria Mutual continues to impact the youth and community development in South Florida.

BOTH EVENT SOLD OUT

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 2011

JAMAICAN DIASPORA SOUTHERN UNITED STATES
HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING
FOR NEXT STEPS IN ENGAGEMENT PROCESS 

Miami Gardens --- October 11, 2011 ----   The Jamaican Diaspora Southern United States will host a Town Hall Meeting, titled “Next Steps in Diaspora Engagement”, on Saturday, November 5, 2011, starting at 11am to 1pm, at the Holy Family Episcopal Church, located at 18501 NW 7th Avenue in Miami Gardens.   

The public is invited to attend and participate in discussions which will focus on next steps in Diaspora engagement; elect and affirm regional organizational leadership for the engagement process moving forward; update on plans for Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence; as well as share thoughts on Jamaica's governance transition in leadership. 

“For the last seven years, our community has been on a path of greater communication and collaboration among each other in Diaspora communities across the world.  The time has come to move further in formalizing our engagement and leadership,”  stated Marlon Hill, Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the Southern United States.  

According to Mr. Hill, "we are expecting a significant turnout from Jamaican based community organizations, nationals and the local media at this forum". 

For more information on this event, please call 786-349-2584 or email info@jamaicadiaspora.org. 

 MAJOR CARIBBEAN FILMS TO

PREMIERE IN TORONTO  

Calypso Rose

TORONTO - The international curtain goes up in Toronto for the premiere of three significant Caribbean films at the 2011 CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase.

The trio of major Caribbean cinematic offerings will be screened during the sixth annual action-packed Showcase set for "Hollywood North" at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto from September 7 to 17, 2011. 

"Calypso Rose: The Lioness of the Jungle", a documentary about the impact of the Trinidadian queen of soca music; "Ghett'a Life", a new Jamaican film with positive messages of overcoming adversity and ignorance; and Antigua's "The Skin", a film on Caribbean mythology, will play in Toronto.

Sir Willard White Comes Home

 
Earl Jarrett (left), General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society, in conversation with Sir Willard White, Jamaican-born British bass-baritone.

Jamaican-born British bass-baritone, Sir Willard White, OM, CBE, has returned to Jamaica to perform at a classical concert in Kingston, to raise funds for the Arts Foundation of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC).    

Diaspora Contributing to Development

 Neville Ying

Professor Neville Ying, Executive Director of the Jamaica Diaspora Institute will outline initiatives being pursued to develop the relationship between Jamaica and its Diaspora when he addresses the biennial Jamaican Diaspora Convention on June 15 to 17. 

The presentation will highlight some of the contributions members of the Diaspora have been making to Jamaica, he said in an interview. These contributions have been in the areas of remittances; education, especially the support of alumni groups to education institutions; support for healthcare, particularly free healthcare services for rural communities; and financial investments and tourism.  

Meanwhile, Professor Ying said he will also outline achievements made since the last meeting in 2008, such as the development of the Diaspora web portal, http://jamaicadiasporaconnect.com.

AMERICAN MEDIA GROUP TO FORGE PARTNERSHIPS WITH CARIBBEAN JOURNALISTS

Partnership may boost African American travel to the Caribbean

KINGSTON, Jamaica (November 15, 2010) - Closer ties between a major American journalists' organization and the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) could increase the flow of people and information between the United States and the Caribbean.

Speaking at last month's Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism in Jamaica, Deirdre M. Childress, Vice President-Print for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), said a partnership between NABJ and CMEx "perfectly aligned" with the association's strategic plan to connect journalists across the globe.

NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE 

THE CONSUL GENERAL OF JAMAICA - MIAMI  

Fellow Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica, as the year 2010 comes to a close we look forward in the expectation of opportunities for renewal and progress.  We must take cognizance of our blessings as a people and country who continue with fortitude to build a great nation comprised of Jamaicans at home and abroad. We remain all mindful of our respective roles and responsibilities while we reflect on the past and place our hope in the future.   

Throughout the past year, your Consulate General has made every effort in its essential task of  protecting in the jurisdiction of Florida, the Southern USA, the Cayman Islands and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the interests of our nationals, both individuals and bodies corporate, within the limits permitted by international law.  Equally we have been engaged in furthering the development of commercial, economic, cultural and scientific relations in the interest of Jamaica.  We have not done this alone.  We have called upon and received much assistance from the coalition of Jamaican   Alumni and individual groups, the Diaspora Community leadership and organizations, the officials of city, county and State with whom we have interacted.  Indeed, we have called upon, and have been the recipient of a continuous flow of goodwill.  We remain grateful for your support. 

We know that this goodwill is based upon one common factor - great love for Jamaica. Additionally, due regard has been paid to the efforts being made by the Government of Jamaica, the Jamaican people and friends of Jamaica united to ensure that we recover from every adversity strengthened to continue the forward momentum.  That is not to say that the challenges have not been stringent, that we have not stumbled or made false steps.  But, we have also demonstrated the will to use our challenges as opportunities for learning and have forged new partnerships in bilateral, multilateral and local areas that will enable us to pay much needed attention to social, economic and political reforms - indicators that will measure progress towards the achievement of “Vision 2030” and Jamaica as an advanced State and the mecca of choice for her people. 

There is considerable work to be done but we are not short of talent, creativity and the zeal required build a progressive society.  Our mantra therefore for 2011 and beyond is onwards to make our goals a reality for personal development, community development and national development to the benefit of “Jamaica, Land we love”.

May your Christmas & New Year be filled with love and joy.

 Sandra Grant Griffiths, JP

Consul General of Jamaica

24^th December, 2010

Dear Family and friends of the Jamaican Diaspora:

We survived another year.  Thanks be to God. 

As we prepare our tables to fellowship with family and friends with our culinary traditional fare, we pray for extraordinary prosperity in the coming year.  We have endured a challenging period and can only expect a positive turn for our families, businesses, and organizations.  

The US Census will reveal shortly that our community continues to grow at steady rate across the United States of America.  We are finding our voice and discovering new ways to connect and collaborate with each other.  We are maturing.   In 2011, we urge you to continue the trend of collaborations and seeking new horizons for uplifting our community through your innovation, perseverance, and unbounded passion.   Likewise, in the spirit of Christmas, we encourage to always tithe greater time and resources for those less fortunate in your local communities and those dear to you in Jamaica throughout the entire year.

Jamaica and your local communities are indebted to you for your service and visibility in the community. The Jamaican Diaspora spirit is definitely alive and well. Notwithstanding, we have unfinished work in strengthening the foundation of our governance, fostering our sustainability, and communicating a consistent message for our dedicated purpose.  In 2011, we continue this journey. 

Please lift up your hands in prayer for all the blessings.  We live for another year to make our mark in the world.  May God be with you in your every step.

I AM JAMAICA.   WE ARE JAMAICA.

Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Southern United States

Diaspora Hotline:  786-349-2584 in the U.S. or 876-621-0102 in Jamaica

info@jamaicadiaspora.org

Joe Clark, former Canadian PM, to Chair Northern Caribbean Conference 

Former Canadian Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, is slated to chair the up-coming Northern Caribbean Conference on Economic Cooperation, to be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Cayman, on Friday, December 17. 

The one-day deliberation, a first of its kind, seeks to bring together some seven Northern Caribbean countries and territories—the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. National leaders, including heads of states, ministers and members of the private sector will discuss matters of mutual interest, focusing on: trade, immigration, regional security, education and climate change.

GRACE
JAMAICAN JERK FESTIVAL
 TO SPICE UP SOUTH FLORIDA
 THIS NOVEMBER

 South Florida will sizzle again this November as the 9th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, the largest Caribbean food festival in the United States, gets underway at the lush and spacious Markham Park in Sunrise on Sunday,
November 14, 10am to 10 pm.   

The event, which has grown in size and popularity, now boasts over 18,000 patrons from various cultures and age groups. Each year throngs of families and friends flock to the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival for the delectable jerk foods and the explosion of Caribbean culture, which have become the hallmark of this award-winning event.

Grace Kennedy
Remittance Service/Western Union Celebrates 20^th Anniversary 

                Grace Kennedy Remittance Services (GKRS) through the brand Western Union is currently celebrating its 20^th anniversary providing service Jamaica and its Diasporic communities.

                Jamaican nationals in South Florida will join the GKRS staff in celebration at a Service of Thanksgiving to take place on Sunday (Nov. 7) starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Living Word Open Bible Church in Cooper City.  Officiating Minister will be the Reverend Karl Francis.

Hurricane Watch now in effect for Jamaica

Issued by: The Meteorological Service, Jamaica
Tuesday, November 02, 2010

A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Tomas moves on a track that is forecast to take it close to the east coast as a Category 2 hurricane. This means that hurricane conditions pose a possible threat within 48 hours.

A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Tomas moves on a track that is forecast to take it close to the east coast as a Category 2 hurricane. This means that hurricane conditions pose a possible threat within 48 hours. 

At 4:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Tomas was located near Latitude 13.5 degrees North, Longitude 74.6 degrees West; about 520 km (320 miles) south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica or 620 km (385 miles) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Tomas continues to move towards the west near 22 km/h (14 mph) but a turn towards the west-northwest and northwest with a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 km/h (40 mph), with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast and Tomas could regain hurricane strength by Thursday. Tropical Storm force winds extend outward up to 165 km (105 miles) from the centre.

Satellite imagery indicates that the area of showers and thunderstorms associated with Tomas has expanded over the past 6-12 hours. As the system slows down and strengthens during the next 48 hours, expect outer bands to start affecting southern and northeastern parishes of Jamaica. Tomas is expected to be closest to the island on Friday morning and there is a chance that hurricane force winds will be experienced over eastern sections of the country at that time. Above-normal wave heights should be expected over coastal areas of northern and southeastern parishes.

Northeasterly winds are forecast to increase to gale force over southern waters by Thursday and could gradually become near-northerly at hurricane force. All small craft, including fishers from the cays and banks, should now be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour.

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests should pay special attention to further Releases.

The next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Tomas will be issued at 8:00 p.m. today.

JAMAICAN GRILLERS SET TO TAKE SPOTLIGHT AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST BARBECUE COMPETITION

Team Jamaica HogAholics to compete at Kansas City’s
 American Royal Barbecue 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – September 24, 2010 – Jamaica is preparing to spice up Kansas City’s American Royal Barbecue – the world’s largest barbecue contest with more than 70,000 attendees – with island flair and succulent cuisine. Team Jamaica HogAholics is one of the more than 500 teams firing up the grill to compete in culinary contests from Friday, October 1 to Sunday, October 3. The team will participate in the Open and Invitational categories at the event. 

SPORT NEWS

The First U.S. Women’s
Cricket Open

 October 8 – 9, 2010  

Cricket Council USA is pleased to announce that it will host the inaugural U.S. Women’s Cricket Open to be played October 8 – 9, 2010 at Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida - home of the first Cricket Stadium in the North America.  

Teams representing the cricket regions of New York, North East, Atlantic and the West will compete for the history-making First U.S. Women’s Cricket Open Championship Crystal Trophy and a prize check of $3000.00!  

TOURISM EXPERT TO KEYNOTE
WORLD TOURISM DAY
IN ST. MAARTEN
 

NEW JERSEY (September 26, 2010) - International sustainable tourism expert Lelei LeLaulu will keynote the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau's World Tourism Day gala dinner at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa on Monday, September 27 in the Dutch Caribbean isle.

"I AM JAMAICA"
 The Jamaican Diaspora Theme Song

“I AM JAMAICA” CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR  POSITIVE ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

July 2010, United States/Canada/United Kingdom – 

The “I AM JAMAICA” Campaign will premiere simultaneously in Jamaica, USA, Canada, UK and other locations around the world with the international premier of the theme song, music video and Declaration signing on Saturday, July 17, 2010 through to Sunday, August 14, 2010.

SENATOR JOHN SAMPSON TAPS GUYANESE FOR COMMUNICATIONS JOB

BRITISH MEDIA TO COVER
SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL

English and French Press to showcase cultural festival

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia (July 15, 2010) - As carnival celebrations on the island kick into high gear this week, the sights, sounds and creative cultural genius of Saint Lucia's Carnival will receive major international attention from two sources of the island's exhilarating cultural mix, Britain and the Francophone Caribbean.

PRIME MINISTER OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO KAMLA PERSAD BISSESSAR TO MEET WITH SUPPORTERS IN FLORIDA

UNC Florida is delighted to inform you of the new venue for "the Cultural Evening with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar", scheduled to take place on Friday July 9th 2010.  This exciting event is now taking place at the fabulous Signature Grand  @ 6900 W State Road 84, Davie, Florida 33317. 

NEW GENERAL MANAGER ANNOUNCED AT AIR JAMAICA 

MIAMI, FL – July 6, 2010 – Effective July 1, 2010, Mr. Howard Hall, Air Jamaica’s Vice President Finance and Information Technology (IT), assumed the new position of General Manager, as Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica continue the integration process. This as the contract for Air Jamaica’s President and CEO Mr. Bruce R. Nobles came to an end on June 30, 2010.  

 CARICOM HEADS PLACE TOURISM ON SUMMIT AGENDA
Leaders focus on Regional Efforts to Strengthen Sector 

The first female PM of Trinidad and Tobago, the Hon Kamla Persad-Bissessar is being greeted by CARICOM Chairman, the Hon Orette Bruce Golding

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – July 6, 2010 – Regional leaders at the ongoing CARICOM summit in Montego Bay turned their attention to the tourism sector today, as travel and tourism are critical to regional economies, comprising 12.9 percent of GDP.   

The discussions have focused on regional approaches to recovery to the global recession which has hit Caribbean economies hard.   

EEZEE KRICKET TO PUT BARBADOS ON
 THE WORLD STAGE
Bimventures company to present the Caribbean's culture and
lifestyle to the world

Montego Bay, Jamaica | Miss Global Jamaica *Grand Coronation* At The Grand Palladium Resort & Spa -
 Saturday, May 29, 2010

JAMAICAN DIASPORA CONVENTION POSTPONED 

(Kingston: 29^th May, 2010)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade advises that the Jamaican Diaspora Convention 2010, which was scheduled for the 14^th-17^th June, 2010 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, has been postponed.

US STANDS IN SUPPORT OF JAMAICA

KINGSTON, May 27 (JIS):

The United States (US) Department of Justice has expressed its support for the Jamaican Government’s efforts to ensure public safety and combat drug trafficking against the background of the police/military operation in sections of West Kingston.

“As the Jamaican government seeks to uphold the rule of law, the United States stands in support of its efforts to ensure public safety and to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activity,” US Attorney General, Eric Holder told the inaugural Caribbean US Security Cooperation Dialogue in Washington, today (May 27).

PHOTO CAPTION: AIR JAMAICA MANAGER HONORED BY THE JAMAICA EX-POLICE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Jamaican People/Caribbean People -
We can choose to be invisible or
 we can fill out the 2010 Census Form Question 9. 

HOW TO ANSWER IF YOU ARE JAMAICAN/CARIBBEAN . . .
We strongly encourage Jamaican/Caribbean persons across the USA to complete the Census 2010 form in March this year and answer question 9 with their ancestry and/or country of origin. Spread the word by telling your Jamaican/Caribbean friends and/or family about completing the US census given it's importance. In addition it is only ten questions long.

For example:

It is about your future and the future of your children. So do not leave it blank. Together we can demand Respect! For more information you can visit  cariblifecentral.com. 

Please pass this on to your friends & family. Forward it via email, Facebook, Twitter or your favorite social network tool.

      Air Jamaica's Takeover Deadline Now April 30

KINGSTON, (JIS)
Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines have agreed on a new takeover deadline of April 30, pushed back from the previous target date of April 12.

In a release issued Wednesday (April 7), Chairman of Air Jamaica, Hon. Dennis Lalor, said the national carrier had agreed to the extension, to ensure that sufficient time is devoted to completing the negotiations, which will result in the Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines route networks being combined.

Passing of Prof. the Hon. Rex Nettleford, OM: Messages of Condolence

Community Leaders, Members of the Cultural Arts Community, Friends of Jamaica

The Consulate General of Jamaica is saddened by the news of the passing of a brilliant Jamaican cultural lion and iconic Caribbean cultural resource the Most Honourable Prof. Rex Nettleford, OM, and wishes to provide the Community and friends through this means the messages of condolence from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition of Jamaica.

JAMAICA JAZZ AND BLUES SUPPORTS
 HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS