KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner — Jamaica is located in an active zone of seismic activity, and experiences more than 200 tremors annually, according to the Earthquake Unit at The University of the West Indies. The destruction of Port Royal by a massive earthquake in 1692, which left half of the town buried under the sea; and the devastation of Kingston in 1907, are common knowledge. Less widely acknowledged are other significant tremors that the country has suffered.. "Earthquakes are a fact of life in Jamaica," said Chris Hind, general manager of JN General Insurance Company (JNGI).
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The chilling wail of anguish by parents who have to bury their children is getting louder as criminals seem to set their sights on the island’s defenceless youth. Just over a month into the New Year and, already, The Gleaner has reported at least four children being murdered. Added to the already-long list of children victims are four-year-old Rushaun Burford and 14-year-old Shariefa Saddler, who were killed in the Corporate Area in less than 24 hours last week.
WASHINGTON, CMC – At least two Caribbean groups here have commended the German automobile company, Volkswagen, for its advertising campaign in recognizing what they describe as “the global impact of Jamaican culture.” While there have been some criticisms of the advertisement, Dr. Claire Nelson, the Jamaican-born president of the Washington-based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and the Caribbean Heritage Organization (CHO), said her groups have found the commercial “amusing and indeed, a fascinating example of subtlety in subliminal messaging”.
KINGSTON, Jamaica - THE female immigration officer in Barbados who is accused of 'finger raping' Jamaican Shanique Myrie will now have to testify in a suit brought by Myrie against the Barbadian Government. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday ruled that a statement be taken from the officer by Roger Forde, Queen's Counsel, who is representing the Government of Barbados in the case, according to Myrie's attorney Michelle Brown. The CCJ's ruling follows an application by Myrie for the woman to give evidence.
KINGSTON, Jamaica - WE share the concerns articulated by former Jamaican Prime Minister P J Patterson about the restriction of free movement of Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals among member states.
Mr Patterson’s concerns are particularly relevant given that CARICOM heads of Government have committed to measures to ease travel difficulties at ports.
KINGSTON, Jamaica - RBC Capital Markets, in conjunction with RBC Merchant Bank (Caribbean) Limited, has successfully placed a US$300-million amortising bond issue for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to bolster regional development and stimulate economic growth.
The 15-year fixed-rate bond bears interest of 4.375 per cent annually until maturity in 2027, and represents a significant investment inflow into the region, RBC said in a statement out of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad yesterday.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Former Jamaica prime minister PJ Patterson has called on Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to decide on their priorities as well as set a specific time table in order to accelerate regional growth and development.
Addressing the Rotary Club of Georgetown, World Understanding Month dinner on Monday night, Patterson also lamented the fact that CARICOM nationals were still experiencing difficulties in travelling through the 15-member grouping despite efforts to ease restrictions on travel.
KINGSTON, Jamaica - Former Member of Parliament for Eastern Portland Headley Samuel 'Sam' Lawrence died suddenly yesterday morning, only hours after he made his final trek to the all-important function of his beloved People's National Party (PNP) - a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC).
Lawrence, who was in his 70s, died after he fell ill and was rushed to the Port Antonio Hospital in the parish he has called home for many years.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says it is close to finalising negotiations for the long-awaited Stand By Agreement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the ruling People's National Party (PNP's) met on Sunday and afterwards PNP chairman, Robert Pickersgill, told reporters that it will not be business as usual as the country prepares to enter into a new agreement .
Pickersgill said that Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips had briefed the NEC on the state of the negotiations.
KINGSTON, Jamaica - All well-thinking Jamaicans should be paying close attention to the gun control debate in the United States. It’s been taking place for decades, experiencing highs and lows periodically. But the gun debate has taken on new wings since the mid-December massacre of 26 people, including 20 children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.