Jamaica
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IMF programme held up
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government says “contingency discussions” involving various international financial institutions have held up its programme for approval by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips told legislators that the discussions involve the IMF, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank “regarding the extent of the commitment from each institution to…
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Cabinet retreats again!
KINGSTON, Jamaica – FOR THE fifth time since forming the Government in January 2012, the Portia Simpson Miller-chaired Cabinet is to go into retreat. Sandrea Falconer, minister with responsibility for information, said the Cabinet retreat will take place this Sunday. “Cabinet ministers will discuss the growth agenda, including job-creation strategies, human-capital development, social inclusion, improved security and safety, fiscal prudence,…
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EDITORIAL – Echoes from the wrong war
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Yesterday's deadly bomb blasts in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities were bloody reminders of the country's continued instability and the fact that it could still collapse into a Balkanised entity, or even a completely failed state. But perhaps the greater lesson from today's Iraq is of the dangers that lurk when citizens are cowed or cajoled into…
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Douglas Orane: Time for dramatic change to structure, governance of WI cricket
KINGSTON, Jamaica – “It is incumbent in all of us to make our voices heard, armed with the facts, that the time has come for a dramatic change to the structure and governance of the West Indies Cricket Board as called for by the Patterson Report.” Those were the words of Douglas Orane, as he threw out a challenge to…
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Don’t ignore the creative industries
KINGSTON, Jamaica – It is estimated that there are as many Jamaicans living abroad as there are in Jamaica. This is because many people who are of Jamaican descent, but who have not themselves been to Jamaica, claim Jamaican identity. This is undoubtedly a definite sign of the strength of the values, patterns of thought, and behaviour that are distinctly…
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IMF delay – Phillips says ‘contingent’ talks holding up deal
KINGSTON, Jamaica – FINANCE Minister Dr Peter Phillips told Parliament yesterday that 'contingent discussions' are holding up submission of the Government's programme to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) board for approval by month end. “There are some contingent discussions now taking place between the Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank regarding the extent of the commitment…
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Jamaica benefitted significantly from PetroCaribe
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica has received US$2.4 billion in funding support from Venezuela under the PetroCaribe agreement, since the facility was established in 2005. Chief Executive Officer of the PetroCaribe Development Fund (PDF), Dr. Wesley Hughes, says the funds, allocated between July 2005 and January 2013, have financed projects, spearheaded at the community and national levels. He said that…
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JA T&T signs US$55,000 WEAmericas Grant
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – On March 13, Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy Thomas Smitham and Junior Achievement of T&T’s Chief Executive Officer, J Errol Lewis, signed a US$55,000 grant to pave the way for a project to provide business development training; mentorship and access to loans for young women. The grant was made available under the Women’s…
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Minister warns students against idolising “bling”
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Education Minister, Reverend Ronald Thwaites has warned that the educational achievement of students is being severely compromised by poor values and attitudes, with focus being placed on material possessions and popular culture rather than learning. “We idolise bling, extreme fashions, whatever the current notion of popularity is,” he said, noting that many parents and grandparents, by…
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The South can create its own development
KINGSTON, Jamaica – For the last 200 years, the North — more specifically North America and Western Europe — dominated the world economy and was the engine of growth. The Russian Revolution and its colonisation of Eastern Europe created the tripartite world of First (North), Second (Communist) and the South (colonies and poor independent developing countries). That formation lasted until…
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