Where art thou Jamaica thread? [Archive]

wiki

Aug 8, 2006, 10:24 PM

www.h2kjamaica.com <--- that’s the site on the Highway 2000 project. In short, at the turn of the century, Jamaica lacked a highway system and had to rely on small two lane roads for most of the travel between towns and cities. There was a lot of improvement work done on these roads in the 1990's but finally the PM announced a new program to bring a freeway system to the island. The system will have a route from Kingston to the second city, Motego Bay and a route connecting the first to Ocho Rios, the tourism city. The final product will add hundreds of miles of highways and new bridges and will be completed before the end of the decade. It represents the largest undertaking in Jamaica's history and will cost billions when it is completed.

Simultaneously, the airports have been upgraded as well as the ports. There have been improvements to a lot of the main roads in Kingston as well.

The reason I created this thread is to open discussion on these topics due to the lack of readily available information on it. Particularly, I want to know what Norman Manley International Airport will look like when its done. The rendering at the entrance seems unreal. Does anyone have any info?

getting renders about rpoyects in little island is very difficult, even in dominican republic that is a big island is pretty hard to get information about it. but the thing that i can tell you that when the sangster international airport in mobay is completed will can handle 8 milliones passangers in a year. i can tell you too that mobay has one of the most luxurios hotels in the caribbean call "rose hall" in mobay(montego bay for those one who doesnt know about the shortest name of that city). i can tell you too that the new firt minister of jamiaca portia simpson miller is the first one in the history of jamaica.

Thskyscraper

Aug 8, 2006, 10:25 PM

http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/jamaica/- That give some info and pics of what they've done.

I'll try and find some more.

dante2308

Aug 8, 2006, 10:51 PM

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/inline/content/image/246491.html?alt=2
Sabina(Kingston)
http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/inline/content/image/246501.html?alt=2
Greenfield(Trelawny)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Both the Sabina Park and Trelawny stadium venues in Jamaica are on course for a timely finish as the country prepares to fulfill its obligation of hosting matches in next year's Cricket World Cup.

Robert Bryan, chief executive of the Jamaica's Local Organising Committee, said the cement shortage several weeks ago did impact on the preparations, but noted he was confident of delivering the venues ahead of the ICC's deadline next February.

"Right now we are making great progress in terms of both venues. We expect Trelawny will be ready ahead of schedule as previously indicated, and the completion of Sabina Park will be hopefully by the end of November, but definitely no later than the second week of December," Bryan said.

25,000-seater project

The Trelawny Stadium, being constructed in the north-western parish of Trelawny, will be a 25,000-seater project and will host the opening ceremony on March 11 as well as pre-tournament matches from March 5-9.

... The cost of redevelopment of Sabina Park has been put at US$29 million while the Greenfield Stadium has been built to the tune of US$30 million....

antonio0qs

Aug 8, 2006, 11:25 PM

is the "agua de jamaica" from jamaica¿? :D it is a traditional mexican water

dante2308

Aug 8, 2006, 11:30 PM

The brand new toll bridge finished in July...

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060718/lead/Images/Gridlock20060718NG.JPG

Portmore toll users surpass expected numbers

Trevor Jackson, managing director of TransJamaican Highway, has reported that the number of vehicles which used the toll road yesterday morning surpassed the expected 8,600.

* By 10:00 o'clock yesterday morning, 10,200 vehicles had actually used the roadway.

* Minister of Information and Development, Colin Campbell, at the post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday, said 16,000 vehicles passed through the toll bridge, on Saturday.

* On Sunday, 17,000 vehicles passed through the toll bridge.

dante2308

Aug 8, 2006, 11:31 PM

is the "agua de jamaica" from jamaica¿? :D it is a traditional mexican water

Heh, who knows?

dante2308

Aug 8, 2006, 11:46 PM

http://hospitalityjamaica.com/images/norman-manley-c20060403C.jpg

Found one version of the new construction.

wiki

Aug 8, 2006, 11:53 PM

http://hospitalityjamaica.com/images/norman-manley-c20060403C.jpg

Found one version of the new construction.

i like it, um does your under message is from the song one love from bob marley?

dante2308

Aug 9, 2006, 12:09 AM

http://www.portjam.com/images/kct_new.jpg
(Isn't Jamaica pretty)

FUTURE EXPANSION

Based on the Terminal's performance, The Port Authority of Jamaica – in keeping with the Government's mandate, has began a 4th Phase expansion since 2004 February. The new development will see:

*Reconstruction of the existing 445 metres of berth at the North Terminal, plus construction of an additional 90 metres of berth.

*Extension of the berth at the South Terminal by 91.1 metres.

*Paving of 29 hectares of yard space on the South Terminal.

*Paving of 21.6 hectares of yard space on the North Terminal.

This expansion will add a further 300,000 TEUs, which represents a 25 percent increase in capacity. Total capacity will therefore be 1.5 Million TEUs.

dante2308

Aug 9, 2006, 12:11 AM

http://www.bouygues-construction.com/img/environnement/gestion_pict1.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/2005/images/photos/DSC_0220.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/images/alignmentmap/map2_2.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/images/alignmentmap/map3_3.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/images/alignmentmap/map4_4.jpg

(the red lines are the highway routes)

Those are some pics of the highway project.

i like it, um does your under message is from the song one love from bob marley?

Nope, its just how I feel. Its more Black Eyed Peas if anything.

Thskyscraper

Aug 9, 2006, 12:18 AM

Those are some neat projects. I really like the stadiums.

dante2308

Aug 9, 2006, 12:27 AM

http://www.formosafountains.com/images/Jamaica-1.jpg http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/LPIPOD03/BN4716_1~City-At-Sunset-From-Blue-Mountains-Kingston-Jamaica-Posters.jpg
http://www.luxner.com/images/photos/JM-014.jpg
http://www.summitreports.com/colombia&jamaica/pictures/f6a.jpg
NCB. Owned by Jamaica's billionare. This building is small, but it has a panoramic view of downtown, uptown, the ocean, and the mountains. They let me in and I love going up there.
http://www.stsvacations.com/Administration/images/hotel/SandalsMoBay_large.jpg

Just some beauty shots.

wiki

Aug 9, 2006, 12:41 AM

dante2308

Aug 9, 2006, 12:47 AM

I lived in Kingston last. I'm in the US now, though I go back once or twice a year.

wiki

Aug 9, 2006, 1:27 AM

http://www.bouygues-construction.com/img/environnement/gestion_pict1.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/2005/images/photos/DSC_0220.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/images/alignmentmap/map2_2.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/images/alignmentmap/map3_3.jpg
http://www.h2kjamaica.com/images/alignmentmap/map4_4.jpg

(the red lines are the highway routes)

Those are some pics of the highway project.

Nope, its just how I feel. Its more Black Eyed Peas if anything.

yeappppppp, now i remember why i feel so familarise with the letter, i tough it was from the one love song from bob.lol

lmcm1990

Aug 9, 2006, 5:48 AM

dante: you should invite other jamaicans (specially from ssc). since a jamaican sub-forum can't be opened because you'll eed at least 15 people, you should ask a moderator to make this thread (or a new one) a sticky.

dante2308

Aug 9, 2006, 4:46 PM

http://www.nwcjamaica.com/nwcjamaica/images/monadam.gif

Mona Reservoir

Note: The following two articles are about the improvements to the energy and water infastructure. Note that Jamaica is a very rural country with large mountainous areas and several very old and very remote rural communities nestled in hard to reach areas. This represents a huge investment and a huge move. Note the estimated cost of the project. My friend who works for the ministry says that everything is on schedule and this will become a reality.

Ministry Confident of Total Access to Potable Water by 2010
BY: ALICIA DUNKLEY

Director of Water Policy and Research in the Ministry, Patricia Snow tells JIS News that foremost among the Ministry's strategies for the new legislative year is the introduction of a new draft Bill, 'The Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act', which will indicate the roles and functions of all players in the sector.

Miss Snow says it is hoped that the Bill, which is to be brought before the Houses of Parliament soon, will be passed in this legislative year. The Act, in conjunction with the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), will provide the parameters for the sector and will govern present players, the Ministry and other sector players, including the National Water Commission (NWC).

She explains that currently, the sector operates through the NWC Act, which is an institutional Act. However, the new Bill will be a sector wide Act, which will outline to parties, the process for licensing, approval and renewal as well as the role of the Minister and the avenues for appeals.

"We will at that point be harmonized in the sector and everybody will be placed on a level playing field. It will encourage private sector investment and provide a level playing field," she notes.

Also on the legislative side, the Water Resources Authority Act and the Flood Control Act are to be amended to allow the responsibility for the implementation of the provisions under the Act, to remain with the Works Ministry and transfer the responsibility for the legislative aspect to the Water Resources Authority (WRA). This, she says, is in a bid to plan for and manage flood control, a process, which is not exercised at present.

During the remaining five year period, the National Irrigation Commission, the WRA and the NWC will be making every effort to implement aspects of their action plans, in order to meet the 100 per cent access goal.

In this regard, the NWC recently developed its project programme and profile, which shows some 71 per cent access to potable water for rural, major towns and urban areas overall. The organisation's goal is to improve its reach to 85 per cent by 2010, provided funding is received. The Director says it is hoped that the remaining 15 per cent will be covered by private providers; the NIC, through the National Irrigation Development Plan (NIDP) and under the Rural Water Programme.

"We should be able to get to 100 per cent by then," she tells JIS News. The process is expected to cost between US$2 billion and US$ 3 billion, including the rural and major programmes.

dante2308

Aug 9, 2006, 4:53 PM

http://www.mct.gov.jm/hydorpower.jpg

The government has projected that within the next four years the island’s contribution from renewable sources of energy to electricity demand should be 10 per cent, climbing to 15 per cent by 2020.

Minister Phillip Paulwell in his contribution in the 2006/2007 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 20 said, “To meet the 15 per cent target by 2020, we must bring on board at least another 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.”

According to the Minister, there were a number of opportunities for investment in the renewable energy sector, which were being explored for possible implementation. “Based on various technical studies, we estimate that another 25 to 30 MWs of electricity can be generated from six to eight mini hydro plants in Jamaica…we are now working with the Canadian International Development Agency, along with the Canadian Government, to develop site-specific studies,” he informed the House.

He further disclosed that the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) was working on a comprehensive wind-mapping survey of the island to arrive at the true potential for wind energy.

The Minister indicated that the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) had laid out a framework for the addition of capacity using renewable energy technologies. “This is a powerful tool in attracting new investments…the process to establish a plant and sell electricity to the national grid is now transparent…it is fair and it is predictable,” he remarked.

Presently, renewable sources of energy contribute just over 12 per cent of the total energy requirements for the island, with approximately six per cent for electricity. This is comprised of 20 MWs of wind power from the Wigton wind farm, which began operations in 2004; 23 MWs of hydro from six mini hydro plants upgraded within the last seven years; and the remaining portion comes from biomass and other sources.

Thskyscraper

Aug 13, 2006, 3:33 AM

lmcm1990

Aug 13, 2006, 7:09 AM

damn, jamaica's nice as hell. dante represents jamaica very well with all the pics and news here.

Urbanguy

Aug 15, 2006, 6:27 AM

I would love to see more pics of Jamaica especially of its major cities/towns. It's not very often that Jamaica is ever shown by anyone on this site. Does anyone have any recent pics?

dante2308

Aug 15, 2006, 9:41 PM

I would love to see more pics of Jamaica especially of its major cities/towns. It's not very often that Jamaica is ever shown by anyone on this site. Does anyone have any recent pics?

I wish that I had taken my camera on my last trip this summer. I will try to show you what I can find. For any of you who don't know about Jamaica in general, the pictures and quotes are from discoverjamaica.com.

http://www.discoverjamaica.com/images/kgnmap1.jpg
Kingston

"Kingston is the capital and the commercial, administrative and cultural heart of the island. It is the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean, has the seventh largest natural harbor in the world, and lies on a wide plain with the sea to the south and the St. Andrew Mountain as its backdrop to the north."

Realistically, Kingston is Jamaica without the tourist backdrop. It is relatively small and built in and has a metro population of just over a million. The new highway system will effectively make most of the south coast towns and cities suburbs of the capital in the near future. There are a few mid-rises in the city, but it has never been a big thing in Jamaica to build up. Considering the convenience of cars, low population growth, and the vast amounts of undeveloped land, the popularity of apartments never caught on and there was an oversupply of offices for a long time. In the next decade, this is due to change, but for now, most large projects in the city are retail and infrastructure related.

The city has a historic downtown area with a few mid-rises and an extended grid street network and a newer mid-rise area called New Kingston where most of the new development takes place. New Kingston is centered on a single main road called "the strip" that branches out in a small grid network. The rest of the city doesn't have a grid system.

The portion of the city on the harbor is the industrial district and is lined with factories and warehouses, many of them with private wharfs for importing raws or exporting goods.

The mountains that overlook the city are lined with mansions. Literally thousands of them each with the best view you could ever imagine. I still wonder how its possible for so many to exist.

The city has two airports: Norman Manley International across the harbor and the general aviation Tenson Pen in the industrial district. The international airport is undergoing a major renovation right now and there is talk about the port absorbing Tenson Pen.

The nearby bedroom community of Portmore is the fastest growing on the island and is connected to Kingston proper by a bridge that has been recently upgraded. There has been controversy over the toll element of the bridge project because the residents of Portmore are limited to either taking the bridge or the much longer route that goes around the bay. Most residents feel that they should not have to pay to enter or leave their community.

http://www.discoverjamaica.com/images/momap.jpg
Montego Bay, the second city.

"Montego Bay, or Mo Bay as it is popularly known, is deservedly one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Over the years it has attracted the rich and the famous, and been the haunt of royalty. Many of their luxury villas still grace the hills with fabulous sea views. The bay offers wonderful beaches and the town has lots to offer. The town of Montego Bay is divided into two distinct areas, the residential and the tourist. The former is largely to the south of Sam Sharpe Square and west of St. James Street until its junction with Barnett Street. The main tourist part of town, paced with vendors, stall, higglers and hustlers, is east of Sam Sharpe Square nearer the waterfront, and most of the main resorts and hotels are to the north, between the town and the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, or east of it."

Montego bay is the center of tourism in Jamaica. Its airport is largest in the island and the hub for the national carrier Air Jamaica and millions visit the city or the north coast every year. It has been undergoing expansions, upgrading, and renovations for as long as I can remember. The city has a corporate free zone that has attracted a lot of foriegn companies to move in. If you are visiting as a tourist, I suggest you start here.

This city is one terminus of the new highway and will connect Kingston and Montego Bay efficiently and realistically for the first time. In the 90s the trip could take as long as 10-12 hours if you traveled at a bad time.

As for buildings, most of the taller buildings here are hotels as you might expect. Domestic corporations mostly move to Kingston where you have access to more of the population.

As for deveopment. There is a lot of investment going on in the city aided by the freezone. I'll try to find some projects for you guys.

http://www.discoverjamaica.com/images/manmap.jpg
Mandeville, inland city.

"Mandeville is the chief town of Manchester parish, Jamaica's mountain resort, one of the island's largest urban center. The town was laid out in 1816 and many of the original buildings can still be seen. Although only 64 miles (103km) from Kingston, Mandeville has a charm - and a climate - all of its own, as if it has been sheltered against al the developments in the capital and around the coast. It has a town square, parish church and clock tower, and many large, elegant early nineteenth-century houses to see along the winding streets. The square is more like a village green and Mandeville has been described as the most English town on Jamaica."

Mandeville is 2000 feet above sea level and enjoys a cool climate for its latitude. Its very pretty to visit, but is mostly another business center. Not many tourists find their way here and the city is fueled by the huge aluminum industry as Mandeville sits on the largest open bauxite source in the world. Mandeville is known as the money center of Jamaica and is home to several financial institutions.

It is one of the cities that will become part of Kingston's commutable area in the future as the highway has already made it halfway between the two cities and has cut the travel time considerably.

Developments in the city are few actually despite the tripling of the population in the last decade. Mandeville has essentially become a pedestrian city based on it's old infastructure with hundreds or thousands of people in the streets during the day. Walking is by far the easiest way to get around. The major private developments are mostly consumer oriented to take advantage of the large centralized shopping districts.

wiki

Aug 15, 2006, 10:25 PM

montego bay, i love it, is a great city, i went few years a go on cruiseship, and i found it really interesting, and the beaches waoooo amazing, wao and we went close to the rose hall, and i get shock by the big of this resort, waoooo. i simply love jamaica. i have almost every song of bob marley and sean paul on my laptop.lol

dante2308

Aug 15, 2006, 10:55 PM

News from today:

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060815/lead/images/Layout1_1_PKIBMhavezArrAM.jpg
"Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, walk together after his arrival at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, yesterday. President Chavez was in the island on a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both nations, with specific focus on the areas of infrastructure development, energy, as well as social and economic cooperation. - JIS photo"

Chavez money hits the road - Jamaica gets highway funds - US$290 million for Petrojam expansion

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaica and Venezuela yesterday signed off on a host of development loans, including a deal which will see the nation receive US$130 million upfront to construct a new leg of Highway 2000.

The multi-lane tolled motorway project will run from Spanish Town, St. Catherine, to Ocho Rios, St. Ann, and will see additional injections of US$65 million each in March and May next year.

Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, also announced during a press conference late yesterday that the Venezuelans would be pumping in US$290 million to expand the Petrojam Oil Refinery to raise production from 35,000 barrels of oil per day to 50,000 barrels.

The agreements, which also include an amendment to the PetroCaribe Initiative, were initialled in Montego Bay, St. James, yesterday during a one-day working visit by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and a team of government officials from the South American nation.

Ministerial contingent

Mr. Chavez and a host of Venezuelan government ministers, including Energy Minister Raphael Ramirez and Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro, arrived about 1:05 p.m. at the Sangster International Airport in the Second City.

The Venezuelans were met by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Cabinet ministers, including Anthony Hylton, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Dr. Omar Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning; and Mr. Paulwell.

The amendment to the PetroCaribe Initiative regularises the extra 2,500 barrels of oil supplied to Air Jamaica per day, adding to the original 21,000 with 40 per cent of the payments converted to loans for development projects such as those also signed yesterday.

Among the other agreements signed were:

The Petrojam commercial sales contract and a joint venture agreement with PetroCaribe Jamaica Limited in which Jamaica will have a 51 per cent stake;

A joint venture agreement between Petrojam and Petroleos de Venezuela, the Venezuelan oil refinery, that will enable it to take an equity position in the Petrojam refinery and facilitate its expansion and upgrading;

Social Development Bank of Venezuela loans.

The provision of financing under the San Jose Accord, the predecessor to PetroCaribe, to enable Phase Three of the Montego Bay Sports Complex and a line of credit for the Jamaica Mortgage Bank to finance affordable housing solutions.

A US$9.3 million loan to offset construction costs of Phase Three of the Montego Bay Sports Complex, which has a total cost of US$11.6 million;

A US$2.13 million loan to facilitate construction of Phase Two of the Port Maria Civic Centre.

Mr. Chavez had flown directly from Cuba where he visited his ailing ally, Cuban President Fidel Castro, for his 80th birthday.

The Venezuelan President also met with former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson for what one government official said was as 'a private meeting'.

Under the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, Venezuela supplies oil and petroleum products on concessionary rates to 14 Caribbean countries.

dante2308

Aug 15, 2006, 11:06 PM

A map for reference

http://209.35.123.177/americas/jamaica_pol_2002.jpg

Urbanguy

Aug 16, 2006, 1:19 AM

Thank you dante, btw are you from Jamaica originally or the Caribbean for that matter?

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 1:27 AM

I'm from Jamaica. I lived in Kingston before moving to Atlanta for school. I go back to visit family and friends every year.

Currently, I'm a third year at Georgia Tech. I'm not sure where I'll be after I graduate.

Urbanguy

Aug 16, 2006, 4:29 AM

Awesome, so are you wanting to stay in the U.S. or go back to Jamaica after school? Maybe the next time you go and take some pictures, you can also post them in the main city section. I'd love to see a pano of Kingston's skyline from the hills or the coast. :D

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 4:45 AM

I'm in the aerospace field so its best that I stay in the US unfortunately. :(
I'll take a ton of pics when I can. I'll get my family to send some up too. I hope some other people will help me keep up this topic as well.

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 5:06 AM

Transportion hall to be opened at Sangster Airport

http://hospitalityjamaica.com/images/menatwk9.jpg

Three months ahead of its scheduled completion, an ultra-modern transportation hall equipped with first-world facilities is to be unveiled at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay by January 2007.

On completion, the airport will boast a new baggage claim and custom hall, ground transportation building, commercial pick-up area, staff parking, redevelopment and relocation of the existing car rental agencies.

expansion exercise

The new facilities are part of the expansion exercise of Phase two, stage two of the airport modernisation programme, which began in April 2003.

During a tour of the construction site recently, MBJ Airport Limited's chief executive officer, Jorge Sales, told Hospitality Jamaica that on completion the baggage hall will boast six new carousels, two of which will be extremely large and IATA compliant.

He noted that the new state-of-the-art commercial pick-up area would comfortably accommodate 23 large buses. Of particular importance he said, are the changes being made in relation to delayed baggage.

"Delayed bags will be handled differently, lost luggage passengers will not need to re-enter the custom area, like they currently do, but will receive their bags from a public area set up specifically to handle those matters."

Accordingly, he is assuring the public that this will greatly ease the challenges that passengers now experience to get their delayed bags. "They won't need to get approved airport passes, which will not only help with the comfort of passengers, but also enhance security measures."

MBJ's bullish stance has been highly commended by chairman of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Dennis Morrison who told Hospitality Jamaica that he was very happy to see the tremendous progress made in the last six months. "This stage of the project which will modernise and expand the facilities for customs and immigration will enhance the experience of the traveller, especially since these are the first point of contact for the visitor."

good timing

The Airport Authority head who also wears the hat of chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) noted that the rapid increase in visitor arrivals has so far seen growth of over 20 per cent this year and, "The upgrading of the facilities could not be better timed."

"Jamaica has to compete aggressively to maintain our growth performance and airport infrastructure is a vital part of the supporting services for the industry.

The expansion trajectory has as its aim, the construction of a two-level airport facility of 177, 000 square feet. The entire project is set for completion in July 2008. On completion the airport will have the capacity to accommodate 10 million passengers per year, tripling its current capability.

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 5:10 AM

HOLLAND BAY, St Thomas - Ground is to be broken soon for the construction of a 300-room hotel at Holland Bay in eastern St Thomas, according to State Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Dr Fenton Ferguson.

Ferguson, who is also the Member of Parliament for the area, said the project would not only create a major economic transformation of Holland Bay and the surrounding areas, but would also revive the famous Bath Hotel and Spa and once again place St Thomas on the island's tourism destination map.

"Phase one of the hotel will be the construction of 60 rooms, while phase two will be 240 rooms. We expect that this will make a major difference in St Thomas, because the training needs, especially hospitality training, would become a critical factor in satisfying the manpower needs of the hotel," he said.

He was speaking at Bath Primary and Junior High School on Saturday. The occasion was the opening of the annual Bath Breadfruit Festival in the parish.

Citing the once-famous Bath Botanical Gardens and Spa, the state minister said that the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) had indicated an interest in investing in the development of the attraction.

"They have indicated to me that if we clean up the front of the gardens and the verges, they will come in and invest in its development. I don't think we can afford to lose out on this possibility," he said.

He added that with the planned implementation of several projects, the parish was set to benefit economically and develop-mentally. The projects include:

. a new police station, for which ground would be broken in October;
. the rehabilitation of the Bath to Barret Gap main road by mid-September;
. the building of a mini-stadium in Bath; and
. the expected start-up of works for the building of the Yallahs Bridge by mid-September.

"I believe that St Thomas has its own challenges, but I am heartened by the fact that there are opportunities that the parish's residents can take advantage of, to transform their lives," Ferguson said.

The Bath Breadfruit Festival, meanwhile, highlights the introduction and planting of the first breadfruit tree in the island at the Bath Botanical Gardens and the fact that the Spa is the second oldest in the Caribbean.

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 5:16 AM

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060810/sports/images/Layout1_1_PGR5Gsabinab2AM.jpg
"Donald Lockerbie, venue development director and chief operating officer of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Inc., discusses plans with Chris Smith (left), venue development manager, on a tour of Sabina Park. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer"

BELIEVE IT or not, the war in the middle east between Israeli and Hezbollah forces from Lebanon is impacting on developments right here in our midst.

The roof for the new stand being built at the northern end of Sabina Park - which is being upgraded for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup - is being made in Haifa, Israel.

That city is a major target of bombings from Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

However, the Hezbollah bom-bardment is concentrated during daytime hours so the developers there have had to strategise by changing working hours in an effort to meet the schedule for completing the roof and delivering it to Jamaica on time.

Avichai Menelson, project manager for Ashtrom Building Systems - the Israeli company which is redeveloping Sabina Park - divulged that information following an inspection of the facility by officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jamaica Cricket 2007 Limited, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for next year's tournament and the media yesterday afternoon.

Working overtime

Explaining the situation, he said: "We have sub-contracted the structural canopy to an Israeli sub-contractor in the city of Haifa. The city of Haifa, as all of you know, is the target of the Hezbollah bombardment so, indirectly, it could affect our schedule. But the sub-contractor has worked night shifts in order to accommodate the deadlines that we've set.

"He's going to make the target, he's committed to that. He's working night shifts, during that time there's no missiles being shot at the city of Haifa where they are situated," Menelson, himself an Israeli, said.

The deadline for Sabina Park to be completed is November 30 this year and Menelson, whose company has worked 24-hour shifts to get back on schedule after being off target earlier this year due to cement shortage and other reasons, expressed confidence for a timely delivery of the venue.

"As a matter of fact, the first shipment (of the roof) is leaving this week for the port of Kingston directly from the port in Israel and we are actually not yielding to the war situation and will be on target," he said.

Very complex

Commenting on the structure itself, Menelson said: "It's a thrust roof ... a three-dimensional thrust made out of alloy, steel pipes. It is a very complex structure that is being made by one of the leading fabricators in Israel.

"We're going to start erecting in the middle of September ... it is going to change the whole sky view."

lmcm1990

Aug 16, 2006, 5:51 AM

What's the per capita (PPP) of Jamaica??? Is it a commonwealth or completely free???

duper

Aug 16, 2006, 6:01 AM

I spent a good 6 months working in Kingston at the University of the West Indies. Good times. Sadly, I was never able to take many pictures of my surroundings while in the city. It never really seemed appropriate to be snapping pictures, since I wasn't a tourist and there's never an appropriate time to snap a photo in Trenchtown, Tivoli or Arnette Gardens....ever!

That said, I realy enjoyed myself there. Terrific welcoming people! Good jerk chicken on the corner in New Kingston at 3 in the morning. Oh, the memories!

Getting around was not exactly what I was used to, but there is a public bus service, route taxis, as well as charter taxis. As someone who obviously is not from Jamaica, I did get quite a few odd stares on the buses and route taxis, though.

The only photos I have are from the countryside (and my holiday in Ocho Rios), and I'll spare you those.

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 7:28 AM

What's the per capita (PPP) of Jamaica??? Is it a commonwealth or completely free???

Its a commonwealth. There are articles suggesting full independence soon, but there is no real motivation to go forward. As for per capita (PPP), it sits around $4,500 with a growth rate around 20% per year and a low cost of living. Why do you ask?

A note about Jamaica is that statistics are often hampered by long life expectancies and rapid growth and improvements. My grandfather's generation was witness to a very different Jamaica and was extraordinarily hampered by it. An example is the literacy rate. It sits at about 85% for men and 90% for women (literacy defined as having attended primary and secondary education). The youth literacy rate (15-25 years old) is at 94-95% though.

One note about PPP is that the growth rate is extraordinarily high due to near zero population growth. Any improvement in the GDP which grows annually translates immediately to a jump in PPP.

The HDI(Human Development Index) places Jamaica in the "upper" development section with a score around 7.84. These numbers are never consistent though. If you search, you'll get numbers as low as 7.36 and as high as 8.24(advanced). In either case, the HDI score suggests that the quality of life in Jamaica is much higher than those of similar PPPs.

Consumer wise, there are 1016 cell phones per 1000 people which is the highest penetration in this hemisphere. And there are 1.5 million+ internet users out of 2.7 million people which is up from just 60,000 at the turn of the century.

If you can tell, I hate PPP because people tend to use it as broad a measuring stick. There are several ways to figure out the economy of countries that transcend how many US dollars float around per person.
I'm not even just boosting the island. I truely believe that Jamaica is an example of a PPP outlier and it is well documented.

For example, only 19.1% of the population is below the poverty line in Jamaica. Compared to 38.5% in Argentina 22% in Brazil and 49.2% in Columbia. Note! I have nothing against any of those countries! I just thought they gave perspective of the region and I'm well aware that poverty lines are different between countries. These numbers are from the CIA World Fact Book. Does anybody know how they calculate this? I'm sure something is wrong there.

Anyway, what do you guys think about the articles from today?

lmcm1990

Aug 16, 2006, 7:30 AM

i asked because the majority of the commonwealths (not canada, new zealand, australia, and sorta south africa) have low per capitas. sometimes ppp works (mostly for developing countries) and other times it doesn't (especially highly developed countries).

Duper: Jamaica sounds like a cool vacation spot. oh and nice signature :D .

dante2308

Aug 16, 2006, 7:44 AM

Sorry I edited my post. Just letting you guys know.

dante2308

Aug 27, 2006, 5:03 PM

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/images/20060826T210000-0500_112055_OBS_BRACING_FOR_ERNESTO__1.jpg
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/images/20060826T210000-0500_112055_OBS_BRACING_FOR_ERNESTO__2.jpg

Jamaicans yesterday stepped up preparations in anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto, the first major storm of the 2006 hurricane season to threaten the island.

Last night, a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch remained in effect for Jamaica, as Ernesto, which up to press time was still a tropical storm, was expected to strengthen to hurricane status as it approaches the island.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions, particularly heavy rains, are to be expected, and a hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions, including strong wind gusts, heavy rains and the possibility of flooding, should be expected.

According to the National Meteorological Service, at 7:00 last night Ernesto was located about 440 km east-southeast of Morant Point, packing winds of near 95 kph (60 mph) and moving towards the west-northwest at a speed of near 22 kph (14 mph). The storm is projected to pass slightly to the north of the island, between Jamaica and Haiti, dumping between 4 and 8 inches - but possibly as many as 12 inches - of rain on Jamaica.

"Tropical storm force winds now extend outward up to 150 km (90 miles) from the centre, and satellite imagery indicates that spiral bands associated with the system now extend as far as 400 km (250 miles) from the centre. Residents should, therefore, expect storm-force winds to spread over the island, along with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, beginning on Sunday morning. Extensive flash flooding, landslides and above normal tide levels are likely," said a release issued by the Met Office.

Yesterday, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) advised the public to take the usual hurricane precautions, including battening down zinc sheets on roofs, trimming trees and securing loose objects and preparing emergency kits containing tinned food, batteries, water, radios and flashlights. Residents of low-lying coastal areas and flood-prone areas were also advised to be ready to evacuate, and according to Ronald Jackson, acting director of the ODPEM, shelters across the island are currently open and will remain open and accepting residents.

At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller assured the nation that should the storm hit, the security forces were on "full alert" to deal with potential issues. She warned residents of low-lying areas to take advantage of shelters, and advised that JUTC buses would be deployed to assist residents in their evacuations. Also, the prime minister noted, more than $3 million was allocated for emergency flood mitigation.

lmcm1990

Aug 28, 2006, 5:19 AM

I hope that very litte damage happens (it's imposible to not have some damage during a hurricane- been through like 30 since 1998 in miami).

dante2308

Aug 30, 2006, 2:22 AM

published: Tuesday | August 29, 2006

Ross Sheil and Robert Lalah, Staff Reporters

The Meteorological Service yesterday maintained its flash flood watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of eastern and central parishes until 5:00 this morning, despite there being no reports of widespread flooding, as 'Ernesto' and its associated weather conditions leave Jamaica.

In its 5:00 p.m. bulletin yesterday, the Met Service had warned residents to be prepared and listen out for further bulletins with occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms expected overnight. Improvement in the weather is expected tomorrow as Ernesto drifts further away.

One dead in Haiti

On Sunday Ernesto left one person dead in Haiti, but at 4:00 p.m. yesterday the United States National Hurricane Center reported that it had slowed over eastern Cuba to 40 miles per hour (75 kilometres/hour), down from hurricane strength at 75 mph (124 km/h) on Sunday. However, Ernesto could return to hurricane strength when it makes landfall in Florida later today, where authorities are making preparations for a Category Two hurricane.

However, with Ernesto now forecast to miss oil rigs and platforms in the U.S. Gulf, oil prices yesterday dropped US$1.90 a barrel.

The Met Service had reported light-to-moderate rain in its 10:00 a.m. bulletin and at times heavy showers in the east and central parishes yesterday morning. But by the afternoon there were no reported cases of flooding in St. Thomas and Portland.

From early yesterday, rains associated with Ernesto had doused Kingston, quickly flooding roadways downtown, in particular the Parade area, which has suffered from blocked drains.

dante2308

Aug 30, 2006, 3:00 AM

Global Research Center Helps Wireless ISP Penetrate Jamaica with Low-Cost, High Availability Internet Services

Global Research Center, a third party research group, is conducting a Jamaican Wireless Feasibility survey on behalf of a wireless Internet services provider (ISP) planning to penetrate Jamaica with low cost, reliable wireless Internet services.

The feasibility survey is being conducted to collect information that will enable the ISP to serve the exact needs of Jamaican businesses, schools and individual end-users.

“Jamaicans currently find accessing the Internet difficult for two main reasons,” said Julie Meyer at Global Research Center, “It is very costly and it is not widely available due to geographical restrictions and cost of laying cable.”

The wireless Internet service proposed by Global Research Center’s client will not only be available at a fraction of the cost of current Internet services, but will be accessible throughout Jamaica regardless of the island’s geography and mountainous terrain.

lmcm1990

Aug 30, 2006, 7:32 AM

:previous: good news for jamaicans... personally, i don't know how i can live without internet now that i know it exists :D luckily, jamaica got very little from ernesto.

dante2308

Aug 30, 2006, 11:13 PM

Jamaica's internet penetration is around 36% as of last year. I cant get current information, but its probably around 45-50 by now considering the penetration was 25% two years ago. Most of the problem is the terrain. This would make the country the first with a nation-wide wireless service.

lmcm1990

Aug 31, 2006, 7:10 AM

wow. here in colombia there's wireless service for 2 cities over a million (bucaramanga and cali) and the other 5 will soon get it. it's actually free if you have a phone contract with comcel (biggest colombian telecomunications company).

what kind of wireless service is used in jamaica??? wimax or wifi??? here it was wifi but was upgraded to wimax. by the way, bucaramanga was the first city in Latin America in getting (Free) Wireless Internet Service (it's been a few years now).

dante2308

Aug 31, 2006, 7:54 PM

I'll need to ask some contacts, I'm not sure of all the technical details and there isn't much fanfare about it. Basically you hear about it on the news one day and no one really makes a website for it until everything is up and running.

lmcm1990

Sep 1, 2006, 4:34 AM

yeah. samething happened here. everyone thought it was a rumor until the system was up and runnig.

dante2308

Sep 4, 2006, 1:08 AM

Cabinet approves project to extend runway at Norman Manley International
Observer Reporter
Saturday, September 02, 2006

CABINET has approved a submission from the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works for an extension of the runway at the Norman Manley International Airport by some 300 metres.

The extension project is slated to cost US$10 million and will be financed under a capital development programme funded by the European Investment Bank.

Minister of Information and Development Senator Colin Campbell told Monday's post-Cabinet press briefing that on completion the runway would meet new standards "declared by the International Civil Aviation Organisation".

The standards should come into effect in 2008.
Responding to concerns raised about the probable environmental hazard of the project, which will extend to the Kingston Harbour, Campbell noted that an environmental impact assessment would be done.

"There have been consultations already between the Airports Authority and the Port Authority of Jamaica in relation to the whole use of that particular piece of the water and the whole operations of Kingston Harbour," the minister said.

lmcm1990

Sep 4, 2006, 5:16 AM

how long will it be now with the new 300 mts???

dante2308

Sep 4, 2006, 7:15 AM

According to their site, the runway is currently 2,713m long.

lmcm1990

Sep 5, 2006, 4:25 AM

so that would make it 3,013 mts long... pretty long considering that the world's longest runways are bogota's 2 el dorado runways which are 3,800 mts long.

Nicodemo

Sep 19, 2006, 4:30 AM

This thread is amazing.

Jamaica is wonderful...so so so wonderful

Congratulations.

dante2308

Sep 30, 2006, 11:44 PM

Chinese Ambassador wants deal on railway, telemedicine network before he leaves

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/images/20060929T210000-0500_113445_OBS_CHINESE_AMBASSADOR_WANTS_DEAL_ON_RAILWAY__TELEMEDICINE_NETWORK_BEFORE_HE_LEAVES__1.jpg
"From left, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu and wife MmeWang Xiaoju join Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller in a toast. Also sharing in the moment is the prime minister's husband Errald Miller."

Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Zhao Zhenyu has expressed satisfaction with his three-year stint in Jamaica, which will end in mid-November.

But what would make him even more happy is for Jamaica and China to sign off on a deal to get the trains rolling in Jamaica again.

Speaking at a joint function to mark the 57th National Day of the People's Republic of China and farewell reception at the Hilton Kingston Hotel on Tuesday night, the ambassador said China's relations with Jamaica had maintained a good momentum of all-round development, enhanced by political mutual trust, fruitful trade and economic co-operation and close co-operation on international affairs.

Where co-operative projects between the two countries were concerned, Ambassador Zhenyu said he would be giving a final push to the plans to rehabilitate the Jamaican railway system and the construction of the Jamaican telemedicine network.

In the meantime, he said the State Oceanic Administration of China had agreed to provide assistance to Jamaica's marine science endeavours which will include accepting Jamaican scientists to do research work aboard the Chinese ocean research vessel Dayang Yihao shortly.

The ambassador also conveyed satisfaction with the newly established Jamaican embassy in Beijing and the embassy in Kingston, which he said had been complementing each other as a "working pair".

Commenting on the economic and trade co-operation between the two countries, Ambassador Zhenyu noted that China had become Jamaica's fourth largest trading partner, with Jamaica continuing to be the republic's largest trading partner in the English-speaking Caribbean. He quoted statistics which showed that for 2005, trade volume between the two countries stood at US$325 million. Meanwhile, in the first seven months of this year the trade volume hit US$299.59 million, a 36.1 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Several dignitaries were in attendance including Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and husband Errald Miller, former Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and wife Lady Ivy Cooke, President of the Senate Syringa Marshall Burnett, Speaker of the House of Representatives Michael Peart, several senators and members of the House as well as members of the diplomatic and consular corps and leaders of the Chinese community.

dante2308

Oct 1, 2006, 8:54 PM

ADDRESS BY THE MOST HON. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, PRIME MINISTER AT THE SIGNING OF THE HARMONY COVE AGREEMENT, TRELAWNY

Friday, September 29, 2006

It is noteworthy that just one day after observing World Tourism Day, we are here to witness the signing of an agreement which will result in one of the largest and most ambitious tourism projects ever initiated by the Government of Jamaica.

This US$2 billion Harmony Cove development will have a most significant and far-reaching impact on the tourism landscape of Jamaica with positive spin-offs for the industry and wider community.

Indeed, ladies and gentlemen, the growth we are currently experiencing in the tourism sector has not come about by chance or luck. And having been there myself, as a Former Tourism Minister, I want to express my gratitude to those who have weathered the storm to make such accomplishments a reality.

It is interesting that while in the past, the complaint was that we did not have enough hotel rooms, now that we are building and real investment is taking place and investors are coming, we now hear another complaint that we are building too many hotels in the country.

We are not going to stop development in Jamaica, which is for the benefit of the Jamaican people and the greater good of our country.

I want to commend our Jamaican hoteliers - all of them, big, medium and small, and those in the hospitality industry who have kept this industry going through some difficult periods. Today's signing of the Harmony Cove project forms part of our overall strategic vision to re-position Jamaica's tourism industry and continue its development.

This project will not only contribute to transforming the industry but will deepen the value-added contribution of the sector to the Jamaican economy and society.

The Harmony Cove development flows from the vision of the Tourism Master Plan and will be the most exclusive resort and residential development know to any Caribbean destination. It offers the finest resort accommodations, an array of residential villas, golf courses and a range of amenities.

The project will add some 5,000 rooms to the country's present hotel stock.

Mr. Chairman, this project is a significant one for Jamaica's tourism and offers economic development prospects in several areas.

First, it will result in significant short, medium and long-term job opportunities which are critical in a labour-surplus economy like ours, where we need to put more people to work.

Some 10,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase and as many as 15,000 permanent jobs when the project is completed and operational. It is the kind of employment which flows from big projects, which is another of the criticisms we hear from time to time that the government is too focused on large hotel development.

Let me walk you through the wisdom of having a big vision for a big country, even if it is a small space that we occupy.

The employment possibilities which will be generated by this project from the very day construction starts will make a big difference in the lives of people at all levels - from the man selling porridge for breakfast to the carpenters and masons on the construction site, to the local hardware retailer, the security firm, not to mention the hundreds of skilled labourers actually working on the site.

The job opportunities are not confined to the building and construction phase. One completed and in the operations phase, there will be employment opportunities for workers and professionals at all levels within the industry - administrative staff and managers, entertainers, taxi drivers, craft vendors and artisans, and more.

All of this will convert to a better quality of life for our people. The fact is, ladies and gentlemen, at all levels of the local community, the Harmony Cove project will provide a boon of related and well needed economic activities especially to the parishes of Trelawny, St Ann and St James.

One of the areas of emphasis of this government is the decentralization of development as one of the ways of stemming the rural-urban drift with its disastrous consequences. We must create increased opportunities for people in rural communities so that there is no necessity for them to feel the need to migrate to urban areas.

A project such as this will create a virtuous circle of tangible opportunities which can only redound to the benefit of Jamaica.

In addition to the direct spin-offs, there will enormous opportunities for linkages with other sectors such as our attractions, agriculture and food-processing, manufacturing and others.

In fact, along with the soon to be completed Greenfield stadium, and after World Cup Cricket 2007, Harmony Cove could well serve as a unique avenue for us to fully exploit the growing and very attractive sports tourism market.

These developments will also be instrumental in stimulating the re-development efforts for the great, historical town centre of Falmouth. It was no accident that the town of Falmouth was the major Labour Day Project this year, as clearly, there are opportunities which as a country we need to grasp.

It is for these reasons that the Government is right now involved in the planning stage for the development of the Wharf Project in Falmouth. The acquisition and redevelopment of the wharves to the eastern side of the town will act as a catalyst in this re-development effort. In this project, we will marry our history and culture with a strong tourism product.

The Wharf Project Site covers over 7 acres, which when developed will consist of a theatre; a museum; restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

The museum will commemorate the Jamaican experience with special emphasis on the period of slavery and in which will be a special monument and memorial to mark the bi-centenary of the abolition of the slave trade.

The theatre will house a Jamaica Music Revue, whose attraction, you can imagine, will be enormous and phenomenal.

The revue will showcase the island's rich heritage in music and dance as well as trace the fascinating evolution of Jamaica's music from its earliest beginnings to the present day.

Mr. Chairman, taken as a whole, this Harmony Cove project and the related developments will be one of far-reaching significance to Jamaica.

The Government is pleased to be partnering with the Tavistock Group - a private sector entity, which will undertake the design, financing, construction and operation of this most exciting venture. Yours is an act of confidence in Jamaica.

I invite Jamaicans at home and those in the Diaspora to take advantage of this investment opportunity.

I would like to commend all the parties for the hard work done in bringing us to this stage.

I am pleased to say that all the relevant agencies of Government, including the environment agency, have been engaged in the process and their involvement will continue during the course of the roll-out of the project.

On the matter of the environment, let me make it absolutely clear that the strictest standards will be adhered to in order to protect the environment.

Wide consultation with the Trelawny community must continue to ensure that there will, indeed, be harmony in the Harmony Cove development. We must ensure that the parish of Trelawny and surrounding communities benefit as fully as possible from this far-reaching development at Harmony Cove.

Mr. Chairman, the unprecedented levels of investments in our tourism industry and the deepening of the industry are setting the stage for even more extraordinary developments and growth in the future.

Already, the country has been making noteworthy progress. We are now enjoying an 18% increase in visitor arrivals over 2005, with a record 1.2 million visitors over the first eight months of this year. At the end of August, we had earned US$1.3 billion from the sector.

Cruise ship arrivals have also turned in record performance this year as between January and July we welcomed 772,709 cruise ship visitors, a 13.4% increase over the corresponding period.

The Government is ensuring that we maximize not just the foreign exchange and employment potential of the sector but that we deepen its linkages throughout the economy.

There is tremendous potential, for import-substitution, for example, in the area of furniture. I have already instructed the Minster responsible for Industry to work with the furniture manufacturers to develop a plan to resuscitate the local industry.

We must ensure that the hotel sector purchase more quality products from our own local furniture industry.

And so Mr. Chairman, I am truly pleased to be able to witness today's signing which represents so much hope for the people of Trelawny and surrounding communities, and indeed, all Jamaica.

The Government is committed to the success of this project and with the partners we have in the Tavistock Group, I have every confidence that Jamaica will reap rich rewards from this project.

I thank you.

dante2308

Oct 1, 2006, 9:04 PM

The statistical period just ended so some articles have been circling around on the state of Jamaica's economy and the plans for the short term. Some of them show positive trends, some mixed messages, but overall, Jamaica is improving rather well. I'll post these so nationals and people who are interested can see some of the articles without having to look them up.

Exports up 39 Per Cent
KINGSTON(JIS)
Thursday, September 28, 2006

President of the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), Dr. Andre Gordon, has reported a 39 per cent growth in exports for the period January to May 2006, with earnings moving from approximately $641,361,000 to $827,000,000.

Giving a breakdown of the sector's performance, Dr. Gordon said that food export "has recovered nicely and is up. Beverage export, which is a major growing segment of the food business, has increased significantly at over 39 per cent".

He indicated further that crude materials, which include bauxite, alumina and other exports, have also increased. "Fuel and minerals have shown the most dramatic increase of all areas, and this is largely due to the efforts of Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica and their ethanol subsidiary".

Dr. Gordon, who was speaking at a press briefing held yesterday (Sept. 26) at the Hotel Four Seasons, said that the creditable export performance since the start of the year, was in keeping with double digit growth in the sector over the last several years.

He noted that "total traditional exports have been increasing for the last four years but last year, we saw a reduction in the rate of increase because of the challenges that we had". He said however, that there has been "significant recovery in traditional exports, many of which are agricultural in nature," while "we continue to see rapid growth in non traditional areas".

In the meantime, Dr. Gordon announced that the JEA would be employing strategies to sustain the growth in exports. "This includes making sure we build sustainable competitiveness into our products and services," he stated.

He pointed to plans to build a national brand platform, which would include small and medium size firms that are in the export market and were facing challenges in intellectual property protection in various markets.

"There is a detailed programme that will be rolled out in the next couple of years so as to help firms in this regard, so that they can expand their markets without fear of losing business to fraudulent competitors," said Dr. Gordon.

Jamaicans Enjoy Improved Standard of Living
NEW YORK (JIS)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Jamaicans are better off that they were 15 years ago, with poverty having declined over the period, which has helped to improve living standards.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Delano Franklyn, in his address at the recent High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, cited statistics to show that poverty in Jamaica had declined from 28.4 per cent in 1990 to 14.8 per cent in 2005.

In addition to policies instituted by the government to reduce poverty, Senator Franklyn told the gathering of delegates from UN member states, that the improved living standards could be credited to the increased inflows of remittances from nationals living in the Diaspora.

Remittances, he said, accounted for some 16 per cent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
"One of the positive spin-offs of migration is the increase in receipts from remittances, moving from under US$100 million in 1990 to US$1.65 billion in 2005," Senator Franklyn informed.

He noted however, that even with the increased inflows to the country, which have helped to reduce poverty, "remittances should in no way be seen as a reward for the migration of trained professionals" from Jamaica.

dante2308

Oct 3, 2006, 11:43 PM

Jamaica Wins Match at New Trelawny Stadium
OCHO RIOS (JIS)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Despite the inclement weather, hundreds of cricket fans turned out at the new Trelawny multi-purpose stadium on Saturday, September 30, to see a Jamaica select team beat a US Invitational XI by 36 runs, winning the Air Jamaica Cup.

The match was played at the new stadium to see how ready the facilities are for Cricket World Cup 2007.

Captain of the Jamaica team, Tamar Lambert said that the members of the team played very well and that he was happy for the achievement.

"The Jamaica team played very good cricket. What we would like to improve on is getting singles in limited overs cricket," he said, noting that the latter part of the game saw the members showing a level of improvement and that made him proud.

"It is a very young team and we just want to continue improving as we go along. I know what this team can do. I believe in them and they believe in me also," he said.

David Bernard Jr. was voted 'Man of the Match' at the event. He was presented with a plaque and two first class tickets, courtesy of Air Jamaica.

"I can't complain. I've been out for a while with injury. This is my first match for Jamaica after three months and I enjoyed the game very much," he said.

Meanwhile, Manager of the US invitational XI, Robert Laing said that the team would be coming back for a re-match some time in the future. He commended the Jamaicans on their victory and wished them success in future competitions.

"We appreciate the hospitality. It was a warm welcome and we are looking forward to be back soon to play another game here in Jamaica and have a good time," he said.

lmcm1990

Oct 7, 2006, 4:54 PM

congrats on the victory. about the exports thing; great news. may i ask; what's the trade balance???

dante2308

Oct 7, 2006, 11:45 PM

For May, the imports totalled US$394,962,000, and exports totalled US$194,536,000. So we definately import more than we export. Its getting better though. It used to be 3:1 as of 2005, now its about 2:1.

dante2308

Oct 26, 2006, 11:43 PM

Here is a link to a World Bank report on Jamaica. I can't find a source, but last time I was there, there was a buzz about Jamaica being reclassified as an upper middle-income nation. I can’t confirm it right now, but the report shows that some sectors in Jamaica are over performing currently.

Anyway, here’s the link. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTTRM/Resources/514793-1131130428609/CB_Jamaica_16_11_05.pdf

Also, here is new from today about the 2007 ICC World Cup:

House passes ICC World Cup legislation
Observer Reporter
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

THE House of Representatives last night passed the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) West Indies 2007 Act (Sunset Legislation), allowing Jamaica to co-host the CWC cricket championships next year.

The bill was amended 20 times, mainly on the intervention of the Leader of the Opposition Bruce Golding, who raised several issues primarily concerning the effect of its provisions on lives of Jamaicans living or doing business within the zoned areas.

The Sunset Legislation is applicable only for the duration of CWC 2007, which starts next March, and was drafted to address illegal promotional activity, the rights of the host country, and travel and customs requirements for visitors moving between host countries.

House Leader Peter Phillips thanked the House for its constructive approach to the provisions of the legislation, as well as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and the attorney-general's staff for their support.

dante2308

Oct 26, 2006, 11:43 PM

Duplicate post

dante2308

Oct 27, 2006, 6:29 AM

Sorry about the double post. I seem to be having problems on this site during the evening. Here is an economic report to make up for it...

Economy on Track to Meet Fiscal Target - Davies
KINGSTON, (JIS):
Thursday, October 19, 2006

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Hon. Omar Davies, has said that although there were challenges in meeting the fiscal target, "we are still within the projections for this point of the year".

Dr. Davies, who was addressing a press briefing at his National Heroes Circle offices this morning (Oct. 18) to review the performance of the real economy for the first half of the fiscal year, noted that "the deficit remains our major challenge, both in terms of reducing the debt ratios and also moving us to the point where we will first have a balance budget and then return to the issue of the surplus".

He added that, "we are seeking to keep the expenditure not just in line with the budget, but consistent with the revenue inflows".

According to data issued by the Ministry, the fiscal deficit of $16.9 billion was 25 per cent better than projected, while the primary surplus of $23.7 billion was 32.8 per cent above budget. Meanwhile, expenditure was $6.3 billion, or
6.1 per cent less than budgeted.

Turning to inflation, Dr. Davies cited the decline in the inflation rate as being one of the major achievements for the year, noting that there had been a significant reduction since January, with the rate steadily declining from 13 per cent to 6.5 per cent at the end of September. "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will be back to single digit in both the calendar and fiscal years," he noted.

In terms of monetary policy, the Finance Minister said there were several positives in this area, with the removal of the special deposit requirement for commercial and merchant banks, within the context of the relative stability of the foreign exchange market. The Bank of Jamaica (BoJ) removed the special deposit requirement for commercial and merchant banks on May 1, and later reduced interest rates on its open market instruments by between 15 and 20 basis points.

Dr. Davies noted that favourable macroeconomic conditions had positively impacted domestic interest rates, which declined three times during the review period to the lowest level in 20 years.

Turning to investor confidence, the Finance and Planning Minister said that there was a "tightening" of the yields for government of Jamaica (GoJ) external bonds as investor confidence remained positive. For the period, the Minister told journalists, the Net International Reserves (NIR) had been "much more buoyant than we had anticipated", due to strong private capital flows.

"This is in the context of the Ministry of Finance still holding over $100 million from the 30-year bond, which will be utilized for the repayment of external debt," the Minister expounded. The NIR now stands at approximately US$2.3 billion, exceeding the programme target by US$264.2 million.

On the matter of remittances Dr. Davies said, "we are ahead of the pace for 2005", adding that, "it is within the context of no new taxes, that we have boosted revenue flows".

He said that collections had been enhanced by the introduction of a number of initiatives including the Property Tax Arrears Project; the implementation of 'easy payment' facilities, including an 'electronic drop box' for cheque payments and returns filing; and an outbound call centre to assist with the management of tax arrears.

dante2308

Nov 14, 2006, 4:15 AM

PM breaks ground for 1,600-room hotel in Hanover
HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter
Monday, November 13, 2006

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/images/20061112T180000-0500_115239_OBS_PM_BREAKS_GROUND_FOR_______ROOM_HOTEL_IN_HANOVER_1.jpg

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right foreground) and Don Abel Matutes, chairman of the Fiesta Hotel Group, armed with shovels, prepare to break ground for the development of the 1,600-room hotel development in Point, Hanover. (Photo: Horace Hines)

POINT, Hanover- Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Don Abel Matutes, chairman of Spain's Fiesta Hotel Group, on Saturday broke ground for the construction of a new 1,600-room hotel in this north-western town that will be constructed in two phases.

According to Matutes, the groundbreaking was the fulfilment of a commitment he had made to late reggae superstar Bob Marley in the early 1970s.
Matutes, a former Spanish foreign affairs minister, said he was first influenced to extend the hotel chain to Jamaica by Marley, who was staying at one of Fiesta's hotel chains.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right foreground) and Don Abel Matutes, chairman of the Fiesta Hotel Group, armed with shovels, prepare to break ground for the development of the 1,600-room hotel development in Point, Hanover. (Photo: Horace Hines)

"I remembered my commitment with Bob Marley, and here we are," said Matutes. "With 41 hotels established worldwide, the Palladium Hotels and Resort's top brand of Fiesta hotel rooms comes to Jamaica with the promise of the proud tradition of excellence which it has endured for over 40 years."

The project represents the first development by the Fiesta Group in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Prime Minister Simpson Miller expressed her pleasure at the hotel group's decision to develop the 77-hectare property along the Hanover coastline.

"We are very pleased to be the first English-speaking Caribbean country to have attracted an investment from the Fiesta Group, which has investments in home country Spain, as well as in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Italy," said Simpson Miller.

She expressed confidence that Jamaica would reap enormous rewards from the project, "not only from the foreign exchange invested and eventually earned, but by way of direct and indirect employment, improvement to community life, purchases from local suppliers and international marketing of brand Jamaica".

The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa and the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa will provide permanent employment to 2,000 persons and 1,000 during construction.
The first phase of the development, which comprises 1,000 rooms, is expected to be completed in time for the 2007 winter tourist season.

The second phase of the project is expected to get underway in another two years.
Upon completion, the hotel is expected to offer guests seven first-class restaurants, an entertainment centre, convention centre, commercial gallery and a fitness centre.

According to the prime minister, recent tourism-related investment by Spanish investors, including the Fiesta project, now total more than US$800 million.
Ed Bartlett, the Opposition spokesman on tourism, welcomed the Spanish hotel chain to Jamaica.

dante2308

Nov 14, 2006, 4:35 AM

Things looking up for Jamaica
published: Monday | November 13, 2006

Neil Armstrongn, Gleaner Writer

"Jamaica is getting out of the doldrums somewhat," says Cabinet Secretary Dr. Carlton Davis, "and overall the general economy is showing positive signs."

He was addressing a forum organised by Jamaica National Building Society and The Gleaner Company in Toronto, Canada on Thursday, entitled "Outlook for the Future: Doing Business in Jamaica," The forum gave Jamaicans in Canada an update of the social and economic situation in Jamaica.

Acknowledging that the Governor of the Bank of Jamaica had indicated that the third-quarter growth in the country is greater than the first quarter, Dr. Davis said Jamaica has Net International Reserves of $2.34 billion. He said the unemployment rate is at 10.7 per cent.

Tourism sector

Regarding the tourism sector, the country is hosting more than its population in terms of stopovers and cruise passengers. Describing the Ritz Carlton as the first foreign investment in the hotel sector in Jamaica, Dr. Davis said since then there has been a phenomenal growth of investments in the sector. He said almost 400 years after the British conquered the Spanish in 1655, there is "a Spanish re-invasion which we welcome" in terms of the hotels that are being developed along the north coast of the island. Dr. Davis said it will soon be important for Jamaicans to learn Spanish as a second language to tap into the South American market.

With regard to infrastructure, he said the highway from Negril to Montego Bay has been completed, the one from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios is near completion, and from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio is under construction. Highway 2000, from Kingston to Sandy Bay, is completed.

There are also renovations taking place at the two international airports. Security controls, a public address system and phases of development have been completed or will be introduced at the Sangster International Airport.

Upgrading airport

Construction is under way at the Norman Manley International Airport. The departure and check-in areas at the airports are being upgraded in time for the Cricket World Cup 2007.

In terms of governance, he said the country has undertaken quite a comprehensive electoral reform and will be introducing a Proceeds of Crime Act and political campaign finance reform.

Dr. Davis said remittance is the single largest source of investment funds in Jamaica. He said in 2005, more than half of the population received remittances, and plans will have to be put in place to strengthen the consulates-general which play a major role in the diaspora.

Also making presentations were Dr. Patricia Holness, CEO of the Registrar General's Department; Elizabeth Stair, CEO of National Land Agency; Hugh Thomas, director, passport operations, Passport and Immigration Office; and Melvin Smith, regional manager, JAMPRO New York Office. Dr. Holness said the RGD was the first in the world to provide vital statistics for 2005. She said the aim of the department is to become one of the most efficient agencies in the country. As of 2007, every child born in Jamaica will be given their first birth certificate free of cost.

The forum was chaired by Earl Jarrett, general manager, Jamaica National Building Society.

dante2308

Nov 14, 2006, 4:43 AM

JTB Reports Record Tourism Earnings
NEW YORK (JIS)
Friday, November 10, 2006

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is reporting that earnings from visitor arrivals and visitor spending have surpassed projections for the first three quarters of the year.

Preliminary estimates from the agency have revealed that gross foreign exchange earnings have reached US$1.4 billion for the period January to September 2006. According to the agency, this is a difference of 24.6 per cent above the total for the corresponding period in 2005, reflecting record growth in visitor arrivals and visitor spending.

For the first nine months of 2006, stopover arrivals grew by 17.2 per cent to reach 1.3 million, exceeding targeted expectations by 6.4 per cent.

The cruise passenger market segment continues to show robust growth as well, reflecting a 15 per cent increase during January to September 2006, with a total of 950,329 cruise passenger arrivals.

Jamaica continues to experience strong visitor arrivals with most months showing double digit increases, when compared to the same period in 2005. For July 2006 in particular, there were more than 180,000 stop over arrivals, the highest volume ever in any single month.

Interim Director of Tourism, Donald Dawson, attributed these impressive figures to, "factors such as new room inventory, increased air lift, the hard work of our partners in the marketplace and aggressive promotional initiatives including sales blitzes and heightened public relations activities implemented by the JTB".

According to Mr. Dawson, "we are looking to continue this growth as we support our sales efforts with an informative and educational campaign encouraging all Americans to apply for their passports in compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative."

As part of the campaign, visitors, who travel to Jamaica after January 8, 2007 and have Jamaica stamped as the first port of entry in their new passport, will receive special credits during their stay. These credits include hotel services such as spa treatments, golf green fees, attraction tour fees, room upgrades, extra nights, gift shop and photo shop purchases.

Participating hotels will offer the various incentives through to December 2007. The services and amenities provided will equal the U.S. dollar amount spent on each new passport, which is, US$97 per adult and US$82 per child. Details on participating hotels and passport information are available @ www.visitjamaica.com/rewards.

For questions regarding the new U.S. passport requirements for travel to the Caribbean, please go to www.travel.state.gov.

Pecao

Nov 14, 2006, 4:50 AM

A map for reference

http://209.35.123.177/americas/jamaica_pol_2002.jpg

I see some spanish words on the map like Ocho Rios (Eight Rivers), Savanna-la-Mar(la mar means "the sea") and Rio Grande (Big River).

dante2308

Nov 14, 2006, 5:01 AM

Jamaica was originally a Spanish colony. During the Spanish rule, the capital was Spanish Town, which, till this day, has a very Spanish historic city centre.

dante2308

Nov 14, 2006, 5:55 AM

This is the Kingston Metropolitan Area from space. Note that there are three distinct areas. The one on the left is Spanish Town. The one in the center to the south is the bedroom community of Portmore. The one to the right is Kingston/St. Andrew

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8139/untitledtv1.jpg

This is the University of the West Indies Mona campus. The lake to the left is the Mona Reservoir.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1660/monavf5.jpg
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1016/uwimonacampusws9.jpg

Here is the city of Kingston/St. Andrew. The city itself is very dense despite the abundance of empty land on the island as urban growth limits are imposed on the city. Most new residential development is in the northern portions of the city in the mountains. The view from there is quite spectacular. Note the highrises in the view from the spa.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/333/kingstonid9.jpg
http://www.seejamaicacheaply.com/images/hotel_images/slideshow/strawberryhill.jpg

Here are two of the heavy plants in Kingston as well as one of the several aluminum plants in Middlesex . The red color is the soil. Baxuite makes the soil red and can be refined into Alumina and Aluminium.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9334/heavyindustog4.jpg
http://www.teleios.co.tt/caribcement/images/articles/plant_aerial.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/7637/alpartmansg7.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1592/mvc128fuv2.jpg

And here are the two international airports. Both are undergoing expansions.

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1626/nmiaub3.jpg
http://whyfiles.org/036pirates/images/aerial.jpg
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7126/siarn9.jpg

Here is a closeup of the Port of Kingston

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/8493/portmq6.jpg
http://www.portjam.com/images/kct_new.jpg

Here is the new causeway U/C in one half of the image. I think it shows how the new big civil engineering projects are changing the landscape. Many of the large projects are built on what was once water.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5964/pcvy8.jpg
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060915/lead/images/Layout1_1_PYDNFTrafficDAM.jpg

Just thought I'd show a little why we are more than just a tourist destination. Note that Jamaica looks much nicer. Compare the aerial of the port to the space shot. The tree coverage is much more than represented for instance.

dante2308

Nov 14, 2006, 6:13 AM

One last note is the scale of the Kingston picture. It may not be easy to see but it represents a resonably large area.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/3484/cherrybigak8.png
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4355/cherrydi8.png

dante2308

Nov 16, 2006, 3:21 AM

Cement crisis pushes back Transport Centre completion
published: Wednesday | November 15, 2006

The Government's US$71 million (J$4.6 billion) Transport Centre, currently under construction in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, has had its completion date pushed back from September 2007 to October 2007.

This is due to the setback the development experienced when the cement crisis hit the construction industry earlier this year.

According to Stefaan Van De Kelder, director of Transurb Jamaica Limited, developers of the Transport Centre, construction has been set back by 20 days.

"The roof will be ready by April and the rest by October next year," Mr. Van De Kelder said.

Ground was broken for the construction of the state-of-the-art centre by former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson on March 30 last year.

640 buses per hour

Speaking with journalists after a tour of the centre by Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Water, Transport and Works, Mr. Van De Kelder said that, upon completion, a total of 640 buses per hour can be received in the centre, providing none stay more than three minutes each.

The lower level of the transport centre will be for buses travelling along Eastwood Park Road, which will go north and north west, and the upper bus deck is for buses going to the south and south east.

dante2308

Nov 20, 2006, 11:25 PM

Jamaica wins Best of Caribbean Award
published: Monday | November 20, 2006

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061120/news/images/Layout1_1_PDIMFdoctorscIK.jpg

One of Jamaica's many pristine beaches, favoured by visitors from all over the world.

Jamaica has emerged winner in the Caribbean Travel & Life's annual Best of the Caribbean survey, by topping three of the major categories - 'Best All-Around Destination', 'Friendliest People,' and 'Best Local Food'.

The special survey was conducted online and attracted just under 10,000 readers of the magazine, who voted their top picks for the 'Best of the Caribbean' awards.

Of the 33 categories that were highlighted, Jamaica or a Jamaican product either won or was runner-up in 18. The categories included best destination, beach, spa, beer, bar and shopping.

Jamaica's beer, Red Stripe, was voted 'Best Caribbean Beer', while Half Moon and Caves were awarded 'Best Golf Resort' and 'Best Boutique Hotel', respectively.

Other winners included Magen's Bay in St. Thomas, which won 'Best Beach'; Royal Caribbean, which was awarded 'Best Cruise Line;' and, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, which got the nod for 'Best All-Inclusive Resort'.

Publisher of the Caribbean Travel and Life magazine, Susan Gilman, while making the presentation of the award at the Jamaica Tourist Board on November 14, noted that the magazine readers were "dedicated Caribbean visitors", who visit the region "once every 10 months on average."

She added that the survey indicated that 24 per cent of the readers visited Jamaica in the past two years and another 24 per cent intend to visit Jamaica in the next 12 months.

Presentation

The Heritage Salute, a special presentation of the Jamaican Consulate and the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), featured a display of 'Things Jamaican', a life painting of Miss Lou by artist, Kippax Williams, a cultural pot pourri and performances in song, dance and spoken word from the Caribbean Cultural Theatre, Brooklyn.

Commenting on Jamaica's performance in the survey, Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Aloun Assamba, said that Jamaica's blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, vibrant and creative people, food and drink have all contributed to the country being chosen as one of the 'Caribbean's Best'.

Headquartered in Florida, Caribbean Travel and Life has a readership of close to 400,000 persons, and is the only travel magazine to focus solely on the Caribbean.

dante2308

Nov 20, 2006, 11:28 PM

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) shares vision - Golding to champion NHT, constitutional reform
published: Monday | November 20, 2006

Edmond Campbell and Dionne Rose, Gleaner Writers

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061120/lead/images/Layout1_1_PIVQEJLPConfZAM.jpg
Caught up in the euphoria on the conference floor are from left: Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston; Mrs. Lorna Golding with husband Opposition Leader Bruce Golding; Joyce Young, candidate for St. Andrew Western and Ruddy Spencer, candidate for Clarendon South East. The JLP's 63rd Annual Conference was held at the National Arena, yesterday. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, unveiling what he termed "his vision for the country," yesterday gave a commitment to constitutional change if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) forms the next Government. He pledged to revamp the National Housing Trust (NHT), to provide benefits to all contributors and consolidate payroll deductions into a single social security scheme.

Mr. Golding, who for some time has trumpeted constitutional reform, said that his administration would create a framework in which Parliament is clearly defined and Government is held accountable.

Speaking at the JLP's 63rd Annual Conference at the National Arena in Kingston, the Opposition Leader said that to ensure stability in the political process, he would establish a fixed election date and impose term limits on the Office of the Prime Minister.

Step aside

"If the Prime Minister cannot do his (or her) job in two terms, then he (or she) must step aside and let somebody else step in," he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

The new constitutional framework would also include separation of powers between the Government and the Parliament by strengthening the role of the Opposition. "So that in certain critical areas, Government cannot act unilaterally but can only do so with the agreement of the Opposition," said Mr. Golding.

He said with this in place, the Government, which usually has the majority would no longer just rubber -stamp decisions made by Cabinet.

"If we are to effectively hold the Government accountable within the Westminster framework, it will have to be re-engineered," he stressed.

Amendment to standing orders

Mr. Golding also proposed an amendment to Parliament's Standing Orders to allow Opposition Members to chair select Committees.

"We propose that all Sessional Select Committees be chaired by an Opposition Member so that the same diligence and level of scrutiny that appears in the Public Accounts Committee, will be applied to all Standing Sessional Committees of Parliament," he said.

Reorganise NHT

Elaborating on plans to reorganise the NHT, Mr. Golding said that too many people contributed to the Trust and have not received a benefit. He likened the NHT as a "partner", noting that even though monies have been deducted from workers' pay for years, many are yet to get a draw.

"We are going to establish a guaranteed mortgage entitlement where every contributor once you have satisfied a minimum qualifying period will be entitled to a specified mortgage amount which will grow each year as you make more contributions."

The Opposition Leader is also proposing the consolidation of payroll contributions into a single social security deduction, to be divided equally between the National Insurance Scheme, the National Housing Trust and a new National Health Insurance Scheme.

Describing the party's manifesto as a blueprint for a new Jamaica, Mr. Golding said the document would soon be released.

Answered critics

He also answered his critics who said he lacked charisma stating: "I am what I am. I am no messiah, I can work no miracle, I can only offer my leadership".

A Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll conducted in late October showed that 25 per cent of the electorate fell in the category of the uncommitted. It was this group to which Golding made an impassioned plea during his presentation. "Never give up on Jamaica you can't afford to give up ... those who say there is no purpose in voting, think again."

* Other recommendations that a Labour party Government would introduce include: - Appointment of a special prosecutor to address corruption in government
* - Five-year development plan for Members of Parliament
* - Fast track process of local government reform and entrench it in the Constitution
* - Transform the education system to produce more literate students
* - Comprehensive programme for rural development
* - Improve the capability of the police force through better training and increased technology and more resources to fight crime
* - Social intervention in inner city communities
* - Pursue an aggressive programme to attract foreign investment

dante2308

Nov 20, 2006, 11:30 PM

326 schools rehabilitated under transformation project
published: Monday | November 20, 2006

Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061120/news/images/Layout1_1_PJV4TForumD20AM.jpg
Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister for Education and Youth. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

A total of 326 public schools, from a list of 445, have been rehabilitated and upgraded under the Ministry of Education and Youth's Transformation project.

This represents upwards of a 73 per cent completion rate under the initiative, said State Minister for Education, Senator Noel Monteith.

The State Minister, who was contributing to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate last week, noted that a total of 1,900 classroom spaces have been provided to date, with a projection of 3,235 by the first quarter of 2007.

Expenditure to date

"The expenditure to date is $798 million and another 300 schools have been identified (for construction) for the 2006-2007 academic year," he informed.

Senator Monteith noted further that "in an effort to address some of the urgent needs that some institutions might have, the Education Ministry has been using prototype buildings that can be put up quickly, which will add some 685 spaces costing $1.6 billion. The plans for these schools are at pre-contract phase with design in progress."

dante2308

Nov 20, 2006, 11:33 PM

Jamaican Economy Showing Positive Signs - Cabinet Secretary
TORONTO (JIS)
Monday, November 20, 2006

Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Carlton Davis, has said that the Jamaican economy was showing very positive signs.
"Jamaica is getting out of the doldrums and overall the economy is showing very positive signs. We're beginning to tame the devil of inflation, which at 6.5 per cent is the lowest rate since March 2003. The Net International Reserves are $2.3 billion, which is a $200 million improvement over the June figure," he said.

Dr. Davis was addressing patrons attending a forum organized by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and the Gleaner Company entitled, 'Outlook for the Future: Doing Business in Jamaica', held recently at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

Presentations were also made by representatives of the Registrar General's Department (RGD), National Land Agency, Passport and Immigration Department and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

The Cabinet Secretary gave updates on a wide range of topics, including tourism, road and airport improvements, electoral reform and crime.

In the area of tourism, he said that Jamaica has registered a 17 per cent growth from January to September of this year over the similar period last year. "Jamaica is hosting more than its population in stop-over and cruise ship passengers," noted the Cabinet Secretary.

Turning to infrastructure, Dr. Davis said the Negril to Montego Bay section of the North Coast Highway was completed, while the Montego Bay to Ocho Rios section was nearing completion. The Kingston to Sandy Bay section of Highway 2000 was also finished, he added.

He pointed out that significant improvement had taken place at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and major improvements were underway at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, to be completed in time for Cricket World Cup 2007.

On the issue of crime, Dr. Davis admitted that it remained a challenge. Although major crimes had decreased, there have been "ups and downs, but the trend line is moving in the right direction", he said.

The Cabinet Secretary said there was a correlation between persons being deported and the rise in criminal activities, adding that between 1995 and 2005, more than 33,000 persons were deported from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

"Seventy-two per cent of those deported were crime-related. We have to work out some rules with the countries which deport these people," he emphasized.
Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, Anne-Marie Bonner brought greetings, and Earl Jarrett, General Manager of JNBS, chaired the event.

Pecao

Nov 20, 2006, 11:39 PM

I know that Jamaica was originally a spanish colony, but I didn't know you kept some spanish names, which I think is cool.

I want to congratulate Jamaica for winning all those awards as best Caribbean destination and for having the best beer, but I'm dominican, it kind of hurts you know. :D

dante2308

Nov 20, 2006, 11:41 PM

Partnership with Microsoft will Foster Higher Productivity - Spencer
KINGSTON (JIS)
Monday, November 20, 2006

http://www.jis.gov.jm/commerce_science/images/20061117T100000-0500_10623_JIS_PARTNERSHIP_WITH_MICROSOFT_WILL_FOSTER_HIGHER_PRODUCTIVITY___SPENCER_1.jpg
Senator Kern Spencer (right), State Minister for Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, having a light discussion with Microsoft Country Manager, Joseph McKinson (left), at the triple product launch, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Looking on is Joan Robb, Director of Client Services at Dunlop Corbin Communications Limited.

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Senator Kern Spencer, said on (November 17), that Microsoft's latest partnership with Jamaica would foster higher productivity levels in the country's various sectors.

He added that this initiative also reflected the goal of the Ministry, "to always be at the cutting edge of Technology and Information and Communication Technology activities in the region".

Senator Spencer was addressing 150 business and technology partners at the announcement of Microsoft Jamaica's new business productivity platform and the introduction of three flagship products, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, some 30 days ahead of other countries worldwide.

The products include Windows Vista operating system, Microsoft Office 2007 and Exchange Server email and collaboration centre. These updated versions of Microsoft packages feature, among other things, redesigned user interfaces with new dimensions, such as real-time corporate data sharing fronts, easy-to-use additions for security and application access, and data encryption.

"As we continue our drive towards greater growth and productivity, I am very excited about the capabilities and opportunities that Windows Vista will present for all our industries. As a government, we believe that the introduction of new and updated technologies increase both physical and economic productivity, [as] computer technologies impact on all aspects of our lives and are critical to the process of development and efficiency in all productive industries and other sectors of the society," the State Minister said.

Senator Spencer said it was interesting to note that Jamaica is ranked 54th in terms of network readiness in the World Economic Forum's Global Information Technology Report that covered some 115 economies. "In fact, in that regard, we are number one within the Caribbean Region," he pointed out.

He said Jamaica's leading position in the use of integrated and people-centric communication technologies was the result of conscious and sustained efforts of the government, together with the implementation of a modern telecommunications infrastructure and the telecommunications liberalisation process.

The State Minister said today's launch was possible because Government has been facilitative of a policy framework that anticipated investment and technological growth.

"This is perhaps our biggest launch in Microsoft over the last decade. When you look deeper into Vista, Exchange and Office 2007, you will see that these are our most innovative changes that we bring to the market," said Joseph McKinson, Microsoft's Country Manager in Jamaica.

He added that this launch indicated that Jamaica was technologically apace with the developed world.

"In days gone by, launches would have taken place in Europe or the USA and then several months later it would happen in Jamaica. But launches are taking place simultaneously right across the world. In fact, Jamaica is way ahead in many nations, including the US, so we are extremely proud to know that we are launching here before several other countries," Mr. McKinson said.

The Country Manager said the technology would change lives in keeping with world standards and the new world of work.

Meanwhile, Senator Spencer informed that the Government's continued commitment to information technologies would be reflected in the National Information and Communication Strategy to be released at the end of this month.

wiki

Nov 20, 2006, 11:41 PM

wich beer is it, pecao?

dante2308

Nov 20, 2006, 11:51 PM

Red Stripe. Meh, its okay. I don't understand why Vista is launching in Jamaica, but w/e cool.

dante2308

Nov 21, 2006, 12:09 AM

I also noticed that the Jamaica Statistical Inistitute posted negative inflation (deflation) for September to October of .1%. That brings the 12 month inflation to 5.8%. The United States posted .5% deflation as well. I wonder if the two are related and how bad deflation is for economies.

Pecao

Nov 22, 2006, 12:20 AM

wich beer is it, pecao?

Is this a trick question? hehe

Red Stripe is the Jamaican beer that won, but if you're asking for the best beer in the DR, I guess it's Presidente, but I don't drink alcohol, so I don't know. hehe

dante2308

Dec 20, 2006, 12:35 AM

Cooling down with solar power
published: Tuesday | December 19, 2006

Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

Solar cooling, an alternative to conventional air conditioning, is being touted as the latest renewable technology for Jamaica.

Marketed locally by Eco-Tec based in Bluefields, Westmoreland, the company claims that the technology can refund its costs within six to seven years through electricity savings.

According to Mikael Oerbekke, Eco-Tec's founder, the technology is most applicable in the hotel industry where, he said, air conditioning accounts for 60 per cent of electricity bills.

Mr. Oerbekke also cited the recent hospital energy audit programme where Eco-Tec audited 23 hospitals and found that air conditioning contributed up to 49 per cent of the cost of light bills.

"The great thing about it is that first of all we can guarantee that we can replace 80 per cent of the fuel or electricity needed to cool ... This is an appropriate solution everywhere you need a lot of hot water or a lot of cooling," he said.

Built by Austrian firm SOLID the units can be purchased with export loans from Austrian commercial banks, he added.

Megawatt savings

Mr. Oerbekke said that Eco-Tec was trying to develop 15 projects in which the company had identified potential annual savings totalling over 20,000 megawatt hours.

This Eco-Tec calculated could save US$5.5 for customers while cutting US$2.3 million from the national oil import bill which will this year exceed US$1.5 billion for the first time.

dante2308

Dec 21, 2006, 3:09 AM

Jamaica's second month of negative inflation
published: Wednesday | December 20, 2006

Prices deflated in Nov-ember for a second month, this time by 0.2 per cent calculated on a 4.4 point drop in the Consumer Price Index, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica is reporting.

In October, price movements dipped by 0.1 per cent. The November outturn puts the calendar year to date inflation at 5.2 per cent, compared to 12.8 per cent in 2005.

For the fiscal year to date (April to November), inflation is at 5.1 per cent.

There were dips in the regional indices: Kingston by 0.2 per cent, rural areas by 0.3 per cent. The all town's index was flat.

In the category of 'food and drink', prices fell 0.2 per cent, largely due to a fall in prices for starchy foods of 5.1 per cent, enough to erode the near one per cent increases in the sub-categories of dairy products, meat, meals away from home, baked products, and other foods.

The category of health care and personal expenses also rose by 0.5 per cent, and fuels and household supplies 0.6 per cent.

The CPI for November was 2413.5, compared to 2417.9 recorded for October.

panapty

Feb 14, 2007, 2:14 PM

Houston we have a problem!!!!! More than one month without posting.!!!

dante2308

Mar 21, 2007, 7:27 PM

Norman Manley International Airport

http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/jamaica/images/4-departure-terminal.jpg

AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT 2003–2006

The Airports Authority of Jamaica is now in the midst of a new project to rehabilitate the airport terminal at Norman Manley (as an arrival terminal) and also to build a new departure terminal (with a winged design).

The project consists of the design, construction and commissioning of a new passenger departure terminal and an upgraded arrival terminal, with supporting airside and landside infrastructure. It includes consulting engineering and architectural services and project management.

NEW TERMINAL BUILDING

The new terminal building will have a three-level departures concourse of approximately 170,000ft² (10,000m²) and will be integrated with the existing ticketing concourse. New terminal facilities will include baggage handling systems, flight-information systems and concession spaces.

The new and redeveloped ticketing area will accommodate 54 check-in desks, and a Common Use Terminal System (CUTE) will be introduced to support the airlines.

Boyken International Inc is providing cost management services during the programming, planning and design phases. Sypher Mueller International (J$3.2m contract) are the planning consultants for the new airport and Llewelyn-Davies Joint Venture are the architects.

Kier Construction Ltd, part of the Kier Group, has secured the £28.8m contract to construct the new terminal building.

The Kier contract also involves the addition of a second level to the existing passenger pier, which allows passengers access from the terminal to the aircraft plus limited renovation works to the existing terminal building, reconfiguration of the customs hall to ensure more efficient passenger movement and the creation of the cargo village to facilitate improved cargo handling operations (first phase completed in 2005).

Auto Solutions Limited has been awarded the contract, valued at $41.2m, for the repair and service of airport vehicles.

EXISTING TERMINAL RENOVATION

The contract relating to additions and alterations to the departure concourse has been awarded to Cooper and Associates Limited and is valued at $161.5m. The work will include construction of a new canopy, north of the existing check-in concourse and departure lounge; construction of an additional drop-off pavement area and provision for access by wheelchair passengers; new elevators, electrical air conditioning, public address, fire detection and fire fighting services; and alterations to the existing check-in concourse and mezzanine level to include a new security post and postal agency.

The architect / engineer for the designs are Harold Morrison and Associates, in conjunction with Peter Jervis and Associates Limited and Grace Ashley and Associates.

MASTERPLAN

The project seeks to increase the airport's capacity to cater for projected air and passenger traffic at an acceptable level of service to the year 2033. The project is part of a 15-year masterplan which will be implemented in three phases (1A, 1B and 2) and will cost about $130m. By 2022 it will have involved a virtual reconstruction of the entire airport.

Construction started in June 2006; the intention is for the first phase – which is supposed to make the airport an IATA category C airport – to be completed by 2007. The airport needs to be ready in time for the Cricket World Cup (2007). The European Investment Bank is providing $40m (2006) project and the Caribbean Development Bank has approved a loan of $11m (June 2006) for the new project.

PHASE 1A

Phase 1A commenced planning in 2004 and is scheduled to be completed in 2007, at an estimated cost of $80m (ground-breaking took place in September 2006). This phase comprises a new departures building at the eastern end of the present terminal to accommodate expansion to the present departure concourse, security screening station with space to accommodate explosives detection equipment, out-going immigration, retail concessions and departure lounge.

Additionally a new multi-level passenger finger (pier) that will enable the separation of arriving and departing passengers, as required by security regulations, will be included.

* Four passenger loading bridges at the new finger (pier)
* Upgraded roadway system and expanded public car park
* Major rehabilitation of the existing departures concourse and related underground services infrastructure
* Major rehabilitation and upgrading of the terminal arrivals area, including immigration hall, customs hall, arrivals arcade, arrivals duty free shops and offices
* Replacement and upgrading of airport systems – public address, access control, flight information, baggage information, security control and other airport IT systems
* Cargo warehouse complex (the first phase of this complex, called the NMIA cargo and logistics centre, was completed in 2005)

PHASE 1B

Phase 1B is scheduled for the period 2008–2012 and will cost approximately $23m. Works under this phase will include:

* Further upgrading of existing buildings
* Construction of a new arrivals area
* Installation of new baggage handling facilities
* Relocation of the General Aviation Centre, the fire station and other support facilities
* Airside works including the expansion of aircraft parking stands
* Extension of the cargo and maintenance taxiway

PHASE 2

Phase 2, which is the final phase of the project, is to commence in 2013 and end in 2022. This phase will involve additional improvement and maintenance works to the terminal, landside, airfield and support areas of the facility at a cost of $9m.

--- from www.airport-technology.com

dante2308

Mar 21, 2007, 7:31 PM

Sir Donald Sangster International Airport

http://www.mbjairport.com/English/images/first_floor_plan.gif

The three-phased expansion project for the airport began with phase 1A in March 2001. The budget for the airport expansion was initially set at $175.5m (JAM$10.5bn, €165m). This first phase (1A) included the installation of six jet bridges on the existing terminal and the installation of a modern, computerised security control and information system at the airport.

Phase 1B began in July 2003 and included construction of a 12-gate airside concourse to tie into the existing terminal. This part of the project also included jet bridges, gate lounges and shopping areas. The first phases also included the refurbishment and expansion of the apron, the renovation of gates 8–11, the installation of a new fuel hydrant system, the expansion of the immigration and customs halls and improved drainage of the airfield.

The new eastern concourse of the Sangster International Airport (SIA) (the result of phases 1A and 1B) was officially opened in December 2005. Phase two was then due to begin towards the end of 2006; however because the economic conditions were favourable and the tourist trade in Jamaica is increasing, phase two was brought forward to January 2006. MBJ still faces some challenges such as the restructuring of Air Jamaica.

PHASE TWO

Phase two will include the development of a new terminal at a cost of $40m (JAM$2.5bn) which will be linked to the existing terminal (western concourse) to form a complex that will house new immigration and customs facilities as well as shopping areas.

This will also involve the redevelopment of the existing ticket and departure concourse into an expanded check-in lobby.

The runway is also to be lengthened from its current 8,000ft to the ICAO standard 10,000ft so that the airport will be able to receive Boeing 747s and also the Airbus A380 in the future. Phase two is due to be completed by 2008.

dante2308

Mar 21, 2007, 7:36 PM

http://www.jis.gov.jm/water_housing/images/20070315T100000-0500_11461_JIS_WORK_ON_EXPANSION_OF_MONTEGO_BAY_PORT_TO_BEGIN_THIS_YEAR__1.jpg
Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Hon. Robert Pickersgill

Designs Already Done for Overhead Bridges in Corporate Area - Pickersgill
KINGSTON, (JIS):
Thursday, March 15, 2007

Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Hon. Robert Pickersgill has reiterated that the Government was still looking at introducing overhead bridges in the Corporate Area, in order to improve the flow of traffic.

Mr. Pickersgill pointed out that the construction of overhead bridges would play a vital role in easing traffic congestion, which has become a major concern for the travelling public in the Kingston Metropolitan Area.

"The fact is.we are now into the era of overhead bridges and we can't escape that, because there is traffic as we move up from Marcus Garvey to the Portia Simpson Miller square and it gets closer and closer to Half-Way-Tree," the Minister said.

"Traffic congestion is upon us; it is a matter that is not arising, it has arisen," he added.

Mr. Pickersgill was updating journalists about the various programmes and projects being undertaken by the Ministry, at a press briefing held at the Jamaica Pegasus last week.

Responding to questions as to when the overhead bridges would be introduced, the Minister said that this would depend, to a great extent, on the availability of financial resources.

"Let me just say that all the studies and designs have been done. We have all of them, but at the end of the day it is always a question of resources," he said.

He noted, however, that the Government was looking at the various ways in which a project of this nature could be funded, including investment from international sources.

Work Advanced on Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre
KINGSTON, (JIS):
Thursday, March 15, 2007

Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Hon. Robert Pickersgill has said that construction of the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre was advanced, with
70 per cent of the work already completed.

The Minister, who was addressing a recent press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, said that the project was on target to meet the October completion date.

"The centre, which will enhance the operations of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company within the Half-Way-Tree area, is slated to be completed on target in October and we are hoping that it will be completed before that time," he stated.

According to Minister Pickersgill, the transport centre, the first of its kind in Jamaica, would be a key component in the restructuring of the transport system in the Kingston Metropolitan Area and serve as model for other transportation centres and a catalyst for future urban development.

To date, $33.2 million Euros has been spent on the development of the world class facility, which will boast passenger holding areas; spacious bus bays; commercial outlets; public sanitary facilities; and ticket outlets; among other things.

"The centre will be supported by 17 commercial shops, four commercial kiosks, two security booths and a 900 square (feet) terrace, capable of accommodating three fast food type outlets," Minister Pickersgill informed.

The commercial shops, he indicated, "are very sought after" as the Ministry has received more than 400 applications, which is an overwhelming number, when compared to the available spaces in the centre.

The Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre is being funded by the government of Belgium through the Commertz Bank of Belgium at a cost of $49 million Euros.

Work on Expansion of Montego Bay Port to Begin This Year
KINGSTON, (JIS):
Friday, March 16, 2007

Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, has informed that further expansion works would be undertaken at the island's ports to include the construction of three berths and the addition of a second terminal in Montego Bay later this year, at a cost of US$67 million.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel recently, Minister Pickersgill said that the Port Authority has signed off on the new berthing and land-site facilities and construction was slated to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Of the berths to be built, he said, "two will accommodate vessels over 1,000 feet in length, while the third berth will handle vessels of a 900 feet category".

Expansion works would also be undertaken in Ocho Rios, St. Ann in the new financial year, the Minister informed, in order to facilitate the accommodation of the Freedom Cruise Vessels, which were the largest liners now used in the shipping industry.

Port Antonio was also slated to benefit from upgrading works, he said, to accommodate the "next generation of cruise liners, which will carry a complement of 8,000 passengers and are scheduled to begin service in 2009".

These works are in addition to the continued expansion of the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT) to maintain the facility's position as a major international hub port. "Progress being made here is underscored by the improved rating of the KCT from 67 to 55 in the world's top 100 ports and that is a great achievement," he highlighted, noting that the port was poised to be listed among the top five hub ports in the world.

He said that phase five expansion works, now in progress, were near completion, and would increase capacity from 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 3.2 million TEUs. The project is being undertaken at a cost of US$240 million.

The project to upgrade the country's port, the Minister noted, was crucial in meeting the overwhelming demand, which would be inevitable when expansion works began on the Panama Canal.

"The implications for Jamaica are enormous and encouraging; once you open the mega liners for the Panama Canal, because of our strategic location they'll come to Jamaica.and we have to start making preparations in the port to accommodate those mega liners," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, he indicated that the cruise shipping industry continued to show significant improvements, evident in the number of visitors to the island last year. In 2006, more than 1.32 million cruise ship passengers came to the island, an increase of 206,000 or 18.5 per cent when compared to 2005.

"This increase and demand for Jamaica's cruise destinations is reflected in the country being voted Leading Caribbean Cruise Destination and the Leading World Cruise Destination at the 2006 World Travel Awards," he boasted.

dante2308

Mar 21, 2007, 7:43 PM

The ICC World Cup has begun...

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2007/03/12/GALL_JAMAICA_SS3_wideweb__470x295,0.jpg
http://www.dawn.com/2007/03/13/images/top02.jpg
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5414222,00.jpg
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/photo/32007/m68066.jpg

Trelawny Stadium Will Boost Sports in Western Jamaica
MONTEGO BAY, (JIS):
Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Cricket Operations Director for the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, Michael Hall, has said that the scenic Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium had the potential to be a major catalyst for sports in Western Jamaica attracting major international sporting events throughout the year.

Mr. Hall, who spoke to JIS News at the warm-up match between West Indies and India at the facility on Friday (March 9), said that the construction of the "multi-purpose stadium in Trelawny and the fact that it has been used to host four official warm-up matches in a major event as the Cricket World Cup, is a good investment by the country and can only be to the benefit of sports in this parish and indeed the wider Western Jamaica".

He added that, "it's a beautiful facility, certainly from the viewpoint of the players. they all love it and all the four teams that were here think it's a wonderful facility".

In the meantime, he noted that the staging of the ICC CWC in Jamaica, would redound to the country's economic benefit. "The staging of this event by Jamaica and the expenditure that the authorities have undertaken. is going to prove to be a very worthwhile investment. Already, we have seen much improvement to roads, health, the ports, telecommunication and many more. All of these things have been accelerated by the fact that the country was staging the event," he pointed out.

Past President of the Jamaica Baptist Union and Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay, Rev. Everton Jackson, who attended the match, which was won by India, had high praises for those who conceived of the stadium project.

"The entire lay-out is very good, the architectural design is first class and I believe that this will undoubtedly add to the profile of our country. I also believe that it will go a far way in enhancing the sporting life of the country and the development of our young people and by extension the economy, because with a complex like this, we can host any international game or event".

Another spectator Denton Campbell, who is a consultant with the Airports Authority of Jamaica, also gave the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium a passing grade, describing it as a "fine facility that has great potential and is welcome in Western Jamaica'.

"We now have a facility that can attract and accommodate cricket of the highest quality and if our youngsters are exposed to that sort of cricket, it will encourage and motivate them to perform at a high level. This is good for all youth in Western Jamaica as they will no longer have to travel all the way to Kingston to see or participate in that level of cricket," Mr. Campbell told JIS News.

Also giving commendations was Manager of the St. James Branch of the National People's Co-operative Bank, Carlton McNaughton, who opined that the hosting of the ICC CWC was a "big opportunity for Jamaicans and the country in general as we showcase ourselves to the world".

In addition to hosting four warm-up matches, the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium was the site for yesterday's (March 11) grand opening ceremony of the ICC CWC, which saw the parade of all 16 teams in the tournament, with heads of state and governments from across the region and ICC officials, in attendance.

The colourful event, reflecting the diversity of the Caribbean, was beamed to an estimated 2.6 billion television audience world-wide.

dante2308

Apr 5, 2007, 3:28 AM

I've been using this thread to post economic and development data on Jamaica for some time now and while I'm not getting a lot of replies, I'm getting a lot of hits. There are a lot of projects that I could bring up so if you guys want me to take this thread in another direction, just tell me. I'll post this article about the positive investor confidence in Jamaica for now. Please tell me if there is anything you would like to know more or less about Jamaica.

I can also take pictures very soon. I've been in the states a while which is why I've not been posting a lot. I'll return to Jamaica in about a month and I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures of everything going on down there. I only wish I could have seen the ICC World Cup and celebration...

Big jump in consumer, business optimism
JCC survey shows anticipated growth in economy

Wednesday, April 04, 2007
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/images/20070403T210000-0500_121295_OBS_BIG_JUMP_IN_CONSUMER__BUSINESS_OPTIMISM_2.jpg

Consumer and business optimism surged in the first quarter of 2007, the latest Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Business and Consumer Confidence survey has revealed.

The Conference Board - the division of the JCC that conducts the survey - reported that the consumer confidence index experienced a significant increase to 138.1 in the first quarter of 2007, rising from the 128.0 recorded during the fourth quarter of last year. The surveyors stated that the increased optimism was concentrated among residents outside of Kingston.

"The differences across regions mainly reflected a stronger job situation outside of Kingston and a slightly less positive outlook for the economy among Kingston residents," said the JCC, which released the results of the survey yesterday at their quarterly meeting at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston.

The booming consumer confidence was buoyed by anticipated growth of the Jamaican economy, positive assessments of current job prospects and very high expectations in future income gains.

According to the Conference Board, in the first quarter of 2007, 35 per cent of all consumers "expected the same improved pace of gains during the year ahead", while an additional 30 per cent "expected the pace of economic growth to be even faster". The surveyors said that government policies were cited generally for both positive and negative views of the economy.

The survey also revealed consumers showed their most positive outlook on current job prospects in six years.
According to the survey, "an adequate supply of jobs" was reported by 30 per cent of residents in tourist areas, 20 per cent in the Kingston area, and by 25 per cent in other areas.
The survey noted that incomes were expected to increase by 57 per cent of all households - a six-year record - while only five per cent expected a decline. It highlighted that, continuing with the trend of prior periods, one-third of all households reported that they had received remittances, with over half reporting that their remittances had increased in size. However, despite the higher income expectations, it was reported that consumer spending plans fell moderately compared to last year.

"All Jamaicans held the same positive prospects for future income gains, the best since the surveys started in 2001, and gave the highest ratings to their future living standards in the last six years," said the survey. "Nonetheless, Jamaican consumers remained very cautious in their spending plans.
These cautious spending plans reflect a less expansive outlook for the economy as well as diminished pace of future job growth."

The business confidence index increased from 110.5 in last year's fourth quarter to 126.7 in the first quarter of 2007. This increase was boosted by businesses' positive outlook on the national economy, their financial performance and planned investments.

According to the Conference Board, "the only concerns voiced by firms were lacklustre returns on their investments during the past year".

The report depicted that negative expectations of the national economy were reduced by 50 per cent since last year's fourth quarter: 21 per cent of all firms surveyed in this year's first quarter expected the economy to worsen during the year ahead, compared to 45 per cent in the fourth quarter. The report, however, questioned whether these 'positive' numbers were sustainable.

"Firms have repeatedly held such positive expectations in the past, but those favourable expectations have never been maintained far more than a single quarter," said the report.
"To be sure, the economy has experienced an unusually large number of shocks that have prevented cumulative gains during the past several years. While most of these shocks were unavoidable, the persistence and high cost of crime as well as the high personal and social costs continue to be cited by two-thirds of all business firms as the main obstacle to a more sustained period of very positive economic growth in Jamaica."

While the report highlighted that only 11 per cent of firms said that their current profits were better than originally anticipated, a robust two-thirds of the firms expect improved profits during the year ahead. Only five per cent expect profits to decline.

The report added that a whopping 48 per cent of the firms planned new investments, the highest level recorded since the survey was implemented in 2001.

"A record number of firms planned new investments so that they could more fully participate in the ongoing expansion," said the Conference Board. "Greater certainty about growth prospects meant that the proportion of firms that thought it was a bad time to invest fell to just 33 per cent, the lowest level recorded since 2001."

Talk Back

avip58

May 22, 2007, 8:18 PM

dante2308

May 28, 2007, 8:29 PM

Gov't to break ground on Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000 by next March

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/images/20070522T230000-0500_123381_OBS_GOV_T_TO_BREAK_GROUND_ON_WILLIAMSFIELD_LEG_OF_HIGHWAY______BY_NEXT_MARCH__1.jpg
The Portmore leg of Highway 2000 which offers a link to the Mandela to Sandy Bay leg of the high-speed motorway.

Camilo Thame, Business Observer writer
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Even while the developers of Highway 2000 prepare to start construction of the Mount Rosser bypass that will form an integral part of the Spanish Town to Ocho Rios leg of the major roadway, the Government still plans to break ground on the Sandy Bay to Williamfield leg before the end of this fiscal year.

Ivan Anderson, managing director of the National Road, Operating and Construction Company (NROCC), told the Business Observer that the Government "hopes to start (Williamsfield leg) towards the end of the financial year", which ends next March.

The Williamsfield leg, or Phase 1B of Highway 2000, is defined as a 37-kilometre run from Sandy Bay in Clarendon to Williamsfield in Manchester, a community just outside the centre of Mandeville, one of Jamaica's fastest-growing towns.

The Government had re-prioritised aspects of the highway development, saying it makes more sense to build the Ocho Rios leg now to maximise on the economic benefit of the North Coast Highway, which runs to Negril.

But for the developer, Trans Jamaican Highway (TJH), the local company formed by French firm Bouygues Travaux Publics, to maximise its return on equity from eight per cent, to 16 per cent on its equity, it had to complete Phase 1B, which led the state to examine the possibility of redefining Phase 1B as the Ocho Rios leg for both parties to benefit from moving ahead with the run to the northern coastal town.
The Government apparently scrapped that plan, and has decided to move ahead with both.

The 24-kilometre stretch that will bypass the curvy, hilly route that currently connects the town of Ewarton in St Catherine to Faith's Pen in St Ann and which will stretch from Linstead to Moneague, is expected to cost around US$100 million (J$6.8 billion) and should take 30 months to complete from its June start.

The National Contracts Commission (NCC), in April endorsed the US$99.5-million contract that NROCC, the state agency overseeing the development, chose Bouygues to execute.

The estimated cost for the 67-km four-lane highway that will ultimately connect Spanish Town to Ocho Rios is currently placed at US$260 million, a figure which Anderson expects will remain the same, despite having 43 km more road to build, including two more bypasses - around the Bog Walk Gorge and Fern Gully.

Anderson told the Business Observer that under the current plan, the section of the highway that will bypass the gorge road is scheduled to break ground in 2008, while the Fern Gully bypass will begin construction in 2009.

"The sections will be done in parallels," added Anderson.
Overall, this phase of the project is expected to take five to six years, ending by 2013.

So far, the project, including the seven-km Portmore leg of Highway 2000 and the 33-kilometre section that runs from Kingston to Sandy Bay in Clarendon, cost US$300 million ($20 billion).

Should the project cost for this phase and the leg from Sandy Bay to Williamfield, originally estimated at US$120 million, remain on target, the 144 km of road will cost around US$680 million (J$46.2 billion in 2007) or approximately US$4.7 million (J$321 million) per kilometre.

dante2308

May 28, 2007, 8:50 PM

I think what you are doing is in a world, BRILLIANT:tup: . I'm currently living in the UK the infomation that you have been posting I just cant seem to find anywhere else. Personally I'm very interested in architecture; current developments, refirbs, and extentions. Are you awear of any resources to that effect?:banana:

Thank you for the compliments. I tend to try to check all the major newspapers and the JIS first for news, then I check major corporations for project updates. For example there is a rural project being built at a cost of J$14 billion (US$225 million) that will create a mixed use community around a historic castle. A link to the article is here (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20070519T230000-0500_123248_OBS_J____BILLION_HOME_DEVELOPMENT_PROJECT_PLANNED_FOR_ST_CATHERINE__CLARENDON_BORDER_.asp).

I'm also following a huge telecommunications project called TCCC with a website here http://www.trans-caribbeancable.com/.

The Trans Carribean Cable Company is going to bring a high-speed direct connection to the Miami Network Access Point of the Americans that can provide broadband far beyond demand and drastically lower rates to the island.

Here is a map of the first phase of the project:
http://www.trans-caribbeancable.com/img/tccn1.jpg

I am waiting for some updates before fully posting the details of the project, but all the licensing and agreements have been concluded and the project is waiting for the reorganization of the 'new AT&T'.

trin

May 31, 2007, 10:34 PM

Here's a link to a similar article from the Jamaica Observer regarding this fibre optic cable. Good news for Jamaica and the entire Caribbean when this is completed. :cheers:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/images/20070524T230000-0500_123459_OBS_COLUMBUS_TO_RUN_FIBRE_OPTIC_CABLE_FROM_COLOMBIA_TO_JAMAICA_1.jpg

Billionaire Michael Lee Chin's Columbus Networks has begun installing undersea fibre optic cable, which will run from Colombia to Florida, landing in Jamaica on its way to the United States. It will balance data traffic flowing through the fibre-optic ring that runs around the Caribbean rim.....

Continued here:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/business/html/20070524t230000-0500_123459_obs_columbus_to_run_fibre_optic_cable_from_colombia_to_jamaica.asp

dante2308

Jun 3, 2007, 2:45 AM

Actually, that is an unrelated project and may actually compete with the Trans-Carribean Cable Network which is to be built by a consortium of companies. It would be interesting to see if both are built.

This is an exert from the TCCC site:

Trans-Caribbean Cable Company ("TCCC") is the management organization for planning, building, operating, and maintaining the Trans-Caribbean Cable Network ("TCCN"). The project was conceived to service the ever-growing Internet, data and voice traffic demands of the Caribbean. TCCN will offer high-speed undersea fiber-optic cable connectivity from many locations in the Caribbean to Miami, Florida through a combination of segment construction and existing segment upgrades. TCCC envisions that TCCN will become the Caribbean region's common, carrier-neutral platform that will provide the capacity needed to stimulate the growth of the Internet and other telecom services in the region. (Please click on the "Network Plan” navigation button for the planned regional coverage of the network.)

Technical design principles built into TCCN will include a fully protected network configuration with physical cable-on-cable restoration where feasible and interface capabilities at the most popular SDH (STM4, STM1, DS3, & E1) and/or Ethernet (10Mb, 100Mb, 1GigE, 10GigE) levels if possible. TCCN will utilize dark fiber or wavelengths on existing cables to complete links wherever feasible commercially and technically. In cases where such connectivity is not available under satisfactory conditions, new segments will be constructed under contract in order to complete the network.

Because of the competitive limitations (exclusivity) of the traditional consortium (club) model and the obvious failure of the capacity resell (private) model in undersea cable development, TCCC is using a new project development model that combines the best attributes of the traditional cable consortium together with the best characteristics of the private cable model. We call this unique model the Virtual Consortium™ Model ("VCM"). TCCC believes that the VCM is the logical evolutionary model for future undersea cable project planning, implementation and operations. (Please click on the “Benefits” navigation button for some of the highlights of the Virtual Consortium™ Model.)

On June 17, 2004 (during a project meeting in Curacao), TCCC signed the TCCN Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 14 carriers marking the official formation of the TCCN consortium with all members having the common objective to conduct a joint feasibility study to determine the best solution(s) for future undersea connectivity requirements throughout the Caribbean. Participation in the MOU has since grown to more than 60 parties, including:

ACCESS HAITI, ALPHA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, ARUBA WIRELESS, AT&T WIRELESS (now CINGULAR), AVOXI, BATELCO (BTC), C&W, CANTV, CENTENNIAL, CENTENNIAL DOMINICANA, CODETEL INTERNATIONAL, COLOMBIA TELECOM, COMCEL, COMTEK, CONVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, COPIA WIRELESS, COSTA VISION, CURACAO CABLE TELEVISION, DATASYS, DIGICEL, ETB, FOCUS DATA, FONDATION INTERMONDE, FUSION, FUSION JAMAICA, GOTEL, GSI (GRUPO SABER), HAICOM, HAINET, HAITEL, HAITI DATA NETWORKS, ICE, INTERNEXA, ISLAND FIBRE, ITT LINK, JNAP, MOBITEL, MULTILINK, ODJ (OCEANIC DIGITAL JAMAICA), ORANGE DOMINICANA, ORBITEL, RAJNET, RELIANT, SATEL (SABA TELEPHONE), SCARLET, SETAR, SMITCOMS, SPRINT, STARNET, TELBO, TELE-CONNEXIONS, TELECO D'HAITI, TELECOM ITALIA, TELEFONICA, TELESUR, TELMEX, THIRD WAVE, TIMELESS TELECOM, TRICOM SA, TRICOM USA, ULTRACOM, UTS, UWT (UNIFIED WORLDWIDE TRANSPORT), VERIZON DOMINICANA, and VERIZON ITJ

dante2308

Jun 3, 2007, 3:06 AM

I'll go ahead and summarize the nature of the telecom situation in Jamaica. In March 2006, this happened:

RICHARD PARDY is planning to rock your world. The chief executive officer of FibraLink Jamaica come to the island only one year and one month ago, and was going to complete a U.S. $45 million local segment of a massive trans-Caribbean fibreoptic cable project.

That project could have taken three to four years, but local commercial service starts at the end of March.
He adds that without a robust broadband deployment, "we cannot get a return on our investment in FibraLink. The bigger part of our investment will ultimately be retail broadband, which is why we have established Flow."

Flow is a member of Columbus Communications group of companies, a CARICOM-based telecommunications provider, which already provides telecommunications solutions in 17 Caribbean countries. Flow's goal in Jamaica is to offer Jamaican businesses ultra high speed Internet, digital landline service and digital cable TV with over 250 channels from one service provider.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060303/business/business1.html

November 2006, this happened:

JNAP takes on FLOW in the telecoms arena
Local telecommunications company, Jamaica Network Access Point Limited (JNAP) is fiercely competing with Michael Lee Chin's FLOW to bring Internet, cable and telephony services in one package to the homes of Jamaicans.

Dean PantonJNAP, through its subsidiary DirectConnect (its retail arm), has formed a consortium with cable TV operators (including Entertainment Systems, Jamaica Cable Vision and Stars Cable Company) to offer triple-play services and products under one brand name, 'ONE'. The idea is to create an island wide network that offers cable TV while also providing Internet and telephone solutions. DirectConnect is designing its super digital TV Headend to also provide Digital TV to all the homes serviced by the cable operators in Jamaica.
http://www.jamaicanap.com/news013.html

JNAP joined the TCCC and hosted a conference for them in Montego Bay. JNAP will be directly connected to the TCCN, so FLOW's parrent company, Columbia Communications pulled what you just posted.

I know most Jamiacans know, but for those who don't know, Jamaica has become a hotbed for telecommunications competition since 2001. In terms of the cell phone, Jamaica has more per capita than any other nation in this hemisphere including the United States. Basically, the government bids off licenses to major companies and upstarts and a few years later, Jamaica has every service companies can offer as a handful of companies compete heavily for customers.

trin

Jun 3, 2007, 4:31 AM

Interesting situation in Jamaica re. telecommunications. Thanks for the info Dante. Quite confusing to tell you the truth.

dante2308

Jun 3, 2007, 5:30 PM

$380-million entertainment centre, marina for Palisadoes
Stability of strip sparks concern
By Camilo Thame
Sunday, June 03, 2007

Developers Treasures Limited have begun the environment impact assessment (EIA) stage of the Seventh Harbour Development that will see the investors pump US$5.6 million (J$380 million) into the creation of a tourist destination on the Palisadoes just east of Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

The plan being put forward by the developers, principally led by Norman McDonald, is to convert the 109 acres of land, currently leased from Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), into a multi-purpose facility that will ultimately have a 350-room hotel, a 20,000 person entertainment centre, a 200-slip marina and a cruise ship pier.

The first phase, however, which is currently being scrutinised for approval will involve a smaller entertainment centre and marina - 5,000 persons and 80 slips, respectively - and will involve the development of the core infrastructure such as parking facilities and roads.

The development is being pursued to enhance the tourism product in Kingston, targeting the domestic tourism market's largely urban dwellers in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, Spanish Town and the dormitory community of Portmore, as well as the sea-based tourism market.

The development has been on the drawing board for a long time coming but the only hiccup foreseen by stakeholders in the project, such as Dr Ravidya Burrowes, the principal of Environmental Management Consultant Caribbean (EMC2), the firm overseeing the EIA process for the developers, is a long- standing debate over the stability of the thin strip of land and roadway called Palisadoes.

"The project proposes to take down sand dunes to make parking spaces," Burrowes told Sunday Finance in an interview last week. "People may believe that taking down dunes may affect the stability of Palisadoes.
But Burrowes, who actually specialised in the development of sand dunes in Jamaica in her doctoral studies, explained that the area earmarked for development was not only cut off from the system that protects the side of Palisadoes exposed to the Caribbean Sea, but could provide a solution to strengthening the southern side.

Studies point to the need to restructure the dunes to protect the thin strip of land that connects the community of Harbour View and the rest of Jamaica to the NMIA and Port Royal.
"Importantly, the sand can be used to strengthen the southern side," she added.

For Burrowes, developers fully taking into account the environmental impact of their projects is of the highest priority.
"We are not paper pushers," said Burrowes of her firm. "We like to work with developers who are serious about protecting the environment and to just get necessary paperwork."

For instance, the inclusion of a sewage pump out facility that can remove and treat the refuse from docking sea vessels at the marina was a plus for the project. In the Caribbean sea vessels tend to dump sewage into territorial waters and the Caribbean Sea, both of which have a long-term negative effect on the water.

Here is an aerial photo of the Palisadoes:
http://www.noquartergiven.net/images/j71prfromair.JPG

dante2308

Jun 7, 2007, 5:08 AM

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/images/20070605T200000-0500_123957_OBS_SOLAR_FULLY_POWERS_NEW_TOWNHOUSE_COMPLEX_1.jpg

Solar fully powers new townhouse complex
Patrick Foster, Business Observer writer
Wednesday, June 06, 2007

A townhouse complex, The Doric, under construction at Clieveden Avenue in Kingston, will be the first residential development in the island to be totally outfitted with electricity-generating photovoltaic panels.

"We have so far installed panels on five units," said Damian Lyn, whose company, Alternative Power Sources, has the contract to install the power units at the housing complex.
When completed, the 12 townhouses will have the capacity to generate enough electricity to power regular household appliances without relying totally on the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) grid.

"It will alternate between the grid and the system, we are setting it up so it can alternate automatically, but homeowners can shut out the grid completely if they desire," Lyn told the Business Observer.

The system can run continuously for eight to 10 hours and also provide back-up in case of power outages.
The Doric is being developed by Conrad Graham, and townhouses in the scheme are priced at approximately $25 million each.[About US$367,000 (edit from dante)]

Lyn, who was last week elected president of the Jamaica Solar Energy Association (JSEA), said that the system at The Doric is fairly modest with a 3.6 kilowatt capacity and 110 volt inverters.

He explained that the project was designed to give homeowners an example of solar power but could be upgraded to 110/220v as required.

"This was meant to be a project where the developer gives the homeowner a touch of solar," said Lyn. "The system is modular and can be upgraded."

Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electrical energy, which is subsequently stored in a bank of batteries. An inverter then converts the DC battery power to AC for use in appliances.

A 400 watt, 110 volt system, able to work a full day powering regular household appliances such as television sets, a fridge and lights, would cost US$7,500, Lyn said.

Overcast days would somewhat affect the system's ability to provide full power, but it would still accept charge because the energy is produced from light and not temperature, he added.

The technology, which is relatively new to the island, has not found popular favour, it is argued, primarily because of prohibitive set-up costs. But Lyn contended that the amortisation rate for a residential system is between eight and 10 years. For a commercial customer setting up the photovoltaic system, amortisation would be less than five years, he added.

"That is not considering possible increases in JPS rates. With the increases, the payback time would be drastically reduced," he said.

However, apart from saving on electricity charges, Lyn explained that the power supplied by the system is 'cleaner' than that from the JPS grid.

"Where the system is installed you would not need a UPS to run your computer as there would be no fluctuation in the current," he explained.

At the recent JSEA annual general meeting, guest speaker Dr Raymond Wright of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, said that the use of photovoltaic panels should become more widespread as part of a collective effort to reduce the island's high fuel bill.

"I look forward to the time when buildings in Jamaica will be roofed with photovoltaic tiles being a part of the building and not an add-on," he said.

Wright said that there was too much dependency on government leadership, and the private sector should, instead, be involved in public awareness while incorporating the technology in their plans.

Architects should design using the panels, and building societies should consider special funding for the use of solar technology, Wright said.

He admitted, however, that photovoltaic panels would not become commonplace until the JPS adopted a net metering policy for people generating their own electricity.

In net metering, if a JPS customer using the photovoltaic panels, for example, produces excess electricity, it is fed back into the system and the amount deducted on the meter.
"With net metering you receive credit on the meter for what you produce. No money exchanges hands," said Lyn.

The JPS, he said, has argued against this method, opting instead for net billing, which would see the JPS pay between US five and nine cents per Kilowatt hour for electricity that is fed into its grid from customers.

"That is what the JPS would agree to at the time," said Lyn, adding that soon the company would be under new management and policies could change.

Though largely untested in the island, the photovoltaic system has Lyn's unwavering commitment; he said it is slowly gaining acceptance and even replacing JPS-supplied electricity.

"I have four locations that do not receive any power at all from the grid," he affirmed.