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Tekst en beeld Arjen Stikvoort PARAMARIBO — Omdat het vier oktober Werelddierendag is, organiseert de Stichting Caribbean Spay Neuter een
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Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Eastern, Robert Miller says he has written to Minister of Transport and Mining, Audley Shaw with recommendations regarding the annual increase in toll rates that residents of Portmore have to pay.
Based on the agreement with TransJamaican Highway Limited East-West, a rate increase is granted each year that is in line with inflation.
The most recent increase took effect on July 2 and saw rates going up between 9.09 per cent and 26.67 per cent.
Miller, who was making his contribution to the 2022/23 State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives, said one of his recommendations is that the contract with the toll operator be renegotiated.
Noting that the contract was signed by a previous People’s National Party Government, Miller said: “We, on this (the Jamaica Labour Party) side, believe the contract is inconsiderate and erroneous to the people of the constituency, and citizens of Portmore in particular.”
“I have been in dialogue with the minister and we hope that this vexed issue will be resolved sooner rather than later. We use this opportunity to encourage the toll operators to sit around the table as we come up with solutions in which everyone benefits,” Miller added.
But, while he is hoping for an outcome that will be of benefit to his constituents, Miller acknowledged that the government’s hands are tied “in regards to the yearly increase of the toll cost”.
Portmore residents have for more than a decade complained of the unfairness of paying a toll on a relatively short stretch of road that sees them stuck in traffic for extended periods in the mornings and evenings during peak hours. The alternative route along the Mandela Highway is equally congested during peak hours.
For its part, the operators of Highway 2000, which links Kingston to the South Coast and encompasses the Portmore leg of the toll, raked in US$52.7 million (J$8 billion) in tolls in 2021.
The figure was 16 per cent higher than in 2020, according to the audited report by TranJamaican Highway.
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Four days after their match against Papine High was overshadowed by violent clashes on the field, Camperdown High suffered an away 9-2 defeat against Mona High on matchday seven of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition on Tuesday.
The victory carries Mona High to a maximum of nine points from three games and firmly on top of Group E.
Wolmer’s Boys’ School jumped into second spot, also on nine points, following a 2-0 win over Papine High. Hydel High whipped Kingston High 7-1 to be in the third spot on six points.
Over in Group F, Excelsior High surged to the top of the group with seven points from three games following a 2-1 victory against Clan Carthy High.
Campion College’s good start to the season continued with a 2-1 victory against Cumberland High, a result that pushea them into the second spot with five points.
Kingston Technical slipped to third spot on four points after they crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Jose Marti High.
There is a surprise leader in Group C as Haile Selassie stunned Tivoli Gardens High 3-1 and jumped to the top with seven points. Charlie Smith defeated Edith Dalton James 3-1 and moved into the second spot also with seven points while Bridgeport High are third on four points following a 2-2 draw against Vauxhall High, which gained their first point of the season.
In the lone Group B game, St Catherine High edged St Jago High 1-0 to assume sole leadership with seven points from three games.
Tuesday’s results
Group BSt Catherine High 1 St Jago 0
Group CCharlie Smith 3 Edith Dalton James High 1Tivoli High 1 Haile Selassie 3Vauxhall High 2 Bridgeport High 2
Group EHydel High 7 Kingston High 1Mona High 9 Camperdown High 2Papine High 0 Wolmer’s Boys 2
Group FClan Carthy 1 Excelsior 2Cumberland 1 Campion College 2Jose Marti 1 Kingston Technical 0
Wednesday’s matches
Group ACalabar vs ArdenneKC vs Meadowbrook at Stadium EastWaterford vs St George’s College
Group BSt Mary’s College vs Cedar Grove AcademyHoly Trinity High vs JC at Winchester Park
Group DSpanish Town High vs Norman Manley at Prison OvalSTATHS vs Jonathan Grant
All games are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 pm.
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The transformation of some secondary schools into TVET specific centers remains a priority for government as the new academic years entered its third week.
Chris Satney reports on this and other disclosures made by Minister for Education Shawn Edward during a recent visit to schools.
SOURCE: Ministry of Education
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New Orleans will be the site of the 71st Miss Universe contest, bringing together nearly 90 women contestants from around the world in January, the Miss Universe Organization said.
“The City of New Orleans and the Miss Universe Organization share common values of celebrating inclusion, culture and the empowerment of women,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Monday.
She noted in a news release that former contestants and winners have gone on to become surgeons, diplomats, politicians, and business leaders, adding “they all champion social causes that are important to them”.
The competition will be aired on January 14, 2023 — a Saturday — at the city’s convention centre, according to the statement. The live broadcast will culminate with the 70th Miss Universe — Bollywood actress Harnaaz Sandhu of India — crowning the winner.
“There is no place like New Orleans. This vibrant city has been at the top of our list to host for quite some time due to its rich cultural history, as well as its unique arts, entertainment, and culinary scene,” said Paula Shugart, president of The Miss Universe Organization.
Last year’s pageant in Eilat, Israel, was held in the middle of the night to accommodate the U S primetime TV schedule.
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THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris – JEFF K MAYERS
THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has apologised for nominating political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) Watson Duke to the position of Deputy Chief Secretary.
In a special sitting on Monday at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex to elect a depty following Duke’s resignation on September 15, presiding officer Abby Taylor declared the seat vacant after she informed the House of the resignation.
THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine rose to his feet and nominated Health Secretary Dr Faith BYisrael, which was seconded by Assistant Secretary in the Tourism division. As Taylor called for more nominees, Morris rose, nominating Duke, much to the surprise of everyone gathered. However, it could not be seconded by Councillor Petal Daniel-Benoit as she is not an elected member of the House.
In a response later that evening, Morris took to social media to apologise for the nomination, quoting Weston H Agor, “making mistakes simply mean you are learning faster.”
“I made a grave error in judgement where I attempted to stroke some more discord by nominating Watson Duke as an alternative choice for the House to have a vote. Indeed it was one that I deeply regret and wish I could undo, however it’s a lesson that I would never forget and one I would never repeat going forward.”
Morris, the electoral representative for Darrel Spring/ Whim is the lone successful People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate, after the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) won the THA elections by a landslide 14-1.
Contacted for comment on Tuesday, Political Leader of the PNM Tobago Council Ancil Dennis described the event as unfortunate and “definitely contrary to the PNM’s position.”
“However, having spoken to the Minority Leader, I think it boils down to inexperience on his path and it is something that he can definitely learn from.”
He added: “He continues to have my support, he continues to have the support of the PNM Tobago Council and this matter would continue to be dealt with internally as I don’t wish to engage in any further public debate on this matter. It happened, we discussed it, I think he understands clearly the gravity of the mistake and therefore it is a matter of learning and ensuring that this doesn’t happen again.”
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Food manufacturer and distributor Seprod has gained a toehold in Central America and will begin shipping products to Guatemala in October.
Seprod’s entry into the Hispanic market forms part of its strategic objective to increase export sales by accelerating growth in North America and the Caribbean, even as it explores European markets.
It has set a target to double exports every three years.
“This is not a stretch target, this is our base expectation, and it is comprised of our own brands and brands that we co-manufacture for other companies,” said Seprod CEO Richard Pandohie.
According to Pandohie, the growth trajectory is in line with the reopening of more countries as the threat of the coronavirus eases and Seprod’s growth rate over the past few years.
Addressing the company’s annual general meeting on Monday, Pandohie said Seprod has seen its exports grow from less than two per cent of its total manufacturing base to 15 per cent over the last four years.
To coincide with this growth trajectory, Seprod is looking to create products that can cross over to non-Caribbean consumers.
An example of this is sorrel.
“This drink is almost exclusively consumed at Christmas in the Caribbean, but it is a staple beverage in many Latin American countries throughout the year,” Pandohie said.
To this end, Seprod has produced “Delite Flor de Jamaica” to target the Latin American diaspora, which Pandohie said is almost eight times the size of the Caribbean diaspora.
Seprod also indicated that it would collaborate with various stakeholders to bring new products, new practices, and new consumer experiences to its markets.
Seprod’s revenues for 2021 totalled $43.8 billion, a 16 per cent increase over the comparative year. The improved performance was due to price adjustments and volume mix.
Meanwhile, the normalised trading operating profit margin was eight per cent, decreasing from 10 per cent in 2020.
Operating profit for 2021 totalled $3.5 billion, compared to $4.6 billion in the previous year. The 2020 amount includes a one-off gain of $762 million from the sale of a property.
Seprod said the decrease in normalised operating profit margin was due to the partial cost absorption as it tried to cushion the rising input cost to consumers and the impact of a massive fire on the distribution business.
“The results for 2021, regardless of external events and a one-off internal traumatic incident, were solid despite not having the positive profit growth trajectory of previous years,” Pandohie said.
Seprod has undertaken some major initiatives; built a state-of-the-art milling facility, bought Nestle factory and consolidated the two dairy operations, bought Supligen and Betty brands globally, and bought Facey Commodity, food and pharmaceutical distribution business, that acquisition doubled Seprod’s revenue base.
It recently acquired AS Brydens and Sons, which again doubles the revenue base and gives the company a critical footprint in Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.
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Update: Tuesday,September 20, 2022 at 11:58 AM
The Barbados Meteorological Services continues to closely monitor the progress of a Tropical wave located near 54W south of 14N at 12 noon today.
Current Situation:
Over the past 12 hours, satellite imagery continued to show a large area of disorganised convection associated with the system tracking westward at around 10 to 15 knots (20 to 30 km/h).
Intensity and track Forecast:
Current model guidance is in agreement with a track south of Barbados during the day on Wednesday.
Rapid intensification of the system is unlikely as it approaches Barbados and the southern Windward islands. However, further analysis suggests some slow development as the system moves into the Caribbean Sea by the end of the week.
With Barbados on the northern fringe of the activity, there is the possibility of one to three inches of rainfall as the wave affects the island from Wednesday. Winds are likely to be between 20 to 25 knots (35 to 45 km/h) with higher gusts possible during heavy shower activity. An additional one to two inches of rainfall are possible as activity trailing the wave persists across the island into Thursday, September 22, 2022.
The next update will be at 6 pm today, Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
[Orginal story: September 19, at 6pm]
The Barbados Meteorological Services is closely monitoring the progress of a tropical wave located near 48W south of 13N as of 11 am today (September 19, 2022).
According to the statement issued, convection associated with the tropical wave is disorganized at this time as it moves slowly westward at 10 to 15 knots.
Current model guidance suggests that any development will be slow to occur over the next few days. However, regardless of development, the tropical wave is expected to affect the island sometime between Wednesday and Thursday this week.
During its passage, there is the possibility of two to four inches of rainfall and a deterioration in sea conditions which may warrant the issuance of watches/warnings from tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
The next update will be in 24 hours, around 12 noon tomorrow or sooner if conditions warrant.
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INGEZONDEN “Als het mijn belasting was dan bleef het geld wel in mijn zak”, mopper ik vaak terwijl ik mijn
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Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum recently launched its Appleton Estate Decades in the Cayman Islands in its bid to promote the premiumisation of rum.
“We have always made efforts to secure the best for our consumers and we are here to tell all rum collectors that a new asset will be making its way to the shores of Cayman,” said Beverage Division Manager for Jacques Scott Wines and Spirits Limited, John Alban.
“We will be distributing Appleton Estate Decades- so far, the product has drawn much interest in the industry, and we anticipate that it will do well here,” Alban added.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance & Economic Development, Christopher Saunders (r) and Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Bernie Bush paused for a quick photo with Dr Joy Spence, Master Blender Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum at the recently launched Appleton Estate Decades event at the Ave Restaurant, Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa.
Rum collectors and enthusiasts from the Cayman Islands got a chance to obtain their own bottle of Appleton Estate Decades, from local distributors Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits Limited at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, where the rum was launched in fine style.
Among the attendees were several ministers of the government, including Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance & Economic Development Christopher Saunders, Minister for Tourism and Transport Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage Bernie Bush and other senior government officials.
Jamaica’s brand champion Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism who was in Cayman for the Caribbean Tourism Association Conference, shared in the festivities of the evening.
Dr Joy Spence CD, surrounded by Jacques Scott’s (L-R) Cedric Gidarsingh Beverage Division Brand Manager, Guy Scott, Financial Controller and John Alban, Beverage Division Manager at the launch of Appleton Estate Decades held at the Ave Restaurant at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa recently.
Appleton Estate’s premium expressions are said to be celebrated as some of the finest rums in the world, comprising an award-winning core range.
“However, it is also a well-known fact among rum enthusiasts globally that the brand’s continued commitment to launching limited-edition, super prestigious offerings have also put them in the spotlight. It is with this that we announce the latest prestigious exclusive offering, Appleton Estate Decades,” said master blender and Tourism Ambassador for Jamaica, Dr Joy Spence.
“I am delighted to share my deep passion for rum-making with this new release. As one of the oldest rum distilleries in Jamaica, we continue to make history with the introduction of this never-before-done blend of rums from each of the last six decades. I am honoured to have played a part in the creation of this unique, premium expression, a celebration of my country’s 60th anniversary of independence. I am also deeply honoured to represent Jamaica in the Cayman Islands, a territory with which we share a deep, storied history,” Spence added.
(L-R) Cedric Gidarsingh Beverage Division Manager, Jacques Scott, Mark Telfer Brand Manager Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Kamal Powell, Regional Marketing Manager Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Dr Joy Spence Master Blender and Tourism Ambassador for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism Jamaica and Dr Joseph Marzouca, Honourary Consul, were all smiles at the launch of Appleton Estate Decades held at the Ave Restaurant at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa on September 13.
Appleton Estate Decades is composed of the finest rums that have been hand-selected over the last 6 decades of Jamaica’s independence, resulting in a luxurious and rare liquid blend to celebrate Jamaica’s history and heritage. Only 1,962 bottles were produced, in tribute to Jamaica’s year of independence.
At the Appleton Estate Decades Jamaica Rum launch at the salubrious Sunken Garden at Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston, bottle number 1,962, signed by Spence, was auctioned for USD $16,000, almost 10 times its original retail price of USD $1,700.
Appleton Estate Decades reveals smooth notes of honey and molasses on the nose with a luxurious flavour profile of nutmeg, walnut, maple, and vanilla finishing with notes of soft oak and bright orange zest. The rum, with an ABV of 45%, presents a dark amber hue ending with a silky finish.
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