Your news in a nutshell

1. Yetanya’s mom flees Arnett Gardens
2. Fuller backs Whitmore
3. Three Miles traffic changes
4. St Thomas lacking water
5. St Catherine soldier missing
6. 60% or no fifth form -Calabar

1. Yetanya’s mom flees Arnett Gardens

Worshippers at the Inner City for Christ Ministry in Arnett Gardens fell to the floor in fear as gunshots echoed outside the church in a daring gun attack late Tuesday night. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Fuller backs Whitmore

Former national striker Ricardo Fuller says Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore has been doing an excellent job with the national side and has called on corporate Jamaica to offer him more support. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Three Miles traffic changes

Major traffic changes are to be implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA) this Sunday as the agency presses ahead with the upgrading of Three Miles in St Andrew. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. St Thomas still lacking water

Residents of St Thomas are calling for an end to water woes which have plagued various communities in parish for over a decade. Scores of placard-bearing protesters gathered in Yallahs this morning to highlight the issue. Among the communities in the Yallahs area which are without water are Newland, Catholic Lane, Pondside and Hillside. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. St Catherine soldier missing

Forty-two-year-old Jamaica Defence Force soldier Ainsworth Willis, who is of Morris Meadows in Portmore, St Catherine, has been missing since Friday, August 14. The police say he’s of dark complexion, slim build and is about 5 feet 6 inches tall. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. 60% or no fifth form -Calabar

A decision by the Calabar High School in St Andrew to bar students who attain an average of less than 60 per cent from entering fifth form has not gone down well with some parents. The Gleaner obtained a copy of a letter from the school, signed by principal Albert Corcho, that stated that in order to “be promoted to grade 11, each boy MUST receive no less than 60 per cent for his overall average, along with good conduct. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. PM Youth Awards to focus on community leaders
2. 5.2 earthquake hits offshore Westmoreland
3. MoBay gets its first medical herb house
4. ‘Real tragedy’ – Woman’s body found in igloo
5. More traffic changes for Kgn
6. Reggae Girlz strike Cuba

1. PM Youth Awards to focus on community leaders

State Minister for Youth Floyd Green says there will be a renewed focus on rewarding community leaders at this year’s Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence. Green was speaking at a press conference today to announce the opening of application for nominations. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. 5.2 earthquake hits offshore Westmoreland

The Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona is reporting that a 5.2 earthquake hit offshore Negril, Westmoreland this morning. The unit says the quake occurred at 9:35 a.m. approximately 150 kilometres west of the resort town. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. MoBay gets its first medical herb house

Not only does Montego Bay now have its own herb house, which trades as Island Strains, the cannabis being prescribed by doctors there is reaped from the first legal ganja-growing farm in western Jamaica. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. ‘Real tragedy’ – Body of woman found in igloo

Approximately three months had passed since he last spoke to his daughter. She had made the decision to move out of the family home and experience life independently, but unbeknown to Dr Pastor Amos Campbell was that he would never see his daughter alive again. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. More traffic changes for Kgn

The National Works Agency (NWA) will today implement further traffic changes along Constant Spring Road in St Andrew. Effective 6 a.m., the section of Constant Spring Road between Cassava Piece Road and Mary Brown’s Corner will be converted into a one-way corridor for traffic heading from the direction of Manor Park towards Half-Way Tree. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Reggae Girlz strike Cuba

Jamaica’s senior women’s football team made it four wins in as many games with a 6-1 thrashing of neighbours Cuba in the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers at the National Stadium last night. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. Police Fed says cops ‘restive’
2. Christian lawyers speak out on abortion
3. Reggae Girlz ‘getting somewhere’
4. Police ticked off by wage talk delays
5. Fantasy Beach to be upgraded
6. Barrett blasted for ‘sexist’ comments on female refs

1. Police Federation says cops ‘restive’

The Jamaica Police Federation says it is to hold a series of consultations with its members on the way forward in their wage negotiation with the government. In a statement today, federation chairman Corporal Arleen McBean said rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are “very restive”, adding that “enough is enough”. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Christian lawyers speak out on abortion

Given what they believe to be “a culture of death” in the country, members of the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship (LCF) are urging Jamaicans to reject abortion and instead place more efforts on saving mothers and their unborn babies. Towards this end, president of the LCF, Helene Coley-Nicholson, is hoping that Jamaicans will support the group’s ‘A Time for Life’ campaign, which was launched yesterday at the New Testament Church of God headquarters at Fairway Avenue in St Andrew. The group is lobbying for the recommendation to decriminalise abortion to be aborted, among other things. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Reggae Girlz ‘getting somewhere’

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Women’s Committee chairperson, Elaine Walker-Brown is pleased with the camaraderie and grit showed by the team that advanced to the CONCACAF final stage of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Walker-Brown who has been involved in women’s football since 1991, mentioned left back Lauren Silver as one of the main players responsible for the high morale in the camp. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Police ticked off by wage talk delays

“Disgraceful!” is the word used by chairman of the Police Federation, Corporal Arlene McBean, to describe a letter from Minister of Finance Nigel Clarke stating that he was unable to give a date for the continuation of wage negotiations for rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Fantasy Beach to be upgraded

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently announced that the Tourism Enhancement Fund will be financing the overhaul of Fantasy Beach in Priory, St Ann, as part of its National Beach Development Programme, over a two-year period. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Meikle blasts Barrett for ‘sexist’ comments on female refs

CONCACAF Referees assessor, Dave Meikle, has labelled Charles Barrett as ‘sexist’ after the former FIFA official told The Gleaner that too much emphasis is being placed on female referees. The comments riled up Meikle, who said that Barrett’s statement was backward and unfortunate, coming from a person of his stature. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Published in 2017, the latest State of the Jamaica Climate report “attempts to provide a concise overview of what is available and known about Jamaica’s climate”, and importantly make the case for the need to include climate considerations in decision making.

In a sentence, the summary of climate projections indicate rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, rising sea levels, and more intense hurricanes when they happen. The table below from the report provides details on the historical trend and projections.

What does this all mean? That everyone, everywhere is affected. There is an extensive section on impacts by the following categories:

• Development
• Education
• Gender
• Security
• Agriculture and Fisheries
• Livestock
• Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity
• Poverty
• Tourism
• Health
• Society
• Freshwater Resources
• Energy Supply and Distribution
• Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Settlements

See the graphics below from the report showing climate impacts at a glance.

The report contains Climate Vulnerability Profiles for specific geographic areas:

• Bluefields
• Negril
• Rio Minho
• Ocho Rios
• Black River
• Montego Bay
• Portmore

Everyone is encouraged to read the report.  Be more aware of what climate change means and see how the report can help us all to become more resilient.  Download the report here: The State of the Jamaican Climate

Since publication of this report, the community of Treasure Beach has taken steps to become climate resilient and adapt.  Read more here:  Treasure Beach is on the Climate-Smart Fast Track 

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

Your news in a nutshell

1. Tax on G Sugar!
2. American Airlines Goes Cashless in Jamaica
3. China Harbour to Redesign MoBay’s North & South Gullies
4. Portland to Benefit from 9 Cruise Ships
5. Ntini Edwards Shines with 8 Grade Ones in CSEC
6. Investment Property Purchases Rise As Short-Stay Rentals Spike

1. Tax on G Sugar!

Unscrupulous manufacturers working in tandem with corrupt customs officials and brokers are largely to blame for the dismal state of Jamaica’s sugar industry, a situation Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw warned.. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. American Airlines goes cashless in Jamaica

As of Monday, September 17, American Airlines passengers travelling from both the Sangster International and the Norman Manley airports will be required to use a debit or credit card to make transactions with the airline. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. China Harbour to redesign Mobay’s North & South gullies

Dr Horace Chang, Member of Parliament (MP) for North West St James, said the government has engaged the services of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited to redesign the drainage system in Montego Bay to prevent further flooding. Last November, following four hours of continuous rainfall, the second city experienced extensive flooding, which resulted in millions of dollars in damage to residential and commercial buildings.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Portland to benefit from 9 cruise ships

Nine cruise ships are slated to arrive in Port Antonio, Portland, over a five-month period, which will represent a significant improvement in tourist’s arrival to the resort town.Port Antonio, which is the island’s cradle of tourism, has been struggling with tourist arrival since the fleet of Norwegian Caribbean Cruise line and Royal Caribbean vessels pulled out in the 1980s, taking their business elsewhere.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Ntini Edwards shines with 8 grade ones in CSEC

While attending Gibraltar All-Age School in St Ann, it wasn’t difficult for one to detect that Ntini Edwards would emerge to become a brilliant student, such was her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. The Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) results of 2013 saw her emerging as the top student overall in the Noranda Bauxite annual scholarship awards, where she earned a cheque for $25,000 and a laptop on her way to attending St Hilda’s Diocesan High in Brown’s Town, St Ann.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Investment property purchases rise as short-stay rentals spike

Jamaican realtors, property developers and bankers selling mortgages are reporting more interest in investment property purchases, and a concurrent upswell in mid-income developments in Kingston that is partly a response to that demand. Devon Young, a developer who is finalising a new residential complex in Kingston called The Hamptons, financed through the Jamaica Mortgage Bank, (JMB), told the Financial Gleaner that over 90 per cent of interest in the property was driven by prospective short-term rental business through Airbnb.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Why is it that the most valuable land in Kingston is far away from the coast? In most modern metropolises all the most valuable land is right on the coastline. Kingston has had it backwards for a very long time.

Not anymore it seems.

New reporting out of the Washington Post and studies from Harvard, the Journal of Financial Economics and the non-profit First Street Foundation are all saying the same thing – Sea Levels have been rising for the past 100 years, faster in the last 25. And they will continue to rise for the next 100 years, even by as much as 1.3 metres (4.3 feet).

Areas of Kingston 21 like Miami Beach are only 0.7 metres above sea level putting them in impending danger.

Climate Gentrification is the study of how consumers are changing purchasing habits by increasing the values of land at higher elevation more rapidly, while land values at lower elevation either decreases or grows slowly.

Researchers estimate that the Miami-Dade area itself has lost nearly half a billion US$ (US$500mln) in value in just a dozen years.

What does this mean for the development of low elevation development in Jamaica? Areas like downtown Kingston, South St. Catherine, Ocho Rios and Savanna-La-Mar, for example? It means planners need to take such things into consideration when making zoning plans for future development.

Read more:

What’s Happening With Jamaica’s Climate?

Sea level rise is eroding home value, and owners might not even know it

Climate gentrification: from theory to empiricism in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

Your news in a nutshell

1. NESOL verbal corruption
2. Another Monymusk bailout commitment
3. 20 sure of Windrush compensation
4. Police cars useless
5. St James most wanted killed
6. Image is everything for athletes

1. NESOL verbal corruption

“Verbal corruption” allowed the state-owned National Energy Solution Limited (NESol) to hire a private firm, Peak Energy Solutions Limited, and pay it millions of dollars for service rendered without a contract in place. That was the charge of Fitz Jackson, an opposition member of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC), at a meeting yesterday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Another Monymusk bailout commitment

For the third consecutive year, the Government will dip into its coffers to bail out farmers contracted to plant cane for the Monymusk sugar factory in Lionel Town, Clarendon, according to Agriculture Minister Audley Shaw. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. 20 sure of Windrush compensation

The Home Office – a ministerial department of the British Government – has so far reviewed nearly 12,000 cases of detentions and deportations in wake of the Windrush saga, according to Asif Ahmad, the British high commissioner to Jamaica. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Police cars useless

The long-running police used-car saga involving the Government and O’Brien’s International Car Rental and Sales has taken a new twist. Yesterday, Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) was told that the 66 cars that have been handed over so far failed the rigour of regular police work. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. St James most wanted killed

TWO MEN- one of St James’ most wanted and another believed to be one of his cronies – were killed yesterday morning when they allegedly engaged the police in a fierce gunfight in the Chelsea section of Irwin, which is located on the outskirts of Montego Bay. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Image is everything for athletes

Sports publicist Tanya Lee says there is not enough appreciation for the importance of marketability among athletes. Lee was speaking with The Gleaner about sporting teams building better partnerships with their sponsors and the importance of player endorsements in strengthening such relationships. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. 80% of J’cans got Chik-V
2. Decomposing body of murder suspect found
3. Actor Burt Reynolds is dead
4. JFF, Umbro unveil new kits
5. Hurricane Florence now Category 2
6. Not enough referees

1. 80% of J’cans got Chik-V

Yesterday, the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III confirmed the widely held speculation that more than half of Jamaicans were infected with the chikungunya virus (chik-V) when it swept across the island a few years ago. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Decomposing body of murder suspect found

Linton Stephenson, the 59-year-old Seventh-day Adventist deacon wanted for the murder of a 25-year-old Mandeville woman has been found dead in Manchester. The police say Stephenson’s decomposing body was found at his Bloomsville Circle home in the parish. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Actor Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds, whose credits included acclaimed films such as “Deliverance” and commercial hits like “Smokey and the Bandit,” has died. The handsome film and television star died at age 82, according to his agent Todd Eisner. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. JFF, Umbro unveil new kits

Umbro has unveiled the new home and away kits for the Jamaica Football Federation National Teams, with a campaign inspired by the unique culture and energy of the Caribbean nation.​ See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Hurricane Florence now Category 2

Hurricane Florence, the first major storm of the Atlantic season, dropped to a Category 2 storm on Thursday and further weakening is expected later in the day as it continues to head towards Bermuda, forecasters said. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Not enough referees

Victor Stewart, manager for the referees department at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), has admitted that he is struggling to provide enough officials to man the upcoming schoolboy football and men’s and women’s premier league seasons. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

They say a picture tells a story better than any article every could. The Main JSE Market has a market capitalization of approximately J$1.215Trillion. Three out of the 33 securities on the Main JSE Market occupy just less than 49.7% of the market capitalization. Putting that into perspective, 3 companies are worth J$603Bln, almost as much as the next 30 companies on the stock exchange combined.

All three companies, as expected, are financial entities, with NCB Financial Group occupying nearly 23% of the market capitalization of the entire exchange. As expected, the other two are Scotia Bank Jamaica and Sagicor Jamaica.

NCB’s market capitalization alone is greater than the combined market capitalization of companies 10 through 33 on the Main Exchange – companies such as Caribbean Cement, Jamaica Broilers Group, Wisynco, Seprod and Jamaica Producers.

Taking this concept a step further, we looked at 98 securities on the combined market – Main Market, US Market, Junior Market and Preference Share listings.

Interestingly, in this scenario, there are now 4 stocks to rule them all. The usual 3 financial stocks with the addition of Kingston Wharves Ltd., a security which has seen its share price (and market capitalization) double in 2018. The largest stocks are still very large though, as NCBFG alone has a bigger market capitalization than the bottom 82 securities.

Are these valuations justified? We’ll dig a little deeper to find out. However, it is intriguing to think that possibly there are other companies in Jamaica that the public would love to invest in and that would really move the needle on capital formation in Jamaica.

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

Your news in a nutshell

1. Shanoya Wray’s family protests
2. Hurricanes Florence, Issac trouble C’bean
3. Shaw to link ganja farmers to processors
4. No water in some of Westmoreland?
5. Three dead in Porus crash
6. Seaga doesn’t like dancehall

1. Shanoya Wray’s family protests

Family and supporters of Shanoya Wray, whose decomposing was found in a house in Mona, St Andrew, protested outside the compound the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court this morning calling for justice. Wray’s thanksgiving service was held yesterday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Hurricanes Florence, Isaac trouble C’bean

Hurricanes Isaac was showing little change in strength as it moved towards the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, while Hurricane Florence was expected to move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas by Wednesday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Shaw to link ganja farmers to processors

Minister of Industry and Agriculture Audley Shaw says he is looking to link small ganja farmers with large processors who have the ability to convert ganja into a range of medicinal products. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. No water in some of Westmoreland?

The National Water Commission (NWC) is appealing to residents of Brighton and Retirement, Westmoreland who are without water to contact the agency so that commodity can be trucked to their premises. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Three dead in Porus crash

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three men in a motor vehicle collision along the Whitefield main road in Porus, Manchester, were under way yesterday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Seaga doesn’t like dancehall

Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga has made public his distaste for modern dancehall music, which he describes as lacking in substance. “We seem to be searching, but fruitlessly. After a run of all the different basic rhythms that we have developed, we have cooled off into dancehall. I am not going to say anything disparaging about that except that I don’t like it. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. Major fire at Ashenheim houses
2. Motorists blame NWA for traffic
3. Blake relays disappointment
4. Oliver and Maffy make big moves
5. Inadequate education hurting potential growth
6. T’dad cineplex eyeing Ja

1. Major fire at Ashenheim houses

Firefighters have been working since about 1 o’clock this morning to extinguish a major fire at Atlantic Hardware and Pings Fabrics warehouses on Ashenheim Road in Kingston. The mighty blaze also spread to the adjacent offices of Pings Syrup,  Chem-Quip Water Treatment Ltd, and renowned caterer Jacqui Tyson, creating extensive damage. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Motorists blame NWA for traffic

Motorists and residents in the Corporate Area have rubbished claims by the National Works Agency (NWA) that unruly motorists were at the heart of the traffic gridlock that brought movement to a standstill for extended hours yesterday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Blake relays disappointment

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association President Dr Warren Blake has expressed disappointment at Jamaica’s failure to become the host of the 2019 IAAF World Relays. Blake said the Government was not able to provide a written financial backing to the IAAF, despite the world governing body extending the period given for the country to provide the document. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Oliver and Maffy make big moves

The US Labor Day weekend became a celebration for the Caribbean theatre community. Iconic comedy duo Oliver Samuels and Volier ‘Maffy’ Johnson, in the company of Audrey Reid and Dennis Titus, premiered 56 East Avenue. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Inadequate education hurting growth potential

Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid believes if Jamaica is to become a viable, productive force in the 21st century, educational opportunities must be made available to all. “The reality of Jamaica today is that only 15 per cent of our population has tertiary education, 18 per cent has technical training, and 67 per cent is somewhere between not trained and not certified,” said Reid, who was delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the 2018-2019 school year, which was held at the newly branded Knockalva Polytechnic College in Ramble, Hanover. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. T’dad cineplex eyeing Ja

Popular Trinidadian cineplex, MovieTowne, is looking to come to Jamaica. MovieTowne chairman and founder Derek Chin told the Trinidad Express newspaper on Monday that he plans to expand into the island and in St Lucia. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. Cops under attack at Swallowfield
2. Avoid Swallowfield, Arthur Wint area
3. Gilbert memories: 30 years later
4. Major crash along Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway
5. 9 road deaths in 3 days
6. Gayle, Russell icons in Afghan league

1. Cops under attack at Swallowfield

Police personnel and residents had to scamper for cover yesterday evening in the Swallowfield area in St Andrew, as gunmen challenged lawmen in a gunfight. Last night’s melee is said to have stemmed from a police killing of a teenager on Bundy Lane in the community on Monday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Avoid Swallowfield, Arthur Wint area

otorists are being urged to avoid the Swallowfield area in St Andrew where thugs have been firing shots. The police say motorists should avoid Old Hope Road, Windsor Avenue and Arthur Wint Drive. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Gilbert memories: 30 years later

When the deadly Hurricane Gilbert began ravaging Jamaica 30 years ago today, the capacity to accurately predict the path and strength of major storms was inferior then to what exists now. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Major crash along Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway

At least three people have been rushed to hospital following a motor vehicle crash along the Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway in east Kingston. One person claiming to be an eye witness, said the crash happened after a woman driving a Toyota motor car towards Kingston, lost control of the vehicle, crossed the median and ended up in the path of a Jamaica Urban Transit Company bus heading in the opposite direction. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Nine road deaths in three days

The number of persons killed on Jamaica’s roadways since Sunday climbed to nine yesterday following a two-vehicle collision on the Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway in east Kingston. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Gayle, Russell icons in Afghan League

West Indies superstars Chris Gayle and Andre Russell have been drafted as ‘icons’ for their respective franchises in the Afghanistan Premier League which bowls off next month. In the draft staged here Monday, Balkh picked up the veteran Gayle as their ‘icon’ player while Nangarhar snatched up all-rounder Russell. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Your news in a nutshell

1. NESOL messy affair
2. Easton Douglas to get state funeral
3. Large fire at Duke, Sutton intersection in Downton Kgn
4. Southern highway project first phase to begin soon
5. Reid orders search for booted Calabar 11
6. Prof Dale Webber making his mark

1. NESOL messy affair

As Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) continues its probe of the operations of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy, technocrats struggled to provide details about the $60-million verbal contract issued to Peak Energy Solutions, whose sole shareholder was Constantine Gordon, the former general manager of Nationwide News Network (NNN). See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Easton Douglas to get state funeral

Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament Easton Douglas, OJ, CD, is to be accorded an Official Funeral by the Government. This was disclosed by Minister of Information Senator Ruel Reid at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Large fire at Duke, Sutton intersection in Downtown Kgn

Firefighters are now battling a blaze at the house and business place located intersection of Duke and Sutton Streets in downtown, Kingston. Roads have been cordoned off. At least three families, including seven children, have been left homeless. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Southern highway project first phase to begin soon

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz has indicated that work on the Morant Bay to Port Antonio leg of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project is to begin soon. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Reid orders search for booted Calabar 11

THE MINISTRY of Education is seeking to find 11 of the more than 30 students who were barred from entering fifth form at Calabar High School in St Andrew at the start of the new school year. The students were denied places in Calabar after they failed to attain averages of 60 per cent or above despite interventions from the leadership of the school. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Prof Dale Webber making mark

IN ONLY a few weeks’ time, Professor Dale Webber, principal of the University of the West Indies, respected marine scientist and a man who has long given his time to public service, is to be honoured nationally. He will receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of commander for outstanding contribution to environmental conservation, and he never saw it coming – despite his years of teaching, research and volunteerism. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

Following up on the NEPA Report on Riverton 2018, here are 4 quick facts on Benzene exposure. Benzene was found to be at high level during the fire.

According to the NEPA Report, “The guideline concentration for benzene in ambient air as stated in the NRCA (Air Quality) Regulations 2006 is 1μg/m3 annually. This indicates that the benzene concentrations during the fire were 40 times more than the recommended annual exposure limit.”

Interestingly, from the WHO: “No specific guideline value has been developed for air. Benzene is carcinogenic to humans, and no safe level of exposure can be recommended.” and “The geometric mean of the range of estimates of the excess lifetime risk of leukaemia at an air concentration of 1 μg/m3 is 6 × 10–6. The concentrations of airborne benzene associated with an excess lifetime risk of 1/10 000, 1/100 000 and 1/1 000 000 are, respectively, 17, 1.7 and 0.17 μg/m3.”.

The World Health Organization states the following effects from exposure:

• headache
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• confusion
• tremors
• loss of conciousness
• All of these symptoms are worsened with the use of alcohol
• moderate eye and skin irritant

2. Continuous exposure to benzene is a well established cause of cancer, specifically various kinds of leukemia and a higher rate of mortality from leukemia.

3. Reduces the production of both red and white blood cells from bone marrow in humans, resulting in aplastic anaemia.

4. Both B-cell proliferation and T-cell proliferation are reduced by benzene. Decreased host resistance to infection has been reported in several laboratory animals exposed to benzene.

Read more about Benzene from the WHO here and here.

What is Toluene? Toluene has a variety of uses:

• Added to gasolene to improve the octane rating
• To produce benzene
• As a solvent in paints,coatings, adhesives, inks and cleaning agents
• In the production of polymers to make plastic bottles
• In the production of polyurethanes to make pharmaceuticals, dyes and cosmetic nail products.

Following up on the NEPA Report on Riverton 2018, here are 4 quick points on Toluene exposure. Toluene was found to be at a high level during the fire.

NEPA does not track Toluene as part of the NRCA (Air Quality) Regulations 2006, however “According to the WHO Air Quality Guideline for Europe (World Health Organization, 2000), mean ambient air concentrations of toluene in urban air are in the range 5–150 μg/m3. Concentrations may be higher close to industrial emission sources.”.

Unfortunately, Riverton is situated adjacent to both industrial AND residential areas.

From the NEPA Report: “The highest recorded concentration for toluene of 30μg/m3 was just over 2½ times the 11.2μg/m3 concentration recorded during the 2015 fire at the RSWDS. It should be noted that the 2015 fire was considerably larger (8 acres versus 60 acres), hence it is of concern that the toluene levels are considerably higher.”.

So although the level of Toluene might have been acceptable in an industrial area, it was totally unacceptable in a residential area. These findings give credibility to calls for the dump to be relocated.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States of America gives some guidelines to toluene stating: “Levels of toluene measured in rural, urban, and indoor air averaged 1.3, 10.8, and 31.5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), respectively.” The 31.5micrograms per cubic meter represents industrial working areas, according to

The CDC then discusses the following effects from exposure:

• fatigue
• sleepiness
• headaches
• nausea
• loss of conciousness
• cardiac arrhythmia
• At higher levels of exposure death has been known to occur

2. Continuous exposure to toluene at high levels (much greater than 30μg/m3) has resulted in depression of the Central Nervous System. Symptoms include:

• drowsiness
• ataxia
• tremors
• cerebral atrophy
• nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
• impaired speech, hearing, and vision.

3. Chronic inhalation exposure to toluene causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, sore throat, dizziness, headache, and difficulty with sleep.

4. CNS dysfunction, attention deficits, minor craniofacial and limb anomalies, and developmental delay were observed in the children of pregnant women exposed to toluene or to mixed solvents during solvent abuse. This point is not represented as a fact as the studies that gave these results were confounded by exposure to multiple chemicals.

Read more about Toluene from the EPA here,  the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the WHO.

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

What is PM2.5?

PM is an abbreviation for Particulate Matter. Basically, Particulate Matter or PM is a mix of all the solid and liquid “stuff” in the air. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay way up in the air, it eventually makes its way down to the ground and sometimes into our lungs and can affect us really badly.

PM is a mixture of natural “stuff” and man-made “stuff”. Some examples are dust, soot and sea spray. PM is given off during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels for the generation of power, and in your vehicle’s engine.

PM can vary in size, and for many years in Jamaica, NEPA has studied PM10 – particulate matter around 10 micrometres. The agency has spent time, money and training on setting up sites to study PM2.5 so that Jamaica can have a better understanding of its particulate matter. Such study is critical as “WHO Air Quality Guidelines” estimate that reducing annual average fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations from levels of 35 μg/m³, common in many developing cities, to the WHO guideline level of 10 μg/m³, could reduce air pollution-related deaths by around 15%.

As the name implies, PM2.5 looks at particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diametre. If you want look at a ruler, then look for a millimetre – then try and find 1/400th of 1 millimetre – and thats what PM2.5 looks like.

Will It Affect YOU? YES!!

During the Riverton Fire 2018, NEPA Reported that:

1. “The levels of PM2.5 recorded were above the WHO 24-hour guideline limit (25μg/m3) for PM2.5.
2. The highest average daily concentration of PM2.5 (40.58 μg/m3) recorded at the Spanish Town monitoring station was on day 3 of the fire, Tuesday, August 31 2018.
3. This was 62% higher than the WHO guideline limit and is expected to have a negative impact on the population.
4. At the Duhaney Park monitoring location, PM2.5 concentrations above the WHO 24-hour guideline limit was also recorded.
5. The highest recorded concentration (43.28 μg/m3) was 73% above the WHO Guideline Limit for PM2.5.”

Effects of Acute Exposure

• Exposure to high concentrations of PM (e.g. during short-term pollution episodes) exacerbate lung and heart conditions, significantly affecting quality of life, and increase deaths and hospital admissions.
• Children, the elderly and those with predisposed respiratory and cardiovascular disease, are known to be more susceptible to the health impacts from air pollution.

Effect of Long-Term Exposure

• WHO estimates that in 2016, some 58% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to ischaemic heart disease and strokes, while 18% of deaths were due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lower respiratory infections respectively, and 6% of deaths were due to lung cancer.

Read more here and here.

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

What is NO2?

Nitrogen Dioxide, or NO2 is only one of a dangerous family of gases known as Nitrogen Oxides or NOx.

NO2 gets in the air from burning fuel. Generally, the combustion of fuel coming from cars, buses, trucks, power plants and heavy equipment.

The WHO states that “At short-term (one hour), concentrations exceeding 200 μg/m, it is a toxic gas which causes significant inflammation of the airways.”. Unfortunately, the NEPA Report points out that the “NRCA guideline limit of 400μg/m3” which is twice the WHO limit.

During the Riverton Fire of 2018, short term concentration of NO2 was recorded at 730.2μg/m3 – multiple times higher than the WHO limit, but only 88% higher than Jamaican guidelines.

Effects of NO2

Breathing air with a high concentration of NO₂ can have the following effects:

• irritate airways in the human respiratory system.
• aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma,
• leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms.
• Longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO₂ may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
• People with asthma, as well as children and the elderly are generally at greater risk for the health effects of NO₂

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

It seems like a recurring conversation.

Fire at the Riverton dump.

We now have a fourth published report by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) into fires at the Riverton dump, relating to fires in 2012, 2014, 2015 and now 2018.

Here are six quick findings from the report,

1. There was a negative impact on the ambient air quality in Kingston and St. Andrew, as well as parts of St. Catherine, including Portmore and Spanish Town.

2. Forty six (46) pollutants were detected from the analyses conducted on VOC samples; thirty four (34) were detected above the lower concentration limit (0.2μg/m3).

The results of the analysis indicate higher than normal concentrations of benzene and toluene. The recorded benzene concentration was 41μg/m3 at the Spanish Town Road location. This is approximately 2.5 times the highest benzene concentration detected during the 2015 fire at the RSWDS (15.3μg/m3). The highest recorded concentration for toluene of 30μg/m3 was just over 2.5 times the 11.2μg/m3 concentration recorded during the 2015 fire at the RSWDS.

Benzene? Learn, more about the bad things that happen when benzene is in the air.

Toluene? Learn, more about the why toluene is bad for you here.

3. The WHO 24-hour limit (25μg/m3) for PM2.5 was exceeded. The highest average daily concentration of PM2.5 (40.58 μg/m3) recorded at the Spanish Town, St. Catherine monitoring station during the period under review was on day three of the fire. The WHO 24-hour guideline limit for PM2.5 was also exceeded at the Duhaney Park monitoring location. The highest recorded concentration was 43.28μg/m3 on August 3, 2018.

What is PM2.5? Why is it bad for you? Read more about it here.

4. Seven (7) exceedances of the 1-hour NO2 guideline limit were observed over the period on August 4 and 5, 2018. The highest recorded NO2 concentration was 730.2μg/m3 on August 4, 2018.

NO2? Say no to NO2, read more about why this gas is bad for you here.

5. Results indicate possible health impact especially to sensitive groups.

6. Results of the monitoring also indicated impact on air quality as a result of the Saharan Dust thereby increasing the recorded particulate matter concentrations.

See more… 5 Findings From NEPA’s Air Quality Report On The Riverton Fire (2015)

Content Provided by: Mdk Advisory & Consulting Ltd., a strategic advisory firm offering a wide range of services to a cross-section of clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors

Your news in a nutshell

1. Business Operators Near Three Miles Chide Gov’t For Downturn In Sales
2. Almost Four Murders A Day So Far This Month
3. Ski Mask Gang Resurfaces, As Concerns Heighten in Trelawny
4. Three More Movies Set For Filming In Jamaica
5. Less Optimism About Business Conditions
6. 5 Questions With George Nooks – Reggae Singer Believes He Is Poised For Even More Musical Success

1. Business operators near Three Miles chide Gov’t for downturn in sales

With noticeably fewer customers turning out and observing sharp dips in earnings just five days into the planned eight-month closure of the Three Miles intersection, businesses operating within the proximity of the major crossroads are fearful that the full term might cripple their establishments. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Almost four murders a day so far this month

Thirty-two persons were murdered across the island over the first eight days of this month, police statistics have revealed. At the same time, the latest Periodic Crime Statistics Review compiled by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that 99 murders were recorded in the 19 police divisions nationwide last month.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Ski Mask gang resurfaces, as concern heightens in Trelawny

The Ski Mask gang, which was partially wiped out last March when six of its top-tier members were killed in a gunfight with a police-military patrol on the Trelawny-St James border, is back on the radar of lawmen and creating serious concerns. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Three more movies set for filming in Jamaica

The film Yardie, directed by British actor Idris Elba, climaxed with three Jamaicans engaged in a triangular shoot-out. That crime film was the latest in a series of projects shot on location which expended more than $1 billion in the economy last fiscal year.

See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Less optimism about business conditions

Perceptions about present and future business conditions worsened during the last quarter as the proportion of persons who are less optimistic about the effect of the economy on individual businesses increases. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. 5 questions with George Nooks

The God is Standing By singer said that despite his legal troubles, his career has not been severely impacted as he is still able to do music. He also said that he has a plethora of bookings lined up. George Nooks released an album last month. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

The Government of Jamaica announced bans on single-use plastic bags and straws as well as Styrofoam, taking effect on January 1, 2019. Here are some details on what that means for producers and consumers.

Ban On Plastics Bags

* There will be a ban on the importation, manufacturing, distribution, and use of all single-use plastic carrier bags commonly called scandal bags.

* The ban applies to bans with dimensions at or below 24 inches by 24 inches.

* The ban excludes single-use plastic bags utilised to maintain public health or food safety standards such as those used to package raw meats, flour, rice, sugar and baked goods such as bread

*Manufacturers and importers of shopping bags made of polyethylene must apply to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) for limited exemptions. These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for continued manufacture and importation no later than January 1, 2021.

* Consumers are being encouraged to use reusable carrier bags, particularly by local enterprises.

Ban On Styrofoam

* The ban will apply to the importation of polystyrene foam, commonly referred to as Styrofoam, used as finished goods in the food and beverage industry i.e food and beverage containers.

* The local manufacture and distribution of polystyrene foam for use as finished goods in the food and beverage industry will be banned as at January 1, 2021.

* The use of polystyrene for the packaging of food items such as raw meats will be exempt.

* Producers of products which utilise such packaging must apply to NEPA for limited exemptions.

* Industry is encouraged to manufacture/distribute paper-based and other environmentally friendly alternatives for the domestic market.

Ban On Plastic Straws

* There will be a ban on the import and manufacture of plastic drinking straws.

* There will be no ban on wax-lined paper straws or other non-plastic straws.

* The importation of straws attached to lunch juice boxes and drink pouches will be banned as at January 1, 2021. This deadline was arrived at based on the Government’s discussions with the private sector regarding the timeframe for the conversion of existing equipment.

* For the medical sector as well as persons with disabilities, drinking straws made from alternative materials such as paper or bamboo are not always suitable. In light of this, exemptions will be examined in consultation with key stakeholders. Applications for such exemptions should be applied through the NEPA.

Procedures For Exemptions

* The guidelines for application for exemptions for the specific categories of plastic packaging materials will be developed by NEPA in consultation with the relevant public sector agencies. These Guidelines will be posted on the JIS and the Agency’s websites as well as circulated to the affected private sector stakeholders.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner