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6 Things You Need To Know Today

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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.


6 Things You Need To Know Today

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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.

Warren Blake covering his face with a folder.

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 AvenueSee 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.

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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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.

Chris Gayle

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.

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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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.

Ruel Reid

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.

Effects Of Benzene Exposure

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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:

1. Acute exposure to benzene may cause narcosis (which has symptoms including)
  • 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.

 

 

 

Effects Of Toluene Exposure

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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:

1. Acute exposure to toluene may cause narcosis and central nervous system dysfunction (which has symptoms including)
  • 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? Will it affect me?

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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 (PM2.5) 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

Effects of NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide

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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


6 Findings From NEPA’s Air Quality Report On Riverton Fire 2018

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Image from NEPA: RIVERTON FIRE AUGUST 2018 REPORT

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.

Fire raging at the Riverton City Dump in St Andrew, Image courtesy of the Jamaica Star http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20180729/riverton-fire-again

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

 

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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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

Film Commissioner Renee Robinson

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

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.

Jamaica’s Scandal Bag Ban Explained

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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

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. 4.6 quake felt islandwide
  2. Crawford crates PNP euphoria
  3. Scandal bag ban, and more
  4. Security issue at Supreme Court building
  5. Avoid croc habitats during heavy rains -NEPA
  6. Mental health, suicide helpline established

1. 4.6 quake felt islandwide

Jamaicans in all but one parish reported yesterday that they felt a minor earthquake. In a statement yesterday, the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in St Andrew, confirmed that the island had experienced an earthquake around 1:47 p.m. The epicentre was located at approximately 4km east of Angels in St Catherine and had a magnitude of 4.6 in focal depth. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Crawford creates PNP euphoria

Having had their fill of platform utterances, tailored political dubplates and rallying cries, the rain clouds that eventually burst over the National Arena in Kingston yesterday afternoon did little to dampen the euphoria of Comrades at the People’s National Party’s (PNP) 80th annual Conference. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Scandal bag ban, and more …

The Government this morning announced bans on single-use plastic bags and straws as well as Styrofoam. The bans take effect on January 1, 2019. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Security issue at Supreme Court building

This morning’s ceremonial opening of the Michaelmas Term of the Home Circuit Court at the Supreme Court building in downtown Kingston was disrupted by a security issue. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Avoid croc habitats during heavy rains – NEPA

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising the public to exercise extreme caution in areas close to swamps, rivers, gullies and other known crocodile habitats, as the animals are likely to be displaced during the heavy rains. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Mental health, suicide helpline established

A mental health/suicide helpline is to be established by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Choose Life International (CLI) to provide support to persons in need of assistance. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

 

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. Holness looks to Israel
  2. Ja fishermen stuck in Colombia
  3. $98m NWA drain cleaning programme
  4. Man arrested after drug bust
  5. Robust sports Town Hall meeting expected
  6. ‘Rock Star’ named as person of interest

1. Holness looks to Israel

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has signalled that his administration is open to establishing a framework for cooperation with Israel on national security issues such as cybersecurity. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Ja fishermen stuck in Colombia

Twenty-eight Jamaican fishermen who are currently in San Andres, an island off the Colombian coast, are itching to return home after being rescued at sea last week. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. $98m NWA drain cleaning

The National Works Agency (NWA) says it is to undertake a $95.8 million disaster mitigation programme. The NWA says this is the second such drain cleaning programme implemented since the start of the 2018 hurricane season and is to be rolled out islandwide. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Man arrested after drug bust

The police are reporting that a man was arrested during an operation on Kensington Crescent, St Andrew where they allegedly seized approximately 196 pounds of ganja and approximately one kilogramme of cocaine. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Robust sports Town Hall meeting expected

Milton Walker, group head of news and sports for the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, expects a “robust and fruitful” discussion when the second edition of the RJRGLEANER Sports Town Hall debate takes place this evening at the Mico University College auditorium, starting at 8.30. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. ‘Rock Star’ named as person of interest

Detectives attached to the Morant Police Criminal Investigation Branch in St Thomas have listed Brandon McIntosh, otherwise called ‘Rock Star’, of Ivan Scheme, Duckenfield in the parish, as a Person of Interest. See full story on The Gleaner’s website. 

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. Schools bemoan scarcity of healthy food supplies
  2. Errol Miller death a huge loss
  3. 200 ganja farmers for CanEx Ja programme
  4. Nearly $100m in cash forfeited to State
  5. Judge rejects application to split charges
  6. Stop abusing seniors

1. Schools bemoan scarcity of healthy food supplies

Concerns are being raised in the education sector about few or no alternatives to bulla cakes and other high-sugar products following their withdrawal from public schools. Education Minister Ruel Reid, while addressing the 54th Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s Annual Conference earlier this year, had announced that several food items, including the popular bulla cakes, would be removed from local schools as part of a campaign to promote healthier eating among students. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Errol Miller death a huge loss

Managing Director of Flow Jamaica Stephen Price has described the passing of Errol “EK” Miller, Executive Chairman of the Flow Foundation, as a significant loss, adding that the entire company is extremely saddened. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. 200 ganja farmers for CanEx Ja programme

Jamaican health and wellness distribution company, Zimmer & Co, has sponsored 200 local farmers to attend the CANEX Business Conference and Expo free of cost. The third staging of CanEx Jamaica will take place September 27-29, 2018 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay, St. James. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Nearly $100m in cash forfeited to State

Nearly $100 million in cash, including $68 million taken from two suspected South African ‘money mules’, was turned over to the Government’s coffers in the first five months of the current fiscal year. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Judge rejects application to split charges

Justice Vivienne Harris, who is presiding over what has been dubbed the ‘police death squad trial’, has rejected an application by one of the attorneys representing police constable Collis ‘Chucky’ Brown to have the five-count indictment against him separated. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Stop abusing seniors

Labour and Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson has encouraged Jamaicans to protect the elderly by reporting incidents of abuse meted out to them to the police or the National Council for Senior Citizens. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

SRC Science and Technology Fairs

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The Scientific Research Council (SRC) will partner with the Sustainable Youth Employment in Digital and Animation Industries (YEDAI) Project for Jamaica to execute three Science and Technology Fairs over the period, 2018 – 2020. The first National Science and Technology Fair was held this year showcasing a range of projects –  from primary school students producing cleaning products made of  local plants to high school students creating water distillers. In keeping with the aim, the fair gave various students the opportunity to identify, produce and commercialize products and services geared at improving national growth and development.

There has been much talk about the importance of entrepreneurship being introduced to students at an early age in addition to the usual academic agenda. The fair has found a unique balance between the two in allowing students to use scientific principles and processes to develop or improve products and services. However, the fair did not only offer students a chance to compete as regional ideation sessions and workshops were held previously. It helped students and teachers across the island at the primary, secondary and tertiary level identify feasible business ideas, develop working prototypes and create start-ups with an aim to address local problems.

Over thirty six projects were on display at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston for the event. Students from twenty schools showcased their scientific solutions in areas such as education, agriculture, food and agro-processing, energy, ICT and electronics, health & safety as well as sports / athletics. The event also featured thirty local companies and activities such as drone and solar cooking demonstrations, as well as a tech entrepreneurship session.

 

Awards were given for the best idea at the primary, secondary and tertiary level as well as the most environmentally friendly, most innovative, best commercial application and the best use of technology presented in the projects. Awards were also given for the first, second and third place schools overall. Lastly, the fair allowed students to move from a theoretical idea to making a business by selecting nine projects to receive business and technical support to effectively help them move towards commercialization.

Winners at the Primary Level
Winners at the Secondary level
Winners at the Tertiary Level

Partners and sponsors of the Fair were: YEDAI Project, Ministry of Science, Energy & Technology, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Coldax Mart, Collins Books and More, Kingston Bookshop, Adam & Eve Day Spa, Wisynco Group Limited, Lifespan Spring Water, Radioshack Jamaica and Facey Group.


6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. Shocked into silence
  2. Alleged cop killers surrender
  3. Use tech to boost Ja’s tourism
  4. Missed death by centimetres
  5. No dengue outbreak, says health ministry
  6. Violence, robberies prompt meeting of principals

1. Shocked into silence

At just 17 years old, the world was just about to open up in all its majesty for Shawn’d Ferguson. He had big dreams of being a success but was taking his time deciding what career path to take. Then tragedy struck. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Alleged cop killer surrenders

Barrington Whyte, the husband of the woman district constable who was killed in a domestic dispute on the weekend, has surrendered to the police. Top criminal defence attorney Peter Champagnie confirmed that he accompanied Whyte, 52, to the Police Commissioner’s office in St Andrew this morning. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Use tech to boost Ja’s tourism

Junior Tourism Minister Bryanna Hylton wants young people to make full use of their access to technology, including smartphones and social media, as a means of boosting Jamaica’s tourism product and promoting the country to attract potential visitors. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Missed death by centimetres

Two of the survivors of the vehicular crash in the vicinity of Heroes Circle, Kingston, last Friday night, which claimed the lives of two of their friends, say they too could have easily been killed if it weren’t for quick thinking. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. No dengue outbreak, says health ministry

With at least 192 suspected cases of dengue reported since the start of the year, principal medical officer and national epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster-Kerr at the Ministry of Health said based on most recent statistics, there is no outbreak of the disease. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Violence, robberies prompt meeting of principals

A recent spate of robberies and violence against schoolchildren has prompted a meeting today of the heads of some Kingston high schools at St George’s College. The meeting will include representatives from schools in and around Central Kingston, such as Kingston College, St George’s, Clan Carty, Wolmer’s Boys and Girls. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

 

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. PEP Performance task exam pushed back
  2. Grief too rough to bear
  3. End assault on students
  4. Spelling Bee: Taevion wins
  5. Nigeria affirms bilateral cooperation with Ja
  6. Can’t stay home and win -TT coach

1. PEP Performance Task exam pushed back

Following consultations with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the Ministry of Education has decided to make some adjustments to the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination. The Performance Task aspect of the exam, which was scheduled for December, has been pushed back to March 2019. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Grief too rough to bear

Tears flowed down Candice Chambers’ cheeks yesterday and with a weak wave of the hand, she signalled to the Gleaner team to talk to her mother at their home in Oliver Gardens, May Pen, Clarendon. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. End assault on students

Terrified students who attend schools within the Kingston Central region can soon breathe easier, as the relevant authorities are moving quickly to protect them from robberies, as well as sexual and physical assaults on the streets. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Spelling Bee: Taevion wins

Taevion on winning: “I feel very happy. I felt that I could win the competition and I did.” See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Nigeria affirms bilateral cooperation with Ja

Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica Janet Omoleegho Olisa has called for both countries to galvanise their long-standing bilateral cooperation to increase trade between the two nations. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Can’t stay home and win -TT coach

Jamaica’s female table tennis players need overseas exposure if they are to keep pace with their rivals in the region. That’s the observation of Matthew Dawson, who was national women’s team coach during the recently concluded 60th Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Kingston. Dawson noted that players from other islands play overseas and believes Jamaica must do the same. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

 

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. Pushback for PEP
  2. Wheatley assistant was NESol signing officer
  3. Bog Walk gorge closed
  4. Chucky Brown trial: Top cop to be subpoenaed
  5. New life for ‘Frog City’
  6. Big boost for Ocho Rios

1. Pushback for PEP

The decision by the education ministry to push back the Performance Task component of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination until March 2019 is being praised by both parents and teachers. It was originally scheduled to be done in December. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Wheatley assistant was NeSOL signing officer

Sophia Deer, an assistant to former Energy, Science and Technology Minister Andrew Wheatley, and a director on the board of National Energy Solutions Limited (NESol), was a signatory for cheques to contractors for work done on behalf of the agency. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Bog Walk gorge closed

The Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine has been closed. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management says it made the decision to close the gorge for public safety reasons as rainfall continues in the hilly sections of St Catherine causing water levels in the Rio Cobre to rise. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Chucky Brown trial: Top cop to be subpoenaed

Justice Vivienne Harris, who is presiding at the trial for police constable Collis ‘Chucky’ Brown, today indicated she will be ordering that a subpoena is issued for the head of the Clarendon Police, Senior Superintendent Vendolyn Cameron-Powell, to appear in court. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. New life for ‘Frog City’

The long wait for the construction of housing units in Maxfield Park, St Andrew on lands known as ‘Frog City’ is over as Prime Minister Andrew Holness along with Member of Parliament for East Central St Andrew Dr Peter Phillips today broke ground for the initial infrastructural work to facilitate the 210 housing solutions. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Big boost for Ocho Rios

After four years of operating in Jamaica, the Mexican entity Palace Resorts is to spend US$270 million to expand its footprint in the island. The hotel brand will design and construct a new property with an additional 750 rooms following the purchase of the Rooms on the Beach property in Ocho Rios, St Ann. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

 

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. Commish backs Chang
  2. Ja diaspora upset about crime
  3. More Corporate Areas to be dug up
  4. More J’can women doing double mastectomy
  5. Soldier held with illegal gun
  6. 5.2 quake rocks Haiti

1. Commish backs Chang

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has been backed by Police Commissioner Major Antony Anderson, who, too, is adamant that change must come to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) if the issues of crime and violence are to be brought under control. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Ja diaspora upset about crime

A leading voice in the Jamaican diaspora has fired back at government Senator Kerensia Morrison, pointing out that the shipment of guns and ammunition found at the wharf in Kingston last week is not a reflection of all Jamaicans living overseas. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. More Corporate Area to be dug up

Motorists in the Corporate Area should expect to face more inconveniences as the National Water Commission (NWC) says that more roads are to be dug up to lay pipes in furtherance of the state company’s Non-Revenue Water Reduction (NRW) Project. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. More J’can women doing double mastectomy

More Jamaican women are opting to undergo a double mastectomy as a precautionary measure against breast cancer, a growing trend as a result of the ‘Angelina Jolie Effect’, one local expert has suggested. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Soldier held with illegal gun

A Jamaica Defence Force soldier was arrested yesterday after he was allegedly held with an illegal firearm and several rounds of ammunition. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) has confirmed the incident, which reportedly occurred in Spanish Town, St Catherine. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. 5.2 quake rocks Haiti

The US Geological Survey (USGS) says a 5.2 magnitude aftershock rattled northern Haiti, a day after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake left at least 12 dead and 188 injured at the same location. The USGS says the aftershock’s epicentre was located 15.8 kilometres (9.8 miles) north-northwest of Port-de-Paix and had a depth of 10 kilometres. It struck at about 3 p.m. local time on Sunday. See full story on The Gleaner’s website

6 Things You Need To Know Today

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Your news in a nutshell

  1. Too early to tell Ja Moves success
  2. Gleaner ombudsman want to hear from readers
  3. Health Ministry strong on sugary drinks message
  4. Second cohort of HPV vaccines being administered
  5. Chucky Brown trial continues
  6. Guns issued in breach of FLA protocol still out there

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton (second right)

1. Too early to tell Ja Moves success

Indicating that it was too early to determine the success of the popular Jamaica Moves Campaign, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton believes the message has reached most if not all Jamaicans. The ministry has been taking the message of the importance of physical activity around the island, through its Jamaica Moves Campaign, in a bid to tackle non-communicable diseases. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Gleaner ombudsman wants to hear from readers

Retired High Court judge, Justice Roy Anderson, who serves as The Gleaner‘s Ombudsman, has indicated that only a few people have so far utilised the avenue made possible for them to have a voice in keeping the publication on its toes since he assumed the role in April. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Health Ministry strong on sugary drinks message

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is refusing to tweak the message in his ministry’s current campaign, which strongly discourages citizens from consuming excess sugar. Last week, Professor Errol Morrison, honorary president of the Diabetes Association, questioned the clarity of the message during an interview on RJR’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’.  See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Second cohort of HPV vaccines being administered

The second cohort of grade seven girls is now benefiting from the Ministry of Health’s Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme. The move is a proactive measure by the Government to protect girls against cervical cancer, which takes the lives of hundreds of women in the country per year and hundreds of thousands more worldwide. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Chucky Brown trial continues

A high-ranking official at the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) this morning testified that murder accused police Constable Collis ‘Chucky’ Brown admitted to him that he was a part of a ‘special’ police squad. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Guns issued in breach of FLA protocol still out there

The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) has indicated that more than 100 guns for which licences were issued in breach of protocols remain in the hands of individuals. And Chief Executive Officer Shane Dalling said the number is going up as assessments continue. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

 

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