What's up in Jamaica

Jamaican Athletes named for London Olympics

2012-07-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

Athletes named for London Olympics - Sports - Latest News - Jamaica Gleaner

The Jamaica Olympic Association has released the list of athletes who will compete at the 3oth Olympiad in London from July 27 to August 12.

See full list below:

ATHLETICS: (Women)

FRASER-PRYCE Shelley-Ann 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
CAMPBELL-BROWN Veronica 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
STEWART, Kerron 100m, 4x100m Relay
SIMPSON Sherone 200m, 4x100m Relay
CALVERT, Schillonie 4x100m Relay
HENRY-ROBINSON Samantha 4x100m Relay

WILLIAMS-MILLS Novlene 400m, 4x400m Relay
WHYTE, Rosemarie 400m, 4x400m Relay
DAY, Christine 400m, 4x400m Relay
WILLIAMS, Shericka 4x400m Relay
LLOYD Shereefa 4x400m Relay
BLAKE, Dominique 4x400m Relay

SINCLAIR Kenia 800m

FOSTER-HYLTON Brigitte 100m Hurdles
GREAVES Latoya 100m Hurdles
WILLIAMS, Shermaine 100m Hurdles

WALKER Melaine 400m Hurdles
SPENCER, Kaliese 400m Hurdles
WILSON Nickiesha 400m Hurdles

WILLIAMS, Kimberly Triple Jump
SMITH, Trecia Triple Jump

RANDALL, Allison Discus

HINDS, Korine 3,000m Steeplechase

ATHLETICS: (Men)

BLAKE, Yohan 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
BOLT, Usain 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
POWELL, Asafa 100m, 4x100m Relay
FRATER, Michael 4x100m Relay
BAILEY-COLE Kemar 4x100m Relay
CARTER Nesta 4x100m Relay
WEIR Warren 200m
HYATT, Dane 400m, 4x400m Relay
McDONALD, Rusheen 400m, 4x400m Relay
GONZALES, Jermaine 400m, 4x400m Relay
NOLAN, Errol 4x400m Relay
STEELE, Edino 4x400m Relay
HYLTON, Riker 4x400m Relay

PARCHMENT, Hansle 110m Hurdles
RILEY, Andrew 110m Hurdles
PHILLIPS, Richard 110m Hurdles
GREEN, Leford 400m Hurdles
ROBERTSON, Josef 400m Hurdles
CATO, Roxroy 400m Hurdles

FORBES Damion Long Jump
SCOTT, Dorian Shot Putt
SMIKLE, Traves Discus
MORGAN, Jason Discus
SMITH Maurice Decathlon

EQUESTRIAN:

ALBERT, Samantha Eventing

SWIMMING:

ATKINSON Alia 100m Breast Stroke

TAEKWONDO:

EDWARDS, Kenneth 84 kg

DELEGATION OFFICIALS:

ANDERSON, Donald Chef de Mission
RODNEY, Compton Deputy Chef de Mission
HAMILTON, Merlene Female Manager
WATTS, Ludlow Athletics Team Manager
QUARRIE, Donald Athletics Technical Manager
CAMERON Bertland Athletics Coach
WILSON Maurice Athletics Coach
WESTNEY, Maurice Athletics Coach
COLEMAN, Fitzalbert Athletics Coach
BLAKE, Dr. Warren Chief Medical Officer
SINGH, Dr. Priamanand Medical officer
DAWES Dr. Winston Medical Officer
DEPASS Michelle Physiotherapist
JULIUS Dr. Karen Physiotherapist
EDWARDS, Everald Masseuer
JAMES, Gavin Masseuer
TURNER, Colin Masseuer
WATSON, Patrick Masseuer
PASMORE Anthony Equestrian Team Manager
BERNARD, Gladstone Taekwondo Team manager
LYN, Martin Swimming Team Manager
ANDERSON Christopher Swimming Coach

Facts about the National Anthem of Jamaica

2012-07-05T09:12:00.002-07:00

On Thursday July 19, 1962, the Houses of Parliament approved the words and musical composition of the National Anthem, which was the creative work of four persons: The late Rev. Hugh Sherlock OJ, OBE
The late Hon. Robert Lightbourne, OJ, The late Mapletoft Poulle, Mrs. Raymond Poulle

The late Rev. Hugh Sherlock, OJ, OBE

The late Hon. Robert Lightbourne, OJ

The late Mapletoft Poulle

On August 6, 1962, following the lowering of the British Union Jack and the raising of Jamaica’s new flag in colours of black, green and gold, the National Anthem was sung, heralding Jamaica as an independent nation, now with its own constitution, emblems and symbols.

Guidelines for Use of the National Anthem
The following guidelines for the National Anthem are to be observed:
Persons should stand at attention, that is, heels together and hands outstretched at each side; not across the chest or at the back.
Men should remove their hats.
The first verse of the National Anthem should be played or sung as specifically designated on the arrival of the Governor-General or the Prime Minister.
The Anthem should be played or sung at Independence celebrations as well as public gatherings.
The singing of the National Anthem should form part of the flag raising and lowering ceremonies at the beginning and end of the school term.

The National Anthem
Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our leaders Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call,
Strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, truth be ours forever,
Jamaica land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Shelly-Ann, Blake complete sprint double on sizzling night

2012-07-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

YOHAN 'The Beast' Blake and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce completed brilliant sprint doubles last night winning their respective 200m races as the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Champion-ships came to a thrilling end at the National Stadium.
The final day of the four-day meet lived up to expectations as the athletes seeking places to the London Olympics delivered to the appreciative audience that showed up expecting keen battles.
There was a buzz of anticipation from early in the day as the meet started under a brilliant blue sky dotted with puffy clouds.

Blake, who had run 9.75 seconds Friday to win the 100m, held off Bolt for the second time in the weekend to win in 19.80 seconds as Bolt chugged home in 19.83 while Warren Weir completed a Racers TC sweep taking third place in 20.03 seconds.
Afterwards Blake said he was not surprised as he had "worked hard" but said he had no idea if coach Glen Mills would enter him for the double in London.

Fraser-Pryce was not sure if she would double either after she ran her second personal best of the weekend, 22.10 seconds as her MVP teammate Sherone Simpson powered home to second place (22.37), her best time in years as two-time Olympic champion Veronica Campbell Brown was third in 22.42 seconds.
Fraser-Pryce came off the curve with Campbell Brown but found another gear to separate her from the field for an easy win.

Meanwhile, Dane Hyatt will be making his first trip ever to London after winning the men's 400m, running 44.83 seconds to beat 19-year-old former Garvey Maceo student Rushane McDonald, who ran an 45.10 seconds, his third personal best this weekend, while National Record holder Jermaine Gonzales, who is battling injuries, got the other place running 45.18 seconds, his season's best.
Novlene Williams-Mills justified her favourites tag by taking the women's event in 50.60 seconds with her usual late kick to take her clear of champion Rosemarie Whyte who took second place in 50.78 seconds, while Berlin World Championships representative Christine Day took third in 51.00 seconds after running her personal best 50.85 seconds in the previous round on Saturday.
Berlin World Championships gold medallist, the ever green Brigitte Foster Hylton won the 100m hurdles in 12.68 seconds, comfortably ahead of Latoya Greaves (12.77 seconds), while 2008 World Junior Championships silver medallist Shermaine Williams snatched the third spot with a new personal best 12.78 seconds.

Dorian Scott is on his way to his second Olympic Games after getting the A qualifying standard in the shot put by winning with 20.72m, surpassing the 20.50m in only his third competition of
the season.
Scott, who took up a coaching job this year at the University of San Diego, told the Jamaica Observer he was injury-free and looking forward to the Olympics.
O'Dayne Richards, who has the B standard, was second in 19.92m, while Raymond Brown was third in 19.41m.

Kimberly Williams, who had achieved the A qualifying standard in May, equalled her personal best of 14.52m to win the triple jump; Trecia Kaye Smith was second in 13.94m and Shanieka Tomas third in 13.64m Saniel Atkinson-Grier, who celebrates her 21st birthday today, won the high jump on her first time competing in Jamaica, clearing 1.89m as National Record holder Sheree Francis-Ruff slipped on her first attempt at 1.92m and was taken off the track on a stretcher after twisting her left ankle.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Shelly-Ann--Blake-complete-sprint-double-on-sizzling-night_11868238#ixzz1zTedfTc4

World 100m champion Yohan Blake puts his finger to his lips following his victory in the Men’s 200m final at JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium last night.

World Championship gold medallist Brigitte Foster-Hylton (right) is over the hurdles ahead of the field to win the Women’s 100 metres hurdles final at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium last night. Also pictured are Shermaine Williams (left) and Latoya Greaves.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the ‘Pocket Rocket’ (right), wins the women’s 200m final at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited at the National Stadium last night to take the sprint. Sherone Simpson (left) finishes second ahead of Olympic champion Veronica Campbell Brown (2nd left). Also pictured is Anniesha McLaughlin

Blake beats Bolt in 9.75!

2012-06-30T08:20:00.002-07:00

Shelly-Ann, Blake light up Stadium ...Send chilling warning ahead of London

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Blake-beats-Bolt-in-9-75-#ixzz1zI0bTRSV
A new National Record by Shelly-Ann-Fraser Pryce and a new personal best from World champion Yohan Blake highlighted last night's festival of speed on the second night of the JAAA/ Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium.

Fraser-Pryce powered to a blistering 10.70 seconds, beating her old 10.73 seconds to retain her title, while Blake was devastating as he destroyed a brilliant field that included World Record holder Usain Bolt to win in 9.75 seconds.

Both times were world leading performances as the Jamaicans sent a message they will be hard to beat at the Olympics later this year in London.

Veronica Campbell Brown was second in the women's race in a season's best 10.82 seconds and Kerron Stewart third in 10.94 seconds.

Bolt, who complained about his start, was second in 9.86 seconds after catching a faststarting Asafa Powell, who was third in 9.88 seconds.

Earlier in the semi-finals Powell who had just recently flown to Miami to seek treatment on a groin injury, set the pace with an easy looking 9.92 seconds clocking looking over to Blake to his left during the final 20 metres of the race. Carter was second in 9.95 seconds and Blake third in 9.96 seconds.

Bolt appeared to sit back in his semi-finals allowing Frater to set the pace, winning in 10.01 seconds. Bolt clocked 10.02, Lerone Clarke 10.0, and Jacques Harvey 10.08 seconds.

The male sprinters will turn their attention to the start of the 200m with the first-round heats set for 9:00 this morning.

Two other finals will be held this morning, which are the hammer for both men and women, while later today another nine finals will follow highlighted by the finals of the men’s 110m hurdles.

National Record holder Dwight Thomas, who has had a less than perfect build-up to the Trials, should get another big test when he goes up against the fast-rising young stars Hansel Parchment, who has run 13.19 seconds this year, while winning the JAAA/ Jamaica International Invitational and NCAA Division One champion Andrew Riley, both of whom will be breathing down his neck.

Keiron Stewart, Richard Phillips and Eric Keddo will also be seeking to force their way on to the plane to London and should qualify for the final set for 8:45 pm.

The semi-finals of both the men and women’s 400m will also be contested after the first rounds were run on Thursday.

Traves Smikle, meanwhile, will defend his men’s discus throw title, but former champion and National Record holder Jason Morgan will be gunning to regain his title after being upset last year.

Morgan, who has won backto-back Central American and Caribbean titles, has attained the Olympic A qualifying standard after throwing a 67.15m earlier this year.

Smikle has the B standard and will be seeking the A standard today to ensure his place on the team to London.

Last night, Olympic champion Melanie Walker won the women’s 400m hurdles, running 54.77 seconds to outpace training partner Kaliese Spencer, 55.04 seconds and Nickesha Wilson-Robinson, 55.50 seconds.

Leford Green shook off a disappointing early season to retain his title in a season’s best 48.88 seconds, followed by Josef Robertson (49.43 seconds) and Roxroy Cato (49.65 seconds).

National Record holder Allison Randall won the women’s discus throw with a best effort of 5.92m, but said she was hoping for a bigger throw.

St Jago’s Kellion Knibb was second with a new National Junior Record 51.02m, beating the 50.93m set by Tara-Sue Barnett earlier this year, with Daniel Thomas taking third with 50.44m.

Wilbert Walker, who has a season’s best 16.33m, won the triple jump with a best mark of 15.94m, ahead of Nicholas Thomas (15.69m), just edging Damon McLean (15.68m).

Overseas-based Richard West has the best time in the men’s 800m going into today’s final after running one minute 48.95 seconds to win his semifinal heat yesterday.

West, who was born in Jamaica but attended high school in Canada and college in the USA, has a personal best 1:46.41 minutes which is just outside the Olympic B standard of 1:46.30.

Sadiki Whyte was next with 1:49.13 seconds followed by Darryl Oliver (1:14.14 seconds), Jo-Wayne Hibbert (1:50.38 seconds) with many-time national champion Aldwyn Sappleton among the other qualifiers with 1:50.99.

The men’s final will follow the women’s race which will be run as a straight final today.

Yohan Blake (left) sizzles to a 9.75s National Stadium record ahead of Usain Bolt (centre) and Asafa Powell (right) in the men's 100m final at the National Stadium last night. Also in photo are Michael Frater (second left) and Nesta Carter

Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (2nd left) celebrates after winning the Women’s 100-metre final in a national record and world leading 10.70 seconds at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Trials at the National Stadium last night. (From left) are Veronica Campbell Brown, who placed second; Aleen Bailey (seventh) and Kerron Stewart (third)

Blake, Asafa to clash in semis

2012-06-29T15:09:00.001-07:00

WORLD champion Yohan Blake is drawn in what can be considered the tougher semi-final heat for this evening’s men's 100m event on the second day of the JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the national stadium.

The 22-year-old Blake, who had the fastest time of 10.00 seconds in last night’s quarter-finals, has been drawn in lane four of the first semi-final, sandwiched between former world record holder Asafa Powell, to his left and World University Games champion Jacques Harvey, to his right.Also in the heat will be relay gold medalists and World Championships finalist Nesta Carter, Mario Forsythe, Winston Barnes, Kimmari Roach and Oshane Bailey.

World Record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt, will run out of lane six in the second semi-final where he will clash with relay gold medalist Michael Frater, Commonwealth Champion Lerone Clarke and two time World Junior champion Dexter Lee along with Nicholas Watson, Kemar Bailey-Cole, Rasheed Dwyer and Kenroy Anderson. Omar Douglas and Ryan Shields are the alternates.

There will also be the semi-final heats for the women with Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce drawn in the first along with Sherri Ann Brooks, Anniesha McLaughlin and Carrie Russell.Former World Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, will be in the second semi-final with Sherone Simpson and Samantha Henry-Robinson while Kerron Stewart, Schillonie Calvert and Jura Levy are drawn in the third semi-final.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Blake--Asafa-to-clash-in-semis#ixzz1zDtQfhEC

Pictures of Jamaica's 4-day National Senior Track & Field Trials begins

2012-06-29T09:13:00.002-07:00

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/PHOTO-GALLERY--National-Trials- (source)

Yohan 'The Beast' Blake eases through the 100 metres first round.

400 metre hurdler Leford Green in action

Isa Phillip (R) and Josef Robertson go for broke.ROBERTSON-400H

Kaliese Spencer brightens up the track in the 400m hurdlesSPENCER-400H

Novelene Williams-Mills cruises to victory in the 400 metres heats.

Fumes cause toll plaza closure & traffic pile up

2012-06-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

Portmore Toll Plaza staff receive medical treatment • Gridlock in the capital city

BY COREY ROBINSON Observer staff reporter robinsonc@jamaicaobserver.com

Friday, June 29, 2012

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Mystery-fumes#ixzz1zBkgPBhG

FOUL-SMELLING fumes spread across sections of the Corporate Area and St Catherine yesterday morning sending 10 employees of the Portmore Toll Plaza to receive medical treatment, and resulting in evening drive-time traffic gridlock across sections of the capital, Marcus Garvey Drive and other roads in Kingston’s industrial belt.

Up to late yesterday afternoon, emergency responders — including the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the National Environment and Planning Agency, the Ministry of Health, and the police — were trying to determine the origin of the fumes which caused the workers to sneeze and cough uncontrollably.

Last night, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said that the Portmore Toll Road would be reopened at 7:30 pm, but advised motorists to “keep their windows up in the vicinity of the Port Henderson Road” as faint traces of the odour were still in that area.

Desmond Levy, operations manager at the toll plaza, said the workers started becoming sick shortly after 10:00 am.

“There was a strong smell of a petroleum-based product affecting the toll vicinity. It turned out that two staff [members] took seriously ill and were transferred to a medical facility in Portmore. Afterwards, eight others became very ill as well,” Levy said, explaining that concern for the workers’ health forced authorities to evacuate the toll plaza for the day.

“We have an emergency procedure for when something like this takes place and we implemented the procedure for the benefit of the staff,” said Levy. “My interest right now is to get to the bottom of it; find out what is the cause, and prevent it from happening again.”

Yesterday afternoon, police cordoned off sections of Marcus Garvey Drive in the vicinity of the Tinson Pen Aerodrome, preventing motorists from entering the toll road. Other roadways leading from Marcus Garvey Drive were also closed, causing traffic snarls.

Shortly before 5:00 pm, the ODPEM issued an advisory to all businesses along Industrial Terrace and the surrounding environment “to take strict and urgent precautionary measures for the safety of their staff” and send them home immediately.

“As a matter of extreme safety, all persons are notified to avoid the Portmore Causeway, parts of which have been barricaded due to reports of possible harmful fumes dispersed in the vicinity of the causeway and the Toll Plaza area,” the ODPEM added.

Later yesterday afternoon, reports reached the Jamaica Observer that operations at the Kingston Wharves were also halted as part of precautionary measures.

“We continue to monitor the situation and recommendations from the authorities to provide further update on the resumption of normal operations,” read a release from Mark Williams, chief marketing and corporate planning officer at Kingston Wharves Limited.

When the Observer visited the wharves yesterday, workers were observed wearing respiratory masks.

In the Portmore Mall area some persons were observed covering their noses with handkerchiefs. One female employee of Maxie Department Store said that the fumes entered that store, causing discomfort to staff members and customers.

There were no reports that other persons had to receive medical treatment.

'Yes, I am a lesbian' - Diana King

2012-06-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=38180 - SOURCE

Jamaican singer Diana King has declared that she is a lesbian.

The ‘Shy Guy’singer made the announcement on her Facebook profile today.

In the post King wrote “I am … woman … mother ... aunt … Jamaican … American ... international artiste ... singer ... songwriter ... band leader … friend ... lover ... entrepreneur ... goddess! among other things and yes!!!…I am a lesbian.” The post has received over 100 comments and has been liked by over 121 individuals.

King, 41, is the first Jamaican artiste to publicly declare a same sex preference. The singer came to prominence in the 1990s with her hit single 'Shy Guy' which peaked at 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold five million singles worldwide.

In the Facebook post King explained the reasoning for her decision to publicly declare her sexuality.

“Honestly speaking, I have always been afraid to admit it openly, because of the unknown, of what it may cause negatively, to me, my career, my family and loved ones. But I realized that it is not my job to make others comfortable, I am only responsible for my life, the stuff U think about on your deathbed and at this point in my life I do not care about the things that frighten me anymore,” she wrote.

Responses to King’s post on her page was overwhelmingly positive. Fellow artiste Tanya Stephens said “I want to speak but I cant stop crying.”

One fan Phaedra Garvey said “Your sexual orientation does not change the fact that u r an amazing artist! Luv your music!”

Another, Sandra Grayson said: “You only got one life to live ,live it to the fullest,keep on being yourself! Respect to the maxxxx.Stay blessed and keep on singing gurl,luv u”.

Although many have speculated about her sexuality, this is the first time that King has openly spoken about it.

Jamaica's 4-day National Senior Track & Field Trials begins

2012-06-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Decision time - Four-day National Senior Trials begins

BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer
Thursday, June 28, 2012

THE race for the approximately 60 places on the Jamaican team to this year’s Olympic Games to be held in London, England, in just under a month’s time is set to get underway today.

Just one final, the men’s javelin, is scheduled to be contested today, the first day of the four-day JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Trials at the National Stadium. But there, however, will be interest in the first two rounds of the men’s 100m that will see Olympic champion Usain Bolt taking on World champion Yohan Blake, with former world record holder Asafa Powell expected to be in the mix come tomorrow night’s final.

The first round of the women’s 100m, as well as the first round of the 400m for both male and female, are set to be contested this afternoon following the first rounds of the 400m hurdles for male and female and the first round of the men’s 100m this morning.

The build-up to the championships was intensified after members of the media and some coaches opposed accreditation processing fees that were being charged by the JAAA to attend the event.

A meeting between senior members of the media and the JAAA yesterday, however, ironed out an understanding under which the media will carry out its duties at the meet that has attracted world wide interest.

Today, 57 men, including seven who have run under 10.00 seconds, are entered in the 100m race, while an eighth Nickel Ashmeade, who ran a personal best 9.93 seconds earlier this year, has only been entered in the 200m.

The top 24 men have been given byes through the first round and will advance to this afternoon’s second round where they will be joined by the top eight from the first round for the quarterfinals set to start at 7:15 pm.

In addition to Bolt, Blake and Powell, a number of other athletes will be seeking spots on the team to London and will be led by relay gold medallists Nesta Carter and Michael Frater, World University Games gold medallist Jacques Harvey, as well as Commonwealth Games and Pan-American Championships 100m winner Lerone Clarke will all be gunning for places on the team.

Defending Olympic Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will head the women’s list that includes former world champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, Olympic silver medallists Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson, as well as Sheri-Ann Brooks, who returned to the sport this season after some time off, Schillonie Calvert and Carrie Russell, the World University and Penn Relays Collegiate champion.

After his near miss with fourth place in last year’s Daegu World Championships, National Record holder Jermaine Gonzales and Novelene Williams Mills, who started the season with a brilliant 49.99 seconds at the JAAA/JII meet in May, are the favourites for the 400m titles.

Both are expected to be seriously challenged all the way for the titles.

Former Vere Technical runner Jermaine Gayle, who won the B race at the May meet, is the second ranked Jamaican so far this season, while Edino Steele, US College based Akino Ming and Richardo Chambers should be the main contenders in the men’s race.
lympic silver medallists Shericka Williams has not shown much so far this season but could come good this weekend, while former national champion Rosemarie Whyte, Patricia Hall, who ran a personal best 50.71 seconds in Oslo earlier this month, World Indoors semi-finalist Dominique Blake and World Championships relay medallists Sherifa Lloyd and Davita Prendergast are all expected to make the final interesting.

Leford Green, who won both the 400m and 400m hurdles last year, will run just the hurdles race this year, but will have to contend with Roxroy Cato, the top Jamaican this year so far with a personal best 49.0 seconds, Josef Robertson, Isa Phillips and Adrian Findlay, all of whom have run faster this year.

Olympic champion Melaine Walker and IAAF Diamond League champion Kaliese Spencer are the class of the women’s 400m hurdles field with the likes of Ristananna Tracey, Shevon Stoddart and Daniel Dowie expected to compete for the third spot.

You can download a PDF copy of the daily schedule by clicking here

Big Belly Fargo

2012-06-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

Tivoli triplets success

2012-06-24T22:46:00.001-07:00

They dress alike sometimes, and they attended the same basic, primary and high schools. So it was only natural that 18-year-old Tivoli Gardens triplets — Cadine, Colleen and Colliet Bramwell — also excelled academically together, earning themselves half scholarships to St Agustine University in North Carolina, in the United States.

The triplets, who originally received the scholarships through the Rotary Club of St Andrew, earned 31 subjects collectively, with mostly distinctions and credits.

Recognising the triplets' need and their potential, First Global Financial Services (FGFS) came on board and provided supplementary financing to complement the scholarships they got from the university.

The Rotary Club, a service organisation with a long history in Jamaica, always seeks areas in which to offer service to the country, and last year they chose education. This mission coincided with that of FGFS and was taken on as a special project by the club's president Robert Drummond, who is also president of the financial services institution.

Cadine earned five distinctions and six credits, Colleen earned three distinctions, five credits and two passes, and Colliet earned four distinctions, four credits and two passes.

While Cadine is still unsure which area of study she will be pursuing come August, Colleen is bent on studying medicine and is presently pursuing an 11th subject, Chemistry, which should help her get even closer to this goal. Colliet wants to pursue studies in psychology.

The girls' attachment to each other was apparent as they spoke of being overjoyed, not only for getting into university overseas on full scholarships, but of taking this journey together.

"Each morning we have conference in our living room and discuss what we want to do and strategies to reach there," one of the sisters explained.

Despite living in the West Kingston community of Tivoli Gardens, the girls said they were in no way affected by their surroundings.

They attended Denham Town Primary School, then Tivoli Gardens High School, but when they were not in school they could be found inside their house.

"We stayed inside all the time," Cadine explained.

"Where we are, life is very safe and we feel very comfortable. We know that the violence is there but we are not in direct contact with it," Colliet added.

While in grade 11 at Tivoli High, Colliet was made head girl after being voted deputy head girl the year before. Her sisters were prefects.

"Sometimes we would play her role," Colleen said as they all laughed. "The first formers didn't know us apart and they would come to us thinking we were the head girl, and we would just play along," Cadine explained.

Colliet has also been a peer counsellor since grade nine.

The trio was quick to inform the Sunday Observer that despite their similarities, they all have different personalities, and enjoy different hobbies.

Cadine, arriving in the world just minutes ahead of her sisters, was described as shy and quiet, a loner with a passion for books.

Colleen, born second, loves researching food and fashion and the sciences, and is described by her sisters as "friendly".

Colliet is the extrovert who likes to lead, talk, watch television, cook and "be around encouraging people".

"I don't love the books," she confessed. "But I do it (study) to get ahead."

She is also the family cook and, like her sisters, said she loves attending church.

"Church is important," she said. "You have to put God first because He has been good to us."

The youngest triplet was also a Youth Ambassador to the US under a special programme run by the American Embassy, and is involved in a homework programme set up in Trench Town where she helps to prepare students for GSAT and CXC exams.

A bypass to Bog Walk Gorge coming soon

2012-06-22T16:45:00.001-07:00

CONSTRUCTION is to begin on the Caymanas to Ocho Rios leg of Highway 2000 by the middle of year. China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its subsidiary China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) yesterday signed the Concession Agreement to fully fund the US$600-million North/South link of the toll road which had been stalled for several years.

The toll road, which will now begin at Caymanas, off the Mandela Highway, and bypass the problematic Bog Walk Gorge as well as Mount Rosser and Fern Gully, is expected to be fully completed within three years. It will end just west of the famous Dunn's River Falls.

LIME and Digicel Clash in New Kingston

2012-06-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

The mobile wars reached fever pitch levels today in New Kingston when Digicel's launch was temporarily disrupted by LIME's promotional team. There were scenes of a dance-off by women clad in LIME and Digicel fatigue. Since last week's announcement by LIME to slash their mobile call rates to 2.99, last night Digicel announced their own cut in prices to 2.89 as both seek to position themselves as the superior mobile phone company in Jamaica.

DIGICEL GIVES JAMAICA ITS “SWEETEST PLAN” YET

2012-06-22T11:57:00.002-07:00

Digicel is today unveiling its sweetest plan yet for customers across Jamaica which offers customers the option of a JA$2.89 per minute rate plus lots and lots of sweet treats on top for FREE.

While billed on a per minute basis, customers benefit not just from the lowest rate in the market but also get FREE Talk, Free TEXT, Free International, FREE Nights and FREE Credit.

Consumers can opt in to “Jamaica’s Sweetest Plan” by dialing *156# for free from their Digicel handset and then pressing ‘send’.

The delicious new plan is available from Friday 22nd June and is only the start of a red hot summer of sweetness with the company promising even bigger thrills in the coming days.

In launching the all-new plan, Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, said; “We are always listening to what our customers want and finding new ways to delight them by driving value and innovation. This latest offer is all about ensuring we deliver on that value promise and that we give our customers a wealth of choices so they can decide what works best for them.

He continues; “This is just the start of the sweetness. We’re very excited to be bringing ‘Jamaica’s Sweetest Plan’ to the people of Jamaica. With a JA$2.89 rate plus lots and lots of sweet treats on top, this plan underlines our commitment to our customers, to delivering value and to championing competition. Once again, we are ensuring that customers benefit from more for less and proving to them that with Digicel, your credit really does last longer.”

FAQ's, Terms & Conditions for Jamaica's Sweetest Plan