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Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw has announced that the government is in advanced negotiations for a US$100 million loan from China to fix badly destroyed roads in hilly coffee communities in the island. Speaking last Saturday at the annual Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association (JCEA) Banquet in Kingston, Shaw also urged exporters to focus on improving coffee yields to meet growing global demand and increase foreign exchange earnings. “It doesn’t make any sense that while the market for coffee is increasing globally we are declining in Jamaica,” said Shaw, stating that there is a huge demand for coffee in countries including China which have a growing middle class which were acquiring a taste for fine coffees such as Blue Mountain coffee. The minister warned exporters against focusing on importing too much coffee to blend with local coffee, warning that this served to “adulterate” local coffee production. Instead, Shaw said, they should focus on boosting production of locally grown coffee, noting that it required the “collective will of the growers” and that he would stand with them in assisting the market recovery. JCEA president Norman Grant who also addressed the gathering said in his speech that the JCEA is moving to boost more consumption of coffee by tourists in Jamaica and has made marketing overtures to new destinations in Europe and North America. It is also investing in reviving the Japanese market which still takes the bulk of Jamaica’s coffee exports, Grant said. JCEA activities over the next 12 months will include Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day on January 9, 2020, which will be the event’s second anniversary. Around the period, the JCEA is also re planning a coffee week starting on Sunday, January 3 to Friday, January 10. In 2020 the JCEA will also host the All Japan Roasters Association from February 17 to 20, with a tour of Jamaica Coffee Country. Forty-five delegates will be in attendance. The event is slated to be repeated in 2021.

Tuesday, 10 December 2019 15:48

Motorcyclist dies in Negril

One of two motorcyclists involved in a collision on the Nompriel main road in Negril, Westmoreland yesterday, has died. Dead is 26-year-old Jevain Watson of Negril. The police said about 11:45 pm, Watson was riding a Cobra motorcycle along the main road when he reportedly swerved to avoid a collision. Watson then reportedly crashed into another motorcycle that was travelling in the opposite direction. Both drivers sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital, where Watson died while being treated. The police said the condition of the other driver is unknown.

The nation's longest federal court vacancy ended last Thursday after nearly 14 years of foot-dragging and politics as the US Senate confirmed a Jamaican-born university professor to a North Carolina trial court seat in a bipartisan vote.

A gunman was disarmed by a man he attacked along the Greendale main road in St Catherine on Monday, December 9.

 

Thursday, 05 December 2019 17:47

NEPA investigates fish kill in Kingston

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is currently investigating a reported fish kill that occurred in the vicinity of Jamaica Aggregate in Kingston Harbour, extending to the Carib Cement Company Limited area. NEPA said a joint technical team from the Veterinary Services Division and the agency was deployed to investigate the report. Noting that samples were collected to determine the cause and source of the incident, NEPA said it is awaiting the outcome of a laboratory analysis and will provide further updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, the agency is advising the public not to collect the dead fish for consumption or use the water in the area.

Tesha Miller has been found guilty of the murder of then chairman of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), Douglas Chambers.

Tuesday, 03 December 2019 13:01

Jurors deliberate Tesha Miller case

Jurors are now deliberating the fate of accused St Catherine man Tesha Miller who is on trial in the Supreme Court.

The Hanover police charged a teenager on Sunday, December 1 with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and wounding with intent.

Tuesday, 03 December 2019 09:09

Flippa Mafia aces diploma behind bars

From Ace of Spades to acing essays and assignments, incarcerated dancehall deejay Flippa Mafia is in the middle of a long strange journey. The former high roller recently aced his high school diploma behind bars.

 

Tuesday, 03 December 2019 09:06

Rita Marley gets Ghana citizenship

Rita Marley, wife of reggae icon Bob Marley, is now a citizen of Ghana.

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