The fruit cancer also known as soursop

DESPITE ongoing efforts to tackle cancer, the disease remains one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Several therapies, including chemotherapy, have improved survival rates. One fruit has demonstrated comparable effects to the drug in animal studies.

The effects of diet on cancer remain largely understudied, but early research has shown that one fruit, purported to have medicinal qualities, can slow the spread of the disease. Other research suggests it may enhance the performance of traditional therapies, or selectively kill several types of cancer cells. Doctors, however, have advised against its use in cancer prevention due to a lack of research on humans.

Graviola comes from the trees of rainforests in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia, where it is commonly consumed.

The fruit’s pulp is used widely in juices, and smoothies, but can be bought in its organic form from certain tropical fruit suppliers in the UK.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 14, 2022: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica will host a high-level policy forum of the Organization of American States (OAS) next week to focus on safeguarding the region’s tourism sector from disruptions, including a looming recession.

In emphasizing the significance of the meeting, which runs from July 20-21, 2022, Minister Bartlett revealed that “it relates primarily to building resilience among the Small and Medium-sized Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) to withstand disasters and external shocks.”

He also noted that the “capacity building initiative will go a long way as we seek to future-proof the sector” from an impending recession and other future shocks that the industry may face, adding that “we need to be able to develop our capacity to respond to it.”

Stressing that the Caribbean’s dependence on tourism “is impatient of any discussion with regards to the need for this kind of resilience building,” the Tourism Minister pointed out that if the SMTEs are not able to manage the looming recession, the tourism industry will feel the full effects of it.

Benin-Presidential-Palace

The Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora has been invited to Benin by President Patrice Talon for the inauguration of an exhibition linking the treasures of the past with the works of art of the present.

For more than a hundred years, these cultural goods that had been stolen and looted in the colonial context had been illegally detained by France. It was the treasure of Abomey, and in particular the throne of King Ghézo, the throne of King Glèlè, the recades, the royal statues and the sacred doors of the palace.

As you may recall, a few years ago, Dr. Louis-Georges Tin launched the campaign for the return of these treasures. He had pressured France, threatening the government with a resounding legal action, and under pressure, Mr. Macron had finally accepted this request. That is why the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora was invited to Benin on November 10, 2021, when the treasures arrived in Cotonou. But they were still in boxes.

castor oil, castor bean and the castor bean plant

Ricinus Communis popularly known as castor oil is one of the world's oldest and most valuable herbal remedies. The oil has been around for centuries and has been used by ancient civilizations to improve health and wellness. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant that is native to India and East Africa and has been in use for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, ranging from health to skincare to haircare. It was so popular that evidence of it was found in almost every ancient civilization. The Egyptians are the pioneers of the oil, first using it as lamp fuel before they realized its healing properties. Now in the 21st century, castor is mostly identified with the beauty industry, but the product is versatile and can do much more. Here are six benefits of castor oil. 

• Heal Scar, Wounds, and Skin Conditions 

Massaging castor oil into the skin can soothe dryness, psoriasis, and eczema and fade the appearance of scars. The ricinoleic that is present in the oil acts to reduce inflammation and irritations, while its bioactive compounds stimulate cell regrowth to heal wounds.

• Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Castor can be applied topically to the skin via a castor oil pack. Used as a natural healing method, a cloth can be soaked in the oil and then placed onto the affected area and left to absorb into the skin. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil soothe muscular pain, and joint pain and even improve digestion. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left), makes a point of interest to H.E. Badr Al Badr (second right), deputy minister for investors outreach – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while looking on are (from second left) Alok Jain, chairman of Port Authority of Jamaica; Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism and Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the world's top twenty largest economies. They have a G.D.P of Eight Hundred billion US dollars, which makes the country always open to investment opportunities. On Friday, July 8, 2022, Saudi Arabia Deputy Minister of Investors Outreach H.E. BADR Al BADR led a small delegation on a special visit to Jamaica, after his trip from the Dominican Republic to discuss investment prospects in Jamaica. He stated that the Caribbean has become a priority zone for investments and business partnerships for Saudi Arabia and Jamaica as the third-largest economy put them on the top of the list. 

He was among an eight-member delegation of government representatives and investors from Saudi Arabia that came to Jamaica on Friday. The visit comes a day after the Saudi-Carib investor's forum in the Dominican Republic.  Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, states that the visit comes as a result of two and half years of discussion with the kingdom of Arabia. The Prime Minister of Jamaica posits that Jamaica is placed to receive a ray of investment. The contingent is particularly interested in tourism, business processing outsourcing, technology, and warehousing.  H.E. BADR Al BADR also stated that they are looking for attractive incentives. He pointed to the concession that they receive in other countries for twenty and thirty years. If they could get like fifty years in Jamaica, it would open other opportunities like access to skilled laborers and health care workers for Jamaica. The government also stated that they will be seeking out other investment opportunities despite the threat of a global recession.  

Source: T.V.J News

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left), makes a point of interest to H.E. Badr Al Badr (second right), deputy minister for investors outreach – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while looking on are (from second left) Alok Jain, chairman of Port Authority of Jamaica; Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism and Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce at the Jamaica

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the world's top twenty largest economies. They have a G.D.P of Eight Hundred billion US dollars, which positions the country to always be seeking out new investment opportunities. On Friday, July 8, 2022, Saudi Arabia Deputy Minister of Investors Outreach H.E. BADR Al BADR led a small delegation on a special visit to Jamaica, after his trip from the Dominican Republic to discuss investment prospects in Jamaica. He stated that the Caribbean has become a priority zone for investments and business partnerships for Saudi Arabia and Jamaica as the third-largest economy put them on the top of the list. 

He was among an eighty-member delegation of government representatives and investors from Saudi Arabia that came to Jamaica on Friday. The visit comes a day after the Saudi-Carib investor's forum in the Dominican Republic.  Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, states that the visit comes as a result of two and half years of discussion with the kingdom of Arabia. The Prime Minister of Jamaica posits that Jamaica is placed to receive a ray of investment. The contingent is particularly interested in tourism, business processing outsourcing, technology, and warehousing.  H.E. BADR Al BADR also stated that they are looking for attractive incentives. He pointed to the concession that they receive in other countries for twenty and thirty years. If they could get like fifty years in Jamaica, it would open other opportunities like access to skilled laborers and health care workers for Jamaica. The government also stated that they will be seeking out other investment opportunities despite the threat of a global recession.  

Source: TVJ News

NDTC dancers

Preparations are in earnest for the 60th anniversary season of the National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica (NDTC).

The season which will run over four weekends (Friday to Sunday) from July 22 to August 14 — will showcase works from the group’s repertoire over the past six decades as well as new works specially choreographed for the commemorative year.

Artistic director Marlon Simms told the Jamaica Observer that patrons will be excited by the old favorites which have been revived for this signal anniversary, as well as new works which represent the growth and continuity of the company, co-founded by Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas in 1962, the year Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain.

“The preparations and rehearsals are intense at this time. Having been off the stage at this level for the past two years due to the pandemic means that there is a level of relaxation among the members of the company, which is understandable. So I have to meet them where they are, and encourage them to get to desired levels, because the truth is there has been no need to demand this level of rigor on their bodies over the past two years. We have to awaken the spirit and get them to that level,” Simms shared.

The cycle of procrastination

We have all struggled with procrastination in one way or another, whether it is putting off important work or delaying simple tasks around the house. We are all guilty of it, we even try to compensate for it by saying everybody does it. Procrastination can get to the point where it can pigeonhole someone into a very unsuccessful life. This can happen because people are unmotivated to move forward, and they eventually give up on their dreams. Here are five ways procrastination ruins your quality of life and some hacks on how to stop procrastinating.

Goals Become Hard to Achieve.

The human body prefers a state of comfort, that is why every time someone sets out to achieve a task whether personally or professionally there is a feeling to remain neutral. Procrastination makes it hard to achieve short-term and long-term goals, which reduces the possibility of people getting a better life for themselves.

• First, find out the reason you procrastinate.
• Then break down goals into achievable objectives which are easier to complete.

Procrastination causes you to lose time.

The future of innovation

Over the last decade, the respective governments have pushed vision 2030. Which is to make Jamaica the place to live, work , raise families and do business. While this is an idyllic situation, little effort has been put into making this dream a reality. Which begs the question, is this only a dream fed to the masses to sound progressive by the respective governments? The novel coronavirus forced us to adapt to new changes and while some progress was made, it was done in haste and more improvements need to be made. For real change to happen, the government must emphasize personal development in the form of different skills that can then be translated to make vision 2030 a reality. If safe environments are created to facilitate and foster these skills, vision 2030 may be a reality.

Commendations must also go to the government for trying to create some training programs like (HEART/Trust NTA) to teach youths a certain skill set, but most of the skills worth getting are micro-skills or soft skills. If they can master these skills, the big skills will be easier to conquer and will also create innovators that will drive the country forward. Here is a top ten (10) run down of the different skills needed to win in the 21st century. Communication skills: Learning how to communicate effectively with others.

For effective communication to take place, the information being transmitted must be understood and the communication being made must be clear. Imagine having a good idea but because of poor communication skills, you are not understood. This effective communication must be pushed as an important skill set to possess. 

* Learn to lead: Learn to get people excited about an idea. As the adage goes, the 'future belongs to the brave'.

 The future is going to need leaders who get people excited about an idea and lead them forward. For change to happen, people must be taught how to lead, which can pave the way for innovation to happen. 

Members of the Pan African Roots Synergy Delegation

The Summit was spearheaded by the Organizing & Planning Committee of the Roundtable: Professor Dr. David Horne, President of the Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus (SRDC), Archbishop Dr. Chidiebere Anelechi Ogbu, President of The African Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) and Mrs. Grace Abena James, “Right To Return Alliance” along with the representation of various Pan-African organizations and AFRICORA/SOAD represented by VPM Keturah Amoako and the SOAD members resident in Ethiopia discussed and deliberated for 4 days the Diaspora Declaration of 2012 ratified by the AU Heads of State.

At the end of the 4 days, two documents were produced in response to the Diaspora Declaration which will be submitted to the relevant AU organs, more particularly, CIDO and ECOSOCC.

These documents can be read here:-

1. THE ADDIS ABABA MAY25th_2022 DECLARATION RESOLUTION MB
2. THE ADDIS ABEBA MAY25th_2022 TEN YEARS AFTER SUMMARY AGREEMENTS MB

The Roundtable Committee and all organizations represented are hopeful that CIDO and ECOSOCC will act upon the recommendations and necessary actions as detailed in the documentation to ensure greater involvement, participation, and representation of 6th Region Pan-African organizations, NGOs, and entities to fully integrate within the organs of the AU and to ensure that the 6th Region will have a permanent and consistent presence at the AU table.