Members of the Caribbean American Cultural Group, Inc. (CACG), Florida based Jamaican charitable organization have embarked on a donation drive to assist hospitals in Jamaica for desperately needed supplies especially since the increases in COVID-19 across the island.

The CACG recently shipped barrels of medical supplies donated to the University Hospital in Kingston.

The shipment included large supplies of protective shields, face masks, gloves, and quantities of hospital bedding, health, and hygiene, as well as personal care items for the hospital.

President of the Association, Ms. Dawn Bloomfield, a Jamaican national and local bank executive, indicated that the members of CACG have been in touch with the Hospital administration and has since embarked on the donation drive for needed supplies.

As I read of the desperate measures being taken by some parents towards ensuring their children are receiving an education during this pandemic. I cannot help thinking that not enough is being done by the Government to ensure that our nation’s children are not left behind. In a recent visit to a local Internet cafe I observed two young children with their school books, an ear plug sitting in this small crowded retail shop trying to do online schooling on the computer, this was when I realised the seriousness of this situation. Whilst I try to put this from my mind, today’s headline “Online Schooling by the Roadside” (Gleaner, October 21) further sent reminders to me that I need to share with Jamaicans my concern and support of the cry of these parents in their desperate need. This, I trust, will help bring more attention to their plight in an effort to return some element of normality to educating our children.

I also ponder the thought on the continuation of policy that keeps all schools across our island closed. The continued lack of traditional teaching in traditional classrooms, coupled with the lack of resources to reach the masses, particularly those in rural areas must be returned to normalcy. Special consideration should be given to those with special needs and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, should be urgently reviewed. Already there has been concern regarding learning capacity and the health nutrition impact on our children depending on their socio-economic background. (Clarke et.al,1991).

 Whilst I understand the challenges for our country from this global pandemic, we have found ways to re-open our international borders, and all but few industries have remained closed. The Ministry of education had promised the reopening of our schools for this school term; however, this has not happened with the recent announcement and protocol which has prohibited all schools against reopening and instead classes are being held online.

Jamaica should best adopt the protocol of other countries in making efforts to return to classroom education, recognising the important role of traditional learning on the mental health and wellbeing of our children.

Kingston, 17 October 2020 – The Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced that the Reggae legend, Toots Hibbert, will be laid to rest in National Heroes Park.

Minister Grange said this had become possible thanks to the generosity of the family of the late Charles Hyatt — the actor, broadcaster, director and author — whose remains were due to be re-interred in the last burial spot for cultural icons at National Heroes Park.

The Minister’s statement follows:

“At the time of his death in January, 2007, the family of our dear Charles Hyatt had requested that he be buried in National Heroes Park, but they were told that there were no more spaces available and he was instead interred at the Meadowrest Memorial Park in St. Catherine.

JOHANNESBURG - As the world’s attention focuses on the coming American election, another important vote for a key position is generating controversy in Africa.

Chadian politician Moussa Faki Mahamat is running unopposed for reelection as chairman of the African Union Commission. Critics say his run is undemocratic and are seeking an extension of the nomination deadline to November.

Sarfo Abebrese, author of a petition by the Coalition of Supporters Unions of Africa, says the AU postponed the vote four years ago when there were only three candidates for that seat. At the time, the AU said that wasn’t enough.

“How come, that four years down the line, at this same time, we are having only one candidate, and people are telling us that that is representative enough? If three wasn’t representative enough, how can one be representative enough? How can we go this way when we are preaching democracy throughout all the 55 African countries? When we are telling the people of Africa that we want to go the democratic way?”

First Couple

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica; October 6, 2020: 

Minister Bartlett,  Careribnewsroom requests that you speak to the people regarding how the island enjoys "its highest booking rate in the region" while the island experiences the highest numbers due to COVID-19 infection since the borders opened in June.

--Sharon Parris-Chambers, Publisher, Caribnewsroom

As the tourism sector seeks to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s ‘Rediscover Jamaica’ campaign is being hailed as a major success in helping to drive this process. In highlighting the positive contribution of the campaign, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett said it “has been a great success, with some hotels reporting up to 50% to 60% occupancy from local bookings.”

The Lumi

Africa – October 1, 2020 — The world had better brace itself for the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) which is steadily progressing its vision and which in late September announced its adoption of a new currency called : the LUMI

“The LUMI digital currency Stimulus will be issued in the amount of US$100 per month (6.26 LUMI) to every African Diasporan and every African on the continent, 18 years and above, via a digital wallet. It will be issued for a period of 3 years.  The first issuance of funds will commence on October 1, 2020 and end in October 2023,” said Timothy McPherson, Minister of Finance of the Accompong Sovereign Nation of the Maroons and Chief of the Economic Community of the African Diaspora 6th Region (ECO-6).

The Accompong Maroons, which is its own village with its own government established since the 17th century in the hills of St. Elizabeth parish on the Caribbean island of Jamaica, commenced to use the LUMI as its local currency
H.E. McPherson

since 2018.

“Accompong’s new currency is a commodity underwritten with solar and renewable energy. It will contribute to Pan-african climate change initiatives and the development of sustainable energy throughout the diaspora and Africa,” shared H.E McPherson, Canadian born and educated in Economics and Literature.

Reader, who was elected during the associations' 59th annual general meeting, succeeded Omar Robinson, who served in the capacity for the last four years.

“I must extend my heartiest congratulations to the incoming President of the JHTA. You have been given this responsibility during a critical time in our recovery process, as an industry. However, I am confident that with your experience and innovative ideas, that you will have a successful tenure,” said Minister Bartlett.

“The Ministry of Tourism stands ready to assist you and your team at the JHTA in any way that we can. We are all in this together. Strong partnerships and the sharing of ideas is the only way we can move forward, as an industry,” he added.

During the virtual AGM, Minister Bartlett praised the JHTA for the work they have done throughout the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Spirituality Forum (GSF) produced its 3^rd Global Forum on Spirituality and Peace: Lessons from the Caribbean for a Holistic Way of Life on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 on a virtual Zoom platform. A diverse group of members attended from exotic places such as The Maldives, Trinidad & Tobago, Sri Lanka, India and many others. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2020GSF

Two of the key sponsors brought greetings. Dr. Chandi Jayawardena gave the background on the GSF, its members goals and objectives. He stated that the group is open to all persons interested in spirituality, wellness, art and a few other topics. It is not based on religion, rather on spirituality, which shifts to the inward search for Self. The group plans three (3) more forums for 2020, the next being Spirituality & Spiritual Thinking, which is slated for October 31. Jody Grizzle was on hand to represent Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal (Ag.) of The UWI Open Campus.

Diana McIntyre-Pike, OD, Founder & President Countrystyle Community Tourism and Villages as Businesses was a guest presenter at the 2^nd staging of GSF two months ago; based on her passionate and innovative presentation, she was invited to coordinate her own forum, which was delivered September 30.  McIntyre-Pike wove her definition of spirituality throughout her presentation which was entitled: The Spirituality of Creating Peaceful Communities. She said “Spirituality is broader than religion, but the two are closely related. Both may offer questions and answers about the infinite, provide support during emotional crisis, and invoke a sense of awe, wonder, and reverence.”

Other guest panelists were: Elizabeth Terry, NLP Trainer and Master Coach, Founder/CEO Limitless Transformation Coaching and Training Services Ltd. (Topic: NLP & Spirituality: Self-Discovery, Self-Leadership, Self-Actualization). Terry defined spirituality using profound quotes from Carolyn Myss and Stephen P. Pretorius. She challenged us to become aware of our sensatory filters and interrupt behaviours that do not serve us well.

Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers, BA, Moderator, Transformational author, Non-denominational minister and Wholistic Therapist & Coach shared her inspired pledge adapted by The Manchester Peace Coalition & IIPT Caribbean: “I pledge, under God, to be the Peace I want to see in the world. To show Respect and Tolerance for all. I pledge with all my heart and mind to Love, Forgive, and Trust myself and others. As a committed One Love Peace Ambassador, I pledge to foster Peace and Love every day. In doing so, I heal myself, my country and the world with One Love, One Heart at a time.”

Raymond Powell (Aka Prince Matthew) Founder of It's All Good Holistic Movements, offered his Welcome tribute in a short medley of songs invoking the “Natural Mystic to open the third eye” to understand the spiritual meaning of life. He drummed and chanted Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” followed by a brief presentation. He sang Reggae songs with timeless messages such as: “Chant down Babylon”, “War”, written by His Majesty Haile Selassie1 and sung by Bob Marley. The GSF ended on a high note with everyone singing “One Love” and feeling “Irie” (in harmony with oneself and the universe).

All presenters, including Dr. Chandi & his assistant Samanthi de Mel, received a “One Love Call to Action Certificate” originated by Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers in 2015. The Certificate was inspired as a tribute to Bob Marley and to recognize the community spirit in individuals who answer the call to be one with humanity by leading group activities and becoming the love and peace that they wish to see in the world. www.Facebook.com/Onelovecalltoactionpledge 

Contact: Sharon Parris-Chambers
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Lovers at Eiffel Tower, Paris

“Have you wondered how other couples are handling social distancing, travel restrictions and quarantine? Wonder no more, read the article below and be informed about lovers around the world.”
-Sharon P. Chambers, Publisher
Caribnewsroom

-------------------------

PARIS: Are the long months of lonesome waiting finally over?

Coronavirus travel restrictions have kept lovers and unmarried couples apart since the outbreak, but governments around the world are now showing more understanding of their plight, with some introducing measures to allow a happy and long-awaited reunion.

PHOTO: Sunset in Jamaica. (photo by Paul G. Smith)

As we all know, the travel world has changed considerably over the course of the past five months. Our experience is no different. Having traveled to Mexico in mid-June, visiting 13 resorts in seven days following the reopening of many resorts, we saw that Jamaica was also opening up properties on June 15 during phase 1 rollout.

At TravelSmiths, we like to educate our clients prior to their travel so that there are no surprises (unless we plan them). We traveled to Jamaica to let our clients know our experience door-to-door. We had clients traveling to Hyatt Ziva and Zilara, the Jewel Grande and Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Montego Bay. On the ground, we always use Reggae Tours, as we know they are safe, reliable and always provide service with a smile, even if it is under a mask.

Things You Should Know Prior to Travel

First, if you’re parking at the airport, make sure you have a reservation. Most parking places are not providing valet service. Because we live in New Jersey, not a high-risk state at this time, it was not required for us to have a negative COVID-19 test. Since we had just returned from Colorado and Florida (on the hotlist), respectively, both Sally and I went to get a test and both tested negative. We brought those results with us in case we were asked. If you do live in a high-risk state, Jamaica is requiring you to have a negative test result within 10 days of your entry.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, says he is pleased with the level of compliance of tourism operations in Westmoreland with the protocols put in place by the Government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the sector.

Barlett was speaking at a press briefing held at the Bluefields Bay Villa in the parish on Friday, following a tour of several entities, to get a first-hand look at the safety measures put in place and donate sanitisation items and personal protection equipment.

He was accompanied by a team from the Ministry, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

The tourism minister visited large and small hotels and attractions including Riu Negril, Bluefields Bay Villa, Rondel Village, the Zimbali Retreat, and Scott’s Cove, which is located at the border with St. Elizabeth.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says the donation of a new ambulance by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to the Negril fire station in Westmoreland will boost health security for visitors and locals alike.

“Negril represents a very critical resort area that continues to add to Jamaica’s prestige as a destination and this donation of an ambulance will boost the health security that is needed for this growing town. Visitors and locals will feel more confident moving around, as the response to health emergencies will be strengthened,” Bartlett said while speaking at the handing over ceremony on Friday.

Bartlett spoke also to the importance of the assurance every destination needs to provide, that if something happens there is adequate resources to respond.

The ambulance, valued at $18million, will greatly assist the emergency medical service (EMS) department at the Negril fire station, which has been without a working ambulance for the past eight months.

Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second right) and Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Network Council, Adam Stewart (left) proudly display personalised gifts created by Bambusa Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 28, 2020:  Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett says Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs), have a key role to play in reviving the economy, in the aftermath of the fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking recently at the virtual staging of the Tourism Ministry’s signature Christmas in July tradeshow, he said: “The Tourism Linkages Network through initiatives such as Christmas in July is playing a crucial role in this recovery process by stimulating well needed economic activity through partnerships.”

He stressed that “everyone has a role to play in rebuilding the economy and Christmas in July provides an avenue for suppliers to begin to earn again and do their part in rejuvenating the economy.”

Minister Bartlett underscored that assisting local suppliers to meet the demands of the tourism sector through the development of stronger linkages with other sectors, remains a top priority of the Tourism Ministry.

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann, Jamaica; Monday, July 27, 2020: Employees of some of Jamaica’s leading tourist attractions have expressed gratitude to be able to return to work and told Tourism Minister Hon Edmund Bartlett, that they were eager to be back playing their role in rebuilding the tourism sector.

 Mr Bartlett toured attractions in the Ocho Rios area, along the North Coast Resilient Corridor recently. He heard first-hand, overwhelming expressions of appreciation from workers, who welcomed the recent decision to reopen COVID-19 compliant attractions effective July 21, 2020. A number of the entities are currently receiving strong support from local patrons.

While awaiting final Cabinet approval for attractions impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic to reopen to international patrons, Minister Bartlett and ministry officials visited Mystic Mountain, Dolphin Cove and Chukka Caribbean Adventures to check their levels of compliance with stipulated protocols and equipment to manage the spread of the virus.

At all three, he was warmly greeted by staff members expressing their excitement to be able to return to work. Their sentiments were encapsulated by Team Leader at Chukka, Alicia Green. “We want to thank you for freeing up tourism so we can all have our jobs back,” she said, supported by resounding applause from her co-workers. “We promise to follow all protocols to remain COVID-free and to have a wonderful time,” she added.

MESSAGE OF THE DAY:
🌹✨⭐⚡
"I release all toxic relationships and walk into my destiny of limitless potentiality.
My transformation is happening now, I see without illusions." (Use as affirmation.)
Read page 23 in Living Life as a Sacred Practice: Discover Yourself As a Source of Creation
Guide book for more inspiration and Sacred practices.

Today, we focus on the solar plexus Chakra located above the navel and below chest. This is the 3rd Chakra. Say your prayers and affirmation close and relax in the silence.

Each Chakra is linked with a color, element, gem stone in general, however here is more helpful information
that you may find useful.

Color: Yellow

Element: Fire

Pfizer Logo in New York, NY

The United States on Tuesday, July 21, 2020,  signed a $1.95 billion agreement with US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech for 100 million doses of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine, part of an aggressive push to start immunizing Americans early next year.

It is the biggest deal to date under Operation Warp Speed, intended to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of coronavirus vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Pfizer and BioNTech, which are developing the drug together, said in statements that the American people would receive the future vaccine "for free" in line with the Trump administration's pledge.

Under the agreement, the US government has placed an initial order for 100 million doses to be delivered if regulatory approval is granted.

MESSAGE OF THE DAY:
"It is time to access the vast information resources in your soul, which has been guarded by mind control and misinformation of the downpressors for millennia.

It is a new day to reinterpret and reimagine yourself, I self, as a Divine being full of Light and Love. No more Duality, No more Wars, Peace and love will become the currency of exchange during this new Age of Enlightenment we are co-creating together. Asè Asè Asè OOOOO.

Source: Sharon Oshun Parris-Chambers
Author of "Living Life as a Sacred Practice"
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Food Hygiene Bureau in association with Wellness Tourism Network will host our 1st Webinar on Covid-19 Risk Management, Workplace Protection.  Please see below our meeting instructions.   

Marva Hewitt is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 

Topic: Covid-19 Risk Management & Workplace Protection 

 Panelists:  

Minister of Tourism with Stakeholders in Treasure Beach, South Coast.

MANDEVILLE, Manchester, Jamaica, Sunday, July 19, 2020: Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has warned that tourism entities that fail to comply with health and safety protocols designed to facilitate the phased reopening of the tourism sector, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will be shut down.

Speaking at the Golf View Hotel in Manchester, during a tour of the newly opened South Coast Resilient Corridor on the weekend, the Minister stressed that: “If you are not COVID compliant we are going to shut you down and whether you’re big or you’re small, because we cannot compromise on health security.”

The new corridor was introduced on July 15. Similar to the North Coast Resilient Corridor, which was introduced in June, this area will welcome visitors with robust health and safety protocols.

Minister Bartlett said: “The start of the South Coast phase of the reopening is very important to us,” noting that “this is a really popular region for Jamaicans and some international visitors, because this is country style tourism.”

                                                                                                           KINGSTON, Jamaica; July 20, 2020: Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has expressed deep regret at the passing of the prominent Austria-born hotelier, Heinz Simonitsch, who is credited for his development of Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, St James.

“Heinz Simonitsch was a stalwart and one of the most outstanding tourism administrators, planners, and missionaries of the Caribbean. I offer my condolences to the Simonitsch family, and also extend my sympathies to his wife Elizabeth and his three children, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica,” said Minister Bartlett.

Simonitsch became the managing director of Half Moon Golf, Tennis and Beach Club in 1965, and continued in this role until his retirement in 2002. After retirement, he spent time between Jamaica and Austria, where he owned the Grandhotel Lienz, which opened in April 2009.

His contribution to the tourism industry did not go unnoticed over the years, as he was the recipient of a number of prominent awards and honours. He is a former recipient of the CHTA Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award as well as their Icon of Hospitality Award.