Caribbean News
National Heroes Park to Receive Facelift
#Jamaica, May 30, 2022 – The area reserved at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston for interring Jamaicans making outstanding contributions to the country is to receive a facelift that transforms the historic site into a space better reflecting the nation’s appreciation for these persons.
This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who indicated that “very soon this park will be quite different; very soon this park will be befitting of the heroes we have laid to rest here.”
He was addressing a floral tribute ceremony at the facility on Saturday (May 28) to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister, the late Most Hon. Edward Seaga.
Among the persons interred at the Park are National Heroes and former Prime Ministers.
Mr. Holness noted that no Jamaican could be satisfied to see the facility in its current state, “dotted with garbage piles all around.”
“So, in short order [after the facelift], I’m sure Mr. Seaga [would] be very happy, so too all the other Heroes, Prime Ministers and great Jamaicans who we have laid to rest here, that this will truly be a symbol of accomplishment of their desires for this nation,” he said.
The Government previously announced plans for the redevelopment of the wider National Heroes Park, which involves the construction of a new Parliament building on a section of the 50-acre property. This forms part of a master plan to redevelop downtown Kingston.
Meanwhile, Mr. Holness, in reflecting on Mr. Seaga’s life and work, hailed him as a leader “who truly believed in democracy and the institutions of democracy.”
He noted that this was exemplified in the 1980s when, for a period, there was no parliamentary Opposition, pointing out that “there could never be a question that any of our democratic institutions were undermined during this
period.”
“Mr. Seaga went overboard… in many instances to make it… clear that his Administration during that time would do everything to preserve democracy, including making innovations in the appointment of the Senate and other such innovations in government to protect our democracy,” the Prime Minister stated.
Mr. Holness noted that Mr. Seaga’s work and service, as one of the original framers of Jamaica’s Constitution and leading constitutional reform over a number of years, was also symbolic of his strong belief in democracy.
“He was… a critical and pivotal figure at the point of our Independence; he was truly a father of the nation and indeed a father of our democracy,” he said.
Prime Minister Holness also recounted Mr. Seaga’s zest for development, noting that he was instrumental in developing Ocho Rios, Negril, New Kingston, and downtown Kingston.
“We look at West Kingston as well, and we recognise [that] Tivoli [Gardens] was the product of Mr. Seaga’s mind; his thinking of trying to socially engineer a community and development. So that dream, 50 years hence, needs to be re-visited and completed,” he said.
In his tribute, Minister of Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Kingston Western, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said “Jamaica has lost a great son” adding that “his name will [continue to] echo right across [the country].”
He pointed out that Mr. Seaga’s name is synonymous with local culture, noting that thousands of young people across the country, were afforded opportunities to be exposed culturally due to the late former Prime Minister’s efforts through Jamaica Festival.
Mr. McKenzie informed that at this time of year, the constituency of West Kingston customarily reflects on Mr. Seaga’s life and work with the staging of several events.
He noted that a youth forum was held in the constituency, where young people spoke about building on the legacy of the former Prime Minister.
“Last night (May 27) in Tivoli, we had an evening of excellence, where the cultural ‘barn yard’ of West Kingston, representing the various schools and institutions, performed,” he said.
Mr. McKenzie said other slated activities included a wreath-laying involving representatives of the constituency on Sunday (May 29)
[The constituency] will be back here tomorrow [May 29] morning for a wreath-laying ceremony… because we can never forget what Edward Seaga did for the people of West Kingston and we are eternally grateful,” he said, adding that a gospel concert was also slated to be held.
Mr. Seaga, who died at age 89 on May 28, 2019, represented the constituency of West Kingston from 1962 until his retirement from active politics in 2005. He had the distinction, then, of being the longest-serving MP in the history of Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Photo Captions:
Header: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, prepares to place a wreath at the shrine of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during a floral tribute ceremony at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister.
1st insert: Minister of Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Kingston Western, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, places a special floral arrangement on behalf of the constituency, at the shrine of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during a floral tribute at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister. Mr. Seaga represented Kingston Western from 1962 until his retirement from active politics in 2005.
2nd insert: The Most Hon. Carla Seaga, widow of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, lays a wreath at his shrine during a floral tribute ceremony at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister.
3rd insert: Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, pauses to reflect after placing flowers on the shrine of late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, during a floral tribute ceremony at National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, on Saturday (May 28). The ceremony was held to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the birth of Mr. Seaga, who was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister.
Release: JIS
Contact: Alecia Smith
KINGSTON, April 24 (JIS):
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has declared Jamaica a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering citizens to thrive in the global knowledge economy.
“Through our collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach, Government, private sector, academia and civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared a STEM island,” he said.
Prime Minister Holness was addressing the Future Ready International Conference held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston on April 24.
As a STEM island, he said that the Government will seek to implement comprehensive education reforms from the primary to the tertiary levels, with the objective of developing a skilled workforce, capable of competing in global markets.
He said that ecosystems will be developed to encourage startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the STEM disciplines to drive industry and economic growth, as well as to address social issues.
“We will encourage the growth of STEM industries such as biotechnology, information technology and advanced manufacturing. We will also leverage STEM to grow and monetise the musical, artistic, cultural and other natural talents of our people. We will leverage STEM solutions to address environmental challenges including climate change, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture,” the Prime Minister said.
“We will position Jamaica as a hub for STEM research, innovation, collaboration and other developments in the Caribbean and beyond,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that by embracing STEM as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential driving prosperity, peace and productivity in a sustainable, equitable way for all our Jamaican citizens and, indeed, the world,” Holness said.
CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
“Founded on the principles of Unity, sisterhood and community service,” is how Alicia Swann, One Nation TCI Founder, and President, describes the organization as it gears up for its inaugural showing, to be marked by a pageant and parade of nations, family fun day and cultural show.
When Magnetic Media spoke to Swann she explained the inspiration behind the name.
“The reason why we chose ‘One Nation’ was because we wanted to ensure that all of our beautiful ladies within the Turks and Caicos feel as if they are a part of our society. Speaking with the ladies I’ve gotten the opinion that a lot of them feel as if they are in our country but they don’t actually feel fully a part of it,” she explained. With constants whose heritages span the DR and TCI, TC-Trinidadians and more the contest is showcasing the rich and diverse culture of the country.
At least two contestants flew in from the UK and the US to participate in the pageant and the event is not just an array of pretty girls.
“We’ve taken the aspects of pageantry to another level, the young ladies have a platform based on our pillars of the organization which include education and mental health,” Swann continued “We wanted to ensure that they understand the value and importance of having a role and voice in society.” 
The contestants were all allowed to choose an area to speak on and advocate for, and the President told Magnetic Media that so far the young women are taking the challenge seriously. There are 10 contestants overall, five in the ‘Miss’ category and five in the ‘Teen’ category.
The pageant is already receiving regional recognition as the eventual winner has been invited to take part in a regional pageant in St Kitts in August, a feat which Swann says she is extremely proud of.
In addition to that event a cultural showing, family fun day and parade of nations will be held.
“We will be honoring people from across the Turks and Caicos, out of every island, for their lifetime achievement in terms of giving back to their society. The persons being honoured are unsung heroes. They have been active in their communities in various roles and we felt the need to recognize all of them.” Swann explained.
The Founder didn’t share the names of those being honoured, preferring to leave it a surprise but did drop hints about who would be highlighted during the event; a smiling clinic nurse in South Caicos, a Grand Turk Taxi driver committed to the island’s development, a dedicated principal from North Caicos, a shipping pioneer from North Caicos as well and a creative founder from Providenciales.
“Our company is huge on ensuring that the community is involved and a part of doing that is ensuring that persons in the community are honoured,” the president said.
Several sponsors have stepped up to the plate including
No monetary support has come from TCIG but endorsements from both Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, and Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, have been shared and the girls are currently undergoing intense training with a pageant coach in preparation for their big night.
Swann is hoping that once the community has a chance to see what One Nation TCI is doing they’ll understand the importance of the events,
“We are a diverse culture and society and– we want people to understand the importance of diversity, supporting our young ladies and empowering them so they can see they have a role in the Turks and Caicos– The more we offer our young ladies [the more] we are able to retain that talent. Once they feel empowered the sky’s the limit.”
The Pageant and Crowning will be on the 25 and 26th of April while the parade and family fun day will be held on the 27th.
Caribbean News
Agriculture Ministry Providing Two Water Trucks to Serve St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine
#Kingston, Jamaica, April 24, 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is to unveil two more water trucks this week, which will be used to service communities in St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
He also informed that of the $90 million earmarked to support farmers being impacted by the current drought, the Ministry will be
providing additional support for storage and drip-irrigation systems.
“So, we have targeted about 600 water tanks and about 400 12-millimetre drip irrigation hoses, and that distribution has already started. Additionally, we have earmarked about $8 million to really help with our livestock farmers,” Mr. Green said.
“We know the difficulty that you’re facing now in this time; [it’s] very hard to get the right nutritional support for your animals. As such, we will be providing some hay, and we will [also] provide some trucking of water to you. Again, our livestock farmers, if you are in need, please contact the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and let us see how we can help in these times,” he further stated.
Mr. Green also encouraged farmers to download the RADA App, so that the Agency can “help guide you, not only in relation to what is happening on the rainfall side, but also in relation to your integrated pest management”.
“We do see some increases of certain types of pests during this time, and it’s important that our farmers are paying attention to that. It’s also important that you’re taking drought management seriously [by undertaking] soil mulching, looking at planting drought-tolerant crops, timely harvesting, implementing land husbandry treatments and contour ditches,” he stated.
Contact: Latonya Linton
Release: JIS
Photo Caption: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, speaking during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
Donald De La Haye Photo
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