Caribbean Corner

Respected Jamaican Finance Minister Nigel Clarke participated in his final parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, Oct. 29, soaking up praise from both sides of the house and allowing Prime Minister Andrew Holness to boast about his achievements in nearly 10 years on the job. Clarke heads to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this week to take up a position as one of four deputies of the not-so-well-liked multilateral lending agency. He resigned as a cabinet minister and representative for the St. Andrew North Western constituency. He was scheduled to leave for Washington, D.C., early Wednesday. “My heart is full,” he told House colleagues as he made his final presentation to the 63-member lower house. “In making my departure from not just a playing field, but from the stadium. I have run through the tape. We believe in running through the tape and running through the finish line. That’s what I’ve tried to do. Running through the tape. It’s been a...

Prime Minister Andrew Holness ‘ financial integrity troubles continue as Jamaica prepares for next year’s general elections. The oversight body shows no signs of backing down in refusing to certify the PM’s financial declarations and hiring its battery of attorneys to fight him. The war between the head of government and the Integrity Commission has arisen because Holness is contesting the body’s annual report, which was recently tabled in the 63-member parliament. Holness contends that the more than 150-page report contains “inaccurate and unlawful” information designed to impugn his integrity, casting doubts about the sanctity of his income statements submitted to the commission. So, he has asked the Supreme Court to judicially review or cancel the investigations into his personal finances and even invalidate the report because they appear to be laying the groundwork for unwarranted criminal proceedings against him. Specifically, he is challen...

Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson is one of the highest-ranked Jamaicans in the New York Police Department (NYPD), overseeing Patrol Borough Manhattan North. His career is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of hard work. Since joining the NYPD in 1995, Stephenson’s journey from an aspiring college student to a high-ranking officer reflects his profound commitment to public service. It serves as an inspiring symbol of determination. Stephenson initially aspired to return to college after completing two years of study. However, financial constraints forced him to look for work, leading him through various roles, from a beverage truck driver to a cable laborer and a security guard at Pathmark supermarket. During this period of uncertainty, he made a life-altering decision to join the police force, seeking a stable career despite the substantial pay cut. “I needed something permanent, stable; joining the police force was a way to secure that st...

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has been recognized with the Order of Jamaica and Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to the development of the industry. The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) said on Tuesday that the Order of Jamaica, the country’s fourth highest honor, lauds Bartlett’s “outstanding contribution to the nation’s tourism sector.” The conferment of an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality & Tourism Management (Honoris Causa) by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) also recognizes Bartlett’s “exceptional contribution to the tourism industry, both locally and globally”, JTB said.  “I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized in this manner,” Bartlett said. “These awards not only speak to my effort in the field but puts tourism in the global spotlight for its contribution to economies and livelihoods.  “This allows us to appreciate tourism as one of the single most important economic activities in the world and provides a space ...