Nominations are done and dusted, three debates completed and manifestos unveiled (Links for Manifestos Below). The election machines are now rolling towards poll day on December 29th and the campaigns are charged for a "SEVEN DAY WONDER". Meanwhile, the polls are opened today for the police, military and election day workers.
Amidst all the hype and excitement many often forget about this part of the elections. This is provided for through the representation of the peoples act, which we referenced in an earlier story (What we didn't know about the Jamaica Election Date). Under the act, provision is made for military and police personnel, as well as
election-day workers, to vote three clear days (excluding Sundays and
public holidays) before civilians to ensure that they are available for
duty on election day.
Discovery Panel mobile site was launched today and we are happy to bring the fun to you while you are on the go. All you have to do is visit our site on your mobile device and you will go straight to our mobile site.
The mobile site offers seamless integration with your mobile device but still offers the option to switch to the full site. So if your device has a strong internet connection and high resolutions and speed you can browse the Full site.
The mobile site is optimized for fast navigation and viewing of the most important pages, helping you to discover more in less time.
On the back of the recent announcement of the election date by the Prime Minister Andrew Holness the campaigns of the two main political parties are motoring into high gear. With the elections a little over two weeks away we are however beginning to see signs of the undesirable behaviors that are common on the Jamaican political platform. Meanwhile, the public continue to look and listen as they shape their decisions.
In the thick of all this is the Jamaican mass media and many are beginning to question whether the media is a victim or a perpetrator of their own propaganda exploits. As we seek to balance the arguments in this important issue we ask the pertinent question: Is the media really independent as they say?
I have been covering the English Premier League (EPL) for some time now with an apparent bias towards the Spanish equivalent "La Liga". There comes a point however where we have to leave everything we are doing, scrap all plans and tune in to our "televisión Española", or find a LIVE STREAM to watch La Liga. All eyes are on Spain today and its Real Madrid FC versus FC Barcelona.
This is a match between the two richest and most successful clubs in world football, representing Spain's two largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona. Real Madrid this time will play host to FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Spanish Capital. There is of course a political history which we will not get into here, save for the arguments that Barcelona is thought to be associated with Catalan Nationalism whereas Real Madrid is linked to Spanish Nationalism. This explains why FC Barcelona is often referred to as the Catalans. Catalonia is an autonomous community in the northeast of Spain bordering France and the Mediterranean sea. For a complete reading on Spain and its autonomous communities visit Española
In La Liga this meeting happens twice per year/season and from my recolection it has never disappointed. In Spain they call it "El Clasisco" and believe it or not it is called "El Clasico in any other country, region or language. It is a household name that goes back to over a century ago when they first met on 13 May 1902. Since then they have met in the league 162 times with the following statistics:
With the huge question of why the Debates will cost just under $20 million to run, many Jamaicans are occupying their minds with even bigger questions. One such question is when will the debates happen and how will it impact the two parties going into the General Elections on December 29th.
How many debates? when does it start? Who will face off? What is the format?
Well, we have the answers to most if not all those questions and barring any last minute changes we should have a very exciting showdown in a matter of days.
So Prime Minister Andrew Holness last night rang the bell which revealed the date of the Jamaica General Elections. As we now know the date of the polls is Thursday December 29th preceded by nomination day on Monday the 12th.
What we didn't know however is the reason behind him delaying the announcement until last night. In his delivery at the mass meeting of the JLP in Mandeville he intimated that the addition and approval of the over 41,000 new names to the voters list was paramount to his decision. He wanted to give those voters an opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
In addition to that he considered the Christmas celebrations in his decision, pointing out that he wanted people to take a break for the holidays and then hit the road again around the 28th.
Meanwhile the speculations and predictions were not very far off and It can be said that not many were surprised by the announcement.
According to Section 21 of the Representation of the People's Act (ROPA), subsection 2:
"The day on which the poll for the taking of votes of the electors is to be held in case a poll is necessary, shall not be less than 16 days or more than 23 days after the day appointed as nomination day."
In addition to that,
"The day appointed as nomination day pursuant to Subsection One, (of the Act) shall be at least five clear days after announcement of an election."
Therefore election dayis hinged on the date of nomination and the nomination day is to be within a certain time frame of the announcement. Subsection 1 of Section 22 of ROPA recounts that:
"Nomination day shall be such day other than a public holiday as may be appointed by the minister by notice in the Gazette, not being more than seven days after publication of the notice."
So we see folks, the political pundits do have something to work with and even the uninitiated among us could sense that the date was within that window between Christmas and the middle of January. This will be Jamaica's 16th General Elections since Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944.
The Leader of the PNP has asserted that her team is ready and so is the Electorial Office of Jamaica. This will make for an interesting battle as the charming and passionate Portia Simpson-Miller asserted that she is confident and prepared for any challenge.
The coming weeks of course will see the two sides debating the issues affecting the country and according to Mr. Holness the real campaign will be initiated soon. His rhetoric was strong on policy and the appeal was targeted to the uncommitted voters. It remains to be seen however how the manifestos will shape leading up to the December 29 polls.
I want to implore you again that we are all Jamaicans and irrespective of which party we support we are "ONE BLOOD", as my friend Junior Reid puts it. And I will leave you with another appeal to practice tolerance in the name of Jamaica: "Jamaica Land We Love".
When Jamaica suffer we all suffer, when Jamaica excel we all excel and we are all proud to be Jamaicans. Why can't we unite as we do when Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown take the track or when the Reggae Boyz unleash their swagger? Are we so illiterate and blind to see that there is nothing to gain from instability of our country?
While we mark the date of the General Elections in our calendar and the X in our minds (beside the Head or Bell) let us think on these things. Loyalty to Jamaica is first in our hearts.
We are now entering the "silly season" so called because of the associated senseless and careless behavior that is often associated with general Elections in Jamaica. Coupled with the fact that it coincide with the "festive season" is like a double whammy, as they would say in the USA. The Peoples National Party (PNP) challenge the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for the right to lead the project to build Jamaica.
This is the perfect storm for the political pundits and the practitioners will hope to play on the excitement that is common at this time of year. Is it double trouble that elections are looming at Christmas time? will it put a damper on the lucrative Christmas buzz we have grown to know and love?
Frankly, I do not believe that the elections will be held before Christmas this year and the strongest indicator of that is in the apparent indecisiveness by the newly appointed prime minister, Andrew Holness. While not being the most exciting speaker, Mr. Holness has demonstrated a certain thoroughness and rationality in his approach to governance. He seems to bring a change to the whole idea of political appeasement which is common among politicians - known for their flattery and evasive strategies.
Our game of the week seeks to answer this intriguing question: "Can Chelsea cross it? ", can they stay above the waters of mediocrity? This is the most fitting challenge for Chelsea FC to give us an answer. They travel to the North East of England to face the formidable Newcastle United.
Few people would disagree that Newcastle United has been the darling of the premier league this season. And I don't mean that they are sexy or charming, but they are the best example of the beauty of the English Premier League (EPL) - the reason why we are so attached.
Today they face the Prima Donnas of the league and this meeting couln't come at a worse time for the "Blues". The fact that they have to leave the comfort of London to travel to Sports Direct Arena in Newcastle will not make it any less untimely.
Chelsea is coming off poor performances in the Champions League and the English League Cup and has only managed to win twice in the last five premier league games. This poor run of form included 5-3 loss to Arsenal and 2-1 loss to Liverpool, who incidentally undone them 2-0 in the league cup quarterfinals this week.
Manager Andre Villas Boas is increasingly under pressure to put together some good results. This may be his ultimate test as his job has come under public scrutiny. Villas Bollas, the Portuguese international was the youngest premier league manager when he joined Chelsea at age 33.
Today's game of the week is expected to be a tight affair with both teams being cautious. The weather conditions (6 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy) look good by English standards and the anticipation has reached fever pitch. Didier Drogba should get the start over Fernando Torres after his failure to launch in midweek.
Our prediction for today's game of the week is a draw (1-1).
Other games on today are (All times GMT):
For most people in the Caribbean Christmas has always been synonymous with festivities. Much the same for many other parts of the world including the Americas, Europe, Africa and some parts of Asia. Christmas of course is symbolic to the christian religion from which it derives its name and of such it is a time for Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ. Without going into the history and philosophy of the concept we can safely say it is one of the most active seasons of the year globally. International trade, travel and exchange peak around Christmas time. So much so that in many regions it is commonly called the holiday season or the festive season.
The strategic placement near the end of the year might have had a great deal to do with this as the New Year celebrations tie right into the mix. Therefore it is a cascading experience which begins towards the end of November maybe around the time that Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States.
For most Americans it is a great time to shop, enjoy good food and socialize with family. Of course it encompass the winter months which makes the whole experience characterized by a cold weather on the outside which require inside heating by the fireplace or electrical for most modern homes. This is exactly the case in Canada and most Northern European Cities.
In the Caribbean where the sunshine and warm weather is in abundance it gets a fraction cooler but not to a significant level to call for house heating. Instead the vibes and warmth of the people and the buzz in the streets, shopping malls, markets are big indicators that something special is happening. Even in tough economic times we almost always recognize the rise in excitement and activities.
Christmas mean different things to different people but for me Christmas is a time to reflect on the year that is coming to an end. What have I done throughout the year to make a difference in the world around me and the lives of the people I encounter? Christmas for me is a time for giving and sharing with family, friends and loved ones. It is an opportunity to put a smile on the faces of disadvantaged people and to give some time to a worthwhile causes.
Many people are suffering from hopelessness and lack of opportunities. If you have the ability to help someone to find hope do not hesitate. Giving is not just about material things or money. Your time is the most valuable resource and if you don't have much to give you can give your time. Share your skills, share your story, bless the heart of a stranger with your wisdom. There is enough in the world for everyone to live in love and peace and if you can help one or two people to pick themselves up you will be very proud.
The reason why people are so mean and selfish today is that we do not know what we have, so we do not know what to give or how to give. Even the beggar in the streets have something to give. If you do not believe me try and do what he does for a day. The point is their is value in everything good and bad you just have to know how and where to find the value. If I begin to list what I can do I have over a hundred skills, and If I can teach my brother one new skill that could change his life forever that would be the best gift I could ever give, better than a new toy.
I am not an expert on religion but I have to conclude that the true meaning of Christmas is Christ. Christ is the best gift to us and Christmas is about the gift that keeps on giving. Irrespective of who you are or where you're from, love is unmistakable and therefore the extent of your celebration of Christmas should be focused around honoring the love. The love of Christ - love for each other. According to the great poet James Whitcomb Riley, "To attain the highest good of true man and womanhood, Simply do your honest best; God with joy will do the rest."
HIV/AIDS for as long as I know has been a taboo subject in any social circle. Growing up we use to perceive that the virus and disease was an abomination, and those carrying the virus were to be avoided. Thankfully we later realize that this notion was rooted in gross ignorance and was an unfortunate idea in any context, worse in the fight to eradicate the disease. It leads to nothing more than mass discrimination and impedes the progress of the authorities to fight the spread of the virus.
The first time I actually met a person with HIV/AIDS was in 2009 when I appeared on a social morning program on CNMG in Trinidad. The occasion was an awareness campagn by the Guild of students in UWI St. Augustine led by president Hillan Morean. The lady in question was in high spirits and we engaged in normal conversation, hand shakes and socializing. It really opened up my eyes to the fact that people who have the disease are not to be isolated or discriminated against. moreover they do have a lot to contribute to society.
Call it what you will, but when we mention North Korea everybody gets a thrill - some of us , a chill. For many, North Korea is synonymous with a hereditary dictatorship surrounded by a cult like following around the "Great Leader" Kim Il-Sung and the "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il, the man at the helm today.
Something very interesting caught my eyes today though. I have never seen anything like this before, and trust me I have seen and done a lot in my time. What I saw really opened my eyes to North Koreans as a people and the history of Korea as a whole. I am left with more questions than answers however and my interest in discovering more is peaked.
The biggest story in the football world today is that Real Madrid is now enjoying a strong 6pts lead at the top of La Liga in Spain. This after defending champions and currently second place Barcelona lost in the late game last night at Getafe. Today we see the noisy neighbors Manchester City hoping to better that statistic in the English Premier League (EPL).
The opponents come in the form of Liverpool FC and the lead they will enjoy if they were to win is 7pts over defending champions Man utd. Both United and Arsenal dropped points yesterday as Chelsea turned their fortunes around. What will today bring for the noisy neighbors of Manchester?
Day one of this weekend's fixtures see at least three (3) mouthwatering clashes with the most anticipated being the Sir. Alex Ferguson led, Manchester United versus their northern rivals, Newcastle United. This Newcastle club has a rich history dating back to as far as 1881, although they officially joined the league in 1893 winning three league titles and an FA Cup by 1914.
Maybe the most significant dealing between the two clubs was the sale of Andy Cole to Manchester United for the then English record transfer fee of £7million in the 1994/95 season. We know all too well how significant that sale was for Man Utd.
Newcastle was to lose FA Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United in 1998/99. Newcastle has however seen a lot of prestigious coach and players in its time and with the like of Bobby Robson, Allan Shearer, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keagan, Andy Cole you have to say they were richly blessed. This season though they are coming off a 12th place finish in the league and this was a year after returning to the top flight.
They have demonstrated a real classic display this season hovering at the top of the table with their only defeat coming to the leaders and undefeated Manchester City. They should give the Red Devils a good fight at Old Trafford as they have shown an inclination to battle out matches. We however tip Man Utd to win that fixture although a draw would not be surprising.
In the other games we predict a continuation of the Arsenal fire-power with Robin Van Persie at the trigger. Chelsea should take care of business at home to wolves meanwhile Tottenham is tipped to get maximum points at West Brom.
Make a planThis is very important
because it give you a sense of purpose which will in turn help you to
focus. Break down your study activities into days and hours and do a
checklist before each study session.
Know Your TimetableOne
of the worst things you could ever do is miss your exam. Check
regularly to ensure that you have the correct information about your
exam venue, time and date.
Know the RulesRead
and understand the examination rules. You cannot afford the pressure
and repercussions of a misconduct when you should be focusing on writing
your exam. For example Cell phones are not allowed in exam rooms, so
make proper arrangement to leave it with someone or at home.
Know your rightsFamiliarize yourself with the
University policy regarding examinations so that you can identify if
your rights are being violated or denied. For example if for some valid reason you
cannot complete an exam there are facilities in place for you to get
reprieve. Also if you are not satisfied with your results you may apply
for a remark.
ConsultBe sure to consult with
your course lecturer to get a sense of what you need to do to get
prepared. usually the course lecturer would have the best idea of what
is required in terms of supplementary material, the duration and structure of the
paper.
Balance your time wellUse your timetable to
balance the time and schedule of your study sessions. For example if
you have an exam on the 20th and one on the 5th you might want to spend
90% of the time on the first exam leading up to it. For exams that are
close together you have to balance them based on your strengths in the
different subjects. Do not however, neglect courses that you are very strong in.
CollaborateForm
study alliances so that you can keep track of schedule changes and
enrich your study experience through information exchange. Nothing helps you to understand a topic better than teaching it to somebody. There is value in sharing.
OrganizeHave
everything you need for exams in place long before the time -
Calculators, pens, pencils, ruler, tables etc. Be sure to familiarize
yourselves with exam materials including formula sheets and
supplementary material. Know how to use your tables, calculators and
datasheets. Have a strategy for organizing your exam desk. This will
improve your efficiency considerably.
RestThis is a key part of your productive
life. While you often get a lot less sleep during exam season, you need
to ensure that on the night before the test you get at least SIX (6)
hours sleep. This may vary for different persons but the key point is
that it is better to be well rested and be able to use your brains at
maximum capacity than to be tired and fighting to stay awake in an
exam. Of course this assumes that you took the necessary steps outlined
above and are well prepared before the day of the test.
Arrive on time This
is probably the most ignored tip, but one of the most important. The
fact is you are at a disadvantage when you arrive late. You are
normally required to fill out exam receipts and this is allowed before
the exam starts. Also corrections on the exam paper are usually issued
prior to the start of any exam. If you miss all of that, you have less
time to do your actual exam as no additional time is given to do it. Be smart!
Dedicated to my Students in Business Management and Professional Office Management At UWI OPEN Campus. Good Luck in your Final Exams!!! Copyright 2011 OJB Solutions (You are free to share and distribute once you include a link back to the original article)
Steve Mullings of Jamaica has been found guilty by an disciplinary panel set up by the Jamaica anti-doping commission (JADCo). According the Jamaica Observer Story (the top local newspaper in Jamaica) he was nipped with his second such offence which by the World anti-doping association (WADA) rules means a guaranteed lifetime ban. Mullings was not available for comment since he was represented by his lawyer Mr Alando Terrilonge at the hearing. We tried to get a word with him by telephone but our efforts were futile.
Mullings beating Gay in a 100m Dash
His former training partner and club mate Tyson Gay who is an avid opponent to drug cheats was also very silent on the matter. As we are aware Gay is a regular twitter user but he has been mummed on this particular matter. We believe that Mr. Mullings will appeal the decision, especially on the back of reluctance by the local authority in Jamaica to retest his sample. Mr Terelonge sighted evidence of questionable sample management which could compromise the integrity of the test results. He challenged that the handling of the sample was not professionally done and the sample could have been compromised between the time it was taken and the time it reached the lab in Canada. Further more the main proprietor, doping control officer, Dr. Paul Wright was not present when the sample was unsealed for testing.
Dr. Paul Wright
Steve Mullings was banned for two years between 2004 and 2006 after failing a drug test in the summer of 2004 right after qualifying for the Olympic games that year. He returned from the ban in 2006 to a modest season which eventually picked up in 2007 with appearance and relay medals in the world championships that year. The 2008 season was again poor before a resurgence in 2009 with wins on the circuit through 2010 . In 2011 he produced his best ever form to finish in one of the automatic qualifying spots at the National Championships in Jamaica, one of the toughest teams to make in the sprints. He also had personal best in the 100m of 9.80 seconds in Eugene, Oregan beating his compatriot Tyson Gay along the way. He ran under 10 seconds seven (7) times and was tipped to be a medalist at the world championships in Daegu. It was not to be however as he was spotted for an adverse analytical finding following the national Championships in Kingston. The substance found in his system isFurosemide, which is a well known masking agent for other more active performance enhancing drugs.
There's nothing more adorable than a good father-daughter relationship. A girl that talks highly about her father in my experience always seem to have her wits about her. One of my good friends (I call her D), is just a classic example of this kind of relationship. D is a very ambitious and successful young lady with a strong spiritual connection to God. I havent met her dad yet but somehow I know the man. I know her father through her, and I honestly thought I would get a chance to meet him when I travel home so it was a very depressing day for me when I get the terrible news that he passed away.
Immediately I began to think and reflect on what D might be going through. What can I do to help her get through this terrible time? I have no idea what this experience is like and God forbid, if I was in her shoes I don't know if I could live through it. I do not deal well with death, especially when people close to me die. I still think about my Grandma Rachel and my cousin Griff and when I travel home I subconsciously look forward to meeting and talking to them.. It is very surreal for me and I still search for the answers to the question of death.
I believe in my heart of hearts that D is a strong girl and her faith and and character will help her get theough the trauma; but I stll cannot imagine just how she will do it. I hope she finds some comfort in the fact that dad is very proud of her and loves her to death. I believe that he will send an angel to watch over you D. As for me and your other treasured friends, we will be that shoulder when you need to lean, and when you cry we cry with you - then dry our tears together. Be strong my friend and continue to make daddy proud because you will always be :
Despite the hint of winter, Europe is heating up today as the UEFA Champions league takes center stage. In this the fifth week of the group stage, sixteen (16) teams in action. The top matchup of the day will see Manchester City (EPL leaders) traveling to Naples known for their exuberant fans. Roberto Mancini the Italian manager of Manchester City has reportedly advised the City fans to take extra caution when they travel to the Italian city. The BBC has sited incidents of violence in recent months against Bayern Munich supporters.
Other matches to keep an eye on are Manchester United Vs Benfica at Old Trafford, where both teams could qualify for the knock out stage. Real Madrid host Dynamo Zagreb while Inter travels to Turkey to face Trabzonspor and Villareal visits the German giants Bayern Munich. The full schedule for today and tomorrow is shown below. The most interesting game tomorrow will be AC Milan v Barcelona in Milan. Meanwhile Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen v Chelsea should provide some interesting insight into the depth of the two English sides. Have a great show folks and stay tuned for our recommended links to watch the Champions league knockout rounds
What was built up as a showdown between Andy Carrol and Fernando Torres started off with neither of those men on the pitch. It has to be said though that this match up is much bigger than those two players combined. Not only because of the poor form Torres is in but the history of this match-up, and the quality of the other players on display. We recall that Liverpool got the better of Chelsea in both meetings last year.
With Didier Drogba getting the start over Daniel Sturridge and Suarez up against the likes of John Terry what more could we ask for? The Brazilians were well represented in the form of David Luis, Lucas, and Ramirez. Argentinian Maxi Rodriqez was also on show facing the English lads Terry, Lampard and Cole for Chelsea with Johnson, Hnderson and Downing for Liverpool. It promised to be a fluid affair and the supporters at Stamford bridge were upbeat.
The pace started off briskly and with Andy Carrol warming up after only half an hour speculations were abound. It was maxi who took the highlight of the half however striking in the 34th minute after a terrible mistake from John Obi Mickel. Meanwhile David Luis shows how much of a "hot head" he is, having multiple encounters with the Liverpool players. One wonders how effective he is in that position, and the wisdom behind his utilization at the back. He loves to go forward and he has great attacking instincts but he is a little exposed at the back. The half eventually ended with Chelsea down by a goal with little to show, besides a close free kick from Drogba which went inches wide. Andy Carrol failed to take the pitch and Torres remained unused
The second period started off much the better for Chelsea, inspired by the injection of Daniel Sturridge who replaced the culpable Mickel. Meanwhile the anticipation was heightened as the crowd started to get a bit more involved in the game. The anticipation peaked when the attacking prowess of Sturridge paid off with a useful tuck in for a goal in the 55th minute. It was the result of some nice build up play on the back of a few sustained attacks. With an hour gone Torres was sighted on the touchline getting warmed up, while Jordan Henderson prepared himself for an appearance, replacing Bellamy in the 66th minute.
The game eventually went flat for a while splashed with the occasional spark - most notably an overhead attempt by Malouda in the box. With 6 minutes remaining and the scores tied, Andre Villas Boas played his final cards. Two former Liverpool players were brought on, Torres and Mereiles. This was to have no effect however, because Glen Johnson had other ideas. In the 87th minute he made a great run from the middle of the Chelsea half to beat his fellow English man Cole and slot it into the left corner for the lead. The fat lady was already singing ("We never walk alone") when Andy Carrol made a staged appearance replacing the hard working Suarez.
The final score had Liverpool winning 2 - 1 moving up to 6th in the table, joining Chelsea and three other chasers on 22pts. Chelsea remains 12pts off the pace with their 3rd loss in four games. Not an exhilarating performance by the EPL standards but a great win for king Kenny as he is affectionately called in England. Andre Villas Boas on the other hand will have to recede to some chicken soup for his troubles and hope for a turn in fortunes as they travel to Germany mid-week for UEFA Champions league fixture.
Our man of the match is Glen Johnson while the better strategist was Kenny Dalglish. See you next week when we cover the game of the week(13) Liverpool Vs Manchester City
RSS
Twitter
Nominations are done and dusted, three debates completed and manifestos unveiled (Links for Manifestos Below). The election machines are now rolling towards poll day on December 29th and the campaigns are charged for a "SEVEN DAY WONDER". Meanwhile, the polls are opened today for the police, military and election day workers.
