Diana McCaulay, a TRIUMPH in New York

The Gleaner: Diana McCaulay, CEO of Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), has declared climate change “a justice issue” which presents an existential threat to the Caribbean. McCaulay was making her presentation last week during the 13th Annual CIN (Caribbean International Network) Lecture Series at the Schomburg Center in New York. Addressing the theme ‘The State of the Rock’, she pointed to the overwhelming issues facing the Jamaican environment and the wider Caribbean – including sewage, solid waste, beach and coral reefs erosion and climate change – and stressed that the diaspora should let their voices be heard when it comes to preserving the region’s natural assets. See more from the Jamaican Gleaner: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20171120/climate-change-justice-issue-says-jet-ceo 

Prof. Trevor Munroe Gives Brilliant Presentation in New York to Receptive Audience

Prof. Trevor Munroe, Executive Director of the National Integrity Action (NIA) gave an astounding speech last evening at the 12th Annual CIN Lecture Series held at the Schomburg Center in New York.

Prof. Munroe’s brilliant speech was well received by a packed audience as he outlined the problems of corruption plaguing Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and presented ways in which we should confront this issue. In his speech Dr Munroe said “Corruption is a key element in economic underperformance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation and development”. He continued by quoting former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan: “Corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a government’s ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice and discouraging foreign aid and investment.”

Following the resounding presentation, Delroy Alcott, Manager Director of West Indies Home Contractors (WIHCON) who was the title sponsor of this year’s CIN Lecture, presented Prof. Munroe with an award in recognition of his tireless advocacy for transparency and accountability in both the private and public sector within Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Dr Munroe’s presentation captivated the audience, which included persons such as Butch Hendrickson, CEO of the National Baking Company, Lowell Hawthorne, President and CEO of Golden Krust, Derrick Reckord of Grace Kennedy and Una Clarke, Former NYC Council Woman. Since last evening’s presentation at the CIN Lecture Series, CIN has been receiving a number phone calls supporting Prof. Munroe’s anti-corruption arguments.

The CIN Lecture Series was conceptualized by CIN’s CEO, Stephen Hill, to present visionary Caribbean leaders who reflect on regional affairs and provide hope and direction for the future. During his introduction of the Presenter, Lowell Hawthorne said, “CIN has never failed to bring renowned speakers and delegates from the region who share rich experiences and an array of exciting and challenging topics and this year is no different”.

Gracekennedy Group Ceo Delivers Successful Cin Lecture In New York City

Kingston, Jamaica, November 2 –   On Thursday, October 29, GraceKennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby delivered the 11th Annual CIN Lecture Series at the Schomburg Centre in Harlem, New York, to a receptive audience who showed their appreciation for his presentation through a standing ovation and rousing applause at the end of his lecture. The lecture, entitled “Jamaica to the World, the GraceKennedy Story,” traced the company’s roots, and gave the attendees a taste of what to expect from the company moving forward.

Mr Wehby started his presentation by lauding Brand Jamaica’s value on the world stage in areas including music, sports and international affairs. He opined that Jamaica had not successfully converted its brand strength into growth for the economy. “As a result of our anaemic economic growth, people still doubt whether or not Jamaican firms can enter international markets and compete effectively with firms there. Today, I will share the story of a Jamaican born and locally managed corporate entity that has and is destroying that perceived myth daily,” he said, alluding to GraceKennedy.

Mr Wehby went on to speak to the contribution of the former Chairmen and CEOs of GraceKennedy, starting with founding fathers Dr John Grace and Fred W Kennedy, along with Accountant James Moss Solomon Snr,

Phillips invites Jamaicans in the Diaspora to share ‘new economic environment’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Finance and Planning Minister, Dr Peter Phillips, has encouraged Jamaicans living in the North American Diaspora to take advantage of the emerging economic environment in Jamaica.

“It is my hope and expectation that as investors across the world, including Asia, Europe and Latin America, mobilize to participate through investments in Jamaica, more Jamaicans within the Diaspora will take advantage of the new economic environment and the opportunities which exist in Jamaica,” Dr Phillips told last Wednesday’s 10th annual Caribbean Lecture Series in New York City.

Phillips told the large audience that he is confident that the Government is laying the foundation to achieve sustained growth through a series of economic reforms.

“This has involved significant sacrifice from all Jamaicans, but the good news is we are seeing signs of the rewards which await us if we stay the course and complete the task,” he said.

Dr Phillips delivered this year’s tenth annual version of the Caribbean Lecture Series, at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York City public library in Manhattan. The theme of the lecture was “Jamaica’s Path to Prosperity”. The series is hosted annually by the Caribbean International Network (CIN), a tri-state television network catering to the Caribbean Diaspora in the region.

United States (US) Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, who is of Jamaican heritage, welcomed the minister and suggested that the US government could benefit from a partnership with Jamaica on alternative energy projects.

“Jamaica has become a leader in the development of alternative energy resources and I am hopeful that the US will learn from their example and partner with them in becoming leaders in sustainable energy in this region,” she said.

She added that US Vice President Joe Biden has expressed an interest in Jamaica’s development of alternative energy resources and added that there would discussions between the Jamaica and the United States to forge a partnership.