Get to know the Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA)

Posted by Yardie Luke on November 27, 2010 under Making Money | Comments are off for this article

Our Vision

To increase the survival and success rate of young and youth-owned businesses in Jamaica. YEA will create an environment where the young entrepreneurs can support and inspire one another in growth, balance and success.

Our Mission

To lead the development of successful young business through the delivery of dynamic, high value event-driven programming that communicates the fundamental skills of business management. To promote a cadre of young entrepreneurs to mentor each other in business.

Aims and Objectives of the YEA

  • To identify and organize young entrepreneurs in Jamaica.
  • To transform the Jamaican mindset through the promotion of innovation and creativity.
  • To affect public policy in order to improve the Jamaican business environment.
  • To facilitate the success of entrepreneurial ideas through the provision of relevant training and education.
  • To develop a forum for networking among members and the local and international business community.
  • To promote best ethical practices.
  • To foster an image of inclusion.

The Young Entrepreneurs Association was formed under the auspices of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) in 2005 and is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization whose mandate is to support young people in business. Aimed at business owners 45 and under, YEA provides members an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and take advantage of peer mentorship as they grow their businesses.

Our member-run, not for profit association is the ultimate community for young entrepreneurs across Jamaica who want to increase their chances of business success. YEA members represent the best in Jamaican business. They understand personal sacrifice, risk-taking and hard work and YEA provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with others who also appreciate the special challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

MORE INFO

Chris Gayle scored 333 runs v Sri Lanka

Posted by Yardie Luke on November 16, 2010 under Famous Jamaicans | Read the First Comment

Gayle’s Monumental achievement:

  • Chris Gayle became only the fourth batsman to score two triple centuries after Don Bradman (334 and 304), Brian Lara (375 and 400*) and Virender Sehwag (309 and 319).
  • Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score against Sri Lanka, going past Younis Khan’s 313.
  • Gayle went past Rohan Kanhai’s 256 to become the West Indian batsman with the highest individual score in the subcontinent.
  • Gayle’s 333 is the highest away score by a West Indies batsman, surpassing Viv Richards’ 291 at the Oval in 1976.
  • With nine sixes in his innings, Gayle holds the record for the most sixes by a West Indian batsman in a Test innings.
  • The 167 run stand between Brendan Nash and Gayle for the fourth wicket is the best for the West Indies against Sri Lanka and the seventh highest for the fourth wicket against Sri Lanka.

SCORECARD

Buju out – J’can reggae artiste gets bail in immigration court

Posted by Yardie Luke on November 11, 2010 under Famous Jamaicans | 2 Comments to Read

JAMAICAN reggae artiste Buju Banton, after close to a year in a United States jail, yesterday walked out of the Pinellas County lock-up in Florida after he was granted bail in an immigration court.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was offered bail with tough conditions following a hung jury in his gun and drugs trial.

David Oscar Markus — the entertainer’s lead attorney — said Banton, was “tired” but “relieved” that he had been released to spend time with his family before the commencement of his second trial next February.

“Free at last,” Markus told the Observer of his client’s release. “We’re thrilled that Buju will have some time to regroup before we try this case again.” Banton, he said, was thankful to everyone for their support.

Attorney Marc Seitles, another member of Banton’s legal team, said the artiste was overjoyed that he had gained some “measure of freedom”.

“Buju can’t wait to have a nice meal and sleep in his own bed,” Seitle told the Observer yesterday.

Banton has been in jail since last year December when he was arrested by federal agents for conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine.

He was also charged with possession of a weapon. His arrest on December 8 followed that of his friends Ian Thomas and James Mack. Both men have since pleaded guilty and will be sentenced this month.

Banton was placed on trial in September but following a week on evidence a 12-member jury could not reach a unanimous decision about his innocence or guilt after three days of deliberation.

He was granted bail in the sum of US$300,000 in the federal court last month but an appeal of an aspect of his bail condition set by US magistrate Anthony Porcelli by the prosecution held up his release, along with his visa issue that resulted in him having to apply for bail in the immigration court to prevent his further detention.

Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked following his arrest.

As part of his bail condition, Banton will have to wear a tracking device and will be under 24-hour surveillance from a security company. He has also signed an extradition waiver and will not be allowed to leave the Middle District of Southern District of Florida until his trial begins.

He will only be allowed to visit a doctor and his lawyer. He must also submit himself to urine tests to prove that he is not using banned substances.

SOURCE: Jamaica Observer

Air Canada to charge Caribbean travellers CAN$20 for second bag

Posted by Yardie Luke on under Jamaica Travel | Comments are off for this article

MONTREAL, Canada — Air Canada says it will charge passengers CD$20 for a second checked bag on its Caribbean flights beginning in January.

Canada’s largest carrier said yesterday that it adjusted its checked-bag policy to match other airlines. Its main competitor, WestJet, announced a similar charge last week.

Air Canada said the extra charge will not apply to Air Canada Prestige, Elite, Super Elite members and Star Alliance Silver and Gold members.

The new rule is in effect for any domestic flights purchased after November 10, the airline said.

Economy class customers will still be able to check one piece of luggage in for free in addition to carry-on baggage.

The current policy also allows for a car seat and stroller to be checked as additional pieces of baggage free of charge.

Air Canada flies to more than 170 destinations around the world from 60 Canadian gateways. It is the world’s 15th largest commercial airline and serves 31 million customers annually.

SOURCE: Jamaica Observer

Britain vows to send home Jamaican prisoners

Posted by Yardie Luke on November 9, 2010 under Jamaica Politics | 3 Comments to Read

Some 942 Jamaicans top the list of foreigners in the British prison system to be sent home to complete their sentences.

An article published in the Daily Mail on Monday stated that British Prime Minister, David Cameron is planning on sending home foreigners in British jails to complete their sentences.

Cameron said the number of foreign convicts in Britain’s jails approaches one in seven.

Jamaica heads the list of countries with foreigners in the prisons followed by Nigeria and the Irish Republic.

According to the Daily Mail, Prime Minister Cameron who is spearheading the cost-cutting drive, plans to tear up agreements that mean convicts cannot be sent home without their consent.

Cameron said it costs the taxpayer £38,000 to keep someone in jail for a year, which is more than the cost to send a student to the prestigious Eton College.

He says his administration hopes to reduce the prison population to 3,000 by 2014, rather than add 8,000 extra places that the previous government said would be needed.

A Coalition source said: ‘The Prime Minister is determined to do everything in his power to get as many sent back to their countries of origin as possible.’

Cameron knows this is not going to be easy, but he will be speaking to his counterparts in various countries and believes this will have an important effect. SOURCE: Go-Jamaica.com

Jamaican Jerk Festival Markham Park Sunrise FL Nov 14th

Posted by Yardie Luke on November 5, 2010 under Jamaica Travel | Read the First Comment

FORT LAUDERDALE, September 15, 2010 – South Florida will sizzle again this November as the 9th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, the largest Caribbean food festival in the United States, gets underway at the lush and spacious Markham Park in Sunrise [Florida] on Sunday, November 14, 2010.

The event, which has grown in size and popularity, now boasts over 18,000 patrons from various cultures and age groups. Each year throngs of families and friends flock to the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival for the delectable jerk foods and the explosion of Caribbean culture, which have become the hallmark of this award-winning event.

“We take pride in producing a festival of this caliber and continue to work diligently to improve the event. Our goal is to produce an event of the highest quality, delivering satisfaction to both patrons and sponsors,” said Eddy Edwards, Chairman of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA Inc.

Title sponsor, Grace Foods, the leading Caribbean food manufacturer and distributor, will add spice more spice to the event with its culinary delights. Step into Grace Kitchen with Chef Mazie Miller whose cooking demonstrations will wow patrons, as she displays some of the tastiest Caribbean food products by Grace.

More info at Jamaica Jerk Festival

Buju Banton retrial postponed until February

Posted by Yardie Luke on November 2, 2010 under Famous Jamaicans | Comments are off for this article

TAMPA — The retrial of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton has been postponed from December to February.

The change came at the request of Banton’s defense attorney, who said in a motion that Banton, 37, hopes to make arrangements for bail for the holidays. A December trial date also would have been bad for schedules of the defense attorney and witnesses. The government did not oppose the delay.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, is charged with trying to buy 5 kilograms, or 11 pounds, of cocaine. His first federal trial ended in a mistrial in September.

SOURCE: St Petersburg Times