Culture and Society: Lest We Forget, Recalling Coral Gardens

The Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society invites everyone to the 53rd Commemoration of the Coral Gardens Atrocities on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay. 

As a result of the acts of a few persons in Coral Gardens in April 1963, the entire Rastafari community was officially targeted by the State of newly-independent Jamaica, which led to extreme brutality, imprisonment and the death of many Rastafari sons and daughters across Jamaica by the police, army and other citizens of Jamaica. The Rastafari community has never received any apology or compensation for those atrocities committed by the Government of Jamaica. We continue to demand that the Government of Jamaica apologize, pay compensation and make other reparations to the individual victims and the Rastafari community for the Coral Gardens atrocities and the denial of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The purpose of the Commemoration event is to highlight on-going efforts in the process of agitation for compensation, salute those victims of the 1963 atrocities who are still alive, and raise funds to assist and care for the Ancient Elders in Montego Bay and its environs.

It will be a day and night event starting at 10:00 am with a health fair for patrons as well as the Ancient elders. This will include blood sugar, blood pressure eye tests and naturopathic advice. Gerontologist, Dr. Paul Rhodes, will give a talk on best practices for eldercare. There will also be a fun day for children to include storytelling and workshops in drumming, poetry, bead stringing and pastry making. Other forms of entertainment for children will include bounce-about, slides and trampoline. Popcorn, snow cones and cotton candies will be on sale.

At 4:00 pm, the Society will treat the Ancient Elders in the form of a banquet. During the banquet, survivors and witnesses of the 1963 atrocities will give their testimonies. At the end of the banquet Matriarchs and Patriarchs will be given certificates of recognition for their pioneering work in the Rastafari movement. At 7:00 pm we will host a symposium to discuss the Public Defender’s report and recommendations for compensation of victims of the 1963 atrocities. The Public Defender will participate in the panel discussion along with Attorney at Law, Miguel Lorne, Dr. Clinton Hutton, and Dr. Leroy Binns. 

At 9:00 pm there will be a cultural presentation for family entertainment with clean and positive expressions. Artistes include Mackie Conscious, Paul Elliott, Terry Ganzie, Mikey General, P Zed, Mister Views, Marley Fire, Jah Spiryt, Ras Jaja, Pinkie Dread, Major Lloyd, Tenshan Invasion, Rankin Punkin, Jah Ranks, Changa Changa, Rasta Village, Iwad, King Chavez, Visaya, Asante Amen, Prof I, Rock Top Chanters and many more. Sound by Pulse Sound System and Mutabaruka Blackk Music. MC‘s will be Isha and Steppa.

Business and Finance: Diversify, and Plan well before you Die

The cost(s) of living we all know; not that many know the manifold costs of dying, which those left behind must bear. Aside from the obvious funeral expenses, there are myriad transfer taxes, stamp duties and legal and other fees, depending on the asset value of the deceased.

This was among the unwelcome yet useful bits of info that emerged from a Scotia seminar on estate Planning held jointly by the investment and insurance arms of the financial giant at its Liguanea Branch
Noted Estate  attorney and part-time Lecturer at the Norman Manley Law School, Denise Henry-James spoke of the process that ensues once a loved one has departed for the beyond, including the inevitable payment of transfer tax, stamp duty, and legal and other requisite fees, depending on the value of the estate (as determined by the Government)

Hugh Reid, head of Scotia Insurance, who outlined some of the trends affecting the industry, spoke of a respite from taxes, at least for the companies - in the form of the abolition of premium income tax and investment income tax that should at least leave a greater portion of the insured's funds undisturbed by the tax man.

Trendiness may not be what one goes for in picking stocks, according to VP Treasury and trading (and unabashed Warren Buffet devotee) Gregory Samuels

Branch manager Michael Lee overdaw the proceedings, while Senior VP Sales and Service Courtney Sylvester  reminded the capacity audience of the bank's commitment to improving the financial well-being of its clients.