Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday; PNP press briefing; Tourism Conference; Reggae Girlz; Clovis Toon; Breaking News and more

Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday, February 16, 2023 PNP calls press conference after Holness allegation, SOEs, Meade appointment The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called a press conference for 10:00 am today where [conflict of interest allegations against Prime Minister Andrew Holness]( and the announcement by the Government on Wednesday that states of emergency (SOEs) have been [declared for two parishes and a police division]( are expected to be major topics. The PNP will also likely address the matter of the announced appointment of Retired Chief of Defence Staff, Rocky Meade, to a major position that will, among other things, see him advising Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Cabinet. According to an investigative report from the Integrity Commission that was released on Wednesday, Holness was implicated in allegations of conflict of interest regarding contracts awarded to close associates from when he was Minister of Education in the Bruce Golding administration. Meanwhile, SOEs, which the Opposition does not support, have been declared for Clarendon, St Ann and the West Kingston police division. In justifying the decision to ask that SOEs be declared, Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson has pointed to the sharp increase in murders and shootings in the geographic areas. The country was made aware of the latest SOEs by a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister. A Jamaica House statement also announced the appointment of Meade to the post of ambassador plenipotentiary with responsibility for national strategic initiatives. The assignment is effective February 13 and gives Meade full powers to sign treaties or otherwise act on behalf of the country. His appointment comes five months after he was [forced to back down after being appointed Cabinet Secretary last September](. Having accepted the position, which was backed by the Public Service Commission, Meade who served in the Jamaica Defence Force for 38 years before his retirement in January 2022 was forced to back down after his appointment was deemed unconstitutional. The Opposition has demanded answers on Meade’s appointment. JUTC customer portal for charters, sub-franchise licencees The [Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC)]( has announced the launch of the JUTC Customer Portal, an online platform that the company says will vastly enhance service delivery to customers by improving public access and ease of business transactions. Through the portal, customers are able to book charters, apply for sub-franchise licences, and pay the relevant fees/charges, all from the comfort of their own home. The platform is expected to advance the efficiency with which the JUTC serves its clientele. Managing Director of the JUTC, Paul Abrahams, says the portal is part of the company’s thrust to enhance customer experience and provide greater convenience to customers. “We are constantly seeking ways to meet the changing needs of our clients, and we believe that the launch of the portal is a significant step in that direction," he said. For his part, Corporate Communications Manager at the state-owned bus company, Cecil Thoms said "This online portal was developed in a bid to keep apace of global service delivery and e-commerce trends. It is testament of our commitment to deliver quality client services. The portal, we believe, will positively transform the way customers engage our services.” The JUTC Customer Portal is now live and can be accessed via the company’s website at [www.jutc.gov.jm](. Day Two of Global Tourism Resilience Conference The three-day [Global Tourism Resilience Conference]( at the Regional Headquarters of The University of the West Indies, Mona, in St Andrew enters its second day today with more high profile presentations expected. The conference is being attended by some of the best minds on tourism resilience and sustainability, investment, and economic development. Presenters include former Prime Minister PJ Patterson; Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, Luis Almagro; and Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group. Other notable speakers include Kenneth Bryan, minister of tourism for the Cayman Islands; Dr Taleb Rifai, chairman of ITIC Ltd and Invest Tourism Ltd, and co-chair of the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre; and Nicola Madden-Greig, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). There is a strong representation from the North American, African and Caribbean regions, with several ministers of tourism and industry leaders. This group of experts in their collective fields are discussing issues that are central to future-proofing travel and tourism against various disruptions moving forward — from natural disasters to health pandemics, economic recessions, and other such shocks that can impact the industry — with the goal of charting a course for increased resilience. Among the topics for discussion are human capital development; how to prepare for and manage future disruptions; investing in infrastructure; fostering private and public sector partnerships; the importance of air connectivity to tourism growth; and much more. "I am extremely pleased to have the participation of so many respected professionals as panellists and moderators for this inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Conference," said Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. On Friday, Global Tourism Resilience Day will be celebrated for the first time with a commemorative ceremony including special performances by Jamaican entertainers, recognising the official adoption by the United Nations on February 6 of the resolution to observe the day each year. Advertisement ‘Fyah Man’ Capleton the headline act for Live Band Thursdays The “Fyah Man” Capleton will [headline a stellar lineup of veteran reggae acts for today’s Live Band Thursdays]( which will be held at the AMC Plaza in Portmore, St Catherine as part of Reggae Month activities. Professor Nuts, Echo Minott and Fantan Mojah are among the other acts slated to perform, according to event promoter Franklyn Mason Snr. “What we are offering is authentic live reggae music and just a good time. The show starts at 8:0pm, there is no cover charge, food and drinks will be available for purchase and you know food is Jungle Fiah thing. So we have you covered,” Mason Snr said. “This isn’t a new show, this is something we are known for and reggae has always been our thing but the caliber artistes we use and the type of show this will be is going to be something special,” he added. For the promoter, this will be the second event endorsed by Reggae Month organisers. According to him, the partnership was a no-brainer and has been mutually beneficial. Reggae Girlz open campaign in Cup of Nations tournament Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will play their [first match of the Cup of Nations tournament in Australia]( today against powerhouses Spain. The Jamaicans will be at a major disadvantage as they will be [without their captain and prolific goal scorer, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw]( who has been in tremendous form of Manchester City. Following today’s game, Jamaica will square off against two other powerhouses - Australia and the Czech Republic. The six-match tournament gets going at Central Coast Stadium in Gosfordon, with FIFA number seven ranked Spain playing Jamaica (44th) followed by the CommBank Matildas (12th) against Czech Republic (27th). On Sunday, the tournament shifts to Sydney and will see Jamaica taking on the Czech Republic at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, followed by a clash between the CommBank Matildas and Spain. On February 22 Jamaica will play CommBank Matildas in the last game of the tournament; before that, the Czech Republic will take on Spain. The highest-placed nation following the completion of all three match days will be he crowned the Cup of Nations champion. Jamaica Football Federation President, Michael Ricketts, believes the tournament is excellent preparation for the Reggae Girlz ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2023. “Engaging in tough games like these in World Cup venues in front of large audiences will help to prepare our team for their World Cup challenges in July. The atmosphere will be similar to what can be expected come summer, so the coaching staff will be able to assess the conditioning and mentality of the players at his disposal. We are extremely happy that Jamaica has been invited to this prestigious tournament and we anticipate some outstanding performances,” said Ricketts. ICYMI: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING Holness strongly rejects conflict of interest allegation by Integrity Commission Prime Minister Andrew Holness has [strongly rejected allegations of potential conflict of interest]( against him regarding the award of Government contracts during the period 2006-2009. Trainee cop dies suddenly during training A trainee police constable [died on Wednesday evening during field craft training]( the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine. NBA icon Jordan donating US$10 million to non-profit Basketball great Michael Jordan will [make a record-breaking US$10 million donation]( to the Make-A-Wish foundation to mark his 60th birthday later this week, a statement said on Wednesday. CLOVIS TOON TODAY IN HISTORY Fidel Castro becomes premier of Cuba On this day in 1959, Fidel Castro became premier of Cuba a month and a-half after the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista. 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