Observations OS

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life Jamaica has faced a fair amount of challenges throughout the year of 2013, spiraling from the IMF  negotiation to the cost of living going up; but nevertheless, 2013  was another great year for Jamaica and Jamaicans alike. This year was one of outstanding achievements,our ambassadors went out and carried our flags proudly showing the world how resilient we are as a people. Below is a list of special Jamaican moments of 2013. Jamaica's IAAF World Championships 2013 Moscow Performance -  At the end of the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow Jamaica has amassed an amazing total of nine medals which included six gold, two silver and a bronze. T he Jamaican relay team relay teams made us proud by securing first place in both the male and female 4x100 m relays. Both teams did exceptionally well in representing our country. All this is testament to the meaningfulness of Boys and Girls Champs.  (From left) Kemar Bail

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life The following is just highlight of a few trend Jamaicans have experienced over the yeas. Everything only seems to just go up. Exchange rate between the Jamaican dollar and the US dollar between 1971 - 2012. An exchange rate racing away. Source: Bank of Jamaica Unleaded 87 fuel 2011-2013. Source: Petrojam Electricity Fuel and IPP charges from JPS 2009-2013. Where will electricity prices be in the next two years? Source: Jamaica Public Service Its Time to Invest in Jamaica. 27 Countries Jamaica Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life Researched data shows that a block of states including Virginia, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Maryland combined have a total of 71 Fortune 500 companies making the region one of the densest areas for such companies. With just about 10% of the US population and just over 14% of Fortune 500 companies it could be considered one of the most important regions in the US. When juxtaposed along the fact that the US Federal Government is located within this areas and the area is within close proximity to Canada, access to one of the great lakes and the Atlantic Ocean which is the link to Europe it becomes very clear why this area can be considered critical to US economy. State Median household income 2011 Population Estimate for 2012 # of Fortune 500 Companies (2013) Virginia $61,882 8,185,867 20 New Jersey $67,458 8,864,590 20 Pennsylvania $50

Colide Z         Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life Interestingly there happens to be a country that is unbelievably alluring. There also happens to be only one  country that is capable of packing an amazing amount scenic beauty, incredible amounts of entertainment, tasteful foods and a very fascinating and infectious people which when combined prove to be an unbelievable package . The only country that fits this bill is of-course Jamaica. Why invest? Adequate Ports for easy access. Airports: Norman Manley International Sangster International Ian Fleming International Cruise Ship Ports: Montego Bay Falmouth Ocho Rios Port Antonio As a country, Brand Jamaica is one of the most recognized tourism brands in the world. With visitor arrivals recording steady growth the possibility to ensure returns on investments. Stay over visitor arrivals to Jamaica in 2011 reached a record 1.97 Million people. Cruise ship-passengers arrivals to Jamaica in 2011 also register

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life It will soon be clear that successive governments will not be able to solve the energy crisis problems that have confronted Jamaicans since 2006 when international oil price began their meteoric rise. On one occasion it was Coal then it was Natural Gas then it was Coal or Natural Gas. It seems for now a decision has been made. Energy World International Ltd has been awarded the contract to build Jamaica's next megawatt scale power plant. Energy World International Ltd (EWI) submitted a proposal to build a 478MW Natural Gas Combine Cycle Power Plant that is expected to cost the developers an estimated US$737 million (JM$76.648billion). Installation cost US$1.54/Watt. At the time of writing this document the exchange rate was US$1 : JM$104. With current electricity rate at approximately JM$42 per kilo Watt hour, and a projected rate of increase of $2-5 per year , Jamaica's electricity rates by 2016 could be anywhere bet

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life Just a quick note on the alarming rate of the devaluation of the Jamaican dollar. As of the end of December 30, 2011 the US$1 was worth JM$86.75. As of the end of trading October 24, 2013 the US$1 was worth JM$104.99. In the space of 21 months and 24 days the Jamaican dollar has been devalued by JM$18.24 or 21.03%. Now you are in one of two groups. You are either poorer as imports to Jamaica are 21% more expensive. Or As a holders or earner of US$ currency you are 21% richer. Pretty decent returns for just buying and holding. The fortune of remittances.      Source: digjamaica.com What will the next 22 months hold? Any predictions as to where the exchange rate will be then? Drop me a note. Now if only everyone would, I will be happy with just a dollar from all my wonderful friends in the US. Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life Given the development and wealth of several major countries throughout the world it would make sense to target these countries for their ability to invest in and develop  a countries economy. If Jamaicans were to strategically develop and market the nations ideas  and resources to the wealthiest and most  philanthropic countries  the potential for economic investment that could lead to meaningful social development could be tremendous. If people are unaware the following links are just a sample of the infectious and fascinating qualities of Jamaica;  Exploring Jamaica's True Treasure Mines . There are also a host of events that ignites Jamaicans right throughout the year;  Top 7 event that keeps Jamaica a buzz on the internet . Below is a list of countries with  which Jamaica should have strong connection with and I would love to have connections too. While not totally new these are ideas that I would love to see deve

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life 1.  20 Member Cabinet of the Government contradicting statement by Portia Simpson-Miller in 2011. In May 2011 - After naming her 18-member shadow Cabinet in May last year, Simpson Miller said if she were in government, the number would not be that high. "I did not announce an 18-member Cabinet. I'm not the Government," she said when asked if that would be the size of her Cabinet. She continued: "You would not have 18 ... I would not be giving the country a breakfront," she quipped. Less than a year later, Simpson Miller has unveiled a Cabinet that is bigger than her slate of shadow spokespersons. Source:  http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120108/lead/lead1.html 2. The $1 billion Cabinet. While most Jamaican's might not have noticed it but the PNP lead administration will cost the Jamaican public close to $1 billion over the course of the five (5) year elected governance term. Considering that Ja

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life Its interesting to know how Jamaica a small island of under 3 million people keeps lighting up the internet  and the world with a population of approximately 7 billion people. For me I have to believe Jamaica is potentially one of the most entertaining countries in the world. Now the following events capture the hearts a minds of Jamaicans locally and abroad but interestingly really don't stop there as foreigners are quite often also captivated by the fascinating country that is the little big rock Jamaica. Events such as the following are some of the most alluring events throughout the Caribbean. Rebel Salute - January Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival -January Boys and Girls Champs - March Reggae Sumfest -July ATI Dream Weekend - August Manning Cup - September-November Sting - December But the questing must be asked which is the most popular. # 7 - Rebel Salute - January # 6 - ATI Dream Weekend - August # 5 - B

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life The Chart below taken from Google Trends highlights the seasonality of the ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Interestingly though, is how its popularity has spiked this year. With 30 new records it is only fitting that this has happened. Google Trends Chart above highlighting the seasonality and the huge spike in popularity of the 2013 ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Well done to all the winners and record breakers building a Jamaica tradition and legacy. Congratulations Calabar High School and Holmwood Technical High School, well done. Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life