Observations OS

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 ...

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   ...

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. Wh...

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. Con...

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...

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

Colide Z     Sweet   Music   Jamaica      Tech Life In an earlier blog   "7 numbers every Jamaican should be concerned about"   I highlighted some data and information points about the state of the Jamaican economy . Today I review those figures with some updated information. The situation has not budged   favorably , in fact it has gotten worse and as a result I feel the need to further highlight the facts and figures in an effort and hope to bring further attention to the matter. Hopefully maybe just maybe more Jamaicans will become more aware and sensitive to the present challenges we face and the critical implications for the future of Jamaicans between age groups 25 - 50. Jamaica's Gross Domestic Product - JM$1,226.15 Billion Jamaica's GDP growth rate for 2011  - 2.2% Jamaica's rank on IMF's data of the worlds slowest growing economies - 7 th. Total National Debt at end of 2011 - $1.63 tri...