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The spirit of A WEEKLY GLEANER FEATURE

! The Management & Staff ! would like to wish ALL ! our customers !

A Happy Christmas & A Prosperous 2011 Your Link With Legal Jamaica

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DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 15

christmas feature MESSAGE

Keep the great Jamaican spirit alive!

I

T IS a pleasure and an honour to once again send greetings to the Jamaican people as we celebrate Christmas and the coming of a New Year.

The year that is passed was full of challenges and our country was often in the headlines of the world news.

As the days passed, we were able to display our resilience and to show that we have the capacity not only to survive, but to survive and keep the great Jamaican spirit alive.

Ambassador Anthony Johnson We must also be thankful that the lengthy summer rains were not followed by Hurricane Tomas or any other malady of nature.

We continue to extend the hand of friendship and assistance to the people of Haiti and St Lucia who, in different ways, are now under severe pressure.

In Britain, the worldwide recession has not completely ended and our people are still feeling the effects of this decline in employment and other issues facing the new government. Nevertheless, the Jamaican organisations have been very active in keeping the Jamaican spirit alive and in ensuring that their legacy is handed to a younger generation.

Finally, all organisations have been alerted that 2011 is a year of planning for what is expected to be a bonanza year, as we celebrate her Majesty’s jubilee, the London Olympic Games and Jamaica’s 50th birthday on August 6, 2012.

Walk Good.

His Excellency Anthony S. Johnson, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

A Jamaican Christmas THE CHRISTMAS season in Jamaica is the most festive time of year, filled with nonstop celebrations, special treats, entertainment, parties, festivals, and happy gatherings of friends and family. Although the island has never seen snow and its houses do not have chimneys, Santa Claus and his gifts are very much a part of Jamaica’s tradition, as are Christmas carols, such as ‘ O h H o l y N i g h t and S i l e n t N i g h t – some can even be found in a reggae version.

During Jonkanoo (or John Canoe), a traditional Christmas celebration, revellers parade through the streets dressed in colourful masquerade costumes.

Traditionally, men wearing white mesh masks play the characters, which include the Horned Cow Head, Policeman, Horse Head, Wild Indian, Devil, Belly-woman, Pitchy-Patchy, and sometimes a bride and House Head, which was an image of a great house carried by the reveller on his head.

The parade and festivities probably arrived with African slaves. Although Jamaica is credited with the longest running tradition of Jonkanoo, today these mysterious bands with their gigantic costumes appear more as

entertainment at cultural events than at random along the streets. Not as popular in the cities as it was 30 years ago, Jonkanoo is still a tradition in rural Jamaica.

The Grand Market (or Gran’ Market) is a community fair characterised by food, street dancing, crafts and music. In the past, the weekend before Christmas, and particularly on Christmas Eve, markets all over the island were set up with vendors selling small toys, firecrackers, balloons and sweets of all kinds, including pinda (an African word for peanut) cakes, grater cakes and peppermint sticks.

Christmas Eve, some markets are decorated with streamers, large accordionstyle bells and balloons.

People are decked out in fancy clothes, including bright hats purchased upon entering the Grand Market.

Everyone comes to town for Grand Market and the celebrations last throughout the day and night.

The Christmas season, which runs from midDecember to New Year’s Day, is usually the biggest family event of the year.

Jamaicans celebrate by going to church, exchanging gifts with their families and gathering for a large meal. Dinner on Christmas Day, the biggest feast for Jamaicans, includes chick-

en, oxtail, curry goat, roast ham, and rice and gungo peas. (Gungo peas, a Christmas specialty for Jamaica, usually ripen in December. Throughout the rest of the year, cooks use red peas with the rice.)

Jamaicans also prepare roast beef and/or pork as well. Another holiday spe-

cialty is Jamaican-style Christmas cake made of fruit soaked in rum.

The drink of choice for Jamaicans during the Christmas season is sorrel.

Made from dried sorrel (a meadow plant), cinnamon, cloves, ginger, sugar, orange peel, and rum, the beverage is usually served over ice.

Members of a colourful Jonkunnu band show off their costumes.

The Tivoli Dance Troupe.

A photo of Christmas Flower—’Poinsettia’.

16 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

The beautifully decorated Christmas Tree.

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christmas feature

A special Christmas for senior citizens of Birmingham

TOP BUSINESSWOMAN

ENGLAND: N SATURDAY, December 19, some 250 senior citizens from churches, seniors’ clubs, homes for the aged and communities across Birmingham will be treated to a special gala event at the Aston Villa Suite.

This is the third year that the Black Business Community Initiative (BBCI) will be hosting its Christmas gala event for senior citizens of Birmingham and every year it gets bigger and better. The seniors will be feted with a four-course Christmas meal, entertainment, gifts and will be pampered by the management committee of the BBCI and friends.

O

130 SENIORS The first year the event had 130 seniors in attendance, the second year, 230, and this year BBCI is planning to entertain 250 senior citizens at the annual treat.

The Black Business Community Initiative was founded a group of local black entrepreneurs. Chairman, Kenneth Ivey, and his team, Beverly Johnson, Jacynth Brown, Doreen Forbes and Derrick Wilson have left no stone unturned.

“This is our passion! This is our way of expressing our appreciation to our seniors, who were the forerunners; who paved the way and made it possible for us to be where we are today, as young entrepreneurs, all of Jamaican

Seniors in attendance at last year received their Christmas gifts. origin or descent,” says Ivey.

One such person, Cllr. Sybil Spence, first black Lord Mayor of a European city, the city of Birmingham and “community worker extraordinaire” will be honoured as the first Patron of the Black Business Community Initiative”.

This annual event, which is free of cost to the seniors, is of the highest standard. Last year’s entertainment acts were Lt Stichie, Yaz Alexander, Kokuma Dancers, GerryCo Jazz Band, and DJ Mikey B. This year the enter-

tainment package will be even more attractive.

To host this event, each year the BBCI organises fundraising activities throughout year, such as a 23-miles walk-a-ton and cheese and wine party.

Sponsors from the business community who make the event possible are acknowledged with a big ‘thank you’ in the BCCI’s annual gala booklet.

For more information on the event, contact BCCI at b b c i @ l i v e . c o . u k or telephone 0121 270 7389.

Beverly Lindsay, proprietor of Diamond Travel Services in Birmingham, was recently honoured for her outstanding services in business by Hansib Publication during their 40th anniversary celebrations in London at the Hilton Park Lane. Lindsay, who has been in business for over 25 years, provides travel and shipping services worldwide for customers in the West Midlands. Lindsay, pictured with her award, said she is proud to be recognised by Hansib Publication.

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money transfer DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 17

christmas feature

Let the countdown begin!

Karen Blair

ard for you and your family.

Features Writer

PLAN FOR STOPOVERS

OU ONLY have days until the big day! O.K., you have waited a bit long to start planning for the ultimate Christmas holiday, but fear not, for I bring you good news. It is not too late to start putting things back on track. The holidays are about fun, but bear in mind that it’s also the season for giving, so in all your planning, ensure that you keep that fore front in your minds.

Don’t kid yourself, your friends and family will come to visit you this Christmas and chances are you may be a host for a couple days.

Prepare extra rooms and beds if you have them.

If you don’t, gently let it be known that you welcome visitors but you cannot accommodate sleepovers at this time. Ensure that you are always ready to entertain by having traditional juice such as sorrel and snacks for your visitors.

GET YOUR LIST READY

CHOOSE YOUR GIFTS WISELY

You have to make a list of everything you need to do.

Rushing through the streets, grabbing everything in sight is not the way to go about doing things.

Concentrate on the tasks you have to accomplish and everything you will need to get into the spirit of Christmas and write them down. Ensure that you reread your list so you don’t have duplicate tasks and try to cut back on spending as much as possible.

If you will be giving gifts, select carefully. Try and get ideas from the person(s) you want to give the gift and buy appropriate presents.

Y

BUY FOOD NOW Foods such as meats, seasonings and fruits for bak-

ing are hot items this season.

Don’t get stuck buying the last of everything on the shelves.

Buy fruits for soaking now and meats can be bought by the third week in December and stored in your refrigerator.

GET OUT THE CHRISTMAS CARDS Although many persons are now opting to send electronic cards, you can still send beautiful Christmas cards through the post for friends and family.

Simply send them your wishes early if you want them to get them by Christmas and not long after. So,with less than a week to go, ‘tis the season to be jolly’, you just have to plan for it.

DECIDE ON DECORATIONS

Gifford Thompson & Bright Attorneys-at-law BRITISH LAWYERS - Jamaican Law Firm Associated with HAMILTON DALEY - Solicitor & Attorney-at-law GIFFORD THOMPSON & BRIGHT is a Jamaican Law Firm headed by Lord Anthony Gifford QC, a leading barrister who practices at the British and Jamaican Bar. HUGH THOMPSON was educated at the University of Warwick and has practised as an attorney in Jamaica for over 20 years.

SANDRA GRAHAM-BRIGHT RUNS OUR MONTEGO BAY OFFICE She practised as an English barrister for 15 years before moving to Jamaica in 1996.

HAMILTON DALEY is dual qualified, and has jurisdiction to practise in both England and Jamaica, as a solicitor and attorney-at-law respectively.

OUR FIRM CAN ACT FOR YOU ON: Buying and selling property Lost documentary titles Matrimonial and family matters Wills and probate General help and advice on Jamaican Law Representation before any Jamaican court or tribunal Contacts

www.gtbjamaica.com KINGSTON OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY OFFICE

LORD GIFFORD’S LONDON CHAMBERS

Embassy centre 3 Embassy Place Montego Bay Tel: 876 952 2946 Fax: 876 979 3634 Email: gtbmobay@ cwjamaica.com

1 Mitre Court Buildings Temple London EC4Y 7BS Tel: 020 7452 8900 Fax: 020 7452 8999 Email: anthonygifford@ btinternet.com

122-126 Tower Street Kingston Tel: 876 922 6056 Fax: 876 967 0225 Email: lgifford@ cwjamaica.com

Hamilton Daley, UK Contact:

24 HOURS MESSAGE RECALL SERVICE Tel/Fax: 020 8440 6515 18 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

There is the issue of whether or not to get a Christmas tree.

There is no rule about not having one adorning some sacred corner of your house, but it does make a lovely conversation piece and somewhere to sing carols when your family and friends come by. If you have small children, you may want to surprise them this year by getting a tree and make decorating it a family event. It is best to get an artificial tree as you can simply pull it down and stash it away until next year, but if you are gung-ho on smelling fresh fern, there’s nothing wrong with that either. Lights are in this Christmas. Arrange your Christmas lights as creatively as possible and don’t just throw them on the roof or around your windows. Remember also to turn off and plug out your lights before going to bed.

Allowing them to burn throughout the night can cause your bill to skyrocket as well as present a fire haz-

GIFFORD THOMPSON & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE While England freezes, Jamaica is bathed in sunshine, with cool breezes coming off the sea. It is still a glorious country to live in, and for those who wish to buy a home to retire to, or who have problems with their inheritance, a good legal service helps to avoid the headaches.

Gifford Thompson & Bright combines efficient offices in Kingston and Montego Bay with our associate representative

based in London, so that you have the best of both worlds. We are ready to solve your problems. The legal system in Jamaica

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can sometimes be slow but we make it work.

Having trustworthy representatives makes all the difference.

The partners and associates of Gifford Thompson & Bright wish all readers of the Gleaner a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

GIFFORD THOMPSON & BRIGHT Attorneys-at-Law

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S ’ N O S A SE S G N I T E E M R A R G MONEYG M O R F

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Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trade marks of Post Office Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyGram International Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • 19

christmas feature

SORREL FRUIT CAKE 8 oz margarine 8 oz sugar 6 eggs 3 cups flour 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 tsp baking powder 1 1/2 mixed fruits 6 cups sorrel wine 2 tsp vanilla 1 tsp mixed spice 2 tsp rose water 2 tsp almond flavouring 3/4 cup browning Method 1. Soak mixed fruits in four cups of sorrel wine, then blend 2. Cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy 3. Add eggs one at a time and blend well.

4. Add blended fruits and mix. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Fold into mixture alternately with remaining wine 5. Mix in browning, pour batter into greased baking pan and bake until done.

6. Serve with a sorrel sauce (optional)

Courtesy of Lorna Wilson

FRUIT CAKE Ingredients 1 lb butter or margarine, softened 1 lb dark brown sugar 1 doz eggs 1 lb flour 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp burnt sugar Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste 1/3 cup rum 2 fruit mixture 1 lb prunes 1 lb raisins 1 lb currants 1 lb cherries Directions In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until pale yellow. Add 2 eggs at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add vanilla and burnt sugar. In a medium bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Add slowly to the large bowl, mixing well. Add about 2 cups of the fruit mixture. Mix well. Pour into well greased and floured cake tins. Bake at 350 degrees for about an 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Once the cake is cooled (do not remove it from the tin), pour approximately 1/4 cup of rum over it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Dine differently this year Karen Blair

Features Writer

A

RE YOU tired of the same old dishes, the same old way? Why not dine differently this Christmas?

You don’t have to be the world’s greatest cook, simply challenge your Epicurean nature by jazzing up old dishes.

For rice, replace the traditional gungo with beans

20 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

from another country or use herbs and spices to make plain rice an extraordinary dish.

There are too many ways to cook chicken to simply leave it in the oven with the ham. Why not be bold and try a delicious chicken recipe from this book? As for that ‘good old ham’, who says it has to be whole covered with pineapples? Again, turn the pages to find how delightful ham can be in other ways.

It’s the close of the year, let’s go out with a bang and meals worth remembering.

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christmas feature

Lilly’s Country Style Ham Start with ham at refrigerator temperature.

9 lb picnic ham 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp prepared mustard 2 dozen whole cloves 6 maraschino cherries (for garnishing) 6 pineapple slices (in heavy syrup for garnishing) 1/2 tsp ginger powder 1 tsp garlic powder Hearty portions of love and care Method Rinse off ham and treat as mild cured ham. The lower the heat the softer the ham will be.

1) Cook at 325 F for approximately 3 hours.

2) Trim off skin, and glaze by mix-

ing sugar, honey, mustard, ginger and garlic powder together.

3) Brush mixture over ham.

4) Score the surface in 1 inch squares or diamonds.

5) Stick whole cloves in middle of squares spoon glaze mixture over the ham while cooking for 20 minutes longer.

6) Dress with pineapple slices and cherries and bake for 10 minutes longer.

Using a meat thermometer will take the guesswork out of knowing if the ham is cooked thoroughly - when mercury rises to tender ham (160° F).

Remove from the oven when fully cooked.

Slice when cooled. Serves 30-40 persons Ham’s skin may be used to add flavour to rice and peas or cut in squares, brush with oil and return to the oven until crisp. Serve as a tasty snack or hors d’oeuvres.

Ham cooking times Weight Approximate Cooking Time 3-4 pounds 10-12 minutes per pound 5-7 pounds 12-18 minutes per pound.

10-14 pounds 30-35 minutes per pound

Oxtail and Beans Ingredients: 2 lb oxtail 1 onion minced 6-8 grains whole pimento 1/2 cup escallion chopped 1/2 pint broad beans (dried) or 1 tin Thyme to taste (about 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoon fresh) 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbsp cooking oil 2 cloves garlic 2 tbsp ketchup Dash of soy sauce Method 1) Season oxtail and allow to marinate for at least one hour in a covered container in the refrigerator.

2) Use a heavy saucepan (or pressure cooker), heat oil and brown well.

3) Pour off oil and add water a little at a time; also add broad beans.

4) Cover and cook on a low simmer until meat and beans are very tender.

(If using pressure cooker, put enough water to cover meat and beans and cook for 30 minutes or until tender).

Carrots, spinners (long dumplings), onions or any vegetable of your choice may be added to gravy. Do not pressure the spice (pimento) or vegetables.

Serve with enough gravy to cover meat.

Serves: 4

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Gungo Rice and Peas 1 cup gungo peas 1 1/2 cups coconut milk 2 cups rice 3 sprigs thyme 2 stalks escallion 3 cloves garlic 1 scotch bonnet pepper 5-10 pimento seeds A small piece of ginger 1 oz margarine Salt to taste Method 1. Wash gungo peas and drain 2. Place gungo and garlic in a

large pot then cover with water.

Bring to boil until tender, topping up water as necessary.

3. Add coconut milk, thyme, escallion, pimento seeds, garlic, salt and let boil for about five minutes.

4. Then add rice, margarine and whole pepper, cover pot, turn down the heat and let rice simmer slowly for about 25-30 minutes.

5. Do not open or stir rice during this process or it will become sticky.

6. Serve hot.

Sorrel and Grape Juice Ingredients 2 pounds sorrel 1/2 pound ginger root 6 whole cloves 4 dried grains of pimento 5 pints boiling water 3 cinnamon leaves 1/2 gallon Welch's grape juice Method Cut sorrel sepals from seeds and wash well Put sepals in crock jar with ginger cloves pimento and cinnamon leaves Pour on boiling water and cover with a cloth. Set aside for 24 hours Strain and add Welch's grape juice at the end.

Add a little lime and or rum if desired.

Bottle and chill.

(0) calories

DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 21

christmas feature

Surviving marathon shopping days S

HOPPING EXPEDITIONS can strain even the trained fitness walker with dodging through crowds, standing in lines, carrying bulky packages. Take these tips to make it through a marathon shopping day.

support as you twist, dodge and stand in lines while carrying packages.

Consider a waistpack or stylish backpack for your wallet and the bare essentials – credit cards, comb, tissue. A purse can throw off your walking posture and is just another thing to carry.

P r e p a r e f o r t h e s h o pp i n g m a r a t h o n t r a i ni n g : To prepare for your shopping marathon and carrying those packages, you should start an upper body-toning programme eight weeks in advance.

M a p y o u r t r a i l : Which stores do you need to go to first to get the early-bird bargains or that hard-to-find toy? Where should you park to minimise your package toting? What is the most efficient route between stores? Where are resting spots and bathrooms?

Gear and clothing for shopping Shopping involves walking, standing and carrying. Most store floors and sidewalks have a base of concrete and will stress your feet. Select your shoes for cushioning and

P a c k i n g : Now you need to think about how you are going to carry the stuff you buy without straining your back. Posture is important for walking comfort. Consider a little wheeled cart. Use pick-up or delivery service whenever you can. Many shopping areas have a gift-mailing service – an extravagance – but pain medication and back surgery would cost much more. Make frequent trips to the car to deposit your booty, or use a mall locker. Note: thieves may be observing this, use caution.

Dress for comfort in loose clothing, with nothing tight or constricting.

- Source: h o l i d a y s . a b o u t . c o m

HOLIDAY HOME SAFETY TIPS

THE JOY of Christmas and New Year often causes people to over indulge, thus compromising the safety of themselves and others. This Christmas, as you go about decorating your home and indulging in other merrymaking activities around the house, please take note of and enforce these basic antidisaster principles: • Place your tree or greens at least three feet away from other fire sources. If purchasing live, cut trees, carefully inspect the ‘needles.’ If they are brown or break easily, the greenery isn’t fresh and poses a greater fire risk.

• When you take your tree home, put it in a sturdy, non-tip stand and keep it filled with water at all

•

•

22 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

times. Ensure that it is difficult for the family cat or dog to drink from the container as not only can they topple the tree over, but they also can chew on the electrical wires, which can literally be a shocker.

When decorating with artificial trees or greens, purchase those whose branches have been treated with flame-retardant material. (Check labelling). Don’t add light strings and other electrical decorations to artificial trees with metallic needles, leaves or branch coverings.

Carefully inspect new or old electrical decorations before plugging them in.

Cracked sockets, frayed or loose connections may

• • •

•

cause a serious electric shock or start a fire.

Replace with new decorations.

Always unplug before replacing light bulbs or fuses.

Don’t overload extension cords, they could overheat and start a fire.

Turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Don’t put your family at risk by heading off to sleep while feeding electricity to these pretty but popular flame-starters.

Check Christmas lights for frayed or damaged wires or loose connections. Never leave lights on with unat-

tended children around.

SHOPPING FOR TOYS •

•

• •

•

•

When shopping for toys for young children, ensure that they are age appropriate.

Examine toys carefully to see if any parts come off easily and might be swallowed by young children.

Check for sharp edges, hidden pins or wires.

Immediately throw out all wrappings for toys that can be a choke or suffocation hazard.

Toddlers are strangely more attracted to the wrappings and packaging of some toys than the toys themselves.

Keep candles away from

• •

walls and drape vent. open windows where the flame can be fanned and ignite nearby flammables.

Avoid using them in decorations or displays and watch for dripping wax.

Do not leave candles unattended.

It is that time of year when kids are going to insist on helping around

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•

•

in the kitchen. Make sure they are never left unsupervised or have easy access to sharp objects.

Stress that the stove is out of bounds. To be on the safe side, reserve their `assistance’ for when it is not in use.

Make sure all new bicycles have training wheels.

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KINGSLEY’S SHIPPING LTD

Wishes you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year

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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30 pm Saturday 9am to 2.30 pm GREGORY (RICKY) STEWART IS NO LONGER EMPLOYED WITH KINGSLEYS SHIPPING SERVICES LTD & IS THEREFORE NOT AUTHORISED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY UNDER THE NAME OF KINGSLEYS SHIPPING SERVICES LTD Please note!

Remember ship early to avoid delays IN GOD WE TRUST

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DECEMBER 16 -22, 2010 • 23

christmas feature

Island Dairy Christmas Eggnog 12 egg yolks 5 cloves, whole 4 cups Island Dairy milk 4 cups cream 3 cups light rum 1 3/4 cups sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, ground In a saucepan over low heat, blend the Island Dairy milk, cinnamon, cloves and half a teaspoon of the vanilla essence.

Keep stirring while mixture heats, and remove from heat just before boiling point.

In a bowl, mix together the sugar with all those egg yolks.

Make sure you whisk them well so that they’re light and fluffy.

Gently and a little at a time, pour in the Island Dairy milk mixture while continuing to whisk.

Transfer mixture back into your saucepan over a medium heat while continuing to stir.

Keep stirring until your eggnog mixture starts to resemble custard.

Never let the mixture to reach boiling point.

Pour and strain the mixture into a jug, making sure to remove the cloves.

Stand jug in the fridge for an hour or two.

Gently stir in the cream, light rum, remaining vanilla and ground nutmeg.

Put back into the fridge overnight.

Serve in cups with a little extra ground nutmeg, cinnamon or baking cocoa sprinkled lightly on top.

Serves: 8.

JAMAICAN RUM PUNCH INGREDIENTS: Serves: 10-12 4 1 3 2

Cups water Cup lime or lemon juice cups strawberry-flavoured syrup cups Jamaican white rum

Mix all ingredients together in a punch bowl. Serve over ice cubes with a piece of lime or lemon. Water and rum maybe added to weaken or strengthen as needed.

24 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

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christmas feature

Customs shows flexibility for holidays T

HE JAMAICA Customs Department has implemented a number of strategies which demonstrate their flexibility for the busy Christmas season.

Both Montego Bay and Kingston port handlers will be extending their work hours to facilitate the usual increase in the importation of goods. The department endorsed this effort, assessed its performance in previous years and made the necessary preparations in collaboration with the various ports to ensure increased efficiency in cargo clearance during the month of December.

In collaboration with the management of Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), stripping and scanning of cargo will be done during the nights (9 p.m.-5 a.m.) and on weekends. Therefore, more time will be allocated to the release of cargo during daytime.

Also, effective since October 2010, an improved release system at KWL for goods being cleared on the C78X and C27 forms has

Customs has also expanded its cashier area and added an additional window in the Manifest Branch for both Kingston and Montego Bay

been implemented.

“Importers who seek to effect clearance of items using these forms will no longer visit the customs officer after payment has been made at the cashier,” the Customs Department said.

“Upon making payment at the cashier, the release form will be generated. This, along with their copy of the C78X and the bill of lading, should be taken to KWL’s gate pass office for the printing of their gate pass,” the Department added. This new approach eliminates an entire step in the clearance process and allows for a speedier release.

EXPANSION Customs has also expanded its cashier area and added an additional window in the Manifest Branch for both Kingston and Montego

Bay. “We have also separated manifest from commercial and personal effects goods to ensure faster manifesting and clearance of goods,” Customs pointed out. “As is customary, staff has been trained for relocation to the ports to handle the influx of customers during the busy season.”

MEASURES In addition to the measures introduced by the Customs Department, KWL has announced that its offices will be open for three Saturdays during December.

Additionally, Seaboard Warehouse in Montego Bay has stated that it will have operations on Saturdays, based on client request.

“Jamaica Customs will be doing our part during these operations, while constantly evaluating our procedures during the period for enhanced service delivery,” the Department said. The extension of work hours at Customs House in both cities will be announced as the demand arises during the season.

CONTRIBUTED Bishop Dr Rudolph Parkinson accepts a donation from Marcia Fletcher Chief Representative officer of VMBS UK while Allan Lewis Senior VP (centre) of VMBS Group Strategy looks on.

A gift for you VM makes donation to Lambeth seniors LONDON, England: MEMBERS OF the Lambeth Senior Citizens Association received an early Christmas gift in the form of a donation from the UK offices of the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), in London.

The handover was made at the Brixton Community Church of God on Brixton Road, South London, on the occasion of VMBS’ 132nd anniversary celebrations which were held recently.

Allan Lewis, senior vicepresident of VMBS Group Strategy, told the congregation that over the years his organisation has assisted

thousands of Jamaicans in achieving their financial goals at home and abroad.

CELEBRATIONS “Commencing our 132nd year anniversary celebration in this fashion is most appropriate, as VMBS and the church community have a very long and meaningful relationship, in that VMBS was founded on November 14, 1878 by a group of clergymen, led by Reverend G.W.Downer,” he said.

“Noteworthy also is the deep cross-continental connection that our building society shares with the United

Kingdom, as it was named in honour of the then illustrious reigning monarch, Queen Victoria,” he continued.

Lewis said VMBS has expanded its services to now offer, wealth management and stock broking, foreign exchange trading, general insurance, money transfer and real estate services.

“In addition to expanding our services, we continuously look for ways to add value to our members. One such value added benefit is our recently launched, ‘One less’ savings campaign, which provides members with practical tips and advice on how simple changes in their spending habits can have positive impact on the financial wellbeing,” he said.

Established

1974

Travel & Shipping

WORLDWIDE

SEA & AIR FREIGHT CONTAINERISED SERVICES

GUYANA • BARBADOS • TRINIDAD ST VINCENT • ANTIGUA KINGSTON • MONTEGO BAY and all Other West Indian islands door to door service. *Also all ports in Ghana, Nigeria

20FT & 40FT CONTAINERS Head Office: 42 Battersea Rise, Battersea, London SW11 1EE

Tel: 020 7223 7522 Fax: 020 7924 3897 Email: sales@creteshipping.co.uk

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