News Briefs

Police seize $20m worth of counterfeit shoes

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

The police have seized several counterfeit goods as in operations as business places as unsuspecting bargain hunters are being ripped off as they prepare for the new school year.

The Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) said there has been an increase in the sale of counterfeit goods in the island.

Assistant Superintendent Victor Barrett, head of the Intellectual Property Unit at C-TOC, is urging shoppers to be on the lookout for fake brands, warning that law enforcement authorities would be increasing their surveillance against the illicit trade.

“When you look at the counterfeit barometer, there was a downtick and suddenly, … there has been an uptick in the counterfeit barometer, and as such, we are going to ramp up our operations.

“What we are doing here is within the tandem of the Trademark Act. So we are enforcing the law,” he said, noting that at a business place in Spanish Town, St Catherine, the police, acting on intelligence, “discovered a large quantity of counterfeit shoes”.

He said the counterfeit shoes, bearing several reputable brand names and valued at $20 million, have been seized.

 

 

Noel Dexter’s funeral set for next Monday

Renowned Jamaican composer and choir director Noel Dexter, who passed away on August 18, will be remembered in a thanksgiving service on September 2.

The service will take place at 1 p.m. at the University Chapel at the The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Dexter, 80, was director of the University Singers at The University of the West Indies, Mona, from 1997 to 2012.

In his early years, Dexter was involved with the Little Theatre Movement’s National Pantomime, composing and playing the music in the production.

Throughout his long career, Dexter composed several Jamaican hymns, including The Right Hand of God, Freedom Song and Make A Joyful Noise.

Dexter, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Arts & Culture in the Gleaner Honour Awards for 2015, is survived by his daughter, Carol Dexter, and a grandson.

 

 

Draft EIA on St Ann, Trelawny mining not ready for public consultation

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has moved to address concerns raised by environment and community groups about the release of the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the proposed mining operations in St Ann and Trelawny by Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners.

In a statement yesterday, NEPA explained that the document has not been made public because it was determined, following a review, that it has not complied with the agreed Terms of Reference.

The terms were jointly developed by the agency, along with the Forestry Department, Jamaica National Heritage Trust, Water Resources Authority, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the consultants.

NEPA said that the draft EIA report was received from the consultants, Conrad Douglas and Associates Limited, in July.

It was explained that given the non-compliance, the EIA report is not ready for wide circulation and that further public consultation has been mandated.

NEPA says no mining activities will be allowed in the area referred to as Special Mining Lease 173 until a decision has been taken by the Natural Resources Conservation Authority/Town and Country Planning Authority.