6 Things You Need To Know Today – December 18, 2014

1. US-Cuba Embrace. It’s been long in coming but it has finally happened. That’s how Jamaicans are describing the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the United States (US) and Cuba, which had been severed more than half a century ago in January 1961… Read more at Jamaica-Gleaner.com
2. JGRA Boss: Oil Price Decline Bringing Satisfactory Prices To Pump. Jamaican motorists are enjoying the benefits of a continuing slide in the price of oil on the world market, as reflected in the ex-refinery prices set by the state-owned refinery, Petrojam, over the past six weeks… Read more at Jamaica-Gleaner.com
3. New NHT Board In April. Information Minister, Sandrea Falconer, has announced that a new board for the National Housing Trust (NHT) will be appointed when the current board’s tenure ends in April 2015… Read more at Jamaica-Gleaner.com
4. Poor Leadership, Outdated Laws Hurting Inmates. A combination of outdated legislation and poor leadership at some of the island’s adult correctional centres is contributing to the denial of basic human rights to persons incarcerated to the extent that it is now a matter of grave concern for the Office of the Public Defender… Read more at Jamaica-Gleaner.com
5. Ring The Alarm! There is alarm here about speculation that the IOC plans to cut the 200 metres from Olympic track and field competition. It’s understandable. Thanks to the likes of Donald Quarrie, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Usain Bolt, Jamaica has won five gold, six silver and four bronze medals in the curved sprint at the Olympic Games… Read more at Jamaica-Gleaner.com
6. Coverage Of Marley-Cannabis Deal Under Investigation. The Marley Natural deal announced earlier last month has again been thrust into the spotlight. This time, a BBC Radio programme is being accused of ‘glamourising’ drug use based on its coverage of the deal involving the famous reggae family… Read more at Jamaica-Gleaner.com