Professor says more Jamaicans overweight; life-threatening condition fuelling NCDs BY KIMBERLEY HIBBERT —-  Professor Fitzroy Henry (left), chair of the National Food Industry Task Force (NFITF) engages Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton ahead of the launch of the NFITF at the Spanish Court Hotel yesterday. More Jamaicans are obese today than 15 years ago. In fact, according to University of Technology, Jamaica Professor of Public Health and Nutrition Fitzroy Henry, obesity rates among adults have increased by one per cent, each year, since 2002. The burgeoning issue took center stage at yesterday’s launch of the Ministry of Health’s National Food Industry Task Force (NFITF), which is tasked with formulating strategies to improve Jamaicans’ diet and lessen the economic burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The ministry currently spends more than $170 million per year to treat … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson—  Iya Terra.—- THE rapid turnover of artists topping Billboard’s Reggae Album chart continues. Five-member group Iya Terra (from Los Angeles) is the new number one with Sacred Sound. Released on March 17, Sacred Sound contains 11 songs, including collaborations with E N Young, Jacob Iosia, and Stick Figure. Tracks include By My Side, Love and Respect, Gypsi Girl, Humble Yourself, and Give Thanks. Satsang from Chicago debuts at number seven with Pyramid(s). The 12-track set, released on March 20 by Rootfire Cooperative, has guest appearances including Nahko, Grammy winner Chris Berry, Tim Snider, and Tubby Love.   Lutan Fyah has the third highest debut this week as his Music Never Dies opens at number eight. Released by Virgin Islands label I Grade Records, Music Never Dies is the singer’s first entry on the Billboard … Read entire article »

BY JEDIAEL CARTER —  Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica Shri Sevala Naik (center) addressing yesterday’s Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange. Flanking him are high commission officials Mark Ngamthangrum, cultural attache, and Akilah Coore, cultural assistant. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)— Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica Shri Sevala Naik yesterday expressed an interest in helping to develop the Jamaican film industry by offering scholarships and internships to interested Jamaicans. Though nothing has been officially implemented, the diplomat welcomed the suggestion that through India’s booming film industry, known as Bollywood, his country could offer assistance to Jamaica. “Film scholarships are not there, but we can develop a model and we can take it up with my Government. There has been no expression of interest from Jamaicans, but I can explore this opportunity. I will be more than happy to … Read entire article »