Japan

Players discuss greater adoption of clean energy at NMG-sponsored event

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 08:40:02 +0000

Players discuss greater adoption of clean energy at NMG-sponsored event

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12421.jpg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 08:40

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics

Original Article

Players discuss greater adoption of clean energy at NMG-sponsored event

Individual and corporate stakeholders in the energy sector have converged in Naivasha seeking to address challenges hampering Kenya’s efforts to scale up the use of clean energy, and recommend measures to address them.

The Sustainable Energy Conference, an initiative of the Nation Media Group (NMG), brings together government and private institutions keen on renewable energy, as Kenya, among the world’s top 10 countries in the use of geothermal energy, seeks to increase generation and use of wind, geothermal and hydrothermal energy.

The conference happens as the global climate change crisis has hurt the dignity of humans, with natural disasters happening more frequently and leading to deaths, displacements, and agony caused by lack of necessities.

Although Africa has a huge potential to diversify into clean and greener energy solutions, the potentials remain untapped.

“This is why the occasion of this conference is significant. It offers an opportunity to look at the state of play from a Kenyan and African perspective in order that we can infuse our perspective into what is a global, urgent agenda,” said Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma when she opened the conference.

Also Read: Epra boss speaks about fuel subsidy and rising cost of oil

The CS said that the government is committed to providing clean, reliable and affordable energy services to all Kenyans, and that the country has positioned itself as a leader in renewables, with 75 per cent of green installed capacity, and a 92 per cent daily green dispatch.

She said that to provide universal access to electricity for all Kenyans, access has been expanded from below 30 per cent to 75 per cent in less than10 years. She also said that the number of households connected to electricity increased from 2.3 million in 2013 to 6.2 million in 2022.

KenGen Managing Director and CEO Rebecca Miano said that the world has entered a new era, focusing on energy transition.

“Going forward, fossil fuels are no longer a sustainable source of energy to power our economic growth. As nations worldwide strive for sustainable development, clean and renewable energy sources have taken centre stage in the global discourse on how we produce and consume energy,” she said.

KenGen is implementing six Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects that offset a cumulative 4,617,309 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (carbon credits) annually.

They include the Olkaria II geothermal expansion, redeveloping the Tana hydropower station, optimizing the Kiambere hydropower site, Olkaria IV geothermal, Olkaria I Units 4 and 5 geothermal and the Ngong wind project.

NMG chairman Wilfred Kiboro said that energy consumption is universal and that governments must devise ways of making it available, accessible and affordable.

“Currently, energy is available for the privileged few. States should make affordable electricity, for instance, a human right. This should be enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.

He blamed politics, corruption, lack of vision and bad policies for states’ failure to provide electricity to their citizens.

Kenya is one of the top 10 countries globally that have embraced green energy, with over 90 per cent of its energy coming from hydrothermal, geothermal and wind.

A 2019 World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report on climate action warned that if governments and businesses do not slow global emissions, temperatures could rise to above three degrees Celsius by 2100, causing further irreversible damage to ecosystems.

The NMG-KenGen conference gives Kenya and Africa an opportunity to come up with actionable frameworks and solutions for the continent’s energy transition and security to leapfrog it to the next level of socio-economic development in a sustainable manner.

Data shows that geothermal power accounts for 37.3 per cent of Kenya’s electricity while the share of wind and solar is 16 per cent and one per cent, respectively, bringing to 54.3 per cent the share of clean energy in the national grid.

Power from hydro sources accounts for 30 per cent while diesel-powered thermal plants provide 10 per cent.

Representatives from organisations including the French Development Agency (AFD), Japan’s JICA, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the World Bank, GIZ, Kepsa, African Development Bank (AfDB), Equity Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), Germany's KfW, and A.P. Moller Capital are attending the conference, which is being held at the Geothermal Spa in Naivasha.

Africa

Politics

Sh32bn port terminal begins operations

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:50:01 +0000

Sh32bn port terminal begins operations

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12394.jpg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 07:50

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Original Publisher

Business

Original Article

Sh32bn port terminal begins operations

Mombasa port is to underline its position as the gateway to East Africa as operations at the new Sh32 billion Container Terminal 2 started Tuesday following the successful docking of the first ship.

It brings an additional capacity of 450,000 containers, which will increase the port’s cargo handling volume from 1.42 million to 1.732 million.

It is part of the Mombasa Port Development Programme designed to accommodate larger vessels, giving it a competitive edge over Dar es Salaam and Djibouti ports.

Also Read

Mombasa is the preferred entry point for landlocked countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) took control of Berth 22 – which is 300 metres wide – from the Toyo Construction Company last week.

MV Jamaica, which operates under the Asia East Africa Kenya Service (ASEA service) that links the region with the Far East, became the first ship to dock at the terminal.

Construction of Berth 23

KPA acting managing director John Mwangemi said the completion of the berth will pave the way for the construction of Berth 23.

“Our engineers and the marine team successfully docked a 264-metre-long ship using two tugboats and two mooring vessels. It is discharging 2,704 containers and loading 3,738 for export cargo carrying agricultural products and minerals ores from East Africa,” he said.

“The terminal will have three berths with lengths of 230, 320 and 350 metres. They will handle panamax container ships of 20,000 deadweight tonnage and post-panamax vessels of 60,000,” he added.

It is estimated that the port will handle 47 million tonnes in the next 10 years from the current 30 million and 111 million by 2047.

KPA has procured multipurpose salvage tugboats and three ship-to-shore gantry cranes at Sh2.89 billion for use at the new terminal to boost efficiency and bulk handling activities.

Agreement with Jica

In 2017, Kenya signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for a loan of Sh32 billion for construction of Phase II of the second container terminal. Toyo commenced work in September 2018.

The Jica loan was taken within the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (Step) at an interest rate of 0.2 per cent and a repayment period of 40 years with a 10-year grace period. One of the conditions for funding was that it would be managed privately.

The bidding firms that sought to manage the terminal included Hutchison Ports Investments, DP World, PSA International, China Merchants Holdings and SSA Port Terminal.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), through the Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL), was picked to run the terminal. KPA, MSC and KNSL made requests at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Competition Commission. The transaction would give MSC and KPA joint control of KNSL.

Africa

Business

Hyundai unveils refreshed SUV in Kenya in new sales drive

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:50:01 +0000

Hyundai unveils refreshed SUV in Kenya in new sales drive

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12393.jpg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 07:50

Friday, June 17, 2022

Original Publisher

Business

Original Article

Hyundai unveils refreshed SUV in Kenya in new sales drive

What you need to know:

The auto dealer said it has longstanding financing deals with lenders like Bank of Africa to help finance customers buying its brands.
The company said it sold 35 units of Hyundai models under its dealership as at May 2022, compared to a total of 36 units sold last year.

Hyundai Motor has unveiled its upgraded top-selling Tucson sports utility vehicle in Kenya as it seeks to drive growth in the country as the economy reopens spurring demand.

Tucson, a compact SUV, is one of the South Korean automaker’s top selling vehicle in western Europe and is also one of its biggest sellers in China, the United States and South Korea, its top three markets.

The car which will retail at Sh4.9 million for the 4x2 model and Sh6.7 million for the 4x4 model will be sold in Kenya through Caetano, the local franchise holder of Hyundai.

“We are confident that the all new Tucson will exceed our customers’ expectations as it is not just an evolution but a Hyundai design revolution," said Caetano managing director Pedro Campos in a statement.

Read: Spare parts prices are a ‘bum’ deal, one way or another

The auto dealer said it has longstanding financing deals with lenders like Bank of Africa to help finance customers buying its brands.

The revamped version of Hyundai's top-selling SUV features a longer, more voluminous body than its predecessor while boasting advanced safety features such as warnings on approaching objects from the rear when a car stops.

The company said it sold 35 units of Hyundai models under its dealership as at May 2022, compared to a total of 36 units sold last year signalling sales will surpass units sold last year on the back of demand as the economy reopens, it said.

Caetano Kenya which is the local franchise holder of Hyundai and Renault cars, sells Sedan, Crater, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade and the recently launched Kona Electric models from Hyundai. Under the Renault collection, the dealer stocks KWID, Triber, Duster, Kangoo and Koleos models.

Read: When a tree crushed five cars

Kenya is a small market for new vehicles due to limited purchasing power, which leaves most consumers buying second hand imports from Japan.

But it has attracted investment from global automakers in recent years due to its growth potential.

Sales of new motor vehicles rose 11.7 per cent in the first quarter ended March, aided by the growing economy.

Data from the Kenya Motor Industry Association (KMI) shows that the formal dealers including Isuzu East Africa, Toyota Kenya and Simba Corporation sold 3,203 units in the review period, up from 2,867 units a year earlier.

The performance marks continued recovery in the industry, which suffered reduced sales in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, including restriction of movement, business disruption and reduced incomes for firms and households.

[email protected]

Africa

Business

Australian Labour topples conservatives, PM faces early tests

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 23:40:01 +0000

Australian Labour topples conservatives, PM faces early tests

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12271.jpg

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:40

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Original Publisher

Politics Archives - Barbados Today

Original Article

Australian Labour topples conservatives, PM faces early tests

SOURCE: AP — Australia’s center-left opposition party toppled the conservative government after almost a decade in power, and Prime Minister-elect Anthony Albanese in his Saturday election victory speech promised sharper reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while he faces an early foreign policy test.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he quickly conceded defeat despite millions of votes yet to be counted because an Australian leader must attended a Tokyo summit on Tuesday with U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Albanese, who has described himself as the only candidate with a “non-Anglo Celtic name” to run for prime minister in the 121 years that the office has existed, referred to his own humble upbringing in the Sydney suburb of Camperdown.

Labour Party leader Anthony Albanese, center, shakes hands with a voter he and his partner Jodie Haydon, left, arrive a polling place to cast their ballots in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, May 21, 2022. Australians go to the polls following a six-week election campaign that has focused on pandemic-fueled inflation, climate change and fears of a Chinese military outpost being established less than 1,200 miles off Australia’s shore. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

“It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mom who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australia’s prime minister,” Albanese said.

“Every parent wants more for the next generation than they had. My mother dreamt of a better life for me. And I hope that my journey in life inspires Australians to reach for the stars,” he added.

Albanese will be sworn in as prime minister after his Labour party clenched its first electoral win since 2007.

Labour has promised more financial assistance and a robust social safety net as Australia grapples with the highest inflation since 2001 and soaring housing prices.

The party also plans to increase minimal wages, and on the foreign policy front, it proposed to establish a Pacific defense school to train neighboring armies in response to China’s potential military presence on the Solomon Islands on Australia’s doorstep.

It also wants to tackle climate change with a more ambitious 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Morrison’s Liberal party-led coalition was seeking a fourth three-year term. It held the narrowest of majorities — 76 seats in the 151-member House of Representatives, where parties need a majority to form a government. In early counting on Saturday, the coalition was on track to win 51 seats, Labour 72, 10 were unaligned lawmakers and 18 were too close to call.

The major parties bled votes to fringe parties and independents, which increases the likelihood of a hung parliament and a minority government.

Australia most recent hung parliaments were from 2010-13, and during World War II.

The minor Australian Greens party appeared to have increased its representation from a single seat to three.

The Greens supported a Labour minority government in 2010, and will likely support a Labour administration again if the party falls shott of a 76-seat majority.

As well as campaigning against Labour, Morrison’s conservative Liberals fought off a new challenge from so-called teal independent candidates to key government lawmakers’ reelection in party strongholds.

At least four Liberal lawmakers appeared to have lost their seats to teal independents including Liberal Party deputy leader Josh Frydenberg, who had been considered Morrison’s most likely successor.

“What we have achieved here is extraordinary,” teal candidate and former foreign correspondent Zoe Daniels said in her victory speech. “Safe Liberal seat. Two-term incumbent. Independent,” she added.

The teal independents are marketed as a greener shade than the Liberal Party’s traditional blue color and want stronger government action on reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions than either the government or Labour are proposing.

The government’s Senate leader Simon Birmingham was concerned by big swings toward several teal candidates.

“It is a clear problem that we are losing seats that are heartland seats, that have defined the Liberal Party for generations,” Birmingham said.

“If we lose those seats — it is not certain that we will — but there is clearly a big movement against us and there is clearly a big message in it,” Birmingham added.

Due to the pandemic, around half of Australia’s 17 million electors have voted early or applied for postal votes, which will likely slow the count.

Early polling for reasons of travel or work began two weeks ago and the Australian Electoral Commission will continue collecting postal votes for another two weeks.

Caribbean

Politics

Hunger: Red Cross sets up 140 mothers’ clubs in seven states

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 16:10:01 +0000

Hunger: Red Cross sets up 140 mothers’ clubs in seven states

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12158.jpg

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 16:10

Friday, June 17, 2022

Original Publisher

About the intervention

Speaking on the intervention, the secretary-general of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende, said acute hunger breeds malnutrition and that it requires immediate action, particularly for pregnant, lactating mothers and vulnerable children.

He said: “A good number of them are now in a situation where they eat what they can get instead of choosing diets that will make them and their children healthy and this is something that concerns us greatly.

“We are grateful to our funding partners; The American Red Cross, British Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross, and Netherlands Red Cross who have gone ahead to provide much-needed resources to allow us to reach the most vulnerable people in these 7 states. However, more support is still required as the funding gap is still huge vis a vie the needs.”

What statistics say

The NRSC secretary-general further noted that “through the Hunger Crisis Appeal, 700 Pregnant and Lactating women (PLWs) have received the second round of supplementary conditional cash grants to boost their nutritional status and that of the babies they carry or infants that they are nursing.”

According to a report by the Federal Ministry of Health and Cadre Harmonise, Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the world.

The report quoted an estimation of 2 million, noting a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent of these children being under five with seven per cent of women of childbearing age suffering from acute malnutrition.

NRSC added that the campaign aims to empower mothers and caregivers with knowledge of nutrition in local communities in the selected states where it is also estimated that about 19.4 million people will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022.

More comments

In his remarks, NRSC Coordinator, Health, and Care, Manir Jega, said the activity will, through the formation of mothers’ clubs share nutrition information, identify and refer malnourished children and lactating mothers to the nearest health facility after being measured with the Mid Upper Arm Circumference, MUAC tape.

“We know that if mothers and caregivers have better information, it will lead to healthier children and a better society, we have set up 140 Mothers Club in the 7 states. We are working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health on this.

“One of the leading causes of malnutrition in Nigeria is poor dietary knowledge adding that the network of Red Cross volunteers would help educate lactating mothers and caregivers on how to combine available foods to reduce malnutrition and improve the production of breast milk for infants during the weekly mother’s club meetings.

“This is expected to go a long way in reducing malnutrition, prevent child mortality, and morbidity and promote a healthy diet,” he said.

Also, the coordinator, Disaster Management, Benson Agbro, noted that the spate of farmer herder conflicts and banditry in the country is another leading cause of malnutrition.

“When people cannot access markets to buy food, or they cannot access their fields to grow the required dietary foods, they will eat whatever food they see is available to them to just fill their stomachs and live to fight another day without minding the nutritional value,” he said.

Distribution of cash

As part of the measures to fight hunger, the NRSC recently distributed cash to 30,000 people in 5,000 households who are reportedly facing acute hunger in the same regions where the clubs are set up.

The society also noted in a press statement that it planned to reach 200,000 more people who are in “dire need of humanitarian support and facing food insecurity due to a combination of climate change, conflicts and COVID-19.”

The NRCS stated that it is taking action to fight hunger in the selected northern regions specifically because the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) estimated that about 19.4 million people in the regions will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022.

Africa

Global markets fall, roiled by U.S. inflation, rate adjustment fears

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 03:50:01 +0000

Global markets fall, roiled by U.S. inflation, rate adjustment fears

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1249.png

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 03:50

Monday, June 13, 2022

Original Publisher

Business - Premium Times Nigeria

Original Article

Global markets fall, roiled by U.S. inflation, rate adjustment fears

Global markets tanked on Monday with the dollar touching its peak in two decades as high U.S. inflation data stoked concerns that central banks will further raise rates.

At 5.20 am ET, U.S. Dow Jones futures fell 1.9 per cent, while S&P 500 futures slipped by about 2.3 per cent. Nasdaq futures slid 2.9 per cent.

The U.S. consumer price index quickened by 8.6 per cent last month, strengthening the possibility that the Federal Reserve could take an aggressive approach to tame price increases.

The weight of the plunge was heaviest in Asia, where Japan’s Nikkei dropped 3 per cent and the yen plummeted to the weakest level in over 20 years. It has declined steeply in recent months on account of a strong dollar and steeply loose monetary policy in the East Asian nation.

On Friday, the Japanese central bank and government had released a joint statement warning of dramatic slide in the currency, implying a possible meddling aimed at arresting the dive by Tokyo.

Apart from the yen, Asian currencies like the Indian rupee also crashed to a record low of 78.2 against the greenback in early trade.

So also did Hong Kong’s Hang Seng which saw a pullback of 3.4 per cent while South Korea’s Kospi cringed by 3.5 per cent and China’s Shanghai Composite by 0.9 per cent.

In Europe, France’s CAC 40 eased by 2.5 per cent in early trade, while Germany’s DAX 30 was 2.3 per cent weaker. The FTSE 100 decelerated by 1.8 per cent as the British pound slumped to $1.22 after fresh data revealed the UK economy shrinking by for the second quarter in a row in April.

“The hangover from Friday’s US CPI data isn’t helped by concern about China walking back some of its economic reopening, or more dire economic data in the UK,” Societe Generale strategist Kit Juckes said in a research note.

In Thursday, authorities in Beijing’s biggest district Chaoyang declared closure of entertainment centres days after allowing them to reopen, as the country’s Covid resurgence appears to worsen.

Africa

Business

Till debt do us part

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 04:00:01 +0000

Till debt do us part

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__11385.jpg

admin Tue, 02/22/2022 - 04:00

Friday, February 11, 2022

Original Publisher

Searchlight

Original Article

Till debt do us part

The national debt level of a country is a measure of how much the government owes its creditors. Economists are generally divided on the question of how much debt is too much debt, both with respect to the ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) as well as the total dollar amount of the debt. Some economists are concerned that excessive government debt levels can impact economic stability with broader implications for exchange rate stability, external trade, economic growth and unemployment. However, others suggest that if the debt level is manageable, there is little cause for alarm.

In the October 2021 edition of its World Economic Outlook Report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that the higher a country’s debt-to-GDP ratio is, the higher the risk of that country defaulting on its debt. In one of its studies, the World Bank also suggests that a debt-to-GDP ratio of 77% or more during prolonged periods of time can cause economic slowdowns.

In its 2021 World Economic Outlook Report, the IMF lists Japan as having the world’s highest debt-to-GDP ratio at 256.9%.

Following not far behind are Sudan and Greece, at 209.9% and 206.7% respectively. Of the countries with debt-to-GDP of over 90%, ten are in the Caribbean.

Of course, notwithstanding the conventional wisdom of the IMF and World Bank, there are many nuances that should be considered when talking about debt. For instance, Haiti has an enviable debt-to-GDP ratio of 25%. Yet, this has not resulted in economic stability for Haiti, perhaps mainly because of the decades of political and security instability in that country. Moreover, countries such as Guatemala, Chad, the Congo and many others have debt-to-GDP ratios below 50% but have yet to achieve appreciable levels of economic development. Therefore, economic success or lack thereof transcends debt.

The other issue to consider is that not all debt is equal. Some countries are in debt, especially unsustainable debt, due to poor economic management. However, for others, debt is sometimes the result of factors largely beyond their control. For instance, IMF figures suggest that the annual cost of disasters for small states is nearly 2% of GDP. In some instances, the impact of natural disasters on small states can be double their GDP. When added over many decades, it stands to reason that the vulnerability of small states to natural disasters would inflate their debt levels since these states must either borrow to rebuild or borrow to build resilience.

At least every decade, there is a global shock of some kind. In 2007/2008, it was the global financial crisis. Just over a decade before that were the terrorist attacks on the United States (US) and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq which impacted global travel and tourism, energy prices and other sectors. Currently, virtually all states are working to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Another reality of small states is that they tend to be hardest hit by these global events and also take much longer to recover. Therefore, while recovering from one crisis, they are often hit by another. These confluences of events frequently push governments toward incurring debt to shore up social safety nets, maintain employment levels, build infrastructure and generally, prevent a hard economic landing.

Greece is a recent case study of how debt can lead to a sharp and catastrophic economic calamity. However, this is an extreme example. While debt should not be ignored, narrative around it should also be balanced. For small states especially, the key is to focus on manageable debt and transformative debt. Manageable is about being able to repay. Transformative is about using debt to invest in resilient infrastructure, economic diversification and competitiveness, and to enhance the availability and delivery of public goods. The hope is that strategic investments in these areas would ultimately reduce the burden of having to borrow over time.

Joel K Richards is a Vincentian national living and working in Europe in the field of international trade and development.
Email: joelkmrichards@gmail.com

Caribbean

News

Federal Govt Assures JICA Of Support To Implement Transmission Projects In Lagos, Ogun

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:40:01 +0000

Federal Govt Assures JICA Of Support To Implement Transmission Projects In Lagos, Ogun

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__80.php

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 11:40

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Original Publisher

BUSINESS – Leadership News

Original Article

Federal Govt Assures JICA Of Support To Implement Transmission Projects In Lago…

The Ministry of Power is to partner with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the implementation of transmission expansion programme aimed at expanding the power transmission network to support the rapidly expanding industries in Lagos and Ogun states. Recall that the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREM) to be carried out by the Transmission […]

Africa

Business

Striking Gold at The Coppers

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 03:20:01 +0000

Striking Gold at The Coppers

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__11107.jpg

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 03:20

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

Striking Gold at The Coppers

Within New Kingston's busy thoroughfares lies a beguiling oasis on Haining Road - The Coppers. Situated in the exact location where Heather's once was, The Coppers is another restaurant venture by Heather McKay. Yes, of Heather's fame. Only the bones of the original restaurant are recognisable. The Coppers may be McKay's second child (so to speak), but it's not in the shadow of the firstborn. It is blazing its own path and winning over folks with its unique charm. Just in its second month of operation (the doors opened in November), The Coppers already has the Corporate Area abuzz.

The restaurant's buzz-worthiness cannot solely be attributed to the "power of new". A combination of things makes the business work; topping the list is the happy staff who want guests to relax, experience and savour. Whether you're tucked away in a corner, working on a laptop, or having a seven-hour ladies' 'lunch' (this happened, by the way), the staff will ensure that your visit is memorable.

Next on the ingredients list of the restaurant's recipe for success is its spaciousness that is especially welcomed during these times. The space is divided into three distinct areas - the bar, the garden and the cellar. The garden and cellar have separate menus. According to Executive Chef Ramesh Maragh, "The cellar offers a more intimate and formal experience." However, just ask nicely if you'd like to have the cellar menu in the garden or at the bar. With two menus and over three dozen items, you'd think there's a whole kitchen brigade creating each beautiful and delicious dish. In actuality, it's Maragh, sous-chef Tashay Myers, and chef de partie Gavin Harriott.

The Coppers' dishes deliver a "taste of Jamaica and the world". Each element is well-seasoned, including the vegetables and salads that garnish the plate. For our visit, Thursday Food savoured lobster, crab, sweet corn and three-cheese queso, the American smash burger, Chicken Kiev, Cabernet-braised oxtail crisp, a Japanese sticky pork bowl, and the international mixed grill.

It was challenging picking a favourite dish, so we didn't. The queso served with green plantain tostones, or garlic crostini, is the sort of dish that you'll squabble over. If there are more than two people dining, one won't suffice. The beautiful Tex-Mex flavours are beautifully pronounced and addictive. The American smash burger starts with two burger patties handmade by Chef Maragh every day. After grilling, each gets a slice of American cheddar, and the whole thing is tied together by a small mountain of onion rings, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the secret house sauce.

The frenched Chicken Kiev reminds you why this dish ruled the 70s and 80s. Stuffed with brie, parsley butter, dipped in panko and fried to a perfect crisp, this cellar menu dish deserves to be sung about. Though an appetiser, the Cabernet-braised oxtail crisp has flavours that linger most appealingly. The Japanese sticky pork bowl comprises a generous serving of soy ginger-braised pork belly, sautéed vegetables and moreish fried rice. But, if you want a dish that will repeatedly stamp your carnivore card, then the international mixed grill is for you. A grilled Port-glazed lamb chop, jerk chicken kebab, twice-cooked pork belly, and, get this, grilled filet mignon create a carnival of flavour and a feast for the eyes. You'll probably need to sit at the bar for a few cocktails after.

Bar manager Ikkie Beadle and his mixologists have created a praise-worthy cocktail programme. They approach cocktails with the same enthusiasm that the kitchen approaches the menus - another reason why the whole thing works well. Whether you're a fan of gin and Aperol, a caramel mudslide, an Amaretto sour, a tequila-based mojito, sorrel sangria, rum or mocktails, The Coppers has something that will delight. Hot tip: Ask for one of the Japanese whiskeys that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere easily.

But, you better leave room for dessert! There's homemade gelato, a divine raspberry-almond tart, and a decadent brownie that deserves to be called something else after getting the Chef Maragh treatment.

After a four-hour lunch, Thursday Food sat pondering, eavesdropping and relishing the experience. The other diners, too, were delighted and, while attempting to get up after being well-fed, conveyed their regards to the chefs. What seemed like a hundred good-byes, thank yous, and see you soons were delivered by still smiling staff. Those arriving for the dinner service also greeted guests as they passed. Yes, they were also smiling. When asked what's behind all this happiness, McKay replied, "It's because we're a family."

The Coppers family has struck gold at the site where it all began.

The Coppers

Address: 9 Haining Road, Kingston 5

For reservations: 876-672-7251

Opening hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sundays 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Caribbean

Living Standard

SO2 - January 23

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 03:20:01 +0000

SO2 - January 23

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__11103.jpg

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 03:20

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 - January 23

Firstly...

SO2 gave you a taste last week of what Kaci Hamilton has been up to. But there's more! Lots more!

She's been pursuing acting for the past five years, the last three in Los Angeles, and after just a year in LA, shot a commercial for Smirnoff starring Dave Bautista (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame). That was February 2020. Cue: The lockdown. But while everyone else was making starter dough, she built a home voiceover studio, attended endless IG Live events, Zoom conferences, acting classes, and even enrolled in a virtual networking service, all to stay current and ready. It's paid off!

Last year, she auditioned for pretty much every major network, from Apple TV, Disney, ABC, to HBO, Amazon, and Netflix, ultimately booking a spot on NCIS: Hawai'i.

"I ended up not being able to accept the role, but as they say, it's an honour to be nominated," she says. "In the last six months, I booked my first feature film and landed a Lexus campaign that's currently live and set to run through the Winter Olympics and March Madness. But the project that felt like a real milestone was a recent dramatic short film, Getaway, that I filmed in Jamaica. It's written by first-time Jamaican film-maker Malaika Paquiot, directed by American Stephanie Malson and co-starring Jamaican-American actress Melissa Anderson, all of whom I met coming up in ARRAY, the independent film distribution company founded by Ava DuVernay.

"It tells the story of June, a Jamaican-American single mother who brings her young son home to connect with his roots, but ends up making a life-altering decision by the end of her trip. I play Grace, June's cousin and the person who knows her better than she knows herself. I've been committed to telling immigrant stories, so it was especially rewarding to be a part of a Jamaican one, shot in Jamaica, and collaborating with three dynamic black women who shared the same passion. Getaway was also shot by Jamaican cinematographer Randall Richards, of Mint Creative, and is slated for the festival circuit with plans for development into a series. There's also been time for some more light-hearted TV appearances. And I haven't stopped writing. I'm working on my own pilot about attending college as a Jamaican in Alaska, as well as [I have] plans to launch a sleep podcast, Jamaican Me Sleepy, later this year. I'm ready for the diversification happening in the industry, and I'm especially excited about Jamaica being at that table," she concludes.

Cue: McFadden and Whitehead's Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.

Also...

Beauty and fashion mogul Kim Kardashian announced the latest release from her KKW fragrance line wearing a trio of sheer corseted outfits designed and created by Canadian designer Kathryn Bowen. Kardashian collaborates with world-renowned floral arrangement designer Jeff Leatham for a special capsule collection: Jeff Leatham by KKW Fragrance. The news came with photos of Kardashian clad in custom white, black, and beige Kathryn Bowen sheer corsets, posing alongside the new bottle for the fragrances and elaborate floral arrangements courtesy of Leatham.

No stranger to SO2, the Canadian designer's father, Bruce, headed Scotiabank Jamaica for several years.

Next...

Last October, Japanese multinational electronics company Epson announced a new partnership with eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt. Widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time, Bolt was selected to be the face of an awareness-building campaign for Epson's cartridge-free EcoTank printers. Television and social media ads, billboards, and website banners rolled out shortly after. The most recent video ad is a heart-warming story of a young boy fulfilling his dream of meeting his hero Usain Bolt, with the help of Epson EcoTank. The retired sprinter shared the video with his 11 million Instagram followers.

And...

Armed with a stunning Greta Constantine power suit and confident delivery, American actress, singer, and dancer Ariana DeBose made her Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosting debut during the first episode of 2022. The actress - best known for playing Anita in Steven Spielberg's musical film West Side Story - is now enjoying her time in the limelight after a decade of working hard on Broadway.

Greta Constantine - a ready-to-wear womenswear line based in Toronto, Canada - is helmed by Jamaican-Canadian designers Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill.

There's More...

After a whirlwind year for New York-based Jamaican designer Brandon Blackwood, Jamaica's sun, sand, and sea were exactly what the stylish entrepreneur was missing. Blackwood's Rock rendezvous - organised in part to celebrate his bestie's Imani Nia's birthday - included a stay at Bumper's Nest, a spectacular private villa located hillside at the fabulous Tryall Club in Montego Bay.

Bumper's Nest encapsulates all that is synonymous with elegant Caribbean living with its lavish master cottage, handsome interiors, and stunning views. Many families have an enduring love affair with Bumper's Nest, returning year after year and enjoying it as their home away from home.

From a three-acre garden, at the peak of Mahogany Hill, Bumper's Nest takes full advantage of views of the Caribbean Sea, Tryall forests, and the 14th hole of the legendary Tryall Golf Club. It has been meticulously designed to maximise the natural light, airflow, and magnificent views.

The villa staff comprises a team of Rhona, the cook with over 30 years' experience at the Club, a butler, maid, laundress, and the lawns, pool and organic herb gardens are tended by the villa's two gardeners.

- The Tryall Club

Finally

Caribbean

Living Standard

Japan

Players discuss greater adoption of clean energy at NMG-sponsored event

Related

Kenya Pipeline Company on track as it pursues the sustainability agenda

Air pollution worsening reproductive health

Sh32bn port terminal begins operations

Also Read

Why the future of agriculture is digital

Farm tourism brings in the cash for me

Construction of Berth 23

Agreement with Jica

Hyundai unveils refreshed SUV in Kenya in new sales drive

What you need to know:

Related

Gavin Bennett: Just how tight should wheel nuts be?

How do I make my car battery go the extra mile?

Australian Labour topples conservatives, PM faces early tests

Hunger: Red Cross sets up 140 mothers’ clubs in seven states

About the intervention

What statistics say

More comments

Distribution of cash

Global markets fall, roiled by U.S. inflation, rate adjustment fears

Till debt do us part

Federal Govt Assures JICA Of Support To Implement Transmission Projects In Lagos, Ogun

Striking Gold at The Coppers

SO2 - January 23