THE WEEKLY GLEANER www.jamaica-gleaner.com DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 15

The spiritof

A WEEKLY GLEANER FEATURE

A Happy Christmas &A Prosperous 2011

The Management & Staff would like to wish ALL

our customers A Happy Christmas &

A Prosperous 2011

Your Link With Legal JamaicaBARBARA J. LEDGISTER (ATTORNEY-AT-LAW)

all property transactions, wills, intestate, land title.

TELEPHONE

020 8764 1555(offices in 3 parishes in Jamaica)

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!!

THE CHRISTMAS season inJamaica is the most festivetime of year, filled with non-stop celebrations, specialtreats, entertainment, par-ties, festivals, and happygatherings of friends andfamily. Although the islandhas never seen snow and itshouses do not have chim-neys, Santa Claus and hisgifts are very much a part ofJamaica’s tradition, as areChristmas carols, such as‘‘OOhh HHoollyy NNiigghhtt and SSiilleennttNNiigghhtt – some can even befound in a reggae version.

During Jonkanoo (or JohnCanoe), a traditionalChristmas celebration, rev-ellers parade through thestreets dressed in colourfulmasquerade costumes.Traditionally, men wearingwhite mesh masks play thecharacters, which includethe Horned Cow Head,Policeman, Horse Head, WildIndian, Devil, Belly-woman,Pitchy-Patchy, and some-times a bride and HouseHead, which was an imageof a great house carried bythe reveller on his head.

The parade and festivitiesprobably arrived with Africanslaves. Although Jamaica iscredited with the longestrunning tradition ofJonkanoo, today these myste-rious bands with their gigan-tic costumes appear more as

entertainment at culturalevents than at random alongthe streets. Not as popular inthe cities as it was 30 yearsago, Jonkanoo is still a tradi-tion in rural Jamaica.

The Grand Market (orGran’ Market) is a communi-ty fair characterised by food,street dancing, crafts andmusic. In the past, theweekend before Christmas,and particularly onChristmas Eve, markets allover the island were set upwith vendors selling smalltoys, firecrackers, balloonsand sweets of all kinds,including pinda (an Africanword for peanut) cakes,grater cakes and pepper-mint sticks.

Christmas Eve, some mar-kets are decorated withstreamers, large accordion-style bells and balloons.People are decked out infancy clothes, includingbright hats purchased uponentering the Grand Market.Everyone comes to town forGrand Market and the cele-brations last throughout theday and night.

The Christmas season,which runs from mid-December to New Year’sDay, is usually the biggestfamily event of the year.Jamaicans celebrate bygoing to church, exchang-ing gifts with their familiesand gathering for a largemeal. Dinner on ChristmasDay, the biggest feast forJamaicans, includes chick-

en, oxtail, curry goat, roastham, and rice and gungopeas. (Gungo peas, aChristmas specialty forJamaica, usually ripen inDecember. Throughout therest of the year, cooks usered peas with the rice.)Jamaicans also prepareroast beef and/or pork aswell. Another holiday spe-

cialty is Jamaican-styleChristmas cake made offruit soaked in rum.

The drink of choice forJamaicans during theChristmas season is sorrel.Made from dried sorrel (ameadow plant), cinnamon,cloves, ginger, sugar, orangepeel, and rum, the beverageis usually served over ice.

christmas feature

www.jamaica-gleaner.com THE WEEKLY GLEANER16 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

IT IS a pleasure and an honour to once again sendgreetings to the Jamaicanpeople as we celebrate

Christmas and the coming ofa New Year.

The year that is passed wasfull of challenges and ourcountry was often in theheadlines of the world news.

As the days passed, wewere able to display ourresilience and to show thatwe have the capacity not onlyto survive, but to survive andkeep the great Jamaican spir-it alive.

We must also be thankfulthat the lengthy summerrains were not followed by Hurricane Tomas or anyother malady of nature.

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

In Britain, the worldwide recession has not complete-ly ended and our people are still feeling the effects ofthis decline in employment and other issues facing thenew government. Nevertheless, the Jamaican organisa-tions have been very active in keeping the Jamaicanspirit alive and in ensuring that their legacy is handedto a younger generation.

Finally, all organisations have been alerted that 2011is a year of planning for what is expected to be a bonan-za year, as we celebrate her Majesty’s jubilee, theLondon Olympic Games and Jamaica’s 50th birthday onAugust 6, 2012.

Walk Good.His Excellency Anthony S. Johnson,

High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

Keep the greatJamaican spirit alive!

Ambassador Anthony Johnson

The Tivoli Dance Troupe.

A Jamaican Christmas

Members of a colourful Jonkunnu band show off their costumes.

MESSAGE

A photo of Christmas Flower—’Poinsettia’. The beautifully decorated Christmas Tree.

christmas feature

THE WEEKLY GLEANER www.jamaica-gleaner.com DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 17

Send the gift of cash this festive season

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ENGLAND:

ON SATURDAY, December 19,some 250 senior citizens fromchurches, seniors’ clubs, homes

for the aged and communities acrossBirmingham will be treated to a specialgala event at the Aston Villa Suite.

This is the third year that the BlackBusiness Community Initiative (BBCI)will be hosting its Christmas galaevent for senior citizens ofBirmingham and every year it gets big-ger and better. The seniors will befeted with a four-course Christmasmeal, entertainment, gifts and will bepampered by the management commit-tee of the BBCI and friends.

130 SENIORSThe first year the event had 130 sen-

iors in attendance, the second year,230, and this year BBCI is planning toentertain 250 senior citizens at theannual treat.

The Black Business CommunityInitiative was founded a group of localblack entrepreneurs. Chairman,Kenneth Ivey, and his team, BeverlyJohnson, Jacynth Brown, DoreenForbes and Derrick Wilson have left nostone unturned.

“This is our passion! This is our wayof expressing our appreciation to ourseniors, who were the forerunners;who paved the way and made it possi-ble for us to be where we are today, asyoung entrepreneurs, all of Jamaican

origin or descent,” says Ivey.One such person, Cllr. Sybil Spence,

first black Lord Mayor of a Europeancity, the city of Birmingham and“community worker extraordinaire”will be honoured as the first Patron ofthe Black Business CommunityInitiative”.

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

tainment package will be even moreattractive.

To host this event, each year theBBCI organises fundraising activitiesthroughout year, such as a 23-mileswalk-a-ton and cheese and wine party.Sponsors from the business communitywho make the event possible areacknowledged with a big ‘thank you’ inthe BCCI’s annual gala booklet.

For more information on the event,contact BCCI at bbbbccii@@lliivvee..ccoo..uukk ortelephone 0121 270 7389.

A special Christmas for seniorcitizens of Birmingham

Seniors in attendance at last year received their Christmas gifts.

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

TOP BUSINESSWOMAN

Karen BlairFeatures Writer

YOU ONLY have daysuntil the big day! O.K.,you have waited a bit

long to start planning forthe ultimate Christmas holi-day, but fear not, for I bringyou good news. It is not toolate to start putting thingsback on track. The holidaysare about fun, but bear inmind that it’s also the sea-son for giving, so in all yourplanning, ensure that youkeep that fore front in yourminds.

GET YOUR LIST READYYou have to make a list of

everything you need to do.Rushing through thestreets, grabbing everythingin sight is not the way to goabout doing things.Concentrate on the tasksyou have to accomplish andeverything you will need toget into the spirit ofChristmas and write themdown. Ensure that you re-read your list so you don’thave duplicate tasks and tryto cut back on spending asmuch as possible.

DECIDE ON DECORATIONSThere is the issue of

whether or not to get aChristmas tree.

There is no rule aboutnot having one adorningsome sacred corner of yourhouse, but it does make alovely conversation pieceand somewhere to sing car-ols when your family andfriends come by. If you havesmall children, you maywant to surprise them thisyear by getting a tree andmake decorating it a familyevent. It is best to get anartificial tree as you cansimply pull it down andstash it away until nextyear, but if you are gung-hoon smelling fresh fern,there’s nothing wrong withthat either. Lights are inthis Christmas. Arrangeyour Christmas lights ascreatively as possible anddon’t just throw them on theroof or around your win-dows. Remember also toturn off and plug out yourlights before going to bed.Allowing them to burnthroughout the night cancause your bill to skyrocketas well as present a fire haz-

ard for you and your family.

PLAN FOR STOPOVERSDon’t kid yourself, your

friends and family will cometo visit you this Christmasand chances are you may bea host for a couple days.Prepare extra rooms andbeds if you have them.

If you don’t, gently let itbe known that you welcomevisitors but you cannotaccommodate sleepovers atthis time. Ensure that youare always ready to enter-tain by having traditionaljuice such as sorrel andsnacks for your visitors.

CHOOSE YOUR GIFTS WISELYIf you will be giving gifts,

select carefully. Try and getideas from the person(s) youwant to give the gift andbuy appropriate presents.

BUY FOOD NOWFoods such as meats, sea-

sonings and fruits for bak-

ing are hot items this sea-son.

Don’t get stuck buyingthe last of everything on theshelves.

Buy fruits for soakingnow and meats can bebought by the third week inDecember and stored inyour refrigerator.

GET OUT THE CHRISTMASCARDS

Although many personsare now opting to sendelectronic cards, you canstill send beautifulChristmas cards throughthe post for friends and fam-ily.

Simply send them yourwishes early if you wantthem to get them byChristmas and not longafter. So,with less than aweek to go, ‘tis the seasonto be jolly’, you just have toplan for it.

christmas feature

www.jamaica-gleaner.com THE WEEKLY GLEANER18 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

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 OFFICEShe 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

122-126 Tower Street

Kingston

Tel: 876 922 6056Fax: 876 967 0225

Email:

lgifford@cwjamaica.com

MONTEGO BAYOFFICE

Embassy centre

3 Embassy Place

Montego Bay

Tel: 876 952 2946Fax: 876 979 3634

Email:

gtbmobay@cwjamaica.com

LORD GIFFORD’S LONDON CHAMBERS

1 Mitre Court

Buildings Temple

London EC4Y 7BS

Tel: 020 7452 8900Fax: 020 7452 8999

Email:

anthonygifford@btinternet.com

Hamilton Daley, UK Contact:

24 HOURS MESSAGE RECALL SERVICETel/Fax: 020 8440 6515

Gifford Thompson & BrightAttorneys-at-law

BRITISH LAWYERS - Jamaican Law FirmAssociated with

HAMILTON DALEY - Solicitor & Attorney-at-law

Let the countdown begin!

While England freezes,Jamaica is bathed in sun-shine, with cool breezescoming off the sea. It isstill a glorious country tolive in, and for those whowish to buy a home toretire to, or who haveproblems with their inher-itance, a good legal serv-ice helps to avoid theheadaches.

Gifford Thompson &Bright combines efficientoffices in Kingston andMontego Bay with ourassociate representative

based in London, so thatyou have the best of bothworlds. We are ready tosolve your problems. Thelegal system in Jamaica

can sometimes be slowbut we make it work.Having trustworthy repre-sentatives makes all thedifference.

The partners and asso-ciates of GiffordThompson & Bright wishall readers of the Gleanera very happy Christmasand a prosperous NewYear!

GIFFORD THOMPSON & BRIGHTAttorneys-at-Law

GGIIFFFFOORRDD TTHHOOMMPPSSOONN&& BBRRIIGGHHTT

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

THE WEEKLY GLEANER www.jamaica-gleaner.com DECEMBER 16-22, 2010 • 19

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christmas feature

8 oz margarine8 oz sugar6 eggs3 cups flour1 cup breadcrumbs1 tsp baking powder1 1/2 mixed fruits6 cups sorrel wine2 tsp vanilla1 tsp mixed spice2 tsp rose water2 tsp almond flavouring3/4 cup browning

Method1. Soak mixed fruits in four cups of sorrel wine, then blend2. Cream together margarine and sugar until light and

fluffy3. 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 wine5. 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

Ingredients1 lb butter or margarine, softened1 lb dark brown sugar1 doz eggs1 lb flour2 tsp vanilla extract2 tsp baking powder2 tsp baking soda2 tsp burnt sugarCinnamon and nutmeg to taste1/3 cup rum2 fruit mixture1 lb prunes1 lb raisins1 lb currants1 lb cherries

DirectionsIn 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 alldry ingredients. Add slowly to the large bowl, mixing well. Addabout 2 cups of the fruit mixture. Mix well. Pour into wellgreased and floured cake tins. Bake at 350 degrees for about an1 hour or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Once the cake is cooled (do not remove it from the tin), pourapproximately 1/4 cup of rumover it. Cover tightlywith aluminumfoil.

Dine differentlythis year

Karen BlairFeatures Writer

ARE YOU tired of the same olddishes, the same old way? Whynot dine differently this

Christmas?You don’t have to be the world’s greatest

cook, simply challenge your Epicurean natureby jazzing up old dishes.For rice, replace the traditional gungo with beans

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

There are too many ways to cook chicken to sim-ply leave it in the oven with the ham. Why not bebold and try a delicious chicken recipe from thisbook? As for that ‘good old ham’, who says it has tobe whole covered with pineapples? Again, turn thepages to find how delightful ham can be in otherways.

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

SORREL FRUIT CAKE

www.jamaica-gleaner.com THE WEEKLY GLEANER20 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

christmas feature

THE WEEKLY GLEANER www.jamaica-gleaner.com DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 21

Start with ham at refrigeratortemperature.

9 lb picnic ham1/2 cup brown sugar2 tbsp honey1 tsp prepared mustard2 dozen whole cloves6 maraschino cherries (for garnish-

ing)6 pineapple slices (in heavy

syrup for garnishing)1/2 tsp ginger powder1 tsp garlic powderHearty portions of love and care

MethodRinse off ham and treat as mild

cured ham. The lower the heat thesofter the ham will be.

1) Cook at 325 F for approximately 3 hours.

2) Trim off skin, and glazeby mix-

ing sugar, honey, mustard, gingerand garlic powder together.3) Brush mixture over ham.4) Score the surface in 1 inch squaresor diamonds.5) Stick whole cloves in middle ofsquares spoon glaze mixture over theham while cooking for 20 minuteslonger.6) Dress with pineapple slices andcherries and bake for 10 minuteslonger.

Using a meat thermometer willtake the guesswork out of knowing ifthe ham is cooked thoroughly - whenmercury rises to tender ham (160° F).Remove from the oven when fullycooked.

Slice when cooled. Serves 30-40persons

Ham’s skin may be used to addflavour to rice and peas or cut insquares, brush with oil and return tothe oven until crisp. Serve as a tastysnack or hors d’oeuvres.

Ham cooking timesWeightApproximate Cooking Time

3-4 pounds10-12 minutes per

pound5-7 pounds

12-18 minutesper pound.

10-14 pounds30-35 min-

utes per pound

Lilly’s Country Style Ham

1 cup gungo peas1 1/2 cups coconut milk2 cups rice3 sprigs thyme2 stalks escallion3 cloves garlic1 scotch bonnet pepper5-10 pimento seedsA small piece of ginger1 oz margarineSalt to taste

Method1. Wash gungo peas and drain2. Place gungo and garlic in a

large pot then cover with water.Bring to boil until tender, toppingup water as necessary.

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

4. Then add rice, margarine andwhole pepper, cover pot, turn downthe heat and let rice simmer slowlyfor about 25-30 minutes.

5. Do not open or stir rice dur-ing this process or it will becomesticky.

6. Serve hot.

Gungo Rice and Peas

Oxtail andBeans

Ingredients:2 lb oxtail1 onion minced6-8 grains whole pimento1/2 cup escallion chopped1/2 pint broad beans (dried) or 1 tinThyme to taste (about 1 teaspoon

dried or 2 teaspoon fresh)1/2 tsp salt2 tbsp cooking oil2 cloves garlic2 tbsp ketchupDash of soy sauce

Method1) 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 choicemay be added to gravy. Do not pressurethe spice (pimento) or vegetables.

Serve with enough gravy to covermeat.

Serves: 4

Sorrel andGrape Juice

Ingredients2 pounds sorrel1/2 pound ginger root6 whole cloves4 dried grains of pimento5 pints boiling water3 cinnamon leaves1/2 gallon Welch's grape juice

MethodCut sorrel sepals from seeds and wash wellPut sepals in crock jar with ginger cloves

pimento and cinnamon leavesPour on boiling water and cover with a

cloth. Set aside for 24 hoursStrain and add Welch's grape juice at the

end.Add a little lime and or rum if desired.Bottle and chill. (0) calories

SHOPPING EXPEDI-TIONS can strain eventhe trained fitness

walker with dodgingthrough crowds, standingin lines, carrying bulkypackages. Take these tipsto make it through amarathon shopping day.

PPrreeppaarree ffoorr tthhee sshhoopp--ppiinngg mmaarraatthhoonn ttrraaiinn--iinngg:: To prepare for yourshopping marathon andcarrying those packages,you should start an upperbody-toning programmeeight weeks in advance.

MMaapp yyoouurr ttrraaiill:: Whichstores do you need to go tofirst to get the early-birdbargains or that hard-to-find toy? Whereshould you park to minimise your packagetoting? What is the most efficient routebetween stores? Where are resting spotsand bathrooms?

GGeeaarr aanndd ccllootthhiinngg ffoorr sshhooppppiinnggShopping involves walking, standing and

carrying. Most store floors and sidewalkshave a base of concrete and will stress yourfeet. Select your shoes for cushioning and

support as you twist,dodge and stand in lineswhile carrying packages.Consider a waistpack orstylish backpack for yourwallet and the bare essen-tials – credit cards, comb,tissue. A purse can throwoff your walking postureand is just another thingto carry.

PPaacckkiinngg:: Now you needto think about how youare going to carry the stuffyou buy without strainingyour back. Posture isimportant for walkingcomfort. Consider a littlewheeled cart. Use pick-upor delivery service whenev-er you can. Many shopping

areas have a gift-mailing service – anextravagance – but pain medication andback surgery would cost much more. Makefrequent trips to the car to deposit yourbooty, or use a mall locker. Note: thievesmay be observing this, use caution.

Dress for comfort in loose clothing, withnothing tight or constricting.

- Source: hhoolliiddaayyss..aabboouutt..ccoomm

www.jamaica-gleaner.com THE WEEKLY GLEANER22 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

THE JOY of Christmas andNew Year often causes peopleto over indulge, thus compro-mising the safety of them-selves and others. ThisChristmas, as you go aboutdecorating your home andindulging in other merry-making activities around thehouse, please take note ofand enforce these basic anti-disaster principles:• Place your tree or greens

at least three feet awayfrom other fire sources. Ifpurchasing live, cut trees,carefully inspect the ‘nee-dles.’ If they are brown orbreak easily, the greeneryisn’t fresh and poses agreater fire risk.

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

times. Ensure that it isdifficult for the family cator dog to drink from thecontainer as not only canthey topple the tree over,but they also can chew onthe electrical wires, whichcan literally be a shocker.

• When decorating withartificial trees or greens,purchase those whosebranches have been treat-ed with flame-retardantmaterial. (Checklabelling). Don’t add lightstrings and other electri-cal decorations to artifi-cial trees with metallicneedles, leaves or branchcoverings.

• Carefully inspect new orold electrical decorationsbefore plugging them in.Cracked sockets, frayedor loose connections may

cause a serious electricshock or start a fire.Replace with new decorations.

• Always unplug beforereplacing light bulbs orfuses.

• Don’t overload extensioncords, they could over-heat and start a fire.

• Turn off all electrical lightstrings and decorationsbefore leaving home orgoing to bed.

• Don’t put your family atrisk by heading off tosleep while feeding electricity to these pretty but popular flame-starters.

Check Christmas lights forfrayed or damaged wires orloose connections. Neverleave lights on with unat-

tended children around.

SHOPPING FOR TOYS• When shopping for toys

for young children,ensure that they are ageappropriate.

• Examine toys carefully tosee if any parts come offeasily and might be swal-lowed by young children.

• Check for sharp edges,hidden pins or wires.

• Immediately throw out allwrappings for toys thatcan be a choke or suffoca-tion hazard.

• Toddlers are strangelymore attracted to thewrappings and packagingof some toys than thetoys themselves.

• Keep candles away from

walls and drape vent.open windows where theflame can be fanned andignite nearby flammables.Avoid using them in deco-rations or displays andwatch for dripping wax.

• Do not leave candlesunattended.

• It is that time of yearwhen kids are going toinsist on helping around

in the kitchen. Make surethey are never left unsu-pervised or have easyaccess to sharp objects.

• Stress that the stove isout of bounds. To be onthe safe side, reservetheir `assistance’ forwhen it is not in use.

• Make sure all new bicy-cles have training wheels.

christmas feature

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DECEMBER 16 -22, 2010 • 23THE WEEKLY GLEANER www.jamaica-gleaner.com

Unit 12, Endeavour Way, Industrial Estate, Beddington Farm Road, Croydon, CR0 4TR

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christmas feature

www.jamaica-gleaner.com THE WEEKLY GLEANER24 • DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010

12 egg yolks5 cloves, whole4 cups Island Dairy milk4 cups cream3 cups light rum1 3/4 cups sugar2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground3/4 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.

Island Dairy ChristmasEggnog

INGREDIENTS:

Serves: 10-12

4 Cups water1 Cup lime or lemon juice3 cups strawberry-flavoured syrup2 cups Jamaican white rum

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

JAMAICAN RUM PUNCH

christmas feature

THE WEEKLY GLEANER www.jamaica-gleaner.com DECEMBER 16 - 22, 2010 • 25

Established

1974

www.creteshipping.co.uk

Travel & ShippingWORLDWIDE

SEA & AIR FREIGHT CONTAINERISED SERVICES

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Head Office: 42 Battersea Rise, Battersea, London SW11 1EE

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THE JAMAICA CustomsDepartment has imple-mented a number of

strategies which demon-strate their flexibility for thebusy Christmas season.

Both Montego Bay andKingston port handlers willbe extending their workhours to facilitate the usualincrease in the importationof goods. The departmentendorsed this effort,assessed its performance inprevious years and madethe necessary preparationsin collaboration with thevarious ports to ensureincreased efficiency in cargoclearance during the monthof December.

In collaboration with themanagement of KingstonWharves Limited (KWL),stripping and scanning ofcargo will be done duringthe nights (9 p.m.-5 a.m.)and on weekends. Therefore,more time will be allocatedto the release of cargo dur-ing daytime.

Also, effective sinceOctober 2010, an improvedrelease system at KWL forgoods being cleared on theC78X and C27 forms has

been implemented.“Importers who seek to

effect clearance of itemsusing these forms will nolonger visit the customs offi-cer after payment has beenmade at the cashier,” theCustoms Department said.“Upon making payment atthe cashier, the release formwill be generated. This,along with their copy of theC78X and the bill of lading,should be taken to KWL’sgate pass office for theprinting of their gate pass,”the Department added. Thisnew approach eliminates anentire step in the clearanceprocess and allows for aspeedier release.

EXPANSIONCustoms has also expand-

ed its cashier area andadded an additional windowin the Manifest Branch forboth Kingston and Montego

Bay. “We have also separatedmanifest from commercialand personal effects goodsto ensure faster manifestingand clearance of goods,”Customs pointed out. “As iscustomary, staff has beentrained for relocation to theports to handle the influx ofcustomers during the busyseason.”

MEASURESIn addition to the meas-

ures introduced by theCustoms Department, KWLhas announced that itsoffices will be open for threeSaturdays during December.Additionally, SeaboardWarehouse in Montego Bayhas stated that it will haveoperations on Saturdays,based on client request.

“Jamaica Customs will bedoing our part during theseoperations, while constantlyevaluating our proceduresduring the period forenhanced service delivery,”the Department said. Theextension of work hours atCustoms House in bothcities will be announced asthe demand arises duringthe season.

LONDON, England:MEMBERS OF the LambethSenior Citizens Associationreceived an early Christmasgift in the form of a donationfrom the UK offices of theVictoria Mutual BuildingSociety (VMBS), in London.

The handover was made atthe Brixton CommunityChurch of God on BrixtonRoad, South London, on theoccasion of VMBS’ 132ndanniversary celebrationswhich were held recently.

Allan Lewis, senior vice-president of VMBS GroupStrategy, told the congrega-tion that over the years hisorganisation has assisted

thousands of Jamaicans inachieving their financial goalsat home and abroad.

CELEBRATIONS“Commencing our 132nd

year anniversary celebrationin this fashion is mostappropriate, as VMBS and thechurch community have avery long and meaningfulrelationship, in that VMBSwas founded on November 14,1878 by a group of clergy-men, led by ReverendG.W.Downer,” he said.

“Noteworthy also is thedeep cross-continental con-nection that our buildingsociety shares with the United

Kingdom, as it was named inhonour of the then illustriousreigning monarch, QueenVictoria,” he continued.

Lewis said VMBS hasexpanded its services to nowoffer, wealth management andstock broking, foreignexchange trading, generalinsurance, money transferand real estate services.

“In addition to expandingour services, we continuouslylook for ways to add value toour members. One such valueadded benefit is our recentlylaunched, ‘One less’ savingscampaign, which providesmembers with practical tipsand advice on how simplechanges in their spendinghabits can have positiveimpact on the financial well-being,” he said.

Customs shows flexibility for holidays

A gift for youVM makes donation to Lambeth seniors

Customs has also expand-ed its cashier area andadded an additional

window in the ManifestBranch for both Kingston

and Montego Bay

CCOONNTTRRIIBBUUTTEEDDBishop Dr RudolphParkinson accepts a dona-tion from Marcia FletcherChief Representative offi-cer of VMBS UK whileAllan Lewis Senior VP(centre) of VMBS GroupStrategy looks on.

www.jamaica-gleaner.com THE WEEKLY GLEANER • DECEMBER 16-22, 201026 Grace Full Page-Gleaner.indd 2 30/11/10 14:58:39