National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors have until September 30 to apply for the Disaster Relief Grant, being provided to support individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Applications can be submitted in-person to the nearest NHT office or online at www.nht.gov.jm. Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT, Dwayne Berbick, says approximately $300...

Forty firefighters from the parishes of St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny have completed an intensive water rescue training programme. This initiative, spearheaded by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Area 4, was driven by the increasing risks posed by climate change. It is part of a broader effort to equip firefighters with specialised skills to handle extreme weather-related...

Approximately 70 farmers in St. Thomas and neighbouring parishes are now better able to manage their operations, following a Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) fruit tree resuscitation training exercise on Wednesday (August 28). The session, organised by RADA’s St. Thomas parish office, was held in Norris, Yallahs, and featured information-based and practical sessions moderated by key stakeholders. The event formed...

A shortage of banana and plantain can be expected across the island as a result of the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. A detailed assessment conducted by the Banana Board reveals an average of 74 per cent damage in the sector. General Manager of the Banana Board, Janet Conie, who was speaking during a recent ‘JIS Get the Facts’ interview,...

The repair bill for the 362 schools damaged by Hurricane Beryl in July has exceeded $3 billion. Preliminary estimates to undertake repairs were priced at $2.7 billion. The disclosure was made by Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, during Wednesday’s (August 28) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. “Given that the number of schools assessed has increased, that...

Scores of persons across the parish of St. Catherine have received cash grants under the Government’s Rebuild Jamaica Initiative, to restore their homes that were damaged by Hurricane Beryl on July 3. The beneficiaries were presented with cheques by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., and other officials, at a ceremony held on August 27 at...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is partnering with the Government of the United Kingdom (UK), through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critical cash grant assistance to Jamaicans most affected by Hurricane Beryl. This collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Ministry...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, has expressed concern about the price gouging of agriculture products, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Speaking during a media briefing at the Ministry’s offices in St. Andrew on Tuesday, Mr. Green said traders were allowed access to external markets to ensure the nation has adequate food supply. “Once we...

The Government has commenced the distribution of 10,000 hurricane roof straps to residents of Rocky Point and nearby areas in Clarendon that were severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl on July 3. Hurricane straps are metal connectors to reinforce the connection between the roof truss and the wall to minimise the risk of roof blow-off during extreme weather events. They are...