The Portland Health Department has commenced a series of blood pressure screenings across the parish in observance of Heart Month as part of efforts to promote cardiovascular health among residents. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Health Fund (NHF), is being carried out under the theme: ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure’. Medical Officer of Health, Dr....

The St. James Municipal Corporation has committed to waiving 50 per cent of the $9.3 million in outstanding debt owed by craft vendors in Montego Bay, to help them recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The waiver, covering rent arrears for October and November, amounts to approximately $4.5 million, benefiting 410 craft traders in Montego Bay. The decision, which...

Just over 2,700 households are being reached under phase one of the National Energy Poverty Reduction programme, says Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz. Under the programme, the Government has allocated $1 billion to mobilise support for post- Hurricane Melissa electrification. Addressing a recent post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister Vaz said that works being undertaken...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging onion farmers in Heartease, St. Thomas, to take steps to manage the rise in foliar disease affecting their crops. Foliar disease primarily affects the leaves. These infections are usually caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses, and they interfere with photosynthesis, weaken plant growth, and reduce crop yield and quality. It can affect...

The National Housing Trust’s (NHT’s) policy allowing cash refunds to mortgagors with direct NHT loans will have no adverse impact on the agency’s loan portfolio or cash flow, says Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick. Addressing a recent JIS Think Tank, Mr. Berbick noted that the adjustment only changes how the funds are disbursed and...

Health officials in Westmoreland are looking to screen at least 2,000 individuals for hypertension during Heart Month, being observed throughout February, as part of efforts to encourage early detection and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This was disclosed by Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marcia Graham, during her address to the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has declared that the current period will be "a decade of peace", marking a strategic shift from merely controlling crime to fostering a peaceful society. The objective is to ensure peace and security for citizens and to safeguard the country’s global image by eliminating the perception of crime and violence from the...