Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, is urging heightened vigilance by parents and community members in protecting the nation’s children from harm, in light of recent attacks and mishaps involving several youngsters. Speaking at the Office of the Children’s Advocate’s (OCA) first quarterly press briefing at the agency’s offices in downtown Kingston on May 3, Mrs. Gordon Harrison, said the mishaps...

Jamaica’s mosquito control programme has been further strengthened with the establishment of another national insectary. The facility, which was officially opened on May 3, is located at the National Public Health Laboratory in Kingston. Its operations are integral to bolstering the Government’s thrust to reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as Dengue Fever and the Zika virus, through interventions...

The National Health Fund (NHF) has donated 12 new autoclaves, valued $9.3 million, to infirmaries islandwide. Autoclaves are equipment used to sterilize surgical and laboratory instruments, and pharmaceutical items, among other medical apparatus. The devices were presented to Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, by NHF Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson, during a ceremony at the Ministry...

Residents of St. James and Hanover have welcomed the States of Public Emergency (SOEs) now in place in three western parishes. The enhanced security measure was declared in both parishes along with Westmoreland by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness on Tuesday (April 30). Several persons in Montego Bay, St. James, and Lucea, Hanover, who spoke with JIS News...

The National Works Agency (NWA) is currently undertaking a $21.8-million project to rehabilitate the 800-metre Somerton to Virgin Valley roadway, in St. James. Community Relations Officer at the NWA’s Western Office, Janel Ricketts, told JIS News that the work commenced on April 15 of this year and has a six-month duration. Ms. Ricketts outlined that the scope of the work...

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) has granted $4.8 million in scholarships to eight students attending the Portland-based College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE). The two-year scholarships, valued at $600,000 each ($300,000 per year) are being provided under the inaugural JBI/Alcan Rio Tinto Legacy Fund Scholarship Programme. The awards cover the cost of tuition, boarding, meals, among other things. Beneficiaries...

The Ministry of Justice has commenced preparatory work for a new Stony Hill courthouse and the St. Andrew Justice Centre. Speaking with JIS News at the site today (May 2), Infrastructure and Property Services Manager at the Ministry, Major (Retired) Marlon Stephens, said the demolition of old buildings on the property and preparation for the new multimillion-dollar complex would involve...