The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund has handed over $11 million worth of critical diagnostic equipment to the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ), reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s healthcare system. The provision includes two Holter Monitors, used for continuous monitoring of heart activity over extended periods to improve detection of irregular heart rhythms; five Haemoglobin...

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is ramping up targeted support for children with disabilities affected by Hurricane Melissa. UNICEF Social Policy Officer, André Miller, explained that children with disabilities were among the hardest hit by the hurricane, facing multiple layers of vulnerability. “Families with children who have mobility or sensory impairments were [placed] in emergency shelters. Crowded and noisy...

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica is actively assisting children and families affected by Hurricane Melissa, working closely with local partners and national authorities to ensure relief reaches those who need it most. Speaking to JIS News, UNICEF Education Specialist, Dr. Rebecca Tortello, said their teams are helping to ensure access to safe water, hygiene supplies, child-friendly spaces, essential...

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is recommending the establishment of a new Charles Gordon Market, following severe damages caused by Hurricane Melissa, as cleanup and restoration continue in the market district. “The entire roof is gone, and much of the market infrastructure has been destroyed. We will have to go in reset mode, and we may very well...

Residents in hurricane-affected communities, are receiving hot meals and care packages through a partnership between the St. James Municipal Corporation and Pure Ultra Lounge. Following the distribution of packages on Sunday (November 9) on Fustic Road, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon told JIS News that the area, also referred to as ‘Train Line,’ has been severely impacted, with...

Water levels in sections of Content, Williamsfield, Manchester continue to rise following heavy rainfall before and during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Deputy Managing Director at the Water Resources Authority (WRA), Geoffrey Marshall, said the latest gauge readings indicate the highest water level recorded since monitoring began on Monday. “We are observing the gauges that we installed, the water level...

Business leaders across Montego Bay, St. James are being encouraged to restart operations on a phased basis. A phased reopening, allows businesses to reassemble supply chains, rehire staff, and rebuild customer confidence, without overextending resources. President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and proprietor of the renowned Pier One Restaurant family business, Jason Russell, said “it doesn’t...