The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the economy contracted by an estimated 5.9 per cent during the January to March 2026 quarter, compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Speaking during PIOJ’s quarterly briefing on Wednesday (May 20), Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, said the out-turn largely reflected the lingering impact of Hurricane Melissa on productive activities....

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) have finalised a settled draft of the Occupational Safety and Health legislation. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who further advised that consultations with the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies are nearing completion. Throughout 2025, the Ministry, in close collaboration with...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is intensifying efforts to reduce road fatalities to below 300 this year. Commanding Officer for the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Senior Superintendent Lloyd Darby, said the police are pursuing several strategies aimed at significantly reducing deaths resulting from road collisions. “Last year we ended with 374 deaths on our roads, which was...

Approximately 924 containerised housing units are in the island as the Government presses ahead with its temporary housing relief programme aimed at assisting families displaced by Hurricane Melissa. The units are being stored at locations including Spanish Town, St. Catherine; Luana in St. Elizabeth, and Montpelier, St. James under the supervision of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), said Minister without...

National Water Commission (NWC) customers in St. Mary are being assured that reported leaks will be attended to in the shortest possible time, with major areas and essential services taking priority. Distribution Team Leader at NWC St. Mary, Everton Davis, updated Tuesday’s (May 19) Infrastructure and Traffic Management Committee meeting of the St. Mary Municipal Corporation on when several of...

The HEART/NSTA Trust will be partnering with more than 400 private-sector companies to provide employment opportunities through its HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme. Director of Community Engagement, Ronique Rhoden, told JIS News that the programme was inherited following the Trust’s merger with the National Youth Service (NYS). “This is one of the oldest programmes we’ve had, and we continue to...

The Westmoreland Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has initiated division-wide professional training for police personnel as part of efforts to strengthen interactions between officers and members of the public. Operations Officer for the Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jordaine Allen, made the disclosure during the monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, in Savanna-la-Mar, on May 14....