The island’s farmers are being encouraged to diversify agricultural production and grow more non-traditional crops for the export market. Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, who made the call, said that crops such as caster beans, sorghum, cannabis, coconuts and industrial hemp are in high demand overseas. He disclosed that a major coconut farmer from Guyana is...

Executive Director of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), Michael Tucker, is calling for greater enforcement of the laws governing underage drug and alcohol use. “We understand that the police have been under significant pressure… however, the children’s health and often their welfare and safety are at risk when they get into places where they get alcohol and often...

The country’s physiotherapists are being hailed for their work in helping to improve the quality of life of Jamaicans who suffer injuries and illnesses. Acting Deputy CEO and Director of Production at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Enthrose Campbell, who is the survivor of a car crash that resulted in a crushed hip, requiring her to undergo surgery, said she...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be embarking on a series of two-day roadshows to raise public awareness about the services of the Labour Department. These roadshows, which will be held in five parishes, will begin at the Cecil Charlton Park in Mandeville, Manchester, on September 19 and 20. This will be followed up by shows in St....

The Ministry of Health has released the preliminary key findings of the third Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey. The findings were released today (September 6), at a media briefing held at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre at the University of the West Indies. The survey was done in collaboration with researchers from the Caribbean Institute for Health Research...

International Literacy Day 2018 will be observed on Saturday, September 8, under the theme ‘Literacy and Skills Development’. According to a UNESCO report, this year’s focus will be on youth and adults within the lifelong-learning framework. The effective linkages between literacy and skills will also be explored. Locally, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is encouraging schools to engage...

The National Quality Policy is expected to lead to a more structured accreditation environment, requiring conformity assessment bodies (CABs) to become accredited by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC). Chief Executive Officer of JANAAC, Sharonmae Shirley, said the policy, which is being finalised for gazetting by end of the fiscal year, will include requirements for CABs to implement management...