Director of Sector Support Services at the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Nordia Seymour-Hall, says the ECC remains focused on certifying approximately 300 basic schools by 2019. She emphasised the importance of this against the background of the early-childhood phase being regarded as one of the most critical stages of the education system. “This is what we call the formative years....

Youth entrepreneurship and investments to boost food security capacity are among the priority areas identified by delegates of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Member States of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who are attending the 35th Regional LAC Conference now under way at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Speaking with JIS News on Tuesday (March 6), Permanent...

Principal Director, Policy Planning and Development Division, Ministry of Transport and Mining, Dr. Oral Rainford, is optimistic about the benefits to be derived from the implementation of the proposed National Minerals Policy, which he says is expected to be tabled in Parliament as a White Paper soon. It addresses Jamaica’s minerals sector, the minerals/mining policy, and implementation frameworks. Speaking with...

Executive Director of the Legal Aid Council, Hugh Faulkner, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights, particularly while enhanced security measures are being administered in some communities to curb crime. He said that as the Government implements measures to ensure public safety, the Council has a duty to play its role in preserving individuals’ fundamental rights. “In many...

Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), José Graziano da Silva, has called for a multisectoral approach in combating malnutrition and obesity, which are on the rise in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Speaking on day two of the FAO’s 35th Regional Conference for the LAC at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St....

Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), Sharonmae Shirley, is encouraging local inspection bodies for goods and services to take advantage of the extended period for free pre-assessment being offered by the organisation. She said that entities now have up to the end of April to benefit from the offer. “We had this pre-assessment offer up to the...

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says that higher education in Jamaica is evolving, with more institutions being established and offering new and in-demand courses. “In addition, some of our local institutions have been improving their quality and are seeking to upgrade their status to degree-granting entities through the attainment of chartered status,” he said....