Teachers are being encouraged to take vacation leave outside the 190 days stipulated for instructional delivery in schools each academic year, by the Ministry of Education. This, so as to reduce challenges arising and the extent to which the Ministry and, by extension, school administrators are required to make alternative arrangements to fill the resulting temporary vacancy created. This urging...

Representatives of the Ministries of Health, and Education, are scheduled to meet on August 19 to explore and develop strategies to prevent any possible threat of a spread which the Chikungunya virus could pose for schools, currently preparing for September’s start of the 2014/15 academic year. In noting that the Education Ministry deems the virus a “major threat” to schools,...

The European Union (EU) has more than doubled its support to CARICOM countries under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), announcing €350 million in new support for the programming period, which runs from 2014 to 2020. The provision is an increase of €185 million over the €165 million provided under 10th EDF from 2008 to 2014. Charge d’Affaires, Delegation of...

Director of Urban and Regional Planning, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Marsha Henry-Martin, says that development planning in Jamaica must incorporate disaster mitigation measures and strategies to address climate change. These considerations, she said, are imperative in light of the extent of informal settlements across the island, totaling approximately 700, which are home to a minimum of 15...

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says implementation of the Economic Reform Programme (ERP) continues to yield positive and significant outcomes for Jamaica. Speaking at the Rotary Club of New Kingston’s weekly meeting, held at Chasers Café, Belmont Road, in St. Andrew, on August 15, Dr. Phillips said these successes include declining unemployment; increased infrastructural development; prospects...

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Mr. Ian Boyne, is encouraging Jamaicans to cultivate a spirit of optimism and a ‘can-do attitude’, even as they navigate their way through the current economic challenges. Mr. Boyne, who is also Chief State Liaison, said it is important for Jamaicans to seek out the opportunities present in times of significant challenges,...

The disabled community will be receiving more assistance later this year, as proceeds from the Digicel 5K Run/Walk, to be held  October, will go to children with special needs. Director of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Early Stimulation Programme, Antonica Gunter Gayle, speaking at the launch of the 5K Walk/Run, held on August 13 in downtown Kingston, said...