The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) is continuing its thrust to streamline the craft industry, transforming it into a lucrative and viable sector. Speaking at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, Chairman of the TPDCo, Maxine Henry-Wilson, pointed out that the agency is undertaking various initiatives to develop and strengthen the sector, including repairs at some of the craft markets and...

Government Senator, Wensworth Skeffery, is calling for a transformation of the government teacher colleges into institutions which focus on providing the type of training that is needed in the country. The Senator was opening the debate on a motion calling for a comprehensive reorganisation of teacher training in Jamaica, in the Senate on February 7. “Change the mandate of all...

The Belmont Academy in Westmoreland is to benefit from expansion works, following the signing of a $14.9 million contract for the construction of five additional classrooms on February 6. The project, which should be completed by the end of March, will allow for an additional intake of grade seven students come September 2014. Minister of State in the Office of...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says that Jamaica looks forward to deepening relations with all countries represented in the island, in confronting the numerous global challenges. “Some (challenges) including climate change and safety and security, pose a real threat to our very survival. Of course, we must also redouble our efforts aimed at promoting good governance...

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has extended an invitation to Choose Life International (CLI) to partner with the Ministry, in providing counselling and behavioural assessment services to students with special education needs. Choose Life International, a faith-based, non-governmental organisation, founded by Dr. Donovan Thomas, and his wife, Faith, is geared at helping Jamaicans live their best lives by...

Scores of music lovers braved the London Underground strike and bad weather to celebrate Bob Marley Day, at the Jamaican High Commission in London, on February 6. The event, hosted to mark Bob Marley’s birthday, also paid tribute to the late singer Dennis Brown, whose birthday was on February 1. A minute’s silence was also observed for the late William...

Horace Bailey, like many other young Jamaican men, grew up in a depressed urban community, but was determined not to become just another statistic in the trenches of inner-city life. For several years though it seemed this was the path the Haile-Selassie high school dropout was on. Unemployed and in desperate need of an income, the now 24-year old resident...