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A total of 109,854 clients were seen by the Health Ministry's mental health team last year, including  persons at health centres, hospitals and in communities, as the Government continues to strengthen the delivery of its mental health programme. This was revealed by portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, as he addressed the handing over ceremony for vehicles to the various...

The Government’s chief planning agency, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), is reporting Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 0.6 per cent for the first quarter of 2012, relative to the corresponding period last year. Agriculture, wholesale and retail, and tourism were the main growth drivers, with activities in the goods producing industries increasing by some 1.4 per cent. Agriculture,...

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says an advisory committee has been set up to see to the early implementation of legislation for the establishment of the proposed single anti-corruption body. Minister Golding, who made the announcement on May 30 official opening of Transparency International’s 2012 Regional Meeting of the Americas, held at Super Clubs Breezes Hotel in...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the government will be working to implement specific policies and plans geared towards meeting the needs of the disabled community. He said it is crucial that special attention is paid “to this very (important) group of persons, who over the years, have not received the full recognition and support that...

Almost four years after saving a Canadian citizen from drowning, Jubal Daley was presented with the Medal of Bravery on Tuesday May 29 by the Canadian government in recognition of his act of courage. Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Stephen Hallihan made the presentation at a ceremony held at his official residence in St. Andrew. Speaking at the brief ceremony,...

At a time when there appears to be a dearth in positive male role models in the classroom, one St. James-based teacher is doing his part to make a difference in the lives of his students. Richardo Smith, who teaches Chemistry at the all-boys Cornwall College, has not only been imparting scientific knowledge to students, but also the skills, values,...

The Ministry of Health will be using World No Tobacco Day which is celebrated Thursday May 31 to educate young people about the harmful effects of smoking, including second-hand smoking. Under the theme: ‘Tobacco Industry Interference’, this year’s observance will also expose the nefarious tactics used by tobacco manufacturing companies to increase their customer base and profits. (Related Story: Jamaicans...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the advancement of the natural fibre industry can be a catalyst for the country’s rural economic development. “This industry offers a strategy for addressing rural development and impacting the livelihoods of its people,” the Minister said. He was addressing the opening of a Caribbean Natural Fibre Symposium at the Jamaica...

Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Planning, Growth and Economic Development, Audley Shaw, has lauded the move by the Government to further enhance the role of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC). Making his presentation in the 2012/13 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, Tuesday May 29, Mr. Shaw said the Opposition welcomed the Minister’s announced intention to expand the...

To assist in tackling the problem of illiteracy, the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), will in June, embark on a public education campaign, to highlight the importance of acquiring an education. Dubbed,   '  School Wi Seh', the campaign will target schools at all levels, but in particular, secondary school students, because of the level of dropouts among this...

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) has commenced work towards securing Port Royal's inclusion on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) list of World Heritage sites. The process involves a series of activities, focusing mainly on the portions of the Sunken City,  and adjoining areas over which the town’s existing layout was built, culminating with the preparation...

Transport, Works and Housing Minister Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies is expressing regret to the family and friends as well as school community, at the death of an Ascot High School student which resulted from a crash, in Portmore, St. Catherine, this morning. The Minister said that he is saddened by occurrences where fatalities and injuries result from road crashes,...