On Friday, June 12, Jamaica will join the rest of the world in observing World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) under the theme: ‘NO to Child Labour, YES to Quality Education’. As part of activities, the Child Labour Unit in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is collaborating with the Child Development Agency (CDA) to host a series of...

Venues all across the island are expected to come alive with the celebration of culture as Jamaicans observe Emancipation and Independence activities from July 31 to August 6. In addition to the usual festivities there will be some new events such as island-wide festival floats and street parade; and the festival bandwagon, which is a mobile showcase of the best...

The Ministry of Youth and Culture is encouraging Jamaican Youth to get involved in the many programmes and opportunities now available to enhance and support their growth and development. Young Jamaicans between the ages of 17 – 24 years are encouraged to participate in the Access to Higher Education Programme, which is a partnership between the NYS, Northern Caribbean University,...

As the Government continues to implement measures to safeguard the welfare of children, communities are being called upon to play a more active role in their care and protection, including reporting incidents of violence and abuse. In a vox pop carried out by JIS News, young people suggest ways in which citizens can look after their welfare. They were asked...

The final five Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Parish coronations will take place this weekend in the parishes of Clarendon, Westmoreland, St. Thomas, St. James and Manchester. Events Coordinator at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Michael Nicholson, said the parish of Clarendon will crown its Festival Queen at the St. Gabriel Anglican Church Hall, 10 Church Street, May Pen, on...

Registrar of the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR), Grieg Smith, is appealing for Jamaicans to rise up against violence and abuse of the nation’s children. Stating that the Registry has collected over 47,000 cases of child abuse over its eight years of existence, he said the incidence of violence against children “must stop.” “The only way that is going...

As the Government intensifies measures to safeguard the nation’s children, the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is calling on communities to build a safety net around children. Executive Director of the Commission, Dr. Patrece Charles-Freeman, is advising parents to get together to devise strategies to keep their children safe. “Build a safety net around children. That is what parents need...