In response to public concern about the accuracy of weather predictions from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Director, Evan Thompson, has indicated that misunderstandings of forecasting terminology, rather than errors in the forecasting, are often the root of the problem. He pointed out that while there are genuine instances where forecasters get it wrong, “there are sometimes misunderstandings of the...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is driving the effort to modernise markets across Jamaica. Speaking at the recent opening of the Buff Bay Market in Portland, Mr. McKenzie said the goal is for every parish to have either a new or upgraded market within the next five years, equipped with features that meet the needs...

As the nation approaches what is usually the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Evan Thompson, has emphasised that Jamaica has a robust framework in place to respond to major storms. Mr. Thompson pointed out that the National Disaster Risk Management Council, chaired by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has...

Vendors and residents in Buff Bay, Portland, now have a modern, fully rebuilt market that has improved facilities, is safer and offers expanded opportunities for commerce in the town. The upgraded market has 48 stalls for fruits and vegetables, five modern butcher stalls, six shops for haberdashery, a new sanitary block, and a water-harvesting system capable of storing more than...

Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon is calling on Jamaicans to take greater responsibility in preserving and advancing the nation’s independence. “Our fore parents would have fought for us, and it was a real struggle, and where we are today as a result of their efforts. So, it can't be too...

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, has called on Jamaicans to reflect on the nation’s journey to freedom and independence, and to boldly continue the work of building a just and equitable society. “We gather today [not only] to commemorate freedom, but also to reaffirm our faith in Jamaica's journey, a journey marked by resilience, sacrifice and divine favour,...

Several community members across St. Catherine are benefitting from social interventions by the parish’s Social Development Commission (SDC). Through the agency’s social service fairs, persons are receiving their Tax Registration Number (TRN), birth certificates, National Insurance Scheme (NIS), grants through the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), according to Acting Parish Manager of the SDC, Shana-Lee Archibald. She...