The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is intensifying efforts to safeguard the Rio Cobre, following the recent derailment of a bauxite train that resulted in three coaches ending up in the river. Senior Manager for Environmental Management and Conservation at NEPA, Richard Nelson, said the incident highlighted the importance of the No Discharge Policy, which has been in place...

A total of 1,833 certificates of title have been issued by bauxite mining companies to resettled persons since 2012. These include 154 issued in 2024, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). This information is contained in the PIOJ’s 2024 Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ). The document further indicates that a total of 3,012 certificates of title were...

Residents across St. Ann are set to benefit from a suite of major water supply upgrades.  Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, outlined details of key programmed developments during a tour of several communities in the parish on Wednesday (August 13).  Key among these is the $370-million Drax Hall to Llandovery...

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has made significant amendments to Jamaica’s Natural Resources Conservation (Ambient Air Quality Standards Amendment) 2024, aimed at better safeguarding human health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution. The updated regulations, gazetted in 2024, mark the first major revision since the standards were introduced in 1996. Speaking at a Jamaica...

Expansion of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is moving ahead, following Thurday’s (August 7) breaking of ground for a new state-of-the-art medical tower. The tower is the first structure to be designed for time-sensitive emergencies in cardiology and neuroscience, like heart attack and stroke, to improve efficiency in clinical assessment, diagnostics, and minimally invasive treatment during the...

Four families from Central Kingston, who were living in substandard housing conditions due to tragic or unfortunate circumstances, have received new homes under the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). The keys to the new homes were handed over by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Thursday (August 7). The recipients are Paulette Reynolds, Keisha Lewis, Jacqueline...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) will be establishing two additional Economic Villages as part of its ongoing mission to support and empower Local Economic Initiatives (LEIs) across Jamaica. This will bring the total number of Economic Villages to nine by the end of fiscal year 2025/26. The new villages will be established in St. Elizabeth and St. Thomas, joining existing...