Senators began debate on the Child Diversion Bill 2018 at a sitting today (July 6). The Bill seeks to enable the implementation of child-diversion measures in dealing with children who come into conflict with the law. Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, in opening the debate explained that child diversion is a process of implementing...

Chief Executive Officer of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), Lincoln Allen, says there is great scope for development of a local medical cannabis industry, citing opportunities for research, innovation, and preparation and export of new products. “We have the potential, technical competence and will to do (these),” he said. Mr. Allen was addressing the opening ceremony of the University of...

Spouses and dependents of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals, who relocate to other Member States, will now be entitled to access benefits such as health and education services, which were not previously afforded to them. This applies to individuals and their families, who move across the region to work, provide services and establish companies within the framework of the free movement...

Ten months after its official opening, the West End Infant School in Westmoreland graduated its first batch of 27 students on Thursday (July 5). Addressing the ceremony, held on the grounds of the institution in West End Negril, Chairman of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), Trisha Williams-Singh, hailed the school administration for the “tremendous work” done in upholding the standards...

To reduce cognitive learning challenges among infants in the country, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in partnership with the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), has launched the Jamaica Brain Builders Programme at a cost of approximately $540 million. The launch took place on the playground of the Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre, at the University...

To protect and safeguard the lives of educators and students in schools from fire, the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has purchased 80 first-aid kits, 120 fire extinguishers, 120 smoke detectors, 40 wash hand signs and 40 emergency assembly signs, which will be distributed among 40 schools across the island. This donation, valued at approximately $3.3 million, forms part of...

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, is hailing teachers for their commitment to the improvement of students’ performance in various school assessments, and their increased participation in co-curricular activities. The Minister was addressing teachers at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Golden Torch Awards ceremony, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on July 5....