Members of the National Bioethics Committee of Jamaica (NBCJ) are benefiting from training to strengthen the body’s capacity to address the ethical and moral implications of medical and biological research. It is the third such session under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s(UNESCO) Bioethics Programme. Speaking at the opening ceremony for the two-day session at the Knutsford Court...

The University of Minnesota (UMN) School of Public Health in Minneapolis is joining forces with the University of Technology School of Public Health, to carry out a five-year training programme in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The disclosure followed a visit to the university by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Stephen Vasciannie last week, who held discussions with a number...

The Ministry of Education is inviting small community enterprises to submit proposals for school feeding projects that will support the Government’s efforts to fulfill the nutritional needs of students. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, in his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on May 15, said the initiative “should open up huge opportunities for farmers, small...

Several inner-city residents from across the Corporate Area have been equipped with the necessary skills to improve their lives, having completed the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's (JCC) Youth Leadership Training Programme. Approximately 59 youth who successfully completed the course, were presented with certificates during the graduation ceremony for the 56th cohort of the programme, held at the JCC Civic Affairs office,...

The Ministry of Education is working to cut costs within its agencies this year, by sharing facilities, expertise and earning revenues wherever possible. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on May 15. "We will create 'Service Bureaux' for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Accounting, Human...

It will soon become a requirement for educators to undergo training by the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), for promotion to the position of principals and vice principals. This was stated  by Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, on May 15. "We understand the need for strong...

The National Parenting Commission, which aims to assist parents in carrying out their roles and responsibilities, is to be chaired by Lady Rheima Hall, wife of former Governor-General, His Excellency Professor Sir Kenneth Hall. The Parenting Commission also aims at providing support for parents by increasing their access to quality information and services as outlined in the National Parenting Policy....

The Ministry of Education is working to implement a Behaviour Modification Programme to address the challenges of anti-social behaviour by students in some educational institutions. This was outlined in a Ministry paper tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 15, by portfolio Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites. Among the methods of intervention to be pursued is the engagement...

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, says the Ministry will be re-allocating what it expects to save from the estimated $2.5 billion that it spends per year on the costs associated with leave for teachers. These costs involve salaries for teachers who are studying; salaries for temporary replacements; tuition; and long leave. Rev. Thwaites says these funds will be...