Child Month 2026 got underway on Friday (May 1) with a powerful morning of prayer, praise and bold declarations over Jamaica’s children. Held at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Heroes Circle offices in Kingston, the Prayer and Praise Child Month Blastoff was highlighted by the symbolic release of balloons representing hope, healing, protection and the promise of...

The Senate, on Friday (May 1), passed the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act to provide stronger protection for children in the digital space, and enable more effective investigation and prosecution of cyber offences by law enforcement. The legislation introduces harsher punishments for those who target children, including imprisonment of up to 20 years where an offence is committed against an individual under...

Science laboratories at several educational institutions across the island have been earmarked for construction, upgrading or outfitting, as the Government advances science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools. “I am happy to indicate that as a Ministry, Government, we have made the provision vis-à-vis laboratories,” said Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Marlon...

More than 100,000 household damage assessments have been completed across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as part of the Government’s efforts to identify and support families affected by the disaster. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., shared the update, noting that, to date, some 101,458 households have been assessed. He was speaking to residents...

Implementation of the Public Procurement (Set-Asides) Framework, which reserves a portion of government contracts for Jamaican suppliers, will be advanced during fiscal year 2026/27. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, announced during the opening of the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 10 that the Government, in partnership with the Public Procurement...

Grants totalling more than $366 million are being disbursed to hurricane-affected households in Trelawny under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security as part of the national recovery effort following Hurricane Melissa. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the announcement during the Trelawny leg of the...

Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collen Gager, is urging business developers within the municipality to comply with regulatory standards and obtain the necessary permits to ensure safer and more sustainable building practices. He noted that enforcement drives are continuing across the municipality and encouraged developers who have begun construction without permits to regularise their status and settle outstanding payments. Councillor Gager...