The Victim Services Branch (VSB) is taking a trauma-focused approach in caring for children who are victims of crime. The approach involves special interventions to help children feel safe, work through their feelings, respond to their symptoms and prevent them from being re-traumatised. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Monday (April 22), Director of the VSB, Dionne Dawn, said...

Members of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday (April 23), paid tribute to former Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Valrie Curtis. Ms. Curtis, who retired on April 6, after 29 years of service, was hailed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, as “an invaluable resource”. He said she provided guidance and support as he navigated the rules...

The Government of Jamaica has taken the decision to recognize the State of Palestine. The decision was confirmed by Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, following deliberations of the Cabinet on Monday (April 22). Minister Johnson Smith advised that, “Jamaica continues to advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable option to...

The National Water Commission (NWC) is undertaking several activities to provide water to customers in western Jamaica amidst the prevailing drought conditions. Acting NWC President, Kevin Kerr, provided an update on short, medium and long-term measures being undertaken by the entity for Hanover and Westmoreland during a semi-virtual press conference at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation in...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the Government is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive workforce. Addressing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Positive Pathways Private Sector Forum, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on April 23, he said it is critical to partner, discuss and deliberate on ways...

Despite the drought conditions affecting the parish, plans are advanced for the sixth staging of the Hanover Agricultural and Industrial Show on Friday, May 24. The event will be staged by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Hanover Association of Branch Societies (HABS). Parish Manager for the HABS, Kameil Scott, told JIS News that the show will be held at Lord’s...

The Overseas Examination Commission (OEC) is urging school administrators to be compliant with the regulations and standards that govern the handling of examination materials in their institutions. As the exam season approaches, Chairman of the OEC, Brian Bennett-Easy, underscored the critical necessity for all schools to rigorously follow the established Examination Centre Regulations. He pointed out to JIS News that...