Minister without Portfolio, Senator the Honourable Matthew Samuda says New Broughton Sunset Rehabilitation Centre (NBSRC) is prepared to combat COVID-19, should it enter the low-risk facility located in Broughton, Manchester. “We continue to say that the virus won’t appear here by accident – it would be brought in either by a visitor or an officer. With visitations suspended, it is...

There are now 463 confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases in Jamaica, with the addition of 31 new positives in the last 24 hours. Of the 31 new cases, there are 11 males and 20 females, with ages ranging from eight (8) years to 72 years. Of the 31 cases, seven (7) are employees of the workplace cluster in St. Catherine,...

The Government is to consider extending the time given for tourism workers in a specific age group to contribute to the Tourism Workers’ Pension Scheme, in light of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This applies to tourism workers aged 59, who are being specially accommodated under the scheme. Government Senator, Matthew Samuda, gave the assurance as he piloted...

Vessel operators in Jamaica’s maritime community sounded their horns at 12 noon on Friday (May 1), as a show of solidarity with seafarers who are currently at sea. The day is observed globally as International Labour Day, and the action is  part of an international campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dedication of more than a million seafarers around...

Students in the communities of Denham Town, Hannah Town, Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens in Western Kingston who are unable to access lessons online will be provided with an alternative method. Printed worksheets will be distributed to students or parents at various locations, including the Denham Town Restorative Justice Centre, Charlie Smith High School and the St. Andrew Primary School,...

The St. Elizabeth Poor Relief Department has provided care packages to more than 50 indigent persons living in the parish, to safeguard their well-being during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Speaking with JIS News, Inspector of Poor, St. Elizabeth Poor Relief Department, Catherine Blake-Williams, said the beneficiaries included the homeless, elderly and shut-ins as well as destitute families. She indicated that a...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has so far spent $2.5 billion, of an initial $2.8 billion allocation from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, on efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to ensure the best possible health outcomes for those affected by the disease. Among other things, the four regional health...