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...

10 new cases; 2 additional recoveries The National Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Health & Wellness has reported that in the last 24 hours, 10 samples have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica to 432. Of the 10 new cases, there are 2 males and 8 females, with ages ranging...

The Westmoreland Health Department is calling on parents to keep harmful chemicals out of the reach of children, in light of the increased use of sanitising products in households to protect against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The reminder from Health Promotion and Education Officer at the Health Department, Gerald Miller, comes following reports in the United States of a drastic...