The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is encouraging members of the public to cooperate with interviewers who will make contact via the telephone, to gather data for the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey regarding COVID-19. The data collection begins today (Monday, April 27) and will last for approximately two weeks. Deputy Director General of STATIN, Leesha Delatie-Budair, told JIS...

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is slated to continue the implementation of priority developments this year, aimed at enhancing cruise, cargo, logistics and service offerings at the island’s ports. This is according to the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, for the year ending March 2021. Among the main engagements are the acquisition of a buoy tender...

Regional Director in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (Region 4), Dr. Michelle Pinnock, is encouraging parents to use creative and engaging ways to effectively homeschool their children. Schools across the island have been closed due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. In an interview with JIS News, Dr. Pinnock said parents should consider all five senses when...

The Ministry of Health & Wellness’ National Surveillance Unit has advised that 45 samples tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. This has brought the total number of confirmed cases in the island to 350 as at Sunday (April 26). The 45 new cases are comprised of 19 males and 26 females, who range in age from 1...

I have received a preliminary briefing from the Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton on the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a mother after giving birth. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of young Jodian Fearon. Indeed, the entire nation is rightfully disturbed, alarmed and saddened by the reports in the media so far. The...

Jamaica has risen two places on the Global Press Freedom index, and now ranks sixth among 180 countries that most respect freedom of information.  Published annually by Reporters Without Borders, a non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Paris, the index evaluates the level of freedom available to the media throughout the world. The new ranking was highlighted by Leader of Government Business in the Upper...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is encouraging persons who are before the courts and know that they are guilty, to talk with their lawyers and enter guilty pleas. Mr. Chuck,  who was speaking at a digital town hall meeting, on April 24, to examine the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), on the justice sector, said in light of the...