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...

The National Water Commission (NWC) is urging consumers to implement water conservation practices, in anticipation of an extended drought period throughout the summer months. As at April 23, the Hermitage Dam was at 79.67 per cent of its capacity, whereas the Mona Reservoir was at 74.3 per cent of its capacity. Corporate Public Relations Manager at the NWC, Andrew Canon,...

Enhanced security measures implemented under ongoing States of Public Emergency (SOEs) must continue, even as the country grapples with curtailing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This was emphasised by Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, who argued that order and law enforcement remain critical as the Government implements public health measures to contain the spread of the virus. “Criminals...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is calling for an end to discrimination against persons who are infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19). He said persons who have experienced pressure from community members due to the illness should contact the Victim Services Division of the Ministry and get counselling, noting that several individuals in communities across the island have stigmatised fellow...