Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Gary McKenzie, says the frequent occurrence of road crashes has the potential to impact national development. He noted that these incidents not only cause serious injuries and loss of lives but place an economic burden on families and the economy. “The occurrence of collisions has stymied human development, as over 60 per cent of drivers...

The Government has budgeted close to $2 billion to carry out key infrastructural works in the upcoming fiscal year to improve several facilities for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Of the total, $882 million has been earmarked for the new police divisional headquarters to be constructed in Westmoreland; $50 million to continue works on the Forensic Pathology Autopsy...

The Coconut Industry Board (CIB) is encouraging coconut growers to register with the entity before March 1. Registration is free and enables growers to access benefits such as free seedlings, fertiliser, weed control grant, automatic insurance for trees against windstorm damage, voting rights and advisory services. Speaking with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the CIB, Shaun Cameron, said...

Discussions focusing on integrating more persons with disabilities in the overseas farm-work programme, among other areas, are continuing, says Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. Two individuals have already been recruited and are now making preparations to depart Jamaica. Mr. Charles said the Ministry is actively striving to increase the number of participants so that more...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) has extended the deadline for entries in the National Young Inventors and Innovators Competition (YIIC) to March 31. Speaking with JIS News recently, Executive Director, Dr. Charah Watson, said the extension was made in the best interest of students who wish to participate. “We launched the competition at the end of November, then students went...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has disclosed that 151 positions will be added to the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). “The training of firefighters has been an important feature since 2016, [and] since 2017, the JFB has added over 800 firefighters to its complement. This is an outstanding achievement. Since then, the Brigade has received approval...

The Ministry of Justice will be developing a trace study during the upcoming 2024/25 financial year to determine the true impact of the Child Diversion Programme on children who have successfully completed the intervention. “It is to see if they are still maintaining the things that they have learned in the programme,” said Director of the Chid Diversion Branch, Venisa...