Great Shape! Inc, a United States (US)-based non-profit organisation, continues to give thousands of Jamaicans brighter smiles and clearer vision through its free optical and oral health programmes. Over 200,000 persons have benefitted from the organisation’s ‘iCare’ and ‘1,000 Smiles’ programmes, since the commencement of these in Jamaica. The iCare project is in its 10th year, while 1000 Smiles volunteers...

‘A man of many trades and master of them all’ aptly characterizes Pastor Aston Archibald Barnes, who has given invaluable service and countless support to the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and communities in south Manchester. He has worn many hats, serving as pastor; financial controller and advisor; auditor; community activist; author; philanthropist; teacher; and businessman and, in...

Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s first seabin, a submersible receptacle that collects ocean pollutants such as debris and oil slicks, has been installed in the Montego Bay Marine Park in St. James. The undertaking is a collaboration involving the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust, National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP), and Finland-based entity, Wartsila, which manufactures the...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will be conducting further assessments of the island’s child care facilities to ensure they are up to the stipulated JFB safety standards. All of the homes were initially assessed and provided with recommendations for improving fire safety practices, which are being implemented by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). The follow-up inspections will...

‘Transforming Lives - Restoring Hope for a Better Jamaica” is the theme for the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) Week, to be observed from October 22 to 25. The DCS’ Director of Corporate Communication and Public Relations, Dexter Thompson, told JIS News that the activities will kick off with a thanksgiving service at Webster Memorial United Church in St. Andrew...

Earthquakes and tsunamis are an ever-present threat to Jamaica. The country’s location on multiple geological faults subjects it to up to an average of 200 earthquakes per year. This natural disposition, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Director General, Major Clive Davis, tells JIS News, is the reason earthquake and tsunami preparations are critical components of the entity’s...

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Government will continue to increase investment in education in order to improve quality and performance standards. He noted that $37.6 billion was spent on secondary education during the last academic year, which included an increase in the maintenance grant from $50,000 to $500,000 per school. The Minister,...