The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay welcomed a record 14,000 passengers on Tuesday (December 22), which is the largest number of airline passengers passing through the airport in any single day. The arrivals, just eight days into the winter tourist season, are a welcome boost to the tourism sector. The visitors arrived on 55 flights – 10 long-haul runs,...

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2015 BY THE HON. REV. RONALD THWAITES MINISTER OF EDUCATION   As 2015 draws to a close, the Ministry of Education extends appreciation to all who partnered with us to offer Jamaicans of all ages, the opportunity to add value to their lives.   Our achievements during this year include surpassing the literacy target of 100 percent mastery at...

Jamaican born police Sergeant in the Hartford Police Department, Andrew Lawrence, has been lauded by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller for his 20 years of sterling service and distinguished contribution to the police department. “I take great pride in extending my deepest congratulations to this treasured son of Jamaica. The recognition being paid to you is a...

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has heightened preparedness of health facilities in the western end of the island, to deal with the possible introduction of the Zika Virus (ZikV). WRHA Regional Technical Director, Dr. Dianne Campbell-Stennett, said phase one of the action plan has been activated, which entails ramping up public education, training and activating community workers, heightening surveillance...

The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is reporting that it has implemented 80 per cent of the recommendations made by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) in operational best practices. Acting Chief Executive Officer at the hospital, Kevin Allen, said the cost to execute the PAHO recommendations is approximately $154.1 million, which covers operational activities and capital items. “This...

Persons with disabilities are being afforded greater opportunities to pursue technical and vocational education, through the HEART Trust/National Training Agency (HEART/NTA). Executive Director, Dr. Wayne Wesley, says since 2014, over 40 of these persons have enrolled in programmes at HEART/NTA academies and training institutions island wide. This facilitation, he noted, is consistent with a mandate from Prime Minister, the Most...

Denton Anderson, a male attendant at the Hope Institute Hospital, in Kingston, was the biggest winner in the 2015 National Health Fund (NHF) ‘Work It Out’ challenge competition. For losing a total of 44.7 pounds in the recently concluded seventh staging of the 24- week weight loss contest, he  won the first prize in the individual competition as well as...