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Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Japan in Jamaica, Koji Tomita (2nd right), presents and Westmoreland Parish Council Chairman and Savanna-la-Mar Mayor, Councillor Bertel Moore (2nd left), with a copy of the $8 million (US$81,010) grant agreement for Government of Japan’s provision of two ambulances and two fire trucks to the Council, following Monday’s (March 24) signing ceremony at the Embassy’s New Kingston offices. The units’ provision is being facilitated under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots and Human Security Project (GGP) in partnership with the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD). Looking on are: Councillors for the Westmoreland Parish Council’s Savanna-la-Mar and Bethel Town Divisions respectively, Milton Miles (left); and Danree Delancy, who is also Savanna-la-Mar’s Deputy Mayor.

Westmoreland PC Receives Emergency Vehicles from Japanese Government

The Westmoreland Parish Council is to receive two ambulances and two fire trucks, valued at $8 million (US$81,010), from the Government of Japan. Provision of the units is being facilitated under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots and Human Security Project...

Norman Manley International Airport Fire Services Team participating in an airport emergency simulation exercise at the airport in April 2013.

Jamaica and Region Should Examine Best Practices – JCAA Head

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting (centre), presents a set of keys to Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington (right), after handing over 13 motorcycles and two pick-ups at the Commissioner’s Old Hope Road offices, in Kingston, on Monday, March 24. At left is Managing Director for the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), Ivan Anderson. His company donated the pick-ups.

JCF Gets More Motorcycles and Pick-Ups

Mona Heights Primary School student, Emily Williams’ rendition of the poem “ Jackfruit” brings smiles to the faces of Principal of Shortwood Teachers’ College, Dr. Christopher Clarke (left), and the National Youth Ambassador, Paul McFarlane (centre) at the recently held St. Andrew 4-H Clubs Parish Achievement Day at the Shortwood Teachers’ College in St. Andrew. Partially hidden is Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs Board, Clifton Grant.

4-H Clubs Promote Sustainable Agriculture

St. Andrew 4-H Club Girl of the Year, Jessica Gentles of Stella Maris Preparatory (second left), Boy of the Year, Nicholas Juruba of Oberlin High School, with, Parish Development Officer, St. Andrew 4-H Clubs, Demoy Nash (left) and Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Ronald Blake (right).

School Leaders Urged to Get Involved in 4-H Clubs

Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill (centre); poses with students of Westwood High School, winners of a World Water Day Competition, during the opening ceremony of an exhibition on the environment at Devon House, St. Andrew. The event was part of activities to mark the International Day of Forests, and World Water Day, observed across the globe on March 22; and ahead of World Meteorological Day March 23.

12 years ago Environment

Minister Pickersgill Calls for Balance in Development Process

Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, has called for balance in the development process as one way of managing the effects of Climate Change. The Minister said creative ways must be found to pursue economic development while minimizing risks to the environment and natural resources. He argued that this can be done through building awareness...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left); is greeted by Director, Family Life Ministries, Dr. Barry Davidson, following the official launch of ‘Parenting Jamaica’ at King’s House on Friday, March 21. The initiative is a new multimedia campaign aimed at transmitting positive, values-based parenting messages, in an effort to improve the skills of the nation’s parents and caregivers.

12 years ago Governor General

GG Promotes Good Parenting to Address Social Problems

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says good parenting must become a national priority, if the country is to rid itself of many of its current social problems. “There is general agreement that many of the problems we face in our nation have their roots in weak parenting,” the Governor-General remarked. He argued that since the family...

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell (left) listens keenly as Managing Director, Alternative Power Source Limited, Damian Lyn explains some of the features of the equipment room at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country office during the launch of the UNDP’s ‘Greening Initiative’ at the organisation’s Lady Musgrave offices in Kingston on March 21. At right is Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dr. Arun Kashyap. The Greening Initiative is aimed at reducing energy consumption and increasing use of renewable energy at the UNDP’s country office. It included: installation of cool roof technology-to reduce reliance on air conditioning; energy efficient lighting and motion sensors-to limit burning of lights when not in use; and use and generation of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity.

12 years ago Technology

120 Net Billing Licences Issued

The Government has issued 120 net billing licences, which allow persons to sell excess energy generated through renewable sources to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) grid. The award of the licences is being facilitated under the billing system, which was introduced in 2012, as part of measures to liberate the energy sector and diversify the energy base. Minister of Science,...

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (right), having a light discussion with Shortwood Teachers’ College retiree, Mrs. Jacqueline Willie (centre), who served for 35 years, and social coach, Dr. Blossom O’ Meally-Nelson (left), at a special dinner held at the college in St. Andrew, on March 20, to honour 19 retiring staff members.

12 years ago Education

Shortwood Teachers’ College Honours Retirees

The St. Andrew based Shortwood Teachers’ College honoured 19 of its retiring staff members on March 20, with tributes, gift packages, plaques and other valuables. Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, who spoke at the special dinner at the college, called for the skills and expertise of retired persons to be accommodated to enhance institutional building across the island....

Children’s Officer at the CDA and social worker, Calesha Hylton, addresses a group of parents at a meeting held on March 20 by the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR), at St. George’s College, North Street, Kingston.

12 years ago Culture

Removal of Children Last Resort – CDA Officer

The removal of children from their families and homes is the last resort of the Child Development Agency (CDA). This was stated by Children’s Officer of the CDA and social worker, Calesha Hylton, while addressing a group of parents at a meeting held on March 20 by the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR), at St. George’s College, North Street,...

The headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., United States.

12 years ago Finance & Public Service

Financial Analyst Says no Alternative to EFF

Financial analyst, Ralston Hyman, says if the Government had not negotiated and implemented the existing International Monetary Fund (IMF) four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the economy would have worsened. Speaking on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Television ‘Issues and Answers’ programme, on March 20, Mr. Hyman said no alternative to the EFF was available to reduce the national debt and...

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (right), receives a plaque of appreciation from Distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew, Ian Forte (left), while President Howard Walker looks on. The Prime Minister was special guest at the club’s 40th anniversary meeting on March 21, held at the Police Officers’ Club in St. Andrew.

12 years ago Office of the Prime Minister

PM Optimistic About Country’s Future

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller says she is optimistic about the country’s future, despite the challenges. “While we have to be conscious of the challenges and work relentlessly to mitigate their impact, we cannot dwell on the negatives. We have to build on the positives and keep hope alive,” the Prime Minister urged. Addressing the Kiwanis Club...