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Government Senator K.D. Knight, as he contributed to the debate on the ECJ’s report on campaign financing in the Senate on Friday, October 25.

Upper House Debates Campaign Financing

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has been lauded for its commitment to ensuring that political processes are conducted transparently and in the best interest of the citizens of Jamaica. This commendation came from Government Senator K.D. Knight, as he...

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites ( second right) presents a trophy to Principal, Jessie Ripoll Primary School, Marcia Dentry Fogah, during an awards luncheon held on October 25, at the Jamaica Observer’s headquarters in Kingston. Others (from left) are: Assistant Marketing Manager, Jamaica Observer, Pamille Shaw Blair; teacher, Jessie Ripoll Primary, Raphael Davis; and Public Relations Manager, Flow, Jeanette Lewis. The luncheon was to honour approximately 22 teachers from the Eastern Region, who have assisted with the production and sales of the company’s educational publications.

Parenting Resource Centres on Track for Year End

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining of Jamaica, Hon. Phillip Paulwell addressing senior officials and delegates during the Second Meeting of the Ministers of Energy of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on Friday, October 25 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James. Some 22 states and regional organisations including Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) with over 100 attendees inclusive of 70 delegates and Ministers of Energy participated in the two-day Conference from October 24 to 25.

Successful Energy Meeting Closes in Montego Bay

Assistant Superintendent of the Kingston and St Andrew Fire Prevention Division, Nicholas Ogilvie. (FILE)

Brigade Set to Kick off Activities for Fire Awareness Week

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke (left), greets a farmer, who attended the launch of the Irish Potato Programme for the crop year 2013/14, at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens offices in S. Andrew on October 26. Others (seated from 2nd left) are: with Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Lenworth Fulton; and Deputy Chairman of RADA, Dr. Andre Gordon.

Minister Clarke Launches 2013/14 Irish Potato Programme

Minister with responsibility for Housing in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy (left); and New Era Homes 2000 Limited President, Benedetto Persichilli (right), listen to a point being emphasized by Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Robert Ready, following Wednesday’s (October 23) official opening of the Caymanas Country Club Estate housing development in St. Catherine. Dr. Guy was the main speaker. Phase one of the development, being undertaken by New Era Homes, comprises 264 one and two bedroom units, which have been completed, while the second phase, currently under construction, will provide an additional 420 units.

13 years ago Transport

Mortgage Insurance Act to be Amended to Assist Home Buyers

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing has received Cabinet’s approval for a proposed amendment to the Mortgage Insurance Act,aimed at making mortgages more accessible for persons seeking to acquire a home. Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, says this will allow for an increase from 90 to 97 per cent, the Mortgage Indemnity Insurance coverage of...

Minister with responsibility for Housing in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy (centre), is presented with a painting of the new Caymanas Country Club Estate housing development in St. Catherine by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the developer, New Era Homes 2000 Limited, Leo Taddeo (left), and President, Benedetto Persichilli, during the official opening ceremony on October 23. Dr. Guy was the keynote speaker. Phase one of the development, comprising 264 one and two bedroom units, has been completed, while the second, currently under construction, will provide an additional 420 units.

13 years ago Transport

Hundreds Pay Final Respects to Seymour Mullings

Hundreds of Jamaicans, from all walks of life, travelled to the hills of Claremont, St. Ann on October 24, to pay their final respects to the late former Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour St. Edward “Foggy” Mullings, OJ, CD. Mourners filled the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, where the official funeral service was held. Tents were erected on the lawns of the...

Windward Road Primary and Junior High School student, Princess Rainford (seated), demonstrates her proficiency of the computer to Minister of Education, Rev. Hon. Ronald Thwaites (2nd right). The Minister was touring sections of the school, during a visit to the institution’s East Kingston location on October 24. Looking on at right, is principal, Norman Malcolm. (FILE)

13 years ago Education

Education Ministry Assessing Needs of Schools

The Windward Road Primary and Junior High School in Kingston is among several institutions being assessed by the Ministry of Education, to determine the extent of assistance needed to address classroom space limitations, among other challenges. Making the disclosure during a visit to the school on October 24, portfolio Minister, Rev. Hon. Ronald Thwaites, said this is in a bid...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left), listens attentively to a point being made by President and Chief Executive Officer, Toon Boom Animation, Joan Vogelesang (right), following the opening ceremony of the ‘I Believe’ National Youth Consultative Conference on October 24, at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. Also listening are: National Coordinator, Governor-General’s Youth Achievement Awards, Hugh Morris (2nd left); and General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society, Earl Jarrett.

13 years ago Governor General

Youth Urged To Start Animation Businesses

A key player in the international animation industry is encouraging Jamaican youths to think seriously about starting their own local animation businesses. President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian-based, Toon Boom Animation, Joan Vogelesang, said entrepreneurship is the way to go. “Think in terms of being entrepreneurs and try to find a way to hook into that international network...

Education Minister, the Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (left); greets Deputy Principal at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, Ishenkumba Kahwa; while Head of the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work, Dr. Heather Rickets, looks on. The Minister was guest speaker at the launch of a special issue of the Caribbean Journal of Social Work entitled, ‘Social Work & Development: Caribbean Insights,’ on October 23at the Undercroft, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus.

13 years ago Education

Rev. Thwaites Supports Call for Social Workers in Schools

Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, is expressing support for the placement of social workers in the local school system. He was responding to a recent call by the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) for the involvement of social workers in schools. The Education Minister said the appeal is to be supported. “It is not to take away work from anybody....

13 years ago Foreign Affairs

Jamaican Born Civil Rights Campaigner Appointed to British House of Lords

Noted Jamaican-born civil rights campaigner, Doreen Lawrence, who was recently appointed to the British House of Lords, has been honoured by the Jamaican High Commission in London. The United Kingdom’s (UK) Home Secretary, Theresa May, was among the special guests at a reception hosted on Monday, October 21, by Her Excellency, Aloun Ndombet-Assamba. Mrs. Lawrence took her seat as Labour...