Anticipation filled the air outside the historic Gordon House in downtown, Kingston, today (February 14) as scores of Jamaicans braved the mid-morning sun to witness the grand return of the ceremonial opening of Parliament. The crowds of onlookers, which included party supporters, school children and passersby, saw the event return to its full grandeur following COVID-19 restrictions over the past...

The Government is moving forward in transitioning Jamaica to a Republic. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said that the Constitutional Reform work to facilitate the transition will be assisted by a high-level Constitutional Reform Committee that will play an advisory and oversight role. He was delivering the Throne Speech to open the 2023/24 Parliamentary Year in...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says that work is advanced towards the goal of eliminating trans-fatty acids (trans-fats) from Jamaica’s local food supply. Trans-fats raise bad cholesterol levels, which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. “We’ve had several consultations and [the] industry has agreed verbally to working over a number of years for...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) will introduce a new financing model during the 2023/2024 Financial Year, which will entail partner arrangements with regulated mortgage-lending institutions. This framework is intended to significantly increase the supply of mortgages while at the same time release funds to focus on the development of affordable housing. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen,...

Persons are being encouraged to screen for cancer, to ensure there is early detection, by Medical Officer of Health in Westmoreland, Dr. Michelle Sterling-Mills. “Cancers remain a significant cause of ill health and death and are now affecting younger persons. Persons with cancer have worse outcomes if they get COVID-19, so extra precautions are needed,” she said, while addressing the...

Implementation of the new public-sector compensation system, which commenced in December 2022, will continue until fiscal year 2024/25. The new system aims to reduce and simplify the unwieldly 325 salary scales and 185 allowances and partly represents a continuation of the Government’s public sector transformation programme. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, made the disclosure while delivering...

Farmers who have taken on a mentorship role in training many of their younger counterparts in the art of farming and best practices are being hailed by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. “It is something we have been seeing more and more of and I think is really exemplary… that level of mentorship. It has...