The new Port Maria Fire Station, built at a cost of $258 million, was officially opened and handed over on Friday (Jan.13), bringing improved fire and emergencies services to more than 100,000 Jamaicans. The brand-new facility, spread over a four-building compound, can accommodate up to 80 firefighters and boasts an administrative block, engine bays, male and female dormitories, a conference...

A total of 300 young people are being targeted for training in coding under the Technology Advancement Programme (TAP) III. Applications are now open for the one-year training initiative, which is being implemented by the Universal Service Fund (USF) in collaboration with the Amber Group and HEART/NSTA Trust. The University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica, through its faculty of Technology and...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is intensifying its recruitment exercise this year as the organisation looks to increase the complement of law-enforcement personnel serving islandwide. Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, informed that approximately 1,260 new constables were recruited during the 2021/22 financial year. “We are seeking to do another similar [number] this year; and for the first time in,...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the amendments to be made to the Offences Against the Person Act, will clarify and reinforce that the punishment for capital murder in Jamaica is the death penalty. “Somehow, somewhere it got into the minds of criminals that this is not the case, that after 15 years, sometimes with good behaviour, that...

Ten domestic violence centres, designed to assist with conflict resolution, have been established at police stations islandwide. This was disclosed by Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, who indicated that personnel at the centres are adept at dealing with cases of domestic violence committed against males and females, based on statistics. Addressing a national security seminar, hosted by the Office...

The Traffic Ticket Web-Lookup Portal, which will allow motorists to pay all outstanding traffic tickets online, is now ready, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang. Motorists with outstanding tickets may access the e-ticketing portal to make payments by visiting https://trafficticketlookup.gov.jm. Dr. Chang provided details about the portal during an address in the House...

The Westmoreland Municipal Corporation is spearheading several disaster-preparedness activities for schools and businesses across the parish in observance of Earthquake Awareness Week and for the entire month of January. The week of observance from January 8 to 12 will see ODPEM heightening its public-education campaign under the theme ‘Drop, Cover, Hold… Earthquake Readiness Is Within Your Control’. Disaster Coordinator for...