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Medical Officer of Health, St. Elizabeth Health Services, Dr. Tonia Dawkins-Beharie.
Medical Officer of Health, St. Elizabeth Health Services, Dr. Tonia Dawkins-Beharie.

Medical Officer Of Health Says COVID-19 Not Over In St. Elizabeth

Although there is a relaxation of the COVID-19 containment measures, the pandemic is not yet over, says Medical Officer of Health, St. Elizabeth Health Services, Dr. Tonia Dawkins-Beharie. “We (St. Elizabeth) are at 20 active cases, which is up from...
The Government has spent more than $50 billion over the past six years to improve the capability and capacity of the country’s security architecture. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Courtney Williams, said that the figure represents about two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). He said that the investment will not only strengthen the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) but also the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), which remains a critical part of the overall crime-fighting architecture. “We cannot strengthen one arm of the security architecture and not strengthen the other,” he noted. Mr. Williams was speaking at the recent signing of a $117-million contract with Synergy International Systems for the supply of an electronic jail management system for the DCS. The signing took place at the Ministry in St. Andrew. The $117-million investment involves partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The new system is expected to allow for more efficient tracking of inmates, easier sharing of information to other stakeholders, such as the JCF and the courts, and provide for real-time capturing and analysis of information. It is also expected to eliminate the paper-based Jail Management System used by DCS, and improve data integrity and reports, while providing seamless integration among the DCS, the JCF and other agencies of the Ministry of National Security.
The Government has spent more than $50 billion over the past six years to improve the capability and capacity of the country’s security architecture. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Courtney Williams, said that the figure represents about two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). He said that the investment will not only strengthen the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) but also the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), which remains a critical part of the overall crime-fighting architecture. “We cannot strengthen one arm of the security architecture and not strengthen the other,” he noted. Mr. Williams was speaking at the recent signing of a $117-million contract with Synergy International Systems for the supply of an electronic jail management system for the DCS. The signing took place at the Ministry in St. Andrew. The $117-million investment involves partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The new system is expected to allow for more efficient tracking of inmates, easier sharing of information to other stakeholders, such as the JCF and the courts, and provide for real-time capturing and analysis of information. It is also expected to eliminate the paper-based Jail Management System used by DCS, and improve data integrity and reports, while providing seamless integration among the DCS, the JCF and other agencies of the Ministry of National Security.

Gov’t Has Invested Over $50 Billion In National Security
Director of Projects of the Universal Service Fund, Kwan Wilson, speaks at a JIS ‘Think Tank’, on May 12.
Director of Projects of the Universal Service Fund, Kwan Wilson, speaks at a JIS ‘Think Tank’, on May 12.

USF Engages Students Through Technology Advancement Programme
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left), conversing with the President of the Republic of India, His Excellency the Hon. Ram Nath Kovind, during a courtesy call at King
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (left), conversing with the President of the Republic of India, His Excellency the Hon. Ram Nath Kovind, during a courtesy call at King's House in St. Andrew on Monday (May 16). President Kovind, who is on a four-day State Visit to Jamaica, was accompanied by First Lady Savita Kovind and other members of the delegation. President Kovind's visit coincides with Jamaica's 60th independence anniversary celebrations and also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the countries.

PHOTOS: Indian President Calls On Governor-General
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, addresses the church service in observance of the Universal Service Fund’s 16th anniversary, held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston on May 15.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, addresses the church service in observance of the Universal Service Fund’s 16th anniversary, held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston on May 15.

USF Bridging Information Gap

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Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, addresses an adoption ceremony for the Yallahs Health Centre, St. Thomas, on Friday, May 13.
Health & Wellness

Health Infrastructure In St. Thomas To Be Improved

Health infrastructure within the parish of St. Thomas is to be improved to meet the growing demands of the parish, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Speaking at a ceremony for the adoption of the Yallahs Health Centre, in St. Thomas, by the D. Terrence Foster Foundation, on Friday, May 13, Dr. Tufton argued that...
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Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, DPhil, MP
Finance & Public Service

Finance Minister Calls For Patience To Complete Review

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, is appealing to public-sector employees for patience and calm regarding the compensation review, noting that the consultative process is under way. “We understand your apprehension and fear… . We know you have been hearing things, sharing figures, viewing calculations, and there may be some misunderstandings about how this...
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Jamaican iguana
CultureEducationEnvironmentYouth

Students To Be Taught How To Preserve Endemic Plants And Animals

The National Museum Jamaica (NMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), has launched a programme to teach students about the preservation of Jamaica’s endemic plants and animals. About 60 students and their teachers from three primary schools, as well as members of the downtown community, Kingston, will participate in a presentation on the preservation of iguanas on Tuesday,...
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Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Audley Shaw, addresses reporters and other stakeholders following a tour of the Sangster International Airport on Friday (May 13).
Transport

Train Service Will Boost Community Tourism – Shaw

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Audley Shaw, has said that the country’s railway system will be revived and fast-tracked to take advantage of the numerous economic activities that are available. Addressing reporters and other stakeholders following a tour of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, on Friday (May 13), Minister Shaw singled out the tourism sector...
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President of the Republic of India, His Excellency the Hon. Ram Nath Kovind, lays a floral tribute at the shrine of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, at National Heroes Park, Kingston, on Monday ((May 16). Assisting him is First Lady of India, Savita Kovind (centre). Looking on is Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange. President Kovind arrived in the island on Sunday (May 15) for a four-day State Visit.
CultureIndian PresidentOfficial Visits

PHOTOS: Indian President Kovind Lays Floral Tribute At Garvey’s Shrine

President of the Republic of India, His Excellency the Hon. Ram Nath Kovind, lays a floral tribute at the shrine of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, at National Heroes Park, Kingston, on Monday ((May 16). Assisting him is First Lady of India, Savita Kovind (centre). Looking on is Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange....
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Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., addressing the recent Agriculturalist’s Distinguished Women in Agriculture Awards Ceremony, held at the Medallion Hall Hotel in Kingston.
AgricultureGender AffairsYouth

New Agri Programme For Women And Youth

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be partnering with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to increase female participation in the livestock industry. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said this will take place under the WUSC’s Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project. The project aims to promote climate-resilient agriculture for equitable economic growth and increased economic...
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