The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is recommending that member countries adopt a phased approach to reopening schools for face-to-face learning in the 2021/22 academic year, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, says this approach should take into consideration the local epidemiological situation, which, she notes, “can change rapidly”. “Surveillance will be key to ensuring...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is providing $50 million to support banana and plantain farmers who were impacted by the recent passage of Tropical Storm Grace. Making the announcement during a virtual press conference on Wednesday (August 25), Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, said the $50 million will be disbursed through the Banana Board. He said the funding support...

The heads of several faith-based organisations have endorsed the Government’s national coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme. In a show of support for the undertaking, several leaders from the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Church of God, Pentecostal, and Seventh-day Adventist denominations, among others, participated in the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ recent press conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, during...

The Ministry of Tourism is on a drive to get workers within the industry vaccinated. “We are looking now at an incentive programme with transportation and possibly some refreshment and entertainment and so on. Whatever it is going to take to get our people – the workers of the industry in particular – to register first and then to vaccinate,...

Residents of Standpipe in St. Andrew are now benefiting from a newly renovated sports complex, which is situated on the compound of the Church of St. Margaret. The facility, which was refurbished at a cost of approximately $13 million, comprises basketball and netball courts, upgraded bleachers and restrooms, new changing rooms, a viewing gallery and a refreshment stand. Funding was...

  NEW CASES 24 HRS OVERALL Confirmed Cases 463 64,294 SEX CLASSIFICATION     Females 286 36,329 Males 177 27,962 Under Investigation 0 3 AGE RANGE 9 days to 97 years 1 day to 108 years         PARISH CLASSIFICATION OF NEW CASES     Clarendon 33 3,273 Hanover 16 2,066 Kingston & St. Andrew 80 16,784 Manchester...

The Ministry of National Security (MNS) National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP) says that partnerships are crucial to tackling the issue of trafficking in persons. Speaking with JIS News, MNS, Trafficking in Persons Secretariat Manager, Chenee Russell Robinson, said that partnerships with local and international stakeholders are critical to assisting victims of trafficking and tackling trafficking locally. “Partnerships...