Individuals who are experiencing trauma as a result of crime are being encouraged to seek assistance from the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Branch offices islandwide. Director of the Victim Services Branch, Dionne-Dawn Binns, noted that when individuals experience trauma because of crime, the effects are very devastating. “I use the analogy that I came across some time ago that...

Sexually active women between the ages of 21 and 65 are being urged to get screened, as they are at risk for cervical cancer. Consultant Gynaecologic Oncologist at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Dr. Anna-Kay Taylor-Christmas, said the women are in a risk category for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to various cancers. “So, everyone needs to be screened...

Nurse of the Year for 2025, Fione Collins, will be using her platform to empower women through her ‘I Win’ project. The initiative focuses on resilience-building among women who are facing challenges, to strengthen them and “to let them know that while they may be hurting, while they may be struggling, that they can make it,” she said in an...

Eighteen Authorised Officers have been formally designated to carry out key duties under the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2021, while 14 tribunal members have been sworn in to serve on the body that will hear and rule on related cases across the island. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony and Designation of Authorised Officers, held on July 17 at...

With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season under way, librarians and information professionals are being equipped to position libraries as critical havens for individuals and communities during natural disasters. This was facilitated during a Disaster Management Workshop – an initiative of the Jamaica Libraries and Information Network (JAMLIN), in collaboration with the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) and the Jamaica Library...

The Western Regional National Shelter in St. James, which is now undergoing renovation, will serve as a transitional facility for women affected by gender-based violence (GBV). This shelter complements existing facilities in the North-East and Eastern Regions, forming part of the National Shelter Unit. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, made the announcement during her 2025/26...

The Sexual Harassment Tribunal has been established and is now operational, says Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange. The Tribunal is established under the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act to hear and determine complaints and to make awards. “It applies across all sectors and mandates every employer or institution to create and enforce policies,” Ms. Grange...