Approximately 100 families in St. Thomas are now better able to rebuild or repair their homes, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3. This, after the Ministry of Labour and Social Security distributed cash grants to affected residents in the parish under the ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ initiative on Tuesday (September 3). Through the $1-billion programme, persons whose homes suffered...

The bridge linking Cornwall Courts, Green Pond and surrounding communities in St. James was officially opened on Sunday, September 1. The project, which had a budget of approximately $13 million, was completed just in time for the start of the new school year. This will make life easier for more than 30,000 people who were affected, particularly those living in...

Post-hurricane Beryl damage assessments conducted islandwide reveal that more than 13,500 homes were affected during the system’s passage on July 3, according to Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. “When I gave my speech in Parliament, you would recall that I said then that we had 8,700 assessments done. Well… we have now passed 13,500, and...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) has congratulated Fairfield United and Angels Masters on their success in the just concluded SDC National Community Cricket Competitions. Fairfield United from Manchester won the T20 tournament, defeating Links United of St. Ann to secure the $1.5 million prize and their third title in four years. Links received $750,000 for their effort. In the Masters...

Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Orville Palmer (right), presents a voucher for fertiliser to banana farmer Althea McFarlane, during a Hurricane Beryl recovery handover ceremony held by the Banana Board at the Bethel United Church in Highgate, St. Mary, on August 27.

National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors and mortgagors have until September 30 to apply for the Disaster Relief Grant, being provided to support individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Applications can be submitted in-person to the nearest NHT office or online at www.nht.gov.jm. Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT, Dwayne Berbick, says approximately $300...

Forty firefighters from the parishes of St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny have completed an intensive water rescue training programme. This initiative, spearheaded by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Area 4, was driven by the increasing risks posed by climate change. It is part of a broader effort to equip firefighters with specialised skills to handle extreme weather-related...