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More than 16,000 volunteers are trained and available to respond in the aftermath of a hurricane disaster. Prime Minister Bruce Golding received this briefing during a recent meeting of the multi agency National Disaster Committee which he chairs. Mr. Golding was informed that more Jamaicans have put themselves forward as volunteers following the Haiti earthquake of five months ago. This...

The Westmoreland Parish Disaster Committee is carrying out inspection of emergency shelters to ensure that all 66 facilities are up and ready in the event of hurricane or other disaster. Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Westmoreland, Rev. Hilma Tate, told JIS News yesterday (June 10) that 55 shelters have been inspected so far, and more than 40 of them have been...

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding has welcomed a proposal by the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) to increase their role in the social recovery and transformation of marginalized communities across the country. Representatives of the PMI met with the Prime Minister and National Security Minister, Hon. Dwight Nelson recently at Jamaica House, where they outlined their plans to extend their approach...

Professor Gladstone Hutchinson has been appointed the new Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). Speaking at the weekly Post Cabinet press briefing, Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said Dr. Hutchinson's appointment will take effect on July 5. Professor Hutchinson is an economist, who is currently Dean of Studies at the...

Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, has appealed to the society to support the 'Save an Eye, Save the Jamaica Society for the Blind' fundraising initiative, and assist in ensuring that the visually impaired are equipped with the necessary amenities. Speaking at the launching ceremony at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Lions Centre for Students with Special...

The Trelawny Parish Council, with the assistance of the Police, is moving decisively to put a stop to squatting in the parish, a situation seen as a growing problem in some areas. With several major developments now taking place and others slated to be implemented soon, concerns are being raised about the number of squatter settlements popping up in different...

Cabinet has approved the award of a $205 million contract by the National Housing Trust (NHT) to Alcar Construction and Haulage Company, to undertake infrastructure works at Providence Housing Development Phase II, Ironshore, St. James. The announcement was made by Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica...

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has announced that a dairy industry cess regime has been instituted, to support capacity building in the local milk producing sector. Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House Tuesday (June 9), Mr. Vaz said the implementation of the cess, effective since May 25, is consistent...

Respected Jamaican-born chef, Collin Brown, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards in the United Kingdom (UK). Known as the 'Chef's Oscars' the awards recognise and reward the leading talent working in kitchens all across the industry. The 37-year old Trelawny native, who is head chef and owner of the Chef Collin Brown Restaurant in London's...

Jamaica is set to host the 31st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM from the 4th to the 7th July at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay. Prime Minister Bruce Golding will assume Chairmanship of the regional grouping from July to December. Haiti's President Rene Preval was slated to become Chairman but...

Several activities have been planned by the Portland Disaster Committee to observe June as Disaster Preparedness Month. The events will include educational talks in schools, business places and communities; public education campaign; fund-raising activities; coastal hazard training workshops and a church service. The theme for the month is: 'Disaster Preparedness. be in the know, don't just go with the flow',...

By writing and leaving a last will and testament, you will be in a position to determine and instruct how your assets are to be distributed and dealt with, after your death. You will also be able to ensure that only the people you choose will benefit from your estate and, most importantly, ensure that the distribution of your assets...