Director at the Access to Information Unit, Damian Cox, has emphasised the importance of the entity’s work and the Access to Information (ATI) Act in improving accountability and transparency in Jamaica by keeping citizens informed about national matters. “The Act is important because it [enables] citizens to know exactly what the Government is doing and to access official documents, verify...

Wigton Wind Farm Limited is partnering with the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) in utilising geospatial technology to maintain its wind turbines. The university has been commissioned by the entity to build a drone that can be used to inspect the 50-metre-high wind turbines at its South Manchester facility. “Instead of sending a team up, they will be using technology to...

More than 500 young participants in the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) programme are to graduate by the end of June. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on April 18, National Coordinator of the HOPE programme, Lt. Col. Martin Rickman, said the participants will receive certificates for having successfully completed their training and apprenticeship by the end of the...

Pastor of the Emmanuel Chapel in Mount Salem, St. James, Reverend Marc Mullings, says churches islandwide must partner to fulfil their role in realising sustainable development under the country’s National Development Plan, Vision 2030 Jamaica. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ at the Agency’s Montego Bay Regional Office on Tuesday (March 20), Reverend Mullings called on churches to unite, irrespective...

Officer for Placement and Promotions at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, in St. James, Tavia Barnes-Brown, said the college has embarked on strategies to attract more male students to the teaching profession, such as giving grants to boost male enrolment. “We also take our male students out there, so others can see them and realise it is okay to get involved...

The Jamaica Cancer Society will be focusing on adolescent health in February, with specific attention on harmful habits such as alcohol use, substance abuse, unhealthy diets and smoking. February will be observed as Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month by the Society, and its Executive Director, Yulit Gordon, says unhealthy habits put youth at risk for chronic illnesses, including cancer. The Executive...

The National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) will be partnering with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) in its beach clean-up exercises at select locations across the island, as part of activities for International Coastal Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 16. The select areas are Half Moon Bay in Hellshire, St. Catherine; the Portland Bight Protected Area and locations in Negril....

Plans are advanced for the Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCo) establishment of a Craft Development Institute (CDI) at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (ENCVPA) in Kingston under a Memorandum of Understanding between the entities. The CDI is among several initiatives being pursued by TPDCo with view to growing the craft industry by providing artisans with...

Real Estate practitioners are being encouraged to keep current with their training, by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Real Estate Board/The Commission of Strata Corporations, Sandra Watson Garrick. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’, recently, Mrs. Watson Garrick explained that in November 2013, it became mandatory for all real estate dealers and salesmen to comply with the Proceeds of...