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As has become customary over the years, residents and staff at some of the country's children's homes and places of safety are being treated to goodies by philanthropic individuals and organizations, in keeping with the spirit of the Yuletide season. The activities, some of which commenced as early as November, are expected to continue until the end of this month....

Newly elected Chairman of the St. Ann Parish Council and Mayor of St. Ann's Bay, Councillor Ivan Anderson, has pledged to play his part in the development of the parish, particularly as a main tourist destination. "The Parish Council has to place some emphasis on the tourism industry, as our parish is Jamaica's tourist capital. We have to focus on...

Children's Advocate, Mary Clarke has called on parents and guardians to keep their children safe during the festive season. Speaking with JIS News, Mrs. Clarke noted that every year around this time, many families are saddened because of the loss of or injury to children due to unexplained and unexpected circumstances. "I am appealing to families to make every effort...

Government is revising measures governing public sector procurement procedures, to allow specific entities to negotiate and award contracts above the existing $4 million limit, without having to secure approval from the National Contracts Commission or Cabinet. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports, Olivia Grange has said that while this would afford some measure of flexibility to the designated entities,...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has reported that the pink hibiscus mealy bug has been detected in Queensbury, in the Kingston 19 area. In an interview with JIS News, Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Specialist at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Marina Young, said it is still too early to determine the severity of the infestation and...

An art exhibition, showcasing the work of a Jamaican mother and her son, is on display in South Florida. The exhibition, which opened earlier this month at the Broward County South Regional Library in Pembroke Pines, features almost 50 landscapes by Lisa Narcisse, and body forms by her son, Sean Narcisse Spence, all done in oil on canvas. Mrs. Narcisse,...

New Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, has signaled his intention to tackle corruption in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and restore public trust in the police. "When one mentions the word police, I am sure that one of the first things that come to mind is the ugly word corruption. For these reasons, tackling corruption is and will...

The government took action during its first 100 days in office to advance several pieces of legislation to tackle corruption. In November, Cabinet gave the go-head for legislation to be drafted for the creation of the Office of Special Prosecutor, to investigate high-level acts of corruption in the public and private sectors. Justice Minister and Attorney-General, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, explained...

The National Road Safety Unit is reporting a decrease in the number of persons, who have died as a result of motor vehicle accidents as at December 19 this year, in comparison to the corresponding period last year. According to Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Dr. Lucien Jones, since the start of the year, 313 people have...

Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, has warned criminals to put down their guns and give up the life of crime or face the consequences. "I am appealing to the shottas, the gunmen, and the criminals. The life of badness is a short one. You will either be killed by your cronies, rival gangs or the police. Give up...

When Prime Minister Bruce Golding took over the reins of the new Government on September 11 and named his Cabinet, he got rid of the Ministry of Local Government and placed it as a Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister. The major emphasis of the new unit is Local Government Reform, with Minister of State, Robert Montague in...

Segment 2A of the North Coast Highway project, from the Sangster International Airport to Greenside in St. James, will be opened to vehicular traffic as of (Dec. 21). Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry, toured and did a symbolic opening of the roadway on Wednesday (Dec. 19), which is expected to ease congestion along the busy thoroughfare. The project...