Among the promising entrepreneurs who participated in the most recent staging of the St. Thomas Economic Village, organised by the Social Development Commission (SDC), was 33 year old baker, Jody Ann Patterson Adams. A resident of Soho in the parish, she brought a sweet touch to the quarterly event with her customised cakes and party treats business – SoSo Sweetz...

Gratitude filled the air in Beeston Spring, Westmoreland, on Saturday (January 31) as scores of residents received food, clothing and other essential supplies during an outreach activity hosted by New York-based charity Pollyanna Project. The grounds of the Beeston Spring Apostolic Church of God buzzed with activity as families moved from table to table selecting items with the assistance of...

This year’s festive season does not look the same for all Jamaicans, as Category Five Hurricane Melissa made a devastating impact on sections of the country on October 28. While some continue to rebuild and recover, others who were spared the worst of the disaster are making a decision to enjoy the season mindfully, sending thoughts and prayers to their...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage on October 28, two young survivors of the Category Five cyclone are calling for urgent community-driven recovery efforts. Their appeal reinforces the importance of proactive, collective action in tandem with national rebuilding initiatives. Above all, they are urging communities to set aside differences, where these may exist, and unite in the urgent...

Empty supermarket shelves where loaves of bread once occupied and long lines with full trolleys were among the scenes in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, on the weekend as residents prepared for Hurricane Melissa. They were heeding the warning of the authorities to get ready for the slow-moving system, which is expected to significantly impact the island, bringing heavy rains, strong...

At just 10 years old, Yolanda Stephenson is the first Mini Miss St. Catherine Heritage Queen. She tells JIS News that a wave of emotions swept over her the moment her name was announced as the Queen for the parish. “I wasn't expecting to be the winner. When it was time, my heart was out of my ribs, and it...

Grassroots entrepreneurs are crediting the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), as the driving force behind the success of their businesses. Owner and founder of Nikki’s Spices and more, Rosemarie Johnson and founder of Paradise Blends, Romeo Mitchell are among the nearly 400 grassroots businesses that are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive...

Despite facing great personal adversity early in his life, Garfield Angus has beat the odds and is now empowering others to do the same. A community champion from the rural district of Kitson Town in St. Catherine, Mr. Angus transformed his challenges into a powerful force for good, inspiring countless lives through his unwavering dedication to education and community upliftment....