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....

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) remains steadfast in its commitment to the continuous training and development of its front-line workers, says Executive Director, Audley Gordon. This is part of the agency’s drive to enhance public service and professionalism within the sector. Speaking to JIS News after a training session for staff of WPM Waste Management Limited, held at...

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run has cemented its place as one of Jamaica’s most anticipated sporting events, drawing thousands of participants, locally and internationally, to celebrate health, community, and education. What started as a humble initiative has blossomed into a vibrant festival of unity and purpose, and the largest run of its kind in the tourism capital. Behind this...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is imploring caregivers, parents and guardians to prioritise fire safety in the home. The plea comes against the background of an increase in residential fires in 2024. JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, tells JIS News that the JFB responded to 1,229 residential fires last year, representing 76.5 per cent of all structural fires. The figure is...

Misconceptions about earthquakes are widespread not only in Jamaica but globally, often leading to confusion and potentially dangerous actions during seismic events. Acting Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, tells JIS News that one of the most persistent misconceptions is the idea that during an earthquake, going under a table or desk...

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s ‘bread-basket’ parish is the St. Elizabeth Infirmary, which stands as a beacon of hope for the island’s most vulnerable citizens. Dedicated to caring for those unable to care for themselves – such as the homeless, mentally challenged, and individuals with disabilities – the institution operates with a mission that extends beyond meeting basic needs....