Small business owners in St. Thomas, are heaping praises on the parish’s Economic Village, a new initiative being spearheaded by the Social Development Commission (SDC). Launched in September, the village was staged for the second time on December 19, bringing together local economic initiatives and agencies, for a full day of activity on the grounds of the SDC in Springfield....

One of the hallmarks of Christmas in Jamaica is the tradition of sprucing up homes and living spaces for the festive season. For residents of the Torrington Park Housing Scheme in the Corporate Area, Christmas has come early, as the complex has received a facelift through a $58-million rehabilitation project undertaken by the Government. Among the improvements were the reconstruction...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) continues to drive economic growth at the community level through strong partnerships with key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Director, Local Economic Development at SDC, Avril Ranger, tells JIS News that partnerships are essential to the success of its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP). The LEDSP, now in its 10th year, is focused on...

Local entrepreneurs who participated in the 2025 ‘Christmas in July’ trade show are lauding the initiative for its tangible benefits, including increased visibility, strategic partnerships, and expert guidance to enhance product branding and marketability. Now in its 11th year, the annual exhibition is spearheaded by the Tourism Linkages Network of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), in partnership with the Jamaica...

Jamaica joins the international community to mark World Hydrography Day on June 21, and local experts are underscoring the growing importance of hydrography in safeguarding national interests, supporting sustainable development, and driving economic expansion within the blue economy. As the country celebrates the Day under the global theme, ‘Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action’, the message is clear: mapping the blue...

Business owners in St. Thomas who will operate in the Morant Bay Urban Centre are excited about the potential of the massive development in driving economic and social transformation in the parish. Set on 436,000 square feet of land, the facility will house a plethora of public- and private-sector entities in one space, offering a one-stop shop for residents and...

Nestled atop Jamaica’s Coat of Arms is the crocodile, a reptile that has existed in the country long before its human inhabitants and, perhaps, one of the most recognisable aspects of the island’s global identity. It is for this reason that the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has embarked on a public education drive to enlighten Jamaicans on how...

The Abilities Foundation of Jamaica provides training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, which enables them to function as productive citizens. Managing Director, Suzanne Hamilton, tells JIS News that the institution is uniquely positioned as the sole entity in the Caribbean dedicated to supporting individuals across all types of disabilities. The Foundation operates through a collaborative partnership involving the...