For the past three years, 31-year-old Felicia Bethune has been attending the St. Thomas-based Yallahs High School, where she stays from the start of classes to the end, not to learn but to “shadow” her daughter, Daejhanae Lumsden, who has special needs. She shares with JIS News that she realised “very early” that her daughter was not “doing things a...

The Abilities Foundation of Jamaica has been empowering persons with disabilities to create their own income, thus live satisfying lives. One such individual is 27-year-old José Allen, who is the owner of Powerful Stitches and TP Collection, a successful embroidery digitising graphic design business. Diagnosed with intellectual disability at age 12, Mr. Allen attended the Carberry Court Special School in...

The passing of the Disabilities Act three years ago has resulted in a noticeable shift in societal awareness regarding the capabilities of persons with disabilities and the challenges they face. In reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment for inclusivity, there has been a renewed pledge by the Government to advance the rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Disabilities Act mandates non-discrimination...

Employed individuals registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) are reminded that they are eligible to apply for an income tax exemption. Section 12 (Y) of the Income Tax Act provides an exemption on the emoluments of individuals with permanent physical or mental disabilities who are, nonetheless, capable of gainful employment. Manager for Corporate Communications and Public...

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) is highlighting the need for a specific census to accurately capture the number of persons living with a disability in the country. The call comes as the country observes the third anniversary since the implementation of the Disabilities Act in 2022. Speaking during a panel discussion on the ‘I Am Able’ campaign...

If ever there was an embodiment of the adage ‘age is just a number’, it would be the impressive showing at the Sunshine Senior Citizens Club’s pre-Valentine’s Day High Tea, on Tuesday (February 11), in Morant Bay, St. Thomas. Donned in various red and white outfits, senior citizens from the Eastern parish spent the afternoon inside the Anglican Church Hall...

As cultural and religious diversity flourishes in Jamaica, the need for workplaces to adapt and support the rights of all employees has never been more crucial. Beginning with a visionary push for labour market reforms in 1996, Jamaica's journey towards flexi-work has been paved with collaboration and thoughtful consideration. The Labour Market Reform Committee, led by Professor George Eaton, recognised...

At 102 years old, St. Thomas centenarian, Eliza Cooper, has a mind as sharp as a razor, and will mention in any conversation that it has been her faith in God that has helped her to sustain long life. The devout Christian, born on June 3, 1922, was visited by the Lyssons-based Sunshine Senior Citizens Club at her cozy home...