Young people from communities across Westmoreland have benefited from training to better prepare them to take up roles as future community leaders under the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) inaugural Young Educated Leaders, Lead (YELL) programme. The initiative, which began in October, concluded on November 20 with a debate competition and closing ceremony at The Source in Savanna-la-Mar, under the theme ‘Youth…The...

The 350-year-old Jamaica Post has cemented itself as an outstanding service provider, delivering mail items both locally and internationally, the major plank of its core business. And, in keeping with the mandate to increase revenue based on customer demands, Jamaica Post has, over the years, expanded its offerings with the introduction of premium services to better serve its customers. These...

Deputy Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Natalie Haynes, says Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) implementation is consistent with the Government’s overall financial inclusion strategy. CBDC is a digital form of central bank-issued currency and, therefore, is legal tender that can be exchanged dollar for dollar with physical cash. Households and businesses will be able to use CBDC to,...

The administration at Ferris Primary School in Westmoreland, is implementing strategic literacy and numeracy programmes to address learning loss stemming from the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The institution is one of 376 schools across the island that reopened for face-to-face classes on November 8, following approval by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. Speaking in...

Navigating the financial system can be intimidating for the average person. Terms such as stock options, dividends, reducing balance are not simple or easy to understand and can be a turn-off for persons looking to access financial products to serve their needs. In addition, there have been complaints among the unbanked about the onerous procedures they have to go through...

Companies all over the world develop products and services that are targeted at young people who can recall their teen years and the gadgets, food, movies and merchandise that were specifically created for their age cohort. As with every fad, it takes money to acquire these products and services, and regardless of their age, young persons need guidance to navigate...

Plantain – green or ripe, fried, boiled or baked – is a welcome treat on the Jamaican breakfast or dinner plate, and is a produce that is being prioritised by the Banana Board as it looks to meet market demand and increase earnings from the crop. General Manager of the Banana Board, Janet Conie, tells JIS News that the revenue...

Several Rio Tinto Alcan Scholarship beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the opportunity they have been afforded through the provision, to pursue training and career development in agriculture. The scholarship, which was initiated by Rio Tinto Alcan Incorporated in 2010, provides funding support for needy youth in St. Catherine, Manchester, and St. Ann who are members of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs...

Restorative Justice Centres, which offer services to resolve conflicts, have noted an increase in referrals from the courts and communities across the island. This was disclosed by Restorative Justice Coordinator, Andriene Lindsay. She tells JIS NEWS that conferences, in particular, have exceeded their target by 269 cases. “The target for this year is 2,200 conferences and for the second quarter...