The Portland-based Mount Pleasant Primary and Infant School, through its Giving Hands Foundation, is reaching out to less fortunate persons in the community. Through funds donated by staff members, food and other essential items are purchased and distributed to individuals in need. Founder of the group and guidance counsellor at the school, Andrea Farquharson, tells JIS News that students play...

The Government’s decision to impose nightly islandwide curfews from April 1 to April 8 to slow down the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has received the support of business leaders. The virus has, so far, claimed one life and infected 36 persons locally. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who announced the measure at Monday’s (March 30) virtual press...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has been working assiduously to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which is infecting thousands of persons worldwide and leaving a trail of death in its wake. Jamaica’s response, which has been considered quick and effective, has earned high commendation internationally, the most significant of which is the World Health Organization (WHO),...

Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) President, Hugh Johnson, says he is “very optimistic” that the country can recover from the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. He tells JIS News that while further slowing down of economic activity is anticipated, “I do not think an outright lockdown is looming”. “We have a cadre of leaders instituting interventions, who I...

More than guaranteeing a speedy conviction, plea bargaining provides benefits for multiple interests involved in a criminal matter, including victims of crime, while ensuring the integrity of the justice system. Plea bargaining involves negotiations between the attorney for the defendant and the prosecutor, where the defendant decides to plead guilty in exchange for an agreement by the prosecutor to vary...

The Government has presented a major development plan for the Bernard Lodge area of St. Catherine that will result in more affordable housing, expansion of jobs, sustainable agricultural production, upgrading of roads and informal communities, and improved water supply. Dubbed the Greater Bernard Lodge Development Master Plan, communities such as Clifton and Dunbeholden will also have infrastructure upgrades and community...

With the nation grappling, like the rest of the world, with how to prevent an escalation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some residents in St. Ann have lauded the Municipality for its action. Marsha Lindo, a souvenir shop owner from Ocho Rios, tells JIS News that she has watched the St. Ann Municipal Corporation stepped up to the plate in...

Youth Mayor for St. Ann’s Bay, Bobby Francis, is using his platform to encourage more young people to get involved in politics in order to have their voices heard on national issues. The head boy and sixth-form student at York Castle High School, tells JIS News that youth participation in the country’s decision-making is critical to national development. He says he wants young...

Director/Principal of the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, is encouraging school principals and administrators who are at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to utilise its online platforms to continue their leadership training. She says that through the entity’s website, YouTube and Facebook pages, programme participants can access a range of video and audio clips on...