Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a sensitive topic in society, despite the devastating effects on the lives of victims. This stirred the creative response of young communication practitioner at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Twila Wheelan, who won a Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Award for her efforts in raising awareness on the issue. Miss Wheelan, working on the national ‘No...

Food safety is paramount to the health of the nation, and the Veterinary Services Division (VSD), in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, plays a significant role to ensure this is achieved. The VSD is responsible for the administration of animal health programmes, veterinary certification of animals and animal products. Chief Veterinary Officer at the VSD, Dr. Osbil Watson, tells...

Jamaica is set to join several countries in creating a secure national identification system, with the proposed National Identification and Registration Act, 2020. The Bill is now being reviewed by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament. Jamaica’s national identification system (NIDS) will provide a comprehensive and secure structure to enable the collection and storage of identity information. This secure voluntary...

Want to start a non-profit organisation but not sure of the steps to take? The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) has provided a detailed guide to make the process easy and ensure success. Non-profits are legal entities created to provide a particular service for the benefit of the general public, and they enjoy some tax exemptions. In order for an...

Fostering community development through integrated approaches is part of the mandate of the Social Development Commission (SDC). Through its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), the SDC has helped countless community groups and individuals turn their passions and ideas into productive grassroots businesses that sustain livelihoods and contribute to economic development and employment. One such grassroots venture is Fiona’s Fashion,...

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has presented challenges for the education system, resulting in many schools closing their doors and thousands of students forced to access learning online. One of the challenges is the availability of devices (tablets, laptops) by some students to access online learning. The National Education Trust (NET), through its ‘One Laptop/Tablet per child Initiative’, is seeking to...

Joan Martin did not set out to become a foster parent. She tells JIS News that she was unexpectedly thrust into the role when she agreed to provide temporary lodgings to a little boy whose mother was unable to care for him. “The mother was having problems and she wanted somebody who could provide a safe environment for her son,”...

Two local scientists have won the prestigious International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) 2020 awards, making Jamaica the first country to take home prizes in the organisation’s two award categories in any one year. They are Director of Research at the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), Dr. Judith Mendes, who received a Knowledge Associate grant, and internationally...

While the coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought much of the tourism sector to a screeching halt, owner of the Double V Multi-Purpose Complex in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Colin Mills, remains undeterred in going forward with expansion plans. Mr. Mills, who gave JIS News a recent tour of his property, said he has every confidence that tourism will make a triumphant...