Over 15 schools and citizens living in volatile and vulnerable communities are to benefit from the Ministry of National Security’s ‘I am Purpose’ campaign. The campaign which started in September 2018, focuses on the value of self-worth, self-empowerment, parent and child interaction, volunteerism and community participation. Communities in St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. James and Kingston and St Andrew are being...

Authors of Primary Exit Profile (PEP) textbooks are making adjustments to meet the new demands of the education sector regarding the examination’s implementation. The PEP replaces the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) as the national secondary-school entrance test. It is intended to provide a better and more complete profile of students’ academic and critical-thinking capabilities at the end of primary-level...

Security-conscious Jamaicans can now monitor movements at their homes and businesses via the ‘Falcon B series remote monitoring and control device’ system. The innovation was created by Electronics Engineer, Lindon Falconer, who believes his invention can potentially enhance security in Jamaica. The invention, which was entered in the 2018 National Medal for Science, Technology and Innovation Awards in November, won...

The leadership development strategies of the National College for Educational Development (NCEL) for 2019 will be guided by the theme ‘Navigating the Blue Ocean: Reimagining and Retooling for Greater Impact’. As the world changes, so does leadership, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, through the NCEL, will be navigating the ‘Blue Ocean’ perspective by reimagining and retooling its...

Persons with disabilities (PwDs) often have difficulty integrating into society to contribute to the economy, while providing for themselves. The Social Development Commission (SDC), through its Local Economic Development Support Programme, is helping to change that reality for PwDs in Linstead and surrounding communities in St. Catherine, through the Linstead Disabled Group Ltd. Rehabilitation Officer with Community-Based Rehabilitation Jamaica (CBRJ)...

The decision to be separated from his heavily pregnant girlfriend for eight months is not an easy task for first-time farmworker, Jermaine Wilson. This is further compounded by the fact that he will not be present for the birth of his first child later this month. Despite the apprehension, Mr. Wilson is reassured by the fact that his absence means...

Over twelve hundred cub scouts and their leaders will be attending the 15th Caribbean Cuboree in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, from July 30 to August 5. The event will be held at the Ocho Rios High School, Ocho Rios Primary School, and St. John’s Preparatory School, where 600 locals, aged seven to 11, will be joined by 600 youngsters from...

As local retailers prepare to restock their inventories in compliance with the Government’s ban on single-use plastic bags and straws, and polystyrene (Styrofoam), several enterprises are exploring wide-ranging packaging alternatives. These include: cardboard boxes, paper bags, and reusable shopping/tote bags made from canvas, cotton, nylon and other durable material. On January 1, the Government imposed a ban on plastic bags...

Recipient of the Jamaica Diaspora Agriculture Taskforce’s (JDAT) initial Investor Circle micro grants, Patricia Parchment, plans to venture into commercial bee farming. Ms. Parchment, who is currently involved in the harvesting and bottling of honey as well as the manufacturing of lotions and hair oils, is looking to get into large-scale Queen Bee rearing and beeswax production. She tells JIS...