Aspiring tourism operators are being encouraged to obtain licensing, registration, and certification through the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, said the streamlined process is not only essential, but will boost compliance, safety, and the ease of doing business with hotels and cruise lines. “Licensed and insured businesses are the partners hotels and...

At just 10 years old, Yolanda Stephenson is the first Mini Miss St. Catherine Heritage Queen. She tells JIS News that a wave of emotions swept over her the moment her name was announced as the Queen for the parish. “I wasn't expecting to be the winner. When it was time, my heart was out of my ribs, and it...

Police Sergeant Neil Parkes, driven by personal experience and an unwavering commitment to public service, has been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for 2025, a transformative milestone in his pursuit to modernise Jamaica’s transportation infrastructure. He will be pursuing a Master of Science in Transportation Planning and Engineering at the University of Southampton in England. Sergeant Parkes’ early life was...

In August 2020, young Shavary McFarlane stepped through the gates of Christel House in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, as a grade-two student. Now enrolled in grade seven at the institution’s newly opened high school, both he and his mother, Onica Buchanan, stand as living testaments to the transformative power of a holistic approach to education. Christel House Jamaica currently provides...

Students are being urged to use social media for their growth and development by former Deputy Head Girl at the Clarendon-based Edwin Allen High School, Shanika Crosdale. Shanika, who is now in sixth form, tells JIS News in an interview that “teachers can do so much for you (students). You have to help yourselves, and there are a lot of...

The inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Empowerment Workshop, held recently for more than 2,000 senior citizens, was hailed as a bold declaration that Jamaica’s older adults are preparing to step confidently into the digital era, with national institutions rallying to ensure inclusive support at every stage. The semi-virtual forum was hosted by the Broadcasting Commission, the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), the...

Footballer, Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner is to be conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD), on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 20. This recognition goes beyond personal achievement, it is a national salute to Mr. Gardner, whose love for football carried Jamaica on to the world’s greatest stage. His story began in the community of Harbour...

As Jamaica prepares to celebrate National Heroes Day on Monday, October 20, one of the distinguished individuals who will collect a national award is Dr. Alverston Bailey. A family physician whose 45-year medical career embodies the principles of service, compassion and continuous learning, Dr. Bailey will receive the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD), for his contributions...

Greater Portmore High School in St. Catherine has achieved a pass rate of 82 per cent in Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English, moving from a rate of 56 per cent. Principal, Ricardo Ross, has attributed this success to the “dedicated and hard-working students and the support provided by the committed academic and ancillary staff”. Mr. Ross tells JIS News...