The Change Makers Union copped the 2024 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Development Challenge, showcasing the innovative thinking of Jamaica’s youth in addressing global development challenges. The team’s winning initiative ‘STEM Agri Youth Jamaica (SAY-JA)’ is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) agri-education-focused project, geared towards young people in vulnerable communities. Stafford Brown and Diandra Spence from the University...

The Government has been steadily and consistently investing in the capacity of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to improve garbage collection islandwide and maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Since 2016, the Administration has spent billions of dollars to purchase 165 new garbage trucks, which have been added to the agency’s fleet to enhance waste management in communities....

Earthquakes are among nature’s most unpredictable and potentially devastating phenomena, bringing with them a wide range of risks that can significantly impact vulnerable communities. As such, it is very important for individuals to understand all potential hazards that are associated with the seismic activity. Head and Research Fellow at the Earthquake Unit, Kevin Tankoo, tells JIS News that persons must...

The Ocho Rios Drop-In Centre in Buckfield, St. Ann, was transformed into a haven of Christmas warmth, thanks to young student philanthropist, Aryan Lakhwani. The 18-year-old St. Ann native spearheaded a food drive during the Yuletide season, which facilitated the provision of meals and refreshments for homeless, vulnerable and mentally challenged persons from Ocho Rios and neighbouring communities, who visited...

The St. James Municipal Corporation and philanthropist Sandra Miller-Hall have collaborated to bring Christmas cheer to the homeless and disabled, at the Refuge of Hope shelter in Albion, on December 20. The shelter, under the leadership of Shelter Manager, Junice Woolery-Norman, serves as a vital drop-in centre for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with a safe haven until they can...

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears of joy flowed down the faces of Ellenor Whyte and Carmel Maxwell when they were handed the keys to their new two-bedroom homes on December 16, life changing gifts just in time for Christmas. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, presented the keys to the furnished houses at a handover ceremony at...

Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, is calling on funeral homes to take proactive steps to inform families about the availability of funeral grants for pensioners through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. During a recent community meeting in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, he expressed concern that many families are unaware of “this crucial assistance”, which can...

Jamaica’s second smallest parish, Hanover, continues to celebrate 300 years of being accorded its status. Events are being spearheaded by the Hanover Municipal Corporation’s Civic and Community Affairs Committee; its subcommittee, Hanover 300; and the Social Development Commission (SDC). The parish reached the milestone last November, and the celebrations commenced then with a church service and gala event. Hanover was...

When businessman Joseph “Joey” Issa was recently announced as the new Custos of St. Ann, it was hardly a surprise for persons who know him or who have been around him for any period of time. Known for his business acumen and philanthropic spirit, Mr. Issa's ascent to the position of “First Citizen” of the parish is not merely a...