For 20 years, Jillian Rodney has been an example of dedication, resilience and professionalism within the St. James Municipal Corporation’s Police Unit. As the last remaining officer from the first group deployed in 2004, Ms. Rodney’s journey is a testament to her commitment to upholding public order and enforcing municipal laws. Her career began in 2004 when she, along with...

Kemar Evans is closer to reuniting with his children under one roof after receiving grant assistance towards the restoration of his home under the Government’s ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ initiative. The St. Mary resident’s house suffered significant damage during the July 3 hurricane, and his children have been staying with relatives since then. “The house was completely down… it was a disturbing...

Thirty entrepreneurs in western Jamaica have benefitted from a recent soapmaking workshop, which was hosted at Rusea’s High School in Hanover by the Social Development Commission (SDC). The workshop formed part of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), which aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical and marketable skills to boost local economic resilience....

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been providing relief assistance to victims of natural or man-made disasters through its Emergency Assistance Grant. Under the initiative, persons receive a cash grant of $75,000 while also being provided with in-kind support, such as food, toiletries and bedding. Acting Director for Disaster, Rehabilitation and Welfare Management in the Ministry, Jacqueline Shepherd,...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the island on July 3, the Issa Trust Foundation has offered assistance to staff members of Couples Resorts who have been affected. Notably, staff members at Couples Ocho Rios, Couples San Souci, Couples Swept Away Negril, and Couples Negril, have been offered support in the form of cash grants. Chairman of the...

*Mary Myers, a mother of three children, aged five, six and 11, has been left to pick up the pieces after their home in Kew, Hanover, was severely battered during the passage of Hurricane Beryl. She tells JIS News that adults and children alike in the community have been left traumatised. Ms. Myers says her roof and those of many...

Although residents of Rocky Point in Clarendon South East suffered devastation and losses with the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3, they are grateful for their lives and those of families and neighbours. When JIS News arrived at the Rocky Point Community Centre on Saturday, July 6, which is still an active shelter for those who lost their homes,...

Over 600 local economic initiatives (LEIs) and business owners (own account workers) have benefitted from grant funding totalling $160 million under the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) since 2017. Director of Local Economic Development and Community Projects at the Social Development Commission (SDC), Avril Ranger, tells JIS News that the funds have been used by the recipients to improve...

The Social Development Commission (SDC), through its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), has been making a notable impact on citizens’ lives at the community level. Director, Local Economic Development and Community Projects at the SDC, Avril Ranger, said the programme is designed to create a platform from which local economic activities and initiatives can develop. “It is aimed at...