Beyond the abundance of raw produce at ‘Agrofest 2025’ was an array of value-added products for patrons to partake. This year’s event, which was organised by the Kingston and St. Andrew Association of Branch Societies (ABS) of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), was held on Saturday (May 31) at the Agriculture Ministry’s playfield at Hope Gardens in St. Andrew. The...

The Coconut Industry Board (CIB) has embarked on a series of townhalls to inform farmers about a range of critical changes to the entity’s benefits and policies in recent times. The CIB recently launched its town hall series at ANR Farms in Perth Town, Trelawny, where team members shared policy updates and provided farmers with essential coconut care tips. Chief...

Senior Teacher at The Manning’s School, Audrey Williams Woolery, has received the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education. The medal was presented to her on May 28 by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on the lawns of Jamaica House. September of this year will mark 30 years since Mrs. Williams Woolery’s decision to choose...

The Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), now trading as JANAAC Global Accreditation, is steadily emerging as a vital engine of regional development, enabling public and private entities across the Caribbean to compete in a globalised economy. As the only internationally recognised accreditation body in the English-speaking Caribbean, JANAAC is leveraging international standards to unlock market access, build confidence in...

Over the years, the Overseas Employment Programme has been pivotal in strengthening the economies of both Jamaica and the United States of America (USA). It has provided vital financing support, allowing many Jamaican families to enhance their standard of living. The Jamaica Central Labour Organisation (JCLO) oversees the employment of Jamaican agricultural and hospitality workers in the USA. Established in...

The students and teachers of McNie All Age School are set to benefit from upgrades at Mason River Environmental and Research Park, in Clarendon North. Rehabilitation works at the park, selected as the 2025 National Labour Day Project, are ongoing. Principal of McNie All Age School, Asa Harriott, has welcomed the improvements, highlighting the educational opportunities to be provided. “They...

With the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season now underway and forecasts predicting an active season, the region’s fishers are being encouraged to reinforce their safety protocols. Statistics and Information Analyst at the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and former Fisheries Officer at Jamaica’s National Fisheries Authority, June Masters, shared tips for fishers at a recent webinar, held under the theme: ‘Disaster...

Tourism stakeholders are celebrating the United States (US) Government's revision of its travel advisory for the island, noting that it will provide a boost for the sector and the wider economy. In an updated advisory issued on May 29, the United States State Department lowered Jamaica’s risk level to Level 2, citing a decrease in violent crime since 2024. The...

Persons, who are in the business of preparing and/or serving food and drink to be consumed by the public are being reminded that they are required to have a valid food handler’s permit (FHP). This is the case even for those who are not directly handling food but are employed at a food-handling establishment and may enter food preparation/processing areas...