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,...

Having turned their passion into profit, sisters, Tashana and Latoya Newell of Ramble, St. Thomas, are enjoying independence and time freedom through their beloved farming ventures. The duo, who were inspired by their father, an ardent farmer, are growers of onions, sweet peppers, cucumbers, watermelons, pineapples, bananas, plantains and ackees. They also dabble in livestock by raising chickens. In an...

Tracey-Ann Campbell’s determination to assist her daughter to overcome setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has paid off, with the student being declared the 2024 Top Female at the Ginger Ridge Primary School. In an interview with JIS News , the single mother from deep rural St. Catherine said that in grade four, her daughter, Aleya Douglas, was at the...

A hush fell over the Seville Heritage Park grounds in St. Ann as patrons at this year’s Emancipation Jubilee listened to the apologies of descendants of persons who were involved in chattel slavery on the island. The event, held from July 31 into August 1 (Emancipation Day), is traditionally one of reflection, a celebration of culture and heritage, revelry in...

Shieka Walsh has always been a creative with a passion for entertainment and planning events. “I planned my first birthday party at 12 years old. My mother gave the go-ahead but I did the planning,” she tells JIS News. Years later, when she decided to pursue formal training, she contacted the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI) to enquire about programme...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction. Evolving at an unprecedented pace, AI allows machines to simulate human intelligence and cognitive processes to solve problems. The goal is to develop an intelligent system that can perform complex tasks. With AI poised to alter the landscape of work and society, as automation replaces certain tasks, some Caribbean experts are calling...

A recent one-off debate between students of the United Learning Centre (ULC) Preparatory School and their counterparts at the Exchange All-Age could be the prelude to a more expansive competition in St. Ann, come next year. The debate, held on the grounds of ULC, was a closely contested one, with the home team (ULC) emerging the winner. Custos of St....

After a closely contested Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Junior Tourism Minister competition final, yet another Manning’s School student, in Westmoreland, has emerged with the 2024 title. The annual public-speaking competition is open to students between 15 and 17 years of age, who must be members of their school’s Tourism Action Club (TAC). Student of the Westmoreland-based school, Taj Melbourne, bested...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been providing help to persons in need of speedy assistance, through its Compassionate Assistance Grant. The grant, valued at $75,000, is available to individuals who are unable access assistance under any other scheme, and should not have insurance coverage. Acting Director for Disaster, Rehabilitation and Welfare Management in the Ministry, Jacqueline Shepherd,...