The administration at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) remains hopeful, believing in the resilience of the school and its community to rebuild the institution that has been destroyed by the passage of the powerful Hurricane Melissa. The category five storm made landfall on Tuesday (Oct. 28) with maximum sustained winds estimated at 295 kilometres per hour (185 miles),...

Empty supermarket shelves where loaves of bread once occupied and long lines with full trolleys were among the scenes in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, on the weekend as residents prepared for Hurricane Melissa. They were heeding the warning of the authorities to get ready for the slow-moving system, which is expected to significantly impact the island, bringing heavy rains, strong...

Grassroots entrepreneurs are crediting the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), as the driving force behind the success of their businesses. Owner and founder of Nikki’s Spices and more, Rosemarie Johnson and founder of Paradise Blends, Romeo Mitchell are among the nearly 400 grassroots businesses that are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) remains steadfast in its commitment to the continuous training and development of its front-line workers, says Executive Director, Audley Gordon. This is part of the agency’s drive to enhance public service and professionalism within the sector. Speaking to JIS News after a training session for staff of WPM Waste Management Limited, held at...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is imploring caregivers, parents and guardians to prioritise fire safety in the home. The plea comes against the background of an increase in residential fires in 2024. JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, tells JIS News that the JFB responded to 1,229 residential fires last year, representing 76.5 per cent of all structural fires. The figure is...

Misconceptions about earthquakes are widespread not only in Jamaica but globally, often leading to confusion and potentially dangerous actions during seismic events. Acting Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, tells JIS News that one of the most persistent misconceptions is the idea that during an earthquake, going under a table or desk...

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s ‘bread-basket’ parish is the St. Elizabeth Infirmary, which stands as a beacon of hope for the island’s most vulnerable citizens. Dedicated to caring for those unable to care for themselves – such as the homeless, mentally challenged, and individuals with disabilities – the institution operates with a mission that extends beyond meeting basic needs....

Over forty aspiring entrepreneurs and wellness enthusiasts from fourteen communities in the Albert Town Development Area in Trelawny, are now equipped with newfound skills to launch or expand their businesses. This was made possible through a Body Care Products Workshop hosted recently by the Social Development Commission (SDC), under its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP). The workshop was held...

The Social Development Commission (SDC), in a heartwarming display of community spirit and appreciation, partnered with key stakeholders to host the ninth annual Brown's Town Elderly Celebration and Social Fair at the Addison Park Sports Complex in St. Ann, on Thursday (February 27). Under the theme, ‘Golden Legacy: Celebrating the Timeless Contributions of Our Elders’, the event brought together more...