Event promoters in St. Thomas are vowing to work with the police to help amplify the message against domestic violence in the parish, and to play their part in ensuring that events are safe and violence free. On February 25, Commanding Officer for the St. Thomas Division, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Rohan Ritchie convened a meeting at the Morant Bay Police...

As Jamaica joins the world in observing International Women’s Day on Sunday (March 8), the contributions of women in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continue to demonstrate the critical role they play in strengthening national security and building safer communities. Among those making a meaningful impact are Superintendent of Police Rochelle McGibbon-Scott and Inspector Nicolette McKay, whose careers reflect determination,...

The campus of the Steer Town Primary and Infant School in St. Ann was transformed into a vibrant showcase of Jamaican culture and heritage in celebration of Jamaica on February 27. The day’s activities included a colourful parade highlighting Jamaica’s immense global impact through music, athletics, and cultural achievement. A high-energy concert saw students and teachers expressing the culture through...

A long-standing tradition of generosity and community spirit continues to shape life in Long Bay, Portland, where the family of the late Annie Neufville has preserved public access to Long Bay Beach in honour of her legacy. Entrance to the beach was made possible decades ago when Ms. Neufville and fellow landowner Granville Ellis each gave up three feet of...

On March 3, Jamaica will join the international community in observing World Wildlife Day, an annual observance held under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The 2026 theme, ‘Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihood’, underscores the vital connection between biodiversity and human well-being. It highlights how...

Yam, a popular starch in Jamaica, will be the featured item for the 2026 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Culinary Arts Competition. Food enthusiasts and amateur chefs are being invited to showcase versatile uses of the produce, which includes the yellow, white, and St. Vincent varieties. While a favourite on many local tables, often boiled with other starches and served...

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is intensifying efforts to address the high rate of early-stage micro business failure, which it attributes largely to weak financial planning and insufficient entrepreneurship education. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Harold Davis, says many ventures collapse within months because entrepreneurs enter business without a clear strategy or financial roadmap. “Unfortunately, too many persons go into...

As Jamaica works to strengthen its food production systems and recover from the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, advanced plant science is quietly playing a vital role—ensuring farmers have reliable access to clean, healthy, and abundant planting material. One of the leading methods driving this effort is tissue culture technology, applied locally by the Scientific Research Council (SRC) to rapidly...

Farmers across Jamaica are being encouraged to test soil pH as a critical step in improving crop productivity and getting better value from fertiliser use. Testing determines if soil is too acidic or alkaline, which directly impacts nutrient availability and prevents over fertilisation. Soil Fertility Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Dennis Joosse, tells JIS News that understanding soil...