Students in training and front-line professionals who work with children deemed at risk are being empowered to better offer care and support to those in their charge. Through the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) Peace, Resiliency and Wellness (PRW) training course, persons are being equipped to cater to their own well-being and, in turn, address the needs of the vulnerable youngsters....

The recent announcements by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, as he opened the 2024/25 Budget Debate, have been well received by St. Thomas residents, who are excited about the upcoming changes, starting April 1. Dr. Clarke’s presentation addressed several hot-button issues and their subsequent reform, which are expected to positively impact the lives...

Businesses looking to optimise their supply chain operations and expand their global reach are being urged to take advantage of benefits available through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime. The Zones, which are governed by the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), are designated areas across the country that offer special tax benefits and fiscal incentives, regulations and infrastructure to...

Conflict is an inevitability that everyone, despite the very best efforts, must face at one point or another. However, learning positive behaviour, such as how to appropriately handle conflict from an early age, can make all the difference in a person’s development. The Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice (RJ) Branch, has, for years, delivered restorative practices training to...

Four inclusive classrooms have been established under phase one of the Early Childhood Development Legacy Project. Being implemented by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), the project aims to modify and equip classrooms in infant departments to provide holistic spaces where children with disabilities can learn along with their peers who do not have special needs. The objective is to create...

When Major Sheelyn Manya accepted an invitation to join the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) in 1979, she had no idea the impact she would have, breaking new ground for women in the organisation. Armed with a heart for service, a young Mrs. Manya, while teaching at St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), was part of the first set of...

Melissa Moses, who has had a love affair with fashion designing since childhood, changed course to pursue architectural studies but was soon led back to her first love. Today, she is a proud graduate of Garmex Academy, successful entrepreneur and was recently named the first HEART/NSTA Trust Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Ambassador. The initiative aims to raise...

Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobials, are an important part of modern medicine, and the use of the drugs saves lives, preventing millions of people from dying of bacterial infections. However, the misuse of antimicrobials, through overprescription, or persons not using them as prescribed, has seen a rise in antibiotic resistance globally. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises antibiotic...

As of September, more Jamaicans will benefit under the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Medical Scholarship Programme. The Cuban Government is offering additional scholarships for Jamaican students to study in various fields, including nursing, medicine and engineering. Each year, the Cuban government invites applications from persons wishing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The programme is administered by the Embassy of the Republic...