Transforming Jamaica's finest cocoa beans into exquisite chocolate bars has been the passion of Co-founder of Pure Chocolate Jamaica, Wouter Tjeertes. Mr. Tjeertes’ journey into the world of chocolate began long before the inception of Pure Chocolate Jamaica. As a young pastry chef in Holland, he honed his craft in chocolate and pastry shops, guided by mentors who instilled in...

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and forecasters are suggesting that it will be a very active one. As a result, Head of the Weather Branch at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), Rohan Brown, is urging Jamaicans to be prepared. Speaking at a disaster preparedness town hall meeting, held at the Errol Flynn Marina,...

Users of automated banking machines (ABMs) will have a pivotal role to play in the process of compliance by deposit-taking institutions (DTIs) with the ABM Service-Level Standards recently introduced by the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ). The Standards, which were issued on April 2, are guidelines for the operation of ABMs by BOJ-regulated DTIs. The recently promulgated Standards address matters regarding...

The parish of St. Mary, with its verdant landscapes and rural charm, boasts two leaders who are shaping the future of youth empowerment and agricultural innovation within the 4-H community. Vice Principal of the St. Mary High School and leader of the school's 4-H Club, Major Christine Wright, and Agricultural Science Teacher of the St. Mary Technical High School, Captain...

It was on her regular bus ride home that teenager L’Antoinette Stines saw a group of young people dancing in a yard on Harbour Drive in St. Andrew. Mesmerised by the intricacy of their movements, she immediately disembarked the bus and stood at the gate of the yard, watching in amazement as the youngsters used their bodies to convey the...

The HEART/NSTA Trust has strengthened its capacity to meet the current and future needs of industry through the opening of six Centres of Excellence (COE) along with supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories in 2023/2024. The development of the facilities is in keeping with the agency’s strategic thrust to revolutionise skills training and “strengthen the Jamaican...

Innovative teaching methods are reaping success at Hopewell High School in Hanover, through the Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education (APSE) of the Ministry of Education and Youth, led by English Teacher and Grade-nine Coordinator, Natalie Wedderburn. Hopewell High School is among a cluster of schools in Region 4 that actively use the APSE to ensure that every child has the...

For many years, members of the visually impaired community have faced significant challenges in accessing printed information, often having to rely on others for assistance. This lack of autonomy has hindered their ability to fully participate in various aspects of society. However, with the recent implementation of Braille birth certificates, this long-standing barrier is being removed, paving the way for...

An Education Forum and Workshop, organised by the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) St. Elizabeth Special Education Committee, has brought heightened awareness to the requirements of children with special needs. Held under the theme ‘Improve Your Care By Being Aware’, at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) on May 3, the event, which coincided with National Child Month, focused on...