The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information continues to implement measures to improve literacy and learning outcomes across the island, through resource enhancements and strategic initiatives. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on August 12, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe, gave an update on the Government’s intervention to equip schools with the necessary tools and support...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been undertaking a pilot of the digital platform Gov Payout, which will be used to facilitate payments under the $1-billion Solidarity Programme. “We have been doing the pilot for about three to four weeks. We've been able to amend and fix and revise and go through a lot of the testing where...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) is making significant strides in transforming how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are taught in Jamaica. This is being done through its dynamic Summer Attachment Programme, coordinated by the Council’s Science and Technology Education Unit (STEU). Coordinator, STEU, Leigia Hall, informs JIS News that the programme’s purpose is to popularise science and technology, specifically...

More individuals who qualify for the National Housing Trust (NHT) Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities are being encouraged to apply for it. The NHT provides a special grant of up to $300,000 to contributing mortgagors who either have a disability or for mortgagors, whether they are NHT mortgagors or not, who reside with, or they are guardians of individuals...

For twin brothers Vinton and Dwayne Haughton, music is more than a profession; it's a lifelong calling rooted in purpose, passion, and a commitment to service through the arts. That unwavering dedication was recognised when they received the Mayor’s Special Spirit of Independence Award in the field of arts and culture, during the Independence Flag Raising and Civic Ceremony held...

The Birnamwood Primary School in Portland is celebrating the performance of their students in the 2025, Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. Overall, eight students were placed on Pathway 1, indicating that they are performing satisfactorily and are ready to access the grade-seven curriculum. One student was placed on Pathway 2, which is for students who need some level of support...

The world’s largest floating book fair has returned to Kingston, bringing with it a tide of cherished memories, renewed inspiration, and a spirit of international goodwill. The MV Logos Hope has opened its doors once again to Jamaicans, docked at Kingston’s Cement Coal Pier, and welcomed with warmth, gratitude, and a profound sense of connection. “We are truly delighted to...

Excitement is building in western Jamaica following a recent familiarisation tour of new school buses in St. James. The units are set for deployment this September, coinciding with the start of the 2025/26 academic year, under the Government’s Rural School Bus Programme. Educators, local officials, and transport personnel who participated in the tour say the initiative will significantly improve student...

The lives of two retired healthcare professionals who devoted their careers to Alexandria Community Hospital in St. Ann stand as enduring testaments to the profound impact workers have on their communities. Though separated by generations, Aylete Brown-Hull and Blanche Williams-Lowers are united by a shared legacy of unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s health sector. Together, their careers span more than seven...