The Ministry of Health and Wellness is intensifying measures to address heart disease as part of the national response to non-communicable diseases (NCD), which are the leading cause of death in Jamaica. Heart disease includes problems with the heart and blood vessels. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and even sudden death. Risks factors include high blood pressure, smoking...

Fires remain a serious danger in Jamaica, destroying homes, businesses and livelihoods each year. In 2025, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) responded to 11,048 genuine fire calls, many of which were linked to preventable causes. According to the JFB, many fires stem from preventable human actions, such as open burning and discarded cigarettes. The leading factor was careless use of...

Chairman of the Board of the National Housing Trust (NHT) Linval Freeman is the recipient of the prestigious Vocational Service Award from the Rotary Club of Kingston. The Rotary Vocational Service Award is among the Club’s highest honours, reserved for professionals who demonstrate exceptional integrity, ethical leadership and excellence in their field while advancing the public good in keeping with...

Clarendon native, Amoy Crawford, envisioned a career in agriculture while a student at Claude McKay High School in the parish. Attending the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland became part of her plan, but financial challenges made the journey uncertain. Added to that, she wrestled with the thought of leaving home. “I wanted to get a feel...

For Miss St. Mary Festival Queen 2025, Anya Graham, the journey from rural beginnings to wearing the parish crown is one rooted in faith, resilience and purpose. The 26-year-old grew up as an only child in a single-parent household in Oracabessa. “I was a girl who used to carry a bath pan on my head to the river to wash...

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...