The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) remains steadfast in its commitment to the continuous training and development of its front-line workers, says Executive Director, Audley Gordon. This is part of the agency’s drive to enhance public service and professionalism within the sector. Speaking to JIS News after a training session for staff of WPM Waste Management Limited, held at...

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run has cemented its place as one of Jamaica’s most anticipated sporting events, drawing thousands of participants, locally and internationally, to celebrate health, community, and education. What started as a humble initiative has blossomed into a vibrant festival of unity and purpose, and the largest run of its kind in the tourism capital. Behind this...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is imploring caregivers, parents and guardians to prioritise fire safety in the home. The plea comes against the background of an increase in residential fires in 2024. JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, tells JIS News that the JFB responded to 1,229 residential fires last year, representing 76.5 per cent of all structural fires. The figure is...

Misconceptions about earthquakes are widespread not only in Jamaica but globally, often leading to confusion and potentially dangerous actions during seismic events. Acting Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, tells JIS News that one of the most persistent misconceptions is the idea that during an earthquake, going under a table or desk...

Nestled in the heart of Jamaica’s ‘bread-basket’ parish is the St. Elizabeth Infirmary, which stands as a beacon of hope for the island’s most vulnerable citizens. Dedicated to caring for those unable to care for themselves – such as the homeless, mentally challenged, and individuals with disabilities – the institution operates with a mission that extends beyond meeting basic needs....

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is committed to fostering community engagement and development by effectively leveraging sports and community-driven initiatives to achieve its mission. Through its Sports for Community Development Programme (SCDP) initiative, which engages residents through sports while promoting life skills, unity and economic opportunities, the SDC has been positively impacting communities islandwide. During fiscal year 2024/25, the agency...

The Government has been steadily and consistently investing in the capacity of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to improve garbage collection islandwide and maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Since 2016, the Administration has spent billions of dollars to purchase 165 new garbage trucks, which have been added to the agency’s fleet to enhance waste management in communities....

Earthquakes are among nature’s most unpredictable and potentially devastating phenomena, bringing with them a wide range of risks that can significantly impact vulnerable communities. As such, it is very important for individuals to understand all potential hazards that are associated with the seismic activity. Head and Research Fellow at the Earthquake Unit, Kevin Tankoo, tells JIS News that persons must...