For many young Jamaicans, the journey to homeownership can be daunting, marked by financial hurdles and competitive real estate markets. Recognising these challenges, the National Housing Trust (NHT) has introduced a unique solution called the Parent Assist Programme, designed to help young Jamaicans achieve homeownership by leveraging the contributions of their parents. For Jody-Kay Turner, this has made a significant...

The Government of Jamaica is expending billions of dollars on initiatives to strengthen capacity in the key growth sectors of agriculture and tourism, which together account for an estimated 18 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). The development falls under the second phase of the five-year Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), which is being implemented by the Jamaica Social...

When the phone rang in his London hotel room on the morning of August 19, businessman, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, found himself facing a moment of disbelief and overwhelming gratitude. The voice on the other end of the line informed him that he was to receive the prestigious Order of Jamaica (OJ) during the 2024 National Honours and Awards ceremony at...

Thousands of Jamaican households are being provided with legal connections to electricity, through the Community Electrification Programme. The programme, which is being administered by Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), in partnership with the Jamaica Public Service Company, has two components –house-wiring and pole line construction/extension. Providing an update on the initiative, Managing Director, JSIF, Omar Sweeney, informs JIS News that...

Praises are being heaped on the HEART/NSTA Trust for offering training opportunities to Jamaicans with disabilities. Among these persons is Jerome Jackson, who, though blind, holds Level Three certification in Massage Therapy from the HEART College of Beauty Services. He was one of the HEART trainees providing back and hand reflexology massages to volunteers and staff of Stimulation Plus Child...

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...

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...

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...