According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of viruses known to cause respiratory illnesses ranging in severity from the common cold to Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. The virus can be transmitted from...

For the past two years, a team from Bodles and RADA has been conducting a monthly on farm based assessment in seven high risk extension areas in South Manchester and St. Elizabeth. Using a risk assessment tool developed by the team of researchers at Bodles with support from extension officers at RADA, field conditions are assessed and the risk calculated...

Climate change poses a major threat to agriculture, a vital sector of Jamaica’s economy. The Government of Jamaica projects that by 2050 the sector will face several ill-effects of climate change. These include a decrease by seven to eight percent in the length of the rainy season, a 20% increase in the frequency of intense rains, uncertainty of water availability,...

September 7, 2019 marked the beginning of 100 days of commemorative activities in honour of the centenary of late Jamaican cultural icon Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett-Coverley. The parish wide celebratory activities are being spearheaded by various agencies, including the National Library of Jamaica, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the Bureau of Gender Affairs and are scheduled as follows....

The new school year has begun. With most of the associated preparation activities completed, parents and guardians should take additional steps to ensure the health and safety of their children. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has provided the following health and safety guidelines to help contribute to a successful school year: Health 1. Most schools require that a medical examination...

In preparation for the start of the 2019/2020 school year on September 2 the National Works Agency (NWA) has accelerated the pace of its roadworks in several locations across the Corporate Area and St. Catherine. Areas along which construction activities have been ramped up include Constant Spring Road, Hagley Park Road, Barbican Road, and Camp Road in the Corporate Area...

Since 2017, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has embarked on a vaccination programme to reduce the incidence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer, the second most common cause of cancer in women worldwide and the second leading cause of death among women in Jamaica. According to a 2010 study conducted by the Ministry, HPV types 16...