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An annual Local Government Minister's Award has been established, to be presented to the Parish Council, that has best demonstrated exemplary service, initiative and leadership in advancing the Local Government Reform agenda, and as a consequence, has provided a significant increase in the level of service to its citizenry. This was announced today (November 6), by Minister of State in...

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), have signed a six-month agreement valued at $150 million for extensive beautification work in resort areas in six parishes. The agreement, which was signed yesterday (Nov. 5) at a press briefing held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, will ensure the initial cleaning of areas in St....

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), yesterday (Nov. 5) officially handed over an upgraded canteen to the Brampton All-age School in Trelawny, which will ensure that students receive at least one hot nutritious meal on school days. The upgrading work was done at a cost of $2.7 million and is in keeping with the Government's school feeding thrust. Operations Manager...

The Office of the Children's Advocate (OCA), has made strides in promoting and protecting the rights of the nation's children, in terms of investigating complaints made by and on behalf of children, providing legal representation for them, among other things. Children's Advocate, Mary Clarke, presenting the OCA's 2007/08 annual report at the final in a series of consultations with church...

Education Minister, Andrew Holness, has emphasised the need for the development of a culture of measurement and evidence-based evaluation, within the education sector. This, he said, is key to underpinning the thrust towards a greater accountability on the part of teachers. Speaking at the launch of the Jamaica School Administrative System (JSAS) 7.0 software, at the Drews Avenue Primary School...

The capability of the Renal Dialysis Unit, at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), has been boosted with the donation of renal equipment by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Delroy Chuck and his wife Patricia. The items include four haemodialysis chairs, a hand-held Doppler and a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. Addressing the handing over ceremony yesterday (Nov. 5) at...

The House of Representatives, approved a Resolution on November 4, seeking amendment to Regulations, to facilitate access to the Airport Improvement Fund (AIF), to repay loans to the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The loans have been used to refinance short-term bridging finance, used for direct construction and contractor payments for Phase 1A of capital...

Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Lenworth Fulton, has mentioned plans for the redevelopment of the Denbigh 4-H Training Centre in May Pen, Clarendon. "We have just developed a fairly decent document asking for assistance to build a 350-room dormitory at Denbigh. We are going to add a multi-purpose dormitory and another kitchen," he said. Mr. Fulton was addressing...

The laws protecting children from abuse and neglect will be discussed at a community meeting, scheduled to take place at Nutts River Square (near Beresford Ward's Shop) in Morant Bay, St. Thomas tomorrow (Nov. 6). The meeting, which will begin at 6:00 p.m, is being organised by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), in collaboration with the Morant Bay Development Area...

Cabinet has approved a proposed amendment to Section 9 of the Retiring Allowances Legislative Act, to facilitate payment of a pension to Parliamentarians, who opt out of the pension scheme for civil servants, by requesting and securing contribution refunds. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, on November 5, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and...

Minister of National Security, Senator Trevor MacMillan, has said that with 80 per cent of all crimes in Jamaica related to gang activity, the idea of criminalizing gang membership should be considered a priority in the fight against crime. "Gangs are a major contributor to murders and shootings, accounting for over 40 per cent of murders. There are many murders...

The Portland Fire Brigade, recently carried out inspections of several homes in the parish, to ensure compliance with fire safety measures and procedures. The inspections, which were conducted at households in the districts of Cascade, Tranquility, Spring Hill, Windsor Forest and surrounding areas, were part of activities to mark Fire Awareness Week, from October 26 to November 1 under the...