News

News
April 14, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Catherine Hall residents want back their health centre

WESTERN BUREAU: While most of the public health centres in western Jamaica have been returned to full service since the passage of Hurricane Melissa six months ago, residents of Catherine Hall in…
Shelley Wong, receiving her award from Marianne Ziss, ambassador of France to Jamaica. 
April 14, 2026 by Keisha Hill

St George’s College teacher earns French national honour

For more than two decades, Shelley Wong has quietly but decisively shaped the teaching of French in Jamaica. Her commitment to rigour in the classroom, openness to innovation and sustained focus on…
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes
April 14, 2026

Sykes backs ‘multi‑door’ courts, mediation reform

Members of the judiciary are being urged to rethink the role of the courts, shifting away from a litigation-heavy culture towards one that privileges mediation and swift, proportionate resolution of…
Jamaica‑born visual artist Andy Ballentine (second left) poses with his official proclamation alongside Miramar Vice Mayor Eddy Edwards (second right), Commissioners Maxwell B. Chambers (left) and Avril Cherasard last Friday.
April 14, 2026

Spanish Town‑born artist honoured in Miramar

Spanish Town–born visual artist Andy Ballentine has been recognised for his contributions to art and community development in Miramar, Florida. Ballentine, an alumnus of Spanish Town High School, was…
Senior Superintendent of Police Eron Samuels, the commanding officer for the St James Police Division, addresses the monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday, April 9.
April 14, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

Cops believe cross-border robbers targeting churches in St James

WESTERN BUREAU: Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, police commander for St James, is appealing to churches and communities to help the police to apprehend thieves who are committing multiple…
Hanover’s police commander, Superintendent Andrew Nish.
April 14, 2026 by Bryan Miller

Hanover police replace curfew with ‘soca aerobics’

WESTERN BUREAU: Days after a curfew ended in the Hopewell township in Hanover, the parish’s police returned to the community and engaged residents in an initiative dubbed ‘soca aerobics’, which is…
Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison.
April 14, 2026

Gordon Harrison suggests Child Diversion Act clarifies ‘accepting responsibility’

Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison wants the Child Diversion Act to make it clear that the ‘accepting of responsibility’ by a child who commits an offence should not automatically be followed…
Ziping Chen (left), chairman of LCH Development Limited, presents a cheque valued at $1 million from the Chinese Community in Montego Bay to Dave Scott (right), principal of Howard Cooke Primary School. Sharing in the occasion are (from second left) Veroni
April 14, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Chinese community donates $1m to Howard Cooke Primary’s recovery

WESTERN BUREAU: The Howard Cooke Primary School in Montego Bay, which had its furniture, equipment and vital records destroyed when mud, debris and floodwaters associated with Hurricane Melissa…
Caron Chung, executive director, American Friends of Jamaica.
April 14, 2026

American Friends of Jamaica to present over $145m to 65 organisations

The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc (AFJ) will present a total of 69 grants valued at J$145.2 million at its annual Grant Award Ceremony today. The invitation-only ceremony will be hosted by Chargé…