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Alexia King-Whyte September 27, 2023 House fire leaves father, son dead 40-year-old Sherman Williams and his 3-year-old son Cleon Williams both died following a fire at their home in Portmore Gardens, St Catherine on Wednesday morning.    The child was burnt to death while his father later succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalised in serious condition.   It is reported that Williams and his son had gone to bed when neighbours saw a ball of fire coming from the back room they occupied about 11:00 p.m. The fire brigade was called and firemen forced their way inside. They saw the father lying by the door which was locked from the inside. He was clutching his son in his arms.   "We had to break down the door to get to pour water inside where the fire was coming from while we waited for the fire brigade," said a family member.  The family member said the fire brigade arrived very quickly and extinguished what was left of...

  Renee Sewell September 27, 2023 Jamaica: latest dengue hotspot On Friday, September 23, 2023, the Ministry of Health   declared a dengue fever outbreak in Jamaica via a press release. At least 565 cases have been suspected, and confirmed.   According to the Ministry of Health, Jamaica has surpassed the threshold that constitutes a dengue epidemic during July and August, projecting the same for September.   The report states, there has been a record increase of dengue cases contrary to the norm during this time of year.   The strain of dengue making its rounds on the island is type 2. To date, there has been no recorded case of dengue-related death. However, 6 cases are currently under investigation by the Ministry.   Citizens are cautioned to protect themselves against the virus. Firstly, look out for symptoms such as high fever, headache, body ache, nausea, and rash. Citizens should also use insect repellant and wear long-sleeved shirts...

By: Gabrielle Morrison September 20, 2023 New Highway, New Crash: A Cautionary Tale   Seven days after the opening of the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of the Southern Coastal Highway, a van overturned on the newly constructed thoroughfare, narrowly avoiding the tragic loss of two lives. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most well-designed roads can pose dangers if not used responsibly.   Daryl Vaz, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, has emphasised the importance of recognizing the responsibility that accompanies these advancements. While the newly built highway aims to enhance connectivity, it should not be seen as an invitation to engage in reckless driving.   The statistics regarding road accidents in Jamaica are undeniably alarming. Every year, countless individuals lose their lives or sustain serious injuries in these accidents. The impact on affected families and communities is devastating.   More...

By: Daneilla McLaughlin September 20, 2023 “Time Come Now To Break The Chains.” PNP Ready To Win Election. President of the People’s National Party(PNP) and opposition leader, Mark Golding announced his plan to rescue Jamaicans from “labour pains” at the 85 th staging of the Annual Conference on Sunday. Golding promises to tackle the challenges that are plaguing the education system and the tourism industry. He said Jamaicans “cannot move forward without a government built on integrity, that embraces principles of good governance.” In his speech, he announced education & training will be the number one priority of the People’s National Party.   “The People’s National Party believes that investing in the development of our people is the key to economic and social transformation. The next PNP administration will invest in the development of the capacities of people,” he promised. PNP will prioritize early childhood development and superior primary school education. Go...

 By: Renee Sewell September 12, 2023 Brain Drain plagues Jamaica’s Education System.  Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and astute labourers is currently facing a grave concern - the issue of brain drain. To corroborate, Young asserts in an article that “Organizational brain drain refers to the mass departure of highly talented individuals from a company, often due to a perceived lack of stability or growth opportunities”. In the case of Jamaica, this phenomenon has been particularly impactful on the education system, posing a significant threat to the nation. According to the Brain Drain Index, which ranks countries based on their brain drain severity, Jamaica finds itself in a worrisome second place, just behind the island of Samoa, with a score of 9.1. This should be a matter of great concern for every Jamaican citizen. The repercussions of brain drain are felt across multiple sectors, but none are as affected as the education system. The exodus of ...

 By: Alexia King-Whyte September 12, 2023 Nurse hospitalized following attack by man of unsound mind. A 31-year-old nurse was attacked by a man of unsound mind at the May Pen Hospital late Sunday night. The nurse, after completing her 16-hour shift was approaching the main gate when a man said to be of unsound mind reportedly chased her and hit her in the head with a large stone. According to reports, this took place between 10 and 11 pm. The man is said to have been taken to the hospital by a family member to receive treatment. The injured nurse stated that she ran through 2 security posts without getting any assistance from security. A porter and an elderly patient assisted the nurse which resulted in the elderly man being attacked. The Southern Regional Heath Authority (SRHA) reported that additional security measures have been implemented at the medical facility following the incident. There was a meeting on September 11 following a protest by nurses who were armed with placard...